Cold plunging, also known as ice bathing or, more officially, “cold water immersion”, is the exercise of submerging yourself in ice-cold water for a bit. This practice has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, becoming a sort of meme for health aficionados. Men seem to be particularly drawn to cold immersion for the revitalizing experience but also its proclaimed health benefits. Whether it’s a dip in a freezing lake, a session in a cryotherapy chamber, or even a cold shower, the act of subjecting oneself to extreme cold has captured the interest and curiosity of many around the globe.
Growing Trends Among Men
Walk past a serene winter landscape, and there’s a fair and growing chance that you stumble across a group of guys in nothing but swim trunks, gleefully (or painfully) dunking themselves into an ice-cold body of water. This whole thing was once something you would only expect from thrill seekers and polar explorers but has now become a common sight in cities and towns worldwide. From social media influencers to everyday enthusiasts, men of all ages and backgrounds are embracing the challenge of cold plunging.
In light of this growing phenomenon, it begs the question: What drives this seemingly masochistic fascination with cold plunging, particularly among men? Is it just a passing trend, or maybe it speaks to something deeper within the male psyche? This article will look into the factors that contribute to the growing obsession with cold plunging among men, shedding light on the psychological, physiological, and social aspects that make it a surprisingly compelling experience.
The Call of the Wild
Throughout history, people have been called to find their physical and mental edges. From ancient warriors testing their bravery in battle to modern-day adventurers climbing remote mountain peaks, adventure and conquest have always been fundamental to the human experience. Cold plunging taps into this primal instinct we all have, offering a raw challenge that taps into the same mechanisms that allowed our ancestors to withstand the untamed forces of nature.
At its core, cold plunging represents a confrontation with the elements. The shock of almost frozen water against the skin jolts the senses awake and releases a huge surge of adrenaline, exciting the body to almost (and often for many) unbearable levels. In the face of such extreme conditions, the body’s natural survival mechanisms kick into overdrive, heightening awareness, sharpening focus, and releasing a cascade of neurochemicals designed to help us endure what the body recognizes as a life-or-death moment.
@yourpositivehealth Dr Andrew Huberman on cold water exposure #healthy #coldwater #icebath #fitness
♬ Solas X Interstellar - Gabriel Albuquerqüe
For a lot of guys, the thrill of facing the cold head-on is an exhilarating reminder of their natural roots and a testament to their ability to endure and conquer the elements.
In a world increasingly dominated by comfort and convenience, cold plunging also offers us all a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in its most elemental form. The icy waters serve as a sort of reminder of the untamed intensity of the natural world, allowing men to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the wild unknown. In this sense, cold plunging is not merely an act of physical endurance but often becomes a spiritual journey — a chance to commune with the forces that have shaped humanity since the dawn of time.
The Pursuit of Physical Resilience
Almost all biological males, across all species, seem to be innately fascinated by activities that allow them to test their physical limits and develop resilience. Whether it’s lifting heavy weights, running marathons, or engaging in extreme sports, the pursuit of physical excellence is deeply woven through the male psyche. Cold plunging offers a unique and relatively accessible avenue for men to develop their strength and ability to endure discomfort, presenting a consistently formidable challenge that demands both physical and mental resolve.
Effects of Cold Plunging on the Body: Increased Circulation, Release of Endorphins
Immersing oneself in icy water triggers a cascade of physiological responses within the body. Blood vessels constrict in response to the cold, diverting blood flow away from the extremities and toward vital organs in an effort to maintain core temperature. This process, known as vasoconstriction, serves to increase circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body, promoting overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, the shock of cold water prompts the release of endorphins—natural painkillers and mood enhancers — resulting in feelings of euphoria and bliss.
It should be noted that you don’t typically get those warm fuzzy feelings until your body is in the process of warming itself back up after the plunge. It’s going to be pretty brutal for everyone during the initial dunk so don’t take that bit personally, you’ll get there.
Invigoration and Renewed Vitality
The feelings experienced both during and after a cold plunge are nothing short of transformative. The rush of icy water against the skin awakens the senses, inducing a state of heightened alertness and clarity. Very few things can enter your mind when you are concerned with survival and many report an immediate understanding of what’s most important in their lives—think “I want to live and I love my family”.
As the body adapts to the cold, a sense of inner strength and resilience emerges, empowering men to push past their limits and embrace their full potential. In this way, cold plunging serves as a powerful reminder of the mind’s and body’s capacity for adaptation and renewal.
Importance of Mental Toughness for Men
In addition to physical strength, men are often judged by their ability to withstand adversity and overcome challenges. This is often dismissed as “toxic masculinity”, but mental toughness—a combination of resilience, determination, and discipline—is highly valued in cultures all around the world as a hallmark trait of masculinity and always has been. Cold plunging offers a unique opportunity for men to put their mental toughness to the test, confronting discomfort and uncertainty in pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement.
Psychological Aspects of Enduring Discomfort
“The body should be treated rigorously, that it may not be disobedient to the mind.” – Seneca
Putting just one foot into icy water goes against every instinct for self-preservation, immediately urging one to retreat and seek warmth. However, by resisting this reflexive urge and continuing to immerse themselves in the cold, men confront their deepest fears and insecurities head-on. In doing so, they cultivate mental fortitude and inner strength, learning to embrace discomfort as a necessary step on the path to self-mastery.
A Sense of Accomplishment and Self-Mastery
For anyone who successfully immerses themselves for their intended amount of time, stepping out, having conquered the cold represents, a profound personal victory—a testament to the ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger on the other side.
Each plunge serves as a tangible reminder of resilience and determination, cultivating a sense of pride and accomplishment that extends far beyond the cold water. In this way, cold plunging becomes not just a physical exercise but a powerful tool for building character and cultivating the mental toughness needed to thrive in an increasingly challenging world.
The Hormonal Boost
Potential to Raise Testosterone
Testosterone, often referred to as the “male hormone,” plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of men’s health, including muscle mass, bone density, and libido. While research on the effects of cold plunges is scarce and complex—this is true of everything involving the interplay of hormones, particularly the complex part—studies have shown that exposure to cold temperatures, and cold water immersions specifically can have a significant impact on testosterone production.
This study shows a slight dip in circulating testosterone initially, but it also shows a significant increase in luteinizing hormone—responsible for the release of testosterone from the Leydig cells in the testes—which leads to an increase in total levels of testosterone.
Cold plunging, therefore potentially presents a potent and natural way for men to boost their testosterone levels and optimize their overall hormonal balance.
Improved Energy & Mood From Other Hormones
The hormonal stimulus triggered by cold plunging can also have seriously beneficial effects on men’s physical and neurochemical well-being. Higher testosterone levels are, of course, associated with increased energy levels, improved mood, and enhanced libido, but other biochemical boosts also contribute to these benefits.
The initial shock of cold water triggers a huge surge of adrenaline, heightening alertness and providing an instant energy boost. Once fully submerged, your body will begin the release of serotonin, promoting feelings of relaxation and well-being.
Finally, dopamine levels rise, enhancing motivation and pleasure—these levels will rise an average of 250-300% (greater than both tobacco and cocaine) for up to 3 hours and sustain increased dopamine for up to 6 hours after the initial exposure.
Cold plungers typically report an overwhelming sense of invigoration and renewal—immediately feeling more alert, focused, grounded, and energized—attributing these benefits to the hormonal cascade unleashed by the cold.
In a culture somewhat obsessed with youthfulness and vitality, the potential for such a huge hormonal boost is alluring. Whether one is looking to build resilience, improve athletic performance, or enhance sex life, cold plunging offers a natural and holistic approach to optimizing male hormonal health. Cold plunging offers men a way to unlock a new level of physical potential and cultivate masculine vitality in a way that feels more natural than many other trending methods (TRT, obsessive supplementation, etc).
Susanna Søberg’s Research
Danish Scientist Dr. Susanna Søberg is a leading expert in understanding how cold water immersion affects our health. She has significantly contributed to the growing research on the holistic health benefits of cold plunging as well as contrast therapy (alternating hot and cold exposure).
Her book “Winter Swimming” is a great read for anyone looking to dive deep into the benefits of this primal practice; her website is also a helpful resource for information—for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Dr. Søberg recently appeared on the Huberman Lab podcast, where she and Andrew Huberman do an extensive deep dive—over 2 hours—on using cold and heat exposure for health benefits.
This discussion is a great one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to learn the science of cold plunging.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the widespread fascination among men with cold plunging can be attributed to its holistic benefits for physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual well-being–people love it because it works.
The adrenaline rush, sense of invigoration, and clarity experienced after a cold plunge speak to men’s innate desire for challenge, resilience, and self-mastery. The discussion held between health professionals, advocates, and researchers such as Andrew Huberman and Dr. Susanna Søberg has continued to drive interest and provide validation for this ancient practice.
As men continue to seek ways to optimize their health and vitality, cold plunging stands out as a powerful option that offers both immediate thrills and long-term benefits. The fortitude developed through regularly facing something inherently uncomfortable translates across so much of a man’s life.
Men need to be able to stand strong in the face of injustice, to have the ability to set boundaries, and the ability to confront sometimes painful circumstances to protect and provide for their loved ones. Psychologically—even philosophically—men who cultivate internal strength are the world’s natural counterbalance to malice, injustice, and the harshness of the natural world.
Maybe not “toxic masculinity” after all huh?
It’s no wonder why men are so drawn to the chill thrill of cold water immersion—it’s a primal pursuit that resonates deeply with their quest for physical and mental excellence.
