Cold exposure has recently gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts and wellness experts. Some claim it boosts metabolism and increases fat burning, while others believe its effects are minimal. I decided to test it myself to see if the cold could truly help the body burn more calories.
Promise to Reader: Burn Calories
I wanted to know whether being cold burns calories — or if you’ve ever searched, “Do you burn calories if you are cold?” This article will give you a clear, science-backed answer to that question. I’ll share why I bought this cold exposure kit, what inspired me to try it, and how it performed. During my research, I also came across effective yet effortless ways to burn calories that can complement cold exposure techniques. Here, I’ll explain my personal experience along with findings from trusted sources like Healthline, Business Insider, and Time.
Purchase Story and Reason Behind It
I ordered my cold exposure product over the internet after comparing different websites. Most of them were too expensive, yet the review of the one I selected was real, and shipping was not too expensive. It was not curiosity that made me buy, but practicality. I trained hard at the gym, and I was constantly posing myself questions: How can I lose 1000 Sweat calories in one day and not overtrain? And that is when I came across articles that proposed cold exposure as a non-traditional way of calorie-burning.
At first, it sounded gimmicky. However, the science fascinated me: When exposed to cold, brown fat, a kind of fat, activates to burn energy, thus keeping you warm. This was sufficient to make me give it a shot.
My Experience With Cold Exposure (Storytelling)
During my first cold bath, I used to shiver and could not stop it after a duration of 10 minutes. I learned later on that even shivering can burn quite a large amount of calories. Indeed, studies indicate that you would get the same amount of calories burned in 10 minutes of shivering that you would burn in a moderate workout.
Another basic strategy that I tried is maintaining a lower thermostat setting in my house. I used to have it set to 72°F, but lowering it to 66°F made me feel more alert, though initially it was not easy. The question that had become practical, not so theoretical, was Will I lose weight if I keep my house cold?
Interestingly, similar to how heat affects calorie burning, cold exposure also influences the body’s metabolism in unique ways.
At the end of week two, I could not see any significant weight loss, though I did feel more in control in regard to calorie intake. My metabolism became more active, and I was not that sluggish.
Studies and Medicine of Cold and Calories
In my personal study, cold does have the capacity to warm up your body, hence it is not magic. Articles posted on Business Insider casual describe how cold makes your body create heat by a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis. It means that your brown fat is working harder; it burns calories to keep you warm inside.
Conversely, Time cautions that cold exposure may help in burning calories. Still, it is not as effective as regular exercise in burning fat in the long term. It is an encouraging practice, not a substitute for exercise. Yes, cold burns the fat, but do not anticipate it to substitute for cardiovascular exercises or strength training.
Pros and Cons of Cold Exposure (My Honest Review)
Pros:
- Expend additional energy without exercising.
- Enhances vigour and vitality.
- Turns on brown fat to increase metabolism.
- Cheap in comparison to luxurious gym equipment.
Cons:
- Very awkward at the start.
- Hard to maintain daily.
- The outcomes are not radical.
- Unsafe when excessive (possibility of hypothermia).
Final Thoughts and My Feedback
In essence, is cold energy-burning? Yes, but only moderately. I have learned that cold exposure will not substitute any of the exercises in the gym or a balanced diet, but will only be able to supplement your lifestyle. Nonetheless, I found it helpful as an additional push when I have reached a plateau.
Please give it a safe in case you are thinking about it. Begin with simple modifications, such as turning down your thermostat at home or taking a brief cold shower and working out along with them. Additionally, I suggest reading the article by Healthline about weird ways to burn calories.
Conclusion
The cold does burn, but you will not see miracles overnight. It was worth buying as it gave me the experience as well as the extra motivation for my fitness journey. It should be a supportive tool and not a strategy.
FAQs
1. Would you expend calories when you are cold?
Yes, your body is burning calories to help keep you warm, activating brown fat and even shivering.
2. What is your calorie-burning rate at 10 minutes of shivering?
Studies have indicated that as much as 10-15 minutes of shivering can help in burning almost the same amount of calories as an hour of moderate exercise.
3. Will I be skinny because I make my house cold?
Maintaining your house cool will only slightly raise your calorie expenditure, but it will not be a significant weight loss unless combined with diet and exercise.