A mindset, strategy and wellness coach from Westbrook has expanded her services to help people look after their wellbeing using a technique developed by Dutch athlete and ‘Iceman’ Wim Hof.
Michelle Yeoman quit the corporate world of pharmaceuticals HR a little over five years ago and set up an executive coaching and development business.
The mum-of-two had previously worked at Pfizer and then Mylan, both based at Discovery Park, and feared she was at burn-out point.
However, it was after taking the plunge into self-employment that Michelle actually experienced that burn-out and was prompted to try out a ‘fire and ice’ session at Margate Hotpod Yoga.
Michelle, 43, said: “I had the option to take redundancy and had been thinking about (self-employment) for a few years but hadn’t been confident enough. But then I did my coaching qualification and decided it was the right time for me and my family to get out of corporate life.
“Not having the security of a salary was not easy but I didn’t go into self-employment lightly and my list of pros and cons was fairly even.”
The burn-out experience led Michelle to feel her routine of self-care was no longer effective and so she tried out the fire and ice session.
She said: “I did an ice bath and decided to explore the method a bit more. I then did a course at home and found it so powerful that I decided to go on and try and help others.”
Michelle undertook a Wim Hof training course last year and is holding her first Thanet sessions at Minster’s Chapel House next month.
What – and who – is Wim Hof
Wim Hof is the name of The Iceman athlete who previously held a Guinness World Record for swimming under ice and prolonged full-body contact with ice. He also holds a record for a barefoot half marathon on ice and snow. He attributes the feats to his Wim Hof Method (WHM) of frequent cold exposure, breathing techniques and meditation.
The breathing technique aims to increase the amount of oxygen in your body by controlling your breathing in specific ways.
Cold therapy is often used by athletes via enclosed chambers with very cold air. The Wim Hof technique encourages methods such as cold showers or ice baths.
The method also encourages meditation to increase willpower and commitment.
Practitioners say there are several health benefits including improved immune system and management of auto-immune diseases such as Raynard’s type 1, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis; increased energy and relief from anxiety and depression; reduced stress levels and better focus.
Michelle said: “I trained in Wim Hof last year and it is a new addition to what I do. When I am working with people on their career and life there is this wellbeing side to it.”
The Awakened Executives business owner is hosting her first Thanet Wim Hof session on February 4 at the Chapel House Estate in Minster.
The session will take place between 9.30am – 1.30pm involve understanding the founder, method and history of Wim Hof, breathing techniques, an ice bath followed by some warm up techniques.
The cost is £130pp. For more details and to book go to: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/activities/whm-fundamentals-workshop-kent-michelle-yeoman/56721
The workshop requires a basic level of health. Out of precaution, there is advise against participation during pregnancy, or if you are epileptic. People with cardiovascular issues, or any other serious health conditions should always consult a medical professional before starting the Wim Hof Method.
