The first yoga class I took was at a community college in Chicago, when my then partner urged me to de-stress from my busy life as a small business owner. We went on a retreat and had the opportunity to take a class from a teacher on the path to becoming Iyengar-certified. After that initial experience, we took classes with this Iyengar-trained teacher. During class, held at a local health club (!), the teacher brought in Yoga the Iyengar Way book and referred us to classes at the Yoga Circle. We began taking classes exclusively at the Yoga Circle, where teachers weave philosophy into their teachings. This was truly inspiring! The integrity and quality of the asana, pranayama, and philosophical teachings and the compassion and professionalism of the teachers inspired me to study regularly, develop a personal practice, and ultimately teach others.

Lisa T. June 16, 2024

In many yoga classes instructors too often demonstrate poses at a distance -- standing at the front of the room but not moving among the students. I often worry that people don't really know what to do and may injure themselves as a result. But at the Co-op, teachers work intensively with you, helping you into and out of postures correctly. My practice is better and I feel a whole lot healthier for it.

Ronnie H. March 2, 2024

I never feel so relaxed anywhere else.

Kyle H. August 16, 2023

Who would have thought that an overweight, 44-yr-old could do a handstand without pain (during or after)? Yoga with Sophie is fun, safe, builds strength, and alleviates those nagging pains that come unexpectedly early.

Sue M. May 16, 2021

Yoga should be an integral part of every person's wellness program. It provides benefits which cannot be obtained with activities such as aerobics or weight training. Research shows that we can indeed affect our cells at the molecular level, turning "good" genes on and "bad" genes off by lifestyle choices. In my own case, yoga has improved flexibility, decreased stress, and generated an improved sense of well-being.

Susan W., MD October 3, 2020

I’ve gone on many journeys. Never did I realize that one of my most fulfilling journeys would be in the hills of Sri Lanka. For a year, women from Nepal, Germany, the UK, Argentina and Chile, the Philippines and the US, met every Wednesday morning for a yoga class taught by Jean, who called herself a “white Rhodesian.” When my family returned to Madison, I was curious about continuing yoga and came across the “Iyengar Wellness Center” on Mound Street.  What does “Iyengar” mean? It took me a year to realize I knew nothing at all about yoga, and many more years before I realized that there was more to it than just “doing” yoga. My wonderful teachers—Roger, Tom and Faith-- were patient and caring. I knew they had gone to India to learn from B.K.S. Iyengar, but I did not realize its significance at the time. Then Mary Dunn came to Madison; I started going to workshops at Chris Saudek’s studio in La Crosse and here at the Yoga Co-op, loving the Iyengar yoga tradition as it takes me deeper into a continuing journey inwards.

Gina C. September 16, 2019

Each yoga practice allows me to retreat from the many activities of daily life. I'm reconnecting with an inner place of silence and strength and after the practice I feel refreshed and energized yet calm at the same time.

Barbara F.S. February 16, 2019