We all know about the health benefits of swimming. It offers a great workout for the body it builds endurance1, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness2. If you dont mind getting wet, it can be fun too. But who would enjoy swimming in water thats ice cold Well, many people are taking the plunge3, 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 get used to it. A cold dip might wake you up, 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 by water improves wellbeing.There is much evidence, mostly anecdotal, that suggests cold-water swimming has cured certain health conditions. 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, told the BBC the immersion4 of your body in cold, salt water, just feeling like youre at one with nature if you like, just feels amazing.But what is it that people are gaining from this chilly5 experience Doctors say getting into cold water evokes6 a stress response, but the more you do it, your reaction to stress is reduced. Its also thought to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. But there are bigger benefits to this stress-reducing exercise. 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 altitude.So, if youre convinced that this is for you, take advice: approach it with caution7, swim with a friend, and maybe start in the summer, when the water temperatures are higher!
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1 endurance n.耐久力，忍耐力，耐久的时期，持续的时间 参考例句： She reached the end of endurance.她到了忍受的极限。 The exercise obviously will improve strength and endurance.这种训练会明显改变体力增加耐力。
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