With wild swimming and cold water swimming becoming ever more popular over the last couple of years, bare skin running is now swiftly growing in popularity too! The idea of this has very similar philosophy’s to wild/cold swimming with the main idea of it, being to boost your mental health, physical health and overall, make you feel good!
But why is this somewhat crazy idea of bare skin running and cold water swimming now so popular? With recent articles in the Daily Telegraph and the famous Wim Hof (ice man) preaching the benefits of exposing yourself to the elements, more and more people are giving it ago. With the continous opening and closures of gyms over the last year people are now starting to look at unique and eccentric ways to keep fit!
What exactly is bare skin running ?
Essentially it is what it says on the tin. Taking your top off and exposing some of your skin whilst running! This is something that can be done in any season of the year.
With all of this is mind I couldnt resist giving it ago to see what all the fuss is about. Check out the video below.
So I have now ticked my first bare skin run off! Of course this is something I am going to have to keep up regularly to reap the mental and physical benefits. But what an exciting and fun experience it was.
Getting your kit off and going for a run in the cold definitely seems a little crazy and I must admit, I felt a little crazy doing it! But I guess that’s what made it all the more fun. Without sounding all spiritual, I definitely had a sense of freedom running with my bare skin exposed, but most of all a small rush of adrenaline that gave me a feel good feeling when I had finished.
Things to consider
Be sure to bring warm clothing for before and after your run especially when running in the winter months. The last thing you want to do is get frostbite on your nipples!
Bring yourself a hot flask of tea or give yourself a nice place to warm up after!
Be mindful of where you choose to run. If your not the most confident person in your own skin, maybe choose a quiet field or somewhere a little more private.
For all of you who are slightly mad and are on the hunt for new exciting ways to help you feel good, I would highly recommend bare skin running. So dust of your running shoes and get out there! You only have one life, so live it.
Like always here at feel alive outside, we love your comments of the adventures you have embarked on. So please leave a line or two below.
