ICE ICE BABY!

It’s that time of year again. The air is crisp, the mornings are darker, and Lake Zurich is calling. Winter swimming season has officially arrived, and I’m excited to be joining the Utoquai Winter Swimming Club every Saturday to take the plunge. They do up to 3-minutes in the shallow end for beginners and up to 6 minutes in the lake for wannabe polar bears.

Cold-water swimming isn’t just a daring weekend ritual; it’s packed with proven benefits. Regular dips have been shown to:

• Boost circulation

• Strengthen the immune system

• Improve mood through increased dopamine and endorphins

• Reduce inflammation and aid recovery

• Increase stress resilience and mental clarity

If you’re thinking about joining in, preparation is key. Bring:

• A warm towel

• Water booties

• A cosy woolly hat

• And of course — bravery

Ash’s top tip for getting in:
Calm your breathing. Your first reaction may be to huff and puff, gasp, scream, or even hold your breath. But once you steady your inhale and exhale, you realise it’s not as hard as you thought — and you get to feel proud of yourself in that present moment.

There’s something incredibly empowering about stepping into cold water, surrounded by a supportive community.

Winter might be cold, but the vibes are warm.