Brrrrrrr. A freezing cold shiver runs down my spine, my teeth chatter wildly and goose bumps prickle through my jumper. Just thinking about ice bathing. Because in winter, I'm team ‘snuggled up’. And not in the ‘icy water’ team. And I prefer to splash around in the cosy warmth of Wasserwelt Wagrain. But that's exactly where Hansjörg Ransmayr invites you to go ice bathing.
Reduce stress, boost energy and even burn fat. That sounds promising, especially after the delicious Christmas holidays. So, treat yourself to these creamy, sweet chocolate treasures and book yourself into the ice bathing workshop. It'll do the trick ;).
No, fun. Ice bathing is a challenge that exerts body and mind in equal measure. It promotes blood circulation, strengthens the immune system and stimulates your metabolism. It even improves the structure of your skin and can improve the quality of your sleep. In addition to the cold, you can also immerse yourself in the art of earthling in natural bodies of water (lake, river, stream). This has recently become my favourite sport:
Earthing involves direct (=naked) contact between your body and natural elements such as water, earth or metal. This promotes the exchange of electrons and has regenerative effects because it neutralises free radicals.
With the right breathing technique, you can also enter a meditative state while ice bathing. After all, this is what brings you to peak performance. And that's just getting into the icy water. However, you will develop a mental strength that you can also use outside the crisp, cold water.
The icy water also stimulates the release of endorphins (your happiness hormones), which not only puts you in a fantastic mood but also relieves pain. All this ensures that you feel good and do something good for your body. And now what about the Christmas biscuits?
When ice bathing, the body works much harder to maintain its normal temperature. This costs energy and so the body burns more calories. In addition, the freezing cold activates fatty tissue to generate heat. This leads to additional fat burning.
Never just jump into a lake. Especially not in winter. Ice bathing needs preparation. You can start with lukewarm, then cold and finally ice-cold showers. Or stick your big toe in the snow - slowly acclimatise your body to the difference in temperature.
Just a few seconds are enough for your first ice water experience. And make sure you don't do it alone. Someone should always be on hand in case of an emergency.
And don't jump into the shivering fun - instead, immerse yourself in the ice-cold experience step by step. Your head stays dry, and a cap keeps your ears warm. And as with any sport:
Warm up beforehand. Brisk walking or jogging will get your circulation going and it's best to prepare towels, dry clothes and a scarf for afterwards. And Hansjörg Ransmayr shows you how to go from a hot shower to an ice bath.
Hansjörg Ransmayr truly knows all the (ice-cold) waters and is a professional when it comes to ice swimming in Pongau. He shows you what you should do when ice swimming and what you should avoid. He also has equipment tips, mantra recommendations and breathing techniques for you in his swimming kit.
He'll take these out during dry training and then you'll get into your own ice tub. So that you don't become a frozen fish, you warm up in the indoor pool, the textile sauna or with a ginger tea in between. The declared goal is:
2 minutes and 30 seconds.
In the ice tub.
In addition to the feeling of having made it, the technique for your independent ice bath and all the health benefits - including slower ageing, you get an ‘I-did-it ice bath duck’. It reminds you that your body can do anything your mind wants.
Even when ice bathing. And even without prior knowledge.
- 2nd January 2025 from 5.00 to 6.30 pm
- 11th February 2024 from 5.00 to 6.30 pm
Cost: € 25.00 per person (excl. admission to Wasserwelt Wagrain)
Are you ready to get into the ice bath for your health? Then sign up now for ice bathing at the Wasserwelt Wagrain and start the new year with a cold kick. Your body will thank you for it.
PS: Ice bathing at Wasserwelt Wagrain takes place on the terrace. All bathing beauties who prefer to enjoy the warmth can comfortably watch the ice-cold action through the window.
Info
You can find more information about ice swimming in Wagrain-Kleinarl here.
photo credits: Wagrain-Kleinarl Tourismus, Unsplash_paulina-herpel, Unsplash_michael-fenton, Unsplash_bryan-rodriguez, Unsplash_tom-barrett, Firefly