You might have heard of cold water therapy. You might even have seen the TV show Freeze the Fear, and its guru-like presenter, Wim Hof, but you might still not know much about this thrilling new trend that people believe can help those who need it battle everything from addiction to problems with mental health.
It's a fascinating space, and with Mental Health Awareness Week recently taking place, Glasgow Live decided to go out to speak to the city's own Polar Bear Club, who recently opened their headquarters in Finnieston, in a bid to expand their offering to help even more people.
The club, which has just under 4000 community members, hosts outdoor events throughout Scotland and offers a range of services to help those who struggle with addiction, alcoholism, and domestic abuse.
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One of the fastest-growing cold water therapy groups in UK, the team use ice bath therapy and cold water immersion to help people with mental, as well as body health issues. A dip in the ice bath can, according to websites such as BUPA, boost circulation and reduce inflammation, while the group states that it can also alter mood and help people with a variety of mental health issues.
The new Polar Bear Club HQ features a cafe, two ice baths, guided breathing work, and meditation sessions with their experienced team, which includes Valerjan Romanovski, the world record holder for ice submersion
We popped along on a busy Friday afternoon to speak to founder Kenny Neilson, who himself has battled drug and alcohol addiction, and were convinced to try out the ice bath for ourselves.
Flip flops and bathing shorts put on, and towel at the ready, Glasgow Live's own video reporter Angus Hyde took on the challenge.
Speaking about his experience, he said: "My anticipation before I got into the ice baths was quite high, but it was a very relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the Polar Bear Club facility.
"Kenny talked me through how I would feel at each stage of the session, and I was nervous at first, but sometimes you need to jump in and try these things.
"At first, there was an initial shock as I stepped in as the water was between zero and 1°C. You could feel it in your joints, especially at your feet, your toes and your hands.
"You can feel your heart rate increasing quite quickly, and my body started to go numb. Eventually, my body started to level out and it is here the experience really starts. Your concentration levels rise and you start to let go of any thoughts, clearing your mind entirely."
At this point, Angus had been in for two minutes and Kenny pointed out that he could come out when he was ready but instead, Angus decided to push on with a little encouragement from Kenny and the rest of the club who were watching on.
Heading for a full five minutes, our intrepid reporter even managed to fully dunk his head under the water.
"It was an incredible experience," Angus stated. " It was a very freeing activity, you feel very relaxed, and your dopamine levels are very high.
"Once I was clothed and dry (and warmer), I felt fantastic afterwards, very relaxed and the friendly atmosphere that the Polar Bear Club creates with people who take part was very, very helpful. I really enjoyed the experience."
Overall, the PBC team were fantastically welcoming and to see them cheer each other on as they tried out the ice baths was particularly inspiring, it's clear they are a close-knit community and Kenny and his team exude an invigorating amount of optimism about their desire to help anyone who needs it.
As Angus adds: "The feeling of togetherness at the club was fantastic, I can definitely see how this would people who are perhaps struggling with addiction or anxiety, as it forces you to focus on yourself and your breathing.
"Hours later, I felt incredible, relaxed and energised, and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who is perhaps looking to try something new to better their wellness and mental health."
To learn more about the club and its services, please visit their website or contact them directly at polarbearclub_recovery@outlook.com.
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