Dutch father-of-five dubbed the Iceman because he can 'turn his own thermostat up' by using his mind sets world record for climbing Everest in just his shorts

Dutchman Wim Hof, 55, has broken 21 Guinness World Records

The father-of-five also holds the record for the longest ice bath

He says: ' I know what my body can cope with'

A daredevil dubbed the 'Iceman' has thawed 21 Guinness World Records and has even tried to climb Mount Everest wearing just a pair of shorts.

Wim Hof, 55, has broken 21 Guinness World Records including running a full marathon above the Arctic circle wearing only a pair of shorts.

The father-of-five, from Sittard, Holland, also holds the record for having the longest ice bath.

The 'Iceman' Wim Hof, 55, has broken 21 Guinness World Records including running a full marathon above the Arctic circle wearing only a pair of shorts. Here, he meditates in the snow in Holland As well as running on mountains, Mr Hof also holds records for running a full marathon in the Namibian desert

He stays immersed in blocks of ice for a spine-chilling one hour, 52 minutes and 42 seconds.

Mr Hof said he can endure sub-zero temperatures as he has the ability to 'turn his own thermostat up' by using his mind.

He said: 'I feel like I can control my own body as if I have a thermostat that I can adjust when I need to. The most challenging record was climbing Everest in just a pair of shorts.

'Swimming beneath the ice and not finding the hole back was quite a frightening experience too.

'But I'm confident enough because I know what my body can cope with.'

Experts revealed during deep meditation, Mr Hof's brain is able to send messages to other parts of his body telling them to keep warm.

Wim Hof said he can endure sub-zero temperatures as he has the ability to 'turn his own thermostat up' by using his mind Mr Hof said: 'It is a lifestyle that I have chosen to take therefore I train everyday wherever I am' Mr Hof admits the training he does beforehand makes the challenges he takes 'pretty easy'

In most other people, body temperatures would drop dangerously low but Mr Hof still believes people can control their body temperature by concentrating hard.

Mr Hof previously swam more than 60 metres under ice wearing only goggles and a pair of shorts but admits the training beforehand makes the challenges 'pretty easy'.

He added: 'It all requires a lot of focus as they are very challenging and therefore exciting to do, so it's all worthwhile in the long-term.

The father-of-five also holds the record for having the longest ice bath. Here he emerges from a frozen lake in the Spanish Pyrenees mountains World record: Wim Hof spent 1hr 52 mins and 42 seconds up to his neck in ice in Manhattan's Bryant Park in New York City 'It is a lifestyle that I have chosen to take therefore I train everyday wherever I am. 'I don't bother with gyms, I just workout where I happen to be whether it's in the garden or at home. 'It's a great honour to have the nickname of Iceman, it makes me feel very proud of my achievements.' In 2007 Mr Hof reached 24,000ft up Everest, having to give up 5,000ft short of the summit because of a foot injury.

Mr Hof also holds records for running a full marathon in the Namibian desert without drinking water and hanging on one finger at an altitude of 2,000 metres.



Mr Hof also holds records for running a full marathon in the Namibian desert without drinking water

In most other people, body temperatures would drop dangerously low