The difference between "Functional Breathing" & "Breathwork".

When it comes to breathing techniques, it’s easy to assume that everything falls into the same category. After all, breathing is just breathing, right? Not quite.

As Advanced Oxygen Advantage Breathwork instructors working throughout West Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey & London (with a new venue in Petersfield coming soon), we guide individuals and groups through practices that are not only rooted in ancient traditions but also grounded in science-backed breathing techniques. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, improve sleep, take on cold exposure or boost your physical performance, knowing how and why to breathe differently is key.

So, let’s break it down.

Breathwork class in West Sussex.

Functional Breathing: Your Everyday Default

Functional Breathing refers to the way you breathe throughout the day. Whether you're at rest, moving through daily tasks, exercising, or sleeping. This is your baseline breathing pattern, and ideally, it should be:

1. Light – Think quiet, gentle breathing. You’re not over-breathing or gasping unnecessarily.

2. Slow – A calm rhythm, not rushed or erratic.

3. Deep – Diaphragmatic breathing that engages the belly, rather than shallow chest breathing.

   
   

This kind of breathing is subtle yet powerful. It supports energy efficiency, balances the nervous system, and plays a vital role in preventing common issues like:

• Anxiety

• Chronic stress

• Poor sleep

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Lack of energy

  
  

Functional breathing happens when you’re not thinking about your breath — the autopilot keeps you steady, grounded, and well-regulated.

”How do I make my breath Light, Slow, and Deep?”

Simple - just breathe through your nose… and whilst you are breathing through your nose, try to take in less air, about 30% less than you think you need because, believe or not, this will increase oxygen delivery to your brain, organs, and muscles, making you feel very different!

In contrast to our everyday norm, that is, functional breathing, Breathwork is all about breathing with purpose and intention. It is a conscious practice.

Breathwork: Intentional & Transformative

Breathwork is different — it's a conscious breathing practice that uses specific patterns to shift your physical, emotional, or mental state. These techniques are highly effective and can be used to:

• Calm the mind and regulate stress

• Improve rest and recovery

• Support athletic performance

• Boost immune function

• Enhance mental clarity and emotional resilience

• Promote a really great night's sleep

• Considerably increase energy levels

  
  

In any of our Breathwork classes, you’ll be guided through intentional breathing sequences designed to create powerful changes in the body and mind. It’s not your everyday breathing — it’s breath with purpose.

Whether it’s the energising effects of the Wim Hof Method consciously connected breath or the grounding calm of coherence breathing, breathwork is focused, deliberate, and goal-oriented. It’s about taking control of your breath to create a specific outcome.

Walking vs Sprinting: A Simple Analogy

To help illustrate the differences:

• Functional breathing is like learning to walk well every day — it’s about rhythm, stability, and long-term balance.

• Breathwork is like a sprint — short, powerful, and transformational when used appropriately.

  
  

You need both. But they serve very different purposes.

Are you ready to experience the power of your breath?

We’d love to see you in any of our regular Breathwork classes in Chichester, Midhurst, Bosham, and Portsmouth (with a new venue in Petersfield coming soon). These are mat-based, hour-long sessions with curated music and verbal cues. Our science-backed, experience-led approach will help you feel more connected, energised, and in control — through something as simple (and as powerful) as your breath.

If you feel you, a member of your family, a work colleague, or a friend would benefit from some Functional Breath Training, please get in touch. We offer discreet 1:1 sessions that change lives.

Breathe well!

Dan & Karyn

Let us know what topics you’d like us to cover next. We’d love to hear your suggestions.

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Vitae Vi see to it that all the activities it operates are carried out safely and correctly and provided by a Certified Instructors.  However, Vitae Vi cannot assess the health risks particular to individual participants. Participants are notified about the health risks, as outlined below, and Vitae Vi point to their personal responsibility and advise participants to consult their doctor or medical practitioner should they have any concerns or that a medical questionnaire prompts any potential issues.

It is ultimately up to the participant to determine whether they are fit to take part.

Whilst we want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of breathwork and the Wim Hof Method, for health and safety reasons, it may not be suitable if:

• You are under 18 years of age

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have epilepsy

• Suffer from high blood pressure or coronary heart disease (or any other heart issues)

• Have a history of serious health issues (ie, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure)

• Have recently had an operation

• Suffer from migraines (this is a personal choice)

If you have any health concerns or any serious medical issues, please consult with a healthcare professional or your GP and contact us with any questions BEFORE attending the workshop. This is for your own safety.