Chris Hemsworth confronts intense physical and mental challenges in the upcoming season 2 of National Geographic‘s Limitless: Live Better Now, tackling his chronic pain through a rigorous adventure in South Korea. In one episode, Hemsworth endures a grueling Special Forces test, where he must swim across an ice-covered lake to retrieve a box of supplies, battling freezing conditions and the constant threat of hypothermia.
This daring trial pushes Hemsworth beyond his comfort zone, showcasing his resolve as he confronts both the physical hardship of icy water and the psychological battle against panic and fear. The “Chris Hemsworth Special Forces challenge” highlights how the actor grapples with his own mind’s resistance amid the hazardous environment.
Preparation and Psychological Support Before the Ice Swim
Before plunging into the freezing water, Hemsworth receives guidance from pain expert Dr. BJ Miller, who helps him navigate the intense physical stress through breathing techniques and mental preparation. Miller explains that the challenge simulates recovering supplies dropped from a helicopter, requiring Hemsworth and a teammate to swim across an icy river and release the crate from its parachute.
Dr. Miller offers words of caution and encouragement:
“Okay, buddy. When you get in that water you might panic, your body might revolt,”
he warns.
“Roll with it, keep breathing through it, try to slow your breath.”
Hemsworth acknowledges the mental battle, saying,
“It’s just the mind overriding the sort of body screaming at you that ‘We’re gonna die. We’re gonna die. This is cold. This is bad.’
Dr. Miller responds with reassurance,
“You won’t die, and you’re not your thoughts,”
reinforcing the importance of separating fear from reality.
Struggles and Strategies During the Icy Water Crossing
When Hemsworth begins his swim, his initial slip on the ice adds an immediate obstacle. He reflects on this moment, saying,
“The initial fall was a shock, now the doubt is coming in. Am I gonna be able to do this or not?”
Although the freezing temperature is undeniable, Hemsworth tries to manage his discomfort by repeatedly telling himself,
“It’s not that cold, it’s not that cold, it’s not that cold.”
This mental tactic, however, only lasts for about ten meters before the reality of the cold becomes overwhelming. He laughs and admits, “Uh oh, I’m freezing.”
Dr. Miller sheds light on the body’s physical response, explaining that sensory neurons in Hemsworth’s skin detect the cold, causing blood vessels in the extremities to constrict rapidly. This reaction, meant to preserve core body heat, triggers intense, aching pain in the skin, hands, and feet.
Humor and Camaraderie as Pain Management Tools
Despite the piercing cold and discomfort, Hemsworth demonstrates resilience by embracing humor and teamwork to cope with the pain. He shares with the camera,
“My body feels like it’s burning, feels like I have frostbite, but I’ve learned to make my own painkillers. Because like playing Jenga with my mates, I can release endorphins by embracing humor and camaraderie.”
During their return swim with the supplies, Hemsworth lightens the mood by joking about the iconic film Titanic, comparing himself to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack and his partner to Kate Winslet’s Rose as they navigate the frozen waters.
Season 2 Explores Further Physical and Mental Limits
This episode is part of a three-part series in Limitless: Live Better Now, where Hemsworth faces three major challenges that test his endurance and explore innovative science-backed health strategies. Besides the Special Forces trial, the star embarks on other formidable experiences, such as learning to play drums for a performance with Grammy winner Ed Sheeran in front of 70,000 people, scaling a 600-foot climbing wall in the Swiss Alps, and enduring exposure to electrocution and pepper spray to rewire his reactions to pain.
The show aims to uncover ways people can enhance their health and extend their lives through these extraordinary physical and psychological tests, as captured by National Geographic.
Release Dates and Viewing Information
The entire new season of Limitless: Live Better Now, featuring Chris Hemsworth’s Special Forces challenge and other impressive feats, will be available on Disney+ and Hulu starting Friday, August 15. Following this, the series will air on National Geographic beginning August 25.
