
Benefits of cold showers
Cold showers are an important part of the Wim Hof Method. Although it may seem counterintuitive, these showers are actually beneficial for both your mind and your body. For the best benefits, incorporate cold showers into your daily routine. As this takes strength and dedication, Wim advises to gradually build up the duration and intensity. If you have no prior experience with cold showers, start with a regular shower and finish the last 30 seconds cold. You quickly notice that you are able to tolerate the cold more and more, and eventually cold showers and even ice baths become things you look forward to (trust us).
Known benefits of cold showers
Thousands of people from all over the world already incorporate cold showers into their daily routines. The main benefits reported by people who take cold showers regularly are listed below:
Reduced stress levels. Regularly taking cold showers imposes a small amount of stress on your body, which leads to a process called hardening. This means that your nervous system gradually gets used to handling moderate levels of stress. The hardening process helps you to keep a cool head, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation.
Higher level of alertness. Cold showers wake your body up, inducing a higher state of alertness. The cold also stimulates you to take deeper breaths, decreasing the level of CO2 throughout the body, helping you concentrate. Cold showers thus keep you ready and focused throughout the day.
More robust immune response. Scientific studies have found that taking a cold shower increases the number of white blood cells in your body. These blood cells protect your body against diseases. Researchers believe that this process is related to an increased metabolic rate, which stimulates the immune response.
Increased willpower. It takes a strong mind to endure the cold for extended periods of time. By incorporating cold showers into your daily routine, you are strengthening your willpower, which benefits many aspects of (your) daily life.
Weight loss. Research has shown that cold showers (and exposure to cold in general), in addition to increasing metabolic rate directly, stimulate the generation of brown fat. Brown fat is a specific type of fat tissue that in turn generates energy by burning calories. Cold showers, then, are an effective tool for people who are looking to lose a few pounds.

Scientific proof
The Wim Hof Method has a strong scientific underpinning. Scientists have conducted many studies to uncover the physiological mechanisms behind the method. For example, Wim Hof was exposed to the cold in a controlled laboratory setting, his body temperature remaining stable throughout, showing the positive effect of cold exposure on his levels of brown fat tissue. Furthermore, practitioners of the Wim Hof Method where injected with endotoxins to measure their immune response, and compared with a control group that did not practice the WHM. Those who practiced the method reported significantly fewer symptoms associated with the endotoxins. You can read more about the science behind the Wim Hof Method on our science page.
Practice the Wim Hof Method
The Wim Hof Method is an easy to practice but very powerful method, that stimulates your body and your mind. You can start practicing the Wim Hof Method today by subscribing to our Fundamentals video course. During the course, Wim Hof himself will teach you everything there is to know about his method through a series of interactive videos. You can watch these videos online whenever and wherever you want. When you have completed the video course, you will have a firm understanding of the Wim Hof Method and the science behind it.
The three pillars
The Wim Hof Method is built on three powerful pillars: breathing technique, controlled exposure to cold, and commitment. Together, they form a life-changing method that provides you with the means to cope with numerous stressors and challenges. Many people from all over the world, including celebrities and professional sports athletes, are already benefiting from the Wim Hof Method. You can see and hear some of their stories on our testimonials page.

Wim Hof Method References
Wim Hof Method is assesed on average with an 9.5 out of 10 based on 2147 experiences written by participants














