Why Cold Plunges Are Still Worth It

Cold plunges remain one of the best health hacks for longevity, resilience, and recovery. Yet, multimillionaire biohacker Bryan Johnson refuses to take the plunge.

If you haven’t heard of Bryan Johnson, he’s a multimillionaire biohacker obsessed with longevity. His Netflix documentary and extreme anti-aging protocols have brought him into the spotlight. From plasma infusions to strict diets, he spares no effort or expense to slow the aging process. However, despite his obsession with health, he avoids cold plunges. He claims his body is already adapted to the cold. But does that mean cold plunges aren’t valuable? Absolutely not. In fact, his refusal highlights how powerful cold plunging can be for building resilience and improving health.

Cold plunges are one of the simplest ways to boost health and aid recovery. They offer benefits without multimillion-dollar budgets or extreme biohacking. Therefore, stepping into icy water remains a valuable tool for improving well-being.

Does Cold Plunging Help with Longevity?

Interestingly, Johnson himself admits that lowering body temperature is linked to longevity. This reinforces the science behind cold plunging. While Johnson achieves temperature regulation through extreme methods, you can gain similar benefits with regular cold exposure.

In Johnson’s recent podcast with Paul Logan, he discussed the role of temperature in longevity. His acknowledgment, therefore, underscores the case for cold plunges as a practical tool for health. On the other hand, most people live in climate-controlled environments and miss out on the benefits of cold exposure. This makes cold plunging a must for those seeking to improve resilience and slow aging.

Researchers have found that intermittent cold exposure offers unique advantages. For example, these benefits go beyond basic temperature control. A 2022 study in Cell Reports Medicine found that controlled cold exposure boosts brown fat activity. This supports metabolic health and may promote longevity. Additionally, other studies link cold exposure to reduced oxidative stress, which is a key factor in aging.

Many centenarian cultures, like those in Scandinavia, have long embraced practices such as winter swimming and sauna therapy. So, while Johnson may avoid cold plunges in favor of biohacking, traditional cold exposure remains a simple, effective, and time-tested option for most of us. His refusal to adopt cold plunging—even as he acknowledges its value—raises an important question: Is extreme biohacking always better than practical, accessible health strategies?

For the majority of people, cold exposure is a more realistic and effective way to enhance health and longevity.

The Science-Backed Benefits

Cold plunging delivers numerous benefits when practiced regularly with proper techniques. For instance, it can:

• Reduce inflammation: Cold exposure lowers systemic inflammation, aiding muscle recovery and reducing soreness.
• Improve mood and resilience: Cold water immersion raises dopamine levels and stimulates the vagus nerve, which builds mental and emotional balance.
• Enhance circulation and metabolism: Alternating between cold and warmth increases blood flow and supports healthier metabolic function.
• Boost immunity: Cold therapy triggers white blood cell production, which may strengthen immunity over time.

Cold Plunging for the Everyday Person

Unlike Bryan Johnson’s strict and costly biohacking regimen, cold plunges remain simple, affordable, and accessible. For example, a quick dip in icy water—whether it’s a cold plunge tub, frozen lake, or even a cold shower—yields significant health benefits. As a result, there’s no need for expensive or time-consuming protocols.

Many people aren’t willing to adopt Johnson’s rigid lifestyle. However, cold plunging provides a practical, time-efficient way to introduce beneficial stress into the body. It applies the principle of hormesis—small doses of stress that improve resilience.

While Johnson may avoid cold plunging, it’s still one of the easiest tools for optimizing health. It strengthens physical health, and mental fortitude as well. Voluntarily stepping into discomfort builds resilience and boosts confidence. Whether it’s improving energy, enhancing mood, or proving to yourself that you can handle tough situations, cold plunging offers mental and physical benefits.

If you want a science-backed way to enhance resilience, recovery, and longevity, cold plunging may be exactly what you need.

Find Your Nearest Cold Plunge

You don’t need a multimillion-dollar budget to enjoy cold plunging’s benefits. While Bryan Johnson relies on expensive biohacking, most people can achieve similar results with regular cold exposure. The best part? It’s available to everyone. Whether you plunge into icy water at a high-end spa, a backyard tub, or a natural lake, you’ll experience the same powerful effects on your health.

So, why wait? Take the first step toward better health. Search our directory to find the nearest cold plunge facility, and experience firsthand how this simple practice can transform your body and mind.