A summer body is made in winter...

In Australia it’s beach season all year round, epic sunrises greet us in the morning, let's make the most of it. During winter it's too easy to stay home or just give 50% effort in the gym, instead of getting outside in the elements and moving. Sure, it’s not all that appealing to simply go out for a run on the cold sand in the morning or head to the beach for a surf when the waves aren’t all that friendly or immerse yourself in cold water for a swim workout but it's worth it for your physical and mental health.

'When the cold weather hits swimming is probably an activity that's far from your mind. But swimming is in fact one of the best activities everyone can undertake in winter! Swimming as regular exercise will strengthen the immune system - people who swim may be less likely to fall ill with the common colds and flus that go around in schools, universities and daycare centres over the colder months.' says Royal Life Saving WA

Why swim through winter?
Feeling a natural high, invigorated, alive are just a few descriptive words used. It is widely discussed and documented that cold water swimming has numerous benefits for us:
Boosts your immune system
Gives you a natural high
Improves circulation
Burns calories
Reduse Stress
You can meet some new crazy like minded friends.
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The same way many athletes use cold water therapy and ice baths as part of improving their performance and recovery, we can also use it to benefit both our physical and mental health. In Sydney the water only drops to an average balmy 17-18 degrees in winter, which although many would say that’s not ‘cold water’ swimming, hummm I disagree, its cold enough for me.

Here’s 7 handy hints to get you out of bed and into the water:

• Schedule your swim, make yourself accountable to turn up
• Get a swim buddy, motivation to turn up and not let your friend down
• Check you are equipped, wear a wetsuit, take warm clothes and a beanie for after, take a bottle of warm water to pour over yourself
• Remind yourself, the first minute in the water is the worst.
• Wrap your hands around a coffee or hot chocolate afterwards and support the local cafe

When I ask year round swimmers why they swim throughout the winter:

Carol said: “Because it's absolutely awesome and puts your serotonin levels through the roof! Cold water immersion makes you feel soooo good and ALIVE. I love the skin buzz after when your sipping coffee. Oh and the water is clean and the fish are out.”

Another said: “The high stays with you for the whole day – it’s great to know you’ve had an outdoor adventure before breakfast, when everyone else around you is missing out and hiding from the elements.”

Stay safe
There are some basic safety you need to be aware of. First, never swim alone. Joining a group or continuing to swim into winter with your friends, is the best way to approach a winter season of swimming, as this will help you stay safe and motivated.
Secondly, be aware of your limits and ability in the ocean. Take advice from those who are more experienced than you.

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Want to feel comfortable and confident with your ability and skills in the ocean.
​Contact Linda for Learn to Swim, Introduction to Ocean Swimming, Ocean Swim Skills and Stroke Correction lessons.