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Chronicle 5 - Cold plunges, an ally for body and mind
Every two weeks, on Tuesdays, Mélody Benhamou joins the show On part ça d’même, hosted by Tommy Coderre on Viva 105.3.
In this chronicle, Mélody walks us through the benefits of cold plunges and explains why they now hold such an important place in the Idolem experience. Far beyond muscle recovery, she reminds us that a cold plunge is also a powerful tool for building resilience, calming the mind, and finding real mental clarity.
Here, we offer an adapted version of the key takeaways from this chronicle.
At first glance, stepping into a cold plunge can feel like a real challenge.
Our first instinct is often to pull back. And that’s completely normal.
Our brain is wired to avoid discomfort. The moment it senses the cold, it sends a signal: “Get out of there!”
Yet it’s precisely by learning to calm that reaction that the cold plunge reveals all its benefits.
At Idolem, a cold plunge isn’t simply about stepping into a tub of icy water.
Before you even dip a toe in, our teams guide you through breathing and visualization exercises to prepare your body… but above all, your mind.
The goal is never to “suffer.” The goal is to learn to breathe, to slow down, and to regain control when your brain is pushing you to flee.
After a few moments, something shifts. The mind gradually stops fighting. The body adapts.
And that’s often when the benefits really start to be felt.
Cold plunges are well known for their effect on the muscles.
After a workout or a hot yoga class, they help reduce inflammation, support recovery, and leave you with a pleasant feeling of lightness, an effect we also explore in our article on hot yoga and muscle recovery.
But the effects don’t stop there.
Many people value cold plunges most for the mental clarity they bring. Taking a minute to breathe and push through the discomfort often leaves you calmer, more focused, and ready to take on the rest of your day. A University of Ottawa study confirms that repeated cold exposure improves cellular health, with effects that could even slow aging, showing that the benefits go well beyond the mind in the short term.
This is one of the reasons why many athletes, as well as many entrepreneurs, now incorporate this practice into their routine.
A first experience can be intimidating.
That’s why, at Idolem, you’re never left on your own.
Our teams are trained to guide you step by step, drawing in particular on techniques inspired by Wim Hof, a world-renowned reference in cold exposure and breathwork.
By supporting you throughout the experience, we help you go through the cold plunge in the best possible conditions, without rushing, at your own pace.
Members often tell us the same thing: the first time is impressive. The next ones become surprisingly natural.
At Idolem, the cold plunge is an integral part of our yogic spa circuit.
After a hot yoga class, it rounds out the experience by helping the body recover while providing a deep sense of well-being.
It all wraps up in a setting made for relaxation: a calm moment, a complimentary tea and, for those who want it, a stop at the Bar de Lune to extend the experience.
Because in the end, a cold plunge isn’t just about temperature. It’s a chance to learn to breathe, to calm your mind, and to discover that you’re often capable of far more than you think.
Book your first free class at the Idolem studio near you.
A first experience can be intimidating, but Idolem’s teams guide you through breathing and visualization exercises to help you get through the discomfort safely.
Beyond muscle recovery and reduced inflammation, cold plunges support mental clarity, resilience, and a lasting sense of calm.
Not at all. What matters isn’t performance but guidance: everyone progresses at their own pace, with support suited to them.