Yoga Testimonials

“Have you experienced those moments in life that take your breath away? Well, Leigh Ann takes your breath and teaches you to embrace it…listen to it…dance with it. Walking into a Yoga session with her is immersing yourself in an environment where everything is possible and peace inhabits you. The magic she is able to conjure goes beyond her mastery of the art of Yoga and obvious skill; it is the openness of her heart; the playfulness of her spirit and the respect she bestows upon everyone she touches. There are few things I miss more than the tranquility, strength and empowerment Leigh Ann helped me find through Yoga.”
–Gabriela Pastor, Writer, Oregon

“Leigh Ann is authentic, knowledgeable, nurturing and playful. Simply put, she is one of the best Yoga teachers in the Midwest.”
–Tom Hauer, Yoga teacher, Mountain Light Yoga

“I first began studying Yoga with Leigh Ann in 2002. I haven’t had a teacher, before or since that time, that has moved and challenged me in the ways that Leigh Ann does. Her compassionate presence creates a safe space for students to move forward when they feel ready and rest in stillness when they are not. Leigh Ann‟s playful energy always helps us relax and not take ourselves too seriously. My favorite part of her classes are the meditations and wisdom she shares. Knowing Leigh Ann has changed my life.”
–Danielle Plunkett, Director, Girls on the Run, Ann Arbor

“As an undergraduate professor, I chose Leigh Ann to teach Yoga as part of my curriculum because I knew my students would benefit immensely. Leigh Ann is a tremendously gifted teacher, who steps out of the way to empower students— inspiring each to discover what they need to learn. She allowed my students to quiet their minds a bit, learn relaxation skills, and arrive in their bodies to feel places they hadn’t long felt, if ever. Leigh Ann has a down-to-earth attitude about and deep love for Yoga. Creating safety comes naturally in her teaching and people can feel that. She has a generous, kind, approachable and grounded spirit both as a teacher and human being. I personally always feel so moved and changed after I have taken a class, experienced a private lesson or participated in a spiritual circle with her as facilitator. Leigh Ann’s teachings provide a transforming experience for all.”
–Jessica Kilbourne, Professor, Eastern Michigan University

“After two years I have come to feel that I can not live without this class. I receive so many amazing gifts–the teachings, the warmth and the support of an incredible community. And truth be told, I am terrible at practicing Yoga at home alone. The experience we share here together is an extremely important part of my life.”
–Susie Carter, Ann Arbor

“Thank you so much for introducing me to a way of Yoga I finally connect with. I’ve tried a lot of different Yoga instructors and styles over the years, but I could never enjoy it, no matter how hard I tried. I constantly heard from other people about the peace and health that Yoga brings, but, to my frustration, I just never felt it. I had given up on Yoga until my knees forced me to give it one last try – and thank goodness that I was blessed with you as my teacher! I love the fluidity and freedom of your teaching style, and how you encourage us to be playful in our practice. I always used to drag myself to classes; now I find myself counting down until Tuesdays. We’re all so lucky to have you!”
–Kate Long, Farmer, Great Oak Cohousing Community

“‘Fat people can not and should not do yoga.’ These are just two of the many negative messages I had picked up from mainstream media, and at times, from the media which covers holistic living. This went against everything I had learned through life, school, mentors and activism. Yet, there I was, having fallen for it…hook, line and sinker…. until Leigh Ann and I talked. I was convinced folks my size could not do yoga, that somehow, we were less capable at it. I don’t remember Leigh Ann’s exact words. But I do remember leaving the conversation with less shame, more trust that Yoga could be for me, and a sense of intrigue. I remember that first class, feeling a bit awkward. In those moments, I followed my breath, and I focused on Leigh Ann’s voice. She asked me to do Yoga with her. And, through that invitation, she embodied as much ease and expertise as Yoga invites balance, realignment and courage to trust one’s body. And, since then, I’ve been hooked on a different message that embraces me just where I am.”
–Foula Dimopoulas, Director of GLBT Resource Center, Colorado State University

“My Yoga experience prior to Leigh Ann‟s class was limited to DVD’s at home, which were a good starting point, however I realized I needed more to grow. By attending Leigh Ann’s classes I‟ve learned how to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone to find new comfort and new strength. Leigh Ann encourages deep exploration to meet each individual’s physical and emotional needs of that session. She recognizes we can all be in a different mindset at any given moment. It is with her practices and teachings in mind that I go to my Yoga mat each morning to stretch my body and mind to start my day.”
–Heather P., Ann Arbor

“I’m one of Leigh Ann’s Ageless Yoga students. Leigh Ann has a wonderful way of ensuring each person can accomplish the pose, mindful of our many issues with backs, knees, etc. Every class is unique, with the poses corresponding to her fresh themes. Leigh Ann‟s presence and voice are reassuring, calm and strong. The words she chooses uplift us and we often feel it is directed ‘right at me.’ That is a rare gift among teachers. Leigh Ann also helped me get through breast cancer, which occurred a year after I became a student. While I could not do much when I returned, she made sure I felt a part of the group and always helped me protect my health. I can not say enough about Leigh Ann as a teacher. Our class feels she is also a good friend.”
–Mary K, Ann Arbor

“Leigh Ann is an amazing teacher and facilitator. She is knowledgeable in all aspects of Yoga—breathing, alignment, meditation, anatomy, philosophy, imagery. Leigh Ann helps us each to embrace our own abilities as well as limits. The sense of play and variety in every class is grounded in an incredibly welcoming atmosphere that reflects Leigh Ann’s own warmth and genuineness. We look forward to class each week for the opportunity to explore Yoga with her personal guidance.”
–Terre and Elisa, Ann Arbor

“As an exercise enthusiast, I must say Leigh Ann‟s Yoga classes are THE ONE class I look forward to attending. Every muscle is stretched (per instructor‟s guide of knowing your personal limit) and every cell engaged. I now know (and experienced!) the true meaning of breathing and relaxation through Yoga. Her expertise and caring nature make exercise with Yoga a pure delight!”
–Mary Beno, Consultant, Livingston Educational Service Agency

“Leigh Ann has a great appreciation for the limitations but also the possibilities of the “mature‟ body and mind. I always leave our practice walking a bit taller and feeling more secure about what I can do, both physically and mentally. She gets to know all of her students, and relates to each one individually based on our needs on any given day. I love how she helps us take our practice inside to the individual muscle groups, organs and cells. I always leave with a new meditation image or challenging pose to carry me to the next class. She has been an important part of my transition to a new community and new phase of life.”
–Marguerite Smith, Ann Arbor

“Leigh Ann leads a wonderful Yoga program for University of Michigan staff. She has an incredible ability to make her classes inviting, supportive and just challenging enough for a wide variety of practitioners. All Yoga teachers say to ‘listen to your body, and adjust the postures to get what you need,’ but Leigh Ann actually makes that possible. In her classes it’s typical for some participants to be at the first steps of learning asanas; some having a relaxing, restorative practice; and others making a vigorous strength-building practice. Everyone seems to get what they need, without guilt or discomfort.”
–Emily Springfield, Yoga Student of 8 years, Ann Arbor

“Leigh Ann’s Ageless Yoga class is a weekly event to which I always look forward! The exercises are gentle, and the instructions clear, always with options for adjustment according to individual needs. Perhaps best of all, Leigh Ann is so respectful of her students. Their souls and bodies both are taken into account every minute of the class.”
–Leonore, Ann Arbor