What is breathwork?

Breathwork is the practice of using conscious, structured breathing techniques to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. These techniques enhance oxygen delivery, improve the body’s response to carbon dioxide, reduce over-breathing, and support nervous system regulation. Breathwork is used to help people relax, manage everyday stress, fatigue, sleep issues, anxiety, chronic health concerns, and to enhance athletic performance.

Who can benefit from breathwork?

Most people can benefit from breathwork because breathing is fundamental to health. It affects oxygen delivery, nervous system regulation, energy, and recovery. Studies show that breathing pattern disorders affect up to 10% of the adult population, rising to 29% among people with asthma, and to 50–90% among those with anxiety conditions, depending on the specific diagnosis. . Even seemingly healthy and fit individuals, such as athletes, can be affected by dysfunctional breathing, which can increase risk of injury, and limit recovery, energy, and performance.

Breathwork can help people relax, manage everyday stress, fatigue, sleep issues, anxiety, or chronic health issues. It is also a valuable tool for athletes looking to enhance their performance, as it optimises oxygen delivery, endurance, and nervous system control.

Is breathwork backed by science?

Breathwork is based on decades of research and well-established physiological principles. Methods such as Buteyko, Oxygen Advantage®, and Breatheology have been studied extensively, with numerous peer-reviewed publications demonstrating how controlled breathing can improve oxygen delivery, CO₂ tolerance, and nervous system regulation. Buteyko, for example, has over 40 published studies, including trials for vocal fold dysfunction and sleep apnoea, and is the only complementary therapy endorsed in the British Guideline on the Management of Asthma. Oxygen Advantage® applies these principles to athletic performance and stress resilience, while Breatheology draws on freediving principles to enhance physical performance and nervous system control.

What happens in breathwork sessions?

In 1:1 Relaxation sessions, you’re guided through gentle breathing in a calm, supportive manner. You're invited to get comfortable and relax, while the coach talks you through simple techniques designed to help you switch off, release tension, and settle the nervous system without actively thinking or analysing the process.

In 1:1 Coaching, the first session is a detailed assessment. We explore your health history, current concerns and goals. We also complete breathing questionnaires, a visual assessment of your breathing patterns, and simple functional tests — such as BOLT (Body Oxygen Level Test) and Control Pause — to establish a baseline.

Subsequent sessions build progressively. Exercises are tailored to your current level rather than following a one-size-fits-all programme. Each session includes reviewing your home practice, troubleshooting any difficulties, and introducing new techniques as your breathing improves.

In Group Sessions, breathwork is delivered in a structured, easy-to-follow format with bite-sized explanations of key principles. Sessions combine practical education with exercises, allowing participants to try the techniques while gaining a clear understanding of how breathing impacts wellbeing, performance, and recovery.

How is breathing coached over Zoom?

Breath coaching translates very well to Zoom. Posture, breathing movement, breathing rate, mouth versus nose breathing, and visible tension patterns can all be observed on camera.

The coach also collects concrete data from questionnaires, intake forms, and functional tests — such as BOLT (Body Oxygen Level Test) and Control Pause — to guide your programme. Many clients find the convenience of Zoom removes barriers to consistency, which is essential for breathwork progress.

How are results measured?

Progress is tracked through visual assessments and measurable tests. The BOLT score (Body Oxygen Level Test) and Control Pause offer a simple, repeatable way to measure CO₂ tolerance, typically improving with practice. Questionnaires capture subjective changes in breathing comfort, sleep, energy, and stress, while visual observations of posture and breathing mechanics show how your patterns evolve over time.

How much time do I need to commit to breathwork?

Coaching sessions are 1 hour long and typically scheduled once a week. We recommend a minimum of six sessions to build lasting habits, reflecting the time needed to shift unconscious breathing patterns. This is complemented by daily practice, with personalised exercises prescribed to help reinforce the techniques.

After completing an initial programme, many people choose to continue, allowing them to go deeper, work on performance goals, or manage more complex conditions. Clients combining breathwork with personal training often commit long-term. The ultimate goal is your independence: equipping you with the tools, understanding, and habits to maintain results on your own.

How quickly will I see results?

Results vary depending on your starting point, consistency of practice, and the complexity of your breathing patterns. People with very poor breathing often notice improvements more quickly.

In the first 1–4 weeks, most people experience reduced breathlessness, calmer breathing, better energy, and improved sleep. Measurable improvements, such as higher BOLT (Body Oxygen Level Test) scores, are often seen early on.

Over 1–3 months, physical performance improves, recovery after exertion is faster, and stress regulation and oxygen efficiency increase.

Longer term, you can expect greater day-to-day control, steady stamina gains, and a calmer, more focused mind.

Why choose a breathing coach over self-guided apps or books?

A qualified breathing coach provides personalised guidance tailored to your body, your breathing patterns, and your specific challenges. You receive assessment, a structured programme, and active guidance — someone watches your breath, troubleshoots your technique, and helps you build lasting habits safely. 

A coach provides a calm space and a reassuring presence, so you feel supported in your practice and with whatever life challenges you bring to the sessions. They also keep you accountable, and encourage the consistency that’s crucial for progress.

In contrast, books, apps, and online videos offer generic information, and many self labeled online “experts” offer incorrect advice. Many people who try to self-teach either do the exercises incorrectly, stop, or plateau. Certain trending techniques, like aggressive hyperventilation, can even be unsafe for some people (e.g. those with anxiety, cardiovascular issues, or certain respiratory conditions). Without guidance, it’s easy to practice in ways that stall progress, waste time, or pose risk.

Working with a qualified coach ensures your practice is effective, safe, and tailored to you, giving you results that self-guided methods rarely achieve.

Who is breathwork NOT for?

While breathwork is beneficial for most people, certain conditions mean some exercises should be avoided or practised only with supervision.

Absolute contraindications: Breath-hold or reduced-breath exercises should not be done during pregnancy. They are also unsuitable for anyone with sickle cell anaemia, arterial aneurysm, very high uncontrolled blood pressure, recent heart problems (within the last three months), uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, a known brain tumour, or kidney disease.

Conditions requiring supervision: People with diabetes, severe asthma or emphysema, epilepsy, or schizophrenia can practice breathwork safely with proper supervision and medical coordination — these conditions don’t automatically exclude you, but tailored guidance is essential.

If you’re unsure whether breathwork is right for you, book a FREE 15-minute consultation or send us a message via the contact form to discuss your situation.