J Mauss took her first yoga class at age 24 and started teaching two years later. Her classes are gentle, yet challenging — that’s how a devoted student of J’s would describe it. Her music is one of the things that bring people back to her yoga classes because she spends long hours searching for songs that will make people feel something when they hear it.
J works as a part-time fitness model and women’s health coach, and she also teaches weekly yoga classes in Seattle. She’s a writer, dessert and smoothie aficionado, and health speaker.
Name: J Mauss
Occupation: Women’s Health Coach, Yoga + Barre Instructor
Location: Seattle, WA
Favorite yoga style: Power and Restorative
Favorite yoga pose: Pigeon
Yoga is…my life
What Do You Love Most About Yoga?
What Do You Love Most About Yoga?With regard to taking and teaching classes, I love that no class is ever exactly the same. I love what I’ve learned from yoga. It’s always there for me, no matter where I go.
How Has Yoga Changed Your Life, Personality And Physique?
Yoga gave me inner strength. It gave me the confidence to speak my mind and wear less makeup.
I went to the Yoga Journal conference in San Diego a few years ago and when I came back from doing yoga for three days straight, my fiancee said how strong my legs looked! I agree. Yoga gave me these beautiful, soft, yet defined muscles.
What Everyday Things Did You Get Better At Because Of Yoga?
The most noticeable change for me was going snowboarding. When I crashed and burned from my inability to turn, but had zest for going full speed, I got up fast. It’s little things like that — I am mindful in the way I turn my feet or take a walk. I take deeper breaths and adjust my poses knowing how something is supposed to feel.
How Do You Keep Your Yoga Practice Interesting And Challenging?
I listen to a lot of music. I practice at home. I talk about yoga with other yoga lovers and people who think they are not flexible enough to try. I like going on workshops and retreats, and taking classes from my favorite teachers.
What Book, Website Or Person Inspires You?
I’m inspired by people who take the road less traveled. Jennifer Pastiloff is a game changer. Jenniferlyn Chiemingo is a heart speaker. Ginger Saunders is a challenging, yet sweet n’ sassy teacher. The books that left an imprint are: Eat, Pray, Love, The Alchemist and Night.
Which Yoga Pose Challenges You the Most?
Arm balances. I like Crow pose and shooting back to Chaturanga but that’s about it. My mind and body don’t always connect. My mind’s like, GO THERE and my body laughs.
What are Your Go-To Yoga Poses When You’re Stressed or In Need of an Energy Boost?
Handstands. I love handstands. They are fun and playful! Another favorite is Savasana. I have tons of ADD, (seriously, diagnosed when I was 18), and I have to force myself to lay down. I often race around trying to complete 20 projects at once. So when I need to chill, I sprawl out in Savasana and close my eyes.
What Do You Listen To When You Practice Yoga?
I love Drake. Hip hop and jrap. Some John Legend. Janet Jackson’s new song, no sleeeeep. James Vincent McMorrow. Dave Matthews Band. Lauren Hill. You name it, I’ll probably love it. Unless it’s heavy metal.
What’s The Best Advice You’ve Ever Received?
Don’t complicate simplicity.
What’s Your #1 Piece of Advice for Those Just Starting Their Yoga Practice?
Less thinking, more doing.
Website: FitGirlSeattle.com
Facebook: fitgirlseattle
Twitter: @missjmauss
Instagram: @fitgirl.seattle
