Did you know that the annual Winter Swimming Championships were conceived in 2000 by the International Winter Swimming Association and Suomen Latu from Finland? Finns have traditionally won the competition but as it grows in popularity they will have to watch out for increasingly stiff competition! Yet cold water bathing in Finland is not seen mainly as a competition, rather as a means of treating rheumatism and keeping healthy.
Did you know that cold water bathing...
is a favorite winter past-time in Finland, mainly amongst women who are 40+ years old;
relaxes muscles;
reduces blood pressure;
reduces rheumatic symptoms;
strengthens immunity;
should be done wearing a hat and rubber shoes;
should not be done alone;
should be done before getting into a sauna;
should be done for at least 20 seconds to stimulate endorphins and adrenaline (although you may need to build up to this gradually);
is suitable for most people, including children, although check with your doctor first, particularly if you have a heart condition.
