Life changing, experiencing the Wim Hoff Method

          Throughout our everyday interaction with the web, we are bombarded with countless ads and content, promising wealth, health, a happier life, or even sometimes love. However, only a small proportion of the online material we encounter offers some value, so was the case with The Wim Hof Method, which promised, in the man’s own words; “love, health, and strength.” Consisting of deep breathing, stretching, cold-showers and eventually progressing into ice baths, the method seemed challenging, but with benefits like controlling your immune system and becoming healthier, embarking on the journey was a no-brainer. Before submitting myself to such a promising endeavor, I surfed the web, looking every corner for information about Wim Hof, his method, and anything negative that would deter me from proceeding. After a few days of skeptical researching, all I could find were documentaries, blog posts, v-blogs of people testing the WHM (Wim Hof Method) and even a video of scientists examining Wim Hof, all expressing their astonishment at the benefits of undertaking his method. During all these positive findings I stumbled across testimonies from relatives of four men who separately drowned in 2015 and 2016 while practicing the WHM, they died after suffering “shallow water blackouts” in swimming pools. At first, the deaths were enough evidence to discourage any further investigation into the validity of the WHM, but as I learned more about the man behind the method, it seemed improbable that he meant to hurt anyone or that his method was dangerous. To understand the Wim Hof Method, it is imperative to learn about the man himself and try to figure out what makes him tick.

Who is Wim Hof?

He is a Dutchman holding 26 world records, from taking the longest ice bath to climbing Mount Everest wearing just shorts and shoes, he has accomplished incredible feats that have baffled scientists. In one of his interviews, he told a story about his wife committing suicide, leaving him in despair and deep depression that he was unable to function. However, with the help of his cold showers, ice baths coupled with a breathing technique he practices, he was able to overcome such a difficult time in his life. He believes his method can help people with mental disorders achieve and improve their psychological state.

What is the WHM?

The Wim Hof Method consists of deep breathing, cold showers, stretching and ultimately taking ice baths. The first step to the WHM is practicing the breathing technique and once an adequate amount of practice is achieved, you proceed to the cold showers. Wim Hof suggests to never force any of the steps and rather proceed with caution. Rightly so, I have done the breathing exercise in my room and dozed off after a couple of minutes, so it is advised to find a safe place to practice the WHM. Finally, after the cold showers come the dreaded ice baths, the hallmark of the WHM. When people reach the third step, which took me a couple of weeks, the benefits are clear.

Where can I learn more about it?

There are countless of videos and content out there, and I learned through these free online sources:

And Wim Hof himself has a paid course in his website ( which was not available when I started): https://www.wimhofmethod.com/elearning/10-week-video-course. As I said, I did not purchase his class, I learned from the free materials already out there, and you can do the same.

My personal experience:

Let me start with a little background on my health and how far I have come after practicing the WHM. Ever since graduating from high school I had stomach problems, the doctor after examining my gut, said he found traces of acid reflux. He prescribed pills that I was supposed to take for a month, but the acid reflux persisted even after the month had passed. It was divesting, I was young, full of energy, yet felt like my body was not keeping up with me. People suggested doing exercise, but I was already very active, playing soccer at least three times a week. Every time I went to the doctor, He said that my blood was fine, my liver in excellent condition, my pancreas normal and he suggested that it might be a mental issue. Unable to feel any better I opted for natural remedies like gulping vinegar (apple cider) every morning, and to my surprise, it would work but only for a while. To my detriment, my health started getting worse; my body ached so bad that I had to stop going to the gym and playing soccer. Friends and family told me that it might be my diet and though I agreed with them about the importance of proper nutrition, I had been eating healthy upon leaving high school. Finally, defeated and still researching for a solution to my ailment, I encounter an article about Wim Hof on the internet where he claimed He was not a freak of nature and that he could teach anyone to do what he had accomplished through the WHM. Interested on his claim, I did enough research to convince myself that he was legit, after all, everything was natural, there was no pills to take or gear to buy, all I needed was willingness to proceed and so I did. This was three years ago, now I am 26rs old, and my body no longer hurts, my acid reflux has disappeared, and I am playing soccer as much as I can. This method is not magic; It takes perseverance, dedication, and commitment. I believe it worked for me because I was desperate, I wanted to feel better, enjoy playing soccer and most important of all, I wanted to improve my life. The WHM has had a ripple effect on my life; it began by helping me improve my health, and it has also helped me improve my mental health. I went from an anxious person, nervous and shy in front of people to become more serene and physically strong. I feel more motivated to continue pushing the boundaries whether it is at home, work or even soccer. The WHM was life-changing, and I would recommend it to anyone who finds themselves in similar conditions. Remember to take it step by step, do not force it, and enjoy life.