Royal surprise of the day: Catherine Middleton doesn’t shy away from wellness trends.
While much of The Princess’ beauty and fitness routine is kept under lock, she recently let slip that she’s a fan of none other than cold water swimming.
Alongside Princess Anne and her husband Prince William, she appeared on an episode of The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast to promote the kick off the Rugby World Cup.
Sharing her enthusiasm for remaining active, The Princess revealed her passion for cold water swimming.
“I love cold swimming,” she shared.
“The colder, the better. I absolutely love it. Slightly to the point where William’s like, ‘Catherine, you’re crazy.’ And it’s dark, and it’s raining.”
While you won’t catch us swimming at night in the cold, rainy English weather, there is merit to the cold water madness.
What is cold water swimming?
Part of the broader practice of cold water therapy, cold water swimming (much like cold plunging) involves the immersion in cold water for health-related benefits. The technique has gained popularity not just among athletes, but among the general public for its potential wellness benefits.
What are the benefits of cold water swimming?
While Catherine didn’t reveal the temperature she exercises in, cold water swimming typically takes place in ice cold bodies of water. As cold as one can possibly tolerate.
The exposure to cold is believed to relieve joint pain, reduce inflammation, and help in muscle recovery post-exercise.
The combination of low-impact exercises with potential muscle relieving, stress-soothing benefits makes the practice increasingly popular in the wellness world.
While we’ll stick to bearable, warm-leaning temperatures, cold water immersion can be a refreshing and invigorating experience offering health and wellness benefits. And here’s our major takeaway: Kate Middleton is one brave woman. We’re shivering just thinking about it.
Main image credit: Getty
Would you try cold water swimming?
ooh yes sounds so cold
Yes, the temperature of the water is irrelevant to me if I want to go for a swim. I don’t think it benefits my health in any way. I just want to get dry and dressed quickly afterwards.
I really dont like putting myself into cold water and if I go for swim the water has to be quite warm.
I agree -Cold water is a No from me.
It’s not for me, I don’t like cold at all.
As I get older I find I am more sensitive to the cold
no me either
The Kate Middleton articles are getting a bit old. Time to change it up bh
She is so lovely though and always seems so happy.
Definitely… Don’t get the royal obsession
I like a cool shower in summer but i know its not the same
Whenever I am exercising or having a marathon I always have a very ice cold shower post it does really aid in the recovery
Wow, I really should try this after a tough workout.
I LOVE cold water swimming. Totally agree. Nothing beats it. I love outdoor pools for this reason.
I have heard of this, but just don’t have the guts to try it out.
All your Kate. I won’t go into our pool because it’s too cold for me. Give me a warm spa anyway.
I agree no swimming in our pool either as it is always cold. I may dip my feet in for awhile!!
No cold water swimming for me. I don’t even like to go swimming.
I can barely take a cold shower, don’t think I could handle cold swimming!
Um, no thanks!
Hmm, yeah naaahh
Getting out of the thermoneutral zone, i.e. comfortable temperatures, has proven health benefits.
I’d take an ice plunge, but never a sauna.
I love sauna’s but not cold plunges X
I love warm,hot water and have never enjoyed the cold water.
I am too scared to do this!
A cold shower would be easier
Cold water swimming is not for me.
Do not like cold water. Nooo xD
Ooh no. I don’t like being cold.
Can’t say I have any desire to try it
Id love to try cold water swimming! Ive heard so many good things about it but i dont know if id be able to handle it
She is welcome, not for me🤣
no me neither
Even in 40 degreee i think it would hurt
not for me thanks
Nope, not a chance I’m trying this!
Cold water is fine. Jump in and immerse yourself under water and you should be fine to go…
It sounds interesting, but not for me!
Good on her but personally I don’t like it, I wish I did then I could dip in the ocean which I live nearby. I see this old guy been doing it for years, summer and winter. I struggle to get in the water in summer because I live in the south where the water is still cold in summer.
No. I don’t think i can.
No thanks!
I struggle with the cold so much
Oh no thanks
Nope. I I hate being cold.
Not for me, especially in cold weather. Kate always looks healthy
No Thank you.