Oxygen Advantage
It also simulates oxygen shortage – McKeown speaks of simulating altitude so the body uses oxygen more efficiently.
Sport & performanceWim Hof · Breathing
Wim Hof breathing explained: targeted oxygen shortage and what happens in your body
Breathe in deeply, let go, hold: how the technique works, why your blood becomes more alkaline – and how the Oxygen Advantage method relates.
🫁Belly first, then chest
⏸️Exhale & hold
🧪Blood pH rises briefly
🛌Best lying down
Step by step
How one round of Wim Hof breathing works
1
Breathe in fully
Breathe in deeply – first into the belly (lower lungs), then the chest.
2
Let go
Let the air flow out without effort. Repeat for a few minutes.
3
Exhale & hold
Exhale fully and hold your breath until you feel the urge to breathe.
4
Recovery breath
Breathe in deeply and hold for about 15 seconds.
⚠️ Safety
Always practise sitting or lying – never in or near water or while driving. Dizziness and tingling can occur.
Best learned with guidance first.
Simply explained
What happens in your body
Phase 1
Less CO₂
Deep breathing creates intentional hyperventilation – carbon dioxide in the blood falls.
Phase 2
Blood becomes more alkaline
pH rises. Since CO₂ and acidity normally release oxygen from red blood cells, they now release less.
Phase 3
Brief shortage
While holding the breath, cells briefly get less oxygen – despite high blood saturation.
Phase 4
Adaptation
The brief “stress” prompts the body to improve oxygen supply – e.g. circulation and efficiency. Effects are individual and being researched.
Related approaches
Oxygen Advantage, altitude training and pranayama
Gerrit is also trained in Patrick McKeown’s Oxygen Advantage method.
Elevation training
Similar methods are used in sport to boost performance and prevent altitude sickness.
MorePranayama
Yoga also uses breathing techniques – pranayama is part of many classes.
SpiritualityEasier with guidance
The breathing exercise in the workshop
In Gerrit Curcio’s and Isabel Einsiedl’s retreats and workshops the breathing is guided with music and drums – it’s easy to get into. You lie on yoga mats, optionally under a blanket, and fully surrender to the breath.
More about them: Wim Hof with Gerrit & Isabel. What happens in the ice bath: effects of cold.
What you need
- a yoga mat
- a blanket
- comfortable clothes
- an empty stomach
Wim Hof at the Zollhaus
Breath, cold & nature – in the Ore Mountains
At Landhotel Altes Zollhaus in the Ore Mountains you experience the Wim Hof Method with certified instructors: breathing, outdoor ice baths, nature and warmth in our spa afterwards.
Upcoming dates
Wim Hof workshops
Breath, cold and nature – with certified instructors. All about Wim Hof at the Zollhaus
08.01. - 10.01.2027Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Isabel & Gerrit
Get to know the Wim Hof Method – with ice bathing, breathing exercises and cold training for more vitality and mental strength.
Price 437 eurosDETAILS
From 22.01. - 26.01.2027Wim Hof Method Journey – 5 Days with Linda & Patrick Weyh
Wim Hof journey: 5 days of breathing, cold, mindset and yoga with Linda & Patrick
Hotel from €82.50 p.p./nightDETAILS
19.02. – 20.02.2027Zollhaus Open 2027 – German Ice Swimming Championships
Deutsche Meisterschaften im Eisschwimmen: 22 Rennen von 50 bis 1000 m bei 2 °C
Anmeldeschluss 10.02.2027DETAILS
vom 05.03. - 07.03.2027Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Isabel & Gerrit
Intensive breathing training · Ice bathing · Guided hikes · In-depth theory · Building mental strength · Handling stress more calmly and promoting well-being.
Price 437 euros DETAILS
Vom 05.03. - 07.03.2027Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Patrick Weyh
Wim Hof Method Weekend: in-depth theory – breathing sessions – ice baths – hike
Price from 698 eurosDETAILS
Good to know
Questions about the Wim Hof Method
Questions? Call us on +49 35057 540 or use our contact form.
What is the Wim Hof Method?
A combination of breathing, cold exposure and mindset, developed by the Dutchman Wim Hof.
Why do I feel dizzy?
Hyperventilation lowers CO₂ in the blood – always practise sitting or lying.
Who are the seminars for?
For all healthy adults. With conditions or in pregnancy check with a doctor.
How do I prepare for a retreat?
Start with cold showers and come to sessions with an empty stomach and comfortable clothes.
Conclusion
Breathe – consciously and powerfully
Wim Hof breathing uses a short, targeted stimulus to challenge your body. Safely guided it’s a powerful tool for energy and calm – try it in a workshop at the Zollhaus.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Effects of coldRead article
Sport & performanceRead article
SpiritualityRead article
Wim Hof at the ZollhausRead article
Wim Hof in the Ore MountainsEffects of coldSport & performanceWith Gerrit & IsabelWim Hof weekendAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources: Wim Hof Method (offiziell) · Oxygen Advantage (Patrick McKeown)
Ready?
Experience the Wim Hof Method with us
Workshops and weekends with breath, ice and nature in the Ore Mountains.
