09/23/2025
I always remind our clients to let your body warm Itself up after plunging and here’s why…
Cold plunges directly affect brown adipose tissue (BAT) — the type of fat that burns calories to generate heat. Here’s how:
1. Activation of Brown Fat
When your body is exposed to cold water, it triggers the sympathetic nervous system. This releases norepinephrine, which binds to receptors on brown fat cells. In response, brown fat “turns on” and starts burning stored fat and glucose to create heat — a process called non-shivering thermogenesis.
2. Increased Calorie Burning
Because brown fat is metabolically active, its activation during cold plunges increases energy expenditure. While the effect depends on factors like water temperature, immersion time, and your individual BAT levels, studies show cold exposure can significantly boost calorie burn compared to resting at normal temperatures.
3. Expansion and Adaptation
Repeated cold exposure (like making cold plunges a routine) doesn’t just activate existing brown fat — it can also help recruit and develop more “beige fat” (white fat cells that take on brown-fat-like properties). This adaptation makes your body more efficient at thermogenesis over time.
4. Potential Benefits
• Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control
• Supports healthy metabolism and weight regulation
• May improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood sugar and lipid levels
In short: Cold plunges activate and strengthen brown fat activity, leading to higher calorie burning, better glucose regulation, and potential long-term metabolic benefits!
With all that…did you know you can plunge right here in Muncie at Perfect Fit?
