Wim Hof Breathing

Who is Wim Hof?

Wim Hof , also known as The Iceman, is a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete noted for his ability to withstand low temperatures. He broke several records related to cold exposure including: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.

What is the Wim Hof Breathing technique?

In short: It is a deep breathing exercise invented by Wim Hof.

Wim Hof first discovered the technique in the late 1990s, after he climbed to the top of Mount Everest wearing nothing but shorts and shoes. He attributed his ability to withstand the harsh conditions to his breathing technique, which he had been developing for years.

The core of the Wim Hof breathing technique is a specific type of deep breathing called hyperventilation. This involves breathing in deeply and forcefully, filling the lungs as much as possible, and then exhaling completely. This is done in a rapid, cyclical manner, with the goal of increasing the amount of oxygen in the body and reducing the amount of carbon dioxide.

The second component of the Wim Hof Method is cold exposure. Hof suggests taking cold showers and even submerging in ice-cold water to help the body adapt to cold temperatures.

The third component is mental commitment, which involves developing a strong mindset and focus to push through any discomfort or adversity. Hof says this is important to achieve the full benefits of the method, and to be able to control the body’s response to stress.

What are the benefits of the Wim Hof Breathing technique?

· Improved cardiovascular and immune system function

· Increased energy levels and mood

· Improved sleep

· Increased mental clarity

· Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness

· Better overall health

How to do this breathing technique:

One round of the Wim Hof Method breathing technique includes these steps:

1. Take in a strong inhalation through the nose.

2. Let out a relaxed exhalation through the mouth.

3. Repeat for 30 breaths.

4. On the 30th breath, exhale to 90 percent and hold for as long as you can.

5. When you feel your body really needs to take a breath, inhale fully and hold for 15 seconds before releasing.

When do we have the Wim Hof Breathing session

Every Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30PM in the Colab Library. Each session lasts 10-15 minutes and it completely free.

See you there!