BPM Breath & Ice Instructor course
Become a Level 1 instructor teaching science backed and evidence based practices for stress management , resilience, and nervous system regulation using the BPM method.
Empower yourself with the scientific knowledge and practical skills behind Breathwork and Cold therapy. Learn how to guide others on their journey to stress management confidently and safely. Enhance your professional offerings, develop your personal practice and create a positive impact in your community.
This comprehensive course equips you with evidence based science backed knowledge and practical skills to confidently lead safe and effective Breathwork and ice bath sessions. Learn how to incorporate the breath into Yoga, Pilates, and Fitness classes, Retreats and Corporate events, and how to lead groups safely through Breathwork + Ice Bath sessions by learning the BPM method. Navigate contraindications, understand the Science of the nervous system and the Stress Response, and develop simple but effective techniques for the breath & the cold for individual and group environments.
BECOME A BPM BREATH & ICE BATH INSTRUCTOR
FOUNDER OF BPM METHOD
Becca Gillen
Nurse, Breathwork & Wellness Practitioner
Why I Developed the BPM Breath & Ice Instructor Course
I created this specialised training after seeing trending Breathwork and Ice bath practices run globally without the safety, science, or structure needed to guide people responsibly.
With a background in nursing and training in three Breathwork styles plus The Oxygen Advantage, I developed the BPM Method: a science-backed, nervous system–led approach that teaches instructors what they’re doing, why it works, and how to do it safely.
Using heart rate monitors, instructors see in real time how breath and cold impact physiology - helping you design sessions for fitness, yoga, Pilates, corporate wellness, workshops, retreats, and 1–1 coaching.
This training ensures instructors are informed, confident, and capable, delivering effective, safe, and adaptable Breathwork and cold exposure experiences.
My primary goal is to share my proven methods for stress resilience and nervous system regulation through safe, simple, and effective techniques. Our course is grounded in evidence-based and science-backed practices, ensuring you receive the highest quality training in breath and cold exposure facilitation. I am passionate about reaching more people and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for community safety.
Our immersive course combines a retreat-style experience with comprehensive in-house training, making it both educational and enjoyable. Join us to enhance your expertise and become a certified facilitator in this transformative field.
This course is for you if:
- You want to Learn from the Best: Benefit from the expertise of a registered nurse and wellness expert Becca using evidence-based practices proven to lower stress levels, improve mental and physical health, and increase longevity.
- Enhance your Personal Practice: Spend a transformative weekend in the West of Ireland deepening your practices in Breathwork and Contrast therapy while integrating this learning process.
- Expand Your Skills: Learn to incorporate Breathwork into Yoga, Pilates, and Fitness classes for stress management and nervous system regulation, ensuring safe and effective practices.
- Boost Your Professional Offerings: Elevate your career as a wellness practitioner - Personal Trainer, Fitness instructor, Yoga teacher, Pilates instructor, or running retreats, schools, or corporate wellness days.
- Understand the Science: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Stress response, the Nervous system, the Power of Breath, and the Benefits of cold exposure.
- Become confident in Instructing and Facilitating the Breath & The Ice: Master the skills to safely and confidently use breathwork and cold exposure techniques to guide individual or group settings.
- Learn Adaptable Protocols: Discover versatile breathwork and ice bath protocols that can be adapted to any environment.
- Get Certified: Become a certified Breathwork and Ice Bath Instructor through an internationally accredited course.
- Boost Your Visibility: Feature on the BPM Method website directory as a certified Breathwork and Ice Bath Instructor.
2 Day BPM Breath + Ice Facilitator course
(8 weeks online theory & course material as well as Breathwork sessions with Becca to be completed before the 2 day in-person trainings)
MODULE 1
The BPM method
Learn about the BPM method and the use of Hormetic stressors for positive adaptations and stress resilience:
- What is the BPM method?
- Why we use monitors for objective measurable data and biofeedback
- Hormetic Stressors
- Breathwork and Cold exposure for Nervous system regulation and Stress resilience
- Participate in Breathwork + Ice Bath sessions as well as Contrast therapy (Sauna + Cold exposure) with HR monitoring as part of your course
- Becoming a BPM Breath + Ice Bath instructor
- Implementing the BPM method
MODULE 2
Safety
This module covers essential safety aspects, including contraindications to breathwork and cold exposure, safety protocols, best practices for safe facilitation, the importance of waivers and intake forms, thermoregulation, and guidelines on the time, duration, and frequency of sessions.
- Contraindications to Breathwork
- Contraindications to Cold Exposure
- Safety Protocols
- Best practices for safe facilitation
- Waivers & intake forms
- Thermoregulation
- Time/Duration/Frequency of sessions
- Temperature regulation
MODULE 3
The Nervous System and the Stress response
- Overview of the Autonomic nervous system: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic nervous system
- The Physiology of Stress
- Heart Rate Variability
- The Stress Breathing cycle
- Introduction to the Stress response: Physiological & Hormonal responses
- Neurological responses
- The Vagus Nerve
- Down Regulation of the Nervous System
- How to counteract the Stress response with the Breath & Ice
MODULE 4
Breathing Basics: Foundation knowledge
These foundational topics will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the basics of breathing and functional breathing. This knowledge is essential before diving into specific Breathwork techniques and manipulating the breath for various health and performance outcomes.
- Components of Breathing: Role of the diaphragm, intercostal muscles and accessory muscles in breathing
- Posture & Breathing
- Optimal Breathing patterns
- Overview of the respiratory system, including the anatomy of the lungs, diaphragm, and airways.
- Gas Exchange & role of CO2
- Effects of Hyperventilation and Hypoventilation:
- Normal Breathing Rate
- Nasal Breathing v Mouth Breathing:
- Comparative Analysis: Differences between nasal and mouth breathing what to choose for Breathwork sessions
- Integrating Breath Awareness: Techniques to incorporate breath awareness into daily activities and exercise routines
MODULE 5
Fundamentals of Breathwork
- Science of the Breath
- How Breathing influences the Nervous System
- Physiological impact of Breathwork
- Breathwork for women: Female Hormones & The Menstrual cycle
- Breathwork & Energy
- Breathwork Techniques
- Using the Breath to Down Regulate
- BPM method Protocols for the Breath
- Breathwork Techniques for regulating the nervous system and to counteract the stress response
- Breathwork techniques for Cold Exposure & Ice Baths
MODULE 6
Fundamentals of Cold Exposure
This module delves into the science and benefits of cold exposure, covering its physiological, psychological, hormonal, and neurological effects, the cold shock response, gasp reflex management, and BPM method protocols for effective and safe cold exposure.
- Science of Cold Exposure
- Benefits of Cold Exposure: physiological, psychological, hormonal & neurological
- The Cold & The stress response:
- The Cold shock response
- The Gasp reflex and its management in cold exposure
- Cold Exposure for women: Female Hormones & The Menstrual cycle
- Cold Exposure Protocols
- How Cold is cold enough?
- The BPM method for Cold exposure
MODULE 7
Practical Application & Facilitating sessions
- Guiding Ice Bath sessions
- Ice Bath setup (for mobile/portable tubs)
- In-house sessions
- Managing sessions safely
- Facilitating the Breath + Ice
- Incorporating the Breath into yoga, pilates, and fitness sessions: Breathwork options
- Partner & Group sessions
Immersive Experience in
Dubai
30 & 31st May 2026
Immersive Experience in
Galway
11th & 12th July 2026
The in-person practical part of the course in Galway will run over 2 days where alongside the learning material you will experience:
- Goal setting, Intention setting & Visualisation
- Breathwork, Contrast Therapy + Thermal rotations
- Sauna + Ice baths
- Transformational Breathwork session
- Spa Day & Thermal experience in one of Connemara's stunning Seaside Luxury Hotel
- Nervous System regulation with real time measurable data using Heart Rate monitors
Course agenda
Take a look at what we'll cover
Day 1
- Morning Breathwork & Visualisation session: Goal setting & Intention setting
- Workbook handouts and course run through
- Module 1, 2 & 3: BPM Method, Safety, The Nervous system
- Contrast Therapy session with Heart Rate monitoring: Sauna, Cold Plunge & Ice with HR monitors
- Lunch
- Short Breathwork technique for Concentration & focus before afternoon theory
- Module 4 Fundamentals of Breathwork
- Module 5 Fundamentals of Cold Exposure
- Day 1 recap, Down regulation & closing circle with Meditation & Breathwork
Day 2
- Morning Breathwork session
- Practical application of the Breath
- Practical application of the Cold
- Group sessions: design, lead & implement a Breathwork session
- Lunch
- Personal experience: Contrast Therapy & Thermal rotation with HR monitoring: Sauna & Ice
- PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS:
- Group experience & Facilitation: practical application
- Implement a Protocol from the course for the Breath & the Cold and explain the rationale
- Guided ice bath sessions: lead a 1-1 and a group ice bath session with a chosen Breath from the course
- Closing Transformational Breathwork session
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THIS IS YOUR CALLING!
Become a Level 1 Breath + Ice Instructor
EARLY BIRD PRICES - JANUARY 2026
Meet some BPM instructors
Niamh
Learn more about Facilitator Niamh, why she chose to become a BPM Instructor, and where to find her classes + workshops
Helen
Learn more about Instructor Helen
Aoife
Learn more about Instructor Aoife
Fiona
Learn more about Instructor Fiona
FAQ'S
Please read all questions carefully. If you can't find your answer, please reach out by dropping us an email.