Ice swimming

Open-air saunas offer a unique combination of physical and mental well-being. It is a social event that brings people together and offers many health benefits, such as improved immunity, stress tolerance and cold tolerance. In addition, open water swimming can help with weight management and improve sleep quality.

If you're interested in trying open-air sauna bathing, remember to start moderately and acclimatise your body to the cold gradually. Ice swimming is a group sport, so it's good to have someone with you who can help if needed.

Open-air sauna bathing is a traditional Finnish pastime that combines sauna bathing and open-air swimming. This combination offers a unique experience, alternating between a hot sauna and icy water.

Open-air bathing is not only a physical experience, but also a social event. Many open-air bathers meet regularly in the same places, and the sense of community is an important part of the activity. Rauhaniemi Folk Baths in Tampere is a well-known open-air sauna where visitors can enjoy both the sauna and the open-air bath.

Ice swimming and sauna have many health benefits that have been scientifically supported. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improving immunity: ice swimming can improve immune function. Swimming in cold water increases white blood cell count, which helps the body fight infections.
   
   
2. Improving stress tolerance: regular ice swimming can improve stress tolerance. Regular swims in cold water can help the body adapt to stressful situations by increasing the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.
   
   
3. Improving cold tolerance: ice swimming improves the body's ability to tolerate cold. The adrenal glands secrete hormones in cold water that enhance heat absorption and improve cold tolerance.
   
   
4. Weight management: cold shock can boost metabolism and help with weight management. Cold water activates the body's white adipose tissue and converts it into fat-burning brown adipose tissue.
   
   
5. Sleep and recovery: many open water swimmers report that they sleep better and feel refreshed after ice swimming. The cold water can help you relax and improve your sleep quality.