At the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus Isabel Einsiedl and Gerrit Curcio, management at the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus, regularly Wim Hof Workshops with guests. These last approx. 3 hours and include the theory of the Wim Hof method, breathing exercises and an "ice bath", e.g. in a forest lake or a cool bath in summer.
This method has many health and mental benefits. In this article, we will look at the effects on athletic performance. The Wim Hof method is particularly popular with athletes, as it not only improves athletic performance but also speeds up recovery.
Regularly expose the body to cold stimuli
An important part of this method is the regular exposure to cold stimuli, which has several consequences for the body. Firstly, the body is encouraged to adapt and cope better with the cold. Secondly, for athletes in particular, the consequences are faster recovery after training, fewer inflammatory reactions and a reduced risk of injury. Thirdly, exposure to cold trains the body and mind to cope better with stress overall. And fourthly, it increases the production of brown adipose tissue, which stimulates the metabolism and thus increases fat burning.
In the workshop at the customs house, we achieve cold exposure through the "ice bath". In Retreats lasting several daysThe Wim Hof programme, which is offered by Gerrit and Isabel as well as other Wim Hof trainers at the Zollhaus, can also include lightly clothed hikes in the snow. An easy way to start cold therapy at home is to shower regularly with cold water. Start slowly and gradually increase the time and intensity. Be careful not to stay in the cold for too long and listen to your body. Immersion in cold water can also be an effective method. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and frequency. Remember that every time you expose your body to these cold stimuli, you increase your ability to deal with cold and regenerate your body better. Exercising outdoors in low temperatures can also help with this.
Breathing exercises increase energy
Die auch als „Ice-Man-Technik“ bekannte Methode, kombiniert Exposition gegenüber Kälte mit Atemübungen und Meditation, um Ausdauer und Leistungsfähigkeit zu steigern. Durch die bewusste Atmung werden Sauerstoffaufnahme und -transport im Körper optimiert, was zu einer höheren Energieproduktion führt. Die Meditation hilft dabei, den Geist zu fokussieren und Stress abzubauen, was wiederum das Immunsystem stärkt.
The special breathing exercises of this technique involve breathing in and out deeply and rhythmically. The aim is to relax the body and nervous system, supply the body with oxygen and improve blood circulation and metabolism. A study has shown that the Wim Hof method increases the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which leads to an increased supply of energy in the body.
Workshops and multi-day retreats at the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus
Die Methode wurde von dem gleichnamigen Niederländer Wim Hof entwickelt, der auch auch als „The Iceman“ bekannt ist. Sie wird von vielen professionellen Sportlern genutzt, um ihre Leistung zu steigern, was auch war eine der ursprünglichen Motivationen von Gerrit Curcio war, die Methode anzuwenden. Außerhalb des Eises hat er schon lange zahlreiche Sportarten ausgeübt, jedoch auch im Eis ist er mehrfacher Weltmeister im Eisschwimmen. In addition to the sporting benefits, he has noticed influences on health and stress resistance in everyday business life. Isabel, on the other hand, also uses the method for spiritual and mental states that support her artistic endeavours.
Wim Hof Method Workshops
The three-hour Wim Hof Method workshops can be booked on site at the Landhotel Altes Zollhaus, subject to availability. It is best to call in advance to find out availability on your preferred dates. You can find the longer retreats on the Customs house website and Wim Hof, where you can also find detailed information about the trainers. Isabel, Gerrit and others at the customs house.
