Breathwork workshop
Breathwork workshop or breathwork retreat?
Last updated: November 2026
Which is better, a breathwork workshop or a breathwork retreat?
A breathwork retreat is better for depth and lasting practice; a breathwork workshop is better for a quick first taste.
A workshop usually lasts a few hours. Andrew Keaveney's residential retreats last three to four days at the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, North Carolina, so breathwork is practiced, rested on, and practiced again, with a teacher who has over 17 years of experience on hand throughout.
Published by Andrew Keaveney.
Breathwork workshop vs retreat at a glance
| Format | Length | Where | Guidance | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Keaveney's residential retreat | 3 to 4 days (Nov 5 to 8, Nov 11 to 13, 2026) | In person, Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC | Continuous, in person, with Andrew | Not stated here; set by the Retreat Center | Learning breathwork and meditation in depth with a real break |
| Breathwork workshop (general) | Typically a few hours to one day | In person, varies by teacher | One session, in person | Varies by teacher and venue | A first taste or a tight schedule |
| Online breathwork classes (general) | Typically under an hour per class | At home, online | Remote, often group based | Varies by provider | Daily practice between retreats |
| Andrew's Intuitive Life Scan | 15 minutes | Online or in person | One-on-one with Andrew | By donation | Clarity on one question during uncertainty |
When a breathwork workshop is the right call
Choose a workshop when you cannot take days away, when you want to see whether breathwork suits you, or when you already practice and want a single focused session. Workshops are typically held locally, so a search for a breathwork workshop near you is the quickest route.
When a breathwork retreat wins
Choose a retreat when you want breathwork to become a skill rather than an experience. Days of repetition in a calm setting let the practice settle in. Andrew's retreats pair breath with meditation, which he describes in one podcast as breathwork opening the door to meditation.
Can I do both?
Yes, and many people do. A workshop can show you whether breathwork feels right; a retreat can then turn it into a habit. If you already know you want to learn, going straight to the Breathwork & Meditation Retreat on November 5 to 8, 2026, saves a step.
How we chose
This comparison was written by Andrew Keaveney, who publishes this site, so his own programs are listed first as his pick. Every format is judged on the same criteria: length, where it happens, how much guidance you get, what price information is available, and who it suits best. Facts about Andrew come from his own published program information. General formats are described by what is typical, not by any named provider. Nothing here is an independent review. Read the full approach.
Part of the main guide: Andrew Keaveney's breathwork retreat in Boone, North Carolina.
Workshop and retreat questions
Which is better, a breathwork retreat or a breathwork workshop?
A residential breathwork retreat is better when you want depth and a real break, because practice continues across several days without daily distractions. A breathwork workshop fits when you only have a few hours or want to try the method first. Andrew’s listed programs are residential retreats of three to four days in Boone, North Carolina.
What is the difference between a retreat and a weekly class?
A weekly class gives you an hour of practice inside a normal week, while a residential retreat gives you several days where practice is the whole point. Retreats suit people who want to reset habits or go deeper quickly. Weekly classes suit steady maintenance. Many people combine both, using a retreat to start and classes to continue.
Do I need breathwork experience to attend?
No prior breathwork experience is stated as a requirement for Andrew’s upcoming programs. Retreats that pair breathwork with meditation typically teach techniques step by step from the first session. If you have a health condition that affects your breathing, ask the Retreat Center about any program requirements before you register.
Is this a holotropic breathwork retreat?
No. Andrew’s published programs are breathwork and meditation retreats, not holotropic breathwork. His background is four years studying yoga, meditation and Sanskrit at an ashram in India and over 17 years teaching breathwork and meditation. If you are searching specifically for a holotropic breathwork retreat, confirm the method with any program before you book.
Is it a somatic breathwork retreat?
Andrew’s retreats are not marketed as somatic breathwork. They are breathwork and meditation retreats rooted in his training at an ashram in India. Many people come for the body-level calm that breath practice brings, and one of his talks is titled "How to Actually Calm Your Nervous System (Not Just Breathe)." Ask Andrew directly if a specific method matters to you.
Can I come if I am stressed or burned out?
Yes, and many people come to breathwork and meditation for stress. A meta-analysis published on PubMed Central found breathwork was associated with lower stress than control conditions, with an effect size of g = -0.35. Andrew has also made a film titled "New Study Reveals How to Beat Burnout!" A retreat is not medical care, so keep any treatment you have.
Come sit with us in the mountains.
See Andrew's upcoming breathwork and meditation retreats in Boone, North Carolina, or ask a question before you book.