Winter, the air and water temperatures plummet and we enter the NO FAFF ZONE.
Maximising the benefits of cold water exposure
As we already know, Importance of cold water swimming can have a multitude of benefits for the swimmer. (You can read all about the benefits of cold water swimming here). But too much of anything can be a bad thing. This is why, you need to listen to your own body and get out when your body tells you to. Having the ability to get changed quickly is important to be able to maximise the benefits of your cold water exposure as you are still cooling down up to 40 minutes after you get out of the water.
Hypermobility in post cold water changing
A couple of years ago my hypermobility resulted in a dislocated shoulder, and since then my shoulder has never been the same despite my efforts to strengthen it. Every now and again the twinge of pain of it possibly popping out strikes, so I tried to minimise that risk whilst continuing what I love doing. This is one of the reason why I love using my Changing Tube all year round to get changed after swimming, as I no longer have to fight with my robe or towel.
That fight, in the past, has resulted in me getting colder quicker as frustration at missing the correct arm hole created more and more mistakes. Plus I reduce the need to contort my arms to all sorts of angles in their attempt to find the correct arm hole. This contortion act has often prompted the twinge of possible shoulder popping which would sometimes bring about pain and a good helping of anxiety. Dislocations are not fun.
Benefits of the Changing Tube for mobility
With the Changing Tube, my arms are free and I can actually see what I’m doing with no fear of exposing myself. Additionally, the quality fleece fabric starts warming me up as soon as I get it on. I tend to leave the Changing tube on and layer up on top of it, as the insulating effect helps me to manage afterdrop symptoms that may come from my swim.
Come join me in the NO FAFF ZONE. It's warm and cosy in a Changing Tube!
