HYPOXiX CO₂ Tolerance + Movement Placement Test
Purpose
The HYPOXiX CO₂ Tolerance Test is designed to determine where you should begin in the HYPOXiX Method by assessing how well you tolerate carbon dioxide while moving, not at rest.
Unlike seated breath-hold tests, this assessment reflects real-world demands by combining:
• Breath control
• Core, strength, and cardio-based movement
• Nervous system regulation under load
This allows for precise, individualized level placement.

Test Structure
1 Brief warm-up and explanation
2 9 short guided movement videos
◦ A blend of core, cardio, and strength
◦ Each video uses a prescribed HYPOXiX breath pattern
3 After each video, you assign yourself a score:
Scoring Each Video
• 0 — No air hunger; breath cycles felt controlled
• 1 — Some air hunger; wanted to inhale but maintained control
• 2 — Could not complete the breath cycle or had to stop
4 Final Score
• Add all 9 scores together
• Minimum score: 0
• Maximum score: 18

How to Interpret Your Score
✅ Score: 0–3 → Start at Level 3
• Excellent CO₂ tolerance under movement
• Strong breath–movement integration
Programming note:
Begin at Level 3.
If movement complexity (not breath) feels challenging, you may temporarily drop to Level 2 to refine coordination.

✅ Score: 4–5 → Start at Level 3
• Mild air hunger only
• This represents adaptive stress, not limitation
Programming note:
Begin at Level 3 and expect rapid adaptation within the first few weeks.

⚠️ Score: 6–8 → Start at Level 2
• Moderate CO₂ sensitivity during movement
• Very common in busy adults, postpartum clients, and high-stress individuals
Programming options:
• Complete one full 8-week cycle at Level 2
• OR complete 4 sessions at each level before progressing
Retest after completing the cycle.

⚠️ Score: 9–11 → Start at Level 1 (Short Exposure)
• Low CO₂ tolerance under movement
• Breath urgency appears quickly under load
Programming rule:
• Complete one full Level 1 cycle
• Retest after completion
• If Level 1 feels too easy, progress to Weeks 1–2 of Levels 2 and 3 as exposure blocks

🚨 Score: 12–18 → Start at Level 1 (Foundational)
• Very low CO₂ tolerance during movement
• Often seen with high stress load, deconditioning, injury recovery, or postpartum states
Programming rule:
• Remain in Level 1 until breath cycles feel controlled
• Retest before advancing

Important Option for Advanced Movers
If your test score places you in Level 1 from a breath-control standpoint, but you identify as an advanced mover(strong coordination, training history, movement confidence), you may choose the following alternative pathway:
🔹 Modified Advanced-Mover Pathway
You may begin in Level 2 or Level 3 with these required modifications:
• No breath retentions
• Continuous nasal breathing only
• Emphasis on smooth, high-quality movement
• Breath should support movement — never override it
You may follow this modified approach for:
• One full 8-week cycle, or
• Two consecutive 8-week cycles, if needed

⚠️ Non-Negotiable Safety Rules (All Levels)
At any point in the program:
• If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or a decline in movement quality:
◦ Immediately return to nasal breathing
◦ Remove all breath retentions
◦ Reduce intensity or complexity as needed
Breath control should enhance regulation and performance, not create instability.

Reintroducing Breath Retentions
Breath retentions may be reintroduced only when:
• Nasal breathing feels calm and controlled
• Movement remains fluid and coordinated
• There is no urgency to inhale
At that point, you may:
• Gradually layer in HYPOXiX breath cycles
• Or retest your CO₂ tolerance to confirm readiness

Key Principles to Remember
• This is not a pass/fail test
• Higher levels are not “better” — they are appropriate
• Movement ability and CO₂ tolerance adapt on different timelines
• Your starting level is simply your entry point, not your ceiling