A complete guide to festive outdoor swimming

What better way to end the year than with a bracing, exhilarating dip in chilly open water?

Take the plunge and emerge cleansed of 2019’s baggage – ready to face a new decade with a new-found clarity and purpose.

Christmas open-water swimming is a delightfully wholesome activity that provides a welcome break from sitting on the sofa eating chocolates until you reach a constant state of nausea.

But if you never venture further than the fridge during the festive period, it can be hard to know where to start.

We asked Nike Swim’s resident expert Jane McCormick for her top tips on festive swimming – even if you’re a total beginner.

‘For many of us, the festive season can be a stressful time of the year that can leave our energy levels depleted after several days of sedentary over indulgence,’ says Jane.

‘If this is you, why not grab the chance to take part in a festive cold water dip that may be happening near you.

‘The benefits, both mental and physical, of taking an invigorating plunge into crisp, cool waters are endless.

‘When you immerse yourself in cold water, you feel a stinging sensation on your skin, which the body combats by producing our brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, endorphins. This chemical reaction improves our mood and helps to tackle stress and anxiety.

‘Not only that, when you take to the cold water, the extreme change in temperature signals the heart to pump more blood to our organs.

‘As a result, circulation is improved and toxins are more readily flushed out of our system which leads to clearer skin and a healthy glow – which is the perfect way to rid ourselves of the after effects of festive excess.

‘Another notable bonus is how the cold water improves your metabolism. When you swim outdoors, your body has to work hard just to stay warm. Consequently, you burn more calories. The colder the water, the harder your body is working converting fat to energy.’

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