SOMA Breathwork online certification reviews
This review documents an ongoing journey through SOMA Breathwork’s year-long teacher training program. It’s a living reflection that evolves with each module completed and each breath taken.
As the training unfolds, I’ll continue to update this post with personal insights, practical takeaways, and key lessons—both from the course content and my own experience integrating the practice.
Note: This is an evolving journal meant to offer real-world insight into the SOMA Breath method. It’s written to support others exploring breathwork as a tool for personal growth or professional practice.
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.
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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. No sponsorship or compensation was received for this content.
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