Testimonials

Quick summary of why and how I came to find Laurel. Over the last two years, I lost more than 100 pounds, but was not satisfied with where my running ability progressed to. I spent a lot of time and money with physical and sports therapists, and kept having injuries and setbacks. A coworker of mine recommended yoga as an alternative. I first considered yoga to be not tough enough to improve my physical expectations or help me as a runner. I took a chance and sought out Laurel at the yoga for runner’s class at Aardvark; after one yoga session with her, I can honestly say I was wrong.
 
Yoga and Laurel have had such a positive impact on me; I can’t believe the changes I have seen in my life. Physically I’m stronger, faster and more flexible now. I finished my first half marathon at runner’s world in Bethlehem in October 2014. The most positive change is one I did not see coming, and that is from the mental positives yoga has given me. I used to be a very type “A” person, needing a goal, needing a victory, a win per say. Laurel has opened my eyes to be happy with where I am;  I don’t always need to win, victory isn’t about winning all the time or recording the best time in anything, sometimes it’s about the journey. I find more enjoyment in everything I do, when I concentrate on experiences and not end points.
 
Laurel was the perfect person to start me on this journey not just through yoga but a lot more. Her expertise allows her to judge how far to push me and when not too. She makes me believe I’m more capable than I ever thought. Through her help, guidance, and encouragement I can honestly say I’m not just a more physically fit person, I’m a better person all around. I feel privileged that Laurel was my first yoga teacher;  I respect her zest for life, and now not only consider her my yoga teacher but someone whose opinion I value and a friend.

Laurel’s classes are innovative and thoughtful. Every class flows well as she guides you through a sequence that is challenging yet accessible. I have attempted poses that I always felt very intimidated by, but she was able to provide instructions that made me feel safe to try. If you want to advance your practice safely and mindfully, Laurel is a great teacher to practice with.

Laurel has a passion for personally touching the life of every student that attends a class. As a runner, she has showed me not only how to improve my fitness, coordination, and balance, but also how to prevent injury. I used to think getting stronger was doing crunches, pushups, and other mundane exercises. Through Laurel’s classes, I find pure enjoyment in strength training my body and soul! Namaste!!! 

First and foremost, when you go to Laurel’s classes, she’s there waiting for you. Not a substitute! Her classes are fun and challenging. I can always count on Laurel finding yet another muscle I’ve forgotten to use! Love her workouts!

We utilized Laurel for the Men’s Soccer team last fall to assist our student-athletes during recovery and regeneration days.  As well, we were committed to increasing our S-A’s flexibility and decreasing injuries as a result of incorporating Yoga into our training regime.  Laurel did an outstanding job of not only assisting our S-A’s in understanding and appreciating Yoga and its’ benefits, but she was equally as effective in relating to them.
Dean Koski, 
Lehigh University Men’s Soccer Coach