Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How do I set up a chest freezer?

Answer

Having a chest freezer cold plunge at home offers many benefits from convenience to the ability to adjust the temperature. Read my tips to building a chest freezer cold plunge for a breakdown of my chest freezer ice bath setup.

Question 2

What’s better; cold shower, ice bath or cryotherapy?

Answer

Factors like the type, temperature and time play a role in providing benefits of cold exposure, but they’re not the most important. Read my article The 4 T’s of Cold Exposure for a breakdown on each, and discover what is actually more important.

Question 3

I’m new to the Wim Hof Method, how do I get started?

Answer

There’s a lot of content out there on Wim (8 million results), so it can be confusing to know where to begin. Here are my 5 tips to help you get started with the Wim Hof Method.

Question 4

I’ve completed an online Wim Hof Method course, why come to a workshop?

Answer

There are plenty of reasons to come along to a workshop even if you’ve completed a course, or been practicing for some time, with many participants echoing Marianne’s - “The experience was significantly better than what I had managed by myself at home.” Discover the Benefits of a Wim Hof Method Workshop.

Question 5

I’ve been practicing the Wim Hof Method for a few weeks, but now I feel worse?

Answer

Our lives and our lifestyle, our poor (breathing) habits condition us and this takes time to clear out blockages (and trash that’s built up in our bodies) and relearn new behaviours. Along the way the body can protest, and it’s common for people to feel a little worse after 3 weeks, and to potentially get sick/flu at week 5-6. Keep at it, but if you feel unwell, drop the cold exposure until you’re better.

Question 6

I have a cold/flu/feel unwell, should I continue cold training?

Answer

Cold exposure training is a form of hormetic stress - a small, measured dose of stress on the body - but, it is still stress… and so is having a cold/flu. There’s no point adding to that stress, instead encourage your body to direct it’s healing energy into getting better and pick up your cold training when you’re better. I would recommend keeping up your breathing practice, but listen to your body - go light if you need to.

Question 7

Is the Wim Hof Method for everybody?

Answer

The Wim Hof Method can be practiced by every healthy individual and workshops are suitable for everyone 18 years and over, regardless of your current level of fitness or confidence. This was Emily’s experience: "Kym was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about every aspect of the course including catering to people with different abilities. I have some chronic medical conditions and he made sure everything was safe and comfortable for me to participate as well as giving me additional information to help with moving forward." Out of precaution, we advise against practicing during pregnancy (or if you’re looking to conceive), or if you are epileptic. People with cardiovascular issues, or any other serious health conditions (e.g. high blood pressure, COPD, stroke) should always get in touch with the instructor and consult a medical professional before starting any of the exercises. If you suffer from migraines, be cautious when it comes to taking ice baths (and other cold exposure). If you have specific questions relating to your condition, please contact your instructor beforehand.

Question 8

Is the Wim Hof Method suitable for children?

Answer

The Wim Hof Method breathing techniques can cause lightheadedness and even loss of consciousness. Children often have not matured to the point where they understand their body well enough to adequately assess these risks. Additionally, their lungs and brains are still developing. Therefore, we advise that children under the age of 16 are supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Please be careful with regard to cold exposure, and build this up gradually. I have a limit of 18 years and above at all my public workshops, but I am happy to discuss, on a case-by-case basis, teaching those under 18 at private workshops under supervision of a parent or legal guardian. However, there are so many other breathing techniques that can be taught to children. Please contact me to organise a modified breathwork session suitable for kids to teenagers.