Maria Alfaro was born and raised in Rome, Italy and lives and teaches in Santa Cruz, California. She has 20 years of yoga experience, originally trained in the Iyengar method with Rodney Yee and Ashtanga in India. Drawing inspiration as a teacher from her studies with Ana Forrest, Maria’s classes are vigorous yet gentle on the lower back, neck and joints.

The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. Maria’s classes typically begin with Pranayama, with continued focus during the class on connecting the breath to the physical and emotional experience. Warming the body up from the core is achieved through powerful and effective abdominal exercises early in the class. Strong lower abdominal muscles support the lower back and promote healthy organs. The sequencing and pacing of the class is dynamic and energizing, and includes standing postures, inversions and hip-openers. It is mindful fun!

During the retreat, the morning class is more vigorous, the evening class more restorative. With no more than 12 students in a group, all levels are welcome and supported with Maria's individualized attention.