Navigating the Cold: Understanding the Science Behind Wim Hof's Method

An exercise scientist examines each pillar of the Wim Hof Method — separating the real physiology from the overreach, and what a calibrated practice actually looks like.

An exercise scientist applies a careful scientific lens to Wim Hof's three-pillar method — separating the claims that hold up from the ones that don't.

An Exercise Scientist Steps Into the Cold

When an exercise scientist with decades of academic training turns his attention to the Wim Hof Method, the result is neither dismissal nor devotion. Dr. Mike Israetel — professor of exercise and sports science, competitive bodybuilder, and rigorous student of human performance — enters this conversation with clear intention: to assess the claims with the same precision he brings to any physiological question. That framing matters. This is scientific scrutiny applied with genuine curiosity, not contempt.

Wim Hof is, by any measure, a singular human being. Known as the Iceman, he holds multiple Guinness World Records and has spent decades pushing his body into conditions that would incapacitate most people; his lived experience is not ordinary anecdote, but the product of sustained, deliberate practice across a lifetime. His central argument is unambiguous: nature has provided an answer to the chronic disease burden of modern life. The cold, he says, is your warm friend. That conviction carries real weight.

Take the cold showers. Take the ice water. It's your warm friend.

The Wim Hof Method rests on three pillars. First: breathing exercises — deep, rhythmic protocols designed to shift the body's internal state and, Hof claims, access the immune system at a fundamental level. Second: gradual cold exposure — not recklessness, but systematic progression into increasingly demanding conditions. Third: mindset — the deliberate cultivation of mental control, trained through repeated, direct encounters with physical discomfort. Together, these pillars form a coherent system that presents as more than a collection of practices.

What a rigorous scientific perspective adds is not a verdict on that system, but a calibration. Some of what Hof describes rests on established physiology. Some of the language he uses drifts beyond what current evidence can fully support. Both things can be true simultaneously — the results can be real and the explanation can be imprecise. That gap is worth examining clearly, not to diminish what he has built, but to understand it more precisely.

The method's reach into mainstream wellness culture is significant, and it has attracted serious scientific attention. Research has explored whether trained practitioners can voluntarily influence their immune and autonomic responses — findings have been compelling enough to challenge long-held assumptions about what the nervous system can consciously regulate. The question that a scientific lens opens up is not whether something is happening in the body. The question is exactly what is happening, through which mechanisms, and to what reliable degree.

The Wim Hof Method has reached millions of people for a reason. Something inside it resonates — not as novelty, but as practice. The discipline it demands, the physiological responses it produces, and the psychological adaptations it cultivates all point toward mechanisms worth taking seriously. The method exceeds its promotional claims in some respects and falls short of panacea in others. That honest reckoning is where the real value lives.

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Natural method is really the answer to Natural method is really the answer to existing problems of chronic diseases. existing problems of chronic diseases. existing problems of chronic diseases. Take the cold showers. Take the ice Take the cold showers. Take the ice Take the cold showers. Take the ice water. It's your warm friend. Guys, let water. It's your warm friend. Guys, let water. It's your warm friend. Guys, let me just take the science stab at this. me just take the science stab at this. me just take the science stab at this. There may and probably are distinct There may and probably are distinct There may and probably are distinct health and wellness benefits from cold health and wellness benefits from cold health and wellness benefits from cold water immersion, but they will not treat water immersion, but they will not treat water immersion, but they will not treat all of your health and wellness all of your health and wellness all of your health and wellness problems. It's a part a small part of problems. It's a part a small part of problems. It's a part a small part of the whole answer, but it is not the the whole answer, but it is not the the whole answer, but it is not the whole answer. little skepticism whole answer. little skepticism whole answer. little skepticism detectors. Anyone who oversells their detectors. Anyone who oversells their detectors. Anyone who oversells their one thing they do as the answer to one thing they do as the answer to one thing they do as the answer to everything, it's just not right. Hey folks, Dr. Mike here for the RP Hey folks, Dr. Mike here for the RP Strength [music] YouTube channel. I have Strength [music] YouTube channel. I have Strength [music] YouTube channel. I have been a longtime professor of exercise been a longtime professor of exercise been a longtime professor of exercise and sports science, have a jiu-jitsu and sports science, have a jiu-jitsu and sports science, have a jiu-jitsu black belt, and I'm a competitive black belt, and I'm a competitive black belt, and I'm a competitive bodybuilder. And I'm actually from the bodybuilder. And I'm actually from the bodybuilder. And I'm actually from the cold northern country of Russia cold northern country of Russia cold northern country of Russia originally at some point, but I know originally at some point, but I know originally at some point, but I know nothing about the cold like a Mr. Wimhof

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nothing about the cold like a Mr. Wimhof nothing about the cold like a Mr. Wimhof [music] does. Let's take a look at some [music] does. Let's take a look at some [music] does. Let's take a look at some of his stuff, some of his claims. See if of his stuff, some of his claims. See if of his stuff, some of his claims. See if we can get a little science in there. we can get a little science in there. we can get a little science in there. And uh listen, get a hoodie cuz this And uh listen, get a hoodie cuz this And uh listen, get a hoodie cuz this one's going to be chilly. I don't know, one's going to be chilly. I don't know, one's going to be chilly. I don't know, guys. All the intros aren't as funny as guys. All the intros aren't as funny as guys. All the intros aren't as funny as the others. 3 2 1 Br. the others. 3 2 1 Br. the others. 3 2 1 Br. [music] [music] [music] All right, to the year 2001, the space All right, to the year 2001, the space All right, to the year 2001, the space odyssey. odyssey. odyssey. >> I'm never sick anymore. I feel strong >> I'm never sick anymore. I feel strong >> I'm never sick anymore. I feel strong [music] every day. [music] every day. [music] every day. >> Scott, what did I tell you before we >> Scott, what did I tell you before we >> Scott, what did I tell you before we started this? Anything with a European started this? Anything with a European started this? Anything with a European accent sounds so much cooler and accent sounds so much cooler and accent sounds so much cooler and smarter. Like Europeans, when Americans smarter. Like Europeans, when Americans smarter. Like Europeans, when Americans hear your accent, I think most of us hear your accent, I think most of us hear your accent, I think most of us just assume you know something special just assume you know something special just assume you know something special that we don't. And so with a European that we don't. And so with a European that we don't. And so with a European accent, anytime you say any kind of accent, anytime you say any kind of accent, anytime you say any kind of claims, I'm like, whoa, cool. If I like claims, I'm like, whoa, cool. If I like claims, I'm like, whoa, cool. If I like put my nuts in a bathtub full of ice, put my nuts in a bathtub full of ice, put my nuts in a bathtub full of ice, I'll never get sick again. Maybe there's I'll never get sick again. Maybe there's I'll never get sick again. Maybe there's some truth to that. some truth to that. some truth to that. >> It's true. I already have the bathtub >> It's true. I already have the bathtub >> It's true. I already have the bathtub downstairs filling up with ice. downstairs filling up with ice. downstairs filling up with ice. >> Next video, Dr. Mike freezes off his >> Next video, Dr. Mike freezes off his >> Next video, Dr. Mike freezes off his nuts. [laughter]

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nuts. [laughter] nuts. [laughter] Natural method is really [music] the Natural method is really [music] the Natural method is really [music] the answer to existing problems of chronic answer to existing problems of chronic answer to existing problems of chronic diseases. Battle it. Take the cold diseases. Battle it. Take the cold diseases. Battle it. Take the cold showers. Take the ice water. It's your showers. Take the ice water. It's your showers. Take the ice water. It's your warm friend. [music] I'm William Hoff. warm friend. [music] I'm William Hoff. warm friend. [music] I'm William Hoff. They call me the Iceman. is because I'm They call me the Iceman. is because I'm They call me the Iceman. is because I'm a multiple [music] Guinness World Record a multiple [music] Guinness World Record a multiple [music] Guinness World Record title holder. title holder. title holder. >> Scott, they gave him the presentation >> Scott, they gave him the presentation >> Scott, they gave him the presentation right in the bathtub. right in the bathtub. right in the bathtub. >> The techniques uh which are composing >> The techniques uh which are composing >> The techniques uh which are composing the method uh three pillars. the method uh three pillars. the method uh three pillars. >> Okay. First, get an adorable dog. Check. >> Okay. First, get an adorable dog. Check. >> Okay. First, get an adorable dog. Check. >> First one is breathing exercises. >> First one is breathing exercises. >> First one is breathing exercises. breathing exercises that are able to get breathing exercises that are able to get breathing exercises that are able to get into the innate immune system very into the innate immune system very into the innate immune system very deeply into our tissues everything where deeply into our tissues everything where deeply into our tissues everything where normally we don't get now we get there

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uh huh there is definitely a way that uh huh there is definitely a way that you can meditate and with deep breathing you can meditate and with deep breathing you can meditate and with deep breathing that is possible to connect with the that is possible to connect with the that is possible to connect with the parts of your brain that represent uh parts of your brain that represent uh parts of your brain that represent uh vast different parts of your body that vast different parts of your body that vast different parts of your body that you may totally you may usually not be you may totally you may usually not be you may totally you may usually not be connected to. That's definitely a thing. connected to. That's definitely a thing. connected to. That's definitely a thing. Are you literally connecting with your Are you literally connecting with your Are you literally connecting with your body? No, that's impossible. Those are body? No, that's impossible. Those are body? No, that's impossible. Those are just your neurons. But uh there is a just your neurons. But uh there is a just your neurons. But uh there is a point here that if you very very much point here that if you very very much point here that if you very very much get into [music] a deep meditative get into [music] a deep meditative get into [music] a deep meditative state, you can actually willfully raise state, you can actually willfully raise state, you can actually willfully raise your circulation, you can willfully your circulation, you can willfully your circulation, you can willfully raise your heart rate, and this can raise your heart rate, and this can raise your heart rate, and this can drive up your metabolism. and can drive up your metabolism. and can drive up your metabolism. and can actually at the expense of calories, actually at the expense of calories, actually at the expense of calories, which is cool, um allow you to stay warm which is cool, um allow you to stay warm which is cool, um allow you to stay warm in very cold environments. It is in very cold environments. It is in very cold environments. It is absolutely a learned skill. It is a absolutely a learned skill. It is a absolutely a learned skill. It is a practiced skill. Some of the way that practiced skill. Some of the way that practiced skill. Some of the way that Wimhof's going to describe this is a Wimhof's going to describe this is a Wimhof's going to describe this is a little bit new age for reality, but little bit new age for reality, but little bit new age for reality, but there's absolutely something there for there's absolutely something there for there's absolutely something there for sure. Two, the cult. The cult gradually sure. Two, the cult. The cult gradually sure. Two, the cult. The cult gradually exposing yourself to word cold. This is

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exposing yourself to word cold. This is exposing yourself to word cold. This is a big deal. Gradually, guys, don't just a big deal. Gradually, guys, don't just a big deal. Gradually, guys, don't just go to the Arctic Circle with a one-way go to the Arctic Circle with a one-way go to the Arctic Circle with a one-way trip. Gradually, at first, not so cold trip. Gradually, at first, not so cold trip. Gradually, at first, not so cold for not so long of a time, then colder for not so long of a time, then colder for not so long of a time, then colder and longer. [music] and longer. [music] and longer. [music] Big deal. It's the cardiovascular Big deal. It's the cardiovascular Big deal. It's the cardiovascular system, the transportation system of system, the transportation system of system, the transportation system of ours. And that one is being stimulated ours. And that one is being stimulated ours. And that one is being stimulated and optimized through gradual cold and optimized through gradual cold and optimized through gradual cold exposure. Yeah. Pillar number three, the exposure. Yeah. Pillar number three, the exposure. Yeah. Pillar number three, the mindset. its neurological power you mindset. its neurological power you mindset. its neurological power you learn [music] to control within your learn [music] to control within your learn [music] to control within your brain being able to tap in to deeper brain being able to tap in to deeper brain being able to tap in to deeper parts of the brain. Like a technical parts of the brain. Like a technical parts of the brain. Like a technical level, I don't know if it's deeper part level, I don't know if it's deeper part level, I don't know if it's deeper part of the brain, a deeper part of the mind of the brain, a deeper part of the mind of the brain, a deeper part of the mind for sure. That's definitely a thing. I for sure. That's definitely a thing. I for sure. That's definitely a thing. I think most of Wimhof's advantages here think most of Wimhof's advantages here think most of Wimhof's advantages here are actually psychological. And the are actually psychological. And the are actually psychological. And the degree to which he has pain tolerance degree to which he has pain tolerance degree to which he has pain tolerance and control mapped out [music] through and control mapped out [music] through and control mapped out [music] through many years of practice and and brutal many years of practice and and brutal many years of practice and and brutal training is like literally world class. training is like literally world class. training is like literally world class. Like this guy is on a totally different

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Like this guy is on a totally different Like this guy is on a totally different level and is incredibly impressive. level and is incredibly impressive. level and is incredibly impressive. Scott, what's your um T minus bitching Scott, what's your um T minus bitching Scott, what's your um T minus bitching out of a challenge like this? out of a challenge like this? out of a challenge like this? >> Oh, I put my toe down in and I'm like, >> Oh, I put my toe down in and I'm like, >> Oh, I put my toe down in and I'm like, nah, I'm good. nah, I'm good. nah, I'm good. >> I'm sorry. You want me to do what? For >> I'm sorry. You want me to do what? For >> I'm sorry. You want me to do what? For how little money? how little money? how little money? >> My foot enters 2 in. I don't even step >> My foot enters 2 in. I don't even step >> My foot enters 2 in. I don't even step into cold pools. This shit is way beyond into cold pools. This shit is way beyond into cold pools. This shit is way beyond me. me. me. >> We show this in brain scans and the >> We show this in brain scans and the >> We show this in brain scans and the professors there tell Yeah, this is a professors there tell Yeah, this is a professors there tell Yeah, this is a transformational technique that will transformational technique that will transformational technique that will change mental health care. It's what change mental health care. It's what change mental health care. It's what they say. Don't [laughter] they say. Don't [laughter] they say. Don't [laughter] don't blame me for what I say. The don't blame me for what I say. The don't blame me for what I say. The professor said it and they're all smart professor said it and they're all smart professor said it and they're all smart and shit with theiring goggles and their and shit with theiring goggles and their and shit with theiring goggles and their test tubes and things. Guys, let me just test tubes and things. Guys, let me just test tubes and things. Guys, let me just take the science stab at this. [music] take the science stab at this. [music] take the science stab at this. [music] There may and probably are distinct health and wellness benefits from cold water immersion, [music] but they will water immersion, [music] but they will water immersion, [music] but they will not treat all of your health and not treat all of your health and not treat all of your health and wellness problems. It's a part a small wellness problems. It's a part a small wellness problems. It's a part a small part of the whole answer, but it is not

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part of the whole answer, but it is not part of the whole answer, but it is not the whole answer. Healthy eating, the whole answer. Healthy eating, the whole answer. Healthy eating, [music] [music] lots of exercise, good sleep, good lots of exercise, good sleep, good lots of exercise, good sleep, good social rel relations, and stress social rel relations, and stress social rel relations, and stress management, [music] and many different management, [music] and many different management, [music] and many different kinds of modern medicine are all part of kinds of modern medicine are all part of kinds of modern medicine are all part of the answer. Could this be a part? the answer. Could this be a part? the answer. Could this be a part? Absolutely it could. But little Absolutely it could. But little Absolutely it could. But little skepticism detector is anyone who skepticism detector is anyone who skepticism detector is anyone who oversells their one thing they do as the oversells their one thing they do as the oversells their one thing they do as the answer to everything. Uh it's just not answer to everything. Uh it's just not answer to everything. Uh it's just not right. Even as effective as it is. The right. Even as effective as it is. The right. Even as effective as it is. The RP hypertrophy app can't just grow RP hypertrophy app can't just grow RP hypertrophy app can't just grow muscle for you. As an example of me muscle for you. As an example of me muscle for you. As an example of me digging on our own products. The CEO is digging on our own products. The CEO is digging on our own products. The CEO is probably going to kill me [music] for probably going to kill me [music] for probably going to kill me [music] for this one. But seriously folks, could be this one. But seriously folks, could be this one. But seriously folks, could be some good stuff. But anytime we have some good stuff. But anytime we have some good stuff. But anytime we have panacea like benefits to something as panacea like benefits to something as panacea like benefits to something as simple as being in cold water, you got simple as being in cold water, you got simple as being in cold water, you got to be skeptical in a good way, but to be skeptical in a good way, but to be skeptical in a good way, but skeptical. skeptical. skeptical. >> So, it's this very sort of macho thing, >> So, it's this very sort of macho thing, >> So, it's this very sort of macho thing, right? We're pushing past perceived right? We're pushing past perceived right? We're pushing past perceived limits. We're going to do the hard limits. We're going to do the hard limits. We're going to do the hard thing. We're going to jump into ice thing. We're going to jump into ice thing. We're going to jump into ice water. We're going to get past it. And water. We're going to get past it. And water. We're going to get past it. And it's like this constant it's like this constant it's like this constant self-improvement, which to some degree self-improvement, which to some degree self-improvement, which to some degree can expand your range. can expand your range. can expand your range. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> For where you can do something. But if

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>> For where you can do something. But if >> For where you can do something. But if your goal is to push past perceived your goal is to push past perceived your goal is to push past perceived limits, eventually [music] limits, eventually [music] limits, eventually [music] you're gonna push past them, right? you're gonna push past them, right? you're gonna push past them, right? Eventually you're gonna do it. And Eventually you're gonna do it. And Eventually you're gonna do it. And that's why people are hurting that's why people are hurting that's why people are hurting themselves. That's why people are themselves. That's why people are themselves. That's why people are drowning. drowning. drowning. >> Wa, there's people drowning from this. >> Wa, there's people drowning from this. >> Wa, there's people drowning from this. >> Is he going to talk about it later? Do >> Is he going to talk about it later? Do >> Is he going to talk about it later? Do we get insights later? we get insights later? we get insights later? >> Holy crap. Here's my shit, fellas. You >> Holy crap. Here's my shit, fellas. You >> Holy crap. Here's my shit, fellas. You can do Wimhof breathing and all this can do Wimhof breathing and all this can do Wimhof breathing and all this underwater cold swimming shit and I underwater cold swimming shit and I underwater cold swimming shit and I think it's totally dope as long as you think it's totally dope as long as you think it's totally dope as long as you stay safe. stay safe. stay safe. >> But I will say that if you're like, >> But I will say that if you're like, >> But I will say that if you're like, "Wow, I like this vibe, but is there a "Wow, I like this vibe, but is there a "Wow, I like this vibe, but is there a way I can get similar benefits?" [music] way I can get similar benefits?" [music] way I can get similar benefits?" [music] And some other benefits as well is like And some other benefits as well is like And some other benefits as well is like honestly like exercise, you guys. like honestly like exercise, you guys. like honestly like exercise, you guys. like training really hard, especially doing training really hard, especially doing training really hard, especially doing like sets [music] of 10, 15, 20, 25 reps like sets [music] of 10, 15, 20, 25 reps like sets [music] of 10, 15, 20, 25 reps per set, super set style with per set, super set style with per set, super set style with antagonistic muscle groups, like a set antagonistic muscle groups, like a set antagonistic muscle groups, like a set of 20 in the bench, a set of 20 in pull of 20 in the bench, a set of 20 in pull of 20 in the bench, a set of 20 in pull downs, rest 10 seconds, set of 20 in the downs, rest 10 seconds, set of 20 in the downs, rest 10 seconds, set of 20 in the bench, set of 20 in pull downs. It's bench, set of 20 in pull downs. It's bench, set of 20 in pull downs. It's going to get you tons of benefits going to get you tons of benefits going to get you tons of benefits cardiovascular wise. It's going to build cardiovascular wise. It's going to build cardiovascular wise. It's going to build a bunch of muscle. It's going to burn a a bunch of muscle. It's going to burn a a bunch of muscle. It's going to burn a bunch of fat, and it's going to change

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bunch of fat, and it's going to change bunch of fat, and it's going to change your body composition for the better, your body composition for the better, your body composition for the better, and it's going to make you stronger. and it's going to make you stronger. and it's going to make you stronger. It's going to make your tendons have It's going to make your tendons have It's going to make your tendons have more integrity and it's going to give more integrity and it's going to give more integrity and it's going to give you a crapload of mental edge. Because you a crapload of mental edge. Because you a crapload of mental edge. Because honestly, one of the biggest things honestly, one of the biggest things honestly, one of the biggest things about the the mental situation is about the the mental situation is about the the mental situation is temporarily pushing yourself into a temporarily pushing yourself into a temporarily pushing yourself into a state of great [music] distress and then state of great [music] distress and then state of great [music] distress and then coming back and then pushing again and coming back and then pushing again and coming back and then pushing again and then coming back and then resting for then coming back and then resting for then coming back and then resting for hours or days and then doing it again. hours or days and then doing it again. hours or days and then doing it again. That raises all of your abilities and is That raises all of your abilities and is That raises all of your abilities and is massively beneficial to your psychology. massively beneficial to your psychology. massively beneficial to your psychology. Can you do it with uh getting yourself Can you do it with uh getting yourself Can you do it with uh getting yourself into cold situations? Yes. Can you do it into cold situations? Yes. Can you do it into cold situations? Yes. Can you do it in doing training for marathon or in doing training for marathon or in doing training for marathon or triathlon? God, yes. That shit is way triathlon? God, yes. That shit is way triathlon? God, yes. That shit is way harder than the fitness I do, quote harder than the fitness I do, quote harder than the fitness I do, quote unquote [music] fitness. Can you do it unquote [music] fitness. Can you do it unquote [music] fitness. Can you do it with bodybuilding and powerlifting and with bodybuilding and powerlifting and with bodybuilding and powerlifting and weightlifting and strong men? [music] weightlifting and strong men? [music] weightlifting and strong men? [music] Youing bet. And those things along with Youing bet. And those things along with Youing bet. And those things along with good dieting and good sleep using the RP good dieting and good sleep using the RP good dieting and good sleep using the RP diet coach app if you're interested. diet coach app if you're interested. diet coach app if you're interested. Shitty plug. I know. That can really get Shitty plug. I know. That can really get Shitty plug. I know. That can really get you well on your way to getting all you well on your way to getting all you well on your way to getting all these other amazing body composition these other amazing body composition these other amazing body composition results that you probably might not get results that you probably might not get results that you probably might not get as much of with like um cold water as much of with like um cold water as much of with like um cold water immersion stuff, but you will get as immersion stuff, but you will get as immersion stuff, but you will get as massive side benefits in addition to

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massive side benefits in addition to massive side benefits in addition to sharpening the shit out of your mind. So sharpening the shit out of your mind. So sharpening the shit out of your mind. So I asked him, tell me about the I asked him, tell me about the I asked him, tell me about the drownings. Like you know, this is a drownings. Like you know, this is a drownings. Like you know, this is a direct quote. So this is me doing Wimhof direct quote. So this is me doing Wimhof direct quote. So this is me doing Wimhof here. Doing five studies at the moment. here. Doing five studies at the moment. here. Doing five studies at the moment. My focus is there. Look into baptism and My focus is there. Look into baptism and My focus is there. Look into baptism and the real meaning of it. You might learn the real meaning of it. You might learn the real meaning of it. You might learn something. I know what I do. something. I know what I do. something. I know what I do. >> Oh, Scott, you didn't tell me this goes >> Oh, Scott, you didn't tell me this goes >> Oh, Scott, you didn't tell me this goes into insanity. into insanity. into insanity. >> Uh, this is where the video turns. >> Uh, this is where the video turns. >> Uh, this is where the video turns. >> That nice young gentleman to the right >> That nice young gentleman to the right >> That nice young gentleman to the right of the screen. Scott, do you see his of the screen. Scott, do you see his of the screen. Scott, do you see his facial expression? That's the facial expression? That's the facial expression? That's the appropriate response. appropriate response. appropriate response. >> Max, can you blow that up? >> Max, can you blow that up? >> Max, can you blow that up? >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> I know what I do. [music] Baptism, the >> I know what I do. [music] Baptism, the >> I know what I do. [music] Baptism, the real one, is shutting down or real one, is shutting down or real one, is shutting down or overcontrolling mind and activate deep overcontrolling mind and activate deep overcontrolling mind and activate deep healing mechanisms in the body. Not healing mechanisms in the body. Not healing mechanisms in the body. Not going to explain this physiologically. going to explain this physiologically. going to explain this physiologically. Not into competition sports here, which Not into competition sports here, which Not into competition sports here, which is entertainment since the Roman Empire is entertainment since the Roman Empire is entertainment since the Roman Empire who killed an innocent man called Jesus. who killed an innocent man called Jesus. who killed an innocent man called Jesus. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Yo, Jesus Christ comes down. He's like

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Yo, Jesus Christ comes down. He's like Yo, Jesus Christ comes down. He's like Uh, whim, I love you, bro. Like, I love Uh, whim, I love you, bro. Like, I love Uh, whim, I love you, bro. Like, I love everyone. everyone. everyone. Let's not just not. Anyway, Jesus, Let's not just not. Anyway, Jesus, Let's not just not. Anyway, Jesus, Ashes, a cigarette. Just he's out. Um, Ashes, a cigarette. Just he's out. Um, Ashes, a cigarette. Just he's out. Um, [music] [music] funny enough, I had a recent interaction funny enough, I had a recent interaction funny enough, I had a recent interaction with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All jokes, all love and respect. Please All jokes, all love and respect. Please All jokes, all love and respect. Please [music] God, [music] God, [music] God, Scott, I was praying. Scott, I was praying. Scott, I was praying. >> I was praying. I'm not I'm man enough to >> I was praying. I'm not I'm man enough to >> I was praying. I'm not I'm man enough to admit it. And I was like, "God, admit it. And I was like, "God, admit it. And I was like, "God, could you please grant my prayer?" And could you please grant my prayer?" And could you please grant my prayer?" And God/Jesus/Tholy God/Jesus/Tholy God/Jesus/Tholy Ghost, same entity, was like, Ghost, same entity, was like, Ghost, same entity, was like, >> "Yes, Michael, even though you are >> "Yes, Michael, even though you are >> "Yes, Michael, even though you are Jewish." Jewish." Jewish." >> I'm like, "Yo, what?" He's like, >> I'm like, "Yo, what?" He's like, >> I'm like, "Yo, what?" He's like, >> "Shut up. Uh, hit me up. What do you >> "Shut up. Uh, hit me up. What do you >> "Shut up. Uh, hit me up. What do you want?" want?" want?" And I was like, I just want And I was like, I just want And I was like, I just want a belt [music] for lifting that isn't as a belt [music] for lifting that isn't as a belt [music] for lifting that isn't as thick as a powerlifting belt, but is thick as a powerlifting belt, but is thick as a powerlifting belt, but is taller so it can support my whole core.

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taller so it can support my whole core. taller so it can support my whole core. It's fashionable. It's adjustable for It's fashionable. It's adjustable for It's fashionable. It's adjustable for every exercise without clips, but just every exercise without clips, but just every exercise without clips, but just one Velcro strap. And it's thin enough one Velcro strap. And it's thin enough one Velcro strap. And it's thin enough that it allows me to have an awesome that it allows me to have an awesome that it allows me to have an awesome silhouette to attract the ladies at the silhouette to attract the ladies at the silhouette to attract the ladies at the gym. You guys want to see what my game gym. You guys want to see what my game gym. You guys want to see what my game looks like? Hey, what exercise are you looks like? Hey, what exercise are you looks like? Hey, what exercise are you doing there? doing there? doing there? [music] >> At the same time, it's insanely high >> At the same time, it's insanely high quality. It's made in [music] the United quality. It's made in [music] the United quality. It's made in [music] the United States. States. States. >> That's a lot of shit, man. I'm not God. >> That's a lot of shit, man. I'm not God. >> That's a lot of shit, man. I'm not God. Oh, wait. I am God. And he was like, Oh, wait. I am God. And he was like, Oh, wait. I am God. And he was like, "Yay, and I grant thee the hyper belt "Yay, and I grant thee the hyper belt "Yay, and I grant thee the hyper belt from Versa Grips. Link in description." from Versa Grips. Link in description." from Versa Grips. Link in description." >> I was like, >> I was like, >> I was like, and that's how it happened. Don't and that's how it happened. Don't and that's how it happened. Don't believe me? Check the link in the believe me? Check the link in the believe me? Check the link in the description to find out for [music] description to find out for [music] description to find out for [music] yourself. yourself. yourself. [sighs] [sighs] [sighs] Scott, the uh Versa Group's founders are Scott, the uh Versa Group's founders are Scott, the uh Versa Group's founders are religious peoples, aren't they? religious peoples, aren't they? religious peoples, aren't they? >> Yeah, I was just thinking that. >> Yeah, I was just thinking that. >> Yeah, I was just thinking that. >> You guys, all love and respect. I'm for >> You guys, all love and respect. I'm for >> You guys, all love and respect. I'm for sure going to hell. Well earned.

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sure going to hell. Well earned. sure going to hell. Well earned. >> Scott, would you sign up for that >> Scott, would you sign up for that >> Scott, would you sign up for that seminar of Wimhof uh yelling at you? seminar of Wimhof uh yelling at you? seminar of Wimhof uh yelling at you? >> No, I'm good. >> No, I'm good. >> No, I'm good. >> Okay. [music] >> Okay. [music] >> Okay. [music] >> Especially if there's a chance of being >> Especially if there's a chance of being >> Especially if there's a chance of being cold. I'm real good, cold. I'm real good, cold. I'm real good, >> pussy. What? >> pussy. What? >> pussy. What? Scott, exercise scientist tries Wimhof Scott, exercise scientist tries Wimhof Scott, exercise scientist tries Wimhof seminar. You're doing it with me if we seminar. You're doing it with me if we seminar. You're doing it with me if we do it. do it. do it. >> I'm not joking. I don't know why you're >> I'm not joking. I don't know why you're >> I'm not joking. I don't know why you're laughing. laughing. laughing. >> That's actually I'm going to write that >> That's actually I'm going to write that >> That's actually I'm going to write that down. down. down. >> Write that down. >> Write that down. >> Write that down. >> Hold it. >> Hold it. >> Hold it. >> That's a face of regret right there, >> That's a face of regret right there, >> That's a face of regret right there, Sky. You see that guy's face? He's like, Sky. You see that guy's face? He's like, Sky. You see that guy's face? He's like, I love this. I love this. I love this. >> You know that guy? [music] >> You know that guy? [music] >> You know that guy? [music] >> Who? Wait, who was that guy? >> Who? Wait, who was that guy? >> Who? Wait, who was that guy? >> We'll find out. >> We'll find out. >> We'll find out. >> All right, >> All right, >> All right, >> one. Let it go. >> one. Let it go. >> one. Let it go. >> Oh my goodness. Jesse James West. Jesse >> Oh my goodness. Jesse James West. Jesse >> Oh my goodness. Jesse James West. Jesse James West is incapable of the emotion James West is incapable of the emotion James West is incapable of the emotion of regret. I love it. God, get out there of regret. I love it. God, get out there of regret. I love it. God, get out there and do it, Jesse. and do it, Jesse. and do it, Jesse. >> I cannot describe that. Holy. >> Does Jesse James West have one >> Does Jesse James West have one cross earring on? He cross earring on? He cross earring on? He >> used to. That was his old book. >> used to. That was his old book. >> used to. That was his old book. This is a few years old.

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This is a few years old. This is a few years old. >> I kind of with it, man. That's hot. >> I kind of with it, man. That's hot. >> I kind of with it, man. That's hot. >> I wish he'd bring it back. >> I wish he'd bring it back. >> I wish he'd bring it back. >> Yeah. It's like I'm not like super >> Yeah. It's like I'm not like super >> Yeah. It's like I'm not like super serious about it, but I'm kind of serious about it, but I'm kind of serious about it, but I'm kind of starting a Christian rock band. starting a Christian rock band. starting a Christian rock band. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Win. >> Win. >> Win. >> Hey, man. Dude, thank you for that. >> Hey, man. Dude, thank you for that. >> Hey, man. Dude, thank you for that. >> Bro, >> Bro, >> Bro, >> I'm like in shock right now. >> I'm like in shock right now. >> I'm like in shock right now. [laughter] [laughter] >> If you take what Jesse says in this >> If you take what Jesse says in this >> If you take what Jesse says in this video and replace it with a white girl video and replace it with a white girl video and replace it with a white girl influencer, Scott, nothing needs to be influencer, Scott, nothing needs to be influencer, Scott, nothing needs to be changed. changed. changed. That's like a white girl goes to Indian That's like a white girl goes to Indian That's like a white girl goes to Indian ashram. I'm like in like a total shock. ashram. I'm like in like a total shock. ashram. I'm like in like a total shock. >> This is by far the most euphoric feeling >> This is by far the most euphoric feeling >> This is by far the most euphoric feeling I've ever felt in my entire life. It's I've ever felt in my entire life. It's I've ever felt in my entire life. It's >> cool, >> cool, >> cool, >> Scott. We got to try it now, man. We >> Scott. We got to try it now, man. We >> Scott. We got to try it now, man. We can. can. can. >> Perhaps you've noticed a scar on Whim's >> Perhaps you've noticed a scar on Whim's >> Perhaps you've noticed a scar on Whim's abdomen. It started back in 2008. So, he abdomen. It started back in 2008. So, he abdomen. It started back in 2008. So, he set a time to meet his son at Beatatrix set a time to meet his son at Beatatrix set a time to meet his son at Beatatrix Park in Amsterdam. Whim arrived a little Park in Amsterdam. Whim arrived a little Park in Amsterdam. Whim arrived a little early and he decided to calm himself by early and he decided to calm himself by early and he decided to calm himself by going for a swim in the park's pond going for a swim in the park's pond going for a swim in the park's pond while he was waiting. He paddled out to

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while he was waiting. He paddled out to while he was waiting. He paddled out to a fountain in the center. And well, I'm a fountain in the center. And well, I'm a fountain in the center. And well, I'm just going to let Whim describe [music] just going to let Whim describe [music] just going to let Whim describe [music] this part. It's just a fountain and I this part. It's just a fountain and I this part. It's just a fountain and I put it up my ass and cleanser cleanses put it up my ass and cleanser cleanses put it up my ass and cleanser cleanses all my uh shit. Cleanses all my uh shit in my intestines Cleanses all my uh shit in my intestines and you shit it out. Sir, this is a and you shit it out. Sir, this is a and you shit it out. Sir, this is a public pond. There are children over public pond. There are children over public pond. There are children over there and you're killing ducks with your there and you're killing ducks with your there and you're killing ducks with your excrement. All ducks do shit in the excrement. All ducks do shit in the excrement. All ducks do shit in the pond. Wimhof, you're the man. I take pond. Wimhof, you're the man. I take pond. Wimhof, you're the man. I take that back that back that back >> like that and all goes and you feel >> like that and all goes and you feel >> like that and all goes and you feel good. I had done it already like 100 good. I had done it already like 100 good. I had done it already like 100 times. times. times. >> Enma, right? >> Enma, right? >> Enma, right? >> Yes. In a public pond on a public >> Yes. In a public pond on a public >> Yes. In a public pond on a public fountain. fountain. fountain. >> That seems like a good idea for >> That seems like a good idea for >> That seems like a good idea for bacterial infection. bacterial infection. bacterial infection. Time to test the old immune system Time to test the old immune system Time to test the old immune system claims. claims. claims. >> So, he positioned himself over the spout >> So, he positioned himself over the spout >> So, he positioned himself over the spout and the pressurized water cut through and the pressurized water cut through and the pressurized water cut through his intestines like a knife. his intestines like a knife. his intestines like a knife. >> I didn't know that was aing

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>> I didn't know that was aing >> I didn't know that was aing Scott. What kind of fountain is this Scott. What kind of fountain is this Scott. What kind of fountain is this mother? Is this like goddamn old mother? Is this like goddamn old mother? Is this like goddamn old faithful over here and shit? faithful over here and shit? faithful over here and shit? >> Dude, it could have been one of those >> Dude, it could have been one of those >> Dude, it could have been one of those that shoots up like 20 feet in the air, that shoots up like 20 feet in the air, that shoots up like 20 feet in the air, dude. Yeah, it's like a fire hose. dude. Yeah, it's like a fire hose. dude. Yeah, it's like a fire hose. >> Do not look up Mr. Hand. [laughter] >> Do not look up Mr. Hand. [laughter] >> Do not look up Mr. Hand. [laughter] Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. >> So, >> So, >> So, >> that sounds like my Tuesday night in uh >> that sounds like my Tuesday night in uh >> that sounds like my Tuesday night in uh the Chelsea bar scene in New York. the Chelsea bar scene in New York. the Chelsea bar scene in New York. >> I feel like we're starting to get a >> I feel like we're starting to get a >> I feel like we're starting to get a really good picture of William Hoff at really good picture of William Hoff at really good picture of William Hoff at this point. really good picture of him this point. really good picture of him this point. really good picture of him half this point from various angles I half this point from various angles I half this point from various angles I might add. might add. might add. >> Uh two years ago I got diagnosed with >> Uh two years ago I got diagnosed with >> Uh two years ago I got diagnosed with stage 4 incurable advanced uh cancer. stage 4 incurable advanced uh cancer. stage 4 incurable advanced uh cancer. >> This is super I mean this is with all >> This is super I mean this is with all >> This is super I mean this is with all due respect this is super pedantic. due respect this is super pedantic. due respect this is super pedantic. There is to my knowledge no such thing There is to my knowledge no such thing There is to my knowledge no such thing as an incurable cancer and doctors will as an incurable cancer and doctors will as an incurable cancer and doctors will almost never tell you this. The almost never tell you this. The almost never tell you this. The probability of your cancer receding or probability of your cancer receding or probability of your cancer receding or being amendable to treatment can be being amendable to treatment can be being amendable to treatment can be vanishingly small. Incurable is almost

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vanishingly small. Incurable is almost vanishingly small. Incurable is almost never a thing that happens because never a thing that happens because never a thing that happens because someone's going to beat kind of every someone's going to beat kind of every someone's going to beat kind of every cancer someday. People have like cancer someday. People have like cancer someday. People have like terminal pancreatic cancer and then terminal pancreatic cancer and then terminal pancreatic cancer and then somehow turn a corner. It's incredibly somehow turn a corner. It's incredibly somehow turn a corner. It's incredibly rare. It does happen. So [music] rare. It does happen. So [music] rare. It does happen. So [music] now the question is did the Wimhof now the question is did the Wimhof now the question is did the Wimhof methods help this man or did it turn a methods help this man or did it turn a methods help this man or did it turn a corner because of Wimhof's meth methods corner because of Wimhof's meth methods corner because of Wimhof's meth methods or for no reason whatsoever. So the or for no reason whatsoever. So the or for no reason whatsoever. So the incurable part, we had a really really incurable part, we had a really really incurable part, we had a really really big asterisk next to that. big asterisk next to that. big asterisk next to that. >> Uh and obviously they didn't give me a >> Uh and obviously they didn't give me a >> Uh and obviously they didn't give me a lot of hope. They just sent me home to lot of hope. They just sent me home to lot of hope. They just sent me home to try and live the best the way the way I try and live the best the way the way I try and live the best the way the way I could and put me on pallet of chemo. could and put me on pallet of chemo. could and put me on pallet of chemo. >> Scott, you have an incurable cancer. >> Scott, you have an incurable cancer. >> Scott, you have an incurable cancer. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> You have 6 months left to live. >> You have 6 months left to live. >> You have 6 months left to live. How are you spending 6 months How are you spending 6 months How are you spending 6 months >> being a degenerate? >> being a degenerate? >> being a degenerate? >> Describe. >> Describe. >> Describe. >> No. [laughter] >> No. [laughter] >> No. [laughter] No. No. No. Folks, we will be back to the video in Folks, we will be back to the video in Folks, we will be back to the video in just a second, but first, our member just a second, but first, our member just a second, but first, our member section must be talked about. This very section must be talked about. This very section must be talked about. This very video and all of other reacts videos can video and all of other reacts videos can video and all of other reacts videos can be there found twice as long and twice be there found twice as long and twice be there found twice as long and twice as dirty with stuff we're not allowed to

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as dirty with stuff we're not allowed to as dirty with stuff we're not allowed to say on YouTube. [music] And there's all say on YouTube. [music] And there's all say on YouTube. [music] And there's all kinds of other great content. Click kinds of other great content. Click kinds of other great content. Click around, subscribe to the member section. around, subscribe to the member section. around, subscribe to the member section. It's a little bit of money, tons of It's a little bit of money, tons of It's a little bit of money, tons of value. Okay, back to the video. value. Okay, back to the video. value. Okay, back to the video. >> But I came home and I decided that I >> But I came home and I decided that I >> But I came home and I decided that I could do something extra to go along could do something extra to go along could do something extra to go along with the chemotherapy that they had. And with the chemotherapy that they had. And with the chemotherapy that they had. And uh the brother-in-law suggested uh the brother-in-law suggested uh the brother-in-law suggested >> me brava. God, I love the accent >> me brava. God, I love the accent >> me brava. God, I love the accent >> that I read your book. And obviously I >> that I read your book. And obviously I >> that I read your book. And obviously I read your book and it inspired me and read your book and it inspired me and read your book and it inspired me and blew my mind and they told me not to blew my mind and they told me not to blew my mind and they told me not to touch anything cold on chemo. So the touch anything cold on chemo. So the touch anything cold on chemo. So the first thing I done was got in an ice first thing I done was got in an ice first thing I done was got in an ice bath. Oh guys, it is really great that bath. Oh guys, it is really great that bath. Oh guys, it is really great that this turned out well. You got to listen this turned out well. You got to listen this turned out well. You got to listen to what your doctors are telling you, to what your doctors are telling you, to what your doctors are telling you, [music] [music] especially chemo. One out of a hundred especially chemo. One out of a hundred especially chemo. One out of a hundred times some cool shit like this will times some cool shit like this will times some cool shit like this will happen. If you stop doing chemo, like 99 happen. If you stop doing chemo, like 99 happen. If you stop doing chemo, like 99 times out of a hundred, you're just times out of a hundred, you're just times out of a hundred, you're just gonna croak really fast and they don't gonna croak really fast and they don't gonna croak really fast and they don't make documentaries about you because make documentaries about you because make documentaries about you because it's reallying [music] sad and your it's reallying [music] sad and your it's reallying [music] sad and your family doesn't want to talk about it. family doesn't want to talk about it. family doesn't want to talk about it. So, just a heads up, not a good idea.

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So, just a heads up, not a good idea. So, just a heads up, not a good idea. Probably stick to the chemo and then do Probably stick to the chemo and then do Probably stick to the chemo and then do whatever else you do on top of that that whatever else you do on top of that that whatever else you do on top of that that your doctors say is approved. your doctors say is approved. your doctors say is approved. >> Uh, yes. And cold showers every day. I >> Uh, yes. And cold showers every day. I >> Uh, yes. And cold showers every day. I was running with no t-shirt on all the was running with no t-shirt on all the was running with no t-shirt on all the way through winter to try and get the way through winter to try and get the way through winter to try and get the cold exposure. cold exposure. cold exposure. >> Whimhof's like, "This is fucking >> Whimhof's like, "This is fucking >> Whimhof's like, "This is fucking perfect. I can't believe he did perfect. I can't believe he did perfect. I can't believe he did basically what I would do." basically what I would do." basically what I would do." >> Uh, doing the breath work. And my first >> Uh, doing the breath work. And my first >> Uh, doing the breath work. And my first scan that I went for, uh, the tumors had scan that I went for, uh, the tumors had scan that I went for, uh, the tumors had actually started to shrink. I found that actually started to shrink. I found that actually started to shrink. I found that I wasn't losing my hair because of the I wasn't losing my hair because of the I wasn't losing my hair because of the cold shower. cold shower. cold shower. >> Oh boy. Do we really know that's because >> Oh boy. Do we really know that's because >> Oh boy. Do we really know that's because of the cold showers? We [music] probably of the cold showers? We [music] probably of the cold showers? We [music] probably don't. I don't know whether it's the don't. I don't know whether it's the don't. I don't know whether it's the different type of chemo I was on but different type of chemo I was on but different type of chemo I was on but >> could be that. Okay. >> could be that. Okay. >> could be that. Okay. >> But yeah, uh I had 35 rounds of >> But yeah, uh I had 35 rounds of >> But yeah, uh I had 35 rounds of chemotherapy and now they've done chemotherapy and now they've done chemotherapy and now they've done surgery and I just carried on with your surgery and I just carried on with your surgery and I just carried on with your method and my healthy eat and run and method and my healthy eat and run and method and my healthy eat and run and exercise uh meditation breathing and two exercise uh meditation breathing and two exercise uh meditation breathing and two years later I am now cancer free. years later I am now cancer free. years later I am now cancer free. >> Amazing.

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>> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> So that's my story. The world needs to >> So that's my story. The world needs to >> So that's my story. The world needs to know that [music] you in in in spite of know that [music] you in in in spite of know that [music] you in in in spite of not going into the cold went into the not going into the cold went into the not going into the cold went into the cold and felt so good about it because cold and felt so good about it because cold and felt so good about it because the these white blood cells just went the these white blood cells just went the these white blood cells just went way up. He's like, "So, you're you're way up. He's like, "So, you're you're way up. He's like, "So, you're you're screaming into my ear screaming into my ear screaming into my ear >> and that makes you feel energetically >> and that makes you feel energetically >> and that makes you feel energetically great. [music] great. [music] great. [music] It preserves the uh healthy tissue It preserves the uh healthy tissue It preserves the uh healthy tissue because the immune system when it is way because the immune system when it is way because the immune system when it is way up, it is able to uh to to up, it is able to uh to to up, it is able to uh to to >> what's it able to do? >> what's it able to do? >> what's it able to do? >> What to say next? [laughter] >> What to say next? [laughter] >> What to say next? [laughter] Fend off the poisonous chemo in the Fend off the poisonous chemo in the Fend off the poisonous chemo in the healthy tissue. healthy tissue. healthy tissue. >> But [music] it doesn't fend it off in >> But [music] it doesn't fend it off in >> But [music] it doesn't fend it off in the tumor. That's highly unlikely. the tumor. That's highly unlikely. the tumor. That's highly unlikely. >> Yet in the tumor, it gets into the >> Yet in the tumor, it gets into the >> Yet in the tumor, it gets into the tumor. tumor. tumor. >> Huh. Wrong. >> Huh. Wrong. >> Huh. Wrong. He just said it does. He just said it does. He just said it does. >> Yeah,

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>> Yeah, that's tough. That's a tough sell, guys. that's tough. That's a tough sell, guys. that's tough. That's a tough sell, guys. >> The RP Hypertrophy app has dozens of >> The RP Hypertrophy app has dozens of >> The RP Hypertrophy app has dozens of pre-made workout templates to help you pre-made workout templates to help you pre-made workout templates to help you build a plan faster than any other build a plan faster than any other build a plan faster than any other [music] training software allows. But [music] training software allows. But [music] training software allows. But you can customize each plant exactly to you can customize each plant exactly to you can customize each plant exactly to your needs by prioritizing and your needs by prioritizing and your needs by prioritizing and deprioritizing any muscles [music] you deprioritizing any muscles [music] you deprioritizing any muscles [music] you like to train, choosing the exact like to train, choosing the exact like to train, choosing the exact exercises you'd like to use, and exercises you'd like to use, and exercises you'd like to use, and customizing the volumes you employ at customizing the volumes you employ at customizing the volumes you employ at every single step of the process. If every single step of the process. If every single step of the process. If you're looking to bring up lagging you're looking to bring up lagging you're looking to bring up lagging muscle groups, look no further than the muscle groups, look no further than the muscle groups, look no further than the [music] RP hypertrophy app. Click on the [music] RP hypertrophy app. Click on the [music] RP hypertrophy app. Click on the link in the description of this video to link in the description of this video to link in the description of this video to get started. get started. get started. >> So, Wimhof method for cancer cure. >> So, Wimhof method for cancer cure. >> So, Wimhof method for cancer cure. That's what the last commentary. That's what the last commentary. That's what the last commentary. >> Wimhof method for cancer cure. Doing >> Wimhof method for cancer cure. Doing >> Wimhof method for cancer cure. Doing things that make you feel good, things things that make you feel good, things things that make you feel good, things that keep your immune system robust, that keep your immune system robust, that keep your immune system robust, challenge you a little bit, and give you challenge you a little bit, and give you challenge you a little bit, and give you hope [music] and allow you to experience hope [music] and allow you to experience hope [music] and allow you to experience progress are probably really good things progress are probably really good things progress are probably really good things to do when you have cancer. [music] to do when you have cancer. [music] to do when you have cancer. [music] Doing them in light of all of your Doing them in light of all of your Doing them in light of all of your oncologist's advice and doing them in oncologist's advice and doing them in oncologist's advice and doing them in limited fashions that don't overburden

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limited fashions that don't overburden limited fashions that don't overburden your system is incredibly important. So, your system is incredibly important. So, your system is incredibly important. So, some of these things can help. They are some of these things can help. They are some of these things can help. They are not a cure all. [music] It is by no not a cure all. [music] It is by no not a cure all. [music] It is by no means clear from logic that that Wimhof means clear from logic that that Wimhof means clear from logic that that Wimhof [music] system did cure this man's [music] system did cure this man's [music] system did cure this man's cancer. It could have just been a total cancer. It could have just been a total cancer. It could have just been a total diet and it was probably the chemo diet and it was probably the chemo diet and it was probably the chemo [music] that did it or did almost all [music] that did it or did almost all [music] that did it or did almost all the work. So the Wimhof method is an the work. So the Wimhof method is an the work. So the Wimhof method is an awesome thing to try under supervision awesome thing to try under supervision awesome thing to try under supervision safely slowly. If you like it, it can be safely slowly. If you like it, it can be safely slowly. If you like it, it can be an awesome part of your healthy an awesome part of your healthy an awesome part of your healthy repertoire. But if you're looking for repertoire. But if you're looking for repertoire. But if you're looking for magic, you're looking for cancer cures. magic, you're looking for cancer cures. magic, you're looking for cancer cures. And if you're looking for radical And if you're looking for radical And if you're looking for radical transformation in every front of life, transformation in every front of life, transformation in every front of life, you might be able to get the radical you might be able to get the radical you might be able to get the radical transformation psychologically, the transformation psychologically, the transformation psychologically, the cancer cure shift's almost certainly not cancer cure shift's almost certainly not cancer cure shift's almost certainly not going to happen. Scott, is that all we going to happen. Scott, is that all we going to happen. Scott, is that all we have for today? have for today? have for today? >> That's it. >> That's it. >> That's it. >> Folks, >> Folks, >> Folks, challenge yourself. Try training really challenge yourself. Try training really challenge yourself. Try training really hard. It's a really good way to check hard. It's a really good way to check hard. It's a really good way to check all the boxes. But if you need to dump all the boxes. But if you need to dump all the boxes. But if you need to dump your testicles into some cold water, your testicles into some cold water, your testicles into some cold water, could be good for you. Not just your could be good for you. Not just your could be good for you. Not just your testicles either. The rest of you, testicles either. The rest of you, testicles either. The rest of you, that's the tough thing to do. Scott,

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that's the tough thing to do. Scott, that's the tough thing to do. Scott, isn't the the penis and ball sack combo isn't the the penis and ball sack combo isn't the the penis and ball sack combo the hardest thing to get into the cold the hardest thing to get into the cold the hardest thing to get into the cold pool? pool? pool? >> Oh, dude. When you make that transition, >> Oh, dude. When you make that transition, >> Oh, dude. When you make that transition, >> it's the worst. After that, it's like, >> it's the worst. After that, it's like, >> it's the worst. After that, it's like, okay, getting your shins in is like okay, getting your shins in is like okay, getting your shins in is like tough, but cuz it's the first thing, tough, but cuz it's the first thing, tough, but cuz it's the first thing, right? But then you're like, okay. Then right? But then you're like, okay. Then right? But then you're like, okay. Then getting your thighs in, you're like, getting your thighs in, you're like, getting your thighs in, you're like, that wasn't terrible. Getting your nuts that wasn't terrible. Getting your nuts that wasn't terrible. Getting your nuts in is like the end of the world. And in is like the end of the world. And in is like the end of the world. And then getting your above waistline like then getting your above waistline like then getting your above waistline like tummy and chest. tummy and chest. tummy and chest. >> Tummy is tough. >> Tummy is tough. >> Tummy is tough. >> Oh, tummy is the worst. Once you dunk >> Oh, tummy is the worst. Once you dunk >> Oh, tummy is the worst. Once you dunk in, it can feel a little terrible if in, it can feel a little terrible if in, it can feel a little terrible if you're like neck up. But to me, once I you're like neck up. But to me, once I you're like neck up. But to me, once I get my head dunked in to like like get my head dunked in to like like get my head dunked in to like like occasionally go to like Lake Michigan or occasionally go to like Lake Michigan or occasionally go to like Lake Michigan or something and go for a swim. Um once you something and go for a swim. Um once you something and go for a swim. Um once you dunk your head in and come back up, you dunk your head in and come back up, you dunk your head in and come back up, you get that ah kind of feeling, you know, get that ah kind of feeling, you know, get that ah kind of feeling, you know, and visions of Vikings and Wimhof. and visions of Vikings and Wimhof. and visions of Vikings and Wimhof. Anyway, [music] Anyway, [music] Anyway, [music] um guys, um guys, um guys, >> you got to give Wimhof an arbitrary >> you got to give Wimhof an arbitrary >> you got to give Wimhof an arbitrary ranking. ranking. ranking. >> Wimhof gets a frozen nut gets a Mike's >> Wimhof gets a frozen nut gets a Mike's >> Wimhof gets a frozen nut gets a Mike's frozen nut sack out of 15.75.

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frozen nut sack out of 15.75. frozen nut sack out of 15.75. I've been Dr. Mike and I'll see you next I've been Dr. Mike and I'll see you next I've been Dr. Mike and I'll see you next time. Woo! Folks, I am chilly [music] from Woo! Folks, I am chilly [music] from just watching that. If you want to get just watching that. If you want to get just watching that. If you want to get cold, actually if you want to be cool, cold, actually if you want to be cool, cold, actually if you want to be cool, click on this video and maybe the click on this video and maybe the click on this video and maybe the [music] fun can continue.

Transcript auto-generated by YouTube. Verbatim — duplicates intentionally preserved.

What the Three Pillars Actually Rest On

The first pillar — breathing — is where the science is clearest, once you parse the language carefully. Deep meditative breathwork, practiced with consistent intention, can produce measurable changes in cardiovascular function. The sympathetic nervous system responds to controlled hyperventilation and breath retention, and with practice, a trained practitioner can willfully raise circulation and heart rate — driving up metabolism and generating internal warmth. That is not metaphor. It is learned cardiovascular control, and the outcome — warmth, focus, and a felt sense of presence — is real.

Where the language drifts is in the framing. Phrases like 'connecting with your innate immune system' or 'getting into your tissues' gesture at something genuine but describe it imprecisely. The mechanism is neurological — shifts in autonomic tone, changes in blood pH from altered breathing patterns, responses that the brain can, with training, begin to consciously influence. The experience of feeling more connected to your body through breathwork is real. The literal interpretation of that language is where care is required.

The second pillar — gradual cold exposure — rests on equally solid ground. The operative word is gradual. Beginning with manageable cold for brief durations, then progressing systematically over time, allows the cardiovascular system to adapt without being overwhelmed. Vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation — the tightening and release of blood vessels in response to cold — trains the circulatory system in ways that carry real, measurable benefit for circulation and recovery. The body's adaptive response to cold, approached with discipline, is a genuine physiological asset.

Mindset is the third pillar, and here the science shifts from physiology to psychology — without losing any of its rigor. Decades of deliberate training in pain tolerance, in the ability to remain composed under extreme physical stress, produce a form of mental conditioning that is genuinely world-class. The psychological advantages cultivated through this practice are not supernatural; they are the result of sustained effort at the edge of human endurance. The mind trained through cold is a mind with demonstrated capacity to regulate distress and return to stillness.

The degree to which he has pain tolerance and control mapped out through many years of practice and brutal training is like literally world class.

What holds each pillar together is a principle that exercise science calls hormesis: the adaptive response to controlled stress. Cortisol rises during cold exposure, then falls during recovery — and that oscillation, repeated over time, builds resilience. Cold immersion releases dopamine in the minutes and hours that follow, sharpening mood and sustaining focus. The body does not simply endure cold; it adapts to it. Each pillar, examined carefully, contains a real mechanism producing a real outcome.

The partial validation principle applies across all three pillars. Real physiological mechanisms exist inside each of them. Those mechanisms do not require supernatural framing to be impressive — the cardiovascular adaptations from systematic cold, the neural plasticity that comes from trained breathwork, the psychological resilience built through deliberate exposure to discomfort are all remarkable in themselves. Extraordinary results do not require extraordinary explanations. Precise ones serve better.

One Tool, Not the Whole Answer

Cold water immersion, approached correctly, carries distinct and real benefits for health and recovery, and the research on this continues to grow. What it does not support is the idea that cold immersion alone resolves the full spectrum of human health challenges. That claim — the claim that one practice answers everything — is where even a valuable tool becomes a liability. The science is promising. The scope is finite.

A reliable signal for calibrated skepticism is when a single practice is positioned as the answer to everything. Diet, structured exercise, consistent sleep, social connection, stress management — these are the foundations that decades of research have confirmed as central to long-term health, vitality, and resilience. Cold immersion belongs within that architecture. It does not replace it. The complete picture includes each of those pillars working together, and where necessary, the tools of modern medicine alongside them.

The safety dimension of the method deserves direct attention. The mindset of pushing past perceived limits — valuable in its proper context — carries genuine risk when taken past the point of supervision and gradual progression. Drowning incidents tied to unsupervised Wim Hof breathing practice performed underwater are documented, not theoretical. The mechanism is clear: the breathwork protocol suppresses the drive to breathe by lowering carbon dioxide levels, leaving the practitioner without adequate warning signals in an aquatic environment.

This is not a reason to avoid the method. It is a reason to approach it with precision. Gradual progression under appropriate guidance is not optional equipment — it is the protocol. Beginning with short cold exposures at manageable temperatures, learning the breathwork in a safe environment on dry land, building tolerance incrementally — these are not cautious additions to the method. They are the method, done correctly.

What the safety conversation reveals is a deeper truth about the practice itself. The method is designed to expand what the body and mind can tolerate — and that expansion is real and valuable. The philosophy of perpetually pushing past limits carries inherent risk: those limits often exist for physiological reasons, and ignoring warning signals entirely is not discipline. It is recklessness. The distinction between deliberate discomfort and genuine danger requires judgment — judgment that comes from knowledge, not bravado.

The invitation here is not skepticism as dismissal — it is skepticism as tool, the kind that helps you extract real value from a practice while holding its overstatements at arm's length. Cold immersion offers genuine rewards to those who approach it with deliberate intention. Breathing practice, done safely, produces measurable physiological change. The mindset training is real and transferable. What you carry forward is the substance, not the mythology.

The psychological mechanism that makes the Wim Hof Method genuinely powerful is not unique to cold water or to controlled breathing. It is the pattern itself: brief, deliberate exposure to acute distress, followed by full recovery. That oscillation — intensity, then stillness — is the engine. It trains the nervous system to regulate under pressure, to remain functional when discomfort rises, to find composure after effort. This adaptation is real, and it transfers across practices and contexts.

High-effort resistance training produces the same neural signature. Endurance work — marathon training, triathlon, sustained cycling — demands the same negotiation with discomfort that cold exposure requires. The body pushed to genuine effort, then allowed to recover fully, develops a psychological resilience that has nothing to do with cold water specifically and everything to do with the practice of doing hard things on purpose. The modality is secondary. The stress-recovery pattern is what matters.

Temporarily pushing yourself into a state of great distress and then coming back. That raises all of your abilities and is massively beneficial to your psychology.

Cold exposure earns its place within a complete protocol because it is distinctive, accessible, and time-efficient as a source of that stress-recovery oscillation. Cold immersion releases dopamine in the minutes that follow, improving alertness and mood; vasoconstriction and subsequent vasodilation during the cold-to-warm transition build circulatory health; the psychological adaptation carries into daily life as a sustained sense of composure and calm. These outcomes are grounded in real physiology and real practice. Cold immersion as a complement to a broader protocol is a sound, evidence-supported choice.

What it is not is a replacement for that broader protocol. Approached as one element within a considered practice — alongside deliberate nutrition, structured movement, quality recovery, and adequate rest — cold exposure amplifies the benefits of the whole. Approached as a substitute for those foundations, it leaves the most important work undone. The value of the method is real; its scope is finite. That honesty does not diminish the practice — it clarifies it.

Bring calibrated curiosity to what the science supports, and hold the rest lightly. The breathwork is a practiced skill with real cardiovascular and metabolic consequence. The cold is a valuable stressor when applied with deliberate, gradual progression. The mindset training is genuine and transferable to every domain of life that demands composure under pressure. What science cannot fully support — the grander metaphysical claims — can be set aside without diminishing what remains: a method, stripped to its real mechanisms, that is worth the commitment.