Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forrest Yoga?
Forrest Yoga was created by Ana Forrest. Click here to read more about Ana Forrest and the origins/philosophy of Forrest Yoga.
What makes Forrest Yoga different from all the other styles of yoga?
We teach neck release techniques in every pose. When we release tension from this important passageway, the neck, we clear the way for the intelligence of our brain to communicate with the wisdom of our body. We become more whole. Forrest Yoga emphasizes this crucial connection between brain and body.
We work our abs! The Forrest Yoga abs exercises were created to warm the core for the rest of the poses, build strength to support the lower back, and create fluidity in the abs rather than rigidity. Our internal organs and intestines benefit from the deep massage-like exercise we do to keep energy from getting stuck. We integrate the energy we generate in our abs throughout the rest of the body, allowing us to move with power and grace.
Breath and Forrest Yoga sequencing are the keys to learning how to change habitual behavior patterns, heal your body, and how to feel really great. You will learn how to breathe in a way that gives you more energy, sharpens your focus, and cleanses every cell in your body. The pose sequences are created to help you wake up areas in your body that have been numbed from injury or tension and bring in new vitality and aliveness there.
We are trained to give you quality hands on assists to help you feel where your body needs more breath and attention.
Do I need to be flexible to start yoga?
Absolutely not! The point of beginning a yoga practice is often to learn how to move safely into stretches and poses in order to begin opening up the muscles. Many students find that they also learn how to breathe more fully in their daily living and they are pleasantly surprised at how much strength they build practicing yoga.
Can yoga be done if I have injuries?
Yes. Yoga is actually a really helpful way to heal the injured parts of the body. As a Forrest Yoga instructor, I have been specifically trained in working with injuries. Please contact me by phone/email or plan to arrive early so we can discuss what’s happening with your body.
What should I wear and do I need to bring anything to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that support and contain you. No jeans or see-through material or shirts that will come over your head when you bend over. Yoga is done with bare feet. Bring a yoga mat, water bottle and a small towel. Leave your cell phone in the car (or turn it off) as you’ll quickly begin to relish this sacred time for your Self.
Is it better to do yoga with an empty stomach or a full stomach?
It’s best not to eat for two hours prior to the start time of class. If you must have something, choose a piece of fruit. Drink plenty of water so you are well-hydrated both before and after class.
What qualities does a good yoga mat have and where do I find one?
Selecting the right yoga mat is a very personal thing and is dependent upon a few different factors. First, if you are new to yoga, you might want to begin with a basic mat that can be picked up for $15-$25 and that’s a good place to start. Mats that are 1/8" thick are the most popular but may not provide enough padding. Anything thicker than 1/4" can be too thick. Thickness is one factor to consider and “stickiness” is the other factor because you don’t want to be slipping when you are standing on the mat. Mats can be found at most sporting goods stores or Lululemon Athletica. Online look at www.manduka.com or www.amazon.com.
How often is it recommended to attend a class or do yoga?
If you’ve never taken a yoga class, just commit to attending one class, then the next, and so on. Your body will tell you how many classes you need. In the beginning, you’ll notice amazing shifts just by coming once a week. Yoga can be done daily and your body will happily respond to the attention it receives.
The best way to learn more about Forrest Yoga is to experience it!