Honest SOMA Breathwork reviews from a current student

This post shares my ongoing experience with the SOMA Breathwork Instructor Training program. 

It’s part review, part journal, a real-time reflection of the year-long certification journey, shared module by module, I have started 6 months ago and now I am at module 2.

As the training unfolds, I’ll continue to update this with insights from the SOMA Breath method, lessons learned, and how the breathwork practices integrate into daily life.

Whether you’re considering enrolling or just curious about the method, this evolving SOMA Breathwork review offers a personal, inside look into what the instructor path truly feels like.

What is SOMA breath?

SOMA Breath is more than just a breathwork technique, it’s a transformational system.

Blending ancient pranayama and rhythmic breathing with modern science and music, SOMA Breath helps improve emotional wellbeing, physical performance, and mental clarity.

Whether you’re joining to improve your health or become a certified instructor, the path begins with foundational tools and expands toward deep mind-body mastery.

Training structure: step-by-step path to certification

The SOMA training is well-organized, with a clear, progressive structure. From the first login, you’re guided seamlessly through each level, building confidence and skill as you go.

Training Progression Overview:

• SOMA Breathwork Challenge (Level 1A) – A 5-day introduction to core breathing techniques.
  
  
• Instructor Training (Level 1B) – Learn to lead SOMA Breath “Daily Dose” sessions and prepare for a live assessment.
  
  
• Advanced Instructor Training (Level 2) – Facilitate SOMA Awakening Breathwork journeys.
  
  
• Master Instructor – Shadow mentors and lead 21-day transformational programs.
  
  
• Transformational Coach – Create client-specific breathwork and coaching protocols.
  
  
• Master Transformational Coach – Dive deeper into advanced coaching and integrative healing.

Bonus: New students are encouraged to start with the Free 40-minute Breathwork Masterclass to get a taste of SOMA’s style and science-backed methods.

Personal insights: the 5-day challenge (level 1a)

The 5-Day SOMA Breath Challenge was unexpectedly powerful. Each session helped me unlock deeper awareness and reconnect with my body in new ways.

By day five, breath retention felt less intimidating and more intuitive. I began noticing benefits in sleep, digestion, and emotional balance.

Daily exercises were short but effective, backed by scientific explanations and musical guidance, which made it feel like both a lesson and a meditation.

Mentorship that makes the difference

A highlight of the program so far has been the one-on-one mentorship. After the Challenge, I had my second mentorship call, where my mentor outlined the path ahead and prepared me for the upcoming live teaching assessment.

This kind of personal guidance transformed what might have felt overwhelming into a clear, achievable plan. The mentor also shared helpful tips for refining my breath cues, energy flow, and presence as a facilitator.

Key takeaways from level 1a

Breathwork isn’t just a wellness tool, it’s foundational. Here are a few shifts I experienced after the first phase:

Coherence Breathing (which I’d previously learned through the HeartMath Institute) felt more grounded and internalized.

Greater awareness during meals, chewing more slowly, eating more mindfully.

Improved sleep patterns and deeper rest.

Emotional regulation became more natural and less reactive.

What’s next: preparing for level 1b

I’m currently in Level 1B, preparing for the live assessment and deepening my skills as a breathwork guide. This next step is all about integration, taking the knowledge from the course and bringing it to life in real sessions.

Stay tuned: I’ll be sharing how the live assessment goes, what surprised me, and what I’d do differently in future sessions.

Final thoughts (so far)

Even though I’m only partway through the SOMA Breath certification, the training has already shifted my mindset, body, and nervous system in powerful ways.

The structured path, real-time support, and focus on embodied learning make SOMA stand out from other breathwork programs I’ve explored.

If you’re considering becoming a SOMA Breath Instructor or just want to experience the benefits of breathwork for yourself, this is a solid place to start.

Learning to guide, not just practice

After completing the 5-Day Challenge (Level 1a), I thought I had a decent grasp of SOMA Breath. In hindsight? Level 1a was just a teaser, not even the appetiser.

It’s in Level 1b where things truly begin to unfold. I have learned not just the techniques, but the science, the history, and the real transformative potential behind it all.

From participant to facilitator

Level 1b shifts your perspective completely. It’s not just about personal practice anymore, it’s about “holding space” for others. That shift from personal practice to guiding others made me take the method more seriously, not only in how I practised, but in how I communicated and shared it.

The course is laid out in three well-paced modules, each one designed with intention. I found a good sense of progression from understanding, to embodiment, to confident delivery.

What you learn in each module

Module	Topic	What You Learn
1	Energised Meditation	How to guide SOMA’s main practice with breath, movement, chanting, and music. Prepares you for a live assessment.
2	Philosophy	The roots, mission, and what makes SOMA different from other breathwork methods.
3 (a & b)	Breath Science & Rhythm	Key breath science (like Bohr effect, brainwaves, nasal cycle) and how to lead safe, science-backed sessions.

A structure that supports you

Before starting 1b, I had a “Jump-Up call” with my mentor, David Genecand. It was warm, clear, and encouraging, he walked me through the whole journey. The call was recorded, too, so I could return to it whenever I needed a refresher.

Each module ends with a quiz, not just to test you, but to keep you “engaged”. They helped me stay focused and track what I’d actually learned, not just passively watch.

And after Module 2, I booked my live assessment. The process was simple and flexible. There were many different time slots available. Luckily, the call went very well, and I got the chance to ask deeper questions and get direct, useful feedback. With online learning, it’s easy to lose focus, but these check-ins helped ground me and stay engaged.

Another well-designed part of the program that I appreciated is the weekly “open Zoom practice”. I joined three times, and each session was a great warm-up for my live assessment. Besides, I got the chance to connect and share opinions with other students from around the world who are on the same journey.

The Zoom call is definitely a safe place to observe, practice cueing, and receive feedback from both mentors and peers.

Community & mentorship

The “Telegram group” is more active than I expected, lots of support and encouragement from both students and mentors. You can ask any questions, get tips, or just stay connected throughout the process.

Special mention to my mentor David again, his feedback was honest, practical and uplifting. He helped me fine-tune my breath cues, simplify my language, and also show up as a guide, not just a student.

Key takeaways from level 1b

• Level 1b is the true starting point of SOMA Breath, this is where the method’s science, structure, and purpose come alive.
• The training path is intentional, quizzes, calls, modules, and practices all work together in a meaningful way.
• The support system is strong, from mentors to peers, you’re not doing this alone.

Looking ahead

I’ve just passed my live assessment, a big milestone. I’m now moving forward to Level 2, and in the meantime, I’ve already given some trial sessions to some of my family and friends. Each practice helps me improve my skills while witnessing transformation in others.

If you’re curious about becoming a SOMA Breath facilitator, Level 1b is where you truly discover what this system is made of, and what you’re capable of. When the breath becomes a language, you start learning how to speak it fluently. It doesn’t just move air, it moves energy, emotion, and intention.

You might also like:

• Benefits of Breathwork
• Free 40-Min SOMA Masterclass
  
  

This below update was added August 24th 2025 as I continue progressing through the SOMA Breath Instructor Training.

Level 2: From breath guide to transformation architect

After completing Level 1B and passing my live assessment, I stepped into Level 2 with a mix of excitement and curiosity. If Level 1A and 1B laid the groundwork, Level 2 felt like entering the temple.

Right away, it became clear, this isn’t just about teaching breathwork anymore. This is about embodying the breath in a way that allows you to become a conduit for deep transformation in others.

The first session that cracked me open

I’ve done plenty of breathwork trainings,some overly scientific, some deeply esoteric. SOMA Level 2 surprised me. One breath hold in, my chest didn’t just expand, it released. I didn’t expect tears, but they came.

Spontaneously. And in that stillness, I realized something profound: I wasn’t just learning to guide breath; I was learning to listen to it.

Level 2 is less about instruction and more about transmission.

Core curriculum breakdown

Here’s what stood out the most:

• Neuro-Somatic Programming (NSP): This module introduced voicework, metaphor, and language techniques that go far beyond cueing. “Mind Movies,” “Color Breathing,” and metaphor layering aren’t just novel, they work. NSP helped me develop my facilitator voice, not just my breath cues.
  
• SOMA Awakening Journey: A complete structure that blends intention, energy activation, breath retention, and affirmation into one cohesive flow. I found the ready-made scripts and music extremely helpful as I designed my own sessions.
  
• Advanced Techniques: Ujjayi, Sitali, Heart Coherence, Swara Yoga… this section felt like discovering a control panel for my nervous system. Each breath had a purpose, calming, energizing, cooling, centering.
  
• Science Meets Mystery: The “Reality Tunnels” and “Raise Your Vibration” lessons bridged science with altered states. We covered brainwaves, perception shifts, and even sexual energy. These weren’t abstract ideas, I felt them in practice.
  

Embodied learning: the 21-day journey

One of the most powerful components was the live 21-Day Awakening Journey with a global group of fellow trainees. Facilitated by David, our mentor, it offered a space not just for learning but for witnessing transformation in real time.

We shared. We practiced. We held space. That container helped me understand how breathwork sessions can feel different every single time, even when the structure is the same.

Where the course can improve

Even as a fan of the SOMA system, I noticed a few areas that could evolve:

• Content Consistency: Some modules felt slightly disconnected in their visual or presentation quality, especially YouTube clips that didn’t match the polish of the rest of the course.
  
• Repetition: A few core concepts were repeated without much variation. Slightly tighter editing would enhance flow.
  
• Accessibility: Some sections leaned heavy on jargon. Simple flowcharts or visual tools could help non-native English speakers grasp the more complex material.

Key takeaways from Level 2

• SOMA’s approach is layered, intentional, and surprisingly emotional.
• Techniques like NSP and Swara Yoga unlock nuanced facilitation skills.
• The live journey creates a sense of global community that accelerates learning.
• The system gives you tools, but also teaches you to trust your inner voice.

What’s next: stepping into the Awakening Journey as a guide

Having completed Level 2, I now feel equipped to lead full SOMA Awakening Journeys. I’ve started integrating the advanced techniques into my own sessions and feel the difference, not just in how I guide, but in how I hold space.

This path continues to evolve with every breath, every session, every moment of stillness. Stay tuned as I move into the next phase, shadowing a mentor in the Master Instructor level, and continue refining the art of transformation through breath.

Note from the editor:

This post reflects direct participation in the SOMA training program. The author is a student currently enrolled in the one-year instructor certification and shares evolving reflections based on first-hand experience. Some links may be affiliate links, which means a small commission is earned if you choose to enroll, at no extra cost to you. No sponsorship was received for this content.

FAQ: SOMA Breathwork instructor training

Is SOMA Breathwork a legit certification?

Yes, SOMA Breathwork offers a structured and widely respected instructor certification program. It includes both theoretical and practical training in breathwork techniques, meditation, and music integration.

How long does SOMA Breath training take?

The full SOMA Breath instructor journey spans about one year, starting with a foundational 21-day course and progressing through Levels 1a, 1b, and 2. You can go at your own pace, but live calls and assessments are part of the process.

What’s included in the SOMA Breath instructor training?

Training includes:

• The 21-day Awakening Protocol
• Level 1 and Level 2 instructor modules
• Live mentorship calls
• Access to templates, music, and facilitation tools
• A supportive global community of facilitators

How much does SOMA Breath certification cost?

The price can vary depending on sales and package options. As of this writing, the full program, including Levels 1 and 2, is typically around $2,000 to $3,000 USD. There may be payment plans available.

Are there real SOMA Breathwork reviews?

Yes, this post is an ongoing personal review written by an actual student currently enrolled in the one-year instructor training. For more student experiences, you can also check video testimonials and the private SOMA community forums and check out Truspilot´s and Google reviews.

Can I make a career out of SOMA Breath?

Many certified facilitators use SOMA Breath professionally, offering workshops, classes, or one-on-one sessions. The program includes tools to help you market and launch your practice as a certified instructor.

Where can I sign up for SOMA Breath instructor training?

You can explore the official program and enroll here: