what do the people say?
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Conny, Ottawa
I cannot tell you enough how much I gained from you in my introduction to yoga! I initially came out to yoga only because I was curious and the time on Friday mornings was available. However I stayed because of you – I became totally involved, thrived on your teaching and very quickly found myself anticipating Friday mornings with eagerness and enthusiasm. I have attended other classes – some better, some adequate – but no one is quite like you. Of course every one is a special individual and has something different to offer. Your warmth and compassion in your teaching shines through and is exemplary. I am sure that my recovery from my recent fractured pelvis was helped along in part because I was so eager to get back to my yoga! Many thanks for everything, Garrett. You couldn’t be a kinder, gentler, more caring guy. Marco, Ottawa
My name is Marco Cheung and I am a McMaster University student originally from Toronto, Ontario. A few years ago during a sporting competition, I had the unfortunate experience of suffering spontaneous pneumothorax. It seemed unfortunate at the time but in hindsight, was a significant event to shape who I am today. As a result, my left lung has never achieved the same breathing capacity and flow that I once had - until I made the decision to try something novel, something mind-blowing, and most importantly something with enlightenment attached to the equation of benefits. What did I choose to do? I made the decision to take up yoga under the guidance and instruction of Garrett Plumley. I had the opportunity to stay in the nation’s capital for an internship from January to April 2013. Prior to my arrival to Ottawa, my physician recommended me to engage in exercises that would strengthen my tone and depth in breathing. I finally decided to cave into the recommendations from my doctor (after a year-long struggle of persuasion from him) during my stay in Ottawa, and enrolled in a yoga class instructed by Garrett in January. In late March of 2013 after an annual health check-up, I received some very positive news from my doctor - my lung capacity had increased! With the summer months approaching, I am ecstatic to be able to get back into the routine of engaging in my favourite activities such as kayaking, long-distance cycling, and swimming with full confidence in my breathing and health. Thank you Garrett! Your enthusiasm and down-to-Earth personality made my experience of learning yoga so much more enjoyable and rewarding. I can also walk into my physician’s office now without having to worry about defending myself during annual check-ups. Namaste! Marco Cheung A curious, yet stubborn, learner since ‘91 Sylvie, Ottawa Hi there my name is Sylvie and I took the Summer Intensive YTT 2016 at th Upward Dog Yoga Centre in Ottawa. As a fitness specialist, I found myself gravitating towards yoga for its calming aspect and I wanted to be more knowledgeable so that I may share my practice with others. The YTT program gave me so much more than I expected. There was great support from all students and instructors and as a result my confidence in teaching yoga has definitely bloomed. This program was taught by highly knowledgeable instructors, Elizabeth Whissell and Garrett Plumley and I especially enjoyed learning about the more energetic aspects of yoga. This is a very comprehensive curriculum and the format, delivery, approach was phenomenal. If you are thinking of taking this learning opportunity, I highly recommended it. I have already been teaching yoga since I complete the 200 hrs program and it helped me not only in my teaching but in my own personal practice. |
Olga, Ottawa
Just wanted to let you know that your "subtle" modifications of my yoga practice work like magic - they turn even a fairly benign yoga class into an intense weight-lifting session. I love it, and I have not yet explored it to the full! Jason, Ottawa
Yoga teacher training with Garrett and Liz was an amazing experience. I thought I knew what yoga was until this course. It opened my eyes to many different aspects. It was a great mix of anatomy, theory and practice. More than six months on, I still find myself thinking about things I learned there, during yoga and my daily life. Specifically, it changed my opinion of what a "practice" is. I appreciate different styles of yoga more, including meditation. It also hit the reset button on how I thought various poses were supposed to feel or look. As a result, I have a stronger, safer practice and understand my body even better. And, I learned a lot about teaching - how to structure a practice, how best to speak to a class, how to approach students. There was a good amount of time to practice and start to feel comfortable teaching. On top of learning, I had a ton of fun. Liz and Garrett have amazing personalities. Upward Dog is an amazing studio to do the training at, with a great atmosphere and facilities. It was a rigorous month that took a lot of work, but completely worth it. I cannot imagine a better learning experience. 
Phil, Ottawa
“You know how easy it is for me to recommend Garrett to my friends who are curious about yoga, or who have been practicing for a while but want a change? Very easy. His superb ability to create a friendly yet challenging environment for yogis always makes me want to come back for his next class.” Find Phil @ www.eswat.ca
Dragana, Ottawa
Normally I don't write these, but I had to this time. I just had an amazing class with Garrett Plumley. All of my classes at yogatown are awesome but this is the first time in 10 years that I've been practicing yoga that I actually SMILED mid pose because it just felt that good.... twice!!! His pace of the poses is great, they all flowed really well... I actually wish I taped him so that I can practice that class when I'm out of town!! He was just awesome and the class made me feel like a million bucks!! (even though I had to get out of one of the yin poses due to stiff, achy hips) Keep it up, Garrett! |