Testimonials

“Mike is an excellent instructor, very patient, moving each student along at his or her own pace... he practices what he preaches.”

Joe Wooten
Former Director
Bedford Virginia YMCA

“As a former professional cyclist and current professional endurance sports coach, I know the value of true functional flexibilty and deep breathing. Mike has been able to show me areas of my body that needed balance and tension release. Thanks to Mike's program I'm stronger, I can move easily, breath deeply and I react less to stress. Mike is an amazing instructor.”

Hunter Allen
Head Coach
The Peaks Coaching Group

“Mike has helped me in my yoga journey. He is knowledgeable and a great resource for anyone looking to futher their understading of this ancient practice. His classes are a joy to take.”

Maria McCracken
Health & Fitness Director
Altavista Area YMCA

"In November 2002 I injured my lower back. Not knowing how to heal, I rested for long periods and then tried to resume my previously active lifestyle. I re-injured myself again and again over a period of 10 months. With each reoccurrence, my threshold of pain increased and my stability and strength decreased. Eventually I became disabled and had to lay on the floor for relief.

"During this time I sought help from several medical and alternative practitioners. Each one helped, but none offered a comprehensive approach to helping me heal myself.

"Then in October 2003, I discovered Beth Rini, P.T., who taught The Feldenkrais Method, at Mind Body Studio. I immediately sensed that Beth was a professional grounded in the technical aspects of physical therapy, and gifted in guiding people to help themselves. As a Physical Therapist and Feldenkrais Practitioner, she taught me how to recognize the habitual movement patterns and attitudes that contributed to my initial and subsequent injuries.

"Beth possesses a special combination of professional training and experience that are complimented by her compassion for others and her dedication to helping people heal.

"Today I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 19 months. Thanks to Beth and the Feldenkrais Method, I am well on my way back to resuming an active physical life."

Dave Wickline, III

My Yoga Testimonial

I suffer from asthma. When I took the spirometry test at my allergist’s office in January of 2003, I had only 63% of breathing capacity. I have been taking medications that my doctor prescribed and I also started yoga one year ago. This summer, I took the spirometry test again. I am now breathing at 80% of capacity. If you have ever suffered from asthma, this 12% is positively incredible. It’s the difference between panic attacks and exhaustion and peaceful energy.

Yoga does indeed help asthma sufferers increase their breathing capacity because it opens up the airways. This makes sense. You have to practice breathing in the classes, so it’s got to get better.

A word about the level of difficulty in the class: don’t worry. There are always modifications for the poses and if you can’t do them at all, at the very least, but most importantly, you can always work on your breathing. I recommend the yoga class to anyone who is having asthma problems.

Elza C. Butner
August 31, 2005