1. When did you start practicing yoga?
I took my first yoga class on January 1'st 1999. I was in San Francisco visiting my friend for New Years. My friends’ roommate asked if I wanted to join her for a Bikram class. I had no idea what this meant, and in my delusional state I agreed. As I entered the hot room I realized that I was in for a truly intense experience. My most vivid memory was being in camel and feeling like I was going to throw up! As I looked around, everyone else appeared to be feeling fine- I was definitely puzzled. After class, I decided that yoga was not for me, but in the back of my mind I was also really intrigued by my extreme reaction. It's funny to think back on that first yoga class, but it has really helped me to relate to my beginner students as they step onto their mats.

​2. What has yoga brought to your life?
More than anything yoga has taught me how to breathe. As I walk through the world with my breath I notice how my perspective changes. There’s beauty all around me and within. When life seems to get out of balance it doesn’t have to be such a struggle to come back to myself as long as I have my breath.

3. Why did you become a yoga instructor?
When I first started teaching yoga I came from the perspective of an athlete. I wanted to do yoga for the physical movement and workout. What I didn't expect was how profoundly it would change my outlook on life. I became a teacher to help people navigate their best life so that they could learn how to be happy and vibrant in their own lives.

4. What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
Although subtle at first, a regular practice allows you to de-stress, unwind, slow down and discover the most important things in your life. One day you wake up and realize that the small daily steps you made in your practice yielded big life changes.

5. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
You don't have to be flexible, you don't have to be "good" at it, and even if you hate your first class, go back again.

6. What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
Forrest Yoga is extremely healing both emotionally and physically. In 2004, I broke my back and suffered from chronic back pain. Forrest yoga helped me work through both the physical and emotional trauma of my accident. It has also allowed me to learn how to be pain free in my life- that is priceless!

7. What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
Can I say core strength? :) A strong core makes you feel powerful and confident.

8. Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
Yoga isn't about the fancy tricks and poses, it's about learning how to tune in, to shut out the noise and learn what you truly need and desire. Focus on what's working in your yoga practice and in your life.

9. Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
"Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, 'grow, grow'"
 

10. What do you like to do "off the mat"?

I love to hike, eat and cook yummy food and spend time with my husband, friends and family.

Jo Schaalman is co-founder and co-author of the book The Conscious Cleanse: Lose Weight, Heal Your Body and Transform Your Life in 14 days. After graduating with honors from Grinnell College with a degree in Biology, Jo’s plans to become a doctor were sidetracked when she was hit by a truck during a cross-country bike trip. The physically and emotionally grueling recovery process ultimately led her to a health that she could never have imagined. Jo’s journey has been guided by cutting edge healers, yoga mentor Ana Forrest, Dr. Theron Randolph, an allergist and clinical ecologist, as well as her Master’s level work at the Nutritional Therapy Institute. Jo has been able to share the wisdom she’s gained through both her yoga classes and the Conscious Cleanse program, helping countless people find their most vibrant health. Jo leads both nutrition and yoga workshops nationwide, focusing on transformative healing and optimal health. 

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Forrest Yoga 2 - Advanced Intermediate