
Welcome!
Welcome to your first step towards a healthier, more mindful you with the Inspire Breathwork Program! Join us as we explore the transformative power of breath in a supportive and confidential environment tailored for those with cystic fibrosis, pulmonary and respiratory conditions; or anyone seeking to increase lung function, improve mental health and overall well-bieng. Our program, led by the experienced instructor Katia M. Mercado, is designed to introduce you to the essentials of functional breathing. Whether you're seeking to enhance your wellness journey, manage stress and anxiety, or improve lung function, our class offers practical techniques that can be integrated into your daily life. Embark on this transformative journey and discover the profound impact of mindful breathing on balancing body, mind, and emotions. Let's breathe new life into every day and grow together in health and vitality!
About the Inspire Breathworks Program
Making breath your Super Power!
The Inspire Breathworks Program was born from the collaboration between Piper's Angels Foundation and Katia Mercado -creator and instructor. The porgram is a meticulously crafted journey for individuals with cystic fibrosis, respiratory and pulmonary conditions, or anyone seeking to increase lung function, improve mental health, and overall well-being. Its focus is on retraining breathing patterns and optimizing lung function to enhance overall well-being. Our program, spanning 7 weeks, is a holistic approach to health, meticulously balancing the body, mind, and emotions.
Our Mission
Inspire Breathwork aims to deliver a results-driven and holistic breath coaching experience. We are committed to improving the lives of the cystic fibrosis community and those with respiratory conditions by enhancing lung function and fostering a harmonious balance in mental and emotional well-being.
What we offer:
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Functional Breathing Techniques: Our program helps in improving day-to-day breathing and lung capacity.
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Comprehensive Modules: Each week, we delve into different aspects of breathwork, from the basics of functional breathing to advanced techniques like oxygen tolerance, heart rate self-tests, and breathing biomechanics.
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Diverse Benefits: Participants can expect a reduction in shortness of breath episodes, decreased stress levels, improved exercise endurance, and enhanced oxygen and CO2 tolerance.
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Personalized Approach: Recognizing the uniqueness of every individual's journey, we offer tools and techniques for participants to craft their personalized practice.
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Expert Guidance: Led by our skilled instructor, Katia M. Mercado, the program is a blend of education, practice, and self-exploration, aimed at empowering participants to take control of their respiratory health.
Proven Techniques and Practices
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Breathing Biomechanics: Learn about the functional aspects of breathing, focusing on biochemistry, rhythm, and kinesiology.
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Breathwork Goals: Our targeted goals include improving peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and heart rate.
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Supportive Community: The program fosters a safe and confidential space, encouraging community support and individual growth.
The Path to Transformation
As you embark on this program, you're not just learning - you're transforming. We invite you to immerse yourself in this journey, where each breath brings you closer to a healthier, more balanced you.
Program Structure
Module
1
Introduction to Breathwork
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Meet the Team, Program’s Goals & Overview
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Breathwork & Functional Breathing
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Breathwork benefits & effects
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Oxygen Tolerance Test & Heart Rate Test
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Breathwork Practice
Module
2
Respiration, Clearing the Airways and Diaphragmatic Breathing
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Types of Breathwork
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​The Respiratory System (Anatomy, Bio-mechanics and Bio-chemical)
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​Types of Breathers and Breathing Behaviors
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Dysfunctional Breathing
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Clearing the Airway Practice and Diaphragm Activation Practice
Module
3
The influence of Breathing: Nose. Mouth. Exhale.
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​​The Autonomic Nervous System
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Nasal Breathing vs Mouth
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Breathing Exhalation
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Nose and Diaphragm Strengthening Practice
Module
4
Breath Holding, Massage and Stretching for Breathing.
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The Art of Breath-Holding
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Breathing and Posture
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Self-massage for better breathing
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Stretching for Better Breathing Breathwork Practice
Module
5
Breathing, exercise, and movement.
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Breathing and exercising
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Nasal vs. mouth breathing during exercise
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Breathing with Movement
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Warm Up, Breathe, Hold and Walk Practice
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Breathing with Movement Practice
Module
6
Breathing with Movement Group Practice
Module
7
Quick Breathing Routines, Feedback and What’s Next
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Breathwork techniques summary
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Quick Morning Breathwork Routine
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Afternoon Pick me up Routine
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Wrap-up
To breathe correctly is to live with purpose and intention. Our Program Structure is more than a curriculum; it's a pathway to rediscovering the full potential of your breath and embracing a new rhythm of life. Join us on this journey of exploration and transformation, where each step is a breath towards a deeper understanding and mastery of your own well-being.
Benefits of the Inspire Breathworks Program
Unlock the power of your breath!
What to Expect
Here are the key benefits you can expect:
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Decreased Shortness of Breath: Our targeted breathwork techniques are proven to reduce episodes of shortness of breath, helping you breathe easier and more comfortably.
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Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Breathwork is a powerful tool for managing stress and anxiety. Through our program, you'll learn techniques that calm the mind and soothe the nervous system.
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Improved Exercise Tolerance: By enhancing lung function and oxygen utilization, our program helps in boosting your tolerance for physical activity, making exercise more enjoyable and less daunting.
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Enhanced Oxygen Utilization: Our practices improve your body's ability to utilize oxygen and manage CO2 levels, crucial for overall respiratory health.​
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Holistic Well-being: By balancing the body, mind, and emotions, our program promotes a holistic approach to health, impacting every aspect of your life positively.
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Community Support: Join a community of like-minded individuals who are on the same journey as you, offering support and encouragement along the way.
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" What I learned from Katia has been life-changing. I didn't realize how poor my lung capacity was until the class. Now, I have exercises, tools, and techniques to strengthen my lungs and enhance my breathing."
The overall experience was very good, with a lot of useful information about breathing. The one-on-one contact with the instructor was beneficial. The breathing exercises have helped me with my anxiety and improved my breathing during sports.
Absolutely fantastic and life-changing. I am now focusing on my breathing, and the exercises, though difficult, are very helpful. Thank you, Katia!

Meet
Katia Mercado,
Integrative Bodywork Therapist & Breathwork Coach
With over a decade in wellness and alternative medicine, Katia's expertise stems from a personal journey of overcoming chronic respiratory challenges. She is the program’s certified Breath Coach with extensive hours of training and teaching and is passionate about healthy living, breathwork, massage therapy, women’s health, and wholesome eating. Her passion and purpose are evident in her dedication to helping others achieve better health through breathwork.
Piper's Angels Foundation

Our mission is to support and improve the lives of families in the cystic fibrosis community through grassroots advocacy and socially innovative programs, raising awareness through education, offering life-expanding activities, providing urgent financial support, and funding critical developments.
#inspireeverybreath
To learn more about Piper's Angels Foundation, cystic fibrosis and contribute to support click here.