If you follow this channel then chances are you're probably well aware of the necessity
of doing exercise in your day to day life, and I'm sure many of you also go beyond normal
daily exercise to do more regimented workouts or play some kind of sport.
However, for all that we've said about the benefits of exercise, how can you try and
ensure you'll perform at your peak?
Well, this is where the Wim Hof Method comes in, as we look at the techniques of the Iceman
and their benefits in performing at your peak when doing exercise.
We've covered Wim Hof a great deal on the channel before, looking at the various techniques,
the science and studies done to better understand the effects of the technique.
If you're new to the channel, I will link the playlist to this series in the description
down below, so be sure to check it out for more information.
So, how can the Wim Hof Method benefit your physical performance?
Faster Recovery
It is quite well known today, but cold therapy, whether cold showers, baths or cryotherapy,
can have many benefits after an intense workout.
This is because being cold makes your blood vessels contract which prevents swelling and
bruising, but has also shown to numb your nerve endings which provides you with instant
pain relief.
It's for this reason that when many treat an injury, ice packs are immediately applied
to the place where pain is felt.
In this regard, exercise inflames the body and causes us to feel painful sensations,
as well as discomfort.
The application of cold water acts as an anti-inflammatory and can help you to recover quicker after
a workout.
A very cold shower or ice bath as per the Wim Hof Method can also reduce aching muscles,
as it speeds up the recovery process and helps the muscles to repair faster.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
The Wim Hof method has extensive focus on breathing techniques that serve multiple purposes,
from controlling the body's response to cold exposure and help improve your respiratory
system.
With this in mind, it's no surprise to learn that by applying the Wim Hof breathing techniques,
you can quickly learn to improve your cardiovascular health, helping you to deal with respiratory
issues and feel better in your overall health.
Normally, I suggest to apply the Wim Hof breathing technique before doing the cold therapy, but
the breathing method can be done multiple times a day or elements of it done through
the day to help you focus and feel better.
Alternatively, other breathing techniques are equally valuable for this purpose.
I personally practice pranayama techniques from Yoga through the day on top of the Wim
Hof method.
Increased Muscular Endurance
If you take into account what's been previously discussed, it might not come as a huge surprise
that practising the Wim Hof Method can have major benefits for muscle endurance.
We know that cold therapy can help recovery and reduce and inflammation, but even moreso
the breathing exercises have huge benefits for muscle endurance when working out.
This is because with improved cardiovascular health, you can pump more oxygenated blood
around the body when working out.
As blood flows around the body and reaches muscle cells, the bond between oxygen and
hemoglobin molecules loosens.
When red blood cells pass single file through the tiny capillaries that surround muscle
cells, oxygen molecules are released from hemoglobin and diffuse into the muscle cells.
Not getting enough oxygenated blood around the body can have detrimental effects, such
as experiencing aches and general pains in the muscles, for example perhaps cramping.
Improve Focus And Mental Composure
The Wim Hof Method focuses heavily on cold therapy and breathing, but the third pillar
of the practice is focused on commitment, which is directly infuenced by mindset and
focus.
The fact is, every practice in the Wim Hof method needs focus and concentration when
performed, whether it be doing the breathing exercises or doing the cold shower.
This full engagement of the practice helps you retain concentration and focus, even when
trying to cope with uncomfortable circumstances, such as the cold shower.
This also translates into other fields, such as physical workouts, but also when working.
For example, if you do some of the breathing practices when in situations where you need
to focus, you'll find that out of habit you'll focus in on the activity you need to do, at
the same time blocking out distractions that might be coming from the external environment.
This focus and attention can help you perform at your very best, without hesitation and
with belief in what you do.
So apply the Wim Hof method, and get the many benefits that come with it when working out.
Do you do regular exercise and if so, will you be using the Wim Hof Method to perform
at your best?
Let me know in the comments.
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