Cold showers or baths paired with outdoor workouts in autumn and winter can contribute to weight management and a stronger immune system. This idea is echoed in reports from Daily Mail.
People who routinely take cold showers tend to miss fewer days of work due to illness, according to a 2016 study conducted by researchers at the University Hospital Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The study involved three thousand volunteers and found that cold-water exposure for as little as 30 seconds can bolster the immune system. The likely mechanism involves improved blood circulation and enhanced lymph flow, which help mobilize the body’s defenses.
Outdoor exercise during cooler seasons yields similar benefits. British researchers at Aston University noted that calories burned during these sessions tend to be higher because the body works harder to stay warm. They also reported that training in fresh air places less stress on the heart muscle.
Increasing energy expenditure can come from quick cold showers or baths. A study from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, led by Dr. Mariette Boon, found that shivering triggered by cold exposure raises thermogenesis, resulting in more calories burned.
Former nutritionists have discussed why certain workouts may not always lead to weight loss, highlighting the multifaceted nature of physical activity and diet.