Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-12-1000x667.jpg" alt="ice baths" class="wp-image-67748" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-12-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-12-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/1-12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s certainly an acquired taste, dunking yourself voluntarily, into cold water. Those who love it wax lyrical about the benefits: enhancing circulation and reducing muscle inflammation and even weight loss. In Sussex we have plenty of wild swimmers who take to the South Coast for a dip come rain, shine or even snow. But it’s not for everyone, or is it?&nbsp;</p>



<p>Well certified Wim Hof Method Instructor <a href="http://www.sarahhuntley.com">Sarah Huntley</a> who is based in Brighton and runs workshops locally, believes it is. Not only does she have a fair few letters after her name as a Performance Psychologist (BSc (Hons), MSc, MBPsS.) and as trainee Mountain Leader, we know, impressive, but she also lives and quite literally breathes &#8216;cold exposure’ and believes we should all give it a shot.</p>



<p>She’s all about listening to your body, getting out of the water before you start to feel cold, but to also consider the dopamine hit you’ll get from the experience. Curious to know more, she shares everything she’s learnt and how she can help us all learn to love cold exposure in the water and where to try it for the first time.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="Ice baths" class="wp-image-67749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/2-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-the-wim-hof-method"><strong>What is the Wim Hof method?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>It’s a holistic approach to managing both physical and mental wellbeing. It has three pillars &#8211; breath work, mindset and cold exposure &#8211; that when done as a complete Method have been shown to significantly improve health and wellbeing. Wim Hof is a Dutch extreme-athlete who got his nickname &#8216;The Iceman&#8217; by breaking a number of records related to cold exposure including: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes. Using the cold as his teacher, his extensive training has enabled him to learn to control his breathing, heart rate, and blood circulation and to withstand extreme temperatures. More info is <a href="https://www.wimhofmethod.com/iceman-wim-hof">here</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-benefits-that-we-don-t-know-about"><strong>What are the benefits that we don’t know about?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>There are many benefits of cold exposure (not necessarily just ice-baths!) These include: reduction in inflammation, huge release of dopamine (2 minutes in cold water can result in a 250% increase in dopamine), builds thermoregulation (your body&#8217;s ability to regulate temperature &#8211; keeping you warm more effectively and also cooling you off). Cold exposure is also a really mindful activity, great if you find you live &#8216;in your head&#8217; much of the time or struggle to focus, it builds resilience physical and psychological, increases productivity and focus, builds tolerance to stress and gives you more energy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-you-say-to-people-who-are-sceptical"><strong>What would you say to people who are sceptical?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Read the research and science behind how breath work and cold exposure can help. Listen to other peoples&#8217; stories of how it has transformed their lives. Come with an open mind and enjoy a new experience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-get-into-wim-hof"><strong>How did you get into Wim Hof?</strong></h3>



<p>I realised the power of the breath in August 2018 when I was in a relay swim from England to France. Swimming alone in cold, deep water, against strong currents was tough enough, but then I swam into a massive swarm of jellyfish! I started getting stung and went into panic mode. I couldn&#8217;t catch my breath. I realised (from my training as a sport psychologist) that the key in moments like that is to focus on what I could control &#8211; rather than what I couldn&#8217;t. So I focused on my breath and tried to get that back into a normal rhythm. I breathed in for a count of four, and then out for four and over about 20 minutes I got my breath back, could think a clearer and could keep swimming. Once home I attended a Wim Hof workshop in 2021 and then became an instructor. Since then I have been running Wim Hof workshops across Sussex and Kent and introduced hundreds of people to breath work, mindset coaching and safe cold exposure.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-need-to-be-super-fit-to-try-out-ice-baths"><strong>Do you need to be super fit to try out ice baths?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>No, not at all. There are some health conditions that mean ice-baths are not recommended &#8211; such as previous cardiac issues (including heart attacks) or if you are pregnant. If you&#8217;re at all concerned about whether ice-baths are a good idea, contact your GP and take their advice. But for most people &#8211; it&#8217;s a great tool to use to manage your health.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-your-clients-find-are-the-benefits-of-doing-cold-exposure"><strong>What do your clients find are the benefits of doing cold exposure?</strong></h3>



<p>The response has been incredible! Once you try techniques like breath work or cold exposure (and notice the almost instantaneous benefits!) you don&#8217;t often go back. The majority of my workshop participants now incorporate breath work and cold exposure into their wellbeing routines. Some people use cold exposure and breath work to manage stress or anxiety, others to reduce inflammation or recover from chronic illnesses or conditions and others just as another way to stay healthy and happy.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-should-people-start-is-it-wise-to-just-plunge-sorry-right-in"><strong>Where should people start, is it wise to just plunge (sorry) right in?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Start at a workshop with a qualified cold-exposure expert. In this way you&#8217;ll learn how to get all the benefits of cold exposure, whilst staying safe. In a workshop you have the option to try an ice-bath &#8211; the coldest cold-exposure can go! You will learn how to prepare for cold exposure, cope with the cold in the moment and also how to warm-up afterwards &#8211; under the supervision of a qualified and experienced instructor.<br><br>If you want to try cold exposure in nature, start open-water swimming during the summer months and then continue on a weekly basis towards the winter. Never dip / swim alone to make sure you stay safe. Educate yourself about tides and other hazards you might experience in open-water. Always listen to your body, don&#8217;t push yourself too far and get out BEFORE you start feeling cold. Be prepared &#8211; taking warm clothes (including a beanie) to warm up in afterwards.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-there-a-more-simple-way-to-start-such-as-trying-a-cold-shower-first"><strong>Is there a more simple way to start such as trying a cold shower first?</strong></h3>



<p>Yes! Gradual cold exposure is key &#8211; so I always advise anyone who is new to cold exposure to start with just 10-15 seconds of cold water at the end of their normal warm shower. As you switch the dial to &#8216;cold&#8217;, focus on controlling your breath with long slow breaths through your nose and stay relaxed in your neck and shoulders. You can then build up the time or drop the temperature from there, always remembering to listen to your body and staying safe!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-will-people-gain-from-doing-a-course-with-you-in-sussex-or-kent"><strong>What will people gain from doing a course with you in Sussex or Kent?&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<ul>
<li>We kick off the workshop learning about the theory and science behind the Wim Hof Method. We look at the very latest studies and explain why the Method can have such a profound effect on your health and wellbeing.&nbsp;</li>



<li>We then move onto the first pillar &#8211; the breath. This is your opportunity to experience the game-changing effects of the breathing technique and is the perfect opportunity to relax and let yourself just &#8216;be&#8217;.</li>



<li>Mindset is the pillar of the Method that is often overshadowed by the other two. In a Fundamentals workshop we give Mindset the time it deserves you&#8217;ll learn how psychology influences physiology and why gaining control of your mind and emotions is key to feeling happy, healthy and strong.</li>



<li>The final pillar of the Method is cold exposure. In a Fundamentals workshop I invite (no force!) you to try an ice-bath. The feeling of achievement after doing an ice bath is second to none and your body will thank you for it afterwards.</li>



<li>All packaged neatly into four hours. Leave this workshop with some new tools for your mental toolkit to help you feel happier, healthier and stronger.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-can-we-try-ice-baths-locally"><strong>Where can we try ice baths locally?</strong></h3>



<p>For ice-baths, I run monthly <a href="https://www.wimhofmethod.com/activities/whm-fundamentals-workshop-west-sussex-sarah-huntley-1/54045">Wim Hof Method workshops in Bolney</a>, West Sussex where you can try an ice-bath under expert supervision. I also host <a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sarahhuntleywimhofinstructor">hike and wild-swim mornings</a> on the South Downs near Eastbourne in East Sussex, the next one is in April, which is a lot of fun.&nbsp; There are also a lot of fantastic wild-swimming groups in Sussex &#8211; <a href="https://seabirdsltd.com/salty-seabirds-5-c.asp">the Salty Seabirds</a> (Brighton &amp; Hove), <a href="https://www.mentalhealthswims.co.uk/">Mental Health Swims</a> (Brighton &amp; Hove &amp; Pevensey), <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fish2water/?locale=en_GB">Frosty Fish</a> (Eastbourne) and <a href="https://thebluetits.co/">Bluetits Chill Swimmers</a> (St. Leonards on Sea) plus loads in between. You can also swim outdoors all year round at <a href="https://www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk/">Sea Lanes in Brighton</a> or <a href="https://www.saltdeanlido.co.uk/">Saltdean Lido</a> &#8211; both fantastic venues to get your cold water fix.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-10-1000x667.jpg" alt="Sarah Huntley Wim Hof Sussex" class="wp-image-67750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/02/3-10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><em>For more information visit </em><a href="http://www.sarahhuntley.com/"><em>www.sarahhuntley.com</em></a><em>&nbsp; or email sarah@sarahhuntley.com</em></p>



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<p>READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/wild-swimming-spots-in-sussex-winter/">Where to go wild swimming in Sussex during winter</a></p>



<p>READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/six-wild-swimming-spots-in-sussex/">Wild swimming spots in Sussex and beyond</a></p>



<p>READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/5-ways-to-dive-into-the-water-based-fitness-trend/">5 ways to dive into the water-based fitness trend</a></p>


Ice ice baby! Get to grrrrrrips with cold-water exposure, ice baths and Wim Hof

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