Bad Girls Yoga Comes to the Smokies: Meet Taylor Booth
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, TN is a destination that draws millions of visitors each year with its stunning natural beauty, vibrant entertainment scene, and endless adventure opportunities. From the misty mountain peaks to the iconic Dollywood theme park, this charming town has become a premier destination for bachelorette parties, girls' trips, and anyone seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
It's in this picturesque setting that we find Taylor Booth, a Bad Girls Yoga instructor who has carved out a unique niche in an area where yoga studios are few and far between. Taylor brings a distinctive blend of healing and mindfulness to the tourist-rich landscape of Pigeon Forge. We sat down for an interview to learn more about her experiences with Bad Girls Yoga and what you can expect in her classes.
Path to Bad Girls Yoga & Connection to the Practice
How did you come across the opportunity to teach with Bad Girls Yoga?
Living in an area without any yoga studios within an hour's drive led Taylor to discover Bad Girls Yoga while searching for ways to teach in her community. "I had been searching for ways to teach yoga in my area and finally stumbled on Bad Girls Yoga. With this area being so full of tourism and bachelorette trips, I knew this could become popular with people visiting."
What does yoga mean to you? How has it impacted your life?
"Yoga is more than just a physical practice to me. It helps keep me grounded when life gets tricky." As both a yoga instructor and mental health therapist, Taylor credits yoga as the constant that allows her to balance both aspects of her career without experiencing burnout. "I truthfully do not think I could balance life without yoga," she shares, explaining how yoga has been a strong constant in her life for years and brings her joy when sharing it with others during exciting times in their lives.
What inspires you to continue teaching yoga to others?
Feedback from her students keeps Taylor passionate about teaching. She lights up when sharing how students tell her "I feel so much better after that" or when bachelorette groups say "OMG we needed this so much." She explains, "I love seeing the smiles that yoga brings to people in my classes. When I finish teaching a class, no matter what is going on in my own life, the people I am surrounded by bring me so much joy."
Lots to Love About Yoga
What's your favorite yoga pose, and what do you love about it?
Taylor's current favorite pose is Ustrasana, or Camel pose - a challenging posture that has become deeply meaningful to her practice. "This pose has been a challenging pose to learn to love, but after practicing it almost daily for a while it has become such a favorite." What excites her most is being able to teach this pose to students of all levels, always finding modifications to help everyone experience this powerful backbend and chest opener.
Describe your class style. What vibe do you bring and how do you structure your sessions?
With classes that Taylor describes as "very upbeat and flowy," students have the chance to connect with their bodies rather than getting stuck in their heads. Her sessions begin with gentle warm-ups that include challenging stretches to help students tune into their bodies. "Once we are nice and warm, that's when I like to bring in the deeper hip openers that help you find your balance during yoga."
Her personal philosophy shines through as she explains: "I have always been one to need the flow to get me out of my own head, and I love being able to help others through that same journey." This approach naturally leads to deeper relaxation, and by the end of class, students are ready to "settle into our corpse pose and melt."
Words of Wisdom, Points of Pride
What would you say to someone feeling nervous about trying yoga for the first time?
"You might not find your perfect class right away, but keep trying! It takes a few tries to find the class that fits your vibe." Taylor recommends bringing a friend along to make it a fun experience, and suggests starting with beginner classes or YouTube videos to build up your confidence.
Your top tip for someone preparing for their first class?
Her preparation advice is refreshingly simple: "Hydrate and be comfy! Yoga can put you in some fun poses and being comfy is a must!" She also suggests bringing a towel or blanket for anyone concerned about knee sensitivity during floor poses.
What makes you proud to be a Bad Girls Yoga instructor?
Initially being the only Bad Girls Yoga instructor in her area felt intimidating, but Taylor has experienced nothing but support since joining the community. "I am proud to be an instructor with Bad Girls Yoga because it gives me the chance to meet so many beautiful souls that love or are interested in yoga," she reflects, emphasizing the connections and relationships that make her work so fulfilling.
Join the Fun with Bad Girls Yoga!
Ready to experience Taylor's uplifting classes in the stunning Pigeon Forge area? Interested in our signature Namaste then Rosé classes? Whether you're planning a bachelorette weekend, girls' trip, or just want to try something new while visiting the Smokies, we'd love to help you create the perfect yoga experience. Fill out our form to get more info about booking a session with Taylor or any of our amazing Bad Girls Yoga instructors!
