# Oxygen Advantage® > Oxygen Advantage® is the world's #1 breathwork school for health and performance, founded by internationally acclaimed breathing expert Patrick McKeown. With certified instructors in over 60 countries, Oxygen Advantage® has transformed how millions of people breathe, perform, and live — through a science-backed system built around three pillars: Body, Mind, and Sport. Explore courses, certifications, books, and products at https://oxygenadvantage.com ## About Oxygen Advantage® Oxygen Advantage® was founded by Patrick McKeown — educated at Trinity College Dublin, clinically trained in Moscow, and personally accredited in 2002 by the late Professor Konstantin Buteyko. Patrick has dedicated over 10,000 hours to breathing research, trained over 15,000 instructors across 60+ countries, and authored eleven books on breathing science including *The Oxygen Advantage*, published in over 12 languages. The method is a living system for performance, focus, and recovery — rooted in decades of research and designed for everyone from elite athletes to everyday wellness seekers. It begins with one essential principle: nasal breathing. Breathing through the nose activates nitric oxide, widens airways and blood vessels, boosts oxygen uptake, and steadies the nervous system. From there, the method builds into a complete practical system across three pillars. **Key facts:** - Founded and led by Patrick McKeown - #1 breathwork school in the world - Certified instructors in 60+ countries - 15,000+ certified instructors trained - Endorsed by Mel Robbins, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Laird Hamilton (XPT), Brian Johnson (Heroic), and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiří Procházka ## The Method — Body, Mind, Sport Full overview: https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/the-method ### BODY — Foundations of Functional Breathing Restores natural, efficient breathing patterns — nasal, diaphragmatic, light, and slow. Retrains breathing muscles and posture to support energy, sleep, and recovery. **Key outcomes:** Deeper sleep, reduced snoring, improved oxygen saturation, lower resting heart rate, higher HRV, improved BOLT score, stronger diaphragm. ### MIND — Breathing for Focus, Calm, and Resilience Uses breathing to regulate the nervous system — increasing calm, clarity, and resilience under pressure. Activates the parasympathetic response and improves heart rate variability. **Key outcomes:** Reduced baseline anxiety, improved HRV and vagal tone, enhanced emotional control, faster recovery from stress, sharper focus, easier access to flow states. ### SPORT — Breathing for Performance and Recovery Applies functional breathing to movement and athletic performance. Intermittent Hypoxic-Hypercapnic Training (IHHT) simulates altitude adaptation — improving oxygen efficiency, delaying fatigue, and building physical and mental resilience. **Key outcomes:** Higher VO₂ max, improved nasal nitric oxide oxygenation, lower breathing rate at equivalent effort, increased buffering capacity, delayed fatigue, faster HRV recovery. ## The BOLT® Score The BOLT® score (Body Oxygen Level Test) measures how long a person can comfortably hold their breath after a normal exhale — reflecting CO2 tolerance and breathing efficiency. It is the starting point for all Oxygen Advantage® training. - Below 20 seconds: dysfunctional breathing — associated with anxiety, poor sleep, reduced performance - 20–30 seconds: functional breathing - Above 40 seconds: elite athletic performance and optimal health ## Free Entry Points - [Measure Your BOLT Score](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/bolt-score-test): Free breath-hold test — takes less than two minutes - [Free Breathing Assessment](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/breathing-assessment-quiz): Personalised assessment to find the right starting point - [Nasal 5K Running Challenge](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/nasal-running-challenge): Free 8-week training plan to run a 5K breathing exclusively through the nose - [Breath Hold Challenge](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/breath-hold-challenge): Free guided breath-hold challenge - [BOLT Score Guide](https://oxygenadvantage.com/blogs/science/measure-bolt): Step-by-step guide to measuring and interpreting your BOLT score - [OA Breathing App](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/oa-breathing-app): Free app on iOS and Android ## Courses for Individuals Full catalogue: https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/courses Science-based online breathing courses for health, sleep, recovery, and performance. Each course teaches functional breathing techniques drawn from the Oxygen Advantage® method, guided by Patrick McKeown and certified instructors. Learn at your own pace, from home. All courses: €50. - [Online Breathing Course with Patrick McKeown](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oxygen-advantage%C2%AE-online-breathing-course-with-patrick-mckeown): €50. The foundational individual course — a complete introduction to the Oxygen Advantage® method taught directly by Patrick McKeown. Covers nasal breathing, the BOLT score, and core functional breathing techniques. - [Breathe! Recover and Regenerate with Peter Lakatos](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/breathe-recover-and-regenerate-with-peter-lakatos): €50. Breathing for recovery and regeneration — guided by Peter Lakatos, OA Master Instructor. - [Breathing for Anxiety and Panic Disorder](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/breathing-for-anxiety-and-panic-disorder): €50. Breathing retraining techniques for anxiety and panic management. - [Breathing for Snoring, Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/breathing-for-snoring-insomnia-and-obstructive-sleep-apnea): €50. Functional breathing techniques to address sleep-disordered breathing. - [Breathing if You Are Unwell, Breathless or More Senior](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/breathing-if-you-are-unwell-breathless-or-more-senior): €50. Gentle breathing retraining for those managing illness, breathlessness, or older adults. - [OA Breathing for Diabetes](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oa-breathing-for-diabetes-course): €50. Breathing techniques supporting health management for people with diabetes. - [OA Breathing Through Menopause](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oa-breathing-through-menopause): €50. Breathing strategies for managing menopause-related symptoms including sleep disruption, anxiety, and breathlessness. ## Professional Certifications Full catalogue: https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/professional-certification - [Level 1: Functional Breathing Instructor Training](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oxygen-advantage-functional-breathing-instructor-training): €449. Foundational certification. 16 modules, 55 hours, self-paced. Covers functional breathing across all three dimensions with a focus on the Body pillar. Suitable for wellness and fitness instructors, health coaches, therapists, and sports professionals. No prerequisites. Approved for NASM/AFAA and NSCA CEUs. - [Level 1: Breathing for Yoga Instructor Training](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oxygen-breathing-yoga-instructor-training): €449. Bridges ancient pranayama with modern breathing science. 18 modules, 50+ hours, self-paced with quarterly live Q&A sessions. Recognised by Yoga Alliance (50 non-contact + 5 contact hours CE). For yoga teachers and practitioners. - [Level 1+2: Advanced Instructor Training with Patrick McKeown](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oxygen-advantage-advanced-instructor-training-with-patrick-mckeown): €995. The flagship certification — covers all three OA pillars (Body, Mind, Sport). 36 modules, 100+ hours, self-paced plus 7 live 2-hour sessions with Patrick McKeown (quarterly). Includes monthly refresher sessions, closed instructor community, and masterclasses from Master Instructors. Exam plus 3 case studies required. Approved by NASM/AFAA (1.9 CEUs) and NSCA (2.0 CEUs). - [Level 1+2: Yoga & Advanced Instructor Training Bundle](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/oxygen-advantage%C2%AE-advanced-yoga-instructor-training-with-patrick-mckeown): €995. Complete certification pathway combining Breathing for Yoga and the Advanced Instructor Training. For yoga teachers who want the full OA system. 36 modules, 7 live sessions with Patrick McKeown (quarterly). Yoga Alliance recognised (100 non-contact + 20 contact hours CE). - [Live In-Person Training with Patrick McKeown](https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/live-certification): Intensive in-person Advanced Instructor Certifications at Oxygen Advantage Breathing Centres in Vélez-Málaga, Spain and Galway, Ireland. €1,250. Practice-focused coaching, real-world application, and small-group learning. See live certification page for upcoming dates. - [International Training with Master Instructors](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/international-instructor-events): Training events worldwide in multiple languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Polish, Czech, and Slovak. **All certifications include:** Lifetime access, listing on the OA instructor directory, marketing assets, and access to the global OA instructor community. Payment plans available via Klarna (Europe) and PayPal Pay in 3 (US, UK, and others). ## Shop - [Compare Certifications](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/compare-certifications): Side-by-side comparison of all Oxygen Advantage® certification pathways — helping prospective students choose the right programme for their goals and background. - [OA Accreditations](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/oxygen-advantage-accreditations): Full list of professional body accreditations and continuing education unit (CEU) approvals for Oxygen Advantage® certifications — including NASM, AFAA, NSCA, and Yoga Alliance. - [All Products](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/shop): Books, courses, MyoTape, nasal strips, and breathing support products - [MyoTape Mouth Tape](https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/myotape): Patented mouth tape for nasal breathing during sleep - [Nasal Strips](https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/nasal-strips): Performance nose strips for athletes, runners, and coaches — drug-free, extra hold available - [Clear Nasal Strips for Adults](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/nasal-strips-for-adults): Open the nasal airway for efficient breathing during training and at rest. Drug-free and effective. - [Black Nasal Strips for Adults — Extra Hold](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/myotape-nasal-strips-adults-black): Extra-strong hold for intense training, running, and sleep. Drug-free and sport-approved. - [Nasal Strips for Kids](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/myotape-nasal-strips-kids-clear): Gentle, drug-free nasal strips for children aged 4+. - [Breathing Support Products](https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/breathing-exercise-tools) - [Books](https://oxygenadvantage.com/collections/books) ## Endorsements *"My life has changed from this book. Patrick McKeown is one of the world's leading authorities on optimal breathing. He's done some coaching of me and my breathing — for both meditation and sports performance with the Spartan races I'm doing."* — **Brian Johnson**, Founder of Heroic *"The Oxygen Advantage — it's great for breathing. These are helping me stay grateful and happy to be alive."* — **Chris Martin**, Singer, Coldplay *"I fast-tracked him onto the show because his techniques are used by Olympic athletes, top executives… and the lead singer of Coldplay."* — **Mel Robbins**, The Mel Robbins Podcast *"The Oxygen Advantage was a game-changing read and is one of the top books we recommend at XPT — not only for health and fitness professionals but for any individual looking to optimise the most important processes in their body."* — **Laird Hamilton**, XPT Extreme Performance Training ## Who Uses Oxygen Advantage® - **Elite athletes**: VO2 max improvement, endurance, and recovery — including UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jiří Procházka - **Professional sports teams**: Mental performance and stress resilience programmes for team sport athletes - **Military and special forces**: Stress inoculation and performance under pressure - **Health professionals**: Physiotherapists, GPs, psychologists, dentists, and sports scientists - **Corporate executives**: Focus, stress management, and mental resilience - **Yoga instructors**: Integrating functional breathing into practice — Yoga Alliance recognised certification available - **Martial artists and combat sport athletes**: Endurance, recovery, and performance under pressure - **Runners and endurance athletes**: VO2 max, running economy, and nasal breathing for sustained effort - **General public**: Sleep improvement, anxiety reduction, and energy ## Science & Research - [Science Blog](https://oxygenadvantage.com/blogs/science): Peer-reviewed research and breathing science articles - [BOLT Score Guide](https://oxygenadvantage.com/blogs/science/measure-bolt): How to measure and interpret your BOLT score - [Blog](https://oxygenadvantage.com/blogs/blog): Breathing tips, method insights, and health articles - [YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/Oxyathlete): Free breathing exercises and educational content - [OA Community Hub](https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/community-hub): The central hub for the global Oxygen Advantage® community — resources, updates, and connection for certified instructors and practitioners worldwide - [Mentorship Programme](https://oxygenadvantage.com/products/mentorship-program): One-to-one mentorship for certified OA instructors — personalised guidance to develop your practice, client skills, and professional growth ## Key Concepts & Terms Body, Mind, Sport, BOLT score, functional breathing, nasal breathing, CO2 tolerance, IHHT (Intermittent Hypoxic-Hypercapnic Training), high-altitude simulation, Bohr Effect, nitric oxide, breathing pattern disorders, HRV, flow state, Patrick McKeown, breathwork certification, breathing instructor training, #1 breathwork school, 15,000+ certified instructors. ## FAQs **What is the Oxygen Advantage® method?** A science-backed breathing system organised around three pillars — Body, Mind, and Sport — that teaches nasal breathing, functional breathing mechanics, nervous system regulation, and altitude-simulation training. Used to improve health, performance, sleep, and stress resilience. **What is the BOLT score?** The Body Oxygen Level Test — a breath-hold measurement after a normal exhale that reflects CO2 tolerance and breathing efficiency. Below 20 seconds indicates dysfunctional breathing; above 40 seconds reflects elite performance. Free test: https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/bolt-score-test **Is Oxygen Advantage® the same as Buteyko?** Built on the same scientific foundation — nasal breathing, CO2 tolerance — with additional performance, sport, and altitude simulation protocols. OA focuses on healthy people seeking to improve performance and wellbeing; Buteyko Clinic International focuses more specifically on health conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, and anxiety. Patrick McKeown leads both organisations. **How much do certifications cost?** Level 1 Functional Breathing: €449. Level 1 Breathing for Yoga: €449. Level 1+2 Advanced: €995. Level 1+2 Yoga & Advanced bundle: €995. Live in-person events: €1,250. Payment plans available. **Do I need prior experience to enrol?** No. All courses are designed to be accessible whether you are new to breathwork or have an existing professional background. Around a quarter of students enrol for personal knowledge rather than professional teaching goals. **Is certification recognised internationally?** Yes. Recognised globally across 60+ countries. Approved by NASM, AFAA, and NSCA for continuing education units (CEUs). The Advanced certification (Level 1+2) is among the highest single-course CEU values in the NASM/AFAA programme. **Who is Patrick McKeown?** Globally recognised breathing expert, TEDx speaker, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, author of eleven books published in 16 languages. Trained in Moscow under Professor Konstantin Buteyko in 2002. 15,000+ instructors trained across 60+ countries. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. TEDx: https://youtu.be/mBqGS-vEIs0?si=eMbsBbDpJghmeHvm | https://youtu.be/FdXQ6K0zIj4?si=OX4wf_bq2xo4meca ## Social Media - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxygenadvantage - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxygenadvantage/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Oxyathlete - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oxygenadvantage/ - Patrick McKeown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckeownpatrick ## Contact - Email: hello@oxygenadvantage.com - Contact form: https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/contact - FAQ: https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/faqs - Wholesale: https://oxygenadvantage.com/pages/wholesale ## About Patrick McKeown Patrick McKeown is the founder and Director of Education at Oxygen Advantage®. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, he suffered severe asthma from childhood and experienced significant improvement through the Buteyko Method in his late twenties. He trained clinically in Moscow and received personal accreditation from Professor Konstantin Buteyko in 2002. He has since dedicated over two decades to breathing research, authored eleven books published in 16 languages (including *The Oxygen Advantage*, *The Breathing Cure*, and *The Breathing Cure for Better Sleep*), trained 15,000+ instructors across 60+ countries, and delivered TEDx talks on nasal breathing and performance. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences, and his research has been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. ## Related Brands & Ecosystem - [MyoTape](https://myotape.com): Patented mouth tape and nasal strips for sleep — 27 million strips sold in 100+ countries. Designed by Patrick McKeown. - [Buteyko Clinic International](https://buteykoclinic.com): The world's largest Buteyko breathing organisation — clinical courses, instructor certifications, and health programmes for asthma, anxiety, sleep, and more.