Book Review: The Wim Hof Method
I found the concepts contained in the book the WIM HOF METHOD intriguing even if I found the book repetitive and padded. The book could have been one third of the length without losing its core message. I started following the method about 12 weeks ago now. The first 8 weeks were based on the outline to the method contained in the book and a little research onYouTube. Basically you breathe as directed and take cold showers for progressively longer periods each day & week. I was curious about the effects without worrying too much about the scientific claims. I have been attempting to practice meditation for a few years now and while I have had some amazing experiences I found it difficult to maintain a consistent meditation practice. Also I had trouble with being able to actually get into a transcendental state and while I have done so over the years its been pretty hit and miss. After doing the breathing exercises for the first time and then pretty consistently thereafter I was delighted to find that I was able to reach a deep meditative state in a much shorter timeframe.
This motivated me to being a much more consistent practitioner of Wim’s breathing method than I had ever been a meditator. I decided to buy the online Fundamentals 8 week video course but it was too expensive, so I passed. A week later and I received an offer for a 35% discount and so bought it. So, a Rust top tip if you’re interested in the course, go on to the site, and then leave and wait for the discount. I found the course worth the discounted price but I would not have paid full value. As I have progressed with the method I have found myself to be more relaxed and reflective daily and feel more balanced as a result. Add to this the cold immersion and I am now at a level of tackling total immersion in cold water – not quite ice water yet but the progression has been steady and without force. Its more a case of I just ‘want’ to keep going, its pretty addictive.
Wim describes the cold as merciless, and it is. There is no room for other thoughts other than survival and concentration on maintaining your core body temperature when you’re in the cold. Somehow for me that has translated into equipping me to deal with other difficult problems during my day or when I am racing or riding an endurance event.
The cold trains your mind to overcome and prevail against the onslaught of adversity. The tools and skills gained through its practice strengthen and train your mind to overcome pain. As I said, when I’m on the bike for hours and needing to remain focussed the method training has enhanced and improved my mental strength. Personally I feel invigorated every morning afterwards and it prepares me for what the day throws at me.
Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving The Wim Hof Method a go. Its not easy, but then in life nothing worthwhile ever is. The skills and tools I’ve gained from practicing it have definitely improved my mental and physical resilience so if you’re looking to strengthen your mind and body, give it a go! WM
