The other day, I saw an Instagram post of a young man, someone you’d expect to see on the cover of an outdoor magazine, handsome and fit holding up a sign reading, “You can cold plunge without posting about it.” If you’re familiar with the cold plunge craze, you know why that’s provocative. It’s like anything that becomes mainstream loses a bit of its luster.
Yet, this trend is worth the hype. Submerging your body in ice cold water reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, and tones the nervous system. I got into this incredible therapy when I hadn’t been treating my body that well. Over-indulging and staying up late had taken its toll; I was ready for a change. Now, cold water immersion is the cornerstone of my health practice.
This practice is proven to be especially beneficial for men because it jump-starts the endocrine system, boosting testosterone and dopamine levels. Considering the struggles men face today, such as plummeting hormones, and suicide rates, it’s no wonder men have jumped on the cold plunge bandwagon and want to share it on social media.
Getting into ice cold water may seem like the last thing you would want to do. It takes some willpower and fortitude to get into freezing water, let alone stay for a minute or more. However, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort and eventually your tolerance increases. Soon, it becomes one of the easiest difficult activities, so to speak, you can do to swiftly balance your mind and body.
If you want to get started, I highly recommend finding a way to build community around the practice. Visit Reconnect Mind & Body (www.thereconnectlife.com) in Mesa, and Optimyze (www. optimyze.me) in Scottsdale and Tempe. They are cold plunge trailblazers, also offering breathwork classes and other therapies. Also, check out @jared.b.light with @breathedeepr on Instagram, who offers pop-up classes around the valley.