The BOLT test.
How well do you breathe?

BOLT stands for Body Oxygen Level Test. It is a simple breath hold measurement from the Oxygen Advantage method that gives you a snapshot of your breathing efficiency.

The BOLT test.
How well do you breathe?

BOLT stands for Body Oxygen Level Test. It is a simple breath hold measurement from the Oxygen Advantage method that gives you a snapshot of your breathing efficiency.

This is a self awareness tool, not a medical test. It does not diagnose anything. Your score today does not matter. It improves with practice.

If you have a condition listed on the Safety Page, do not do breath holds without medical advice.

Before you start

Sit down. Breathe normally for a few breaths. Then take a normal breath in through your nose, a normal breath out through your nose, and pinch your nose. Start the timer as you pinch.

This work is educational and coaching based, and is not a substitute for medical or mental health care. Practise only within your comfort level, and opt out of any exercise at any time.

If you have breathing difficulties, respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, pregnancy, recent medical procedures, or other medical concerns, speak to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before taking part in breathwork.

Do not practise while driving or operating machinery. If any exercise causes discomfort, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath or distress, stop and let your breathing return to normal.

For online sessions, you are responsible for making sure your environment is safe and suitable for practice.

BOLT test

Pinch your nose and hold your breath. Stop the timer at the first clear urge to breathe.

00:00.00
seconds

Breath hold in progress...

Your result

0 seconds
A lot of headroom to build

Your score today does not matter. It improves with practice.

Score bands based on the Oxygen Advantage method by Patrick McKeown.

Retake the test

How to improve

Gentle, consistent nasal breathing practice tends to build your BOLT score over weeks, not one session. The open groups and 1:1 coaching both build this skill directly.