Meet Rio: A Journey of Transformation

Rio’s life is a story of resilience and reinvention. Once a globe-trotting DJ performing at iconic venues like Space Ibiza, her world was filled with high energy, late nights, and endless parties. But beneath the surface, Rio struggled with addiction, anxiety, and unhealed trauma.

Everything changed when she discovered breathwork and cold water therapy. These practices became her lifeline, helping her heal and step into a life of clarity, strength, and purpose. Today, Rio is a passionate breathwork facilitator and ice bath guide, sharing her journey to inspire and transform others.

How Breathwork Changed Rio’s Life

Q: Rio, could you share what initially drew you to start your journey with breathwork? Was there a particular moment or experience that highlighted its benefits for you?

 

For nearly two decades, I’ve traveled the world as a DJ, performing at some of the most iconic venues and events. It was a life filled with wild nights, endless parties, and a haze of drugs and alcohol. Back then, I had no idea how deep I was sinking into addiction. I was drowning in depression, plagued by constant anxiety, and stuck in a cycle of sleepless nights that blurred into one another.

Before performing alongside world-renowned DJs, the anxiety was paralysing—I’d be so overwhelmed that I would physically get sick. I remember the months leading up to my first time supporting Carl Cox at Space Ibiza. I was consumed by nerves, the pressure so intense that I was barely holding myself together. To cope, I turned to substances, numbing the fear and masking the deep wounds of unhealed childhood trauma and abuse.

But around ten years ago, something shifted. A friend introduced me to Tummo breathwork, and I was stunned by how it made me feel—powerful, centered, and clear. That was just the beginning. Soon after, I was invited to experience a holotropic breathwork session, and that day changed the course of my life forever. It cracked me open, revealing a sense of inner strength I never knew I had. From that moment, my sober-curious journey began, and breathwork became the heartbeat of my healing.

Breathwork saved me, transformed me, and gave me back my spirit. It took me from a place of darkness to living a life full of intention, purpose, and light. And today, I’m passionate about sharing this gift with others, blending my love of music with a newfound mission to uplift and inspire.

Starting Your Breathwork Journey

Q: For someone new to breathwork, what techniques would you recommend to prepare their body and mind for ice baths?

 

For anyone stepping into breathwork for the first time, especially to prepare for the intensity of an ice bath, I recommend starting with techniques that are simple yet incredibly effective at grounding and calming your body and mind. Here’s what I’d suggest:

Belly Breathing (Deep Diaphragmatic Breaths)

How: Breathe deep into your belly, letting it rise with each inhale through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Feel that rhythm. Feel that release.

Why: This technique is like pressing the "reset" button on your nervous system. It calms your energy, keeps you centered, and helps you ease into the experience instead of being overwhelmed by it. 

Box Breathing (4-4-4-4)

How: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. It’s a steady, balanced rhythm, almost like the beat of a soothing track.

Why: This method grounds you, regulates your heart rate, and brings a sense of control. It’s perfect for finding that inner calm when faced with the challenge of cold exposure.

Wim Hof Method (Power Breathing)

How: Take 30-40 powerful, rhythmic breaths, then exhale and hold until you need to breathe in again. Follow up with a deep inhale and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat for a few rounds.

Why: It’s a game-changer for cold prep. This breathwork floods your body with oxygen, energizes you, and prepares you to face the ice with strength and focus. It’ll make you feel invincible.

Visualisation

How: Close your eyes, and see yourself stepping into the ice bath, staying calm, strong, and steady. Pair that with deep breaths. You’re in control.

Why: Setting your intention and mentally rehearsing the experience can make all the difference. It’s like DJing your own mind—creating the perfect mental setlist to conquer the cold.

Tip: Start slow and build from there. Remember, breathwork is your secret weapon. Let it guide you, steady you, and turn the experience into something powerful. Just like a great set, it’s all about finding your flow.

 

The Benefits of Breathwork and Cold Therapy

Q: What are the top benefits you’ve seen in your clients using breathwork and cold therapy?

When it comes to the benefits I’ve seen in my clients from combining breathwork and cold therapy, it’s nothing short of transformational. Here are some of the standout shifts:

Elevated Mental Clarity and Focus

Breathwork and cold exposure bring an incredible sense of clarity. It’s like wiping the fog off a window—you can finally see things for what they are. Clients often describe feeling more present, laser-focused, and ready to take on life with renewed purpose.

Next-Level Stress Relief

Watching people melt away stress using these practices is powerful. Breathwork helps dissolve anxiety, while the cold shock actually builds resilience. Together, they turn stress into strength, helping people stay calm and collected even in chaos. It's a reset for the mind and body.

Enhanced Emotional Healing

Some clients come to me carrying deep emotional wounds, and through breathwork, they experience release and healing in ways that traditional methods never unlocked. Pairing that with the cold therapy—where they have to surrender and embrace the discomfort—brings about profound emotional breakthroughs. It’s truly beautiful to witness.

Unbelievable Physical Vitality

Breathwork fuels the body with oxygen, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and speeds up recovery. People feel more energized, alive, and in tune with their physical selves. They often notice stronger immunity, better sleep, and just an overall feeling of being supercharged.

 A Sense of Empowerment

There’s something about stepping into the ice and conquering that initial shock, all while staying steady with your breath. It creates an unshakeable sense of strength. Clients leave sessions feeling empowered, like if they can do this, they can handle anything life throws at them.

 

Building Resilience Through Cold Therapy

Q: Many people are interested in building resilience through cold therapy and breathwork. What transformations have you seen in your clients or workshops?

When it comes to building resilience through cold therapy and breathwork, I’ve witnessed some mind-blowing transformations in my clients, both physically and mentally. It’s like watching people evolve into the strongest versions of themselves. Here’s what I’ve seen over time and during workshops:

Powerful Mental Strength

Clients often start off nervous or unsure, but with each session, I watch them develop a rock-solid mindset. Facing the cold while mastering their breath gives them a deeper sense of inner strength and confidence. They walk away realising that if they can stay calm in an ice bath, they can handle the storms of everyday life with grace.

Heightened Emotional Resilience

Breathwork can unlock and release deeply held emotions. When paired with the shock of the cold, it creates a space for healing and letting go. I’ve seen people transform from carrying heavy emotional baggage to feeling lighter, freer, and more in control of their emotions. It’s a journey of letting go, layer by layer.

Increased Energy and Vitality

Physically, breathwork fills the body with life, and the cold resets and rejuvenates it. Clients have more energy, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. They start feeling more vibrant and alive, like they’re fuelled by an endless source of power.

Improved Focus and Presence

Breathwork helps clear the mental clutter, while the cold forces you to be fully present. Together, they sharpen focus and help people feel more connected to the moment. Clients often share how they’re more productive, less reactive, and have a newfound sense of purpose and awareness.

A Deep Sense of Connection and Community

In workshops, there’s something extraordinary about people experiencing this journey together. The shared vulnerability and growth build an unbreakable bond. Clients leave not just feeling more resilient but also connected to a supportive tribe of like-minded souls.

It’s about pushing through the discomfort to discover a deeper, stronger, and more vibrant self. Seeing people transform and thrive from these practices is a gift I never take for granted.

 

✨ Follow Rio on Instagram for all her latest breathwork events @breath_and_beats