Latest news with #WimHof
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Yahoo
I was scared to take the plunge at new Nottinghamshire attraction Saunahood but I've never felt more alive
I love a good hot bath. It's my favourite way to unwind at the end of a busy day. Failing that, a steaming hot shower. Cold water? No thank you. Thinking back to Wim 'The Iceman' Hof a few years ago, it gave me palpitations when his programme Freeze the Fear saw a number of celebrities immersing themselves in icy water. So why I agreed to visit a new Nottinghamshire attraction that combines a sauna with a plunge in cold water I do not know. I've no worries over the sauna part. I've sat and sweated my socks off in a wooden cabin many times although I've never understood why the Finnish ruin the ritual of a nice hot sauna by rolling in the snow afterwards. Each to their own. Running through the essentials to take to Saunahood, the website lists a towel, swimming costume, flip flops and water bottle. The latter is to stay hydrated but it did cross my mind to take a hot water bottle to warm up afterwards. READ MORE: Bramley's in Nottingham is not a restaurant I'd think to visit but now it's in my top ten READ MORE: Susanna Reid's 'stunning' red Next dress ideal for UK heatwave priced at £36 I feel as rigid as a block of ice when I pull up at the site at Holme Pierrepont Country Park's campsite, off Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford, for my first session of 'contrast therapy' as it's known. The new venture opened six weeks ago. Tucked away in a leafy green part of the park are two plunge steel baths in front of the sauna. "Don't dip your hand in," says founder Ellen Tobin as I go to test the water. "It'll put you off later." Ellen explains that contrast therapy simply means alternating between hot and cold environments, switching between the sauna that's around 70-80°C and the plunge pools which are set at 10°C. That sets my mind at ease at little - at least it's not sub zero. But why? "When your body is in the hot environment your blood is pumped to the skin away from your core to try and cool you down - this is called vasodilating. In the plunge pool your body vasoconstricts - your blood goes to your vital organs and your core to protect you. "Both of these scenarios put your body under a small amount of stress - you are kicking your heart into action to work harder and giving your vascular system a great work out. The idea is that when you experience stress in life your body will be much more adept to dealing with it, and can keep you stable as it's been exercising the stress response with contrast therapy." Benefits from the heat include loosening the muscles and joints, a detox, improved cardiovascular function, lowering stress hormones and better sleep. The cold element reduces muscle soreness and swelling, boosts mood, builds mental resilience and stress tolerance and activates the parasympathetic nervous system so you experience a post-cold "calm". That's the science but what about the reality? Changing into my swimming costume as slowly as possibly to delay the inevitable, the time has come to step inside the sauna within a beautifully restored horse box. Until now the only revamped horse boxes I'm familiar with are the ones selling pizza or prosecco. It's a roasting hot day but it's even hotter inside with the wood-fired stove pumping out intense heat. I'm joined by Ellen, who hands me a pixie-like cap which protects the ears and head from the heat - particularly useful if you're bald. After five minutes or so, it's time to switch. I ask if it's better to dip your toe in and take it steadily or just go for it. As I fear, it's the latter. The water is every bit as horrendously cold as I imagine... so cold it hurts. The trick is to stay as still as possible because the more you move around the worse it is. As I grimace throughout, Nottinghamshire Live's photographer Joe tells me to imagine it's warm. It doesn't help. I brave it for longer than I was expecting though. Then it's back to the sauna and repeat several times within the 50-minute session, which ends with a final dip in the plunge bath. It's just as cold as the first time but it's more tolerable and I'm actually laughing and enjoying looking up at the blue sky and trees in the scenic setting. The contrast of hot and cold is said to speed up recovery after workouts or endurance events, improve circulation and regulate your body's stress response. It sounds like something serious athletes and high-pressured business executives would book themselves into it but it's attracting all demographics and ages, from a medal-winning para canoeist (who takes a book to read in the plunge bath) to families. Ellen said: "Guests are on day-dates, celebrating birthdays, looking for a way to unwind and reset at the end of the week - or just get time out for themselves. It's been a real joy to welcome people and see everyone embracing the ancient art of sweat bathing - coming together to cleanse the body and reset the mind." A maximum of eight people can book a private session or six for a communal session, costing £15 each for 50 minutes. Ellen said: "Feedback has been amazing. People are leaving glowing and talking about how lovely they feel and also making connections with others. The sound of laughter coming from the sauna and guests saying 'lovely to meet you' as they leave is really heart-warming. "It's about connection with others, time away from technology and all the distractions and stresses of life. Guests are coming back time and again and building contrast therapy into their weekly routine. I can't ask for more than that." The experience is undoubtedly life-affirming. Before I tried it I thought I would hate every second. Afterwards I feel amazing; energised but with an inner calm. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and, even though I thought it would be torture, it was fun. I might even return in the winter when it snows. Saunahood is open on Friday from 12pm to 6pm and weekends 10am to 4pm. Book online at
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
Three serene summer getaways for the ultimate relaxation
Silent retreats may seem easy in theory, but how many today can be away from our electronic devices for a whole week? — Pixabay Has this year been especially trying? Do you need a real break from the crowds of big city life and tourist hotspots? There are destinations – and more specifically, activities – that can boost the beneficial effects of vacation downtime, with scientific research to prove it. Here are three ideas for enjoying an original vacation while relaxing and recharging your batteries so you can come back completely refreshed. Icy waters 'Summer' often means taking a dip in the sea. But while seawater offers a host of benefits for the skin, ice-cold water has been found to act on various aspects of mental health. It might therefore be worth looking to the Nordic countries for a getaway, including Norway, where ice baths are legion and their benefits recognised. In the Nordic countries, taking a plunge in icy cold waters is a common activity. — Pexels Take, for example, the now-famous Wim Hof method, named after the Dutch 'Iceman' who invented it. This technique promises a state of absolute well-being and plenitude. More precisely, it combines breathing and meditation exercises with ice baths to enhance the benefits. Numerous scientific studies have attributed many virtues to cold water, or more broadly to the cold, notably for the immune system and sleep. Even more recently, researchers have suggested that ice baths can also alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. Interested? Then head for Northern Europe. A silent retreat Not talking and focusing on yourself for a few days to a week is the aim of the silent retreats that were all the rage on social networks over the last few years. These can be a great way to disconnect completely, and to forget about your hectic daily life the rest of the year. Inspired by the ancient Buddhist technique of Vipassana meditation, which is synonymous with introspection, silent retreats are becoming increasingly common, and are offered at prices similar to those of traditional vacations. These retreats often involve staying in quiet – if not isolated – places, during which silence is golden, and telephones and computers are banned. The aim is to refocus on yourself and give new meaning to your life. But don't be fooled into thinking you'll be giving up all activity, because silent retreats often offer meditation-related leisure activities. It all depends on which one you choose. Sleep-focused getaways There are now a number of vacation packages dedicated entirely to sleep. The idea may sound strange to some people at first, but this type of break is becoming increasingly popular. The hashtag #sleeptourism, which already has over 50 million posts on TikTok, is proof enough of this, as is the growing range of sleep-related breaks offered by numerous hotels. The main activity, of course, remains rest – and in luxury, ultra-high-tech beds, if you please – but it's also about letting yourself try out activities designed to refocus on yourself, such as meditation, yoga or massage. However, unlike the above experiences, these vacations – by the sea or in big cities – are usually reserved for a wealthy clientele. – AFP Relaxnews
Mint
03-06-2025
- Health
- Mint
Why short bursts of cold showers are good for you
Long before Wim Hof turned ice baths into an internet spectacle, ancient Greeks bathed in cold water to rouse the senses. Romans built entire chambers—the frigidarium—around the idea. In Victorian asylums, cold dousing was used to 'correct" unruly behaviour. After a century of hot-water comfort, the pendulum is swinging back. Today, cold showers are touted for sharper focus, reduced inflammation, and mood boosts. Silicon Valley CEOs swear by them. Fitness influencers frame them as proof of grit. But beyond the invigorating jolt, what does science really say? Also read: To boost your mood, treat your brain to good food. Here's why 'Pairing short cold showers with breathwork or post-exercise recovery can significantly amplify the benefits," says Asad Hussain, founder and CEO of OddsFitness. 'When practiced mindfully, cold exposure taps into the body's natural stress adaptation systems that not only boost circulation and metabolism, but also train the nervous system to better handle real-life stress." The term for this mild, beneficial stress is 'hormesis'—a biological phenomenon where small doses of a stressor (in this case, cold) trigger adaptive benefits in the body. Cold exposure, Hussain explains, reduces systemic inflammation, enhances immune response, and activates brown fat—a metabolically active fat tissue known for burning energy to generate heat. From a cardiovascular standpoint, the body's reaction is swift and pronounced. 'Cold water exposure has an immediate impact on the cardiovascular system," explains Dr Sukriti Bhalla, senior consultant & unit head, cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi. 'The body perceives it as a stressor, which causes blood vessels to constrict and the heart rate to rise. In healthy individuals, this can actually be beneficial over time—it trains the vascular system to become more adaptable and resilient." ELEVEN MINUTES TO A STRONGER YOU One of the most talked-about trends in cold therapy is the so-called '11-minute rule"—a protocol involving a total of 11 minutes of cold exposure per week, typically broken into 2–3 minute intervals. 'This is the threshold where benefits like brown fat activation and neurochemical boosts begin to manifest," says Hussain. 'Beyond that, the returns diminish and the risks rise." Indeed, more is not always better. Chronic cold exposure can backfire, potentially straining the thyroid, disrupting hormonal balance, or even suppressing immunity in vulnerable individuals. Hussain emphasizes a 'short, sharp, and recoverable" approach. 'Controlled hormetic stress, not overwhelming stress, is the key." In the broader conversation around longevity, cold showers join an elite group of hormetic tools that include intermittent fasting and high intensity interval training (HIIT). 'Cold exposure is unique in its impact on the nervous system and inflammation control," Hussain notes. 'Fasting and HIIT target metabolic health more directly. A thoughtful combination of all three is likely the most effective strategy for long-term vitality." The biological pathways activated by cold exposure are still being mapped, but early evidence suggests links to mitochondrial function, oxidative stress reduction, and possibly even the preservation of telomere length and favourable epigenetic changes—all markers tied to aging and resilience. Also read: A (little) pain is good for you. Here's why Adopting a cold shower habit isn't just a mental challenge— it's a physiological investment. After six months, many individuals report a cocktail of improvements including enhanced circulation, better blood sugar regulation, and even hormonal balance. 'Behaviourally, people experience better stress tolerance, focus, mood elevation, and deeper sleep," says Hussain. Perhaps most notably, cold showers seem to sharpen the mind's ability to endure discomfort. 'This tolerance transfers to real life—reducing baseline anxiety and increasing clarity," he adds. In a 2008 paper published in Medical Hypotheses, researcher Nikolai A Shevchuk proposed that 'adapted cold showers" may relieve symptoms of depression by triggering neurochemical responses like increased noradrenaline and beta-endorphin release. THE CAVEATS For all its acclaim, cold exposure can be counterproductive—particularly for individuals with certain health conditions. Women with hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid disease may be more vulnerable to cold intolerance, Hussain explains. Likewise, those grappling with adrenal fatigue or HPA axis dysregulation—conditions marked by chronic stress—should proceed with caution. 'For them, cold exposure might increase cortisol output, worsening fatigue, anxiety, or insomnia," he warns. Minakshi Pant, 26, an entrepreneur in Delhi, learned this the hard way. 'My friends were trying cold showers—some even ice baths—so I gave it a shot," she recalls. 'But I have Raynaud's syndrome, and my symptoms worsened. My fingers went numb, and at night they would twitch painfully." Her doctor confirmed her suspicion: cold exposure had exacerbated her condition. Prolonged or very cold exposure, especially in individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure, can provoke abnormal heart rhythms or elevate blood pressure to dangerous levels," notes Bhalla. 'For most people, starting with brief exposures under two minutes and working up gradually is both safe and effective." As with any wellness trend, personalization is key. FOR GLOWING SKIN Beyond their metabolic and neurological perks, cold showers have been touted as a path to glowing, youthful skin. But how much of that is dermatology-backed reality? 'Cold water does have tangible skin benefits," says Dr Nirupama Parwanda, dermatologist and founder of Zolie Skin Clinic in Delhi. 'It can reduce puffiness, inflammation, and tighten pores temporarily. Also read: Should you try the celeb-approved lymphatic drainage massage? For individuals with oily skin, cold water may modestly reduce sebum production. 'In conditions like dermatitis or allergic reactions, cold water can help soothe irritation and reduce itching," she notes. Cold water also improves blood circulation—briefly lending the skin a more radiant, flushed appearance. But the glow is often fleeting. 'It's a combination of physical changes and how you feel after—the mood boost plays a role too," Parwanda explains. The temporary 'tightness' or brightness is not the same as lasting transformation. While most skin types can tolerate cold showers, Parwanda cautions against a one-size-fits-all approach. 'Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin may benefit from the inflammation-reducing effect of cold water during flare-ups but abrupt temperature changes can actually provoke rebound flushing in others." She warns that cold water, compared to lukewarm water, can impede the skin's ability to absorb active ingredients in topical treatments. As colder seasons approach, the situation becomes trickier. 'In winter, cold showers can exacerbate dryness, especially for those with eczema or psoriasis," she explains. 'It's important to use moisturisers rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter. And always apply sunscreen." Ultimately, the resurgence of cold showers as a wellness tool mirrors a broader cultural shift from convenience and comfort to resilience and discipline. 'Cold exposure can become a keystone habit," says Hussain, 'one that trains the mind, energizes the body, and nudges you toward a more intentional lifestyle." Tanisha Saxena is a Delhi-based independent journalist. She writes stories that are on the intersection of art, culture and lifestyle. Also read: Want to recover fast from injury? Quit fizzy drinks and alcohol
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Are ice baths truly safe for health?
Image credits: Getty Images Scroll through any social media platform and you are bound to see at least one video of a person dunking themselves into ice cold water. While one may think of it as another new trend taking the social media world by a storm, the reality is quite the opposite. Ice baths or cold water therapy are a wellness trend that is propagated by many as the ultimate solution for better health. Submerging your entire body in ice-cold water is known to have benefits such as decreasing inflammation after a workout, easing sore muscles and aiding in recovery after intense physical activities. Popular celebrities such as Lady Gaga have promoted the therapy, and it has become viral so much so that hotels have now started offering it as an experience, and companies have started creating compact ice baths that are easy to use at home. But are ice baths really safe, and do they really have any health benefits? Know more below! What are ice baths? Image credits: Getty Images Ice baths, cold plunge, cold therapy or cold water immersion are all part of a therapy known as "cryotherapy". Derived from the Greek word 'kryos' meaning ice cold, the therapy makes use of ice in different ways to cool down the body. It could mean you using an ice pack to calm down an aching muscle or taking a cold shower or plunging yourself into a tub or body of cold water that is 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) or colder, as per Mayo Clinic. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Wim Hof , a Dutch adventure athlete also known as the Ice Man, is the man who is credited for transforming ice baths from a once-a-year experience to a globally popular health and fitness trend. Recently, he also invited social media influencers from across the world on the Wim Hof Winter Expedition, where he introduced them to the benefits of ice baths and along with physical training. While ice baths are a rising trend globally, should you truly give them a try? Are ice baths truly safe for health? Image credits: Getty Images While dunking your body into ice-cold water may give you an experience and feeling that is completely new, there are no studies that can substantiate the positive health effects of this therapy. On the contrary, multiple studies have researched and found out that ice baths don't have the magical heavy impact on health as promoted by many. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports asked participants to try the Wim Hof method , which includes cold water exposure, breathing exercises and meditation for 15 days. The results showcased no positive changes in blood pressure, heart rate, function or mood. Another study published in the National Library of Medicine analysed the effects of cold water therapy post-exercise. The study cited a study published in The Journal of Physiology where researchers incorporated a number of local and systemic markers to investigate the effectiveness of CWI and the ensuing inflammatory and cellular stress response after a bout of resistance exercise, which was followed by an active-recovery period and cold water immersion for two different groups. While the active exercise protocol gave expected results, CWI had no impact on inflammatory measures and cellular stress. Ice baths have potential risks such as hypothermia, increased cardiovascular stress, skin and nerve damage and loss of motor control. It is advised to limit their durations, and people with health conditions are advised to avoid the therapy altogether. While cold water immersion might make you feel like a new and stronger self, its health benefits are not proven. Most researches on their positive effects have multiple limitations, and more studies exist that suggest that they are not as efficient as propagated. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Saltash's 'Nearly naked runner' takes on 50 marathons in 50 days
A man who began running as a way to get fit and stop drinking is about to start a gruelling challenge of running 50 marathons in 50 Wengradt's challenge, which starts on 3 May, is aimed at raising funds for the Saltash Youth Network and to mark his 50th as the Nearlynakedrunner on Instagram, he runs bare-chested even in winter as part of his commitment to the Wim Hof method of breathing techniques and cold Wengradt, from Saltash in Cornwall, said that four years ago he decided to turn his life around by quitting alcohol and focusing on fitness. 'A sense of space' Despite herniating a disc in his lower back, he persevered and completed the Eden Project half marathon in under two by his upcoming milestone birthday, he decided to run 50 marathons in 50 days for charity."Running gives me a sense of space where I can unjumble all my thoughts," he manage the physical demands of his challenge, Mr Wengradt will receive regular massages from a sports will also use cold plunges in nearby rivers to aid his recovery."The River Tamer and the River Lynher are within a mile of my house, so I've got plenty of cold bodies of water to soak in," he said.
