labuznik

I am compelled to clear up a misconception. In the few days since receiving my Renu Therapy Cold Stoic 2.0 cold plunge tank, I have received multiple comments from various people insinuating that I prefer the cold. Suggesting that it’s easy for me. Assuming that I’m different because I like the cold while others prefer the heat. Or if I had the option, I would take being cold over being hot. Many people have said, “I’d prefer to be in a hot tub.” As if I wouldn’t prefer to be in a hot tub, and I like to freeze my ass off instead.

They also comment when referring to cold plunging, “I could NEVER do that.” Correction, you could do it. You choose not to. And I have no judgment either way. Let’s break this down and clear it up! People who don’t think this is a challenge for me are mistaken! I do not easily hop into 30, 40, or 50° F water. It’s an enormous challenge, both mentally and physically. It takes a great deal of willpower, determination, mental strength, and sheer grit to plunge into uncomfortably cold water (and stay there). The Huberman Lab calls it Deliberate Cold Exposure because it’s DELIBERATE!

Don’t think it’s not a tough sell for me. It is. Every. Single. Time. But since starting my journey into deliberate cold exposure a little less than a year ago, I have come to “embrace the suck,” as it were. In the short amount of time I spend in the uncomfortable, cold environment, the benefits far outweigh the unpleasantness. There are countless benefits I can feel and experience firsthand hand, as well as advantages that are harder to quantify.

I’m sure most folks could think of a million different things to spend the same amount of money I spent on the cold plunge tank. I know cold is difficult for a lot of folks. It was difficult for me, too. It still is. But in the months I’ve been doing it, my mind and body have become more accustomed. I have found cold plunging extremely beneficial. Hence, the financial investment . . . and the repetition of practice. I have experienced firsthand these scientifically proven benefits of deliberate cold exposure:

Reduced Inflammation – IE less body-wide pain and soreness
Increased workout recovery
Better mood & overall feeling (from an increase in dopamine)
Mastry of mind over matter & mind-body connection

Harder to quantify:
Increased metabolism
Increased immunity
White fat cells turning into thermogenic brown fat

So do me a favor and don’t assume I prefer to be cold. Because I don’t. The volume of cashmere, fleece, and down clothing in my closet says otherwise. And please for the love of hot tubs and cold plunges alike, don’t think for a second that I’m hanging out in uncomfortably cold water for the hell of it and that it’s without benefit. Because I promise that if you summon the courage to withstand some unpleasantness, you too will discover the vast benefits deliberate cold exposure has to offer.

For more information on deliberate cold exposure, visit these sources:

The Huberman Lab podcast #66
Using Deliberate Cold Exposure for Health and Performance
Available on YouTube & Apple podcast
 
Brassmonkey – Deliberate Cold Exposure free guide
https://www.brassmonkey.co.uk/pages/deliberate-cold-exposure-free-guide
 
Dr. Susanna Søberg
https://www.soeberginstitute.com/home
 
Wim Hoff
 https://www.wimhofmethod.com