Sanaa Jaman aka Ladydork

Sanaa Jaman aka Ladydork, is certainly a versatile lady. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and is on a tour following her passion as a yoga instructor, spreading her practice far and wide. Sanaa has attracted the attention of aspiring yogis all over, with an instagram following of over 70k. What I love most about Sanaa's practice, aside from her incredible flexibility and mastery of inversions, is that she invites women to celebrate their bodies. She presents routines that encourage women to keep their curves and to strive to be fit, strong and healthy. It's absolutely refreshing, especially with the long limbed waif like bodies some strive for, which may never be achieved. It's important to embrace and love our bodies for all that they are. Sanaa admits she worked hard to attain the current level of her yoga practice and influences others to work hard to achieve their goals. She's clearly no stranger to hard work... please enjoy. 

AD: Please explain who you are and what you do.
SJ: I am Sanaa Jaman, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. I am currently pursuing my passion in teaching Yoga.

AD: Where are you from originally? 
SJ: I am originally from Kuwait. Born and raised for 17 years.
 
AD: Where did your motivation to pursue your passion originate? What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get where you are today?
SJ: My passion for yoga started when my friend showed me an IG yoga challenge and I was amused with the poses. I didn’t have a clear understanding of what yoga was so I was intrigued with it. I practiced for a whole year and then enrolled myself into teacher training. After deepening my knowledge for yoga from teacher training, I decided that this is what I want to do. I have seen how it changed me physically, mentally and emotionally and I want to give people those same benefits through teaching.

AD: What is a typical day like for you? 
SJ: This is an interesting question because I am not a fan of routine, my days tend to be different. But, all my days have something to do with yoga. Whether, I’m practicing or teaching. 

AD: Who's your favorite artist, musician or fitness professional? 
SJ: My favorite artist is The Weeknd.

AD: What was your largest life lesson?
SJ: To live in the present. I have realized that I spent most days dwelling on the past or planning for the future and not enjoying life as it comes. Once I made the decision to live in the present, my life has became so much more beautiful. I am less stressed and much happier.

AD: What’s your typical fitness routine?
SJ: Again, I don’t like routine so you won't catch me doing the same things. But I love working on my core, abs and legs. Any workouts that help with those areas, I am willing to try.

AD: What are your daily beauty rituals?
SJ: I don’t think I have any besides showering every day (haha). Maybe I need to start some.

AD: What's a go to place in your area? 
SJ: If you’re in the Gainesville, FL area, make sure you stop by civilization and botanical garden.

AD: Who inspires you more than anyone else in this world? 
SJ: My mother. By far the smartest and strongest person I know. I am a pure reflection of her.

AD: How do versatile pieces make your life easier? 
SJ: Because they save time and your pockets. :)

AD: Are there any words of wisdom you'd like to leave with us?
SJ: Choose to be happy. Many people don’t realize that happiness is their choice. You make the decision to what controls your mood and what doesn’t. Accept the good and the bad that comes along with it. You decide how to react to both. It’s all about balance. Life is beautiful; enjoy it as it comes.