Testimonials

I have been attending yoga classes at Samadhi Yoga Center for 2 years now. I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in bilateral knees. I had been prescribed Celebrex, an anti-inflammatory drug by my doctor. After a month of yoga classes, I was able to stop taking this medication as my pain had decreased. I have more flexibility in my joints. I have 30 years of experience as a registered nurse. The stress-reduction techniques I have learned from yoga have helped me handle the stress involved in my profession and to avoid “burnout” so common in my profession. The breathing techniques I have also been able to use with my patients to help them cope with their illness. Yoga has enhanced my quality of life.
Jo Ann Musto

After turning 60, I felt the need to find exercise that would keep me more flexible. That was my goal. Yoga has given me much more. I am amazed at my increased flexibility, but also I’ve received a healing of the spirit, an increased capacity in my breathing, and even weight loss. Thank You for the way you teach, guiding us, encouraging us, challenging us, recognizing our different levels of abilities. Yoga has become such an important part of my life and I look forward to each class.
Anita Carroll

I have health issues having been diagnosed with MS a few years ago. I believe that yoga has helped me maintain a certain level of functioning and even has helped me regain some of my lost balance. I have a very stressful job. I take yoga with me to work, it gives me a calming effect. Two things that are strong points are the balance improvement and stress reliever. Yoga helps along with changing my diet and loosing weight. Yoga has helped me so much with the MS and I have faith that it will continue to help me. I feel much better, I am a calmer and better person.
Jim Nicolai

I have had issues with my lower back, hip and shoulder for years. I have had therapy (several times) and literally lived on pain meds, trips to the chiropractor, and countless nights of sleeping on the floor. I recently took my brothers’ advice and decided I had nothing to lose by trying YOGA. After just a few sessions of YOGA I was amazed at the results! I have finally been able to sleep through the night for the first time in years! I have more energy, I am more flexible, and I am finally relatively pain free. Yoga has done more for me in 3 weeks than any therapy or exercise program I have ever had.
Joanne Scott

Yoga came to me at a time in my life when I was searching for answers. I was miserable with years of dieting, trying different exercise programs and with my inability to stick with anything. None of the exercise programs felt right for me. Three months prior to reaching 50 I looked in the mirror and I asked my self, “If not now when”. When would I finally quit dieting fads, when whould I take control of my own health. I thought of myself standing in front of the mirror at age 60 still saying, “Tomorrow I will begin a new diet, exercise program etc. I could not wait; the time was here and now. I signed up for a yoga class without realizing my life would change. I loved what yoga did for my wellbeing, as well as what it did for strengthening my body. Three years and 3 months later, I am 30 pounds lighter and stronger than when I was much younger. Yoga has enhanced my life and empowered me to become healthy. I continue to take responsibility for making positive changes that involve diet and relaxation as well as exercise. It is hard to explain in words what yoga does for the body as well as the soul. It is not a quick fix; it is a life style change that means I can expect a much better life as I age in number but not in spirit.
Mary Nicolai

In April of 2002, I was diagnosed with Osteoporsis. My gynecologist prescribed medication and suggested I begin regular weight bearing exercise. In July of 2003, I experienced moderate to severe posterior and bilateral thoracic pain. As a precaution, my family doctor took anterior and posterior x-rays. The diagnosis was compression fracture at T-6. Needless to say I was shocked. Physical and massage therapy helped release soft tissue and myofascial restrictions with a reduction of pain by approximately 50%. I could function at my job and at home by using correct body mechanics and daily stretching. I still felt that I could reduce my pain, increase my flexibility, increase my strength and do weight bearing exercises all with one major activity-YOGA. Since September of 2003 I have attended yoga classes at the Samadhi Yoga Center 2-3 times weekly. I have improvements in strength and flexibility. My pain levels in the thoracic region has decreased and the relaxation techniques incorporated into class has helped me during stressful times at work and at home. I plan to continue with yoga for the rest of my life and I’m sure my next bone density test will indicate improvement.
Cyndi Nickola PTA/COTA

I walked into Samadhi Yoga Center when I was four months pregnant and my obgyn suggested I cut back on my running and try other forms of exercise. I couldn't have found a more wonderful place to practice, learn and actually gain strength while preparing for labor. Denise and her staff are amazingly knowledgeable and supportive...and really helped me figure out poses that would benefit me and the baby as I grew. I was able to practice right until the last week before giving birth. I actually felt good enough to work full time until the day I delivered! And I believe my pregnancy was incredibly happy and healthy because of the mental and physical strength I gained at Samadhi Yoga Center. Yoga helped relieve my back pain, keep my stress level in check and really reflect on the incredible process my body was going through. When I gave birth - many of the breathing techniques I learned in intro to Ashtanga helped me get through it. My son, Fischer, is a very content, calm little boy. I believe a lot of that can be attributed to the fact that he's a yoga baby.
Angie Hendershot

I have tried almost every exercise and diet program, but I couldn't keep them up. None of the programs were something that I could live with for the rest of my life. I would always lose weight then gain it back plus some additional pounds. Since beginning yoga seven months ago I can already see a difference and feel a difference. It is not an instant solution, it is a day by day change. I didn't gat all my bad eating and exercising habits over night, so it isn't going to go away overnight, I no longer have to take medication for my arthritis. I have even incorporated yoga into my job. When things get too stressful, I just close my eyes and breath. It doesn't cure anything, but it defiantly gets me in the mindset to take one thing at a time. One breath - one movement.
Namaste' Jennifer Daly.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I came to Samadhi Yoga Center at my doctor's suggestion as a means of dealing with stress and learning relaxation after a serious illness. Little did I know all the benefits I would gain from practicing yoga. I have learned to use my breathing to deal with harmful stress caused by everything from dentist appointments to a rowdy classroom. Also, my blood pressure is much lower, and my bone density has improved. Yoga practice has helped me to strengthen my lower back so that I no longer need pain medication to get through the day. Equally important , I feel like I have found a yoga community of knowledgeable, caring teachers and friendly, kind fellow students.
Namaste
Carol Negri

I have had lower back pain for a few years, almost 2 years ago I started seeing a chiropractor. He gave me relief and I actually had less back pain. About 6 months into the treatment I began yoga with Denise. I am not in great physical shape and many of the poses I struggle with. But within a few months of attending yoga class I decided I no longer needed to see the chiropractor. My back is feeling good (although I can tell when I miss a yoga practice.) I still struggle with some of the poses, but overall it has been beneficial to me and my back.
Yvonne Makidon

I have only been practicing yoga for a few months but am amazed at the difference it has already made in my life. Prior to starting yoga, my blood pressure was 141/80, near the point of requirring medication. However, after only 2 months of attending yoga 1-2 times weekly, my blood pressure has fallen to 120/60 and I no longer was in danger of having to take medication to control it. I also credit yoga with helping me to enhance my focus and concentration, thereby improving my bowling handicap. I have already bowled 2 games over 200, including a 251-not only my highest score ever but the highest score in my league. Yoga practice has shown me the inner strength I never knew I had as well as providing important health benefits.
Anita Anderson

Last July I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer at age 46. I had a complete hysterectomy and six months of intensive chemotherapy. The treatment left me very weak from months of inactivity and the chemicals themselves. In January of 2008 I was done with the chemo and my scans have been clear since that time. My daughter gave me a 2-month membership to Samadhi Yoga Center as a gift. I started the classes in May; at that time I was having low back pain and hip joint pain. The yoga classes at Samadhi have helped me more than I can express. Denise and the rest of the staff are very knowledgeable and awesome. Within a couple of months the hip and joint pain were practically non-existent and I feel stronger and healthier than I have in several years. I now go to yoga mainly because I love the classes. I attend class three to four times a week but would go everyday if I could. I have never enjoyed any type of exercises previous to yoga and I would highly recommend Samadhi Yoga Center to anyone who just wants to feel good.

Sue Handyside

I can admit that after the 1st class, i became more cognizant of my posture-it is better as a result. I have become much more aware of my breath, i feel much more peace in and about myself. Yoga has strengthened me 1st in mind/soul, then body. I don't feel that i can live without yoga in my life now, i love the practice and ALWAYS feel better after class!
Although i suffer from bilateral shoulder ailments-torn joint lining of 1 shoulder & impingement syndrome of the other shoulder along w/missing meniscus in my left knee & also degenerative disc disease in my lumber spine, i don't let these stop my from trying whatever poses are brought up in class, i just do what i can or go into child's pose if things get too difficult, i do this because i know that ultimately while in class it is one of the best places i can escape to and give "myself" these benefits that i get from the yoga~the benefits of non-judgementalism from my instructors and fellow class attendees, and the accomplishment of just getting on my mat for that 1 hour whenever i do get there, and knowing i am becoming a stronger, better, more peaceful human being.
What yoga gives me is something that no other type of workout or dance class could ever give me-it's hard to explain, but then yoga is a very unique individualistic practice, especially when guided by awesome & inspiring individuals such as Denise and all of the instructors under her. I recommend anyone who hasn't ever tried it to "give it a try", and experience for yourself what yoga can do for you, you don't have anything to lose o r be afraid of but denying yourself the chance! Not trying it would be immensely cheating yourself from exploring a journey of going in to one's self and seeing what needs attention to & working on it--from the inside, nothing else i can think of forces us to do this, except for yoga...
Cindy Muirhead

Recently as I was leaving a particularly great Hatha class that Denise had taught, I stopped to thank her for what five years of Hatha class has done for me. I spoke of how my practice has changed during those years and has become more internal, and how many times I love one of those "ah-ha!" moments when "I get it", and understand my postures or breathing in a new way. It truly has improved my body, mind and most of all, my spirit. Thanks to all the wonderful instructors I see each week.
Ruth McLearn