The Paris Independent
4
January 6, 2024
COMMUNITY NEWS 8th Annual New Year's Day Polar Dip draws enthusiastic participants to Bean Park in Paris Bernie Martin shares his experience and highlights the health benefits of cold plunging By Chris Whelan
the burdens of the past and embracing the possibilities of The picturesque town of the future. Paris, Ontario welcomed the Bernie Martin also took the arrival of 2024 with the 8th opportunity to highlight the annual New Year's Day Polar numerous health benefits Dip held at Bean Park along associated with cold the majestic Grand River. plunging. He enthusiastically Brave participants from near recommended UpYoga and far gathered to take part Wellness, a recently opened in this invigorating tradition, wellness center in Paris, defying the icy waters in the which features a sauna and hopes of starting the year on cold plunge tub. "It's a great a refreshing note. way to get introduced to cold Among the dedicated plunging," Martin remarked. participants was Bernie Cold plunges are known to Martin, a local resident who stimulate circulation, boost has been sporadically taking the immune system, and part in the Polar Dip for promote mental clarity, nearly a decade. When asked among other advantages. about his experience, Martin The New Year's Day Polar shared, "been doing this on Dip has become a beloved and off for probably 8 years. tradition in Paris, attracting It's something I like to do to both locals and visitors who start the year off, well I don't seek a unique and memorable really like it, but you feel way to kick-start the year. great after. It's more of a The event not only serves as mental challenge than a a thrilling adventure, but also physical one." fosters a sense of community For many, the Polar Dip is and camaraderie among part not merely an act of physical As the sun rose over Bean endurance, but a symbolic Park, echoing laughter and ritual of mental fortitude. The cheers filled the air as each bone-chilling waters serve as dipper emerged from the a metaphorical plunge into frigid waters, their spirits the new year, leaving behind lifted and hearts full of
Bernie Martin, a local resident who has been sporadically taking part in the Polar Dip for nearly a decade, said “I like to do to start the year off, well I don't really like it, but you feel great after. It's more of a mental challenge than a physical one.“ – Submitted photo
optimism for the year ahead. The 8th annual New Year's Day Polar Dip in Paris, Ontario once again proved to be a daring and exhilarating start to the new year, leaving participants energized and ready to tackle whatever challenges may come their way.
