Bhava Yoga Center

On Wed, Mar 2, 2016 at 9:32 AM, Heidi Short
wrote:
After much thought and some fear and hesitation I sent the following email. This is it in it’s entirety.
The subject line — Private class
I am a 250lb woman with many aches and pains and have trouble getting up or down from the floor. What would you recommend? Also on a limited budget. Thanks
Sent from my iPad
And sadly, this is what I got in return — in it’s entirely.
From: bhava yoga
Date: March 2, 2016 at 11:13:10 AM EST
To: Heidi Short
Subject: Re: Private class
hi heidi,
honestly, i’d recommend reducing caloric intake and increasing
activity. walking should be enough, and walking is free… once you
take off some weight, and you will, yoga asana would be way safer,
likelier to become a habit.
also, green mountain fitness has some classes specifically for
overweight people, and sarah dandelions is running some classes
out of her house that are much the same. i’d be happy to put you
in touch with her if you like.
otherwise, any beginners class on the schedule should be fine for
you, and we offer a 30 day for $ 30 deal for beginners, it doesn’t
get any cheaper than that.
if i can be of any further help, let me know,
thank,
peter

A major component in a yoga studio for me is the atmosphere. And this one does not disappoint. There are beautiful hardwood floors and calming lavender walls. The best part is that one side of the building adjoins a tiny alley where pigeons roost. I love watching them while I’m in my poses.
I did hurt my back pretty bad in one class and was barely able to walk to my car, but not really sure if that was my fault or my teacher’s.

I am writing this review as I literally write Peter a letter thanking him for such a fantastic class. Exactly what my tense, stressed-​out self needed. He’s really gently encouraging, kind, and yet the class is challenging physically. His explanations are straightforward and pacing is just right.
I tend to be someone who either wants to exercise (boot camp, body pump, boxing) or meditate (sit on a cushion), but this class actually combined the two well. I did not realize that was possible. I also like that the class was a full two hours. I also felt that I learned a lot, despite having done yoga fairly regularly for over a year now. I feel so grateful for this experience.
Practical information: The studio itself is simple, no-​nonsense, and decorated nicely. I really appreciated that. The costs are reasonable and schedule accommodating. There’s parking nearby, as well as a lot to do.
Their logo has a cat… quirky! I like :)

I’m totally baffled by the 1-​star review by Maddie L. The studio is light and airy and doesn’t smell like anything (not even candles or incense, thank heaven!). I bring my own mat but use the supplied blankets and have never had a problem with them, and I am *very* fussy about smells.
Peter’s classes are fantastic. I don’t know how he does it, but the classes are quite challenging when I’m at the top of my yoga game but also nurturing enough for times when I’m not at my strongest. He encourages us to take breaks as needed and praises us when we lose balance, because that means we’re trying.
For the record, I am not one of those perfect yoginis. I have very tight hips and hamstrings and mediocre balance. My poses will never be photographed for a yoga calendar!
The vinyasa classes are strenuous but sweet, and even though they’re hard I hardly ever wish I were somewhere else (i.e. home on my sofa).
Highly recommended.

I think Peter is a great yoga teacher. His classes are intense — not for beginners. The other people in the class are usually very experienced in yoga (or acrobatics) and it’s amazing what they can do. This has challenged me to push harder in my yoga. After one of Peter’s classes it’s amazing how good I feel — my body feels strong and in alignment, and my mind is at rest.

Peter leads one of the most challenging and tender hearted yoga classes I have ever taken. It is no BS but you will leave wrung out, worked out, stretched out, and loved. Not for the complacent.