From stress reduction and better sleep to increased energy and emotional regulation, conscious breathing can transform the way you feel, physically and mentally.

At One Playground, our Breathwork classes are designed to support both branches of the nervous system, helping you either energise, uplift and elevate your state, or slow down, downshift your state and deeply unwind after a long day.

Whether you’re looking to improve focus and mental clarity in the morning or regulate stress and switch off at the end of the day, each class offers a unique experience backed by the science of breathing and nervous system regulation.

What are the Types of Breathwork Classes at One Playground?

Dynamic Release

Dynamic Release is our morning breathwork experience designed to help you upregulate and wake up the body, sharpen the mind and increase alertness.

Using faster-paced breathing techniques, rhythmic breath patterns and intermittent hypoxia practices, this class intentionally creates a more activated state within the body, helping you feel alert, focused and mentally clear for the day ahead.

Deep Calm

Deep Calm is our evening breathwork experience designed to help the body transition out of activation and stress mode and into a state of deep relaxation.

In a world of constant stimulation, screen time and busy schedules, many of us spend long periods in a heightened sympathetic state, commonly known as “fight or flight.”

Deep Calm uses slow, controlled breathing techniques to help downregulate the nervous system and guide the body into a more restorative parasympathetic state, known as our “rest, restore and digest” state.

This class is the perfect way to unwind after work, recover after training, or prepare the body and mind for deeper rest and sleep.

What to expect in each of these classes?

Your breathing patterns directly influence your nervous system, energy levels, heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen uptake and brain state.

Dynamic Release

Faster and more dynamic breathing techniques can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system in a controlled way, increasing alertness, circulation and oxygen demand within the body.

Certain breath holds may also create brief periods of “intermittent hypoxia”, short, controlled reductions in oxygen availability that have been associated with increased adrenaline release, improved stress resilience and heightened mental focus.

Think of it like strength training for the nervous system, building capacity, resilience and a buffer to future stress.

Deep Calm

On the flipside, slow breathing has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system through stimulation of the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that is one of the main communication pathways between the brain and the body, playing a major role in regulating the nervous system. This helps control functions like heart rate, breathing, digestion and relaxation.

Longer exhales and slower breathing rhythms may also help improve heart rate variability (HRV), a key marker associated with recovery, resilience and nervous system balance.

What does the science say about Breathwork?

Dynamic Release

• Research has shown that these techniques found in dynamic release may:
• Increase alertness and cognitive performance
• Enhance dopamine and norepinephrine release
• Improve resilience and create a buffer to stress
• Increase energy and blood & oxygen circulation
• Support mental clarity and focus

Deep Calm

• Research suggests calming breathwork practices may help:
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Lower cortisol levels
• Improve recovery and relaxation
• Support better sleep quality
• Reduce mental overstimulation
• Enhance emotional regulation

What To Expect From Breathwork Classes

Dynamic Release

Expect an energising guided experience combining:

• Dynamic breathing patterns
• Breath holds (Intermittent hypoxia training)
• Moments of stillness and rest

Deep Calm

Expect a grounding and restorative experience featuring:

• Slow diaphragmatic breathing
• Extended exhales
• Guided relaxation
• Gentle nervous system regulation
• Calming music and atmosphere

Who are these Breathwork classes for?

Dynamic Release

Dynamic Release is perfect for anyone looking to increase energy, focus and mental clarity. Whether you’re a busy professional, athlete, creative, parent, or someone feeling mentally fatigued or stuck in autopilot, this class is designed to help you feel more awake, motivated and mentally switched on. It’s especially beneficial for those wanting a natural uplift in the morning, turning the dial up without relying solely on caffeine or stimulants.

Deep Calm

Deep Calm is ideal for anyone needing to slow down, regulate stress and give their nervous system a chance to recover. Perfect after a long day of work, screen time or intense training, this class supports relaxation, emotional balance and better sleep. It’s particularly helpful for people feeling overstimulated, anxious, mentally exhausted or constantly “on,” offering space to unwind, turning the dial down and reconnect with a calmer state.

If you’re interested in experiencing Breathwork and the other 35+ class types we have at One Playground, you can get a free pass here.