“I am a 76 year old tennis pro, and flexibility has never been one of my strong points. This spring I decided to take yoga to help prevent injury and extend my tennis career, which includes playing competitively.
I had previously participated several times in yoga classes when I was younger. It hurt, and I could never process the instructions fast enough to stay up with the class. This time, I wanted individual instruction.
I didn't know about the various types of yoga. Fortunately, I found Jo and Iyengar Yoga!
I go to her studio, which is in her condo. It is very convenient, and Jo has been flexible with scheduling around my lessons. The best part is the YOGA. Jo is a great teacher, and she gently guides me through the poses.We start with the basic ready position, Mountain Pose. From this, there are progressions to get to the the more advanced poses. Everything is gentle, and she teaches to be in tune with the body. No pain, no injury! Yet, it is "rigorous", and feels like "a lot of good work".
I have been doing this for several months, and the results have been effortless and immense. My posture has improved dramatically. My body feels more energized and vibrant. When I would brush my teeth in the morning and at night, my eyes would close, and it would be a struggle to keep them open. That no longer happens. My body is more responsive on the tennis court, and I have suffered no injuries since I started yoga. As a matter of fact, the nagging injuries I had before I started with Jo have disappeared.
Last week, I was playing a match. After the point ended, and I was walking back to the baseline, I suddenly could feel how "big" I was. The posture was great, head up, energized...I felt huge. That's a great feeling to have, especially when competing!
Jo's instruction aims at understanding and feeling. Along with the diagrams she provides, it is easy to practice at home. Sometimes it's just a pose or two. At othe times, it's an extended session involving many poses.
Jo talks about the aweness experienced in the practice of yoga permeates the aweness we have in life. I am so thankful I met Jo and am experiencing Iyengar yoga and increased aweness.
Our world is a crazy place right now. We have all had to readjust in various ways. Yoga classes have moved from the studio to the internet. Though it is not the same as being with our beloved “JO,” you have successfully mastered the ability to give instruction, pay attention to those in the class and leave us with a gem or several.” —Susan
“I was in a slip and fall accident and had a lot of trouble walking. I couldn’t drive my car. A friend drive me to Jo’s studio weekly. I was wearing a tens machine and a back brace and still struggling to walk. Over time I no longer needed the tens machine or the back brace. Jo gave me back my life. She worked hard with me and I learned from Jo how to help myself. She’s a wonderful teacher.” —Rita L.
“I am so grateful for you and our online zoom classes during these trying times. Classes are wonderful because I know your voice and your instructions are the same. The familiarity is comforting and easier for these classes. I am learning to listen much more especially since my iPhone screen is small. I need that anyway! The hour goes by so quickly! The home practice class was exceptional. Thank you for going out of your comfort zone to set up zoom and teach in another realm.” —Cindy
“I just enrolled in Iyengar yoga Introductory Series taught by very caring Jo Boccassini. I was afraid it would be beyond my physical capability. The first session gave me a whole new really good feeling in my joints and bones, confidence and wanting to learn more.” 💜🕉 —C.
“Joanne Boccassini has been my yoga teacher for over 3 years, and in that time she has truly show the responsibility and integrity of Mr. Iyengar teachings. She worked with me during a painful period with techniques to relieve severe knee pain, and has been there in my recovery back to yoga. —M.P.
“Jo is the best yoga teacher l have had. She continually works to improve her skills & teaching methods. ... always finds new things to teach in even the most basic poses.” —Karolyn
“Jo is the BEST of the BEST with 360 degree view of each student, which is quite amazing. She is easy to understand, follow and her marvelous commitment to Iyengar yoga is contagious. She is fun, helpful, professional, and creative and an awesome teacher! She is a wealth of knowledge and leads by example! Treat yourself to Jo!” —P.S.
“Jo has taught me yoga for 5 years and has brought me to levels in my yoga and within myself that I never would have reached. She will always be my teacher.” —K.T.
“Joanne Boccassini’s yoga class is superb! She is truly knowledgeable and is very detailed in explaining the poses to her students. Her classes are very small, tight knit groups which are perfect for learning—we get 100% of her attention. I feel very safe in her classes. Her enthusiasm about yoga and her genuine interest in people’s well being is reassuring. I have taken many different styles of Yoga classes and all of them have hurt my lower back, but Jo’s Iyengar yoga class does not and in fact relieves my lower back pain. I strongly recommend her classes.” —Marilda N.
“I have been Jo’s student for over a year. She is an excellent teacher who takes time and care with each student to help each of us do our personal best. Jo works on each posture, explaining both the physical aspect and the “spiritual “ aspect. She is a wonderful teacher and a very special person.” —Dove B.