The Oxygen Advantage

Patrick McKeown is the creator of the Oxygen Advantage. click the picture for his website.

Below is a very condensed summary of Oxygen Advantage training for pilots with Resilient Aviator, one of the techniques for nervous system awareness. Breath training is one of many tools into polyvagal theory for human performance.

The Oxygen Advantage explains the fundamentals between oxygen and your body. The main process for transformation is awareness of your breathing and body for focus. We explore:


  • Biochemistry – gas exchange in the body including oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitric oxide. How these interact to allow oxygen from the air we breathe to most efficiently reach its destination – your bodies cells and vessels, including the brain. We develop this together to improve your breathing patterns and sleep quality.


  • Biomechanics – how we take a breath in. Diaphragm (the primary breathing muscle) mechanics and optimisation of the correct articulation of your ribcage. The diaphragm is a muscle and like any other, it can become tight or have a limited range of motion. Most people are already aware that a restriction in one part of the body increases the chance of injury elsewhere. Strengthening the diaphragm will make you more efficient.

  • Cadence – Most of the adult population over-breathe without being aware. In the West we generally have a ‘bigger is better’ mindset - paradoxically, by slowing down your breathing rate we can get more oxygen into your brain. A better oxygenated brain will calm neurons and reduce repetitive/useless thoughts. By working on cadence we calm the mind, increase focus and concentration, improve Heart Rate Variability and optimise parasympathetic (rest/digest) and sympathetic (fight/flight) balance.


Oxygen Advantage training with Resilient Aviator will be catered to the need of each individual and focus on functional breathing and lifestyle for pilot performance. Training will also include exercises for sports performance, aimed at improving sports and hobbies for recreational athletes. If you are not looking for the pilot cognition enhancing aspects or are a professional athlete, then I can recommend ex-professional rugby player and UKSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach David Jackson at Rooted Life for Oxygen Advantage training tailored towards professional athlete sports performance.

David Jackson - www.rootedlife.co.uk/breathwork