大象传媒

The show was filmed in the mountains of Northern Italy.

Yes, to receive the benefits of the experience, the celebrities fully immersed themselves into camp life. Throughout the filming period, the celebrities lived, ate and slept in a tented village. There was a dedicated welfare team on location who the celebrities could contact at any time.

It is thought that cold water immersion can stimulate blood flow. It is believed that when the body is immersed in cold water, the blood rushes to surround the vital organs including the brain. Your heart then is forced to pump more efficiently, pushing blood through all your vessels and supplying every part of your body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. If this is done on a routine basis, it can help promote healthy blood circulation and ultimately, a healthy body.

You should extensively research cold water methods and seek advice from your doctor before participating. Some underlying health conditions could cause you to have adverse reactions to cold water immersion and shock to the body.

Wim’s methods are based on three pillars: Breathing, Cold Therapy and Commitment.

Some of Wim’s methods are accessible in your own home via learning his breathing techniques. Always do the breathing exercise in a safe environment (e.g. sitting on a floor), unforced, and with someone else present. Wim’s techniques also gradually expose your body to low temperatures by taking short cold showers. Wim recommends starting with 15 seconds under a cold shower, and gradually building up the duration over time.

Please research his methods, and always consult medical advice beforehand.

The challenges were devised by the production team in close coordination with Wim and an independent medical team who are experienced in cold water immersion. The order of the challenges was carefully considered to enable the build up to be safe for all involved.

Each challenge was built and vigorously tested beforehand with health and safety experts writing extensive risk assessments tailored to each activity. There was a dedicated team of experienced medics, ropes specialists, and mountaineers with the celebrities during the challenges.

Episode 1
This programme features extreme challenges that were overseen by a professional safety and medical team. Please do not attempt what you see in the programme.

Episode 2
This programme features challenges that were overseen by a professional safety and medical team. For your own safety please seek guidance before attempting anything you see in the programme.

Episode 3
See below

Episode 4
See below

Episode 5
This programme features extreme challenges that were overseen by a professional safety and medical team. Please do not attempt what you see in the programme.

Episode 6
This programme features extreme challenges that were overseen by a professional safety and medical team. Please do not attempt what you see in the programme.

Any water below 15 degrees Celsius is defined as cold water which can cause cold water shock. Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow causing the heart rate to also increase. As a result the heart has to work harder and your blood pressure goes up. Cold water shock can therefore cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy.

The sudden cooling of the skin by cold water also causes an involuntary gasp for breath. Breathing rates can change uncontrollably, sometimes increasing as much as tenfold. All these responses contribute to a feeling of panic, increasing the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs.

It is advised to carry out an ice bath in a controlled environment like a bathtub, with an observer present - never use open bodies of water. Submerge yourself slowly entering the water feet first. Ensure you relax, remain calm and keep immersion time brief.

Please research Wim’s methods, and always consult medical advice beforehand.

Taking a short walk barefoot in the snow can help improve circulation, decrease inflammation and awaken the senses to help boost energy and alertness. It is advised to carry this out in a controlled environment under the guide of an expert.

Only spend a minimum amount of time walking barefoot in the snow to avoid the risk of frostbite, burns and hypothermia. Always do you research and consult a medical professional advice beforehand.

All of the celebrities completed a medical examination that was tailored towards the show’s format. This medical included blood tests, body composition scan, CPEX test, MSK assessment and consultation with a doctor. Follow up tests were provided if required. The celebrities also undertook a psychological assessment where they had a session with a trained psychologist who understood the challenges of the show.

Additionally, the cast completed statement of health forms and medical questionnaires which were reviewed by Hungry Bear, 大象传媒 and medical experts to ensure that each celebrity was fit to perform in the show both physically and mentally.

The health and wellbeing of the celebrities and everyone involved is of the utmost importance. In line with 大象传媒 guidelines, the celebrities undertook an initial screening process with a bespoke aftercare plan offered to each celebrity. A medical team and psychologist where on site to provide support for the entirety of the filming period.

The show isn’t a popularity contest, and it isn’t about being the toughest, it is a personal journey for each of the cast members, and the intention was for it to be a positive experience. We wanted the cast to leave the show feeling happier, healthier and stronger, and to be able to take what they learnt and incorporate this into their daily lives.