Level ⬆️ like Mario with Cold Baths & Milk

The story of Wim Hof and why you should care

The Iceman Cometh: Wim Hof's Journey

Born in the Netherlands in 1959, Wim Hof faced an unimaginable tragedy when his wife, the mother of his four children, took her own life. In the aftermath of this heartbreak, Wim found solace in the cold. Literally. He grieved in freezing cold waters as a coping mechanism.

At one point he was quoted saying “My wife's suicide broke my heart. Only the ice gives me peace“. He mentioned that by contrast, nothing could compare to the pain he experienced that day. Making some of his insane accomplishments seemingly chill for the guy (no pun intended).

Wim's awe-inspiring feats include:

• Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest in nothing but shorts

• Running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot

• Shattering world records for the longest ice bath

The Wim Hof Method: Mind Over (Frozen) Matter

So, how does Wim Hof pull off these jaw-dropping accomplishments? He credits his unique powers to a combination of:

1. Controlled breathing

2. Cold exposure

3. Focused meditation

By mastering these techniques, Wim believes we can all unlock our untapped potential to overcome physical and mental challenges.

Icy Inspiration: Wim Hof's Impact

Wim Hof's remarkable journey isn't just a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—it's also a mind-blowing example of how mental fortitude can shatter the limitations we place on ourselves. His frosty escapades have challenged scientists to dig deeper into the benefits of cold therapy and inspired countless others to push their own boundaries.

So next time you find yourself staring down a cold shower or shivering in the winter chill, channel your inner Wim Hof and push past the discomfort. And I don’t want to limit this to just jumping into some cold water. I think in life you should be jumping into discomfort wherever there’s an opportunity for it. Imagine being the next Wim Hof but never finding out you had literal super powers because you were too chicken shit.

Why are ice baths all the rage?

Seeing as how Wim Hof was our badass of the day, let’s discuss one of the fastest growing industries in North America - the chilly boy tub. Let’s explore the science behind cold-water exposure, and share some cool tips on how to get started. Grab a frosty beverage and let's uncover the frozen secrets of why doing something you absolutely hate - might just be all it’s cracked up to be.

Ice Bath Boom: The Rise of a Chilly Trend

It seems like everyone's talking about ice baths these days, from elite athletes to wellness enthusiasts. The ice bath industry has been experiencing explosive growth, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Don’t believe me? Try searching tiktok for #coldplunge and see how many wannabe motivational speakers are brandishing their dumbbells about to break through a layer of ice in order to hop into their cold-tub in 40-below weather. These psychos may seem… well psycho - but there may be a method to their madness.

Here's a snapshot of the frosty ice-bath industry:

• The global cold plunge market is currently worth over $300B annually

• Is expected to grow to over $426B by 2030

• A cold tub can run you anywhere from $80 to well over $10k

Cold, Hard Science: The Benefits of Cold-Water Exposure

So, what's the deal with dunking ourselves in frigid water? Turns out, there's some solid science behind the benefits of cold-water exposure:

1. Reduced inflammation: Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, which can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness after intense workouts.

2. Improved circulation: The constriction and dilation of blood vessels in response to cold-water immersion can help improve overall circulation and cardiovascular health.

3. Enhanced immune function: Studies have shown that regular cold-water exposure can increase white blood cell count, boosting the immune system.

4. Mood boost: Cold-water immersion triggers the release of endorphins, which can help elevate mood and alleviate stress. Brofessor Andrew Huberman even theorize that it helps release dopamine.

There’s also a plethora of other claims such as cold exposure helps burn calories, increases testosterone, raises insulin sensitivity, boosts immunity and even doubles the size of your Johnson. While some of these claims can be backed by science, others should be taken with a grain of salt. But by god if I don’t try for myself, am I right?

Taking the Plunge: Tips for Getting Started

Ready to give ice baths a try? Here are some tips to help you ease into the frosty waters:

1. Start slow: Begin with shorter, less intense cold-water exposure, like a 30-second cold shower, and gradually work your way up to longer and colder sessions.

2. Buddy up: Try your first ice bath with a friend or at a facility with trained staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE JUMPING IN A FROZEN LAKE - YOUR BODY CAN SIEZE UP.

3. Breathe deep: Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and make it easier to tolerate the initial shock of the cold.

   

   The water is not warm.

J is a massive Cold Plunge guy, so stay tuned for more on the topic, including some of the other bro-science and getting started on the cheap.

Brotein Bliss - Why did you stop drinking milk?

Ready for a refreshing take on a classic beverage? This week, we're taking a closer look at Fairlife milk, a high-protein dairy option that's become a favorite among fitness enthusiasts. We'll discuss the reasons behind its popularity, its impressive macros, and address the backstory surrounding the Fairlife milk lawsuit in 2022. So, pour yourself a cold glass and let's dive into the world of Fairlife milk.

Fairlife Milk: A Protein-Packed Powerhouse

Fairlife milk has gained a loyal following in the fitness community, and for good reason. Here are a few key reasons why people love this ultra-filtered milk:

1. High protein: With 13 grams of protein per 8-ounce serving, Fairlife milk packs nearly twice the protein content of regular milk, making it a popular post-workout recovery option.

2. Lower sugar: Fairlife milk contains 50% less sugar than traditional milk, which appeals to those watching their sugar intake.

3. Great taste: Many fitness enthusiasts appreciate the creamy and delicious taste of Fairlife milk, making it an enjoyable way to fuel their bodies.

Impressive Macros: What Sets Fairlife Milk Apart

Fairlife milk boasts an impressive nutritional profile that sets it apart from standard milk:

• 14g protein per 250ml serving

• 6g sugar per 250ml serving

• Lactose-free for those with lactose intolerance (imagine being scared of milk, not once have I met a baby who complained about it - yet here you are…)

These standout macros make Fairlife milk an attractive choice for those looking to optimize their nutrition and support their fitness goals. And no wonder. With macros like these it legitimately competes with most off the shelf protein shakes…

A Hilarious Bit of Fairlife History - Not so Fair-life Fairlife

In 2022, Fairlife faced a lawsuit over allegations of animal mistreatment at one of its supplier farms. The company took the situation seriously and implemented comprehensive measures to address the issue, including:

1. Terminating the supplier relationship: Fairlife promptly ended its relationship with the farm in question.

2. Enhanced animal welfare standards: Fairlife implemented more stringent animal welfare standards and third-party audits to ensure the well-being of animals at all supplier farms.

3. Transparency and commitment: Fairlife committed to greater transparency in its supply chain practices and pledged to prioritize animal welfare.

4. Giving people awesome milk moustaches

These actions demonstrate Fairlife's commitment to ethical practices and continuous improvement. Now they’re one of the most respected brands in the milk game with regards to their fair treatment of animals. How the turn tables, unlike some we know…

Stay tuned for more intriguing bad assery and macro friendly fuel in the next edition of Natty Lyfe. Until then, have a glass of milk in a freezing lake - I promise it’ll be sick.