Praise for Laurel Hodory
After eighteen months of doing yoga three to four times a week, I developed problems with my upper body. Sports Medicine ruled out arthritis, but found some weakness in the muscles of the rotator cuff as well as inflammation in the biceps. I was in a lot of pain. For several weeks I added a short regimen of physical therapy to my weekly routine, but I was still experiencing intermittent bouts of intense muscle pain in the upper arms that would develop a couple of days after each yoga class. Since I love yoga, this was difficult for me to accept, and I went through a period of just trying to push through and/or live with the pain. I did not want to abandon my yoga practice.
Finally I approached Laurel and explained what was happening. We immediately scheduled a private yoga lesson. During the session, Laurel quickly zeroed in on my alignment in several key postures, adjusting them to my optimal alignment. I began to learn how to practice variations that trained muscle groups that were formerly not properly engaged. The lack of participation from these deeper, synergistic muscles was placing undue stress on the few muscles that were working to the point of exhaustion and inflammation. Through my work with Laurel, I found muscles in my back and core that I didn’t know existed! Almost immediately, I was out of pain when I properly applied the therapeutic alignment techniques. Since then, I’ve been able to slowly integrate what she taught me—which required some patience on my part—and heal my shoulder through consistent, healthy, alignment. I would highly recommend a private yoga lesson with Laurel to anyone who is dealing with injuries or obstacles in their yoga practice.
—Joe Travers, 58, Neurobiologist
The very first time I took a yoga class was with Laurel Hodory. I remember so vividly how I was moved by her teaching. It wasn’t just the flowing meditative postures, it was how she was able to incite a feeling of openness—not just in my body, but in my mind and spirit as well. After that first class, I was hooked.
I’ve had the pleasure of not only being a student in Laurel’s classes, but also a student and graduate of her incredible yoga teacher training program, as well as a teacher on staff at her yoga center, It’s Yoga Columbus. I also served as her business manager for a period there. I have seen the many sides of Laurel—teacher, mentor, business professional and friend—and am continuously inspired by her authenticity and yoga principles in whatever role she plays.
—Rosie O’Leary, 38, Business Analyst, Yoga Teacher, Mother of three teenagers
I’ve studied with dozens of yoga teachers over the past seven years, and none inspire my practice like Laurel Hodory. What I appreciate most is the way she teaches students to experience complementary opposites within their bodies—such as effort/surrender, inspiration/acceptance, and strength/softness. She does this in a manner that challenges and supports them to practice beyond their perceived limits. In addition, by linking the physical practice to an inspirational yoga teaching (based on yoga philosophy), she makes yoga relevant to daily life. This provides students with the opportunity to expand mind, body and spirit at once. An embodiment of this process, Laurel is an inspiration and a role model of living an integrated life.
—Mike Cohen, 40, MA, Leadership Coach, Kirtan Leader
In my journey of studying yoga, I’ve taken a lot of classes and workshops with many well-known teachers. By comparison, none of them match Laurel’s knowledge, or teaching skills.
When I first came to her yoga studio, I was a die-hard Ashtanga practitioner with injuries (inside and out). Through Laurel I discovered Anusara yoga, which I was able to incorporate into my Ashtanga routine. I began to expand my asana practice and heal old wounds. Then it got better. I learned how to take my yoga off the mat—which is what it’s really all about. I’ve benefited from Laurel’s expertise and experience, plus she has the heart, intuition, and the compassion it takes to be a truly great teacher.
Laurel brings an intelligence and clarity to yoga. By integrating an inspirational theme in her classes, she takes a universal concept and makes it personal. In her classes, I feel like her lesson is tailored just for me. Then I look around and realize that everyone else feels the same way!
As a yoga teacher myself, I marvel at Laurel’s teaching and how she has mastered the poetry of language, provides assistance, modifications and hands-on adjustments while never missing a beat. Her classes are creative and challenging for the seasoned yogi as well as inspirational for the novice. She is approachable and has a strong desire to help her students find something deeper within themselves. Laurel has an uncanny ability to listen and empower her students with just the right knowledge and technique so that they can align more optimally. What’s more, she does this all while making her classes fun and enjoyable.
Laurel has not only taught me the “how” of yoga but the “why” and its value. I like to say she brings science to yoga for those of us who require concrete logic beyond our faith. Whether it was divine intervention that brought me to Laurel, or random chance, I will always be grateful for the doors she has opened. Speaking for myself—and others I am certain—Laurel is my inspiration, friend and teacher.
—Jocelyn Lemichuk, 46, Accountant, Yoga Teacher, Mother
I would recommend this course to anyone considering teacher training. Laurel’s generosity, compassion and patience as a teacher allowed us to unfold at our own pace. I am so appreciative of the grace and compassion of this particular studio.
—Turiya Gearhardt, Hospice Nurse
Laurel is a clear and concise teacher, with much knowledge and experience to share. She was open to each of our paths and struggles and celebrated our successes. She did it with the strength and grace of a true yogini, and made us all feel welcome.
—Anya Porter, B.F.A., Yoga Teacher, Dancer, Server (2005)
I really appreciated the way Laurel engaged each of us. Her lectures were clear and her teaching style is inspiring.
—Shelby Lafrinere, Yoga Teacher & Polarity Therapist (2005)
Laurel did an excellent job of presenting the materials in a manner relevant to my daily life. This is a comprehensive program and I came away with a lot of knowledge that I’m excited to share.
—Tamilee Holbrook, Yoga Teacher (2005)
Laurel draws out each teacher's gifts. She is an incredible teacher who encourages, balances, and drives one to find her inner voice.
—Lori Cochran, School Teacher (2005)
For the past 7 years, I have employed It’s Yoga for professional instruction at our Corporate Fitness facility. Prior to this period I employed 2 other organizations for instruction, but was not completely happy with the level of expertise and knowledge. We didn’t experience consistent satisfaction from our employees.
Once we changed our service provider to It’s Yoga, the employee feedback was outstanding. Employees explained that they were confident in the abilities and range of knowledge of our It’s Yoga instructor at the time, Laurel Hodory. As time passed, Ms. Hodory—partner and manager of It’s Yoga—found that the demand to manage her office studio had become too great for her to continue coming to our location for on site instruction. With hesitation we agreed to work with one of her other instructors.
In the end, we have worked—over the years—with 6 or 7 of her It’s Yoga instructors and have never been disappointed. The skill level has been high and our satisfaction has never wavered. Without hesitation I would recommend It’s Yoga for your onsite instruction.
Bill Thomas, Health & Fitness Coordinator, AOL LLC