July 15, 2025, 2:29 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Push-ups can be done anywhere, but they are quite demanding in execution. That’s why you can be proud if you manage 10, 20, or 30 in a row. But isn’t there more to it? Absolutely, according to Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, also known as the “Iceman.”
Push-ups are a classic among strength exercises. For many athletes, this bodyweight exercise is a must in their training. When performed correctly, the exercise particularly targets the arms, shoulders, core, chest, and gluteal muscles. In essence, the entire body is trained. Accordingly, the execution of push-ups is quite challenging. Even some fit athletes find it difficult. You might manage one or two with correct technique, but then it’s quickly over. However, a trick could help you do more push-ups. This involves a training method that Wim Hof, aka “Iceman,” introduced on Instagram.
Overview
Who is “Iceman” Wim Hof?
The Dutchman holds, among other things, the record for the longest ice bath (one hour, 52 minutes, and 42 seconds up to the neck in ice water) and ran a half marathon barefoot on ice and snow. Wim Hof, also known as the “Iceman,” has invented his own method that aims to make people happier, healthier, and stronger. It is based on three pillars: breathing, cold therapy, and perseverance.1 As an author and speaker, he explains his philosophy and shares his experiences. He also regularly gives tips and advice to his followers on social networks. Some of these are quite practical–like the mentioned trick that apparently allows you to break your personal push-up record.
Achieve More Push-ups Than Ever Before
How it’s done was revealed by the “Iceman” in an Instagram video that he originally posted in 2022 and again in the summer of 2024. Step by step, the athlete guides you through an exercise that should be done before performing push-ups, with the goal of enhancing performance.
Calm Down and Breathe Before Push-ups
In the caption of the 2022 push-up trick post, Wim Hof explained that–for later comparison of what his trick really brings–you should first perform push-ups as usual. He then urges his followers to try his method:
- Sit or lie down comfortably
- Take 30 deep breaths (inhale and exhale evenly)
- After the last deep breath: exhale, hold your breath, and perform the push-ups
- When the urge to breathe becomes too strong, inhale again and hold your breath for 15 seconds (you can continue doing push-ups during this time)
Before performing the push-ups, you apply Wim Hof’s breathing exercise of controlled hyperventilation, meaning you take unnaturally deep breaths in a controlled manner, in this case, 30 of them.
Also interesting: How many push-ups per day lead to visible muscles
Fans Impressed by the Effect
In the video description, the “Iceman” asked his followers to compare: How many push-ups did they manage before, and how many with his method? And indeed, his fans are impressed. They comment that they can now do significantly more repetitions than before. Some report doubling the number of repetitions. They were apparently able to break their push-up records thanks to the “Iceman,” adding between 10 to 20 push-ups to their previous best.
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What’s the Deal with the “Iceman” Push-up Method?
For the “Iceman,” breathing is an essential part of his philosophy–and indeed, it is known that conscious breathing exercises can have a significant impact. From relaxation effects to the optimal supply of muscles with oxygen for movement–the right breathing technique should not be underestimated. Various studies have shown how it can particularly influence athletic performance–whether in endurance sports or strength training.2,3
There is no scientific study proving the physical effects of Wim Hof’s breathing on the execution of push-ups. However, a 2020 study examined the effect of controlled hyperventilation on other strength training exercises, namely bench press and leg press. Compared to the control group that did not use this breathing technique, the hyperventilation group managed more repetitions. The speed of movement also seemed to benefit from the breathing exercise.4
Therefore, it doesn’t seem so far-fetched that Wim Hof’s method could actually show effects in the execution of push-ups. Ultimately, everyone can test the influence of hyperventilation on push-up training themselves. So just try it out: breathe, hold your breath, and get to the push-ups.