Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do!
Hi! I’m Brea Johnson, founder of Heart + Bones Yoga. I teach an anatomy-informed, inclusive approach to yoga that focuses on sustainable movement, mindful awareness, and building a deeper relationship with your body. I lead workshops and trainings around the world and am the founder of Heart + Bones Yoga, a globally recognized online platform for anatomy-informed yoga, mobility, and inclusive practices for both yoga teachers and everyday people. Our community spans countries and cultures, all connected by a shared commitment to moving with curiosity, compassion, and long-term care for the body.
What first inspired you to start Heart + Bones, and how has your approach to yoga evolved since then?
I've been teaching yoga, movement and anatomy for over 20 years and about 12 years ago I had what I call my "yoga existential crisis" where I kept seeing the same thing over and over — people feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or like they didn’t “fit” the traditional image of a yoga practice. I wanted to create a space where yoga wasn’t about performing or pushing, but about curiosity, compassion, and learning how your body actually works.
Over the years, my approach has evolved into what it is now: a blend of science and heart. The “bones” are the anatomy, the thoughtful sequencing, and the sustainable approach. The “heart” is the philosophy, the self-kindness, and the understanding that yoga is ultimately about connection, with yourself, your community, and the world around you. And when we put the two together, it's a practice that celebrates who we are, as we are. Without expensive yoga clothes or trying to get your leg around your head :)
Before your day begins, what’s one movement, stretch, or ritual that helps you feel grounded and ready to take on the day?
I love a simple morning check-in. Before I even get out of bed, I pause and do a big stretch to feel my whole body wake up. Then I take a few deep, easy breaths and set my focus for the day ahead. I’m someone who has a million ideas, and running the business with our H+B team means my days are full and varied. Taking a moment to connect with myself helps me ground before things get busy. It’s nothing fancy, but it reminds me that my body — and my day — don’t need to rush.
Heart + Bones emphasizes anatomy-informed, inclusive yoga. How do you approach designing practices that meet people where they are today?
I start from the belief that every body has a history, and every body is different, not just structurally, but emotionally and energetically. So instead of expecting people to match a shape, I design practices that give them options, curiosity, and permission.
I focus on functional movement, simple mobility work, accessible variations, and lots of pauses to check in. My goal is that someone can take a class with us and think, “Oh, this is what my body has been trying to tell me.” When people feel seen and supported, the practice becomes truly transformative.
The holidays can be busy and stressful. What are your favorite ways to slow down, practice self-care, or stay mindful during this season?
One of my go-to's is what I call “micro-rest.” Small, intentional pauses throughout the day. A slow breath before another task, a short walk, stretching my shoulders while the kettle boils. These little moments keep my nervous system from tipping into overwhelm.
I also try to say “yes” less often, and check my body’s response before agreeing to something. If my jaw tightens or my shoulders creep up, it’s usually a sign that the answer should be no. Learning to listen to those subtle signals has been one of the most supportive forms of self-care for me. It helps me stay connected to my own capacity, and reminds me that slowing down doesn’t require anything elaborate, just awareness, kindness, and a willingness to take a moment when I need it.
Looking ahead, what’s your hope for the future of Heart + Bones, and how do you envision people integrating your approach into their everyday lives?
My biggest hope is that Heart + Bones Yoga continues to be a place where people feel supported, curious, and empowered in their bodies. Heart + Bones exists because so many people felt left out of traditional yoga spaces.
With this inclusive approach, I love it when people start to realize that yoga doesn’t have to be a full class to be meaningful. That it can be small moments woven through the day, a breath, a stretch, a gentle check-in that helps you feel more like yourself. My hope is that our work gives people the confidence to reimagine what practice can be and to build a life where movement and self-connection naturally support who they are and how they want to feel.