The Vikings: The Original Biohackers

The Vikings are renowned as seafaring warriors, traders, and explorers, but they were also pioneers in something that has gained immense popularity in recent years—biohacking. Biohacking is the art and science of optimizing the body and mind to achieve peak performance. While the term is modern, the Vikings practiced biohacking long before it became a trend, leveraging nature, rituals, and a deep understanding of resilience to thrive in one of history’s harshest environments.

Today, biohacking is championed by modern figures like Wim Hof, Russell Brand, and Joe Rogan, but the Vikings laid the groundwork for much of what we now celebrate. Let’s explore how these ancient warriors hacked their biology and what modern science can learn from them.

What Is Biohacking?

Biohacking involves making deliberate changes to your lifestyle, diet, and habits to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Modern biohacking includes practices like:

• Cold exposure (Wim Hof method)
• Intermittent fasting
• Adaptogen use (natural herbs and mushrooms)
• Optimizing sleep
• Tracking health metrics with technology

The Vikings, in their rugged environment, practiced biohacking through necessity. Their methods were natural, primal, and incredibly effective for survival.

Viking Biohacks That Modern Science Endorses

1. Cold Immersion and Resilience

The Vikings were no strangers to icy waters, snowstorms, and freezing winds. They didn’t just endure the cold—they thrived in it. Modern biohackers like Wim Hof, known as "The Iceman," advocate for cold exposure to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, and improve mental clarity.

Wim Hof says: "Cold is an absolute doorway to the soul."

The Vikings practiced cold immersion by necessity, plunging into frigid waters during voyages or hunting expeditions. Today, cold plunges and cryotherapy are backed by science for their health benefits, including reducing stress and enhancing mental resilience.

2. Intermittent Fasting

With their limited food supplies, Vikings often went long hours or even days without eating. This form of intermittent fasting allowed their bodies to adapt to feast-or-famine conditions. Research now shows that fasting improves metabolism, promotes cellular repair (autophagy), and boosts longevity.

Modern biohacker and podcaster Joe Rogan incorporates fasting into his health regimen, saying: "Fasting teaches you control and how to deal with discomfort. It's a reset for your body."

The Vikings would feast on hearty meals when food was abundant, but during long raids or harsh winters, they relied on their ability to function efficiently without constant meals—a practice mirrored by today’s fasting enthusiasts.

3. Adaptogens and Foraging

Vikings used natural herbs and plants for medicinal purposes and to enhance stamina and strength. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, reishi mushrooms, and rhodiola rosea—known today for reducing stress and improving focus—have roots in ancient practices. Rhodiola, for example, is native to Scandinavia and was used by Vikings to combat fatigue and adapt to extreme conditions.

Modern science validates the power of these herbs, and biohackers like Tim Ferriss often tout the benefits of adaptogens for stress resilience and energy optimization.

4. Community and Brotherhood

The Vikings understood the value of strong social bonds. They celebrated feasts, rituals, and storytelling, fostering a sense of community that supported mental well-being and resilience. Russell Brand, an advocate for mindfulness and community connection, emphasizes: "Connection is the antidote to despair."

Modern biohackers acknowledge the importance of mental health and community in achieving peak performance. The Vikings’ emphasis on camaraderie is echoed in today's practices of group meditation, shared workouts, and accountability partnerships.

5. Strength and Functional Fitness

The Viking lifestyle demanded raw strength and endurance. They trained their bodies through activities like rowing, chopping wood, and carrying heavy loads—essentially functional fitness before it had a name. These movements prepared them for battle, exploration, and survival.

Joe Rogan, a proponent of functional fitness, says: "You’ve got to train your body like a machine. Push your limits."

Today’s strongman training and CrossFit owe much to the principles of Viking fitness, focusing on practical movements that mimic real-world challenges.

6. Mindset of Grit and Fearlessness

The Viking concept of “Vikingr,” meaning to go on an expedition or raid, was as much about mindset as it was about action. Their willingness to venture into the unknown embodies the same grit modern biohackers strive to cultivate.

Wim Hof embodies this spirit, saying: "When you go into the cold, you meet yourself."

The Vikings’ resilience, bravery, and ability to adapt to challenges are timeless qualities that resonate with those seeking personal transformation today.

What We Can Learn from the Vikings

The Vikings didn’t have wearable tech, biofeedback devices, or apps to track their progress. What they had was an intimate connection to nature, a deep understanding of their bodies, and an unyielding mindset. By integrating their methods with modern science, we can create a holistic approach to biohacking.

Viking-Inspired Practices to Try Today:

1. Cold Plunges: Start with 30-second cold showers and build resilience.
2. Intermittent Fasting: Experiment with an eating window of 8-10 hours.
3. Adaptogens: Incorporate rhodiola, reishi, or ashwagandha into your routine.
4. Functional Training: Focus on primal movements like lifting, rowing, and chopping.
5. Community: Join groups or communities that share your goals.
6. Mindset: Practice bravery by stepping outside your comfort zone regularly.

The Viking Legacy in Biohacking

As Joe Rogan says: "The best version of yourself is found in discomfort and discipline."

The Vikings understood this long before it became a self-help mantra. Their biohacking practices were not a trend—they were a way of life that enabled them to conquer not just lands but also the limits of human endurance. By embracing their methods, we can unlock our own potential and live like modern-day Vikings.

So, whether you’re plunging into icy waters, fasting, or building strength, channel your inner Viking. As they would say, skál to better health and performance!