Ever wondered how Joe Rogan turns himself into a human popsicle? His ice baths plunge to a jaw-dropping 33°F (0.5°C), that’s just above freezing. It's the kind of cold that makes your body question all your life choices.
But here's the twist: he's not doing it just for kicks. He swears by it for recovery, focus, and building mental grit. So, should you copy him? Or is this ice-cold madness best left to the pros? Let’s break it down.

Joe Rogan's Preferred Ice Bath Temperature
The Famous Number: 33°F (Just Above Freezing)
Joe Rogan doesn’t tiptoe into chilly waters. His go-to temp? A brutal 33°F, barely above ice.
We're talking glacier-level cold. The kind that makes your fingers and toes scream before your brain catches up. This isn’t about comfort, it’s about challenge.
And for Rogan, it’s not random. That extreme cold is part of what he believes unlocks the benefits, both physical and mental.
Why He Prefers Extreme Cold over Milder Temperatures
Joe's philosophy is simple: if it’s not hard, it’s not worth doing.
He craves discomfort because it trains the mind as much as the body. The colder the water, the more intense the challenge. It's not just about reducing muscle soreness, it's about sharpening focus, pushing through resistance, and emerging stronger.
Think of it like mental weightlifting. Every second in that icy bath builds resilience.
What He's Said on the JRE Podcast About the Difference
On The Joe Rogan Experience, he’s often joked about how his ice bath “makes everything else in life feel easy.”
But behind the laughs is a serious point: cold plunging at that level requires total presence. You can’t check your phone. You can’t zone out. It demands your full attention.
And for a guy constantly pushing boundaries, that’s exactly the point.
The Brand He Uses: Morozko Forge
How the Morozko Forge Maintains Such Low Temperatures
Joe’s ice bath of choice? Morozko Forge, a beast of a cold plunge system that cools water to freezing without needing any ice.
It uses a chiller that’s powerful enough to keep the temperature rock-steady, even at 33°F. That means no guessing, no melting ice, and no sudden warm-ups.
It’s consistent, clean, and ice-cold on demand.
The Difference Between an Ice Bath and a Cold Plunge with a Chiller
Here’s the deal. A traditional ice bath is a tub, a few bags of ice, and a lot of hope. It starts cold but warms up fast.
A cold plunge with a chiller like Morozko Forge? That’s a whole different ball game. You get exact control, proper filtration, and no lugging bags of ice from the garage freezer.
It’s pro-level gear for people who take recovery seriously.
Why This Brand is Popular with Joe Rogan and Other Celebrities
Morozko Forge isn’t just for Joe. Celebs like Tony Robbins, Ben Greenfield, and top athletes love it too.
Why? Because it works. It’s reliable, sleek, and intense, just like the routines of the people who use it.
When performance is your job, tools like this become essentials, not luxuries.

Is Joe Rogan's Temperature Safe for Beginners? (A Warning)
Why Starting at 33°F is Extremely Dangerous
Let’s be real: diving into 33°F water with no experience is a bad idea.
Your body could go into shock. Breathing becomes erratic. Your nervous system flips into full-on panic mode. It’s not bravery, it’s biology.
Joe may be able to handle it, but if you're just starting out, that temperature is a medical risk, not a wellness hack.
Recommended Starting Temperatures for Beginners (50-60°F / 10-15°C)
New to ice baths? Start safer.
50–60°F (10–15°C) is the sweet spot for beginners. It’s cool enough to deliver benefits like reduced inflammation and better circulation, but won’t send your body into survival mode.
Think of it as cold with training wheels.
The Importance of Acclimatisation and Gradual Progression
Your body’s cold tolerance improves over time, but only if you give it time.
Start with short sessions in mildly cold water. Increase slowly. Track how you feel during and after each session.
Cold exposure is a skill, not a stunt. Let your body adapt, and you’ll unlock more benefits with less risk.
How Long Does Joe Rogan Stay in the Ice Bath?
His Typical Duration: Up to 20 Minutes (Not Recommended for Most)
Rogan has stayed in his freezing bath for up to 20 minutes, which is wild even by elite standards.
For most of us, that's too long. At that temperature, even 2–3 minutes can feel like an eternity, and that’s more than enough to see results.
Don’t confuse "longer" with "better." More isn’t always more.
How He Combines it with Sauna for Contrast Therapy
Joe often follows his ice baths with time in a 200°F sauna.
This contrast, extreme cold to extreme heat, is called contrast therapy, and it’s known to boost circulation, speed recovery, and give your nervous system a serious workout.
It’s intense, yes. But it’s also strangely addictive.
The Role of Breathing Techniques in Enduring the Cold
Breathing is the anchor.
Rogan uses techniques similar to Wim Hof’s method, slow, deep breaths to control the body's panic response. It helps keep the heart rate down and the mind steady.
In freezing water, your breath is your superpower.

How to Replicate the Joe Rogan Experience (Safely)
Step 1: Start with Warmer Water and Shorter Durations
Forget 33°F, your starting line should be around 60°F for 1-2 minutes.
It’s still challenging, but not overwhelming. You’ll feel the cold, but your body won’t freak out. That’s where you want to be.
Make it sustainable, not heroic.
Step 2: Focus on Your Breathing and Mental State
Don’t just jump in and hope for the best.
Before you enter the water, focus your breathing. Inhale through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth. It calms your nervous system and keeps your head in the game.
Mindset matters. Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Step 3: Gradually Lower the Temperature Over Weeks and Months
Every week or two, drop the temperature by a few degrees.
Listen to your body. Track your progress. Cold tolerance builds with time and consistency, not with shock and awe.
Adaptation is the key to long-term success.
Why You Don't Need to Go to 33°F to Get the Benefits
Here’s the truth bomb: you can get 90% of the benefits without ever touching 33°F.
Most of the science-backed results, from reduced inflammation to better mood, kick in around 50–59°F. That’s totally manageable with the right routine.
Going full-Rogan is optional, not essential.

The Verdict: Should You Copy Joe Rogan's Ice Bath Routine?
It's a Goal for the Elite, Not a Starting Point
Joe’s routine is hardcore. It’s built on years of training, mental discipline, and professional-grade equipment.
For beginners, trying to match that intensity is like signing up for a marathon with zero training. Use it as inspiration, not instruction.
Focus on Consistency at a Safe Temperature for You
The best ice bath routine? The one you’ll actually stick with.
Start smart. Stay consistent. Increase difficulty slowly. Whether you’re plunging at 60°F or 45°F, the real win is making it a habit.
Over time, you’ll build resilience, strength, and mental clarity, no frostbite required.