The Wim Hof Method.
Let’s start with a little bit of choose-your-own-adventure...
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
A) Never heard of the Wim Hof Method (or you’ve just started) skip to C)
B) Familiar with the method, already practicing or interested in coming to a workshop? You might like to skip to ‘The benefits of a Wim Hof Method workshop’.
C) Alright, let’s continue…
As a Certified Wim Hof Method Instructor I'm frequently asked “What is the Wim Hof Method?” I give these 3 responses:
1. A natural, science-based approach to help you lead a happier, stronger & healthier life
2. A simple technique to help you change the way you think and feel
3. A tool to reconnect with yourself, others and the (natural) world you live in
Pick the one that resonates best because there’s no wrong answer.
With the Wim Hof Method, there’s no one size fits all approach, no dogma and no ‘this is the only way to do it’ mentality. It’s this simplicity and adaptability that make it such a powerful technique that has the potential to help people from all walks of life, including:
The person on the street looking for more energy during their day
Someone looking for a way to combat their depression or anxiety
A person looking for relief from an auto-immune related illness
An athlete chasing an edge to their performance & recovery
A leader looking for a tool to help their team manage stress
You
So what is it exactly?
What is the Wim Hof Method?
The Wim Hof Method is a combination of 3 pillars; a specialised breathing technique, gradual cold exposure and commitment (or mindset) that provide a range of potential physical and mental health benefits including:
Increased energy
Improved mental health; greater focus, willpower and resilience
Help with combating symptoms of depression, anxiety and fatigue
Stress management
Improved sleep quality
Pain management
Decreased inflammation
Immune system regulation
Improved athletic performance & recovery
Improved cold tolerance
Backed by Science
One of the key things that drew me 1) to the Wim Hof Method initially 2) to working for Wim and his team in 2018 and finally 3) to becoming an Instructor, is that there have been numerous independent scientific studies done on Wim, his method, and the benefits of breathwork, cold exposure and meditation in general.
It all started with the ground breaking, textbook rewriting Radboud University study in 2012, where scientists discovered (via Wim) that humans could voluntarily influence our autonomic nervous system, and as a result influence our innate immune response - something which was previously thought medically impossible.
Watch the video below or read the research paper to learn about the incredible study.
You might also find the following resources helpful to learn more about the Wim Hof Method and the science behind it.
Tried by Everyone
Wim has taught and continues to teach people all over the world - from celebrities and top athletes to everyday folks - to control their bodies and achieve extraordinary things.
He’s spoken at events including TEDx and Mindvalley; featured on podcasts including Tim Ferris, Joe Rogan, Lewis Howes, Rich Roll & Russell Brand; life coach Anthony Robbins has used Wim to open his live events and celebrities including Oprah, Jim Carrey, Jason Statham & Rick Rubin have all practiced the method.
On health & fitness, Wim’s featured on podcasts with Aubrey Marcus and Spartan Race founder Joe Disena, been interviewed by Impact Theory & Quest Nutrition founder Tom Bilyeu, counts adventurer Ross Edgley as a keen supporter and inspired endurance athlete and coach Brian McKenzie’s PSE program.
In the sporting world, Wim has inspired big wave surfing legend Laird Hamilton in the creation of his XPT program and professionals including Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and John John Florence use the method as part of their training. UFC Heavyweight Alistair Overeem was also one of the 1st to come on board back in 2016.
Scientists are also on board with the benefits of the Wim Hof Method including Dr Rhonda Patrick (Found My Fitness) and Stanford’s Professor Andrew Huberman (HubermanLab).
Loved Through Experience
The first quote I heard from Wim was “Feeling is understanding”, and it’s so true. We learn through feeling and there’s only one way to feel what it’s like and that’s by actually doing it. Do one round of the breathing technique, try the push-up exercise, take a 15 second cold shower.
As I share in my workshops, I don't proclaim the Wim Hof Method is the be all and end all - everybody and every body is different - and what works for one, may not work for another.
All I encourage you to do is experience it for yourself and make up your own mind.
Curious? Unsure where to begin? Read my top 5 tips to get started with the Wim Hof Method.
Interested in coming along to one of my workshops? View my list of current activities
Like me to host one at your gym, studio, workplace or backyard? Contact me
Have other questions? Please get in touch via the link above.
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