大象传媒

The show was filmed in the mountains of Northern Italy.

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 is 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.

Filming in the snow and in ice cold water is a challenging task and to make sure we could get it all on camera we used specialist equipment that can endure the hostile conditions. We used slow motion cameras, high powered drones and even underwater cameras. We had camera operators safely placed in interesting places like cliff sides and underneath bridges to make sure that we got the best angles of the action.

Episode 1

For your own safety, please do not attempt any of the challenges at home. These were performed under the strict supervision of trained professionals, and following rigorous medical testing.

Each challenge was built and vigorously tested beforehand, and health and safety experts compiled a specific risk assessment tailored to each activity. There was a dedicated team of experienced medics, ropes specialists and mountaineers alongside the celebrities at all times.

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.

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.

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

They completed a medical examination that was tailored towards the show’s format. This medical included blood tests, a body composition scan, CPEX test (20 minutes of exercise required) and a full consultation with a doctor. Follow up tests were also provided if required.

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.

Before the challenge, Munya and Filly were required to take part in medical tests to check that they were physically fit enough to do it. The challenge was supervised and led by a specialist health and safety team. This included underwater divers beneath the ice, rope specialists who ensured that they were harnessed up and attached to safety ropes, and medics. Off the ice they were able to use a special warming tent to get warm and dry post challenge.

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) and unforced, with someone else present. Wim’s techniques also gradually expose your body to low temperatures by taking short cold showers. Wim recommends only 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.