Rider pre-empts first book from 'Iceman' Wim Hof

Rider has pre-empted rights to extreme athlete and "global breathwork guru" Wim Hof's first book on optimising physical and mental fitness.

Publishing director Olivia Morris pre-empted UK and Commonwealth rights from Beth Conway at Sounds True. Rider will publish The Wim Hof Method: How to Transcend Your Limits, Determine Your Destiny and Create a Better World as a £14.99 in trade paperback simultaneously with the US in October 2020.

Hof earned his nickname ‘The Iceman’ by breaking over 20 world records relating to cold exposure, the publisher said. The Dutch extreme athlete’s feats include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle on his bare feet, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.

With hundreds of thousands of dedicated followers all over the world, he is dubbed the "global breathwork guru" by Rider and teaches élite athletes and Navy Seals to explore the limits of their physiology with followers including Jason Statham to Russell Brand. "In his sell-out arena tours participants put his three pillar method (cold therapy, breathwork and commitment) to the test to optimise physical and mental fitness," Rider said. "His seminal book The Wim Hof Method provides practical tools to try the techniques at home and describes his vision for seeking a deeper connection between mind, body and soul."

Hof said: "I'm thrilled to be working with a publisher with such a rich history of pushing beyond the boundaries of tradition in psychology, physiology and spirituality. My life and my teachings have always been about embracing bold ideas and even bolder practices, and I know that Rider is the perfect partner to help bring that message to UK readers in a way that empowers them to elevate their lives."

Morris said: "Wim’s breathing and mind control techniques have achieved a cult following, used by thousands every day to improve physical performance, mental health and even fight off a common cold. His passion is electric and I’m thrilled to be publishing the first book in his own words - a must have for Wim’s fans and those looking to push beyond the limits of the body and mind."