Cold adaptation
Your body gradually adapts to cold.
Effects of coldWim Hof · Sport
The Wim Hof Method and athletic performance – cold and breathing for athletes
Recovery, stress resilience and energy: what cold and breathing can do for your performance – with a starter plan and the view of a multiple ice swimming world champion.
🧊Supports recovery
⚡More adrenaline (2014 study)
🧠Handle stress better
🏆Used by pro athletes
Training body and mind
What cold can do for athletes
Recovery
Cold can support recovery after training.
Sauna & wellnessStress
Staying calm in the cold helps in competition.
MindsetBrown fat
It creates heat and boosts metabolism.
MoreAlways step by step
How to start with cold at home
Start
Cold shower
Start with a few seconds at the end of your shower.
Increase
Time & intensity
Increase slowly – listen to your body and never stay too long.
Next
Cold bath
Cold baths with falling temperatures are possible – always gradually.
Workshop
Ice bath in the forest lake
In the three-hour workshop: theory, breathing and an ice bath – in winter in the forest lake, in summer in a chilled pool.
Retreat
Snow hike
Multi-day retreats add hikes in light clothing through the snow.
Breathing for energy
What breathing can do for performance
In Wim Hof breathing you breathe deeply in several rounds and then hold your breath (how it works). Meditation helps focus and reduce stress.
A widely noted study (Kox et al., 2014) showed trained participants released significantly more adrenaline during the breathing exercise – a hormone that provides energy.
⚠️ Important
Never practise in water, while driving or wherever dizziness could be dangerous.
From competitive swimmer to ice swimming champion
Gerrit Curcio: multiple ice swimming world champion
The method was developed by Dutchman Wim Hof, “The Iceman”, and is used by many pro athletes. That motivated Gerrit Curcio too: the former competitive swimmer is a multiple ice swimming world champion – and feels calmer in business life.
Isabel also uses it for mental and spiritual states supporting her art. Ice swimming at the Zollhaus: Zollhaus Open – German championships.
Book workshops
- three-hour workshops
- multi-day retreats
- subject to availability
- best call ahead
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
06.11. - 08.11.2026Wim Hof Method® Weekend with Patrick Weyh
Wim Hof Method Weekend: in-depth theory – breathing sessions – ice baths – hike
Price from 698 eurosDETAILS
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
Does it help athletes?
Many athletes use it for recovery, stress resilience and focus. Effects vary.
What did Kox et al. show?
Trained participants released significantly more adrenaline during the breathing exercise.
Where is the ice bath?
In winter in the forest lake, in summer in a chilled pool.
How do I book?
Directly at the hotel – best call ahead, or see the dates below.
Conclusion
Stronger through cold and breath
Cold and breathing can support your performance, recovery and mental strength. Learn it safely – from someone who knows ice water in competition.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Ice swimmingRead article
BreathingRead article
Effects of coldRead article
Wim Hof at the ZollhausRead article
Wim Hof in the Ore MountainsEffects of coldBreathing techniqueWith Gerrit & IsabelWim Hof weekendAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources: Kox et al. (2014), PNAS · Wim Hof Method (offiziell)
Ready?
Experience the Wim Hof Method with us
Workshops and weekends with breath, ice and nature in the Ore Mountains.
