Today I tried the traditional Avantouinti or “winter swimming”. It consists in being in a sauna so hot that you skin hurts (100-110°C) and then swim in freezing water, often a hole in the ice has to be done. I did it five times in a row (sauna-water…) and I should say I liked it, maybe next Sunday I will repeat the experience. They say the benefits of Avantouinti are,

• improves cold resistance;
• lowers blood pressure;
• reduces aches and pains;
• relieves stress;
• good for your skin;
• releases dopamine, serotonin and endorphines;
• very relaxing and helps you sleep better;

My skin is still crunchy from the extreme sauna and my balls are to be found somewhere near my lungs after the swimming!