What the hell is a Wim Hof?

Well, it’s not a what, it’s a who. And he’s pretty cool actually.

Wim Hof is also known as “The Iceman” after achieving some amazing feats all in the freezing cold. He has 21 Guinness World Record titles to his name including running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot and in shorts! He’s also swum under ice for 66m and stood in a container of ice water for almost two hours.

It might sound extreme, but Wim believes everyone is capable of these achievements by learning to control their bodies. He’s even developed the Wim Hof Method to teach you what is said to result in more energy, better sleep, improved focus and mood.

There are three simple ‘pillars’ to the Wim Hof Method: breathing, focus and cold therapy, so here’s a quick guide to each.

Cold Therapy

Modern research backs the benefits of cooling the body for short periods of time. That’s why elite athletes jump into an ice bath after training for faster recovery. It reduces inflammation in the body, fortifies your immune system and balances hormone levels. It also facilitates the production of feel-good chemical endorphins. #yee-hah

Breathing

Well, breathing is a must. But heightened oxygen levels created through specialized breathing techniques reduce stress levels, and increase your immune response. Wim’s breathing methods lead to a ‘here an now’ focus (rather than worrying about the past or future), activates pain suppression and increases glucose levels which generates heat to keep you warm even in the cold.

Commitment

This pillar is based on your mindset. Through focus, you’ll be able to master the art of cold therapy and conscious breathing to create an inner power to overcome future obstacles.

While Wim’s feats might seem superhuman at first, his methods certainly demonstrate a ‘mind over body’ result is attainable for anyone.

Words: Karina Eastway