Episode 136: The Benefits of Taking Cold Showers and Plunges with Lisa Kricfalusi

In this episode, Dr. Lisa chats with Lisa Kricfalusi, of Stay Unbounded, about the benefits of cold water exposure. Did you know that you can use cold water to help boost your mood, immune function and metabolism? Dr. Lisa has been taking daily cold showers for over 1.5 years now and has definitely noticed an improvement in her focus, stress resiliency, outlook, immunity and body composition. Find out why there is almost nothing better you can do in two minutes that is more beneficial for your body than a cold water plunge!

Lisa Kricfalusi’s obsession with water and health started as a young girl swimming in lakes and pools in Ontario, Canada. Her affinity for water only started to grow as she began training nationally at ten years old. This led to an eleven year national swim career in synchronized swimming and traditional racing, eventually coaching provincially as well as nationally. Lisa graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor degree in Kinesiology and Health Science, then became a yoga instructor, breathwork facilitator, hydro therapist, and cold exposure therapist. Since graduating, Lisa has worked with organizations such as the Pan American Games, Red Bull Canada, Republic Live, Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario, Boys & Girls Club, Canadian Physical Literacy Boards and RBC Sports Committee. 

Lisa has been practicing cold exposure since she was a little girl, inspired by spending summers with her family in Finland. She has since developed a unique approach to cold exposure involving intention setting, breathwork, and a progressional practice ending on gratitude. Inspiring cold exposure communities everywhere, Lisa has made it her life’s purpose to dedicate herself to this work making this method available and accessible.

In today’s episode, we cover:

  • The benefits of cold water therapy and why shivering is good for you
    • Hormetic challenge
    • Mood elevation
    • Regulates inflammation
    • Increases immune function and metabolism
  • How to start your cold water therapy with cold water showers
  • The importance of defining your why or purpose behind cold plunging
  • How to use breathing and sound or music to practice your cold water therapy
  • The latest research showing what length of time required for you to get results
  • Who shouldn’t be doing cold water therapy
  • The importance of ending with hot water before bed and not practicing cold water therapy within 3 hours before bed

You can connect with Lisa on Instagram and Facebook @stayunbounded or email info@stayunbounded.com

Today’s Mama Must-Have:

Dr. Lisa is a big fan of this online vacation planner.

Lisa likes using a positive reward system of stickers to encourage good habits. 

What’s Else is Happening?

Dr. Toni’s next HypnoBirthing session for expecting parents looking to decrease fear and anxiety to support their natural instincts around labour and birth is happening this fall. Join her at https://www.hypnobirthingcalgary.com/register

Join Dr. Lisa’s new Meetup group Wild Woman Adventures Toronto if you want to get out in nature, connect with other women and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Activities include: sunrise/sunset SUP, tree-top trekking, a new moon workshop and more!

Get your ticket for Dr. Lisa’s 5-Day Virtual Cold Shower Challenge HERE! Starts Aug 8th and kicks off with a workshop held by Lisa Kricfalusi of Stay Unbounded!

Dr. Lisa’s Wild Collective in Fall 2022: get on the waitlist: wildcollectivetoronto.com

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Stay safe and healthy everyone!

Disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.