Parece, pelo título, um daqueles livros de autoajuda super técnicos e, inevitavelmente, repetitivos, porque afinal haverá assim tanto para dizer sobre respiração e exposição ao frio? Pois fiquei agradavelmente surpreendida. Li-o como se lesse um romance (e, em certas partes, parece) e no fim de cada capítulo sentia-me super motivada para experimentar o seu método de respiração ou o duche frio.
O livro está bem estruturado, com os capítulos bem divididos, algumas fotos e caixas de texto com a indicação dos exercícios. Está bem escrito, para o género, parecendo mesmo que Wim Hof está a falar connosco, mas sem (demasiadas) bengalas da oralidade. Só nos últimos 2 ou 3 capítulos é que fiquei com a sensação de que se começa a repetir e a viajar na maionese. Tudo o resto achei bem fundamentado, sem exagerar nas explicações científicas complexas e prolongadas. Ficamos a conhecer não só o seu método que, alegadamente, pode melhorar substancialmente a nossa qualidade de vida, como também a sua vida: como descobriu o prazer do gelo, a primeira mulher, a relação com os filhos, a sua vida hoje, os recordes do Guinness que bateu e por aí fora.
Não dou 5 estrelas porque me perdeu nos últimos capítulos sobre o poder da mente e a luz interior (...) e se começou a repetir (estava a ir tão bem), mas de resto gostei bastante e acho que cumpre o objetivo de um livro destes: chegar ao fim e querer pôr em prática o que se leu.

A fascinating book about a fascinating man. I heard about Wim Hof's method on TV and via YouTube, and I tried out some of the exercises he proposes (exposure to cold by taking cold showers, and breathing exercises), and I'm noticing good results.

I like that Hof doesn't pretend to be a guru, and is very open to scientific verification of his claims. The book is a bit chaotic, and reflects the style of Wim Hof himself, who often repeats himself. The later claims about more esoteric effects of his method lack scientific proof or validation and failed to convince me (like the claim that his method can heal 'genetic trauma'). Some of what he describes can probably be explained better by neuroscientists or psychologists.

Nevertheless, this book and some of the videos I watched on YouTube motivated me to try out his method, and the first results are quite promising. Not surprising, since science backs up the positive effects exposure to cold and breathing can have. Wim Hof's practical approach helped me to implement some of these habits in my own life.

So many “I” statements and constantly trying to prove himself to the reader with his accomplishments. It felt exhausting that the second half of the book was a slog through him repeatedly telling the reader how you can be just like him if you put your mind to it. Basically, take cold showers and ice plunges for better health. Don’t bother reading this to convince you.

I'm 20 pages from the end but I feel like I can write a review because it's so damn repetitive. I gave it three stars because I do feel like Wim Hof's work is important and effective. There are studies that back up some of his claims, especially around cold therapy. However, I found myself getting increasingly frustrated with this book. I'm guessing his publisher gave him a page limit, because even he admits "By now you probably think I sound like a broken record, and perhaps that is so. I don't care. Repetition is the mother of learning, and I'm banging the drum."
But this is where he starts making some truly outrageous claims, like that his method can "cure" both acute and generational trauma, or that, "...it's time for us to reconnect with the Earth and become native ourselves," (as in Native American) through his method.
He also mixes some very solid, reputable science, with very pseudoscientific bullshit. He will talk about things like changes at the cellular level, Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT), and other things but then also mixes in how his method can make your body more alkaline and "cleanse" the body of toxins - both that, with a quick Google search, the lay person can see are false. This is what, to me, makes this book feel almost dangerous- he sounds like an authority but really is confusing for people with no scientific background.
Overall, this is a book that I would read with a very critical mind. Take what helps (the method) and leave the rest.

My 3 star review is mainly attributed to the way the book is written - somewhat repetitive and preachy. This book is mainly encompassed with anecdotal examples of how the WHM has been effective . There is merit to the practice and I did like the actionable practices noted and have begun the cold exposure and breathing exercises and look forward to continuing to do so . Although the book did not deep dive into the research noted it did contribute to my excitement to do some further research myself . I’m keen to research deeper into integrative mental health and and also excited to continue the practices noted to hopefully reap its benefits - and I feel confident and positively about this .

3 word description: Mind, Body, Power

All the details on the Wim Hof Method that you need! Read this along with "What Doesn't Kill Us..." by Scott Carney and you'll have everything you need- breathing for stress, breathing for pain, breathing for energy. Simple!

Repackaging meditation for a western audience. Liked him better before I read his book.