Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life

A beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world, and a thorough account of why it provides such a boost to body and soul.

Whether in lake, lido, river or sea, we know the benefits of swimming outdoors and in nature - environmentally friendly and accessible, it can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquility, and give us that winter glow.

Danish scientist Dr Susanna S berg leads us step by step into the icy water and explains the "cold-shock response", the massive endorphin rush as our body reacts and adapts to very cold temperatures through the winter season. Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system, metabolism and mental health too. In particular she explains how our "brown fat" is activated to benefit multiple health conditions.

Winter swimming is fast becoming one of our most popular pastimes. This beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world shows how it can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, confidence and well-being, providing such a boost to body and soul.

Translated from the Danish by Elizabeth DeNoma

ISBN-13: 9781529417463

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Hodder

Publication Date: 01-24-2023

Pages: 255

Product Dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

, Susanna Søberg, PhD., earned her doctorate researching metabolism and has worked for many years designing and conducting clinical studies. Her most recent research and the background for this book have been on fat reduction through winter swimming at the Tryg Foundation's Center for Physical Activity, Denmark. Winter Swimming, to be published in more than ten languages, is her first book.,

Table of Contents

Introduction 6

1 Winter Swimming Through Time 12

2 Why Swim in the Winter? 22

3 The Where, How and When of Winter Swimming 36

4 Baptism by Fire 54

5 The Cold-Shock Response 72

6 Cold Acclimatization 90

7 Brown Fat 114

8 On Your Own or with a Club? 136

9 Danger and Safety in Cold Water 152

10 Does It Make You Healthier? 176

11 What We Can Learn from Our Ancestors 200

12 Winter Swimming and Mental Health 208

13 In the Sauna 218

Afterword 242

Acknowledgements 246

References 248

Picture credits 255

About the Author and Translator 256

Show More