It is indeed a well-known fact in folklore that sitting in the cold causes all sorts of discomfort. Apparently, especially for older people and especially men, this tends to make the hobby less enjoyable to varying degrees. A person starts to feel cold as soon as the mercury on the thermometer drops below +10 degrees.
Whether it's a child, an adult or a senior, no one wants to be uncomfortable or unhealthy doing something they should enjoy and be happy about. Cold hands are very similar to wet or cold toes or fingers. And on the other hand, if we turn the matter around, how long do we have to "suffer" that life ahead of us? Isn't it worth protecting those sensitive little things from the cold, especially as children and young people! Sitting on a cold surface may seem like just a cool little thing at first, but your body may not agree.
Why should you avoid "buttock parking" on a glacier?
Chilled muscles. If you sit on a cold surface for too long, your blood circulation slows down and your glutes can and do start to stiffen. Suddenly you find that you can't get up as smoothly anymore - except maybe with a penguin slide!
The "Cold Pea" Phenomenon. You've heard the story of the Princess and the Pea. You know how significant one little pea can be. Imagine the same thing with your rear end when you sit on a cold surface – your body can react as if you were sitting on a block of ice, and suddenly you feel like you're sitting on a cool watermelon without any proper cushioning.
The prostate gland becomes irritated. The cold can irritate the prostate, and you end up running to the bathroom like you're running a marathon. In the worst case, you'll get cystitis as a reminder of that boulder you decided to sit on.
Sit down, said the nerve, but don't go there! Sitting in the cold can irritate the sciatic nerve, which starts to remind you of its existence with an uncomfortable sensation along your back and legs. Suddenly you're part of the "irritated nervous system club" - not the number one thing on your wish list. A cold ride for your body. No matter how hardened an outdoor enthusiast you are, sitting on a cold surface for a long time starts to chill your entire body. And that's not a good thing. Hypothermia is not on the list of the most fun companions on an outdoor trip. Of course, there are other reasons for ending up in such a state than just sitting in the cold.
So the next time you consider sitting on a cool rock, think twice – your butt and health will thank you!
