Cold bathing in Carinthia Cold bathing weeks & Wim Hof workshops between Lake Millstatt and the Nock Mountains

Wonderful lake-mountain panorama, good conversations, depending on the package further retreats for my health and of course a Wim Hof workshop.

The Wim Hof workshop lasts around five hours. There is an introduction to the Wim Hof method and a theoretical part on the Wim Hof breathing technique. The subsequent guided breathing session is followed by the theory part for the cold training. Then it's off into the water, although the rule here is - nothing has to be done!
 

For both cold bathing and ice bathing, you don't need much more than for bathing in summer. The packing list for cold bathing is correspondingly short:

• myself
• swimweara
• towel
• bathing shoes/bathing slippers
• optional cap and gloves (some participants find this more comfortable)

At my pace: Even if you are fit, you should take it slowly. If you like, start at home with cold showers to acclimatise your body to the cool temperatures. On site: anything goes - nothing is a must. Together with the cold bath professionals, the correct breathing technique is learnt, and when the time comes, they make sure that the bathers choose the right pace. Important: Don't try it alone! It's best to be accompanied!

It takes a bit of courage and nerves of steel to go cold bathing. But everything is easier together. The "cold bath effect" already occurs at water temperatures below 15 °C. The colder the water, the more important mental support becomes. A nice side effect: people like to socialise during such a "cold bathing week". Sometimes valuable friendships have already been formed.

Even after the workshop, when cold bathing has perhaps become part of everyday life, the following applies: always together, because if the worst comes to the worst, help will be close at hand.

Click here for the cold bathing centres in the region.
 

The Wim Hof Method is a practice developed by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof. It combines three main pillars: Breathing exercises, cold therapy and mental training. The aim of this method is to improve physical and mental health, strengthen the immune system and optimise the body's ability to cope with extreme conditions.

Specific breathing exercises increase oxygen uptake, which leads to improved energy supply and increased performance. Cold therapy, such as ice baths and cold showers, activates the metabolism, promotes blood circulation and helps to regenerate the body. Finally, mental training strengthens willpower and concentration, making it easier to deal with stress in everyday life.
 

A healthy circulation is important! People with pre-existing medical conditions need to be careful. Cold baths and ice baths are taboo for anyone suffering from heart or vascular problems. The cold causes the blood vessels to constrict. If there are circulatory problems in the heart, it can cause life-threatening vasoconstriction. Cold baths should also be avoided if you have high blood pressure (high blood pressure >160 mmHg), kidney disease, asthma, epilepsy, cold urticaria or Raynaud's syndrome type 2.

If you suffer from migraines, it is best to start slowly with prepared alternating showers to familiarise yourself with the cold.

If you are pregnant, the Wim Hof method is not recommended.