We'll explain why our Dry Bag is also your ideal companion for ice swimming.

Swimming in the Aare River in summer is practically a national pastime for many of us. Especially in our hometown of Bern, where the Aare is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches along the entire river. Today, we're taking you to a very special event: ice swimming.

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At what temperature do you dare to go into the water?

Our customer, Stefania, has been practicing so-called "ice bathing" for over five years and is 100% certain that bathing in cold water not only does her good, but also strengthens her immune system and makes her feel more efficient and healthier as a result.

“As a Pilates teacher, I am sometimes on duty for several hours without a break, and that sometimes puts a lot of strain on the muscles and joints,” Stefania adds.

Sarah from WILI WILI TREE® accompanied Stefania on her dip in the chilly water and wanted to know how long she'd been ice swimming, what effect it had on her, and who she likes to have with her. Sarah also occasionally goes ice swimming, but usually in her garden pool at home. She says, "I'm a little nervous. It's my first time in a river or lake."

Stefania explains to Sarah once again what is really important when ice swimming:

·        Good preparation is essential: Prepare your first ice bath well and get tips or an experienced guide.

·        Mental preparation and a good physical warm-up before bathing are essential: Mentally rehearse the process one more time. Activate your body slightly, but not too much.

·        Gradual acclimatization to the cold: Don't go from zero to one hundred right away. Take small steps and increase the temperature or duration of the ice bath each time.

·        Make sure to warm up quickly after your bath: with warm clothes and a warm tea.

·        It's best to also bring a (WILI WILI TREE®) dry bag, in which you can store your dry things and then put away your wet things after swimming.

Together they now enter Lake Wohlen near Bern.

For Sarah, Lake Wohlensee seems more suitable for trying ice swimming. The still water inspires more confidence in her than the flowing Aare River, in which she loves to float during the summer.

On Sunday morning, Stefania and Sarah drove together to Lake Wohlensee, bringing their few belongings in a duffel bag and a dry bag from WILI WILI TREE®. They didn't need much more than a towel, flip-flops, and a thermos of warm tea. They were already wearing their swimsuits under their warm winter clothes and would change as soon as they reached the shore.

They put their clothes in the duffel bag and the few things they need for swimming and afterwards in the dry bag.

Stefania and Sarah now enter Lake Wohlen together.

Now comes the big moment: Stefania and Sarah slowly step into the water, which is just under five degrees Celsius. Their breathing quickens, their heartbeats increase, and their skin begins to tingle. While Stefania seems to have no trouble getting into the cold water, Sarah takes a little more time. It's immediately clear that Stefania is a regular ice swimmer.

"Now it's important to breathe calmly and in a controlled manner," says Stefania.

After three minutes in the cold water, Sarah slowly climbs out of the lake. Stefania follows almost five minutes later.

"That's enough for now," laughs Sarah.

Back in the cold air, Sarah notices how her entire body warms up and her circulation accelerates. "I'm not cold at all, quite the opposite." They change their clothes again, put the wet things in the dry bag, put their warm winter clothes back on, pack everything else in the duffel bag, and enjoy a warm cup of tea in the dawn light.

The perfect start to the day and always have everything you need with WILI TREE® bags.

The ice swimming was a wonderful experience and a perfect start to the day. The tranquility of the lake, the cold water, and the perfect company were all uplifting, and it simply feels fantastic. Fit and refreshed, ready to tackle the day ahead.

The WILI WILI TREE® equipment also lived up to its promises. Wet items were safely stored in the dry bag, and everything else had its place in the duffel bag. This can also be carried very conveniently like a backpack.

When are you planning your first ice bath? Tell us about your experience or tag us on social media !

Health and mental benefits of ice bathing

Sarah from WILI WILI TREE® has been an enthusiastic ice bath fan ever since. We've briefly listed the benefits of ice bathing for you:

1. Strengthening the immune system: Regular ice bathing can strengthen your immune system. Exposure to the cold stimulates the production of white blood cells, which can improve the body's defenses.
   
   
2. Improved blood circulation: The cold stimulus causes the peripheral blood vessels to constrict, and subsequent warming leads to their dilation. This temperature change improves your blood circulation (even in the brain) and contributes to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues.
   
   
3. Reducing inflammation: Ice bathing can also have anti-inflammatory effects, which is particularly popular among athletes to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after intense training sessions and to shorten recovery time. Therefore, ice bathing is an integral part of their recovery program.
   
   
4. Improving mental health: Cold exposure is often used as a method to combat depression and anxiety. It can stimulate the release of endorphins (happiness hormones), leading to an improved mood.
   
   
5. Increased stress resistance: Regular ice bathing can help increase overall stress resistance. The cold environment forces your body to react more efficiently to stressors.