The Cold Truth: Protecting Performance and Function in Extreme Conditions

The cold weather is not just uncomfortable. It's the second deadliest environmental stressor after a lack of oxygen. It changes the way your body moves, reacts, and performs.Dr. François Hammond, a human kinetics researcher and professor with 25 years studying cold exposure from Arctic communities to special forces, shares the real risks of working in the cold, including muscle strain, slips, dehydration, and impaired nerve function, and explains why even brief exposures can add up over time. He also separates fact from hype on using cold for recovery and explains how to do it safely.Learn practical strategies to protect yourself, build adaptability, read your body’s signals, and make smarter decisions when the temperature drops.CONNECTConnect with Dr. Kevin Rindal• WorkReady Hub• LinkedIn• Instagram• Facebook• Subscribe to Field NotesConnect with Dr. François Haman• LinkedIn RESOURCES• Winter Readiness Training Resources• Cold Exposure Response Zone Chart• WorkReady Community (FREE)• WorkReady Podcast YouTube• WorkReady Episode Exclusive🎉 SPONSORS• Vimocity — The Workforce Readiness Platform• Vimocity Community (FREE for field pros)CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to WorkReady04:20 The Science of Thermoregulation13:38 Practical Tips for Cold Weather Safety22:31 The Hidden Dangers of Non-Freezing Cold Injuries25:54 Lessons from Indigenous Communities on Cold Management35:30 Monitoring and Managing Cold Stress in the Field48:10 Recognizing the Danger Zones of Cold Exposure52:17 Cognitive and Physical Impacts of Cold01:03:00 Musculoskeletal Risks and Cold-Related Injuries01:08:21 Hydration and Dehydration in Cold Environments01:15:22 The Cold-Weather Readiness Triangle01:21:43 The Science of Cold Plunging