Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

How Finns take the polar plunge to the next level with avanto

Do you dare to practice avanto the Finnish way?

man swimming in ice
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Avanto, a Finnish word that translates to “hole in the ice,” refers to the practice of taking a plunge into icy water after a steamy sauna session. While this practice may seem extreme to some, it is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture and is associated with a bunch of health benefits.

In this article, we’ll explore what avanto is, the benefits it provides, the risks associated with it, and how to safely practice it.

man swimming in ice

What is avanto?

Avanto is a traditional Finnish practice that involves drilling a hole in a frozen lake and dipping in after a sauna session. It’s more than just a health and wellness practice in Finland, it’s a cultural tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. 

Like sauna whisking, the practice of avanto is believed to date back hundreds of years, when saunas were used for more than just relaxation. In the past, avanto was considered to be an essential part of winter survival, as it was believed to be a way to keep the body healthy and strong during the long, cold winter months.

Today, avanto is still widely popular in Finland. Many public saunas and hotels near lakes open up the ice during winter to facilitate this practice, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. 

Finnish practice of avanto
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Benefits of avanto 

While the practice of avanto is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, it actually has become more popular outside of Finland’s borders in recent years in the form of the polar plunge. This is in part due to the numerous health benefits. Here are just a few:

Increased circulation

When you immerse your body in cold water, your blood vessels constrict, which forces blood to flow more slowly. However, this response triggers a counter-effect in the body, so once you exit the water, your blood vessels dilate, and blood rushes back to your extremities, increasing circulation throughout your body.

Increased metabolism

When you’re exposed to cold water, your body has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature, which can lead to an increase in metabolic rate. This increased metabolic rate can help to burn more calories. It probably won’t be significant enough for noticeable weight loss, but avanto has lots of other benefits, too.

Reduced inflammation

Cold water immersion has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and swelling in the body, and many athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by the practice as a way to speed up recovery after workouts or injuries.

Provides an invigorating endorphin rush

Jumping in icy water after a sauna session can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can induce a sense of euphoria and invigoration. This rush of endorphins can leave you feeling energized and refreshed, making avanto a great way to boost your mood and enhance your overall well-being.

Polar Plunge
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Risks of avanto 

While avanto has amazing benefits, it’s important to acknowledge the potential risks associated with the practice. 

Cold water shock

Cold water shock occurs when the body is suddenly exposed to cold water, causing an involuntary gasp reflex and a sudden increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This reflex can cause you to inhale water, leading to drowning or other serious health complications. Cold water shock can also cause muscle spasms and cramping, making it difficult to swim or stay afloat.

To avoid this, make sure that you’re not too hot before you go in. While it might seem counter-intuitive, such a drastic internal temperature change can increase your risk for cold shock. Take a moment to cool down after a super-steamy sauna before you dip into the water for the best results.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is another risk of avanto and occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. Symptoms of hypothermia can include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases, hypothermia can be life-threatening.

To minimize the risk of these dangers, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions when practicing avanto. Start slow and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the water as you become more accustomed to the experience. 

frozen lake for ice fishing
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to safely practice avanto 

If you’re intrigued by the health benefits of avanto and are considering trying the practice for yourself, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to ensure you do so safely. Before attempting avanto or the polar plunge, consider consulting your doctor, especially if you have any underlying conditions like low blood pressure or heart conditions. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

Prepare well

Before taking the plunge, it’s essential to prepare your body for the cold water. This can include taking a sauna or warm shower beforehand. Stay hydrated, and make sure that you’re not too hungry or too full. 

Know your limits

Just because your friend can stay in longer than you doesn’t mean that you should. It’s essential to know your body’s limits and not push yourself too far. Start with short dips of 10-30 seconds and work your way up to longer durations.

Start slow

When attempting avanto, don’t jump into the water all at once. Instead, start by dipping your feet, then gradually working your way up to your waist and then your shoulders. At the same time, don’t spend thirty minutes waiting for your feet to get used to the water because, let’s be real, that’s not healthy, and it won’t happen. A quick dip of your toes is all you need for starters, and then you can either head back into the sauna or enjoy the cool air for a few minutes. 

Choose a safe location

Especially if it’s your first time, it’s best to go to a facility that offers Avanto. They will have put all the thought into your experience, so all you have to do is go! But if you don’t have that opportunity, it’s crucial to choose a safe location for your avanto practice. Look for a spot with a gradual incline, so you can easily get in and out of the water, and avoid jumping in from heights. 

Polar Plunge
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Final thoughts

Avanto is a traditional Finnish practice that offers a range of health benefits, including increased circulation, metabolism, and reduced inflammation. However, it’s important to remember that there are potential risks associated with the practice, such as cold water shock and hypothermia. By taking the necessary precautions, such as starting slow, knowing your limits, and choosing a safe location, you can safely experience the invigorating benefits of avanto. 

Editors' Recommendations

Sarah Joseph
Contributor
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Check out these fun fitness apps for the best virtual reality workouts
Take your workouts virtual with these VR fitness apps
Man playing VR fitness game with Oculus

Even though we all are aware of how important exercise is for our health, you may find days where you have little to no motivation to make it to the gym or go for your usual run. This is the perfect opportunity for you to try a virtual reality workout instead!
With virtual reality platforms and headsets, gamers can engage in active exercise while playing games. Much like a ninja, when you strap on your headset and start playing VR fitness games, you can stealthily get in shape, strengthen your muscles, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular fitness.
VR fitness apps are transforming the entire fitness industry by encouraging previously sedentary gamers to get moving and play in ways that absolutely boost their health and fitness. As VR fitness games become increasingly popular, developers are finding even more exciting and effective ways to disguise challenging workouts as riveting VR games. If you’ve struggled with finding the motivation to go for a run or jump on an indoor cycle, keep reading for our list of the best VR fitness apps to take your workout virtual and sweat as you play.

Can VR apps give you a good workout?
Before we get to the list, we need to answer the question, can you really get a good workout in virtual reality?

Read more
Turn your trip to Puerto Vallarta into a wellness retreat at this stellar resort
Here’s a closer look inside the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, and their abundance of wellness offerings. 
A view from Banderas Bay of The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Can you really enjoy a relaxing “spa weekend” in Puerto Vallarta? Can you really enjoy a chill wellness-centric trip at a hotel that caters very much to families with children? Can you really stay at a resort with a private beach that’s minutes away from the airport and downtown? If you’re staying at the Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, all your wellness travel dreams may really come true.

Today, we’re taking you inside the Westin and all-around Puerto Vallarta to show how you can enjoy your own perfectly chill wellness retreat under the hot Jalisco sun, even when you’re so close to the best action in town.

Read more
A clinical herbalist reveals his 5-step guide to minimize inflammation
This is how to reduce inflammation in the body
Photo of William Siff, founder of GoldThread Tonics and author of The Plant Medicine Protocol

If you're one of the 40% in the United States who suffer from inflammation, you're probably fed up with the body pain, chronic fatigue, and insomnia that is associated with the condition. Some just live with it. Others try Western Medicine.  Some come across traditional medicine as a last resort. And while different people find different results with each of these options, many come to realize that a natural approach was the very thing they were missing.
No one knows this better than Clinical Herbalist William Siff, who gave me an exciting sneak peek into his new book, The Plant Medicine Protocol. As the founder and formulator of Goldthread Tonics, Siff is one of the most sought-after clinical herbalists in the world. His research has been groundbreaking for minimizing inflammation, boosting energy, building immunity, and improving digestion.
If you do suffer from chronic inflammation, you should always consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes. But for many, the results of introducing medicinal plants into daily food can be immediate and cumulative, and it could be life-changing for many who struggle with the crippling effects of inflammation.

What is inflammation?
Inflammation in the body is a part of the healing process. When you get injured or infected with some kind of bacteria, inflammatory cells travel to the spot to help your immune system fight them off. Unfortunately, sometimes inflammation can stay long after the danger is gone.  This is called chronic inflammation. If you have inflammation, you may experience redness, swollen joints that are warm to the touch, joint pain, and stiffness. Read on to learn how to reduce inflammation using Siff's 5-step plan.

Read more