Forrest Yoga

Forrest Yoga is the invention of west-coast yoga teacher Ana Forrest. Known for her acrobatic, dance-like yoga demonstrations, Forrest drew upon her personal history of abuse, epilepsy, alcoholism, and bulimia to create an intensely physical vinyasa-style practice that aims to heal psychic wounds. Forrest incorporates elements of Native American healing, encouraging students to go deep within and to use their yoga practice as therapy. Forrest Yoga pays special attention to abdominal work and breathing. Vigorous sequences of poses are intended to build heat in order to sweat out toxins and release emotions stored in the body.

Cult of Personality

Although many yoga styles are rely on the disseminated teachings of a charismatic leader, Ana Forrest's method, with its promise of healing, seems particularly tied to her personality. Not so, says Lynann Politte, Forrest Yoga's event producer and business manager. "Ana teaches Forrest Yoga teachers to connect with their authenticity, and to teach from that authentic deep heart connection. The end result is a corps of teachers who have become healers in their own right, and who are teaching the essentials of Forrest Yoga using their own voices."

Is Forrest Yoga for You?

Forrest Yoga will appeal to students who want a strong physical and emotional practice. Forrest yoga emphasizes healing and how to carry a transformative experience off the mat and into daily life.