EFR 898: The SCIENCE of Ice Baths - How Cold Plunging BOOSTS Dopamine and Burns FAT in Only Minutes a Day with Kristin Weitzel

 This episode is brought to you by Legion Athletics creatine gummies, Joymode testosterone support complex, and WHOOP 5.0 activity tracker.

Ready to unlock the science and resilience behind cold plunging? In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Weitzel, breathwork coach and cold exposure expert, to explore the physiological, mental, and emotional benefits of cold therapy. We dive deep into how cold plunging boosts dopamine by 350%, ramps up metabolism, supports mental health, and trains you to do hard things. From brown fat activation and nervous system regulation to women’s health considerations and optimizing recovery, this episode is packed with tools you can apply today. If you’ve ever wondered how long, how cold, or how often you should plunge—and what really happens to your body and mind when you step into the ice—you’ll find your answers here.

Follow Kristin @kristinweitzelofficial

Follow Chase @chase_chewning

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00:00 – Intro & Kristin Weitzel on the power of cold plunging

02:00 – Why cold exposure builds resilience and mental toughness

06:00 – Becoming a “nervous system DJ” through breath and cold

13:30 – The science: dopamine, norepinephrine & parasympathetic rebound

16:45 – Cold plunging for metabolism, weight loss & fat burning

21:15 – The shiver response: why it matters most

26:30 – Cold plunging before vs. after workouts

31:30 – Contrast therapy: sauna & cold plunge protocols

33:40 – Boosting immunity & stress resilience with cold exposure

38:40 – Cold plunging during pregnancy, Raynaud’s & contraindications

43:50 – Brown fat, thermogenesis & mitochondrial health

47:00 – Full immersion vs. partial submersion

50:45 – Ideal duration, frequency & water temperature

57:00 – Women’s cycles & cold exposure considerations

01:03:00 – Solo vs. group plunging: community and oxytocin

01:06:30 – Epigenetics, generational resilience & the future of cold therapy

01:10:20 – Closing thoughts on agency, intuition & personal practice

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Episode resources:

• 20% off Legion creatine gummies w/ code EVERFORWARD
• 20% off JoyMode w/ code EVERFORWARD
• FREE band and first month of WHOOP 5.0
• Watch and subscribe on YouTube
• Learn more about Kristin at WellPower.life