Testimonials
Professional athletes on the benefits of yoga:
- "I think being able to concentrate on the movement while in the studio applies to the field. You can focus on just that one hitter." - Oakland A's pitcher Barry Zito (Yoga Journal, Sept/Oct 2001)
- "I need to keep myself more flexible because that's what hurt me in the past. I've lacked flexibility in my upper body so I've addressed that. [Yoga] has taught me to be more in tune to my body, what hurts, what I need to address." - Patriots' linebacker Ted Johnson (Newsweek, June 2000)
- "Yoga brings another method to my arsenal. Because I know my body and what it can do, I'm more elusive now." - Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (Yoga Journal, Sept/Oct 2001)
From Professional Athletes:
- "Bo has helped me so much; not only with my flexibility and strength, but with my mental game as well. I have more focus, and I'm "in the zone" much more often, and for longer, than ever before. With Bo's help, I've also been able to tune out and shut off when the game is over, and I'm sleeping better. It's all there with Bo: the physical, the mental, and the emotional." - Name withheld due to confidentiality
From medical professionals:
- "Last year I ruptured two discs and ended up with both my legs paralyzed. After surgery, extensive yoga work with Bo Forbes has been invaluable to my rehabilitation. The anatomical focus of her work, and her enormous breadth of knowledge and highly focused approach have been responsible for my recovery." - Sumer Verma, M.D., Director of Geriatric Education and Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital
From yoga teachers:
- "After completing my 200-hour Yoga Alliance registration, I realized that I had just begun to explore what it means to be a yoga teacher. I feel fortunate to have found Bo as a teacher and mentor and continue to study with her since relocating to New York City. Bo draws upon a wealth of knowledge and experience as a yoga teacher and psychotherapist, helping me to refine my knowledge of yoga and to discover my own voice as a teacher. I return to Boston to study with Bo whenever I have the chance, as she is truly 'worth the trip.'" - Anne Taylor, New York, NY, Yoga Instructor
- "Bo's unique style of teaching unites the body and mind in a challenging blend of yoga poses, breathing techniques, and focused concentration. The very nature of Bo's eclectic vinyasa yoga brings strength, stamina, and flexibility to the body, soothes the mind, and calms the spirit. I come away feeling renewed and able to meet the challenges of everyday life." - Pam Gaither, Yoga Instructor, Yoga Mandala Studio, Baptiste Power Yoga
- "I always leave Bo's classes feeling inspired in spirit and calmed in body. Bo's in-class directions offer precise anatomical guidance without losing sight of the whole body and the energy of the pose. Her sensitivity to each student is apparent, as she moves unobtrusively through the class providing individual assistance with specific aspects of poses. After her class, I often feel like I have received a private lesson, just with some friends around! Bo brings an obvious mastery of the physical poses and anatomy, and perhaps more rarely, she offers a profound understanding of the philosophy and more subtle aspects of the practice. She always has something new to offer to each student, both beginners and advanced yogis. With many yoga classes out there these days to chose from, Bo creates a unique environment of informed inspiration, focus and safety." - Ivy Ingram, Portland, OR, Yoga Instructor
- "Bo's classes and workshops offer a unique blend of practical instruction that I have immediately been able to apply in my own classes. Her teaching incorporates individual attention: she reads people's energetic and physical bodies with such grace and personal experience, which she so clearly brings from her many years as a therapist, yoga instructor, and seeker of knowledge. As Bo's student and colleague, I continue to be inspired by her passion for yoga and the ease with which she shares her teachings." - Saskia Meckman, Florida, Kripalu Yoga Instructor
- "Bo is a caring teacher with a unique capacity to understand bodies. I really enjoy her Elemental Flow classes: the long holds allow time to let the posture work its magic in both body and mind. Being a teacher myself, I see students struggling to keep pace in a vinyasa class designed around the typical Sun Salutation flow. The ego takes over and forces the student to keep up with the rest of the class even if that's not appropriate for their body. Bo's Elemental Flow classes are completely different; the slow pace is a refreshing change which allows the student to face mental and physical resistance in a safe manner. I myself have a tweaky back and sometimes have issues with backbends. Desikacher said, "it's not enough to climb the tree, you must be able to get down too." After one of Bo's 2-hour master classes with a focus on backbends, I felt that she had guided me safely up and down the tree." - Dodie Georgiades, Yoga Instructor
- "My yoga experience began with ashtanga and vinyasa classes. I started working with Bo privately to improve the physical aspect of my poses. However, Bo quickly discerned that restorative yoga would be more beneficial to me. I quickly learned that restorative yoga is just as powerful as more active forms of yoga. Restorative yoga with Bo was especially balancing to my nervous system and emotional state." - Gwynne McQuilkin, L.N.P., New York, Yoga Instructor
- "Bo brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching. Her understanding of anatomy, yoga philosophy, and the energetic body combine to make her classroom a gold mine!" - Yoga Mandala Yoga Teacher
From bodyworkers:
- "Bo is my favorite yoga teacher because she brings the spiritual and physical work and joyfulness of yoga together in a way I find accessible, safe, and quite moving. Her eye is sharply accurate for how my body needs to come into exploring a pose, and her directions, whether spoken or given through a gentle touch are clear and comprehensible. I find her teaching style entirely engaging and through her classes I always come to a place of feeling greater inner peace, increased strength and vitality in my body, and more compassion for myself and the world." - Lou Benson, Senior Instructor, Muscular Therapy Institute
- "Bo's teaching has brought me into a deeper relationship with my self. Through her guidance I have found ways to access very subtle physical places and relate them to other pieces of myself- body, mind and spirit. Bo's wisdom has gently led me to a deeper understanding of the universe. I am deeply grateful!" - Robin Shaw, bodyworker, yoga instructor
- "I began attending Bo's classes 5 years ago, at a difficult time in my life. Bo's presence and skilled teaching were instrumental in bringing me more fully into my body, helping me tune in deeply to my body-soul's wisdom. I'm quite sure that Bo's teaching has been a key factor in my healing as well as in my decision to become a facilitator of healing for others as a massage therapist and bodyworker. Bo's yoga classes are an integral part of my ongoing self-care, education and learning. Her classes give me experience and awareness that are so useful to me in working with my own clients." - Heidi Fischbach, M.T., Ed.M
From mind/body teacher training participants:
- "My personal growth has been profound in Bo Forbes' teacher training. This, along with the knowledge and confidence that I have gained, has added to my practice in such a way that I can internalize my knowledge and experience, and share it with my students. I loved it!!!" - Dorian Rose
- "As a certified teacher, I initially chose to pursue the Elemental Yoga Teacher Training as a means to deepen my practice and expand my knowledge of teaching. With Bo's gentle but firm guidance, I went from searching for ways to emulate others to developing my intuitive voice as a teacher. During the course of the training, I acquired skills which helped me to develop and grow as a teacher, bringing these new skills to my students. In turn, these changes were reflected back to me by my students, several of whom noted the ways in which my teaching had evolved and matured. I believe that is the best way to serve one's students, acting as a role model for growth and change. It is for this reason that I continue to make my monthly treks from NYC to Boston, so as to continue my studies with Bo, to fortify my practice and to expand my role as a teacher." - Anne Taylor
- "I started teacher training to deepen my practice. While I wasn't really sure just what that meant, I was thinking along the lines of doing handstand without a wall. In the course of workshops on self-study and negative patterns, the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras, and Sanskrit, I began to focus less on the external and more on the internal. I noticed my practice transforming from the inside out. It's more thoughtful, interesting, and exhilarating. I approach the mat very differently now: listening to how my body feels, what patterns I'm stuck in, how I can open up. Its not what I expected, but it is much deeper and more rewarding." - Anne, Teacher Trainee
- The Elemental Yoga Mind-Body Teacher Training has been a truly transformative experience for me. My original goal was to get certified as a yoga instructor, but the year long training has given me so much more. Bo Forbes is an expert; she is a uniquely insightful yoga instructor and brings her extensive knowledge of the mind and the body to the entire training. The guest lecturers chosen to supplement Bo’s inspiring teaching during the weeklong intensive and throughout the year reflect Bo’s high standards and bring their own engaging teachings on alignment, anatomy and yoga philosophy. The breadth and depth of the training will give you more than you need to begin your journey as a yoga instructor. If you wish to deepen your yoga practice among like minded souls or learn to teach an exceptionally powerful style of yoga, then this training is for you. - Karen Lefkowitz, R.N., Cambridge Health Alliance
- Bo Forbes integrates her rich experience and wisdom from her own training in hatha yoga, psychology and cognitive science with the intelligence and passion of her teaching style, to create this most unique alchemy: Elemental Yoga Mind-Body Teacher Training. After an intense and comprehensive year-long study of the connections between the body and mind, the art and science of teaching, the language and history of yoga, the therapeutic power of yoga, and perhaps most importantly my own self-explorations, I enter teaching with more than just the confidence and tools to help my students (and me) experience yoga safely and mindfully; I enter with deep respect for the wondrous healing powers of yoga. I proudly and gratefully refer to Bo as my teacher. - James Gotz
- There are a few rare times in life when you know, without a doubt, that you are in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing. This is how I felt during my entire Elemental Yoga Training. I felt flooded with opportunity to learn and to grow and my teaching and my life are reaping the benefits of such a thorough training. - Katherine Hartsell
From yoga students:
- "One thing that separates Bo from a number of other excellent yoga teachers is her intense and detailed knowledge of anatomy and multiple mind-body traditions. Bo's masterful use of complementary styles and philosophies - pairing flow with restorative yoga and Western psychology with Ayurvedic medicine- gives her students a wide range of tools to guide their experimentation. Above all, Bo possesses a deep awareness and sensitivity to her students as individuals. Using her own creative alchemy in the classroom, Bo constantly weaves together elements from her breadth of knowledge so that her teaching somehow changes and grows along with the course of each of her students, as well as the class as a whole." - Meg Hiesinger, Ph.D., San Fancisco, CA, yoga student
- "Studying Yoga with Bo is embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Bo's approach to yoga combines a strong and physically challenging vinyasa practice, which in itself offers many rewards, with an in-depth analysis of the parallels between our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. In time, the practice becomes an ever-evolving process of self-transformation, oftentimes challenging yet amazingly sweet, the manifestation of our awareness of the patterns that shape our lives. Through it all, Bo stands by us, a steadfast and compassionate witness of the subtlest changes we experience." - Anne-Laure G., yoga student
- "Practicing yoga with Bo has been a transformative experience. Her thoughtful, sensitive guidance and sense of humor made coming to class a joy. Her teaching style is pure poetry. I am grateful for all I learned about the physical asanas, pranayama, and the spiritual yoga practice. I wish she had a twin in Los Angeles! I am continuing my practice here but there really is no substitute for Bo Forbes!" - Leah B., Los Angeles, CA, yoga student
- "Bo holds a special place in my heart and continues to be a part of my intentions when I remember everything I have to be thankful for in my life. Bo was not only my first yoga instructor - she is the one that continued to make yoga come alive for me.ÊAnd, by doing so, she opened up doors to new places within me. For this, I am eternally grateful. Yoga changes me still... and because of this influence, I know that Bo - and yoga - make a positive difference in this world. For sure I know that Bo hasÊmade a real difference in my life, and for this I am eternally grateful." - Karen S., Seattle, OR, yoga student
- "My first yoga class with Bo happened by chance when I was still living in the Boston area. Yoga has changed my life, and Bo was the best introduction to it that I can envision. That was many years ago, and since then I have had dozens of excellent yoga teachers in many parts of the world. Yet it has been hard to adapt to these other teachers. Bo's classes are a holistic experience. They are steeped in the range of her knowledge, which goes from the scientific and intellectual to the sensorial and instinctive aspects of yoga. Bo is an extremely skilled and passionate instructor, but it is her particular spiritual presence- unimposing and true- that makes Bo so inspiring as a teacher." - Astrid Dick, New York City
- "Bo's Thursday-night vinyasa classes have been the single most grounding force in my life. I have practiced with Bo nearly every week for more than five years; she has watched me grow from first-day beginner to seasoned student. Although I come to the mat each week feeling scattered and unbalanced from life's many challenges, I always leave class feeling peaceful and free. With her guidance, I come back to myself ‹physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Simply put, I feel the best after taking class with Bo. She is a learned master of the physical body and a gentle spiritual guide. Her classes, taught with wisdom, skill, and grace, have added a rich, multifaceted dimension to my life: a growing understanding of myself and the universe." - Susan Abbattista, writer, editor, and yoga student
- "In Bo's classes, I feel both safe and adventurous. Her focus on alignment and body awareness has helped me understand my body in ways I didn't before. And my practice has become more thoughtful, challenging and interesting. My favorite moment from Bo's classes came one night when she asked us all to dedicate an OM to the Red Sox. It was such a perfect moment of having fun, being of the world, and sending out merit to others. After the OM, we went on to have a challenging and thoughtful class— as always." - Anne F.
- "Bo's knowledge and experience of the human body and mind, combined with her compassion and wisdom, make her an ideal yoga teacher. The yogic principle of "ahimsa" comes to mind. Ahimsa, as I've learned from Bo, is all about non-violence and kindness with self and other. Bo models ahimsa in so many ways, whether by encouraging modifications to make poses accessible and safe for newcomers or students with injuries, or adjusting someone's pose to bring the body into better alignment, or in her gentle reminders to come back to this moment's breath." - Heidi
- "Bo Forbes is the best yoga teacher ever. She is an experienced yogi who knows how to lead and inspire students..." - A.G., student
- "Bo has a wonderful spirit and her love of yoga comes through her teaching." - M.S., Private Student
- "Bo has an amazing ability to integrate all aspects of yoga through her workshops and classes." - Yoga Mandala Student
- "Bo is fantastic in every respect. I feel safe yet challenged in her classes- her pace is excellent, and her attention to detail is exceptional." - Healthworks Student
From workshop participants:
- "Bo's Art of Assisting workshop goes beyond the hands-on adjustment/alignment of the body in any given asana. Through detailed instructions and clear demonstrations I learned to carefully observe the presence and interconnectedness of the physical and emotional body- and as a teacher, to respond to it within safe and healthy boundaries through touch and verbal cues. I came out of this workshop feeling fine-tuned towards the manifestation of the emotional body and inspired to explore my own energies. This workshop should be required in every teacher training curriculum!" - Helene Gerstel, yoga instructor
- "Attending the Art of Assisting workshop was so helpful to me. I am a beginner yoga teacher. The workshop really gave me confidence in assisting students in a way that respects the boundaries of the students/teacher relationship; it also helped to educate me further in the proper form of the asanas. Bo's style was both professional and warm and I felt that the students were all treated equally regardless of our backgrounds or prior relationship with Bo. I look forward to taking additional training with Bo; she has so much to offer." - Robyn Maltz, Certified Vinyasa Yoga Instructor, Black Belt Nia Teacher, LICSW
- "I participated in Bo's Assisting workshop with the intention of deepening understanding of my own alignment. As I am well accustomed to the transformational quality of Bo's teaching, I should not have been surprised at how much I learned not only about my own body, but also about the experience and philosophy of the asanas. We learned through lectures, open discussion and by hands-on practice assisting. I emerged from the workshop inspired to share my new knowledge and a more thoughtful student." - Weslie Surman, yoga student
- "The assisting workshops were a tremendous chance to learn not just about the physical practice but about how much other stuff we bring to the class -- no matter how our practice looks to others. What I like about Bo's style is her focus on individual growth and awareness. I have become more aware of my own energy and mind in class now, which makes for a richer experience." - Anne F., yoga student
- "Bo has the gift of a true soul teacher. She has guided my classmates and me along an inseparable route through the physical and emotional body to a place where we become able to follow the teaching of our own intuition and to transform our selves. This kind of teaching also requires 'un-teaching,' or helping to undo the patterns of negative thought and action that we hold in our bodies. Through Bo's teaching, I've begun to understand myself as an organism with a deep capacity to nourish and regenerate; she has taught my classmates and me how it is possible to develop, use, and restore our own energy. " - Meg H., yoga student
- "I learned a tremendous amount this weekend. I came prepared to learn more about the physical aspects of yoga poses: proper alignment, how to diagnose problems with a pose and how to improve them. Not only did I obtain a deeper understanding of all of these things, but also this weekend really opened my eyes to the mental and energetic aspects of a yoga class. " - R.S., yoga student
From private clients:
- "Since I began practicing yoga with Bo, my strength and flexibility have increased and I can do handstands – to the surprise of all my friends. Through yoga, Bo has enabled me to focus inward and find a sense of calmness and serenity in a life that is full, hectic, and demanding. She offers great insight into learning about the body and mind connection. I think she has the ability to work with all types of people giving enormous support, understanding, and patience to all. Those who are able to work with her are indeed fortunate." - Gail Roberts, Vice President, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
- "Bo has a wonderful spirit and her love of yoga comes through her teaching. Through my work with Bo I've been able to calm my nervous system and become much more grounded on a deep level." - M.R., yoga student and client
From women's health and fertility clients and students:
- "I had a lot of difficulty with my hormones, and was told I would not be able to have a child without extensive fertility treatments. After taking Bo's classes for over a year, and working with her privately, my hormones actually stabilized! Last month, my doctors told me that I am now ovulating. We now have permission to get pregnant- and I plan to practice with Bo throughout my pregnancy!" - Cara G., yoga student and client
- "Pregnancy was a hard time for me emotionally and physically and in my seventh month I thought that I would benefit from a private restorative class with Bo. I had taken her Elemental Flow classes for years at Healthworks and appreciated her superb knowledge of yoga, her sense of humor, and her sensitivity to her students. Taking a private, pre-natal restorative was one of the best things I could have done. She arrived with bolsters, blankets, and pillows, and turned my living room into a sanctuary in which I felt utterly supported physically and emotionally. Her knowledge of the body, her lack of judgment, and her intuitive sense of what I needed made the session transformative for me. She talked me through a series of poses, carefully designed for my stage of pregnancy, and helped me feel good in my body, attached to my baby, and accepting of the changes coming up. It was a beautiful experience. Bo's knowledge, deep experience, and respect for yoga and for her students make her a truly gifted teacher." - Sara Smith, yoga student and client
- "I cannot think of a time that my practice was more important to me than during pregnancy. Bo's attention to my changing needs and alternate pose instruction allowed me to continue practicing in her regular Vinyasa class. With Bo's thoughtful direction, I was able to maintain a strong, calming practice throughout my pregnancy which I know greatly assisted me through labor, delivery and post-partum - and certainly transferred to my happy, peaceful, six-month old baby." - Emily Kathan, yoga student
- "I had been taking Bo's class for 2 1/2 years when I discovered I was pregnant- Bo was one of the first people I told. With Bo's modifications, I managed to continue doing Bo's yoga class twice a week for my entire pregnancy. I found doing yoga relaxing, especially after working all day, and practiced until a week past my due date. A week later I gave birth to Emma at the Cambridge Birthing Center. The labor and delivery were an amazing experience! I believe that the breathing techniques I learnt in Bo's classes aided in such a smooth labor and delivery. Twelve hours after Emma was born I was home, and six weeks after that I was back at yoga. Since then, I have continued to take yoga several times a week, as I plan to do for the rest of my days." - Alex, yoga student