Swim or Hibernate?

As the Northern Hemisphere emerges from the winter darkness the Southern Hemisphere enters its ‘cool’ time. For many of us winter does not conjure up excitement when it comes to swimming. Extra time under covers, hot soup and additional clothes are more ‘realistic’ images. One therefore can seriously pose the question, is winter the time to keep swimming or to enjoy some well-earned rest time? Winter swimming is the perfect time to hit the pool and revise and improve technique, connect with a swim group and add that social element to your swimming. It is a super time to build fitness ready for spring.

We can still swim outdoors … just the other day I was enjoying a swim in Lake Wanaka or if this 2 minute video is anything to go by you can realistically swim anytime in any temperature (with the right training and attitude) … Winter World Swim Champs 2014  Is swimming in cold water a good idea? Depends on a number of factors; Most important always good to get checked out from the doctor before undertaking any exercise that is significantly different from the norm. The cold water swim championships are extreme. Swimming in 17C/62F for a large number of people isn’t so extreme. For many of us who can remember the good old days of outdoor unheated swim pools it is all we knew. These days with many 30 degree indoor pools providing our ‘normal’ swim environment a dip in the outdoors can seem like a trip to Mars.  Like any new climate only time will increase adaption and comfort. Swim later in in the Autumn/Fall and earlier in the Spring will help you adapt to the outdoor water temperatures a lot easier. Is it good for us? This author seems to think so ‘It may add years to your life’  If the cooler water temps really aren’t your thing join us where the water really is warm all year around http://www.realswimadventures.com/adventure-tours/paradise-in-aitutaki/

My advice … if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere and you have got a swim goal for next summer then NOW is the time to start putting in the swim work, maybe a couple more outdoor dips then hit the pool.  If you’re in the North … congrats it is summer, time to hit the open water.