Wim Hof known as the ‘The Iceman’ has broken records relating to cold exposure.
These include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle on his bare feet and swimming underneath ice for 66 meters.
Scientists originally considered his feats as miraculous and not possible by ‘normal human beings’ and dubbed Wim a ‘freak of nature’. Wim attributes his success to a breathing method he has developed.
Wim and some of his practitioners were placed under scientific study. After a number of tests, results demonstrated that they were able to voluntarily influence the Autonomic Nervous System. The Wim Hof breathing method is generating worldwide scientific interest and looks to be defying previous scientific thought. You will find a Vice documentary on Youtube shadowing Wim through his journey.
Benefits of the Wim Hof breathing method:
To get you started, there is a great introduction to some of Wim Hof's breathing exercises on the Take a Deep Youtube Channel below. They offer a range of different levels.
I would personally recommend starting off with this technique above and work progressively towards the more technical ones once you have developed and perfected your breathing. Take your time to practice and you will develop the technique of breathing from diaphragm. It's good to get some variation so take a look at the different exercises available on the Take a Deep Breath channel by clicking the link above.
You can also sign up to the online Wim Hof course here. It is on my list of things to get to. I have not yet made time but I will get there. If you get to it before me, let me know how you get on. I would love to hear about your experience.
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