Cold water swimming can treat depression. Cold water swimming and Pilates focus on breathing, connecting with your body, and being truly present. Pilates improves emotional wellbeing. These practices all support your mental health.

 

4. Community ­

A smile, word of encouragement, or chat after your class or swim really brightens even the coldest of days. Friendships formed poolside, or with your Pilates classmates is often the extra nudge to make you show up. It feels good to be part of a community, particularly when so friendly and welcoming. Community, friendship, and support were the most common reasons given for cold water swimming. Your swimming community also keeps you safe – essential when starting.

 

5. Appearance unimportant ­

You will find people of all shapes and sizes in a Pilates studio or in the water. I’ve worn some very eccentric outfits when teaching (socks, Crocs, and Thai fisherman’s pants anyone…?) Many swimmers experience body confidence for the first time getting out of cold water. It’s about what you can do or experience – not how you look. You won’t be judged, just encouraged by fellow swimmers or classmates.

 

6. Freedom from electronic devices

Pilates removes interruptions, gives freedom from the outside world and pressures. Leave your phone with your dry clothes for a digital escape and opportunity to recharge.

 

7. Sense of achievement

Immersing yourself in cold water, then taking a few steps or swimming a few strokes will give you a fantastic sense of achievement. Cold water swimming is not about long distances, but overcome a challenge, and improve your health and wellbeing. Incorporating regular Pilates practice into a busy week is tough but rewarding. When your body remembers how to move and you easily complete once impossible exercises, revel in the sense of achievement.

 

8. It’s difficult to start

You know it’s good for you, others say how much better they feel, celebrities do it… but you haven’t started. Starting anything new is hard, even without alarmingly cold water, or worries about walking into a studio for the first time.

 

It feels impossible. Your mind shouts, "This is not a sensible thing to do. Stop now and turn back. You do not need to do this."

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Joining your first Pilates class (or stepping into cold water) might feel uncomfortable. But you won’t regret taking the plunge.

 

9. You’ll be glad you went

Ever missed or stopped exercising because of tiredness, work, home, or other life pressures? Book a Pilates class or cold water swimming session to make it easier to escape and get the break your body and mind needs. Time and space away from the pressures of daily life restores, recharges, and helps sleep.

 

10. It’s nice when it stops

Just like swimming in cold water, Pilates is often intense, surprising, unexpected and makes you feel great. However true this may be, sometimes it’s also nice when it stops. (I say clients feel like this because they want to go and enjoy all the benefits in the rest of their lives. Just like I tell myself they always yawn at the start of class because they are releasing tension…)

 

Pilates makes all physical activities easier, cold water swimming is no exception. Wondering which is better? Which you should choose? Pilates improves swimming, lengthening and strengthening your muscles. Unlike cold water swimming, Pilates requires you move in all directions, rebalancing your body - articulating that spine stiff from hours in front of a screen. Cold water swimming has other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, or altered immune function. So, which should you choose? Both!

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Cold water immersion and Pilates are available at home but require more willpower. I’m happy to swim in a bikini in the frost, but cold showers… no thank you! Live Pilates classes online provide structure for regular practice and allow you to be part of a community practicing together. Whether you join at the Lido, in the studio, or online, take the plunge! Your mind, body, and soul will be glad you did.

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Find out more about my Pilates and movement classes at Tooting Bec Lido here, or other classes that I teach here.

 

It is essential to understand the potentially fatal cold water shock before swimming outdoors. Start, if possible, in summer. Use resources such as The Outdoor Swimming Society. Join your local club. Check out the great advice from the South London Swimming Club.

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Your Fitness Journey

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You deserve to feel better and move more easily. Get in touch today and find out how I can help you. Or find out more about my classes here.