More Danes getting into winter swimming

Number of registered winter bathers has doubled in five years

It is becoming more and more popular for people to take a dip in freezing water during the wintertime.

Lars Rubusch from the winter swimming association (yes, there really is one) said that a winter dip is the perfect way to kick off the morning.

“You feel like you are doing something good for yourself, and it is a kick to start off the day that way,” Rubusch told DR Nyheder.

READ MORE: Testing the waters, winter bathing: Freeing the mind or just plain freezing?

Crazy, sure, but maybe healthy as well
There are indications that it is healthy to bathe in the winter, according to Bente Klarlund, a professor of clinical medicine at Rigshospitalet.

“Winter bathers generally have fewer sick days and they feel healthier.” she said.

“We also know that when you jump into the cold water it activates the immune system.”

The actual number of people taking a polar plunge is hard to assess.

While there are 29,000 registered members of the winter bathing association (no, there really is one), there are probably many diving in without the benefits of membership.





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