Don't hold your breath. A chat with breathwork coach Fredrik

– We wanted the hotel room to be more than a place to sleep; a sanctuary to exhale, recharge, and be present, says Fredrik.

Through a partnership with breathwork coach and meditation teacher Fredrik Fernando Austad, Hobo Oslo offers guests short guided breathing sessions to help you relax, recharge, and feel present.

You can access these videos on the TV in your room when you need to decompress after travel, unwind after meetings, or prepare for restful sleep, supporting deeper well-being throughout your day. 

We sat down with him and had a little chat about all things breathing, traveling – and of course – his best Oslo tips!

How did your collaboration with Hobo Oslo came about?

When we started discussing a potential partnership, we quickly agreed that it had to provide real value for guests, aligning with both Hobo’s expression and my own breathing practice.

The result was short breathwork videos, five to ten minutes long. The idea is that guests can use them whenever they need, and maybe bring the techniques with them into everyday life.

What inspired you to pursue breathwork and meditation?

I’ve always been curious about tools that support health and presence, such as breathing exercises and meditation. For me, it all started with a desire to find more calm and presence in my own life. Over time, the practice evolved into a habit, then a lifestyle, and ultimately a Profession.

I trained in breathwork and began teaching groups and companies. Breathwork needs no equipment or performance—only awareness and effort. The effects are immediate: you calm down, your mind clears, and your senses sharpen. You reconnect with yourself.

When you're traveling yourself, what do you appreciate most when staying at a hotel?

I’m quite sensitive to design, colors, and materials. Usually, I know what I like and what I don’t, though that can vary depending on different styles and expressions. Ultimately, it’s about the overall atmosphere giving me a sense of calm, so I can truly rest after exploring a new city or a busy workday. And one thing is always essential to me: good-quality coffee in-house.

What does working with HOBO Oslo on this project mean to you?

I deeply appreciate that HOBO Oslo wants to spread awareness about breathwork and wellbeing. Being able to provide guests with a practical tool to reduce stress, stay grounded, and enhance their experience—whether for work or leisure—means a great deal to me. I hope guests feel the same. We become better, with more to give, when we care for our inner selves.

Could you share three simple tips for finding a better everyday balance?

Pause, breathe, and meditate — that sums up what we often need when stress builds up.

Travel can also stir up restlessness in the body. Another simple mantra that’s been golden for me is: body, creativity, and connection.

• Body first. Move daily, meditate if you like, and observe your breath. It doesn’t need to be complex. Even five minutes of breathing or twenty minutes of movement can help.
• Do something that gives you energy. Nurture a hobby, such as music, cooking, or writing. Basically, anything that makes you feel alive.
• Be with people. Talk, share your thoughts, laugh. We sometimes forget, but human connection is the best medicine. 

You don’t have to master it all. Just start somewhere. Small steps can often lead to big, positive change.

What routines help you stay energized when you're traveling?

The same tips apply to me. In addition, I always bring running shoes when I travel. It’s become a habit to explore new places with a jog in the morning or afternoon. I often pick a landmark on Google Maps, put on a playlist, and run through the city until I reach it. I highly recommend exploring Oslo that way as well.

Last one, would you share your favorite places in Oslo with us?

● Nektar – family-run restaurant for dinner and wine

● Kafeteria August – lunch or dinner with vinyl on the turntable

● Roleur and Merkur – for post-work pints

● Grotto and Panu – for exceptional dinners

● Java and Supreme Roastworks – for high quality morning coffee, lunch espresso, or a post-night-out fix

● Villa, Blå, Hærverk, and Gehør – for a good dance