Breathwork has gained significant traction as a powerful tool for enhancing mental emotional, and physical well-being.
It is also a rapidly growing industry with 400% growth yearly.
As such, it’s not surprising that breathwork instructor courses have emerged in popularity worldwide, each offering its own unique methodologies and benefits.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve become interested in Breathwork yourself.
And now you’re wondering how you might be able to turn that passion or spark of interest into a genuine career.
Maybe you’ve already started looking at the different courses and certifications you can take…
Well, having personally done 6 of the most popular breathwork courses out there, I wanted to share my honest opinion on each of these and what makes each one unique.
I’ve also distilled this down into a handy comparison table you can download below, but be sure to read the full article to get a full understanding of what each course offers and which might be the best course for you.
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| Holistic Approach | | | | | | | |
| Trauma Informed | | | | | | | |
| Science Based | | | | | | | |
| Trainer Experience | | | | | | | |
| Community Based | | | | | | | |
| Facilitation Skills | | | | | | | |
| Business Building | | | | | | | |
| Pricing | USD $395 TO $995 | USD $195 | €279 to €2799 | Price: Revealed after a consultation call | USD $319 per month + | In-Person: 5699 AUD | $6800 (Earlybird) |
If you’re serious about helping others to live happier, healthier and fuller lives, becoming a breathwork instructor is likely to be a great career path for you.
Why?
Because it addresses one of the most damaging conditions that many people today live with…
Dysfunctional breathing.
Fortunately, dysfunctional breathing can often be addressed and improved through various interventions, and this is where certified breathwork instructors comes in.
Before choosing a breathwork instructor course however, it’s important to understand each of the different approaches to breathwork facilitation so you can make a more informed decision.
Whilst, new modalities are appearing constantly, you’ll find that the majority of breathwork courses will focus on:
1. Clinical Application
This does not mean you have to wear a white coat or work out of a therapist room (although some of our breathwork instructors do). Rather it represents those that work with clients in one on one or group settings to improve their breathing ability. Working with a breathing specialist can help identify and correct dysfunctional breathing patterns and the myriad ramifications. Breathwork in this context has been proven to help alleviate: Anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, asthma, sleep apnea to name a few.
2. Therapeutic Breathing
Mostly slow breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathwork, pranayama techniques, and coherence breathing to name a few. Breathwork instructors that work with these techniques often combine their skills with other modalities. Yoga instructors, hypnotherapists, naturopaths, physiotherapists and even medical doctors are starting to recognize the power of breathing techniques for instant results and relief from anxiety and tension.
3. Breath Classes
The greatest potential for breathwork instructors is creating breathing classes and guided breathflows. Instructors that have a large toolkit and wide ranging understanding of the application of breathing techniques can create classes for anyone, anywhere. This can include teaching out of yoga and pilates studios, gyms or dedicated breathwork facilities. Classes can be broadcasted online, recorded to apps. Breath classes can be tailored to specific demographics such as entrepreneurs or high school students.
4. Performance Breathwork
Working with athletes or those with performance goals. Breathwork is a powerful tool athletes can use to improve their performance on the sidelines. Practising breathing techniques and fostering breath awareness gives athletes a unique edge that can increase endurance whilst helping them recover more quickly, reduce anxiety, enter states of flow, and improve focus.
5. Breakthrough Breathwork
Those well versed in the faster than normal breathwork techniques such as conscious connected breathing, holotropic breathwork and rebirthing. Instructors can guide clients through one on one sessions as a one off, or more commonly, on a weekly or biweekly basis for a period of about 8 weeks. This style of facilitation is also incredibly effective for larger groups ranging from 10 – 50 people at a time in the form of large workshops or monthly breathing circles.
6. Trauma Informed Facilitation
A trauma informed breathwork instructor is someone that recognizes that trauma is common and that both people accessing and delivering services may be affected by trauma and there is a risk of retraumatization. Trauma-informed facilitation is an approach that is holistic, empowering, strengths-focused, collaborative and reflective. Each breathwork session is a tailored exploration, providing a sacred space for self-discovery and growth.
We get it. Choosing the right breathwork training is a huge decision.
This is not only a significant investment of time and resources, it also has the potential to change your life for the better and you want to ensure you get the most out of a certification program.
In the world of breathwork certification, all programs are not created equal. Some offer quick, weekend, or week-long courses promising you’ll be ready to guide others through this powerful modality in no time. Tempting? For sure. But here’s the thing—breathwork is deep. It’s transformative. And most importantly, it’s a journey.
The short answer is: You can only take people as deep and far as you’ve gone yourself.
That’s why I’m a big advocate for longer, more comprehensive courses.
Here’s my personal experience with the 6 most popular courses out there and what you need to know about each of them.
Stress and anxiety have profound effects on your health. However, the HeartMath technique allows you to connect with your heart, manage your stress, and regulate your emotions.
HeartMath provides a scientifically validated breathwork program emphasising heart rate variability (HRV) and coherence techniques.
It is specifically designed to give somebody the power to regulate their own emotions so that they can live a happier life.
Created by the HeartMath Institute, this approach combines breathwork with biofeedback technology to promote emotional balance, stress reduction and overall health.
The HeartMath Certification Program comprises six online sessions, each lasting one hour. Participants receive a detailed course manual that includes scripts, case studies, clinical forms and patient handouts. The curriculum focuses on:
After completing the course and passing an exam, participants become certified HeartMath® Practitioners. Certification is available to licensed or certified health professionals, students in health professional training programs, and those working under supervision.
I did my HeartMath certification in 2020 and it continues to be my favourite breathwork technique until this day. Coherence breathing is seemingly simple but it’s the most researched breathing practice out there and the heartmath organisation is largely responsible for that.
The research backed approach of the program is well tailored for those looking to work in the corporate market, or deliver programs to institutions and government organisations.
This course is comprehensive in its approach and walks you through step by step and word for word instructions on how to deliver the technique and workshop. There are wonderful trainers and mentors working at heartmath and I would recommend anyone interested in self regulation and the science behind slow breathing to check out their offerings.
Overall:
Heartmath licences its programs to instructors. There’s great benefits in this for those who are just starting out and would like to be associated with a recognized brand that has 25+ years of research behind it. The value lies in the simplicity and accessibility. One technique that anyone can access, an incredible depth of understanding and clear instructions on exactly how to teach. For those looking to setup and structure their own breathwork classes this might not be ideal as there is no flexibility in the method of delivery.
Oxygen Advantage, created by Patrick McKeown, focuses on improving breathing efficiency and oxygen uptake.
This method is particularly popular among athletes and individuals looking to enhance physical performance and overall health through better breathing habits.
The Oxygen Advantage Instructor Training Program is a comprehensive course that includes online learning, live training sessions and practical assessments.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
There are various types of training you can do, including:
I personally obtained my Oxygen Advantage certification in 2018 and worked alongside Patrick for a number of years before becoming a master instructor and certifying over 100 instructors to teach the Oxygen Advantage.
Patrick is incredibly knowledgeable, perhaps the greatest living source of respiratory information that I’ve ever encountered. He can quote hundreds of scientific articles and their authors off the top of his head which I found super inspiring. That being said Patrick spent most of his career researching and writing about breathing, not actually working with people in the dynamic situations that
The course leans highly on the theoretical side. It consists entirely of lectures and talks and there is no practical component to the teaching which often leaves students feeling overwhelmed with knowledge and ideas, but not equipped to go out there and actually teach clients breathing techniques let alone facilitate classes or group programs.
Overall
The Oxygen Advantage instructor training is a comprehensive overview of breathing retraining and assessment techniques. It’s based entirely on science and literature and is a great fit for those that seek a deep understanding of the inner workings of the role of breath in sports performance, respiratory conditions, and sleep.
The only thing the course itself lacks is a practical approach and instructions on how to effectively teach breathing practices to guide clients in the real world.It’s great value for money and could work really well as an add on for existing instructors who are looking to deepen their understanding of respiratory science.
The Wim Hof Method was created by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, also known as the “Iceman”.
It’s a unique approach to breathwork that combines specific breathing techniques, cold exposure and mindset training. The method aims to enhance overall well-being, boost energy levels and strengthen your resilience.
The technique typically involves 30-40 deep breaths, then exhaling fully and holding the breath for as long as possible, followed by a deep inhalation and holding the breath again for a short period.
People are often disappointed to hear that Wim Hof doesn’t actually teach any part of the Wim Hof Method academy program and that’s understandable as he is such an inspiration for breathwork practitioners the world over. When I completed my Wim Hof Method instructor training in 2017, Wim was referred to as ‘the mascotte’. He brings the energy and gets everyone fired up but the actual teaching is done by Wim Hof Method instructors, I used to be one of them.
This program brings a ton of fun, silly moments and an overall attitude of we’ve already got everything we need inside of us. The Wim Hof Method has done so much to put breathwork on the map in the last decade and its instructors sign up to be part of this movement. The training itself is quite basic in terms of breathwork. Only one technique is taught and the parameters around how this can be brought to the world are limited. Instructors can only offer their services through the official Wim Hof Method website and are not allowed to market themselves further.
Overall:
A well rounded program to help people master the Wim Hof Method technique and the basics of deliberate cold exposure. People sign up to be part of the Wim Hof brand which has great exposure, but be mindful that instructors are not permitted to market themselves outside of Wim Hof Method channels or offer other services in conjunction with its techniques.
Alchemy of Breath was founded by Anthony Abbagnano. His training offers a deep, transformative approach to breathwork – focusing on emotional healing, personal growth, and spiritual awakening through guided breathing practices.
This course offers a comprehensive and transformative 400-hour Breathwork Training program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a proficient breathwork facilitator.
The Alchemy of Breath (AoB) Teacher Training Program covers a wide range of topics, from breathwork practices to establishing a breathwork business and provides extensive support to ensure your success.
The 400-hour Breathwork Training includes:
Alchemy of breath continues the lineage of rebirthing breathwork by Leonard Ohr. The technique is known as conscious connected breathing and is widely recognized for its ability to help people transcend past hurts and transform pain into purpose. The price of the program is too high for what is offered through essentially an online training format but the team is highly experienced and knowledgeable in the space of conscious connected breathing.
Soma Breath is a holistic breathing technique that blends ancient pranayama practices with modern science to enhance physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Created by Niraj Naik, a former pharmacist turned holistic health expert, Soma Breath focuses on rhythmic breathing patterns, breath retention and music to induce a meditative state and promote healing.
Cours
When learning to become a Soma Breath Coach, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the science of breath behind breath, music, and meditation as therapeutic tools.
You’ll discover five core breathwork techniques designed to help your clients reach their full human potential, and you’ll do it through two levels.
When learning to become a Soma Breath Coach, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the science of breath behind breath, music, and meditation as therapeutic tools.
As part of the course, you’ll also become a part of SOMA’s global community of breathworkers.
Upon completing the coach training, you’ll receive your license to conduct SOMA Breath workshops.
Price: Level 1 & 2: SOMA Breath Advanced Instructor (12-month Payment Plan)
Soma Breath brings a lighthearted approach to deep transformational work. Soma came onto the scene in 2020 with and quickly became known for its ecstatic dance and breathwork sessions and unique approach to guided meditation through music tracks. This training will teach you step by step how to guide the SOMA breathing tracks and techniques for clients and also offer other tools such as meditation, coaching and energy work.
Breath Masters was founded by Aurimas Juodka (AJ) and Brian Kelly and places emphasis on the Transformational Breathwork technique – involving the use of breath to reach altered states of consciousness for personal and spiritual transformation.
The training recognises that during transformational breathwork, the brain enters the “Theta” brainwave state, similar to a state of hypnosis, facilitating deep personal insights and healing.
Students can achieve states that are sometimes psychedelic in nature, providing new directions, clarity, and profound personal experiences.
The Breath Masters breathwork instructor program goes for 10 weeks and is a combination of real-world and online training.
The first four weeks involve training you to:
Price: Revealed after a consultation call
Breath masters first came on the scene in their flash approach in 2020 by creating an online course for Marcel Hof, the infamous brother of Wim Hof. At the time I was a Wim Hof Method instructor and this was not very well received as the relations between Marcel and the Wim Hof brand were quite strenuous. The course was essentially a low priced version of the Wim Hof Method fundamentals course, offered at $39.00 through a clickfunnel marketing approach. Later the advertisements resurfaced under a new name: Breath Masters.
The team at Breathmasters is highly effective at marketing and sales, which is what most of their training is about. They understand that a lot of people that are new to the breathwork space lack the confidence and skills required to position themselves in the marketplace and sell their services.
Essentially the course is recorded mostly on mobile devices, with a real can-do attitude. The teachers aim to bring this across through the training by inviting you to start teaching straight away in the first week.
Little education is provided about the mechanisms of respiration except for five YT videos by crash course that break down topics such as anatomy and basic overview of the respiratory system for a more everyday conversational understanding.
Breathless Expeditions’ Breathwork Instructor Training is the first kind of instructor training we know that holistically combines all breathing philosophies and methods.
This program is not only backed by research but also proven in various environments, supported by a community of skilled facilitators dedicated to helping you be the best.
Once you complete this training, you’ll join a network of proficient facilitators and gain the skills necessary to thrive in the breathwork industry.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal practice or build a professional career, this training offers the tools and support needed for success.
Price:
Choosing the right breathwork instructor course depends on your professional goals and personal interests.
Whether you are looking for a scientifically validated approach, a method to enhance athletic performance, a holistic and transformative practice, or a versatile training program, there is a breathwork instructor course that can meet your needs.
We may be biased, but we think Breathwork’s Facilitator Training is the absolute best – given that it incorporates all philosophies and exercises.
Our breathwork facilitator classes at Breathless Expeditions provide the intense and highly effective training you need to succeed. We’ll provide you knowledge, skills and support necessary to navigate the intricacies of breathwork and guide others through their journeys.
We will also provide you with training and certification, so you can have the credibility your clients are looking for when selecting a breathwork instructor.
You can read more about our breathwork facilitator training right here!
Our promise to our students is that our training will be the last breathwork training they ever need.
Having taken part and taught on many different courses over the years it’s really important for me that students leave the course with a comprehensive understanding of the application of breathwork in its totality.
Experiences, expeditions and education to unlock your potential, open your heart and let your breath set you free.
Copyright © 2022 | Breathless
Copyright © 2022 | Breathless
