Exceptional performance with practicing
Almost two hours in a cylinder filled with 700 kilograms of ice cubes seems like an impossible feat. To climb the highest and coldest mountains in the world, in only shorts, you have to be almost super human. And a half marathon barefoot running through snow and ice?! … Yep, it might sound unbelievable, but it’s nothing but true. You know what else? You can do this too! Wim Hof has several breathing exercises and cold-water training that made him able to deliver this performance.
It begins with proper breathing
Wim is able to hold his breath with ease for over six minutes while his entire body is submerged under water. Cold water, obviously. It’s possible for everyone. The base lies in proper breathing. Described below are the steps to the breathing exercises:
- Sit in a quiet environment, such as a living room or garden.
- Breath from your lower abdomen and blow air out like you are inflating a balloon.
- Repeat this 30 times. After 30 times exhale all the air out, then take in a deep breath and let your lungs fill completely. Retain (hold it in) for ten seconds. Repeat this a few times and try to hold your breath longer as you progress.
Through this exercise, you can train to hold your breath longer and make conscious contact with your heart, autonomic nervous system and immune system. It also has a positive influence on your blood circulation.
Next step: Confrontation with the cold
After the breathing and meditation exercises, your body and mind will be prepared for the next challenge: the confrontation with cold. Through certain exposures to the cold you can make your body stronger. You can start now by practicing this at home! For example, take a cold shower after a hot one. This will train the tiny muscles in your veins to be come stronger. As you progress you can even sit, walk, or run through the snow and ice. More importantly, this helps your body prevent future diseases
Do you want to learn more about the Wim Hof Method? Take part in one of his workshops or go on a tour with the Iceman.
Wim Hof (Iceman) is a Global Warming Ambassador.
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