Firstly, the average trainer (especially on social media) is about the look and aesthetics and not so much about health and longevity.
Secondly, we’re overloaded with information and many of them contradict each other.
However, cardiovascular disease is THE leading cause of death in the UK. It is over 10% of all deaths in England according the government website. Of course exercising promotes better heart health amongst other simple things, such as:
- Sleep
- Being In Nature
- Sunshine
- Healthy Fats
- Good Friends (not being isolated)
- Whole Foods
- Mindfulness
Despite all of this there’s one very simple thing that anyone can do to improve their cardiovascular health.
That is cold showers!
I know, you’re probably saying it’s hard and only super humans can do it. The thing is we’re being lazy when it comes to exposing our biggest organ (the skin) to extreme temperature changes and this actually results in the heart having to work harder. It is scientifically proven that both extreme cold and hot improve the small receptors on the skin which helps to lower the heart rate and have multiple benefits.
One research at the University of Greenwich found, that:
“The effects of cold showers are positive for the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, giving us an immune boost, giving us better mental health, giving us a boost to our metabolism, potentially burning brown fats and potentially even making you more beautiful.”
It’s enough to start with very little as 30 seconds after your normal (warm) shower and gradually make your way up to 45sec, 60sec, 2mins.
Now, it’s the perfect time to get started and reap all the benefits. The benefits FAR outweigh the investment and discomfort.
