Take the Plunge!

That's right folks, it's time to get wet and wild. Well, not too wild, but definitely wet. I'm talking about swimming. Not just swimming in the recreational sense, but for your health. Going for a nice cold water plunge can be invigorating and refreshing, and for good reason. Most people don't realize that the lymphatic system, which helps move waste out of the body, needs our help to function properly. It doesn't have a nice pump like the heart to make it go, but uses gravity and movement to help it along the way. This is the reason why most people feel more energetic and refreshed after a good workout. What you may not know is that temperature changes in the body also are helpful in putting those lymph nodes into overdrive. This can be accomplished in a couple different ways. One being contrast showers or baths, and the other a nice cold plunge. The contrast shower is simply bathing in cold as you can stand water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, followed immediately by warm water for 1 to 2 minutes. This can be repeated a few times or simply once remembering to always end with cold water. Another option, my favorite, is the cold plunge, and it couldn't be easier. After finding a nice cold body of water, you simply dive in, get back out, and let your body warm itself. You can also repeat this one a few times if you like. Just this morning I went over to a nearby lake, and after doing some mobility work and sprints on the beach, took solace in the cool refreshing waters of lake Michigan. Not only did it feel amazing and help me cool down, but I felt extremely clean and fresh also. Besides giving a boost to your immune system it will help keep your skin taught, smooth, and radiant. There is something about the natural water and all the added minerals that help rejuvenate the body and skin in a way that showers and baths from a well just can't match. Plunges are a great way to help regeneration and recovery in between training, or just a great idea for overall health.