"Just wanted to drop you a note and congratulate you and Yoga Sport on the first four years! I've only been a yoga addict for about 9 months, 3 of which I had a broken foot. However, yoga has changed my life at a much needed point. The last few months at YogaSport have taken my yoga practice to another level. Thank you and the other instructors for all you do for me and the other students. I am truely grateful to have y'all in my life."
Sara F.G.
"Angela, Bootcamp was extraordinary. I loved it, loved your studio, and loved your teaching. You are contagious, you tell funny jokes and had excellent pacing and timing. You kept my attention without fail. It was just awesome. The whole thing. Many, many thanks for inviting us and welcoming my staff with such open arms."
Brooke H.
"Thank you so much for doing the bootcamp - it was amazing! It was such a great mental, physical and spiritual experience...much more than I was expecting! I was truly moved and inspired by the journaling/talking sessions. I think I will carry a lot of that with me for the rest of my life. I am so glad you did the bootcamp and I hope you do them again in the future!"
Stephanie G.
"Just a personal thank you for your awesome Bootcamp and Detox classes this past weekend. I'm rejuvenated and have a sense of motivation I needed to move forward with my goals. You are an inspiration to all of us."
Kelly M.
"Angela, I wanted to thank you for my experience at YogaSport. Yoga has completely transformed my life. I absolutely love it, and I have been strengthened by its renewing power and I think the light within yoga and within me is contagious!! All of that being said, on a whim, I signed up for teacher training in Hawaii. I feel very committed to this, but also quite intimidated and nervous. I moved to Austin two weeks ago, and, and I don’t know who to ask my teacher training questions to. I've been accepted into this program, and really feel inspired by the way that yoga works in your life. I love that you have committed your life to this. I really feel that I will regret it if I don't take this leap of faith. Although I'm nervous about the experience, I continue to find strength because I know that yoga is not about competition or performance but about being fully present. So if anything, this will strengthen my own practice. Right? I can't wait to come back to Dallas and visit the studio. I am going to email Ashlie as well, because I am inspired by both of you."
Anne S.
"Angela, I just needed to tell you that I just love being a member of YogaSport. I have practiced yoga off and on for several years and I’ve always hated Downward Dog. Always! The only reason I did is because the next day my shoulders would kill me! I would have so much built up tension from the pose that I would get discouraged and not do it any more for months. But here’s the thing, I’ve never had an instructor say “relax your face and shoulders.” You said that during my first class with you. Since then, I always remember to do that and my shoulders don’t hurt and ache the next day like they did in the past! In fact my upper body strength has improved tremendously. I still struggle with the balance poses but I am going to get it. In fact, I work on them at home and I know one day it will get better. I also love your opening remarks and comments during the class…it is so uplifting! You seem to always say what I need to hear on any given day. I thank you so much for that!"
Tina L.
"Angela, tonight one of my best friends finally came to Yoga with me and she really likes it. She has listened to me talk about your studio for over a year now. I have gained so much (and lost a bit) from the 40 day yoga program. Samantha has been an inspiring and honest leader. I feel a whole new connection now that I know some others by name and not just by face. Thank you for being there for all of us."
Barbara M.
"Angela, I am really enjoying the Teacher Assistant Program (TAP). There is so much to think about and remember, and I need lots of practice, but I very much appreciate the opportunity to learn. Thanks for the good instruction."
Donna B.
"Angela, I just wanted to send you a note. I think we all deserve to hear good things and I wanted to tell you that the last month has felt so amazing being back in yoga with you guys. I just feel like a different person and in such a better place physically and I’ve said before…your studio is quite different and really enables that for everyone. So thank you!"
Dianna M.
"Angela, I just read your January column and felt compelled to share this with you. During the month of November I participated in an event called National Novel Writing Month, or more commonly referred to as NaNoWriMo. It's an annual event that challenges participants during the month of November to write a 50,000 word novel from scratch. It's basically a marathon for writing. I participated for the first time this year and was one of the lucky (and very sleep deprived) winners. I've been meaning to tell you this for a while because I honestly feel that my yoga practice is the reason I even signed up. I can't accurately convey how it has changed my mindset about what is, and isn't possible. (Some writer I am, eh?)
At the end of December we all got an e-mail from the NaNo team about this thing called the "Big, Fun, Scary Adventure Challenge". I have attached his e-mail below as it describes the challenge better than I could do myself, but in a nutshell it's exactly what you were talking about: making a list of fears, goals, challenges you want to meet in '08 and putting it out there. The NaNo support team is amazing and I owe the forum boards there my title. Without their support I wouldn't have had the stamina to push through the tough days, and without your guidance I never would have found the courage to think beyond my comfort zone. I'm so grateful because I have found something that fills my life with a joy I've never experienced or knew was possible. I hope that the link and the boards can be shared with anyone at Yoga Sport who is looking for reference material or support for their own Big, Fun, Scary goals." Visit the forum here.
Kristin S.
"I just returned home from my wonderful workout. Thank you for being here. As I drove home, (40 min, great time to meditate), I realized that even though my thoughts range from "Boy it is really hot in the studio today." to "I am so glad I could reach some of the poses today," I come home and realize that by stretching myself and reaching beyond what I think I can do, I am indeed "finding my Dallas" (refer to Angela's Column April 07) I have lived here for 33 years and just since I began this yoga practice do I truly feel excited to drive that 40 miles each day to enrich not only my body but truly feed my soul!! Thank you for being such a great inspiration and fabulous teacher!!"
Jaynie L.
"Hi Angela: I wanted to write you and let you know how fantastic the new website looks. I'm really proud to be part of your studio, and really appreciate all of the hard work that you have put into it and into developing your students. I've been awfully busy the past couple of months, but came into class on Sunday with Katrina. I felt so relaxed and rejuvenated, and I was actually ready to go back to work this week. Thank you for all you have done."
Cynthia W.
"I've been meaning to tell you for sometime - but I really appreciate your words of encouragement and the food for thought you give during your classes. They are always so uplifting and so appropriate for the day I am having! It helps to put things in perspective after a loooooong day at work - so thank you! I've really enjoyed the classes and am so happy I found out about YogaSport."
Gina T.
"The lessons I have learned (in the 40 Days to Personal Revolution Program) have been revolutionary! I really feel like the program toned everything in my life: my body, my spirit, my relationships, my job. I learned to recognize my own needs, accept them, and take care of them. I learned to be more present in everything I do. This means I can actually finish a project without interrupting myself, get out of my head when I'm telling myself all these excuses about why I don't want to do something and either just do it or decide it's better not to, listen to the families I work with without thinking about the 10 other things I need to get done, truly focus on my 5 year old niece when we are playing together, and meditate. I learned how to balance nutrition even more in my life and recognize when and why I'm eating certain foods and to stop when I'm full. I made friends through the journey and learned that even on those days that I wasn't able to follow through with my commitment, there was still support there and to not beat myself up about it. This program not only gave me a great sense of accomplishment, it gave me a different way to live. I have been so grateful for the experience. Thank-you again Angela for your commitment to it!"
Mandy E.
"It's amazing....I've come to many revelations and there is a new calmness in me that wasn't there before. The Spring into Summer Sampu Challenge has brought my practice to a whole new level, not just physically which is a great side effect but, soul-fully as well. I say soul-fully because this new peace is so deep and calm that it can only come from a renewed soul. It's meditative and invigorating at the same time. This was probably the best thing to happen to me in my 3 1/2 years of practice! So, in essence, I just wanted to say thanks! Thanks for being a great leader in practice, a great friend in life and a great person!"
Christina E.
"I knew by the time my wedding day arrived, I would be ready for a relaxing morning with my favorite ladies. So on Saturday, May 19, - just nine hours before I said "I do," - Our YS instructor led 25 of my best friends, aunts, my sister, my mom and my 80-year-old grandmother in an hour of restorative yoga. Never mind that most of them had never taken a yoga class before! We had planned on an outdoor session, but a few sprinkles scared us inside to the Rotunda where the reception would take place later that evening. It was such an amazing, peaceful experience, looking around the room at all of my girls, thinking about the beautiful, life-changing day that was ahead of me! She helped put me in a great state-of-mind, and sent my guests home with a very special memory. (I sent them all home with lavender scented eye pillows that I made myself!)"
Jessica N.
"Last night during tennis a friend of mine asked if I got a new wedding band. I chuckled because this was the second time in two weeks I had been asked that question by a friend from tennis. "No," I replied "same simple ring."
Later in the evening, during my ritualistic bath-time, I noticed my ring finger. I looked so proud, yet relaxed and calm.
"Y Yoga?" you ask, Because I was hoping that my spinal posture would get better. I did not realize that a body part as small as my finger would gain posture too! I love this practice!"
Crystal G.
"I'm really looking forward to making regular practice a part of my life. I can't believe how much stronger I have gotten just from the beginner series. I've never had so much upper body strength. Well, I've really never had ANY upper body strength!! It's the beginning of a continuous process, and it's still immensely challenging for me, but it's so remarkable to see how much stronger and calmer I feel already! Sometimes I find myself standing with much better posture (instead of so hunched over as usual) without even thinking about it!! My friend even commented on it. Also, I've been getting regular massages since last fall due to some upper back/neck pain (probably from hunching over), and hadn't been for one since before the beginner course. My massage therapist said she was amazed at how much looser my back and neck muscles were. I'm so glad to be on a path to making my body more solid and relaxed. What a relief!
I also like the philosophical ideas you talk about during class and closing. It helps even more with the body-mind connection and helps translate the "being" from practice into life. This is so helpful to me. Thanks for putting together a great environment for learning and growth."
Jen S.
"Angela, thank you for making me feel so welcome at YogaSport. Your class as well as Kory's was fun and challenging. Your studio is incredible--it is a great space. I also found your other students to be friendly and welcoming as well. That to me is a testament to your philosophy of acceptance. I have visited other places (some in Oklahoma) where I did not feel the warmth I felt at YogaSport. Thank you for allowing me to practice with you. I hope to come visit again and take another class or two. Who knows, I might even convince some of Ted's other students to take a "field trip" to your place! Thanks again."
Chris A.
"Angela, I can't even tell you how much my body has changed in a year and a half even though I probably look and weigh exactly the same. It's all that connective tissue and fascia that gets lengthened. Genetically I've always had the ability to be flexible but I did not know it until yoga. In my beginner series, my hamstrings were so tight I couldn't touch my toes and doing the splits was just a pipe dream. I know twenty years from now I'll look back and still be thanking you, and appreciating that special place you've created for transforming my life. Yoga has become very special to me. A million thanks."
M.J.
"I had a great experience following the 40 Days to Personal Revolution plan. After spending the last 30+ years being accountable to everyone else (parents, teachers, employers, etc.) it was enlightening to be accountable to myself for a change. I lost more than 10 pounds and I’m more committed to my yoga practice than ever. If you’re looking for a way to change your life for the better, you need to try this program. Trust me when I say the 40 days is just the start. This will impact you forever."
Lisa G.
"The structure of the 40 Days program helped me to focus on different aspects of my life so that I could make positive and lasting change. The yoga helped me gain strength and concentration and the meditation helped me take a more introspective look at my self. The program can change how you live your life."
Renee A.
"I just wanted to let you know that your inversion workshop really helped me. I'm so excited - I did 2 supported headstands last night in class (NOT at the wall) - held them both a while & came down (somewhat) controlled. That's the 1st time (other than the workshop & at home) I've attempted away from the wall. I thought the 1st one was a fluke but I did it again! I was kinda shocked. Practicing falling at the workshop helped me get past the fear. I still can hardly believe I did it! Not too long ago I thought I would NEVER be able to do headstand without the wall. So, thank you!"
Jen W.
"I wanted to send a short note to say thanks. ...the Budokon workshop was an amazing experience. You did everything in your power to make me feel comfortable and I came away feeling like I belonged and quite possibly (with time and practice) the moves you taught were something I could do. I've never been in a class with your energy and passion or had anyone explain and teach like you. So, I'm going to continue with the dvd and maybe we'll see improvement at the next workshop."
R.W.
"It is amazing to me how much I look forward to yoga while at work. It keeps me going! Thank you for your constant encouragement. I never knew how much of a difference yoga would make in how I feel each and every day! It has been exciting to see even the smallest of changes in my self and my practice. I can't wait for the improvement I feel to show."
Katie B.
"Great class last night! I left so sweaty and feeling so good. I have figured out why I like your classes so much. You provide a great balance of spiritual/philosophical motivation and real-world humor and honesty. I love it."
Andy D.
"Angela, I had an awesome time in Dallas. Everyone at Yogasport was super friendly, what a nice space! Thanks again for hosting a spectacular program!!!!!"
Jason M.
"Hi Angela: Budokon was a great workshop. You, your Mom and Paige all made me feel very comfortable and welcome. Great studio, staff and environment."
Lisa K.
"Thank you Angela for bringing Budokon to us. What a treat and what an enlightening experience it was. It says a lot about you and your "community" that you felt compelled and open to bring something new to the "mat" so to speak:)
Your classes have been so wonderful for me and I truly find your instruction inspiring and challenging and the positive impact it has recently made on my life has been very refreshing. I can't lie, Cameron convinced me with his statement that it's absolutely ridiculous that someone would find yoga boring because that actually used to be a more closed-minded me. Thanks to my sister and her perseverance on my health and workaholic routine and of course YogaSport (NOT to sound like an advertisement), I'm truly beginning to get into a "practice."
Have a fabulous day and thanks for all the extra work you put into making YogaSport much more than just any yoga studio. I know for my sister and I it has become such an important part of our lives."
Jessica C.
"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the Budokon workshop this weekend. I loved the energy at your studio. I would love to know when you starting teaching Budokon. Cameron was very dynamic and I loved his practice. I picked up one of your schedules and plan to try and make down there from McKinney for some of your weekend classes. I will definitely be signing up for the March "flying" workshop."
Heather M.
"My understanding of yoga was always as a form of meditation that focuses on the oneness of the mind and the body through movement. As a graduate student stress is a constant companion and this idea intrigued me as a way to deal with that. In addition to relieving stress, I also wanted to become more fit and healthier overall. I tried a couple of classes at YogaSport and enjoyed them, but I was unable to make a commitment. A couple of months later I received the newsletter announcing a new Beginner Series that would be two nights a week for four weeks. I decided to try to make the commitment again. The beginner series offered me the opportunity to learn the basic poses in a very welcoming environment. Sharon was an excellent teacher very patient and supportive of every student in the class. The other students in the class were also very supportive of each other throughout the series. This experience helped me to begin a regular practice by giving me confidence in the basic poses and also in showing me that I could make the time commitment that was necessary. In the regular classes, I have enjoyed the open and welcoming atmosphere that Angela and the instructors in the studio have created, and the other students in the classes continue to be supportive and welcoming as well."
Jennifer T.
"Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the Wednesday night class. One reason I love night classes is that my mind calms down a lot (the 6am classes I start out with a blank slate, but by the time we get to half pigeon I struggle to keep my mind from the rest of the day). I also love the atmosphere--I feel like there is no competing or embarrassment at all, just a mutual respect for everyone. And it is exciting to see just how much my body can do. For example, class this week, I was so warm and malleable I felt like I could do anything and feel great. And I have to tell you the first class, when we were going so fast through the flow, I really did get completely out of my head and it felt so amazing. It was an "out of body" experience to be so disconnected from my head, in a good way. It makes me better understand the word "submissive" because my mind is submitting to what my body and muscles can do, without letting "my will" get in the way. It is a good reminder for me that yoga lessons really do apply off the mat and enhance my Christian life as well. Thanks for all your hard work."
Carrie H.
"I enjoyed a much needed stress-relieving home practice last night. It ended up being about an hour. I did some ab work with my exercise ball too. I can’t tell you how surprised I was at how energizing a home practice could be! I guess part of it too was just being quiet and doing what *I* needed to do. Also, a big part…your encouragement. Thanks!"
L.R.
"Angela, Brandon & Sharon, Just wanted to say "thanks" for your great instruction and encouragement. In the 6 weeks I've been working with you I have seen improvement. Tonight, during Brandon's class, I was able to get to Crow for the first time. I didn't hold it for long but I did get there. When I started I wasn't even able to touch my toes, but now my formerly inactive muscles are waking up. My weight and blood pressure are coming down; I have more clarity of thought. It really is a lifelong pursuit and I am happy that you have helped me in my first "baby" steps on the journey."
Lee S.
"Sharon has done a great job with our Beginner Series classes. I always look forward to going to class and she has gotten me really excited about continuing my yoga practice after the series is finished. She seems truly interested in each one of us in the class (she learned our names on the very first day!), and makes an effort to give each of us the individual attention we need as we are learning the poses."
Holly H.
“I really enjoyed the 40 Days Program. I actually look forward to doing it again later to see what else will come from it. My yoga practice feels stronger, and my poses are improving, as I learn to better understand my space and my body on the mat. In addition, I am committed to continuing my meditation practice. The nutrition aspect of the program addressed why I eat what I eat and taught me how to make better choices for my body, spirit, and mind. If I got one thing out of the 40 days, besides weight loss, it was truly committing to being me."
Lisa J.
"I just wanted to say I think your class is great and I look forward to it every week. I come out of there feeling like I just went on vacation."
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Jackie V.
"Just wanted to say great to meet you and let you know how much I enjoyed the class last night. Sharon is fantastic and clearly dedicated to helping new students by being patient, unassuming, and inspiring!"
Brian B.
"I would like to attribute a lot to yoga concerning my lack of injury as I continue to train for marathons. Like many runners, I find that constant contraction causes my muscles to become inflexible and tight. If it weren’t for Angela’s yoga classes, I truly believe I would have a number of pulled muscles and ligament tears. My hamstrings, Achilles, shins and lower back rarely hurt these days. In addition, I have improved my marathon time from a 4:40 to 4:11, which I directly attribute to my increased flexibility, speed and stride. I consistently go to Angela’s power yoga classes and see improvement each and every time I go."
Alisa L.
10 time marathon runner and still going
"I really enjoyed the (multi-level) class Thursday night and will definitely be back. I think I'll be going on Tuesday and Thursday to that class and Mon, Wed, Sat for the beginner level classes. I've been going to the gym regularly for years now and have never gotten near the satisfaction as I get in your yoga classes. I can't begin to put into words how good it makes me feel. I am so glad to have found (YogaSport) too. :) Thanks for making me (and C.K.) feel so comfortable."
Jamie W.
"I've been working out for years but was a newcomer to yoga the first time I took Angela's class. I found that her workout challenged my body while focusing my mind in a way that other fitness classes never did. By the end, I felt I'd been on an emotional journey that brought me a new mental clarity. Every muscle in my body felt strong, stretched and energized."
Diana W.
"Since beginning power yoga classes with Angela Barrese, I have definitely improved my flexibility and core strength, with the end result being 20 extra yards on my tee shots and improved consistency with all parts of my game. Plus, by relaxing through proper breathing, I can control my emotions late in the round when scoring sometimes falters with tension. I would definitely recommend the practice of power yoga for anyone who wants to improve their performance on the golf course and feel better about their bodies."
Jody B.
Former Golf Professional
"As a marketing professional in business for myself and an ardent ice skater, I have diverse fitness needs that, until I began training with Angela nearly 2 years ago, were simply not being addressed in other coaching venues.
Angela dovetails her knowledge of current athletic training systems with venerable yoga techniques. With this unique background, coupled with her intuitive approach and persistence, she designed the ultimate training schedule for me.
Angela’s personal fitness program hones my flexibility and zeros-in on specific strength training to enhance my athletic pursuits, along with all-around conditioning to enhance my physical image and manage the daily stress of business. Without a doubt, she has made a definitive impact on my overall physical health and mental acuity."
Sharon S.
"A year after ending my running routine and gaining 50 pounds I decided to take yoga as a means to getting into shape so I could start running again. I thought the stretching would be good, but I never considered yoga in itself as a way to gain and maintain fitness, strength, and well-being. At the time I started going to Angela Barrese's classes I had no real idea of the benefits of developing a practice.
Before I gave yoga a try my mind was closed and I had some misconceived notions about yoga. Real men don't do yoga. Yoga won't provide a tough workout. Yoga is totally touchy-feely.
I was wrong.
Power vinyasa yoga provides a holistic workout of strengthening, balance, stretching, coordination, aerobic conditioning, and mental focus. I feel and see the tangible benefits from working the whole body together and not just isolating muscle groups. (When was the last time you did something using just one set of muscles?) I played rugby at college, and I worked out long and hard. Had I practiced yoga then, I would have been stronger, quicker, faster, and more flexible.
Angela’s dynamic teaching style makes yoga easy to enjoy and have fun. She is more than just an exercise leader. She has shown me the tools to find within myself the ability to discover my own path towards physical and mental fitness. She pushes me when I need to be pushed. She knows when to let me struggle with where I am. Although I know she is working with the entire class, it sometimes seems to me that she is talking directly to me.
Angela has the rare ability to teach to students at different levels in the same class. When I started yoga I had no idea about positions, breathing, mental focus, body alignment, nomenclature, or the many other elements that comprise practice. My first class had beginner, more advanced students, and fish-out-of-water me. She made me feel that the confusion and embarrassment I was experiencing was temporary. During every phase of the class Angela explained what we were doing and how to do it at the appropriate experience or fitness level. My interest in yoga was nurtured because Angela showed and told me how to participate more fully at my level of experience in the program she was directing.
The beauty of Angela’s classes is that no two classes are the same. The routine of move sequences varies. Some days I have more energy and can do more than other days. On those days when my body can’t perform as I’d I like, class is probably more beneficial to me because I am in a learning environment that allows me to find a way to get into the groove and finish the task set before me.
The benefits of a yoga practice are numerous. I am attaining the physical goals of greater fitness and weight loss I have set for myself. Through intense focused awareness required of “meditation in motion” and mind-over-body stretching sequences I am developing the ability to quiet my mind. My energy levels are higher than ever before. I have learned to be conscious of my body not only when I am practicing yoga but also when I am doing routine tasks that once put my body out of alignment or caused me stress. I crave the endorphin rush I get from my body and mind being tested, pushed, and taken to its limits. As a bonus, now I am able to run more efficiently than I had before yoga."
Chris H.
"Before starting yoga I was feeling pretty stressed and had no tools to properly let it go, instead I'd keep it bottled up forcing myself to repeat the cycle. Since Angela introduced me to power yoga, I've found many ways to not only let my frustrations go in a more productive way but also to change the way I react to stressful situations: And with 3 kids it's been a real gift. Now when my kids make a huge mess or break something I just breathe and try to find the humor in the situation.
Angela is a great teacher and can get you deeper into a pose without using harsh adjustments. She has a caring, gentle touch and it's a great joy to be taught by someone with such a love of yoga. And over the last year of classes with Angela, I've come to regain a lot of my former flexibility as well as finding strength on the inside and outside of my body. Love ya Angela. Thanks for the great classes."
Christina P.