"Annette's explicit verbal and physical instructions help me to identify and understand which parts of my body need to respond precisely to complete a yoga pose - and it is through exercising this mental discipline that I find peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. For me, the physical benefits of yoga are a natural outcome of the mental process.

Most recently, Annette's yoga classes have been a part of my life from the conception through to the birth of my son. I attended Annette's regular classes and within this format she seamlessly modified my poses to those appropriate for a pregnant woman. The pace of the classes never slowed, but I always felt very safe and well cared for as I worked within the poses set out for me. I credit Annette's yoga classes in helping make my pregnancy comfortable, problem free, and in facilitating a natural child birth and a quick post-partum recovery.

In short, Annette is a wonderful, rigorous teacher who cares deeply about the practice and teaching of Iyengar yoga to anyone who is interested and committed to learning."

Jessica Rothschild
Arichitect

"I started taking Yoga classes 5 years ago at age 55. After determining that the B.K.S. Iyengar method was best suited to someone like me, who sits behind a desk all day pounding on a PC keyboard, I shopped for an instructor. Annette Murphy has been my teacher for nearly 4 years and in that time my yoga practice has deepened and my confidence has grown. As a teacher Annette, has intuitive insight into the limits of her students. Always challenging, but never pushing beyond what is possible. I have had several injuries from hiking and skiing that with regular practice recovery has been fast and complete. I now have the confidence to do headstands, handstands and twists that I could never do 5, 10 or even 20 years ago. My two sons often ask me to show them what I have been practicing in class and are surprised at my flexibility and strength. I trust Annette and always look forward to my Yoga classes at Santosha."

Curtis Vose

"I came to Annette in June 2003 after struggling with mobility loss from a repetitive strain injury for over 3 years. I was still in a good bit of pain and unable to lift my arms over my head and fearful of placing pressure on my hands. After a series of one-on-one's with Annette I began to trust in her teaching style and began to place my hands down! It was just what I needed to loosen the constant tightness. Annette was able to modify poses so that I could attend class and feel confidence. She's the best yoga teacher I've ever had and really understands how to work with the mental fears of injuries and illnesses."

DeeDee Boyd
Therapeutic & Natural Chef

?I started practicing yoga five years ago with Annette. I attend her public classes regularly at Santosha, work privately with her once a week and have a daily yoga practice at home.

My original goal for practicing yoga was simply to have a more flexible body. Now I am not only aware every day of a much greater range of motion and physical ease with every movement, but also of enjoying so many more benefits. My long term nagging back pain has disappeared with increased strength, flexibility and evenness in my body. I often laugh with amazement at the poses I find myself in—and even enjoying. Additional immeasurable benefits to me are a marked reduction in frequency and intensity of lifelong bouts of migraine headaches, a medically documented increase in bone density of my wrists and pelvis (post menopause) and an increased general sense of mental ease and peace.

Annette is a very sensitive and gifted teacher. With creativity and humor, she challenges and inspires me to continually grow in my ability and understanding of the mind-body path of yoga.?

Carol Brost
Asset Manager, Commercial Real Estate

"Yoga really is a life transforming practice. Who would have known that 5 years ago when I took my first yoga class with Annette that I would be inspired enough to come diligently twice a week and would embark on the path of teacher training. I have just started a two year intensive training at The Iyengar Yoga Institute. Santosha translates as Contentment. I am learning thru my practice to find contentment from the inside out. Annette teaches us both the discipline of the poses and gives us a real sense of the meaning of Yoga."

Anne Barbaret

Matthew Madden
Project Manager

"At the risk of sounding like an infomercial... Since I started studying yoga with Adrienne Klein 4 years ago I haven't had a serious sciatica episode, lost close to 60 pounds and, at the age of 47, am now doing hand stands and head stands (which I never could do even at 10 years old). I've also increased my flexibility, muscle strength and stamina, which of course makes me fell younger; who doesn't want that!"

Annie Whiteside
Bar Owner

"I started taking yoga classes with Adrienne over two years ago. In that time, I have gotten stronger and more flexible and I have a much greater awareness of what is going on with my body and mind. Santosha has become a haven where twice a week I can put aside the stress of everyday life and take time to focus on myself. "

Nathalie Taylor
Project Manager

"I've been taking Inyengar yoga class with Adrienne for about 5 years now. It is a wonderful class. I always feel so good after the class. I feel rejuvenated and full of energy. I notice that I stand up and walk straighter after the class and I do not have the stress in my body that I came in with. Because of yoga I feel stronger and more relaxed."

Sossena
Accountant

"I thought about it for a long time, but kept coming up with excuses to put off exploring the practice of yoga. When the Santosha Yoga Center opened in my neighborhood, just a couple of blocks from my apartment, I took it as a sign that it was time to try it out. Its been almost two years since my first class at the Center, and I realize it has been one of the best decisions I've made in regards to my physical, mental, and emotional health. I'm equally lucky it was Iyengar Yoga that I tried my first time. The practice is perfect for someone like me who was concerned about learning the different positions correctly and at my own pace. All the instructors are warm and caring. Each one has their own unique approach, and I recommend new students try them all to find your fit. My instructor is Melanie Casey, and she's the perfect blend of a protective mom and drill sergeant. She's the reason I keep practicing."

Elizabeth Clarkson
Training Manager

"After years of running and aerobics, I developed problems in my feet and knees. Since coming to Melanie's class for over a year, I can now walk barefoot across the studio without pain in my feet. I'm much more aware of my alignment in my asanas."

Jean X. Lee
Medical Records Analyst

"I started practicing Yoga when Santosha yoga Center opened in Sept 2002. I really notice that my Yoga practice helps with the process of ageing. I feel stronger and more flexible. I have an old knee injury that does not bother me as much since I started Yoga. The teachers at santosha are great at adapting the poses for my particular needs. I also love being able to walk to the Center."

Jay Duchene