I’m JJ Snellbaker—a wife, a mom of three grown boys, and a GiGi to two beautiful grandchildren. I found yoga later in life, in my 40s, while working with a running coach. He suggested yoga to help me learn to breathe better. It sounded strange at the time—breathing is something we do without thinking. But once I experienced conscious breathing, I was hooked after just one class.

In 2020, I lost my father to cancer. That’s when yoga became more than a physical practice—it became a lifeline. It gave my grief a place to go. My mat became a sanctuary of healing and presence.

Answering the Call to Serve

By 2021, I felt a deep desire to give back. I signed up for my first 200-hour yoga teacher training with Life Power through Life Time Athletic. From the very first day, I knew I had found my calling. I’ve always felt drawn to a life of service, and yoga became the perfect path.

From Teacher to Leader

After graduating, I began teaching at a small local gym and eventually joined the team at Life Time. Over the past two years, I’ve completed certifications in Yin, Chair, and Prenatal yoga, joined the faculty at Life Time, and completed my 300HR training. This fall, I’ll be facilitating my first 200HR teacher training—bringing my journey full circle.

Embracing Change with Grace

As my body has aged and changed, my practice has too. It doesn’t look the same as it did five years ago—and that’s okay. Challenges have become opportunities. Meeting myself where I am allows me to meet my students with compassion, patience, and an open heart.

Forever a Student

I believe in lifelong learning. I’m currently pursuing another 300HR training at my own pace and diving into adaptive yoga. Through my 300HR studies, I explored Dharma—right living—and discovered that teaching yoga is the truest expression of who I am.

Words to Live By

If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: Be patient. Ask lots of questions. Accept that you’ll never know it all, and that’s the beauty of it. Keep learning.

Or in the words of Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”