Level 1

Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor Training

Master the Fundamentals of Functional Breathing
The Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor Training equips you with practical, science-backed techniques to enhance focus, reduce stress, and build physical resilience. Created by renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown, this course is ideal for health professionals, fitness trainers, and wellness enthusiasts. Learn at your own pace with lifetime access and certification, gaining the tools to confidently teach functional breathing practices in personal or professional settings.

Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor Training

Course Overview

The Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor Training is a science-backed program designed to empower health and wellness professionals, fitness trainers, and individuals with the tools to teach functional breathing confidently. Created by Patrick McKeown, a global authority in breathing science, this course provides a comprehensive foundation in assessing and improving breathing patterns to enhance physical resilience, reduce stress, and boost focus.

Built around the three dimensions of breathing—biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological—the curriculum combines theory with practical techniques that can be applied in diverse settings. Through self-paced modules, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to optimize respiratory health, improve sleep, and support emotional well-being for yourself or your clients.

Upon successful completion, you’ll earn an internationally recognized certification, gain lifetime access to materials, and join a global network of instructors. Whether you’re aiming to grow your practice, enhance client outcomes, or deepen your personal understanding, this course provides the foundation for transformative results.

    Course Curriculum

    Module 1: Introduction to Functional Breathing

    • Learn the Oxygen Advantage® approach to functional breathing.
    • Identify dysfunctional breathing patterns and their impact on health and well-being.
    • Discover the benefits of optimizing breathing for health, sleep, and performance.

    Module 2: Assessing Breathing Patterns

    • Explore the biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological dimensions of breathing.
    • Master tools for assessing breathing patterns and customizing exercises for client needs.

    Module 3: Nasal Breathing in Rest and Exercise

    • Compare nasal vs. mouth breathing and their effects on health and performance.
    • Implement techniques to promote nasal breathing during rest, activity, and sleep.

    Module 4: Biochemical Dimension of Breathing

    • Understand oxygen and carbon dioxide transport and their role in energy and blood flow.
    • Apply biochemical principles to improve oxygen delivery through breathing exercises.

    Module 5: Biomechanical Dimension of Breathing

    • Study respiratory muscle anatomy and optimize breathing mechanics for functional movement.
    • Support mobility and injury prevention with proper breathing techniques.

    Module 6: Psychophysiological Dimension of Breathing

    • Explore the link between breathing patterns, emotions, and nervous system regulation.
    • Use slow breathing to improve heart rate variability and promote emotional well-being.

    Module 7: Breathing for Better Sleep

    • Address sleep disorders, including snoring and sleep apnea, through breathing optimization.
    • Learn daily and nightly techniques to improve sleep quality and cognitive health.

    Module 8: Breathing Exercises During Rest

    • Teach foundational techniques like BOLT, Breathe Light, and Recovery Breathing (sitting).
    • Help clients manage stress, enhance breath control, and reduce breathlessness.

    Module 9: Breathing Exercises During Movement

    • Apply breathwork to activities like walking, jogging, and brisk exercise.
    • Strengthen respiratory muscles using tools like the SportsMask.

    Module 10: Teaching Formats and Client Care

    • Structure individual and group sessions with tailored breathing protocols.
    • Adapt exercises to client needs based on BOLT scores, health status, and fitness levels.

    Module 11: The 31 Functions of the Nose

    • Understand the critical roles of the nose, from filtration to oxygen efficiency and immunity.
    • Highlight how nasal breathing enhances focus, performance, and overall health.

    Module 12: Achieving Flow State

    • Teach clients to use breathing techniques to access flow states for productivity and peak performance.

    Module 13: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Resilience

    • Use breathwork to improve HRV, manage stress, and enhance physical recovery.

    Module 14: Breathing for Training and Running

    • Implement a step-by-step nasal breathing program for athletes.
    • Reduce injury risk and improve endurance through controlled breathing.

    Module 15: Asthma Management and Respiratory Strength

    • Manage triggers for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).
    • Strengthen the diaphragm and respiratory muscles to improve endurance and fitness.

    Additional Resources

    • Guided Videos and Audios: Demonstrations and exercises led by Patrick McKeown.
    • Downloadable Materials: Client intake forms, guides, and the official Oxygen Advantage® Instructor logo.

    Certification and Access

    • Certification: Pass quizzes to earn your OA® Functional Breathing Instructor certification.
    • Lifetime Access: Enjoy ongoing access to course materials, updates, and resources for continuous growth.

      About your trainer

      Training Patrick McKeown

      Patrick McKeown

      Patrick McKeown is an internationally acclaimed breathing expert, author, and the founder of the Oxygen Advantage® method. With over two decades of experience in respiratory health, Patrick has pioneered techniques that enhance performance, improve mental resilience, and promote well-being. His work has helped redefine how breathing is understood and applied in health, sports, and wellness practices worldwide.

      Originally trained by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko in Moscow, Patrick became one of the few Western practitioners of the Buteyko Method. Building on this foundation, he developed the Oxygen Advantage® program—a scientifically backed breathing system that combines principles of functional breathing with performance-focused techniques.

      Patrick’s expertise spans diverse fields, from elite sports and athletic coaching to corporate wellness and mental health. His methods have gained trust from professional athletes, healthcare providers, and wellness practitioners for their evidence-based approach to optimizing oxygen efficiency, reducing breathlessness, and managing stress.

      An accomplished author, Patrick has written several bestselling books, including The Oxygen Advantage, The Breathing Cure, and Close Your Mouth, which are widely recognized as essential resources on breathing for health and performance. His work is regularly featured in major media outlets, academic journals, and at leading international conferences.

      A TEDx speaker and respected voice in health, performance, and wellness, Patrick continues to touch lives through his workshops, global instructor network, and accessible methods, making profound respiratory health and performance benefits available to all.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Who is this course for?

      The Functional Breathing Instructor Training is designed for:

      • Fitness Trainers and Coaches aiming to improve client performance and recovery through better breathing.
      • Yoga and Pilates Instructors looking to integrate science-backed breathing techniques.
      • Healthcare Practitioners and Therapists interested in enhancing mental and physical health through breathwork.
      • Sports Coaches focused on optimizing athletes’ endurance, resilience, and focus.
      • Corporate Wellness Professionals dedicated to stress management and employee well-being.
      • Individuals wanting to deepen their personal breathing practice for health, vitality, and stress reduction.

      Whether you’re a health professional or on a personal journey, this course provides you with the tools to bring effective breathing techniques to diverse settings.


      Do I receive immediate access to the course portal when I register?

      Yes, you will receive instant login details sent to the email you used to register. Please check your spam or promotions folder if it’s not in your inbox. You’ll have lifetime access to the course portal to complete the materials and certification at your own pace. For login assistance, reach out to us at hello@oxygenadvantage.com.


      What will I learn?

      The Functional Breathing Instructor Training covers three core dimensions of breathing to optimize health and exercise performance:

      • Biochemical Dimension: Techniques to normalize blood carbon dioxide levels.
      • Biomechanical Dimension: Methods to strengthen and improve diaphragm function.
      • Cadence Breathing: Techniques for balancing the nervous system and enhancing blood gas exchange.

      Will this course certify me to teach Functional Breathing?

      Yes. Upon passing the multiple-choice exam, you’ll be certified in Functional Breathing with Oxygen Advantage®. Your profile will also be added to our instructor directory, making it easy for prospective clients to find you.


      What are the course objectives?

      By completing the program, you’ll be able to:

      • Identify dysfunctional breathing patterns
      • Understand how dysfunctional breathing affects health and performance
      • Teach techniques for nasal decongestion and establishing nasal breathing
      • Deliver breathing re-education to restore physiologically normal breathing in adults

      What is the difference between Functional Breathing and Advanced Oxygen Advantage Training?

      Functional Breathing Training certifies you in functional breathing for rest and physical activity. The Advanced Instructor Training includes functional breathing and high-altitude simulation (intermittent hypoxic/hypercapnic training) and adds 14 hours of live Zoom tutorials with Patrick McKeown. If you choose to upgrade to the Advanced Training, your initial fee for Functional Breathing Training will be deducted, allowing you to upgrade for just $600.


      How long does it take to certify as a breath coach?

      Certification typically requires about 100 hours to complete the tutorials and materials. Most instructors certify within 1-3 months, though there is no set deadline.


      What materials are provided?

      The training is entirely online, with lifetime access to all video modules. Core modules include topics like asthma, heart rate variability, and breathing in movement. Certified instructors gain access to the Oxygen Advantage® logo, client intake forms, and our affiliate program for commission-based sales of courses and products.


      Is there an exam?

      Yes, each module has a short multiple-choice exam, which you must pass to receive certification.


      Do I receive a physical certificate?

      Your digital certificate will be available in the training portal once you complete all modules and pass the exam. You can download and print this certificate for display.


      During the course, how do I get help if I have questions?

      If you encounter any issues or have questions, email us at hello@oxygenadvantage.com for support.

      $495.00

      This course includes

      Content: 15 Modules

      Duration: 55 hours

      Skills: Level 1

      Language: English

      Access: Lifetime

      Certification: Yes, OA® Functional Breathing Instructor, Level 1

      TOP TIP: Register anytime for the Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor Training to unlock instant access to self-paced modules, course materials, and exclusive resources—and complete the program on your schedule to earn your certification.

      Why Choose Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Training?

      Discover how functional breathing can transform health, resilience, and performance. This training equips you with a deep understanding of the mechanics, biochemistry, and psychophysiology of breathing, offering practical tools grounded in science and proven to deliver results.

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      Biomechanics of Breathing

      Understand how breathing impacts the body’s structure and function for improved physical performance.

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      Breathing Biochemistry

      Explore the chemical processes of breathing and their effects on health and energy.

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      Psychophysiology of Breathing

      Learn how breathing affects mental health and use it to reduce stress and anxiety.

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      Application in Personal & Professional Life

      Incorporate functional breathing into daily routines and professional practices for lasting benefits.

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      Breathing for yoga group in warrior 1

      The Power of Functional Breathing

      Functional breathing is essential for overall health—and it’s key to optimal exercise performance. Through this training, you’ll learn techniques to enhance daily resilience, improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and support long-term vitality by improving respiratory and cardiovascular health.

      Science-Driven, Real-World Curriculum
      Developed by Patrick McKeown, a world-renowned authority in breathing science, our curriculum delivers practical, proven methods that create lasting change. Designed for adaptability and effectiveness, this program equips you to meet the diverse needs of athletes, healthcare providers, and individuals seeking better wellness outcomes.

       

      Functional Breathing: The Foundation of Well-Being

      Dysfunctional breathing impacts daily energy, sleep, and resilience. By mastering the biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological dimensions of breathing, you can:

      • Boost Energy and Focus: Improve oxygen efficiency and endurance for long-term vitality.
      • Enhance Sleep: Address snoring, sleep apnea, and restlessness with restorative breathing techniques.
      • Reduce Stress: Calm the nervous system and build mental clarity with proven methods.
      • Promote Healthier Breathing: Unlock the benefits of nasal breathing for better oxygenation and reduced stress.
      Functional Breathing Venn Diagram

      By the end of this course, you will be able to:

      Z

      Conduct breathing assessments to identify dysfunctional patterns and tailor exercises to individual needs.

      Z

      Teach foundational breathing techniques like the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) and OA practices with confidence.

      Z

      Integrate functional breathing into rest, movement, and performance activities to improve sleep, reduce stress, and enhance resilience.

      Z

      Structure effective 1:1 or group sessions, adapting exercises for diverse populations, including athletes, individuals with health conditions, and those seeking stress management.

      Z

      Apply the science of functional breathing across biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological dimensions to optimize health and performance.

      This course provides practical, science-backed tools to enhance well-being for yourself or your clients, giving you everything needed to confidently teach functional breathing.

      Reviews from Certified Oxygen Advantage® Instructors

      Klaviyo Header 61

      Tara Bianca

      “Breathwork is an incredible gift that integrates seamlessly with any health or wellness practice, bringing a vital sense of autoregulation that resonates deeply with clients. The breath truly is that common thread that ties everything together, enhancing every area of life and health.”

      Tara Bianca, Master Oxygen Advantage® Instructor, Holistic Health Practitioner & Founder of BE Light Transformative Therapy

      Klaviyo Header 60

      Emer O´Brien

      “The Oxygen Advantage techniques have transformed my Pilates classes and my work as a running coach. My classes are now calming and rejuvenating, with clients often remarking on how refreshed they feel. The breathing exercises are accessible and effective, whether for athletes, people recovering from COVID-19, or clients managing breathlessness and stress. I’ve seen incredible improvements in my clients’ endurance, focus, and overall wellbeing.”

      Emer O’Brien, Advanced Oxygen Advantage® Instructor, Pilates Instructor and Running Coach

       

       

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      Caroline McKenna

      “When I came across Patrick’s work and learned functional breathing, it changed everything for me. Unlike other techniques that feel like ‘wishy-washy mindfulness,’ this is grounded in science. I now focus on helping children with their sleep, breath, and mindset rather than just academic performance. Patrick’s approach is something I wish I’d learned 20 years ago. It has transformed not only my career but also my life, allowing me to support the mental and physical well-being of both myself and my students in a way that’s powerful, simple, and sustainable.”

      Caroline McKenna, Certified Oxygen Advantage® Instructor, Owner of A County Down Under Podcast and Events

      FAQ´s

      Who is this course for?

      The Functional Breathing Instructor Training is designed for:

      • Fitness Trainers and Coaches aiming to improve client performance and recovery through better breathing.
      • Yoga and Pilates Instructors looking to integrate science-backed breathing techniques.
      • Healthcare Practitioners and Therapists interested in enhancing mental and physical health through breathwork.
      • Sports Coaches focused on optimizing athletes’ endurance, resilience, and focus.
      • Corporate Wellness Professionals dedicated to stress management and employee well-being.
      • Individuals wanting to deepen their personal breathing practice for health, vitality, and stress reduction.

      Whether you’re a health professional or on a personal journey, this course provides you with the tools to bring effective breathing techniques to diverse settings.

      Do I receive immediate access to the course portal once I register?

      Yes, upon registration, you will receive an instant login to the email address you provided. Please check your spam or promotions folder if you don’t see it in your inbox. You will have lifetime access to the course portal, allowing you to complete the learning materials and certification at your own pace. If you encounter any issues with login or access, please contact us at [email protected].

      Will this course certify me to teach Functional Breathing?

      Yes. Upon passing the multiple-choice exam, you’ll be certified in Functional Breathing with Oxygen Advantage®. Your profile will also be added to our instructor directory, making it easy for prospective clients to find you.

      Teaching and Practical Application

      • Teach foundational breathing exercises like the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) and integrate practices such as Breathe Light, Breathe Deep, and Breathe Slow.
      • Apply functional breathing during movement, including walking, jogging, and using tools like the SportsMask to condition respiratory muscles.
      • Learn best practices for structuring sessions in 1:1 or group formats, tailoring exercises to individual needs based on BOLT scores, age, health, and fitness levels.
      • Utilize exclusive Oxygen Advantage® resources, including client intake forms and teaching materials, to ensure professional success.

      This course offers the flexibility and depth you need to excel in functional breathing instruction, empowering you to transform lives with science-backed, actionable techniques.

      What can I expect to learn during the course?

      Master foundational techniques like the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT) and breathing exercises such as Breathe Light, Breathe Deep, and Breathe Slow. Learn to apply functional breathing during movement, including walking and jogging, and effectively tailor sessions to individual needs, ensuring confidence in teaching 1:1 or group formats.

      What is the difference between Functional Breathing and Advanced Oxygen Advantage Training?

      Functional Breathing Training certifies you in functional breathing for rest and physical activity. The Advanced Instructor Training includes functional breathing and high-altitude simulation (intermittent hypoxic/hypercapnic training) and adds 14 hours of live Zoom tutorials with Patrick McKeown. If you choose to upgrade to the Advanced Training, your initial fee for Functional Breathing Training will be deducted, allowing you to upgrade for just $600.

      What materials are provided?

      The training is entirely online, with lifetime access to all video modules. Core modules include topics like asthma, heart rate variability, and breathing in movement. Certified instructors gain access to the Oxygen Advantage® logo, client intake forms, and our affiliate program for commission-based sales of courses and products.

      Can I start teaching immediately after becoming certified?

      Yes, once you complete the Functional Breathing Instructor Training, pass the required exam, and receive your certification, you can begin teaching right away. The course equips you with the foundational skills, techniques, and knowledge needed to guide clients in functional breathing practices. You’ll also receive teaching materials, such as scripts, intake forms, and the Oxygen Advantage® logo, to support your sessions and help you launch your practice effectively.

      How is the course & certification delivered?

      The course is delivered entirely online, providing flexibility to learn at your own pace. Additionally, you receive lifetime access to all course materials, so you can revisit the content whenever you wish.

      Certification and Course Structure

      Certification and Access
      Upon successful completion, you’ll earn your certification as an Oxygen Advantage® Functional Breathing Instructor, giving you the confidence to teach functional breathing practices effectively. Your certification also includes lifetime access to course materials, ensuring continued learning and professional growth.

      Course Format

      • Self-Paced Modules: Access 15 in-depth modules featuring interactive video lessons, slideshows, and downloadable materials.
      • Quizzes: Reinforce your understanding with multiple-choice quizzes at the end of each module.
      • Guided Practice: Download scripts and detailed instructions to master each breathing technique.

      How long does it take to complete the course?

      The course is self-paced, so you can progress according to your schedule. On average, it takes approximately 4-6 weeks of part time learning to complete the course, which includes both practical and theoretical modules.

      Will I receive support after completing the course?

      You’ll retain lifetime access to all course materials and future updates for continued learning and growth. This allows you to revisit the training content as needed to deepen your understanding or refresh your skills. Unlike the Advanced Training, the Functional Breathing certification does not include access to group channels or ongoing live sessions with Patrick McKeown. However, the comprehensive online materials ensure you have continued guidance in applying what you’ve learned.

      Is the Oxygen Advantage® certification recognized internationally?

      Yes, Oxygen Advantage® is recognized and trusted by thousands of professionals worldwide, including yoga instructors, athletes, and wellness coaches. Your certification is internationally recognized, allowing you to teach in various settings, from yoga studios to corporate environments.

      What if I have questions during the course?

      We provide multiple avenues for support:

      • Email: Reach out to us at [email protected] for any queries.
      • Phone: Call us at +353 91 335536 for direct assistance.
      • Online Chat: Use the chat feature on our website for immediate support.
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