1 . We all know about the health benefits of swimming. It offers a great workout for the body—it builds muscle strength and cardiovascular (心血管) fitness. If you don ‘t mind getting wet, it can be fun, too.     1     Well, many people are taking the plunge (参与), based on evidence that it can actually be good for us.

Cold-water swimming, sometimes called wild swimming, involves swimming in natural areas including ponds, rivers and the sea. Jumping in gives a short sharp shock to the body, but many participants say they have got used to it.     2     But research has found it can have much bigger benefits than that for your body and mind. As well as being good exercise, spending time outdoors and in water improves well-being.

    3     One man who suffered constant pain after surgery claimed he was cured by taking a plunge in cold open water. And another swimmer, Sandria Simons, said “the immersion (沉浸) of your body in cold, salt water makes you feel that you’re at one with nature if you like.     4    ”

But what is it that people are gaining from this cold experience? Doctors say getting into cold water causes a stress response, but when you do it more, your reaction to stress will be reduced. It’s also thought to have a strong calming effect.     5     Some experts believe cold-water swimming helps “cross-adaptation”, where one form of stress prepares the body for another. For example, it also helps reduce the stress of exercising at high altitudes.

So, if you’re convinced that this is for you, take this advice: approach it with caution, swim with a friend, and maybe start in summer, when the water temperatures are higher!