You may not have heard of Forrest Yoga, since it is one of the newer yoga kids on the block, but it is quickly gaining popularity in the West. The brainchild of yoga guru Ana Forrest, this style of yoga is most appealing to those yogis who are searching for an intensely physical workout that also emphasizes healing, community, and strength.
Ana Forrest, who has a personal history of bulimia, epilepsy, and substance abuse, created this form yoga to help heal minds and spirits. Her practice incorporates elements of Native American healing, encouraging her students to use their yoga as therapy and explore their inner emotions. As far as the physical practice goes, this type of yoga was created for Western bodies. Ana Forrest realized that many of us spend about 8-10 hours sitting behind a desk, so she was very conscious of incorporating movements that are designed to keep the necked relaxed and open the hips and shoulders.
The forrest sequence is essentially a type of flow series that pays particular attention to abdominal work and deep breathing exercise. There are four main pillars of forrest yoga: breath, strength, spirit, and integrity. Those pillars are achieved by helping yogis to connect to their core and get their bodies and minds strong and centered. The poses are held for about a minute each, which helps to bring oxygen to every cell in the body. They’re designed to increase body heat and sweat so practitioners are able to quickly eliminate toxins from the body.
Forrest yoga is just as emotional as it is physical! You’re constantly being asked to look inside and face your fears and challenge emotional blockages. You might see some students crying, breathing loudly, or even screaming throughout the practice. These methods of emotional release are actually encouraged by the forrest instructors, who are trained to create a safe space for students to work through their emotions.
Forrest yoga is great for beginners! The first thing newbie yogis are taught is how to breathe deeply and learn how to connect with their bodies. As they progress, they learn how push their physical and mental edge, which helps them to develop the tools they need to effectively deal with negative emotions. The best part about forrest yoga is that it doesn’t require strength and flexibility to get started—people of all fitness levels can join in. All that’s required is a willingness to learn and push your boundaries!
