TESTIMONIALS

Feedback on online yoga & movement classes:

"I wasn’t sure how I would like streaming but I am finding it to be a great experience since we can’t be together physically right now."

"It was a great session, thank you so much. It's much different than watching YouTube because we know you and it was really nice to be guided through the session. Looking forward to more."

“As usual, your online class on Saturday was so balanced and so lasting. When I listen and follow all of your gentle guides I find the benefits and rewards of your class last  all week.”


"Wow! It was a great class. I loved it."

"I wanted to thank you for this lovely class. It was so beautiful. I feel aligned again. You have such a graceful way of presenting every pose. I have tried other classes online this week. No one compares to the depth of knowledge you display. Thank you. This was a gift."

"You do a great job of guiding the practice even when you can’t see us. You have an amazing intuitive sense about when to tell us to release tension or to maintain alignment."

Overall feedback on working with Gina:

"Gina Kelley is an outstanding teacher! After just a few Alexander sessions I realized how much I was using my body wrong in most daily activities. With Gina’s guidance my back and hips started feeling better soon, but the sessions after that were even more important  because I learned how to function better in so many ways. Gina’s keen sensitivity and her additional experience with yoga helped me understand deeply how I needed to progress. I continue to appreciate her expertise as I learn for myself how to find a balanced and strong way to live." 

– Norman D., Founder, Rebecca’s Natural Food, Charlottesville, VA

Gina is a sensitive teacher with great intuition, a strong base of knowledge, and excellent listening skills. When I first started working with Gina, I was struggling with several simultaneous instances of tendonitis related to overuse. Through Alexander Technique, I found ways of navigating and redirecting patterns of use that tend to exacerbate that pain so that I now have a series of cues for self direction when that tendon pain arises. I've also studied yoga with Gina and found her verbal cues to be among the best I've experienced at helping students to maintain physical awareness through various yoga postures. Most recently, I've tried Somatic Experiencing work with Gina and found it to be an excellent fusion of Alexander Technique and psychotherapy, drawing awareness not only to a specific physical sensation or movement, but also to related emotional and psychological associations. Gina is a very present, supportive, and attuned teacher who creates a calm and receptive space for practice in her sessions and classes.

— MW, musician, teacher

“Gina is a gifted teacher.  I spent a number of months with her learning the benefits of Alexander Technique.  She taught me how to be aware of tension and unnecessary ‘holding on’ that prevents freedom of movement.  Her gentle touch or suggestion to ‘let go’ provided the opportunity to be aware of unnecessary tensions and poor postures that cause inefficient movement and strain.  I always left my lesson feeling lighter, more balanced and freer in my movements.    With her help, I learned to be mindful of how to move with less effort and to incorporate this into my daily activities. ”

– Doris B., administrative assistant

 

“For a long time I was intimidated by the idea of participating in yoga classes, but I finally found my way to Gina’s class. Just from those first few moments when we centered and set intentions, I knew I had discovered the ideal place for me to grow in my practice. Gina weaves into each session a splendid balance between restorative poses and power-building sequences. The gentle adjustments she makes during class have helped me realize that it’s more rewarding to approach poses in a way that makes sense for my body, rather than struggling to imitate some idea of the “perfect form” we often see in yoga-related advertising. Gina’s verbal and visual instructions regarding what to think about during poses are informed by her Alexander Technique practice, and I find them extremely helpful for body alignment and for getting the most benefit out of each pose. I leave each of her classes feeling blissfully nourished and invigorated at the same time.”

– Bethany H., university administrator, UVA, Charlottesville

 

“It is a benefit being in Gina’s yoga class.  Her style of teaching, coupled with body alignment provides a wonderful example and experience.  Gina’s class is not only a workout but a gentle way of honoring the body through mindful movement, allowing the body to awaken and liven through simple but powerful movements using yoga and the Alexander Technique.  I did not know much of Alexander Technique prior to coming to Gina’s classes.  However, the more I attend her classes, the more I have developed an appreciation for Alexander Technique and the important role it plays in posture and life long body alignment.  I have benefited greatly from Gina’s style of yoga.  I find the postures and the mindful manner that she utilizes to teach her class permeating my other physical and work activities throughout my day, beyond her class.

I appreciate immensely Gina’s style of teaching. She is kind, compassionate and her gentle manner provides a safe atmosphere for instruction without losing the mind-body connection.  The emphasis in her class is not on the Instructor but rather on the Participant. She is always good to move around the classroom and through her simple yet thorough verbal instruction, unobtrusively helps each participant with better alignment and positioning.  I sense each of us feel this “gift” as we leave her classroom, a little more aligned, a little more strong, a little more connected to ourselves and the world around us.”

– Cawood F., nurse practitioner

 

I just wanted to thank you for being such a calming, gentle, encouraging teacher. This class has helped me keep sane through some of the most stressful times in my life. Even when things aren’t crazy, I look forward to feeling empowered, peaceful and restful after your classes. Best of luck to you, and keep working your magic!

– Erica L., non-profit professional moving abroad

 

I feel comfortable and accepted in Gina’s classes. Some teachers come across as being more interested in showing off what advanced asanas they can do. That only discourages me. Gina’s classes challenge me yet at the same time I don’t feel any sense of competitiveness or judgment. I feel like she is there as a guide to help me to be as in touch with my ability as my conformation will allow. That Gina incorporates so much of her Alexander Technique training into her classes is a huge positive for me. I like that she will do hands-on work to help achieve better alignment and deepen a pose to the extent possible.

I like that Gina’s classes flow almost like a dance. The pace is lovely and the asanas make sense physically so that I feel like my practice is graceful.  After most practices, I am not ready to get right up and run off to whatever is next. After class my mind always feels calm and quiet and my body is relaxed – exactly what I need after the overstimulation of a day at work.

 — Linda B., university professor

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