Winter swimming: how to make the most of cold dips and hot saunas

How does hot and cold affect the body? What’s the proper way to use a sauna? Why is contrast therapy so beneficial for our minds and bodies? We covered all this and more in our virtual Q&A with Sauna author Emma O’Kelly and cold water expert Dr Mark Harper

In our November issue we explored the health and well-being benefits of combining heat with cold. As more swimming venues bring in saunas for their winter swimmers, accessing post-swim heat has become available to more of us.

But how do we make the most of it?

– Is it OK to have a sauna if you’re really cold after a long swim?
– Is it safe to get back in the water when you’re hot?
– If you don’t have access to a sauna, is a hot shower or bath a good substitute?
– Are there any risks to be aware of?

For our latest Virtual Q&A we spoke to two experts to answer all your questions. Dr Mark Harper is the author of Chill: the Cold Water Cure. Emma O’Kelly wrote Sauna: the Power of Deep Heat.

During our chat we covered the benefits of contrast therapy including the effects of heat and cold on the body, the optimum sauna temperature and how to properly use a sauna. We also touched on the rise of community saunas and how you can push for your local authority to set one up in your area. Will saunas be the new pub in our communities?

Watch our virtual Q&A about contrast therapy

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