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The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential
The only definitive work authored by Wim Hof on his powerful method for realizing our physical and spiritual potential.
“This method is very simple, very accessible, and endorsed by science. Anybody can do it, and there is no dogma, only acceptance. Only freedom.” —Wim Hof
Wim Hof has a message for each of us: “You can literally do the impossible. You can overcome disease, improve your mental health and physical performance, and even control your physiology so you can thrive in any stressful situation.” With The Wim Hof Method, this trailblazer of human potential shares a method that anyone can use—young or old, sick or healthy—to supercharge their capacity for strength, vitality, and happiness.
Wim has become known as “The Iceman” for his astounding physical feats, such as spending hours in freezing water and running barefoot marathons over deserts and ice fields. Yet his most remarkable achievement is not any record-breaking performance—it is the creation of a method that thousands of people have used to transform their lives.
In his gripping and passionate style, Wim shares his method and his story, including:
• Breath—Wim’s unique practices to change your body chemistry, infuse yourself with energy, and focus your mind
• Cold—Safe, controlled, shock-free practices for using cold exposure to enhance your cardiovascular system and awaken your body’s untapped strength
• Mindset—Build your willpower, inner clarity, sensory awareness, and innate joyfulness in the miracle of living
• Science—How users of this method have redefined what is medically possible in study after study
• Health—True stories and testimonials from people using the method to overcome disease and chronic illness
• Performance—Increase your endurance, improve recovery time, up your mental game, and more
• Wim’s Story—Follow Wim’s inspiring personal journey of discovery, tragedy, and triumph
• Spiritual Awakening—How breath, cold, and mindset can reveal the beauty of your soul
Wim Hof is a man on a mission: to transform the way we live by reminding us of our true power and purpose. “This is how we will change the world, one soul at a time,” Wim says. “We alter the collective consciousness by awakening to our own boundless potential. We are limited only by the depth of our imagination and the strength of our conviction.”
If you’re ready to explore and exceed the limits of your own potential, The Wim Hof Method is waiting for you.
“This method is very simple, very accessible, and endorsed by science. Anybody can do it, and there is no dogma, only acceptance. Only freedom.” —Wim Hof
Wim Hof has a message for each of us: “You can literally do the impossible. You can overcome disease, improve your mental health and physical performance, and even control your physiology so you can thrive in any stressful situation.” With The Wim Hof Method, this trailblazer of human potential shares a method that anyone can use—young or old, sick or healthy—to supercharge their capacity for strength, vitality, and happiness.
Wim has become known as “The Iceman” for his astounding physical feats, such as spending hours in freezing water and running barefoot marathons over deserts and ice fields. Yet his most remarkable achievement is not any record-breaking performance—it is the creation of a method that thousands of people have used to transform their lives.
In his gripping and passionate style, Wim shares his method and his story, including:
• Breath—Wim’s unique practices to change your body chemistry, infuse yourself with energy, and focus your mind
• Cold—Safe, controlled, shock-free practices for using cold exposure to enhance your cardiovascular system and awaken your body’s untapped strength
• Mindset—Build your willpower, inner clarity, sensory awareness, and innate joyfulness in the miracle of living
• Science—How users of this method have redefined what is medically possible in study after study
• Health—True stories and testimonials from people using the method to overcome disease and chronic illness
• Performance—Increase your endurance, improve recovery time, up your mental game, and more
• Wim’s Story—Follow Wim’s inspiring personal journey of discovery, tragedy, and triumph
• Spiritual Awakening—How breath, cold, and mindset can reveal the beauty of your soul
Wim Hof is a man on a mission: to transform the way we live by reminding us of our true power and purpose. “This is how we will change the world, one soul at a time,” Wim says. “We alter the collective consciousness by awakening to our own boundless potential. We are limited only by the depth of our imagination and the strength of our conviction.”
If you’re ready to explore and exceed the limits of your own potential, The Wim Hof Method is waiting for you.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2020
4407 people are currently reading
16288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,653 reviews
November 30, 2021
*I received an advanced reader's copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Wim Hof and his method are great; I do not doubt it - I even practice it myself at times. The beginning of this book made me feel excited. But after some chapters, my excitement has dimmed greatly. I must admit that, at least for now, YouTube and Wim's app and website seem like much better sources to learn about it all.
I truly believe this book could become a great one, helping to popularize Wim's method, but it requires some serious work from a good editor. Some chapters feel like an exact repetition of many other ones. The fact that Wim, too, admits it to the reader does NOT help. It only made me more irritated, to be honest. Simply making this book a bit shorter (to avoid the constant repetitions) would make it way better. Also, please fix the chaos in the narration. This work really needs a better-organized narrative.
On a similar note, the simplest version of the WMH breathing tips is spread out throughout the whole book. Why? Why can't the method be described very thoroughly and in one place? There is no video attachment in a book, no guided meditations - the instructions need to be clear from the very beginning. The same thing goes for the showers part. There is a surprising lack of consistency regarding the recommended length (recommendations being spread out on many pages, of course), and I do not mean the beginner/advanced differences.
Additionally, referencing science and data is awesome, but it'd be great if an actual list of sources was added.
On a completely separate note, while I do understand this is Wim's book and Wim's way of thinking, I can imagine quite a lot of people getting at least slightly annoyed at how he sometimes describes women and mothers - loads of stereotypes there. Nothing too terrible, but still. Let this be a small trigger warning for readers who keep feminist matters as close to their heart as I do.
Also, please be careful of the suggestions that Hof's method can treat depression and similar illnesses without an adequate amount and quality of studies focused solely on this matter - this. is. dangerous. to. suggest. Sure, Wim's method can serve as an aid along the way, but do remember this is an illness that needs adequate care and treatment that has been thoroughly tested 💛
Wim Hof and his method are great; I do not doubt it - I even practice it myself at times. The beginning of this book made me feel excited. But after some chapters, my excitement has dimmed greatly. I must admit that, at least for now, YouTube and Wim's app and website seem like much better sources to learn about it all.
I truly believe this book could become a great one, helping to popularize Wim's method, but it requires some serious work from a good editor. Some chapters feel like an exact repetition of many other ones. The fact that Wim, too, admits it to the reader does NOT help. It only made me more irritated, to be honest. Simply making this book a bit shorter (to avoid the constant repetitions) would make it way better. Also, please fix the chaos in the narration. This work really needs a better-organized narrative.
On a similar note, the simplest version of the WMH breathing tips is spread out throughout the whole book. Why? Why can't the method be described very thoroughly and in one place? There is no video attachment in a book, no guided meditations - the instructions need to be clear from the very beginning. The same thing goes for the showers part. There is a surprising lack of consistency regarding the recommended length (recommendations being spread out on many pages, of course), and I do not mean the beginner/advanced differences.
Additionally, referencing science and data is awesome, but it'd be great if an actual list of sources was added.
On a completely separate note, while I do understand this is Wim's book and Wim's way of thinking, I can imagine quite a lot of people getting at least slightly annoyed at how he sometimes describes women and mothers - loads of stereotypes there. Nothing too terrible, but still. Let this be a small trigger warning for readers who keep feminist matters as close to their heart as I do.
Also, please be careful of the suggestions that Hof's method can treat depression and similar illnesses without an adequate amount and quality of studies focused solely on this matter - this. is. dangerous. to. suggest. Sure, Wim's method can serve as an aid along the way, but do remember this is an illness that needs adequate care and treatment that has been thoroughly tested 💛
October 4, 2020
I can’t finish this book. It has made me too annoyed. It keeps promising data and science and yet I have heard none. I believe in this method and that it can be useful; that’s not the problem. The book itself just doesn’t explain anything really, it just repeats the same promises over and over with loads of random case studies and just alludes to ‘data’ and ‘science’ and ‘trials’ without actually going into any detail or explanations. Very frustrating.
December 10, 2020
Reading this gave me anxiety.
There are huge claims and they are not sufficiently substantiated for advise on healthcare.
Unfortunately, it reads poorly too.
That said, the book is about the method and from an author who put their ego aside and invested their life on a w(h)im!
On reflection, "the mission" Wim is on, is to bring spirituality (and it's associated wellbeing) into a form that everyday people can access easily and benefit from.
In my mind he 100% delivers on that with the method he's designed.
Meditation may be wonderful, but it isn't convenient or immediate.
Wim's method is accessible, it is spirtual and it produces accompanying physical symptoms/benefits too. For me, this is the interesting part as it feels Wim is closing in on a way to take the black box off concepts such as spirituality and placebo.
His life is the experiment and like a modern day company, he's package his learnings into a 'solution' (or method) and is offering it up for free.
Science should be looking to explain the powerful effects of placebo and Wim appears to have submitted exciting scientific research on the matter... whether it's a breakthrough only time will tell.
Does the book convey a well balanced, considered argument for the ability of spiritual well being to transcend modern health care (like a Sam Harris would)?
No.
Would I go to the pub with Wim rather than Sam Harris?
Yes.
Will I practice Wim's method rather than Sam Harris's meditation app.
Yes.
Wim lives it, he lives for it and he may be on to something.
The writing isn't perfect but it is steeped in character. With an open mind, you can enjoy this book and learn about an alternative method to well being.
Try the method for yourself!!
(For medical application maybe consult with your Doctor though...)
There are huge claims and they are not sufficiently substantiated for advise on healthcare.
Unfortunately, it reads poorly too.
That said, the book is about the method and from an author who put their ego aside and invested their life on a w(h)im!
On reflection, "the mission" Wim is on, is to bring spirituality (and it's associated wellbeing) into a form that everyday people can access easily and benefit from.
In my mind he 100% delivers on that with the method he's designed.
Meditation may be wonderful, but it isn't convenient or immediate.
Wim's method is accessible, it is spirtual and it produces accompanying physical symptoms/benefits too. For me, this is the interesting part as it feels Wim is closing in on a way to take the black box off concepts such as spirituality and placebo.
His life is the experiment and like a modern day company, he's package his learnings into a 'solution' (or method) and is offering it up for free.
Science should be looking to explain the powerful effects of placebo and Wim appears to have submitted exciting scientific research on the matter... whether it's a breakthrough only time will tell.
Does the book convey a well balanced, considered argument for the ability of spiritual well being to transcend modern health care (like a Sam Harris would)?
No.
Would I go to the pub with Wim rather than Sam Harris?
Yes.
Will I practice Wim's method rather than Sam Harris's meditation app.
Yes.
Wim lives it, he lives for it and he may be on to something.
The writing isn't perfect but it is steeped in character. With an open mind, you can enjoy this book and learn about an alternative method to well being.
Try the method for yourself!!
(For medical application maybe consult with your Doctor though...)
January 23, 2023
Wim Hoff is quite the enigma. I have no doubt that he is quite insane and also quite brilliant. It is clear to me that the two walk hand in hand.
There’s something to his words, something true and quite profound. There’s no doubt his method works for him. He has figured out some mental knack to allow him to transcend the perceivable limits of the human body, which sounds a bit crazy, but he can do things most of us can’t and he seems to be genuinely interested in teaching these methods to other people. However, this book doesn’t really scratch the surface of capturing what he does.
Practice is the key. As is learning. And this book doesn’t quite pin down precisely what is needed. It’s like he’s trying to convince us that his method is real, and that it works, but he doesn’t quite show us what his method is. He gives us data and a lot of biography. He tells us how he came to his method and why he felt it was necessary. And it’s very convincing. I believe in what he says. I think he has found something, and he understands a crucial fact of human existence: none of us ever really discover our true potential.
“In nature, it is not only the physically weak but the mentally weak that get eaten. Now we have created this modern society in which we have every comfort, yet we are losing our ability to regulate our mood, our emotions.”
But how do we implement it? Hoff suggests we start with cold showers and that our bodies will eventually adapt to the cold. Afterwards our general fitness will improve. We should meditate and allow love into our life. We should open our hearts and our minds and embrace human experience, true human experience in which our survival instincts become activated. And that’s the key: going back to nature and allowing our adaptive responses to be brought into everyday existence. Life is too comfortable, and our bodies have forgotten that we are animals with drives that are not used.
This book certainly made me think. Unfortunately, Hoff is not the most talented of writers. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he is a very accomplished individual. However, I don’t think this book captures the essence of his ideas particularly well. He is a much better speaker, and it’s a shame he didn’t do the recording for the audiobook version of this. It may have helped clear things up a bit and to carry forward more of his personality. His social media videos are much more powerful and convincing. They make me want to try his method more.
Overall, this book is a curiosity with some wisdom to share. One thing I was shocked to discover is that he is a vegetarian – or perhaps even a vegan – because he never really talks about it much. It helped him form a spiritual connection with the earth and nature. It helped him on his way to discovering who is he is. Clearly, it’s a big part of who he is and I wish he would push it a bit more publicly.
___________________________________
You can connect with me on social media via My Linktree.
__________________________________
There’s something to his words, something true and quite profound. There’s no doubt his method works for him. He has figured out some mental knack to allow him to transcend the perceivable limits of the human body, which sounds a bit crazy, but he can do things most of us can’t and he seems to be genuinely interested in teaching these methods to other people. However, this book doesn’t really scratch the surface of capturing what he does.
Practice is the key. As is learning. And this book doesn’t quite pin down precisely what is needed. It’s like he’s trying to convince us that his method is real, and that it works, but he doesn’t quite show us what his method is. He gives us data and a lot of biography. He tells us how he came to his method and why he felt it was necessary. And it’s very convincing. I believe in what he says. I think he has found something, and he understands a crucial fact of human existence: none of us ever really discover our true potential.
“In nature, it is not only the physically weak but the mentally weak that get eaten. Now we have created this modern society in which we have every comfort, yet we are losing our ability to regulate our mood, our emotions.”
But how do we implement it? Hoff suggests we start with cold showers and that our bodies will eventually adapt to the cold. Afterwards our general fitness will improve. We should meditate and allow love into our life. We should open our hearts and our minds and embrace human experience, true human experience in which our survival instincts become activated. And that’s the key: going back to nature and allowing our adaptive responses to be brought into everyday existence. Life is too comfortable, and our bodies have forgotten that we are animals with drives that are not used.
This book certainly made me think. Unfortunately, Hoff is not the most talented of writers. Don’t get me wrong, I believe he is a very accomplished individual. However, I don’t think this book captures the essence of his ideas particularly well. He is a much better speaker, and it’s a shame he didn’t do the recording for the audiobook version of this. It may have helped clear things up a bit and to carry forward more of his personality. His social media videos are much more powerful and convincing. They make me want to try his method more.
Overall, this book is a curiosity with some wisdom to share. One thing I was shocked to discover is that he is a vegetarian – or perhaps even a vegan – because he never really talks about it much. It helped him form a spiritual connection with the earth and nature. It helped him on his way to discovering who is he is. Clearly, it’s a big part of who he is and I wish he would push it a bit more publicly.
___________________________________
You can connect with me on social media via My Linktree.
__________________________________
December 14, 2020
I heard a podcast with Wim Hof and was fascinated by his breathing, cold shower and ice bath methods, so decided to listen on audible.
Early in the book he talked of living as a squatter for 8 years and this kind of put me off. He then ventured into "chakras" and "third eye" stuff and I found it hard to keep going. But I pressed on. Further statements like "all you need is love" and "Love will open you up to the power of your mind" proved too esoteric for my logical and pragmatic disposition, but I finally finished.
He discussed his methods, albeit, with some repetition. He mentioned various studies, but unfortunately, no deep dives into the science. I'd prefer a book based more around the science, but this was not Hof's intention.
Perhaps his methods work in controlling inflammation, endurance, stress and various other conditions. There is no doubt that Wim Hof is a lover of life (he says so several times) and his optimism is admirable. While I wasn't a fan, there will be plenty who have a philosophical alignment here and find value in reading this book.
Early in the book he talked of living as a squatter for 8 years and this kind of put me off. He then ventured into "chakras" and "third eye" stuff and I found it hard to keep going. But I pressed on. Further statements like "all you need is love" and "Love will open you up to the power of your mind" proved too esoteric for my logical and pragmatic disposition, but I finally finished.
He discussed his methods, albeit, with some repetition. He mentioned various studies, but unfortunately, no deep dives into the science. I'd prefer a book based more around the science, but this was not Hof's intention.
Perhaps his methods work in controlling inflammation, endurance, stress and various other conditions. There is no doubt that Wim Hof is a lover of life (he says so several times) and his optimism is admirable. While I wasn't a fan, there will be plenty who have a philosophical alignment here and find value in reading this book.
January 17, 2021
This person is completely insane. I'm not talking about his breathing technique and hypothermia - it is good for your health and scientifically based. But most of the content of this book can fit into two paragraphs, the rest of it is pure verbiage garbage.
July 16, 2022
I’ve been following Wim Hof’s method for about a year now but reading this book is still somehow life changing
Wim ily forever 🥹 if you haven’t tried his methods please research them because it can change your life
Wim ily forever 🥹 if you haven’t tried his methods please research them because it can change your life
March 31, 2021
Wim is an impressive human being, with absolutely astonishing achievements. The number of people who have benefitted from his method is, even if you adjust for the extreme cases who claim they've cured cancer, MS, etc, astonishing. And it shows that there's really something there, but it's probably a more complex answer than simply cold exposure and breathing. A cold shower can really motivate a person to go about changing other aspects of their lives. As such, Wim Hof has most certainly done a lot of good and, in spite of this pretty bad book, I deeply respect and admire him. Most would benefit from practicing this method.
That being said, this book is so full of pseudo-religious mumbo-jumbo and variations on "If you follow this method, you will live 500 years, never experience disease, your wife and kids will love you, you will never feel sad or depressed", naturally supported by Wim's own claims about his own life, that it's hard to get through to the end. I think I eventually gave up at about 87% through, because I couldn't get through the 20th repetition of the same ideas. The book could have been 75% shorter (and probably 75% more enjoyable as a result). There is some good information here (respectable studies that have looked at his method, for example) and I do expect more studies to confirm the benefits of cold exposure and breathing exercises (we should not need studies to confirm common sense, might I say).
I don't think picking up this book is worth it. Any video with Wim Hof that's longer than 20 minutes will contain most of the information and he'll probably repeat himself even then. He does that. It's endearing until it's not.
Take cold showers.
That being said, this book is so full of pseudo-religious mumbo-jumbo and variations on "If you follow this method, you will live 500 years, never experience disease, your wife and kids will love you, you will never feel sad or depressed", naturally supported by Wim's own claims about his own life, that it's hard to get through to the end. I think I eventually gave up at about 87% through, because I couldn't get through the 20th repetition of the same ideas. The book could have been 75% shorter (and probably 75% more enjoyable as a result). There is some good information here (respectable studies that have looked at his method, for example) and I do expect more studies to confirm the benefits of cold exposure and breathing exercises (we should not need studies to confirm common sense, might I say).
I don't think picking up this book is worth it. Any video with Wim Hof that's longer than 20 minutes will contain most of the information and he'll probably repeat himself even then. He does that. It's endearing until it's not.
Take cold showers.
October 16, 2020
Everyone should read this book. Simple.
December 29, 2020
I have been doing the Wim Hof method for a few years now, but I never fully realized the full potential of it and to how many scientific discoveries it led. It’s absolutely mind blowing just what we can achieve by activating or minds, connecting to our breath and combining those two things for the greater good of ourselves, those around us and the entire Multiverse. This book is a must read for everyone suffering from depression, anxiety, or any mental and even physical illness or autoimmune disease, but also for everyone else who wants to learn how to reach our mind’s full potential or increase their athletic performance.
February 24, 2021
I wanted to like this book. The Wim hof methods seem promising, and I'm already making the breathing exercises and the cold showers. And they seem to improve my life. My skin is better, and I feel more focused. But this book was a huge disappointment. It needed way more edition than it had, and it was repetitive, annoying, kind of culty. Wim is a great guy, and he believes in what he's trying to say, but the book reads like a long grumble. If you are interested, I recommend watching the VICE documentary about him.
March 24, 2021
Wim's method can be summed up on a post-it note: breathe, have a cold shower each day, repeat. Unfortunately The Wim Hof Method surrounds that message with a 170 pages of incoherent babbling ranging from Eastern mysticism to outlandish claims of scientific validation, all rammed down the readers throat over and over again. Its a shame, as I believe what he espouses may be beneficial to folks, but the book does nothing to aid his case: I won't be attempting to climb Everest in nothing but a pair of Y-fronts filled with ice-cubes any time soon.
December 16, 2020
The philosophy here is positively loopy, but I am committed to the breathing and cold exposure method for 6 weeks. If I benefit from the technique, then I'm not sure the justification is important to me.
October 30, 2020
Wim hof method: 5/5
This book: 2/5
This book: 2/5
November 7, 2020
For anyone unfamiliar with Wim Hoff (aka the Iceman), this book will seem like a snake oil pitch. I'm confident, however, that anyone who is familiar with Wim (we're on a first name basis) will enjoy reading about his life and methodology straight from the horse's mouth. In terms of the latter, there's nothing much to add that hasn't already been covered in the VICE documentary, the books The Way of the Iceman and What Doesn't Kill Us, and his appearances on Joe Rogan's podcast (712 was far better than 865 imo). It was cool to see, however, that Wim has an identical twin brother and that both were examined to determine whether Wim's ridiculous abilities and pristine health are genetic rather than environmental. I don't say this lightly, but Wim's approach to breath control and cold exposure have made a huge impact on me. (Anyone close enough to me is aware of my cold tolerance.) I think the best order in which to read the books about Wim is: (1st) What Doesn't Kill Us, in which author Scott Carney not only extols Wim and his methodology, but also admits how his original intent was to debunk / expose Wim; (2nd) this book; and then (3rd) The Way of the Iceman (a memoir by one of Wim's earliest students).
January 10, 2024
vispār jau liktu 2 zvaigznes, jo brīžiem tā no sirds kaitināja tas "es visu zinu, es esmu gaisma, gaisma ir manī utt.". taču 1 papildus zvaigzni piemetu par to vien, ka esmu ļāvies izaicinājumam šīs grāmatas iespaidā - elpošanas praksei un kontrastdušai. ļoti interesē, vai un kas no tā visa sanāks.
January 19, 2021
[2/52]
Wim Hof is a legend. It's hard to read books that are about people larger than life, because at least for myself I constantly doubt that what he was able to do applies to common mortals such as myself. As you probably would imagine, he spends a significant part of the book reminding the reader that they could in fact do these things as well... but isn't that the pattern?
About the book. (In spirit of Kimball, who reviews all books I think, and read this book at the same time)
I gave this 4 stars because I have this rule where if the book changes me, and changes the way I think, especially immediately, than it must have been significant enough to rate it fairly as a great book. If I was going to rate this though based on "how interesting it was", or "how well it was written", than I would give it a 3. But fortunately for Wim, and myself.. I get to keep it a 4. Here is why.
Wim talks about a few main concepts that will lead to a healthier, and "a more joyful" life. Out of these, only the Cold Therapy which is what is most famous for, and his Breathing Techniques are worth talking about, and the book could have been 50% as long as it is if he would have kept to these main concepts. Cold Therapy is fascinating though, and because I knew this would be the 2nd book of my 52 books for 2021 I would tackle, I actually started taking cold showers on Dec 30th, a full week before I even started the book. I love cold showers now, and I don't want to talk about that too much, but I look forward to taking a shower, and I even try and justify taking a 2nd shower sometimes so that I can feel that exhilarating rush when the body jumps into survival mode with the shock of the freezing cold water.
When it comes to the breathing... its really profound, and some of the things he has claimed are world changing if they can be duplicated by us common mortals. I believe in it (due to a book I read last year called "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor), and I believe that breathing the right way, and consciously breathing will be a boon for my health, and future in this very bleak world. (yeah I said that).
I recommend this book. Even the boring parts are good enough to spur on a conversation, but if you have short supply of time, consider speed reading through the 2nd half of book. If you want more juicy details on what the book was about out side of my abstract references to the concepts, check out Kimball's review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Wim Hof is a legend. It's hard to read books that are about people larger than life, because at least for myself I constantly doubt that what he was able to do applies to common mortals such as myself. As you probably would imagine, he spends a significant part of the book reminding the reader that they could in fact do these things as well... but isn't that the pattern?
About the book. (In spirit of Kimball, who reviews all books I think, and read this book at the same time)
I gave this 4 stars because I have this rule where if the book changes me, and changes the way I think, especially immediately, than it must have been significant enough to rate it fairly as a great book. If I was going to rate this though based on "how interesting it was", or "how well it was written", than I would give it a 3. But fortunately for Wim, and myself.. I get to keep it a 4. Here is why.
Wim talks about a few main concepts that will lead to a healthier, and "a more joyful" life. Out of these, only the Cold Therapy which is what is most famous for, and his Breathing Techniques are worth talking about, and the book could have been 50% as long as it is if he would have kept to these main concepts. Cold Therapy is fascinating though, and because I knew this would be the 2nd book of my 52 books for 2021 I would tackle, I actually started taking cold showers on Dec 30th, a full week before I even started the book. I love cold showers now, and I don't want to talk about that too much, but I look forward to taking a shower, and I even try and justify taking a 2nd shower sometimes so that I can feel that exhilarating rush when the body jumps into survival mode with the shock of the freezing cold water.
When it comes to the breathing... its really profound, and some of the things he has claimed are world changing if they can be duplicated by us common mortals. I believe in it (due to a book I read last year called "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art" by James Nestor), and I believe that breathing the right way, and consciously breathing will be a boon for my health, and future in this very bleak world. (yeah I said that).
I recommend this book. Even the boring parts are good enough to spur on a conversation, but if you have short supply of time, consider speed reading through the 2nd half of book. If you want more juicy details on what the book was about out side of my abstract references to the concepts, check out Kimball's review. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 11, 2025
The Wim Hof Method was developed by the author himself through his own experience which was developed from his natural instinct. To better understand it, the author briefly brings his childhood and adulthood.
Wim Hof was born in Netherlands to a mother who was a strict Catholic and expected her sons to be altar boys. However, Wim was the happiest on Saturdays when he could roam the nearby forest on his own, playing Tarzan and other games he imagined. What he craved from childhood was freedom, and he has followed his natural instinct throughout his life. He has stayed away from societal conventions as much as possible, and that allowed him to stay true to himself and let his natural instinct come to the surface. It further led him to taking plunges in cold water on regular basis. During his early years, he also explored esoteric teachings. In combination, he developed The Wim Hof Method.
His method is based on three pillars:
1. Breath – in the morning, before eating, find a position comfortable for you – take 30-40 deep breaths. Followed by 3-4 breaths which you hold for as long as you can.
2. Mind – after breathing practice, set your mind with positive affirmations for the day.
3. Cold – in the evening, end your warm shower with cold water first 15-30 seconds, then gradually increase the time. (The cold is for cardiovascular benefit. If you’re not able to do this, the breathing is the most important part).
There are many studies proving how important mind-set is and how beneficial breath-work is (which is meditation).
If you’re familiar with Dr. Joe Dispenza, or Dr. Andrew Hubermand, or Dr. James Doty, then this book should resonate with you. If you’re not familiar with this subject, I highly recommend this book to everyone.
We, as human beings, for most part, lost our natural instincts and have been following the crowd blindly without much thought or questioning. We can heal ourselves with simple methods as breath-work and mind-set, and even better avoid illness by better understanding our mind and value of deep breathing and holding the breath.
With science, the author shows that the human body and mind are capable of doing truly extraordinary things, and they have many health turnarounds every day to prove it.
It’s about tapping into the energy of the universe.
“Go past your conditioning and realize that this is what you were born to be: 100 percent alive, aware, and in control of your mind and your body.”
Wim Hof was born in Netherlands to a mother who was a strict Catholic and expected her sons to be altar boys. However, Wim was the happiest on Saturdays when he could roam the nearby forest on his own, playing Tarzan and other games he imagined. What he craved from childhood was freedom, and he has followed his natural instinct throughout his life. He has stayed away from societal conventions as much as possible, and that allowed him to stay true to himself and let his natural instinct come to the surface. It further led him to taking plunges in cold water on regular basis. During his early years, he also explored esoteric teachings. In combination, he developed The Wim Hof Method.
His method is based on three pillars:
1. Breath – in the morning, before eating, find a position comfortable for you – take 30-40 deep breaths. Followed by 3-4 breaths which you hold for as long as you can.
2. Mind – after breathing practice, set your mind with positive affirmations for the day.
3. Cold – in the evening, end your warm shower with cold water first 15-30 seconds, then gradually increase the time. (The cold is for cardiovascular benefit. If you’re not able to do this, the breathing is the most important part).
There are many studies proving how important mind-set is and how beneficial breath-work is (which is meditation).
If you’re familiar with Dr. Joe Dispenza, or Dr. Andrew Hubermand, or Dr. James Doty, then this book should resonate with you. If you’re not familiar with this subject, I highly recommend this book to everyone.
We, as human beings, for most part, lost our natural instincts and have been following the crowd blindly without much thought or questioning. We can heal ourselves with simple methods as breath-work and mind-set, and even better avoid illness by better understanding our mind and value of deep breathing and holding the breath.
With science, the author shows that the human body and mind are capable of doing truly extraordinary things, and they have many health turnarounds every day to prove it.
It’s about tapping into the energy of the universe.
“Go past your conditioning and realize that this is what you were born to be: 100 percent alive, aware, and in control of your mind and your body.”
February 17, 2021
Wim Hof's "method" is essentially:
Cold water exposure
Breathing exercises
The Wim Hof Method: Own Your Mind, Master Your Biology, and Activate Your Full Human Potential is, perhaps not suprisingly, repetitive and peppered with all kinds of mysticism and pseudo-science.
The benefits of cold water exposure are undeniable, as are the benefits of breathing exercises and meditation. Beyond that the book is a mix of biography and increasingly fantastical mystical claims.
I have no doubt his method has helped many people but do not accept all he claims for it. That said, he is a passionate, inspiring and interesting individual who has achieved many remarkable feats. He certainly walks the walk.
Unless, like me, you're a sucker for this kind of thing, you're probably better off watching one or two of his videos on YouTube and, if you feel inspired, give his breathing technique a go and plunge yourself into cold water. You'll doubtless feel better afterwards.
3/5
The blurb....
The only definitive book authored by Wim Hof on his powerful method for realizing our physical and spiritual potential
Wim Hof has a message for each of us: “You can literally do the impossible. You can overcome disease, improve your mental health and physical performance, and even control your physiology so you can thrive in freezing temperatures.” With The Wim Hof Method, this trailblazer of human potential shares a method that anyone can use—not just extreme athletes or spiritual masters—to supercharge your capacity for strength, health, and happiness.
Wim Hof has become a modern legend for his astounding achievements, such as withstanding extreme temperatures, breaking world records, and running barefoot marathons over deserts and ice fields. In his gripping and passionate style, Hof shares the story of how he developed his method, along with testimonials and new insights from the university research studies on its amazing results. With guidance suited for any reader—young or old, sick or healthy—you’ll learn how to harness three key elements of Cold, Breathing, and Mindset to take charge of your own mind and metabolism.
Yet the most important result of Hof’s method goes beyond improved health or performance—it is a path for reconnecting with your spiritual nature. “With these practices, you awaken to your inner source of power and fulfillment,” he says. “You find you can control your destiny.”
Cold water exposure
Breathing exercises
The Wim Hof Method: Own Your Mind, Master Your Biology, and Activate Your Full Human Potential is, perhaps not suprisingly, repetitive and peppered with all kinds of mysticism and pseudo-science.
The benefits of cold water exposure are undeniable, as are the benefits of breathing exercises and meditation. Beyond that the book is a mix of biography and increasingly fantastical mystical claims.
I have no doubt his method has helped many people but do not accept all he claims for it. That said, he is a passionate, inspiring and interesting individual who has achieved many remarkable feats. He certainly walks the walk.
Unless, like me, you're a sucker for this kind of thing, you're probably better off watching one or two of his videos on YouTube and, if you feel inspired, give his breathing technique a go and plunge yourself into cold water. You'll doubtless feel better afterwards.
3/5
The blurb....
The only definitive book authored by Wim Hof on his powerful method for realizing our physical and spiritual potential
Wim Hof has a message for each of us: “You can literally do the impossible. You can overcome disease, improve your mental health and physical performance, and even control your physiology so you can thrive in freezing temperatures.” With The Wim Hof Method, this trailblazer of human potential shares a method that anyone can use—not just extreme athletes or spiritual masters—to supercharge your capacity for strength, health, and happiness.
Wim Hof has become a modern legend for his astounding achievements, such as withstanding extreme temperatures, breaking world records, and running barefoot marathons over deserts and ice fields. In his gripping and passionate style, Hof shares the story of how he developed his method, along with testimonials and new insights from the university research studies on its amazing results. With guidance suited for any reader—young or old, sick or healthy—you’ll learn how to harness three key elements of Cold, Breathing, and Mindset to take charge of your own mind and metabolism.
Yet the most important result of Hof’s method goes beyond improved health or performance—it is a path for reconnecting with your spiritual nature. “With these practices, you awaken to your inner source of power and fulfillment,” he says. “You find you can control your destiny.”
January 9, 2021
I have mixed feelings on this one: I couldn't wait to try the breathing method and cold showers (went in about 1/4 of the book) and at the same time I disliked the rambling and lack of editorial finesse.
Before reading this book, I listened to Wim Hof's first podcast with Joe Rogan and watched the Vice documentary. So I anticipated a concise overview of the method, practical applications, science (where applicable, obviously) and some broader topics for discussion. What I got instead is a poorly edited river of thoughts spilling out of its boundaries. Plus a good bit of repetitive rambling.
So, why three stars? I feel great doing the method and soon I will take my first ice bath. If you want to get the basics, just listen to Hof speak, watch a couple of videos on his Youtube channel and read the FAQs on his website. The book is almost a waste of time. Oh and one more thing: I believe it is harmful to say that you can cure psychological illnesses using WHM. Maybe it helped somebody, but if you need help, get proper medical help.
Before reading this book, I listened to Wim Hof's first podcast with Joe Rogan and watched the Vice documentary. So I anticipated a concise overview of the method, practical applications, science (where applicable, obviously) and some broader topics for discussion. What I got instead is a poorly edited river of thoughts spilling out of its boundaries. Plus a good bit of repetitive rambling.
So, why three stars? I feel great doing the method and soon I will take my first ice bath. If you want to get the basics, just listen to Hof speak, watch a couple of videos on his Youtube channel and read the FAQs on his website. The book is almost a waste of time. Oh and one more thing: I believe it is harmful to say that you can cure psychological illnesses using WHM. Maybe it helped somebody, but if you need help, get proper medical help.
November 3, 2020
I recently participated in a Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop and was amazed and surprised at the experience I had during the breathing method. The science behind the breathing and the cold water exposure is fascinating. A method that brings peace and resilience to people is certainly worth trying. This book outlines in great detail the philosophy, the science and the process. I highly recommend investigating this method for yourself.
March 3, 2021
2 Stars- This book was so repetitive and filled with pseudoscience mumbo jumbo that I couldn’t wait to finish it. It could use a fair amount of editing as the writing wasn’t great. I do agree that deep breathing will enhance your life. But I don’t think I needed to hear it over and over and over the way this book presented it. I returned it to audible the minute I was done.
August 15, 2021
I really like the technique and take cold showers every day now. Also liked the parts about his personal story. I, however, also felt like there was a lót of repetition, which really bored me sometimes. Also didn't like how he sometimes writes his opinions down like they are facts. But that's possibly just me. It probably is. I mean this is all a personal opinion after all...
February 17, 2021
Za Wim Hofovu metódu by som dala hviezdičiek možno aj päť, je super hlavne pred ťažkým cvičením alebo ráno pred stresujúcim dňom, ale pri čítaní knihy som mala pocit ako keby som skôr čítala scenár na teleshopping mixnutý s motivačným diárom. Ak sa chce človek vyvarovať dvesto stranám plným fráz ako je všetko o našej vôli, sme bytosťami svetla, všetci máme v sebe tajný bod a musíme oslobodiť svoje ego a všetko je to "úžasné, no nie,?" stojí za to len text v sivých rámčekoch a ešte možno kapitola, kde pekne popisuje svoje prvé pocity z ľadovej vody.
Wim Hof sa opiera o vedecké štúdie, no aj tak som mierne skeptická voči niektorým jeho tvrdeniam, ako keby metóda bola všeliek na každú chorobu, aj keď v závere knihy sa našťastie v F&Q píše, komu sa metóda neodporúča. Našťastie, pretože som ju už skoro naordinovala dedkovi po mŕtvici. Citované štúdie si chcem určite niekedy naštudovať, no dovtedy beriem niektoré entuziastické výroky s rezervou a pokračujem v otužovaní aj metóde (keď už dokázala upokojiť aj desať malých skautiek stratených v lese, niečo na nej predsa len bude :)
Wim Hof sa opiera o vedecké štúdie, no aj tak som mierne skeptická voči niektorým jeho tvrdeniam, ako keby metóda bola všeliek na každú chorobu, aj keď v závere knihy sa našťastie v F&Q píše, komu sa metóda neodporúča. Našťastie, pretože som ju už skoro naordinovala dedkovi po mŕtvici. Citované štúdie si chcem určite niekedy naštudovať, no dovtedy beriem niektoré entuziastické výroky s rezervou a pokračujem v otužovaní aj metóde (keď už dokázala upokojiť aj desať malých skautiek stratených v lese, niečo na nej predsa len bude :)
December 4, 2020
This is a really mind stretching book. Wim Hof has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with the human body--and for decades been teaching others how to do it. It's mostly about breathing more deeply than normal and building up exposure to cold. Those two things are producing some truly remarkable health and fitness for those who go through his program. If that was all this book had I would give it five stars.
But he also can't resist preaching his theology--which is a mash up of Hindu, Buddhism and New Age spirituality. He says he's not trying to be a guru, but then spends two chapters preaching. So, it ended awkwardly.
However, I'm going to try some of his methods and see if I can get some of the same results. Despite his unconventional spirituality, the physical stuff has been tested by science and is explained by science all through the book. This isn't a new theory, but one that's been proven by major scientific journals multiple times.
But he also can't resist preaching his theology--which is a mash up of Hindu, Buddhism and New Age spirituality. He says he's not trying to be a guru, but then spends two chapters preaching. So, it ended awkwardly.
However, I'm going to try some of his methods and see if I can get some of the same results. Despite his unconventional spirituality, the physical stuff has been tested by science and is explained by science all through the book. This isn't a new theory, but one that's been proven by major scientific journals multiple times.
September 27, 2022
Интересна и мотивираща книга. Мотивиран съм да изпровбам методологията. Твърде много повтарящи се тези и ниско ниво на редакция.
June 21, 2022
I've heard about Wim in the past, I've also practiced his breathing method a bit, and reading this book was a great way for me to find more about him and his method.
Wim discovered his inner potential on his own, and he's been teaching it for many years now. In the beginning, people didn't believe in him, but after scientific experiments that was done on him, most of the sceptics became believers.
He describes his method as a combination of cold exposure, breathing practices and mindset trainings, and claims that those can change our biochemistry in a matter of days. Practices like those aren't new. It's been known for thousands of years in certain eastern traditions. But Wim Hof is one of the first persons that voluntarily started to merge those practices into modern science and western society, which is very valuable for us because eastern teachings tend to be a bit mystical and not attractive for western folks. But with the help of people like Wim, we're being given techniques that can improve and even save many lives around the world.
It's been a few days that I've started taking cold showers and doing breathing exercises, and I already see some of the benefits.
Also, if you practice any form of meditation, the breathing practice that Wim suggests will put you in a perfect state for any meditative practice, so try it.
Wim discovered his inner potential on his own, and he's been teaching it for many years now. In the beginning, people didn't believe in him, but after scientific experiments that was done on him, most of the sceptics became believers.
He describes his method as a combination of cold exposure, breathing practices and mindset trainings, and claims that those can change our biochemistry in a matter of days. Practices like those aren't new. It's been known for thousands of years in certain eastern traditions. But Wim Hof is one of the first persons that voluntarily started to merge those practices into modern science and western society, which is very valuable for us because eastern teachings tend to be a bit mystical and not attractive for western folks. But with the help of people like Wim, we're being given techniques that can improve and even save many lives around the world.
It's been a few days that I've started taking cold showers and doing breathing exercises, and I already see some of the benefits.
Also, if you practice any form of meditation, the breathing practice that Wim suggests will put you in a perfect state for any meditative practice, so try it.
October 16, 2022
The message is very nice. Cold exposure, breathing exercise and don’t forget ;) power of the mind can have a positive impact in our lives.
Definitely motivated to expose myself more into the cold and tap into the power of my mind. The book also acts as a little autobiography of Wim which was interesting.
I think the book could have been shorter and in the end I lost a little interest in the writing because for me it seemed to be a little bit repetitive and so I started skipping through.
Definitely motivated to expose myself more into the cold and tap into the power of my mind. The book also acts as a little autobiography of Wim which was interesting.
I think the book could have been shorter and in the end I lost a little interest in the writing because for me it seemed to be a little bit repetitive and so I started skipping through.
August 6, 2024
This book is a great way to learn about just how powerful integrating cold, breath and the power of our minds can be.
Wim Hof.
Also known as “The Iceman.”
If you’re into optimizing, you’ve almost certainly heard of him.
As you may know, he holds multiple world records for his feats of endurance and exposure to cold—such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro wearing only shorts and shoes, running barefoot half marathons in the Arctic Circle, and standing in an ice-filled container for more than 112 minutes.
As you may not know, the effectiveness of his methods—which are now practiced by millions—have been validated by eight university research studies.
In fact, leading health scientist Elissa Epel, who wrote The Telomere Effect with Nobel Prize Winner Elizabeth Blackburn, and her team at UCSF have been conducting research on Wim Hof’s techniques. The results have been staggering.
She wrote the foreword to the book in which she tells us that she is “honored to introduce you to Wim Hof and what may be one of our big revolutions in health and self-care, our ability to apply and self-prescribe our own levels of hormetic stress.”
This book is a great way to learn more about what he’s up to and just how powerful his method integrating cold, breath and the power of our minds can be.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Turning Poison - Into Heroic medicine.
2. A Cold Shower a Day - Keeps the doctor away.
3. Breathe! - It does a body good.
4. Mindset - The third pillar: COMMIT.
5. Searching for Our Souls - Look within.
Lastly… I’ve added The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
“Would you like to have more energy, less stress, and a stronger immune system? Would you like to sleep better, improve your cognitive and athletic performance, boost your mood, lose weight, and alleviate your anxiety? What if I told you that you can achieve all these things and so much more by unlocking the power of your own mind? And that you can do it in only a few days? ...
The secret to a lifetime of health and happiness is within your grasp. You can safely practice the Wim Hof Method by yourself, at your own pace, and within the comfort of your own home. No pills, injections, vitamins, supplements, equipment, or specialty diets of any kind—all you need is yourself and a desire to unlock your body’s hidden potential. This book is your guide.
Are you ready? In the pages that follow, I will share the story of my journey, from a small Dutch village in which I was born to the world stage I now occupy. I will explain the ins and outs of my method, the philosophy that underpins it, and the science that supports it. And I will present examples of practitioners who have used the method to radically transform their lives. In doing so, my hope is to inspire you to retake control of your body and life by unleashing the immense power of your mind. It’s all there for you, and there’s no time to waste.
Let’s go.”
-Wim Hof from The Wim Hof Method
Wim Hof.
Also known as “The Iceman.”
If you’re into optimizing, you’ve almost certainly heard of him.
As you may know, he holds multiple world records for his feats of endurance and exposure to cold—such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro wearing only shorts and shoes, running barefoot half marathons in the Arctic Circle, and standing in an ice-filled container for more than 112 minutes.
As you may not know, the effectiveness of his methods—which are now practiced by millions—have been validated by eight university research studies.
In fact, leading health scientist Elissa Epel, who wrote The Telomere Effect with Nobel Prize Winner Elizabeth Blackburn, and her team at UCSF have been conducting research on Wim Hof’s techniques. The results have been staggering.
She wrote the foreword to the book in which she tells us that she is “honored to introduce you to Wim Hof and what may be one of our big revolutions in health and self-care, our ability to apply and self-prescribe our own levels of hormetic stress.”
This book is a great way to learn more about what he’s up to and just how powerful his method integrating cold, breath and the power of our minds can be.
Some of my favorite big ideas from this book include:
1. Turning Poison - Into Heroic medicine.
2. A Cold Shower a Day - Keeps the doctor away.
3. Breathe! - It does a body good.
4. Mindset - The third pillar: COMMIT.
5. Searching for Our Souls - Look within.
Lastly… I’ve added The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof to my collection of Philosopher’s Notes--distilling the Big Ideas into 6-page PDF and 20-minute MP3s on 600+ of the BEST self-development books ever. You can get access to all of those plus a TON more over at https://heroic.us.
October 5, 2020
Start living
80% very interesting 20% speed reading. I have begun cold showers and breathing and will give this my best effort. Getting busy living ...
80% very interesting 20% speed reading. I have begun cold showers and breathing and will give this my best effort. Getting busy living ...
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