WATCH: Russ in the buff (almost) for sub-zero trek

Thursday 21 March 2024

Five years after having his instructor credentials approved by extreme-cold guru Wim Hof, a Jersey fitness instructor has shown he can still “walk the walk” in sub-zero temperatures.

Russ Allchin, a personal trainer and breathwork expert who follows the training techniques of the renowned Dutch extreme athlete, joined a group of 40 walkers who stripped to their shorts and braved temperatures as low as -12°C for the trek up Mount Sniezka in Poland.

The St Ouen-based trainer has held an official training qualification in the Wim Hof Method since 2019.

The recent trek served as a reunion for graduates of the method pioneered by the Dutch athlete and motivational speaker, whose feats and motivational talks have re-shaped expectations about how humans can function in freezing temperatures.

Russ said the event – for which he wore shorts, hiking boots and a beanie hat – provided a chance for participants to share experiences and update their knowledge.

"All of us were happy to wear shorts to re-test our resilience to the cold and put our breathwork training to good use," he said.

"Safety always comes first, and I loved the challenge."

Pictured: Russ Allchin joined a group of 40 walkers who stripped to their shorts and braved temperatures as low as -12°C for the trek up Mount Sniezka in Poland.

While most people in Jersey would visualise a classroom setting for continued professional development work, the 1,600-metre mountain on the Polish/Czech border provided a suitable setting for Russ to evolve his skillset – which includes teaching breathwork, cold immersion, and cultivating a positive mindset.

Russ is seeking to continue his work in helping islanders unlock the benefits of breathwork.

As the only trainer in the Channel Islands qualified in the Wim Hof Method, he has conducted more than 60 WHM workshops, including for community groups, Government departments, and private companies.

"I've been fortunate to work with a diverse range of islanders, from hospital staff and school teachers to managing directors and prison inmates," he said.

"Witnessing positive takeaways from these sessions is truly rewarding."

Wim Hof's work was brought to a mainstream audience in 2022 through the BBC television series Freeze the Fear, hosted by Lee Mack and Holly Willoughby and featuring a range of celebrities, although it was announced earlier this year that there would not be a second series.

Russ, a former competitive powerlifter who holds a black belt in freestyle karate and brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, has worked in the fitness industry for 30 years.

Further details about his work is available on his website.

Pictured top: A group of 40 Wim Hof instructors joined the icy stroll in Poland.