Breathwork videos on YouTube: how to pick one

Video mentioned on this page:

Guided Breathing Exercise SLOW PACE I 3 Rounds I 30 Breaths (beginner)Breathe With Sandy
Uploaded Aug 14, 2022 · 94K views (as of Oct 31, 2026)

Reduce Anxiety & Stress with the Physiological Sigh | Huberman Lab Quantal ClipAndrew Huberman
Uploaded Apr 7, 2021 · 901.6K views (as of Oct 31, 2026)

Quick answer

Search breathwork on YouTube and you get thousands of guided sessions, from five minute calm-downs to 30 minute rounds with breath holds and loud music. Beginners keep asking the same thing: which one do I press play on? People who practice regularly say the answer is to start slow, get comfortable, and pick a voice you like.

This page is about choosing and using the videos. It won't tell you what breathwork does for your health, and if you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before trying the faster styles.

What 125x is: 125x is a web app at 125x.app. You connect your YouTube subscriptions, and it gives you a feed of the latest videos from the channels you follow, each with a summary: a verdict, the 5 key takeaways, and the spoiler, plus Actionable and Lessons tabs with more tips. You read that and decide what's actually worth opening.

Open 125x

What regulars say works

Start with a slow paced beginner session. The channel beginners mention most is Breathe With Sandy, and her slow pace beginner video is a common first pick.
Lie down if the creator suggests it. That video's description recommends lying down with a pillow under your knees, even though she sits upright on camera.
Practice the gentle styles first and leave the fast rounds and long breath holds for later, once you know how your body reacts.
Stop and breathe normally if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable. Nobody is grading you on finishing the round.
Never do it in or near water, in the bath, or while driving. Per the Wim Hof Method's own instructions, fast rounds can in rare cases make people pass out, so they say to always practice seated or lying down in a safe space like a living room.
Pick a voice and music you like. Plenty of people try three or four channels before one clicks, and the right one is the one you'll come back to.

How to tell a good breathwork video from a bad one

Read the description first. Good ones say how to sit or lie, how long it runs, and what the pace is.
Look at the length and the title. 'Slow pace', 'beginner' and a short runtime are good signs for a first try.
Skip videos that promise to fix everything. Per one channel roundup, some channels make big claims about what breathwork can transform, and it's better to enjoy the session for what it is.
Short explainers are fine to watch sitting up. The physiological sigh clip from Huberman Lab is under three minutes and shows the technique without a long session.

Agree or disagree: the silent versions are easier

One person who used a popular no-audio breathing video said they wished it had some kind of sound cue, since they couldn't see the screen with their eyes closed. We agree.

If you close your eyes, you need sound to follow the pace. Pick a version with a voice counting or a soft chime, or use a timer that vibrates on each breath.

Our own tips

Save two or three videos you like to a playlist named for when you use them, like 'after lunch, 5 minutes'. It stops you scrolling for a new one each time.
Our unusual tip: turn off autoplay before you start. When a calm session ends, YouTube often lines up a faster, louder one, and you're lying down with your eyes closed when it starts. Check the end of the video too, since some creators tack on a sponsor read or another session.
Download the video or use offline mode if you practice somewhere with bad signal, so it doesn't stop to buffer mid-round.
Do the same video for a week before switching. You'll know the pace, and you can pay attention to your breath instead of the instructions.

Where 125x fits

On 125x, every video in your subscriptions feed comes with a summary: a verdict, 5 takeaways and the spoiler, plus an Actionable tab with steps and a Lessons tab with the bigger ideas. If you follow breathwork or health channels, 125x shows each new video with a verdict and the 5 takeaways, so you can see what technique it uses, how long the talking lasts before the session starts, and whether it suits you before you lie down.

FAQ: questions people ask

What is a good breathwork video for beginners?

Most beginners start with a slow paced guided session. Breathe With Sandy's slow pace beginner video is one of the most recommended first picks.

Should I sit or lie down for breathwork?

Follow the video's instructions. Many guided sessions suggest lying down, and the Wim Hof Method's own instructions say to always practice seated or lying down.

Is it safe to do breathwork in the bath or while driving?

No. Fast breathing rounds can in rare cases make people pass out, so never practice in or near water or while driving. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor first.

Why do breathwork videos have so much music?

Many creators use rhythmic music to keep the pace. If it distracts you, look for versions with only a voice or a simple chime.

How do I stop YouTube playing another video after my session?

Turn off autoplay in the player or in the YouTube app settings before you start.