My first experience with the Wim Hof Workshop was truly transformative.
Through cold exposure and dynamic breathwork, I tapped into a surprising sense of inner strength and came face to face with some personal weaknesses. The process brought a deeper level of self-awareness that I hadn’t anticipated. In this post, I’m not just sharing the techniques themselves I want to reflect on what it felt like to move through the experience.
What is the Wim Hof Method?
The Wim Hof Method (WHM), developed by “The Iceman” Wim Hof, brings together breathing techniques, cold exposure, and mindset training to support both mental and physical health. The breathing involves deep, rhythmic cycles followed by breath holds, helping to improve oxygen levels and sharpen focus. Cold exposure, like ice baths or cold showers is known to boost immunity, improve circulation, and build resilience.
What stands out most to me is that you can start with just one part of the practice or combine them all, either way, it can have a strong impact from the start.
It doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
First Impressions: Leading by Example
Our teacher, Ferdinand, radiated an energy that was infectious and with a physique reminiscent of Tarzan, he created an environment where we felt both safe and welcome. As he prepared to share his knowledge and passion for the Wim Hof Method, I found myself admiring his dedication and his clear desire to make a positive impact on the people around him.
He spoke passionately about the importance of leading by example, something that really stuck with me.
True change cannot be forced upon someone. The most effective approach is to inspire and influence others through our own actions.
If we embody the principles and benefits of the Wim Hof Method or any practice that brings peace and contentment, others will naturally become curious and want to learn more, in their own time. Ferdinand’s presence was a powerful reminder of how impactful it is when someone fully lives what they teach.
The power of the breath
After the introduction, we moved into the breathwork session. As we completed three or four rounds, I felt a tingling in my arms and legs. During the breath-hold stage, I managed to hold my breath for around two minutes, something I never imagined I’d be capable of. It showed me just how deeply relaxed, focused, or “in the moment” I had become during the practice.
Usually, my mind is juggling tasks and thoughts, but during this session, I was completely present. At the end, I exchanged a look with the person beside me. We didn’t say a word, but we both knew we’d experienced something powerful and deeply personal.
But it wasn’t just the breath that made an impact. The music and sound played a huge role too. At one point, sound bowls filled the room with vibrations that felt like they were reaching a deeper part of me. I left the session genuinely excited to explore how sound shapes our experiences.
Conquering the Ice Bath
This was the hardest part for me. I really dislike the cold, moving to Barcelona was partly about escaping it. Stepping into the ice bath, a wave of shock hit me. I panicked. My breath was shallow, and fear crept in. But then I remembered what we’d been taught. I started to slow my breath, and a fellow participant gently guided me with a calm presence. That made a difference. When the group began counting down from ten, something shifted, I knew I could get through it.
This too shall pass.
Afterward, I couldn’t stop thinking about how quickly discomfort can trigger doubt. But I also saw how powerful breath and mindset can be in reclaiming control. It reminded me how deeply our thoughts and bodies are connected.
Ferdinand shared a perspective that really stayed with me:
The ice is just information. What matters is how we respond.
That mindset carried over into the next morning. At the gym, I stood in front of a heavy barbell and nearly talked myself out of lifting it, convinced it was too much. But then I remembered the ice: “It’s just information.” I reframed the challenge as an opportunity, focused my breath, and lifted it. I actually surprised myself.
It made me more intentional about how I spend my time and what thoughts I feed.
Final Reflections: Power Within and Creating a Life You Love
What this experience reinforced for me is that we hold more power than we often realise.
We’re in control of our decisions, our actions, and how we respond to the world around us. We don’t have to stay stuck in habits or narratives that no longer serve us we can choose differently, and choose better.
Every action, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect. The Wim Hof workshop didn’t just shift something in me for that one afternoon it carried over. The next morning at the gym, I moved with a new energy. I felt more capable than before.
The right practices, people, and environments can accelerate your growth in ways you might not expect.
So it’s worth asking:
How are you spending your time? Where are you placing your energy? What are you exposing yourself to?
Because in the end, creating a life you love comes down to aligning your daily actions with the kind of life you want to live.
