Breathwork

Yes. No experience is needed: your teacher explains each breathing pattern before you try it, and you can return to easy, natural breathing at any time. Arrive a few minutes early, tell your teacher it’s your first class, and mention any health conditions before you begin.

Breathwork isn’t suitable for everyone, so at VATA Studios it’s taught step by step and you set the pace. Some faster or held-breath patterns can make you feel light-headed or tingly: breathe gently, and stop if you feel dizzy or panicky. Check with your GP or health professional first if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have epilepsy, a heart or blood pressure condition, panic disorder or a history of panic attacks, and tell your teacher before class.

Breathwork changes how you breathe in order to change how you feel. Many people find slow breathing with long exhales calming, and faster rounds energising. It isn’t a substitute for medical care. For what the research says, read what breathwork does to your nervous system.

Breathwork is non-heated, and the timetable shows the heat for every class. You’ll be still for much of the session, so wear something comfortable, bring a layer, and use a blanket during the quieter parts.