Anyone thinking of trying the Wim Hof method?

[BorisJohnsonsHair]

Very interested in the idea of cold water improving circulation, immunity etc.

Downloaded the Wim Hof app and have tried the breathing and have done a couple of 15 second cold showers, which weren't that bad.

Anyone else?

No. Not after reading this very sad story
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-61257378?at_custom4=34B0D3A8-C70C-11EC-BA0A-4EAA923C408C&at%3Cspan

I do the breathing every morning followed by a cold shower. It's improved menopause symptoms and migraines. Started Aug 2020. Not sure I have it in me to sit in an ice bath though.

Been doing it a few years now.

Lots of friends seem to be obsessed by it. Constantly posting about cold showers etc.

I don’t believe them.

Why wouldn’t you believe them?

I turn the shower right down for the last 3 minutes (which happens to coincide with my rinsing my conditioner). Worked up from 30 seconds. It’s not exactly challenging in the grand scheme of things……

It's a big thing in Brighton. Mainly women and all year will go in, often in swimming costumes but with hats and neoprene boots and gloves on.

I used to swim early morning in an outdoor (but lightly heated pool) all year round, sleet, rain whatever. It is a real boost. But the sea is too cold in uk for me apart from in the summer.

@OnceAgainWithFeeling - what benefits have you had from the cold shower blasts?

There is podcast on BBC sounds by Michael Mosley called just one thing. He covers this in one of his episodes.

Nothing beats a good run, preferably a trail run, for getting my circulation working brilliantly.

could be a coincidence by I have not had a cold since… I honestly can’t remember. And I nobly found out I had covid becuae I had to take a pcr came back positive! No symptoms whatsoever

This is an interesting article:

www.independent.co.uk/news/health/cold-shower-15-seconds-benefits-b2068583.html?amp

I don't do Wim Hof, but I swim in cold water all through the winter. I find the cold water swimming amazing for my wellbeing, but that is also the effect of doing something challenging in the company of others and doing it in nature as well as the actual cold.

More awake. Deeper breathing. Clarity of mind. Improved immunity - haven’t had a cold in forever. Also haven’t had Covid despite 2 years working in a hospital and both DH and DD having it.

For anyone with heart issues this isn't suitable.(I know it might seem stating the obvious but not everyone is clued in)

Thanks @OnceAgainWithFeeling - that sounds v positive 😀

I love that podcast! I do all the things more or less 😃

I don't have fb and I've only mentioned it to a couple of people. I do it because it feels good (once it's over!)
I've gone from mincing about in the shower with an arm or leg in and out to a good 5 mins. Cannot yet wash my hair in cold water but I'm working on it.

I don’t follow Wim Hof but I’ve been open water swimming (no wetsuit) for about a year. It has improved my mental health, sleep and physical well-being.
I have more resilience in the gym too and always push myself harder than I used to, because that little voice in my head that says ‘you can’t’ now says ‘you can’

Not in the slightest. I cannot understand why this cold water nonsense is meant to be good for you in this idiotic fashion and I'd be very surprised if there was any proper medical research to back it up either. There are many more sensible things to do without a doubt.

You should get out more.

Many many biological and mental benefits. Mainly from being more in line with human biology than our heavily modified lifestyles (heating/clothes/electric lighting).

I cannot understand why this cold water nonsense is meant to be good for you in this idiotic fashion and I'd be very surprised if there was any proper medical research to back it up either.

You thinking it's nonsense and deciding you'd be surprised if there were medical research doesn't mean that's actually the case though. There is some research linked to on this thread. And there are people who have seen real benefits.

Nah. I’ve considered it but every time I step into a hot shower and it makes me feel so relaxed and happy I just think ‘why would I?!’

A friend of mine lost her father to cold water shock. I think the show is a bit irresponsible to be honest.

A cold shower or ice bath is one thing but the risks on open water are huge especially if you aren't in an organised group.

Give it a go for a week. I started like that but now I look forward to the cold bit!

Thanks for all your responses.

I first heard him on Dr Chaterjee's podcast, and he seemed to be very impressed with the idea. Ditto Michael Mosley.

I think there's a lot more to many "alternative" therapies than we know at present, and I'm happy to give it a go.

It's very popular at my local beaches. I've tried it myself and yes, I did see benefits.
However, we are very lucky here in that we have two very experienced cold water swimmers/triathletes who will spend time with any newbies helping them acclimatise, get in safely etc. All they need to do to access this help is give a shout on FB.