What is the vision of the ICE Academy?
The vision of the ICE Academy is to train competent instructors who can familiarise people with various forms of cold exposure in a mindful and safe way.
What is Intentional Cold Exposure?
Intentional Cold Exposure is a mindful and safe way to use cold exposure for self-chosen intentions (goals/intentions). Cold exposure can have different intentions. It can be practised for physical or mental health, as a challenge, for regeneration, as meditation, as a group ritual, as a means of self-development and as a way to connect with nature.
The specific practice can vary greatly depending on the person and their intention. For example, a long ice bath can be a great mental challenge and train the mindset, while significantly shorter but regular ice baths are sufficient to improve general health.
The ICE approach is about understanding the science, practice and safety of cold exposure and learning principles that can be applied to find your own way with the cold. ICE is not a rigid method, but a varied and dynamic practice that can always be adapted to your own intentions and needs.
Who is the ICE Academy for?
The ICE training is for any cold enthusiast who wants to teach cold exposure to other people in a safe and mindful way, for example fitness trainers, physiotherapists, doctors, wilderness educators, yoga teachers, alternative practitioners and survival trainers.
Admission criteria for ICE Coach training
Prerequisites are at least one winter of experience with ice baths and the ability to relax in the cold. A first aid licence that is no more than two years old is also required.
Previous work with people is not compulsory, our training programme will provide you with the necessary knowledge and practical experience to accompany people safely and carefully in the cold. Business start-up, business or marketing counselling is not part of the ICE training.
What distinguishes our training from others?
1. In our training, we cover various forms of cold exposure—not just ice bathing.
2. Wim’s Method (WHM Level 2) focuses exclusively on ice bathing. WHM Level 1 training takes place exclusively online and focuses solely on WHM breathing.
3. Instead of the WHM breathing technique, we use a wide range of relaxation and breathing methods. WHM breathing is not necessary for cold adaptation and, when combined with ice bathing without proper knowledge, can even pose risks.
4. Our training is limited to a maximum of 15 participants, whereas the WHM Academy works with group sizes ranging from 80 to 120 participants.
5. Thanks to more in-person training time, smaller groups, and the omission of WHM breathing, we are able to cover all aspects of cold training in much greater depth and meet our own standards of scientific accuracy, coaching experience, and safety.
6. With us, you learn to understand the principles and safety aspects of cold training so you can adapt them flexibly and creatively to your participants and your intentions. You can apply cold exposure in many different ways and combine it freely with other methods or offerings. In WHM, you are primarily trained to deliver workshops with a fixed structure of breathing and ice bathing.
7. You do not pay an annual €500 recertification fee, as is common with WHM.
How do I register for the ICE Coach training programme?
Please send an email with your motivation for the training to josephine@worseck.de
What should I bear in mind as a beginner when ice swimming?
The following applies to ice bathing: safety and mindfulness first. If you are ill or have health concerns (e.g. cardiovascular disease), you should refrain from doing so. Think about your intention for the ice bath beforehand - this will help you stay focussed. For beginners, 1-2 minutes is enough - it's about relaxation, not setting records. Breathe calmly, even if you find yourself gasping for breath at first. Approach it slowly, for example with cold showers, and only go to safe places, preferably with a companion. Stay in the standing area, do not swim or dive. Get out of the water in good time to avoid strong aftershocks (afterdrop) and actively warm up afterwards - but without a hot shower or sauna. Listen to your body and find your personal cooling routine at your own pace.
You can find the complete cheat sheet with all the tips and information in the "Basics" section.
How do I prepare myself mentally and physically for my first ice bath?
Good preparation starts before the ice bath. Consciously take time to calm down - a short breathing exercise, meditation or a few minutes of silence will help you to mentally tune in. Visualise yourself going into the cold water in a calm and controlled manner - this builds confidence. Physically, it helps to move slightly beforehand (e.g. by going for a walk or stretching loosely) so that your circulation is stable.
Regular cold showers are particularly helpful for getting started. This will help you get used to the cold step by step and learn to stay calm during intense moments. You can find out how to get started in the "Basics" section.
And remember: go in with curiosity, not pressure. You don't have to „achieve“ anything, just experience it.
How can I deepen my ice bathing practice without falling into performance thinking?
If you regularly go out in the cold, it's only natural that you'll make progress - but that's also where the trap lies: curiosity quickly turns into ambition, mindfulness into a challenge. To counteract this, it helps to consciously question your intentions again and again: Why are you going into the ice bath today? What do you really need right now? Instead of counting the minutes, focus on your body awareness, your breath and your inner attitude.
Feel free to change your perspective: perhaps today is the right day for a short, conscious bath or a relaxing cold shower instead of „holding out“ in the ice. Depth is not created through duration, but through presence.
How do I recognise whether I'm reaching my physical or mental limits - and how do I deal with them?
Cold challenges you on many levels - physically, mentally and emotionally. Warning signs can be: Trembling, numbness, shortness of breath or the feeling of „shutting down“ inside. Mental patterns such as ambition, defiance or the need to prove yourself can also push you beyond your healthy limits. Mindfulness is the key here: ask yourself honestly whether you are still present - or whether you are already „functioning“.
Recognising and respecting boundaries is not a weakness, but a strength. Sometimes it takes distance, exchange or a new environment to recognise this again. This is exactly why we also offer events and trips lasting several days - with space for reflection, exchange and real depth. You can find the current dates under "Current dates".
