Eisbaden.de was in Bad Dürrheim and attended an ice bathing workshop. Here we report on an afternoon of intensive breathing exercises and ice-cold water.
Table of contents
What is biohacking?
Biohacking refers to a wide range of activities aimed at understanding, modifying or optimizing biological systems to comprehensively improve human capabilities and health. This can be done through the use of technology, do-it-yourself biology, genetic modifications, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements or even implanted devices. Biohacking aims to optimize health, increase physical performance, slow down aging or even develop new skills. It is an interdisciplinary movement that combines science, technology, medicine and personal experimentation to explore and expand the limits of human potential. We use biohacking primarily in the context of ice bathing and that was also our objective in Bad Dürrheim.
Where was that? Bathroom … what exactly?
As we were traveling from Freiburg, it was only an hour’s drive to the Black Forest. Bad Dürrheim is a small town in the Black Forest-Baar district in southwest Germany and is known for its thermal springs and its status as a health resort. The town attracts health tourists who want to use the mineral springs for medical treatments, baths and relaxation purposes. Its location in the middle of the Black Forest also offers a picturesque setting for nature lovers with numerous hiking and cycling trails as well as opportunities for outdoor activities. Attractions include the Salinensee lake and the Solemar, a modern thermal bath and sauna paradise (where our workshop also took place). In addition to wellness and nature activities, Bad Dürrheim also offers a varied and cultural program.
Procedure
We were warmly welcomed at 2:45 p.m. and at 3 p.m. we went on to the Ruhekuppel, a very inviting round room with capacity for a maximum of 15 people. We were a total of eleven participants that afternoon, with three people from the Bad Dürrheim team taking part directly. In the Ruhekuppel, there was a short round of introductions followed by a briefing on important topics such as the benefits of ice bathing, health aspects, breathing, etc.
After the theory, we continued on the yoga mats in a circle with a few warm-up exercises. A beautiful stove was placed in the middle of the room, which provided very cozy warmth. After a few light yoga exercises, we moved on to breathwork. Lying on our backs in a circle, we had a guided breathing exercise according to Tummo / Wim Hof consisting of four rounds. The experience was quite intense for some participants due to the lying position and the instructions.
We then went to the large ice bath tub, a container full of ice with a capacity of around 2,500 liters. We were able to leave our things in a small hut next to it, after which we warmed up with horse stances.
Well, and after the warm-up, there was only one direction and no more excuses. We got into the tub in groups of two and bathed with the ducklings. The icy water was so good for us that we would have liked to stay in longer, but after about two minutes we had to make room for the next ice bathers 🙂
Conclusion
All in all, it was a wonderful experience in Bad Dürrheim. Even for us as experienced ice bathers, the afternoon was something special, especially because of the beautiful ambience. For ice bathing beginners, we can definitely recommend taking an ice bathing course like this – the safety aspects taught and the group dynamics are really worth their weight in gold. The course in Bad Dürrheim regularly costs 139 euros and lasts around 3 hours. Included are the breathing and yoga exercises as well as bathing in the icy water, and at the end you receive a certificate for attending the ice bathing workshop and a biohacking bandana.
Further information and bookings can be made on the Biohacking Bad Dürrheim page.
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