Yoga Instruction
 

Off the beaten track and set back from the wild and crazy energy of this city, sits “Transform.” A treehouse of a studio on Oak Street in Uptown where you drop your worries in the foyer as you step into its tranquil space. Over the past several months I have had the privilege of practicing yoga with its creator, Mia. I have grown stronger and longer, my endurance has increased and my practice deepened. My sessions with Mia have helped me manage the stress and uncertainty of life in todayʼs world. More than a yoga teacher, Mia is a certified fitness instructor and a life coach. She brings those aspects to her teaching and lives by the precept that by helping yourself you help others. I strive to live by the words that conclude each and every one of her sessions:
"May your mind think good thoughts.
May your mouth speak kind words.
May your heart be filled with love.
Namaste."
-- Helen H., New Orleans

Yoga came into my life when I was in my mid-60s. I wasn’t sure I could get my stiff muscles limber again, but yoga and Mia have really helped. – Sue G.

I am a senior citizen who has been taking gentle yoga with Mia for over eighteen months. I suffer from arthritis in the lower back, shoulders, and knees and was existing on a daily dose of arthritis cream and pain pills. Thanks to Mia’s patience and her understanding of her craft, I am now in the best health I have been in years. I am no longer dependent on creams and pain pills and how have freedom of movement and mobility without pain. Mia has the ability to work with, and inspire, all age groups and sexes. Mia is a highly motivated and knowledgeable yoga instructor who also happens to be a great communicator and a very compassionate human being. If you get the chance to take a course with Mia, do not miss the opportunity! – Ian S.

In May 2005, I was in two car accidents ten days apart. I developed neck and back pains and took pain medication which helped for a while. Then, two years later, the pain became so severe that I couldn’t lift my left arm. I went to a chiropractor who said my pain was related to incorrect posture and suggested a treatment program over a period of three months. I agreed with the chiropractor that my posture needed to improve and I thought yoga would be best. So I started taking the gentle yoga and Pilates classes. After one year, all of my pain was gone. The process was really slow and gentle. I didn’t even notice when the pain disappeared. Also my energy improved – I can do many more things than before. My spirit went up too. – Yoenmi Y.

I have taken gentle yoga for a year and my balance and dexterity have improved one hundred percent. I contribute a great deal of this improvement to the programs Mia developed for my age group. Also the care she gives each and every one of her students. – Myra R.

Because of Mia’s Pilates and yoga classes, my osteoporosis and arthritis have improved and I am more flexible. – Rosemarie

I discovered Mia’s gentle yoga class in May 2007 while I was nursing a torn meniscus as a result of playing competitive tennis for many years. Mia continuously said to listen to your body, work at your own pace and you will begin to see results in maybe a month, maybe a year, etc. At first, my balance was very poor, and my movements awkward. I have continued to attend the class faithfully twice weekly and I have seen good results. I have been able to avoid knee replacement and my entire being is feeling good. My balance is greatly improved and I have become very much in tune to the flow of the class. Mia’s “rhythm” is so on target, not slow or fast, and the flow of the class is very relaxing and meditative for both body and mind. Mia has great yoga insight and varies the movements with each class so that different parts of the body benefit. It is amazing how we stretch so many different areas of the body, from our fingers to our toes! I highly recommend Mia’s yoga class. Her gentle nature and her dedication are perfectly suited to the teaching of yoga. – Roseanne, age 74

In your class, we found a nice balance between mind and body. Although it was primarily for body stretching, strengthening and “de-creaking,” you also created an atmosphere of relaxed friendliness and peaceful quiet which had a de-stressing influence as well! I will compliment you on your ability to “read” your class so you were always aware of how hard to push us and when to back off. You provided an atmosphere in which each of us worked to our own potential, allowing for different levels of difficulty in the moves, so there was no feeling of competition of inadequacy. There is no better evidence of this than the range of ages and abilities found in your class. Most of us feel that your class is so important to us that we try to be regular attendees and you can see by the increase in numbers that the “word” has gotten out! We love you Mia!! – Louise B.

I have been a yoga student for the past eight years. Of those years, three have been spent in Mia’s classes. I am proud to call her my teacher. I have never heard a harsh word spoken of her as a person or instructor. She possesses such a strong spirit for what she teaches. She is both inspiring and challenging to her students of all ages and genders. Her encouragement has led me to levels I never thought I could attain.  Mia’s knowledge and on-going educational training has made her a true professional in my eyes and in the eyes of so many other yoga students that I know. My hope is to never lose her as my teacher. I always leave her classes inspired, relaxed and well informed of what I have done for my mind and body. – Mary D.

I have nothing but praise for the gentle yoga class taught by Mia. Her soft voice and demeanor is calm and relaxing. You are in command of your own body and are reminded at the start of the class to listen to your body. Each participant is allowed to stretch, balance, flex or reach at their own level. Her commands are easy to understand and follow, as Mia does the exercises with us. Although the class consists mostly of females, there are a few gentlemen who are regulars and seem to enjoy the class. Mia never embarrasses you, but allows you to follow her to the best of your ability. In a few months, your body can do stretches, etc. that were not possible before you started gentle yoga. The class is popular and always well attended. I would recommend Mia and her class to all. She is an excellent teacher. – Ora G.

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Mia has been my personal trainer for more than three years. She focuses on my specific needs and has helped me gain strength and agility and fight osteoporosis. – Sue G.

Mia keeps the workout routines fresh and not boring. I work harder with a trainer than I would ever by myself. Since working with Mia, my blood pressure and cholesterol are down and all my blood work is is the normal range. Mia is able to adapt my workouts to my personal needs. If my knees are acting up, we can modify the workout and still have a good training session. When I started working with Mia, I had a recurring shoulder problem. By focusing on strengthening my shoulder muscles and core, the problem has not reoccurred. My golf game has improved and is more consistent with the core strengthening, balance and flexibility work Mia has provided. I always feel better after a good workout with Mia. – Nancy C.