August 28, 2025
90. Kristin Weitzel: How to Use Cold Plunging for Ultimate Nervous System Control
Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MDAbout this episode
What if three minutes in cold water could give you more confidence than years of therapy? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Kristin Weitzel, a breathwork expert and cold plunge coach who has certified over 325 instructors worldwide in her approach to nervous system regulation. We explore how to use breathwork to downregulate your nervous system instead of just surviving the cold, and why women shouldn't fear the recent controversy around cold exposure. Kristin reveals her "ICE" method (Intentional Cold Exposure) and shares the free tools that can transform your mental resilience starting today. Kristin Weitzel is a breathwork expert, Sherpa Breath and Cold founder, and certified sauna master who has been pioneering nervous system optimization for over a decade. She specializes in helping women and athletes use cold exposure and breathwork to expand their window of tolerance and build unshakeable confidence in all areas of life. We Also Discuss: Why the Anticipation of Cold Plunging Is Worse Than the Cold Itself The "ICE" Method: Intentional Cold Exposure for Life Success How to DJ Your Nervous System for Optimal Performance Why Most People Are Cold Plunging Wrong (And Spiking Cortisol) The 2x Breathing Technique That Changes Everything Cold Plunging vs. Cryotherapy Why Wim Hof Breathing Isn't Right for Everyone Sauna Secrets: The 3-Minute Rule Between Hot and Cold Free Cold Plunge Coaching Tools You Can Download Today Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 20% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH . Function Health: The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Kristin Weitzel: Website: https://www.sherpabreathandcold.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinweitzelofficial/ Podcast: https://tr.ee/_aKc6TfA0K