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| {{short description|A school of modern yoga}} | | {{short description|A style of yoga developed by Ana T. Forrest}} |
| {{Infobox yoga school
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| | name = Forrest Yoga
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| | founding_guru = Ana T. Forrest
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| | founding_year = 1982<ref name="YJ Guide to Styles">{{cite web|author=Yoga Journal Editors|title=Which Yoga is Right for You?|url=http://www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/which-yoga-is-right-for-you-2/ |publisher=Yoga Journal|accessdate=5 November 2014}}</ref>
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| | popularity = [[United States]], [[East Asia]], [[Western Europe]]
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| | derivatives =
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| | related_schools = [[Sivananda Yoga]], [[Iyengar Yoga]], [[Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga]], [[Hatha Yoga]]
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| | practice_emphases = [[breath]], [[Physical strength|strength]], [[integrity]], [[spirit]]
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| }} | |
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| '''Forrest Yoga''' is a style of [[yoga as exercise]]. It was created by and named for '''Ana T. Forrest''' in 1982.<ref name="Fierce Medicine">{{cite book |last=Forrest |first=Ana T. |title=Fierce Medicine |year=2011 |publisher=[[HarperCollins|Harper]] One |location=New York |isbn=978-0-06-186424-7 |url=https://archive.org/details/fiercemedicinebr00forr |url-access=registration }}</ref> It is known for "its long holding of positions, emphasis on abdominal core work, and standing series that can go on for 20 poses on each side".<ref name="Billard 2011">{{cite news |last=Billard |first=Mary |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/nyregion/in-forrest-yoga-guardians-of-a-mission-to-heal.html |title=Yoga Guardians on a Healing Mission |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=29 July 2011}}</ref> Reputed for its intensity, the style emphasizes connecting to one's feelings in order to work through physical and emotional trauma.<ref name="Houston Chronicle 2009">{{cite web |last=Cook |first=Lynn |title=Forrest yoga challenges with added intensity |url=http://www.chron.com/life/article/Forrest-yoga-challenges-with-added-intensity-1744808.php |publisher=[[Houston Chronicle]] |accessdate=30 August 2012}}</ref> | | '''Forrest Yoga''' is a modern style of [[yoga]] that was created by [[Ana T. Forrest]]. It is known for its focus on strength, breath, integrity, and spirit. Forrest Yoga is designed to address the physical and emotional stresses of modern life, and it incorporates elements of [[Native American]] healing practices. |
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| ==Description== | | ==History== |
| | Forrest Yoga was developed by Ana T. Forrest in the late 20th century. Ana Forrest, a yoga teacher and practitioner, sought to create a style of yoga that would help people heal from physical and emotional trauma. Drawing from her own experiences and challenges, she integrated various elements from different yoga traditions and healing practices to form Forrest Yoga. |
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| Ana Forrest derived her practice from some aspects of [[Sivananda yoga]], along with attention to alignment and use of props found in [[Iyengar yoga]], and the heat and flowing sequences of [[Ashtanga vinyasa yoga]]. As the style evolved, she created a number of additional poses and sequences adapted to modern society,<ref name="Billard 2011"/><ref name="Forrest 2006">{{cite news |last=Forrest |first=Ana |title=Firefly, Frog and other Yoga Positions Good Aloft |work="[[The New York Times]]" |date=20 June 2006 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/20/business/20flier.html}}</ref> such as wrist stretches to prevent and relieve [[carpal tunnel syndrome]].<ref name="McCall 2007">{{cite book |last=McCall |first=Timothy |title=Yoga as Medicine:the Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing |year=2007 |publisher=[[Bantam Dell]] |ISBN=978-0-553-38406-2 |pages=237–238}}</ref> She also created [[shoulder]] shrugs to relieve tension and loosen the upper back,<ref name="shrugs">{{cite web |last=Passy |first=Barbara |title=Shrugs: A Pose for all Seasons and Reasons |publisher=Yoga Chicago |date=May 2014 |url=http://yogachicago.com/2014/05/shrugs-a-pose-for-all-reasons-and-seasons}}</ref> [[abdominal]] exercises to tone internal organs and strengthen the lower back, and some poses using a folded over and rolled up [[yoga mat]].<ref name="FY Philo"/> Forrest personally practices aspects of [[Hatha yoga]] not widely taught in modern [[yoga as exercise]]; her skill at the [[shatkarma]] [[nauli]] is featured on the Nauli.org site.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Nauli.org |url=https://www.nauli.org/about-2/ |publisher=Nauli.org (non-profit) |accessdate=19 August 2019 |quote=Abdomen at the top of the page [12 photos]: Ana Forrest}}</ref>
| | ==Principles== |
| | Forrest Yoga is built on four pillars: |
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| Forrest Yoga classes are conducted in a warm room ({{convert|85|F|disp=comma}})<ref name="Anchorage Press 2012">{{cite web |last=Dobbyn |first=Paula |title=Ana Forrest: Rock star of the yoga world |url=http://www.anchoragepress.com/news/ana-forrest-rock-star-of-the-yoga-world/article_389d9b30-ed65-11e1-8546-001a4bcf887a.html |publisher=[[Anchorage Press]] |accessdate=30 August 2012}}</ref> and begin with [[pranayama]], then move through seated poses and [[abdominal muscle]] exercises before arriving at the "hot part" of the class that might involve [[Surya Namaskara|sun salutations]], [[standing asanas|standing poses]], inversions, [[backbend]]s and other [[asana]]s that build up to the more challenging "apex" poses. The poses are sustained, intensively and contemplatively, sometimes for 10 deep breaths, sometimes for several minutes.<ref name="Liu">{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2010/01/21/introduction_to_yoga_is_a_breath_of_fresh_air/?page=2 |title=Om my! |last=Liu |first=Christine |date=21 January 2010 |work=[[Boston Globe]] |accessdate=13 August 2012}}</ref>
| | ===Breath=== |
| | Breath is a fundamental aspect of Forrest Yoga. Practitioners are encouraged to use deep breathing techniques to oxygenate the body, release tension, and connect with their inner selves. The practice emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing to enhance the yoga experience. |
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| ==Philosophy== | | ===Strength=== |
| | Forrest Yoga focuses on building physical strength. The practice includes poses that are designed to strengthen the core, improve balance, and increase overall body strength. This emphasis on strength helps practitioners develop resilience and stability both on and off the mat. |
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| Forrest Yoga's vision and mission, inspired by the life of [[Black Elk]], a healer and [[Medicine Man]] of the [[Oglala Lakota]] [[Sioux]], is "to mend the rainbow hoop of the people".<ref name="Fierce Medicine" />{{rp|257}} <ref name="Creating Embodiment">Smith, Eva Norlyk, "Creating Embodiment: An Interview with Ana Forrest", ''[[Huffington Post]]'', February 12, 2015, [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eva-norlyk-smith-phd/ana-forrest-creating-embo_b_6654906.html]</ref><ref name="Fierce Medicine"/>{{rp|171}} In this style, healing is meant to extend to the emotional body, directing the breath into affected parts of the body to release emotions.<ref>Steffensen, Sharon, "Ana Forrest: Mending the Hoop of the People", ''Yoga Chicago'', November/December 2003, p. 12</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://destinationdeluxe.com/ana-forrest-yoga/ |title=How Ana Forrest Transformed Addiction and Abuse Through Yoga |publisher=Destination Deluxe |date= 2009-05-09|accessdate=2019-08-16 |first=Vivienne |last=Tang}}</ref> Forrest was certified as a yoga teacher when aged 18. She is trained in [[Native American medicine]], [[reiki]], and [[regression therapy]]. She has studied [[alternative healing]] techniques including [[homeopathy]], [[naturopathy]], [[reflexology]], [[shiatsu]], and [[chiropractic]], all of which, she states, inform her work.<ref name="About">{{cite web |title=About |url=https://www.forrestyoga.com/about |publisher=Forrest Yoga |accessdate=15 May 2019}}</ref>
| | ===Integrity=== |
| | Integrity in Forrest Yoga refers to practicing with honesty and authenticity. Practitioners are encouraged to listen to their bodies and respect their limits. The practice promotes self-awareness and encourages students to make choices that align with their personal truth. |
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| The style claims to be founded on four principles, or "pillars":<ref name="Liu"/> | | ===Spirit=== |
| | Forrest Yoga aims to connect practitioners with their spirit. The practice includes elements of [[mindfulness]] and [[meditation]], encouraging students to explore their inner landscapes and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and spiritual connection. |
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| # Breath, to help connect in feeling with one's body and ignite passion for living<ref name="Liu"/>
| | ==Practice== |
| # Strength, via intense core sequences and long holds of poses that generate heat and heighten the senses<ref name="Liu"/>
| | A typical Forrest Yoga class includes a series of poses that are held for longer periods than in some other styles of yoga. This allows practitioners to deepen their experience and explore the sensations in their bodies. The practice often begins with pranayama (breathing exercises) and includes a variety of standing poses, backbends, and core work. |
| # Integrity, in working with the edges of one's practice, particularly around physical and emotional injuries, developing tools to deal with fear and struggle<ref name="Liu"/>
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| # Spirit, to create a sense of freedom and "courage to walk as your Spirit dictates"<ref name="Liu"/><ref name="FY Philo">{{cite web |last=Forrest |first=Ana |title=Forrest Yoga Philosophy |url=http://www.forrestyoga.com/about/philosophy.php |publisher=Mossy Knolls |accessdate=21 November 2011}}</ref>
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| ==Basic Moves== | | ==Benefits== |
| | Forrest Yoga offers numerous benefits, including increased strength and flexibility, improved mental clarity, and emotional healing. The practice is designed to help individuals release physical and emotional tension, leading to a greater sense of well-being and balance. |
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| Forrest Yoga's physical practice uses some "basic moves" in every pose up until [[Savasana]].<ref>"Yoga for Healing," by Melissa B.Williams, Fit Yoga, February, 2006, p.22</ref> Many of these moves resemble those practiced in other [[:Category:Yoga styles|yoga styles]], such as [[Ujjayi breath]] and tucking the [[tailbone]], while others are unique to this style, particularly the practice of relaxing the neck and wrapping the shoulders. Overall emphasis is on breath work and core strengthening.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/275428341.html?dids=275428341:275428341&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+08%2C+2003&author=LAURA+BAGINSKI&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=Be+a+swinger+%3B+Treadmills+have+you+running+in+circles%3F+Try+these+offbeat+ways+to+get+in+shape.&pqatl=google |title=Be a swinger; Treadmills have you running in circles? Try these offbeat ways to get in shape |last=Baginski |first=Laura |date=8 January 2003 |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |accessdate=13 August 2012}}</ref>
| | ==Related pages== |
| | | * [[Yoga]] |
| # Active Hands and Feet, spreading the hand bones wide and extending the fingers fully, and pressing through heels and balls of feet and lifting the toes<ref name="Forrest Origin Dec2012">Ana Forrest, "Choosing Healing is the Ultimate Warrior Action", ''Origin Magazine'', December/January 2012, pp. 22–23</ref>
| | * [[Pranayama]] |
| # Tuck Tailbone, to lengthen tailbone downward and relieve pressure on the lower back
| | * [[Meditation]] |
| # Telescope Ribs, placing hands on lower part of rib cage and inhaling to lift ribcage away from belly
| | * [[Native American healing practices]] |
| # Expand Ribs
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| # Wrap Shoulders<ref name="Chicago Shoulders">{{cite web |last=Sadtler, |first=B. J. |title=Understanding Your Shoulders |url=http://www.yogachicago.com/mar05/shoulders.shtml |publisher=Yoga Chicago |accessdate=23 November 2011}}</ref>
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| # Relax Neck
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| # Deep breathing<ref>"Healing PTSD Through a New Kind of Yoga", by Ana Forrest, ''[[Huffington Post]]'', May 15, 2011 [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ana-forrest/yoga-ptsd_b_862188.html]</ref>
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| Another part of Forrest Yoga practice is development of feeling connections between one part of the body and another. As Forrest noted, "I call this synaptic bridging. Synaptic bridging helps the brain make more intelligent mind-body connections."<ref name="Forrest Origin Dec2012"/>
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| ==References==
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| {{Reflist|30em}}
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| ==External links== | | ==External links== |
| * [http://www.forrestyoga.com Forrest Yoga website] | | * [http://www.forrestyoga.com Forrest Yoga website] |
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| {{Yoga as exercise}} | | {{Yoga as exercise}} |
| {{Asana}} | | {{Asana}} |
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| [[Category:Yoga schools]] | | [[Category:Yoga schools]] |
| [[Category:Alternative medicine]] | | [[Category:Alternative medicine]] |
| {{dictionary-stub1}}
| | [[Category:Yoga styles]] |
| {{No image}}
| | [[Category:Mind–body interventions]] |
A style of yoga developed by Ana T. Forrest
Forrest Yoga is a modern style of yoga that was created by Ana T. Forrest. It is known for its focus on strength, breath, integrity, and spirit. Forrest Yoga is designed to address the physical and emotional stresses of modern life, and it incorporates elements of Native American healing practices.
History[edit]
Forrest Yoga was developed by Ana T. Forrest in the late 20th century. Ana Forrest, a yoga teacher and practitioner, sought to create a style of yoga that would help people heal from physical and emotional trauma. Drawing from her own experiences and challenges, she integrated various elements from different yoga traditions and healing practices to form Forrest Yoga.
Principles[edit]
Forrest Yoga is built on four pillars:
Breath is a fundamental aspect of Forrest Yoga. Practitioners are encouraged to use deep breathing techniques to oxygenate the body, release tension, and connect with their inner selves. The practice emphasizes the importance of conscious breathing to enhance the yoga experience.
Strength[edit]
Forrest Yoga focuses on building physical strength. The practice includes poses that are designed to strengthen the core, improve balance, and increase overall body strength. This emphasis on strength helps practitioners develop resilience and stability both on and off the mat.
Integrity[edit]
Integrity in Forrest Yoga refers to practicing with honesty and authenticity. Practitioners are encouraged to listen to their bodies and respect their limits. The practice promotes self-awareness and encourages students to make choices that align with their personal truth.
Forrest Yoga aims to connect practitioners with their spirit. The practice includes elements of mindfulness and meditation, encouraging students to explore their inner landscapes and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and spiritual connection.
Practice[edit]
A typical Forrest Yoga class includes a series of poses that are held for longer periods than in some other styles of yoga. This allows practitioners to deepen their experience and explore the sensations in their bodies. The practice often begins with pranayama (breathing exercises) and includes a variety of standing poses, backbends, and core work.
Benefits[edit]
Forrest Yoga offers numerous benefits, including increased strength and flexibility, improved mental clarity, and emotional healing. The practice is designed to help individuals release physical and emotional tension, leading to a greater sense of well-being and balance.
Related pages[edit]
External links[edit]
