Introduction to Breathwork: Mastering the Basics

Whether you're an experienced breathwork attendee, or have never tried breathwork, this class was designed with you in mind. Breathwork is a powerful practice that not only benefits our health in many ways, but also allows us to release emotions, receive clarity, and discharge stress. If you're the kind of person who has a hard time slowing down or have resisted even the idea of coming to a breathwork class out of fear or not being sure about it in general, we encourage you to give this intro class a try.

Some common things that we hear about breathwork are:

1) I'm not sure if I'm doing it right

2) I'm not sure what I'm supposed to feel and/or feeling

3) Breathwork doesn't do anything for me

4) Isn't this all a little woo-woo? I want to know more science.

5) I've been to breathwork before but it wasn't a good experience.

6) I breath all the time, do I really need a class to do that?

7) I experience a lot of anxiety, is this good for me?

These are all valid questions! This class will go into all of these things and so much more.

We'll cover:

The science & mechanics of breathwork: Understand how oxygen/CO₂ balance, vagal tone, and nervous system shifts affect your health and stress levels.

Safety and preparation: Know when to modify, what sensations to expect, and why all responses, from calm to intense, are valid.

Breathwork for emotional release: Explore how the breath can help process emotions and release stored tension in the body.

Guided experiential session: We'll move through a shorter, guided practice and notice the effects in real time.

Integration practices: This is KEY and what many practioners skip over. We'll cover simple ways to carry the benefits home, and why it can be powerful to do this work in a group setting for many.

The role of intention: Learn how setting intention shapes your practice and supports clarity, healing, and transformation.

This class will be led by Jourdan Baldwin, KALO Co-Owner, CPT, B.S , XPT Coach and breathwork guide with extensive training and mentorship in many different style of breathwork and nervous system regulation via the Polyvagal Theory. Jourdan is also a SOSA Certified Somatic Practioner, and adds layers of breath mechanics and stress physiology in her coaching and facilitation, creating an experience that is both deeply embodied and transformative.

Who's this for: This session is for anyone who wants to dive deeper into how breathwork can become a key tool in their toolbox for resilience. Whether you're experienced with breath or brand new, you will walk away with valuable tools and a deeper knowledge of why this practice is so powerful.

Please bring: blanket, pillow, water bottle and anything else you need to create a comfortable space.

Contraindications:

Concious Connected breathwork is a powerful practice that can bring about many positive physical, emotional, and psychological shifts. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Below is a list of potential contraindications where caution or consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before participating in breathwork:

1. Cardiovascular Conditions: Severe hypertension or hypotension, recent heart attack or stroke, arrhythmias or other severe heart condition
2. Respiratory Issues: Severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe respiratory disorders
3. Neurological Conditions: Epilepsy or a history of seizures, severe migraines or chronic headaches, recent brain injury or surgery
4. Psychiatric Conditions: Severe anxiety or panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (unless under professional supervision)
5. Pregnancy: Somatic breathwork can involve intense breathing patterns that may not be safe during pregnancy, especially if there is a history of complications.
6. Eye Conditions: Glaucoma or retinal detachment (due to increased intraocular pressure during intense breathing)
7. Recent Surgeries or Medical Procedures: Particularly abdominal or thoracic surgeries, any surgery with restrictions on exertion or deep breathing

Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any personal or specific questions regarding these contraindications. As a rule of thumb, always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning somatic breathwork if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

Host or Publisher KALO Fitness