If you're hearing about Wim Hof for the first time, his story sounds almost like a fairy tale—only with goosebumps. Born in 1959, the Dutchman is now known as the "Iceman. " Why? Because he does things that are unimaginable for most people:
But Wim Hof doesn't just have a fetish for records. His journey began out of personal pain: after the tragic death of his wife, who suffered from mental illness, Hof fell into a deep crisis. In his despair, he sought out nature—and found the cold.
What initially seemed like an attempt to escape became a way of life. He discovered that controlled exposure to cold not only toughens the body, but also brings mental strength and emotional clarity.
WHM is based on three pillars:
1. Breathing technique
Deep, controlled breaths alternating with breath holding help to better absorb oxygen, regulate pH levels, and influence the nervous system. Many report feeling a real "high" afterwards—completely legally.
2. Cold therapy (e.g., ice baths)
Regular exposure to cold (such as cold showers or Cold Plunges) is said to help the body learn to cope better with stress, strengthen the immune system, and promote blood circulation.
3. Mental focus
It doesn't work without willpower. The method trains you to stay in the moment, not to fight the pain, but to consciously observe and accept it.
Together, this should lead to a stronger, healthier, and clearer self.
Ice bathing is, so to speak, the heart of WHM. It is the most direct way to put the body into an extreme but controlled state of stress—and then observe how you react.
What happens during ice bathing:
People who regularly bathe in ice or ice-cold water report a real "reset" for body and mind.
The Wim Hof Method has also attracted scientific interest in recent years. Researchers at Radboud University in the Netherlands found that participants in the WHM:
Other potential benefits according to studies and testimonials:
However, this method is not a miracle cure. Every body reacts differently, and ice bathing should be tried with caution and not recklessly.
Our journey to Wim Hof actually began quite unspectacularly—via a podcast.
My partner Franz and I were intensely interested in the topic of inner peace at the time and were looking for ways to bring our bodies and minds into better balance.
At some point, Franz came across an episode about the "Iceman" and was immediately fascinated.
Our curiosity piqued, we started reading and listening to more about Wim Hof. But our first real experience came as a surprise—while on vacation in Croatia.
We were sitting by the sea, the sun was slowly setting, when Franz suddenly asked me, "Would you like to breathe with me?" I was skeptical, but thought to myself, why not?
So we sat down at the table, he explained the breathing technique to me step by step, guided me through the first few rounds—and then something happened that I never would have expected:
I felt dizzy, my whole body began to tingle, and at the same time I felt full of energy and somehow weightless. It was a completely new feeling, almost like a shock to my body and mind—but positive, powerful, electrifying.
From that moment on, we were hooked. Every day at the sea, we breathed together—it was like a little ritual that gave us an incredible amount of energy and clarity. Back in Vienna, we continued, and Franz immersed himself even more intensely: he even completed Wim Hof's fundamental course. He enthusiastically told our friends about it, and soon everyone wanted to join in.
That's how we finally got into ice bathing. At first, we started with classic cold showers (which, to be honest, I find harder than ice bathing itself 😅), and later moved on to ice water. For me, it was always a struggle to get through it, but it felt great afterwards—light, awake, and full of energy.
And the best part: this shared experience not only led to a new routine in our everyday lives, but also inspired our business, the FinA Wellness Store. Wim Hof, his breathing technique, and ice bathing have accompanied us on this journey—and continue to do so today.
Over time, it even developed into a kind of game: wherever we went, we looked for opportunities to breathe. Whether on the beach, on an outing, or just in between—as soon as the opportunity arose, we practiced the breathing technique. This not only enriched our travels, but also reminded us again and again how powerful and simple the method is.
If you're now interested in trying ice bathing, here are a few important tips to get you started safely:
Not if you do it right. It's important to increase slowly, listen to your body, and never overdo it.
Yes! The breathing technique alone has many positive effects—cold is an optional but effective extra.
Once to three times a week is sufficient for many people. The important thing is regularity, not extremism.
Nothing—or swimwear. It is important to have dry, warm clothing ready afterwards.
The Wim Hof Method is more than just ice bathing—it is a tool that shows you how much strength, control, and clarity you already have within you. Whether you want to follow the "Iceman" path yourself or are simply curious, the combination of breathing, cold, and focus can help you discover new limits.
And who knows—maybe that first cold shock will soon become your new wellness ritual.
Feel free to share it with friends—or ask us your questions in the comments below or by email.
See you soon in your own wellness oasis! 💙
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