Recently we let our readers know about the health benefits of cold showers. Now we’d like to introduce you to the Wim Hof Method – learn how you can take control of your body to harness the benefits of cold water!
The Dutch daredevil Wim Hof, also known as the Iceman, has been experimenting with cold therapy for many decades and focuses his findings on the conscious control of our autonomous system. This practice allows him to gain conscious control of his immune system, allowing him to withstand extreme environments.
He has climbed Everest and Kilimanjaro wearing only shorts and shoes. He has stayed comfortable in ice baths for hours. He has even run a full marathon in the highest desert (approximately 50 degrees Celsius) with no food or water. We’re not suggesting our members rush out and attempt these amazing feats of the human body! However, there’s a lot to be learned by understanding how Wim Hof does it.
The Wim Hof Method
Wim Hof explains that by learning to consciously control our autonomous system, we expose our bodies to a whole new range of restorative properties. These properties allow us to push ourselves further than we could have imagined, in any given physical activity. His method, named the Wim Hof Method, has a strong base of scientific support as well as a continuously growing fan base, and is built on three pillars.
Cold Therapy
You must be willing to expose yourself to extreme climates in order to allow your body to adapt to the change in temperature. By doing this, you will begin to observe effects such as a build up of brown adipose tissue and subsequent fat loss, reduced inflammation to facilitate a fortified immune system, balanced hormone levels and the production of endorphins.
Breathing
We’re always breathing, yet we’re mostly unaware of how the way in which we breathe can affect our body’s response to stress. In the presence of an external factor, such as extreme cold, breathing can help our bodies survive. Heightened oxygen levels are good for the body, and the specialized breathing technique that is used in the Wim Hof Method has been proved to increase energy, reduce stress levels, and heighten your immune response.
Commitment
The third pillar of the Wim Hof Method is commitment, and it is the hardest one to achieve. It is the foundation for the other two pillars, and requires patience and dedication in order to be fully mastered. To obtain maximum benefits, this method should be put in practice every single day.
Starting with a 30-second cold burst at the end of your showers is more than enough time to begin reaping benefits. As your body begins to accept and embrace the cold, you can then begin to lengthen your time spent in cold water!
Lydia-Rose Kerouac-Dube
Professional Training Coach
Innovative Fitness Kitsilano
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