What could be more relaxing than taking a dip in a body of ice-cold water!? Probably most things…but yet this is a sought out activity for many Vancouveries.
Cold plunging is a practice where people submerge themselves in cold water (usually below 59°F or 15°C) for a short period, typically for a few seconds to a few minutes. There are a lot of ways to partake such as ice baths, cold tubs, natural bodies of cold water, or using a dedicated cold plunge setup.
The benefits are great and worth it for the temporary discomfort:
Physical
- Relieved joint pain and inflammation (done by athletes for this reason)
- Helps with recovery by increasing blood flow after exiting the cold
Phycological
- Stress relief
- Releases endorphins which can improve mood
- Activates the parasympathetic nervous system increasing relaxation
Make sure if you do a cold plunge, you’re safe! Here are some tips:
- Don’t do it if you have cardiovascular conditions, as the cold shock can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Always listen to your body! If you feel dizzy, faint, or weak, hope out! Hypothermia is real!
- Perform plunges in a safe, controlled environment, ideally with someone nearby.
Okay, so if you’re still reading, you must be interested in participating. That or you’re just super bored…but for those of you ready to freeze your butt off, here’s a list of popular, nature spots to cold plunge in Vancouver!
This is a lovely choice with its sandy entry and view of the North Shore Mountains. Kits is a hub for good food and drinks, so you can reward your healthy sacrifice of warmth and comfort with a coffee from KAHVE (said to be the best coffee in Vancouver) or if you want an alcoholic treat with a bite to eat, Batch Kitsilano 5 star bar will be your friend.
The 30 Foot Pool at Lynn Canyon looks like it’s out of a movie! This spot is genuinely beautiful, and perfect if you’re into hiking and forest vibes. The water is emerald green, and the pool is surrounded by cliffs and flora. A huge bonus is that to get here, you cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, which is a bucket list activity in itself!
Golden Ears Park | Buntzen Lake. Canada 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Mjfnf7APEt
— 🌲Norway Pine 🇳🇴🎄 (@Norway_Pine) November 13, 2020
This place gives you chills, in two ways I guess? The view of the lake surrounded by mountains is stunning. The way the mountains reflect in the water makes it a perfect place to snap a pic before, during and after your cold plunge!
Give cold plunging a try. Even just once, who knows, maybe it will change your life!