Breaking Par: An Exclusive Insight into Blake Collyer's Unconventional Training Methods

Blake Collyer. “I don’t like to say that anyone is ‘average’ as I feel like we all have the ability to do anything we put our mind to, and to that I would say the benefits are huge. Improved immune system function, enhanced mental clarity, stress reduction, increase in the body’s release of dopamine and an overall feeling of achievement and better mood, are big benefits people may experience.”

In the world of professional golf, where precision, focus, and peak physical condition are paramount, athletes often seek unconventional methods to gain a competitive edge. One such athlete breaking the mould is a friend of AWGN, Australian professional golfer Blake Collyer. At the age of 27, Blake has not only mastered the art of navigating the greens but has also integrated unconventional health and recovery practices into his daily routine.

Unveiling the Unconventional

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Blake's use of the Wim Hof breathing technique and his morning cold showers, exploring the profound impact these practices have on his mental resilience, physical wellbeing, and overall performance on the golf course.

Additionally, we discuss the growing popularity of cold exposure methods in the athletic world and whether Blake believes these practices are exclusive to elite athletes or have the potential to benefit individuals across all levels of fitness.

Morning Rituals and Mental Resilience

AWGN: You mentioned your morning routine includes Wim Hof breathing and a cold shower. Can you share how you incorporated these practices into your daily life and how they contribute to your overall wellbeing?

Blake: I am always thinking about ways I can learn, push myself, improve, and perform at the highest level and that is both on and off the golf course. Starting my day with Wim Hof breathing and a cold shower/ice bath is something I have recently added back into my routine in the past month to do something difficult to start my day but also the health benefits that are associated with the breathing techniques and the cold shower.

Enhancing Performance Through the Wim Hof Method

AWGN: The Wim Hof method has gained popularity for its potential health benefits. How do you believe this breathing technique specifically enhances your mental and physical performance as a professional golfer?

Blake: I believe I have improved energy throughout the day and I find doing something difficult at the start of the day sets your mindset up for what may come your way, either on the golf course or off.

Cold Showers and Recovery

AWGN: Cold showers and ice baths are often associated with post-exercise recovery. Can you elaborate on how these practices fit into your recovery routine after a rigorous day on the golf course?

Blake: There are some great benefits to cold showers or ice baths in terms of recovery after a rigorous day on the course. I am looking to do what I can to recover and prepare for the next day, and utilising these practices allows my body to reduce muscle inflammation, improve muscle recovery, aid in the function of my immune system, and helps bring me back to the present moment.

Cold Exposure for All Fitness Levels

AWGN: Cold exposure is commonly embraced by elite athletes for recovery. In your opinion, do you think these methods are exclusive to professionals, or can individuals at various fitness levels benefit from incorporating cold exposure into their routines?

Blake: Cold exposure may be commonly used by elite athletes for recovery; however, I truly believe we are all capable of improving ourselves daily, for our families, friends, the community, and ourselves.

Mental Resilience on the Greens

AWGN: Golf requires a unique combination of mental focus and physical precision. How do you feel that cold exposure and Wim Hof breathing contribute to your mental resilience and concentration during a round of golf?

Blake: I believe starting my day with something difficult like the Wim Hof breathing and a cold shower sets me off on the right foot, ready to deal with anything that comes my way on the course.

Quantifiable Improvements

AWGN: Have you noticed any specific improvements in your energy levels, sleep quality, or overall health since incorporating these methods into your daily routine?

Blake: Absolutely. Wearing a wearable heart rate tracking device like I do with a Whoop has provided me with the ability to see how practices like Wim Hof breathing and cold showers impact my physiology.

Mainstream Adoption of Cold Exposure

AWGN: Given the growing popularity of cold exposure practices, do you think they could become more mainstream for individuals who are not professional athletes? What benefits do you think the average person might experience?

Blake: I 100% believe that these practices will become more mainstream for more and more people to feel the benefits from. Having travelled overseas to compete in Asia you will find that there will be a lot of hotels or public spaces that have saunas and ice baths. These practices have been used in these countries for mental and health benefits for years and I can see this becoming a more prevalent thing in Western culture in the future. 

Adapting to Diverse Environments

AWGN: As an Australian professional golfer, do you think there are unique challenges or advantages to implementing cold exposure techniques in a climate that is generally warmer? How do you adapt these practices to suit your environment?

Blake: Being on the road traveling around the country and world can be a difficult task to handle the ever-changing environments. The one thing I have found is to have a set of tools in my toolbox that can travel with me and be utilised wherever I go. Meditation, Wim Hof Breathing, and cold exposure to name a few, can all be practiced no matter where I am in the world. The shower will always have a cold tap, the ability to train my mind will always be something I’m grateful for, and the techniques I’ve learned from the Wim Hof method can be used no matter where I am.

Unleashing Your Potential
Join us as we uncover the unique insights and experiences of an Australian professional golfer who dares to venture beyond traditional training methods to optimise both body and mind. As you reflect on Blake's journey, consider these questions: Have you explored unconventional health practices in your routine? How has it impacted your mental resilience and physical wellbeing? Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the path to excellence may lie in the unexplored territories of unconventional methods. What's your next move towards unlocking your full potential?

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