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. Many athletes consider this bodyweight exercise essential in their training. When performed correctly, the exercise particularly targets the arms, shoulders, core, chest, and gluteal muscles. Essentially, the entire body is trained. Accordingly, the execution of push-ups is demanding. Even some fit athletes find them quite challenging. You might manage one or two with proper technique, but then it’s quickly over. However, a trick might 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 submerged 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 offers tips and advice to his followers on social media. Some of these are quite practical—such as the mentioned trick that apparently can help break your personal push-up record.
Achieve More Push-ups Than Ever Before
How to do it was revealed by “Iceman” in an Instagram video 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, aiming to enhance your performance.
Calm Down and Breathe Before Push-ups
In the caption of the push-up trick post from 2022, Wim Hof explained that— for later comparison of what his trick really achieves—one should first perform push-ups as usual. Then he encourages 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
- If 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 controlled, unnaturally deep breaths—in this case, 30 of them.
Also interesting: How Many Push-ups Per Day for Visible Muscles
Fans Impressed by the Effect
In the video description, “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 “Iceman,” adding between ten to 20 push-ups to their previous best.
Trick to Do More Push-Ups
In 15 Minutes! These 5 Nutrient-Rich Air Fryer Recipes Will Save Your Dinner
Extreme Athlete Josefine Rutkowski: “Everyone here will know what cycle day it is”
What About the “Iceman” Push-up Method?
For the “Iceman,” breathing is a crucial 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 study from 2020 examined the effect of controlled hyperventilation on other exercises in strength sports, 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.