Exhaling is done by just “letting go”, so the air flows out without pressure.

It starts with relaxed, deep breathing into the belly and chest – so that the front of the upper body rises and falls like a wave.

The individual steps of this journey became the pillars of the evolving method. Gradually, his journey led him further to almost complete insensitivity to cold and to an immune system that has not been affected by any illness since. Regular contact with the cold was his way out of his grief over his wife’s suicide. He noticed not only physical adaptations, but also an increasing psychological well-being. Hof discovered this cold and special breathing method at the beginning of the nineties. Wim Hof is known for his unique cold and breath training. And that is entirely possible and realistic, as we will see in a moment. But where is the real potential? Can the WHM really take average people like you and me to new heights? What is it about?įor most people, it is about doing something physically and mentally for their own health and vitality. Which, in turn, is why there is occasionally talk of “hype” and “exaggerated marketing”. However, you may read terms such as “superhuman”, “superpowers” and similar big claims from time to time. When conducted correctly, the Wim Hof training (which also includes occasional small meditation and yoga exercises) should be accessible to everyone. Anything else is irresponsible and negligent! Taking ice baths requires a lot of practice and experience gained through a slow approach! In the Wim Hof Method courses, the initial ice baths are exclusively in bathtubs.

Several people have lost their lives in such attempts. However, a warning is needed: there are numerous pictures and videos of Wim Hof and his method, which should be treated more as stunts and performances – and not as a model for beginners! This refers in particular to bathing, swimming and diving in ice-cold or even frozen waters. As a mountain lover and outdoor sports enthusiast, it’s hard to avoid this bearded Dutchman and his cold and breathing training. From health to fitness to zest for life and resilience to stress, the Wim Hof Method (WHM) is said to increase just about everything. The promises floating around the web are huge. It is about breathing exercises, getting used to coldness and regular practice of personal development. Wim Hof has a cult following with his very popular method.

Wim hof method when to see results