As breathwork continues to move from the outskirts of the wellness world into the mainstream - thanks to high-performance athletes, and trending neuroscientists like Andrew Huberman - more men are discovering just how transformative this simple yet powerful practice can be.
We sat down with Chris Sulfa, Master Breathwork Facilitator, mental health advocate, and founder of Align Breathwork, to explore how breathwork is supporting this generation of men in reconnecting with themselves and regulating their emotions. Chris is also a regular face at Sydney's superboutique One Playground, where he leads weekly breathwork sessions as part of the class schedule, as well as events and workshops which dive deeper into the modality - making this powerful practice more accessible to the wider fitness and wellness community.
How did you first come across breathwork, and what was your first experience like?
Chris: It all started in 2019, when I was running a creative events space in Surry Hills called Studio Blueprint. We hosted a two-day workshop where Lukis Mac and Helle Weston from Owaken Breathwork guided 150 people through Holotropic-style breathwork. What I experienced in that room was powerful — both personally and for those around me. In just a few hours, I experienced the entire spectrum of human emotion. It was real, raw and transformational – those hours made me realise that breathwork has a transformative power and I became hooked from then onwards.
Had you explored other wellness or healing practices before that?
Chris: Yes, I had experienced TRE (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises). It’s got a somatic element, similar to breathwork, with the aim of releasing muscular tension and discharging stored stress in the body, but breathwork has become a staple in my day-to-day life. I consider breathwork to be as important as going to the gym, and I like to think of it as a gym for the nervous system.
What kind of impact has breathwork had on your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Chris: Breathwork has become a regular practise for me that is versatile and aids a variety of different purposes – it helps me to alleviate and stay calm during times of stress, manage emotional states, increase focus while working and even increase performance while training in the gym. It’s given me a toolkit I can draw on any time. Whether I need to calm myself before a presentation, shift out of overwhelm, regulate after a long day, or even focus more deeply - breathwork supports all of it. It’s helped me stay grounded, present, and more emotionally attuned - especially in how I show up as a father, partner, and facilitator.
Do you think breathwork offers something unique for men that other practises don’t?
Chris: There is a saying in the Breathwork community, that “Breathwork has the ability to relieve the issues in our tissues”. From years of research studying breathwork and the transformative effects that it can have on our mind, body & spirit, I have come to learn that the “body keeps the score”. In other words, every stored stress and emotional tension, trauma and survival pattern can be unwound and discharged through breathwork. It’s not just theory – it’s backed by neuroscience. It supports and resets the vagus nerve, balances the nervous system, and expands our window of tolerance to stress.
You’ve also worked deeply in the men’s mental health space. What changes are you seeing culturally? And have you found a sense of community or brotherhood through breathwork?
Chris: There’s definitely a shift happening. Five years ago, there were very few men’s spaces. Now, we’re seeing Men’s Circles, retreats, brotherhood groups where men can share openly and support one another. We still have a long way to go. According to the ABS, 3 out of 4 suicide-related deaths in Australia are men. Many still struggle in silence due to the stigma or fear of seeming weak.
I’m lucky that through becoming a Breathwork instructor that it’s connected me with a community of like-minded people who are passionate about the transformative power of breathwork. I’ve also connected with incredible men who are strong examples of positive masculinity and great role models of fatherhood, entrepreneurship and striving to leave a positive impact on the world. I am grateful to call them brothers and friends – I know I can call on them in times of need or support, they celebrate my wins with me, lift me up and hold me to my highest potential. That kind of brotherhood is medicine. It reminds us that we don’t have to do life alone. That we shouldn’t do it alone.
What does ‘finding your tribe’ mean to you?
Chris: It’s about finding people who reflect the best version of yourself - and hold you to it. There’s a quote by Joseph Campbell that really speaks to this: “If you follow your bliss… doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.” When you align your beliefs and actions, hone in on your gifts and passion, your people naturally find you and gravitate towards you. Breathwork helped me get clear on who I am, what I value, and who I want to walk this journey with.
Has breathwork had a ripple effect in other areas of your life — parenting, relationships, work?
Chris: Without question. Breathwork has helped me to become more grounded in my everyday life which is a valuable skill as modern life is inherently stressful and dysregulating. It has amplified my focus for work, allowing me to get into a workflow and deeper into the zone, in turn making me more productive. As a dad, it helps me stay calm and present during those inevitable tough moments — tantrums, big feelings, chaos. I can co-regulate with my kids and help them feel safe. Breathwork isn’t something I do just when I’m stressed - it’s a foundational part of how I live.
If there’s one thing you could say to a man who’s feeling lost or disconnected, what would it be?
Chris: Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend, a person you can trust, or even a men’s support line, because even if it feels like you’re alone - you’re not. The days of being a lone wolf, pushing through adversity and suffering in silence are outdated. Put yourself in rooms where people are doing the work. Step out of your comfort zone. That’s where healing begins. And you might just find your tribe on the other side.
Final thoughts — what makes breathwork more than just a “wellness trend”?
Chris: Breathwork is ancient. It’s universal. And it’s accessible — it doesn’t require equipment, apps, or years of practice. Just you, your body, and your breath. At One Playground, it’s been incredible to see people walk into class carrying stress — and walk out lighter, clearer, more connected. That’s the power of the breath, and I’m grateful to help guide people through that journey, week in, week out.
Chris is a Master Breathwork Facilitator trained with Breathless Expeditions and Men’s Medicine. He’s also a resident instructor at One Playground, leading weekly breathwork classes that help members regulate stress and reconnect with their inner selves. Chris runs events, retreats, and men’s circles through Align Breathwork - all designed to help people breathe better, live deeper, and connect more fully. Follow Chris: @align.breathwork