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I had never tried yoga when I walked into your studio in early 2014 and began practicing the traditional Bikram 26 postures. It was amazing--a low back injury had plagued me for over a decade, and nothing I had tried during all that time made a difference like yoga. When the Vinyasa flow classes came along I looked at the schedule and saw that if I did not want to take fewer classes I would have to include a good number of non-traditional Bikram classes. I had had so much success with what I had been doing that I wondered if I would need to find another studio. I decided to try including traditional, fusion, and flow classes in my routine, and have been thrilled with the outcome. I have found that the classes complement one another excellently and my practice has progressed to a whole new level. Thank you for this marvelous studio. I cannot say how much coming has done for me.
Jared
I absolutely love Mountain Yoga Sandy. I have to be honest... the first time I went to hot yoga, I rather hated it. It was challenging and something completely new to my body. I made it through. I didn't know if I'd go back. But the next morning when I woke up, nothing hurt. I have struggled for a very long time with carpal tunnel due to the work I do and back and neck pain due to lots of weight lifting. I am a nationally qualified NPC figure competitor and I ask a lot of my 50-year-old body. What I love most about Mountain Yoga specifically is the energy you feel when you are there. Everyone knows your name and it just feels like family. I have some form things I am really working hard on so that I can be better in my sport. They work with me on that and patiently answer all of the questions that I have. When I think I can't do something, they encourage and challenge me. Every instructor is professional and caring. If you are looking to support a wonderful, local business this is one you should try. Give Mountain Yoga a try. But beware - you'll probably crave hot yoga like I now do 🙂
Kimberlee H.
"My close friend Dina has been going to Mountain Yoga for 14 years. Despite my reluctance, she gently told me of her experiences, especially of her own reticence to go to Mountain Yoga with her friend, along with how difficult it was for her at first. Dina, knowing how much I've struggled with a neck injury sustained in a 1991 car accident, as well as fibromyalgia starting about ten years later, patiently waited for me to warm up (no pun intended) to the idea of yoga. As an overweight, middle-aged man, I also dreaded the thought of working out surrounded by lithe, youthful, and fit bodies. You see, she knows of some of what I've endured along the way in dealing with two herniated neck disks, and the chronic pain and exhaustion of fibromyalgia. There have been many examinations, specialists, MRI's, ex-rays, two painful nerve conduction tests, carpal tunnel surgeries on both wrists, examinations by specialists, physical therapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, chiropractors, drug prescriptions, trigger point injections, epidural injections and less traditional treatments including emotional and faith healers, herbalists, remedies, goji berries and much more. I would've seen a witch doctor had I found one. None of them did more than temporarily relieve some of the symptoms. At some point, I quit chasing cures and simply accepted a much smaller, less fulfilling life, and learned to manage the pain and exhaustion as well as I could. Yes, I finally accepted Dina's sweet invitation and arrived at Mountain Yoga, naively unaware of what awaited, lol. After quickly checking in, Dina asked if I'd hydrated myself well, as she had suggested. Then she rather casually asked if I knew this was a hot yoga class. My stunned look was her answer. I thought, "What in HELL (pun completely intended) have I done?" Lovely Rebecca was my first instructor. Her gentle way led me from terror to peace. I'd not felt heat and humidity like that since living in Venezuela when I was 20. I'd not felt my body rebelling against such muscle stiffness and inflexibility ever. Slowly, I surrendered my body, heart, mind, and soul to drenching mindfulness and sweat. Before the class ended I knew I'd found what I'd long been searching for. Afterward, Dina and I walked and talked for about an hour. I marveled at how I felt. I had not felt that sort of youthful wellness since the car accident when I was 28, more than half my life ago. It almost felt like I was flying in the clouds. No narcotic ever felt a fraction so good! In the six weeks I've been attending Mountain Yoga, my practice has been a beautiful journey. I still feel and look like Jabba the Hut, but a much healthier, happier, and content Jabba the Hut. My friends and family see the increased energy, enthusiasm, and enriched liveliness that has resulted from this practice. My daughter in Idaho has started hot yoga now, and loves it! I have other friends contemplating, and to be honest, fearfully dreading this as well. As they see the changes in me, and a livelier twinkle in my eyes, I see their abject fears begin to fade, lol. I am gratefully indebted to Jackie, the entire Mountain Yoga staff, for their loving acceptance and guidance, and most of all to my dear friend Dina in helping me find all this. I look forward to continuing in this beautiful journey."
Brent
To be honest I have a hard time putting into words what my yoga practice has done for me. I guess I started coming regularly with the thought of losing weight in mind. I have lost some weight (not much!), but what has happened to my body inside and out is absolutely amazing. The real bonus is what has happened in my mind! I have always been a very positive person but I'm even more so now. I just feel so emotionally satisfied. A co-worker asked me last week if I am EVER in a bad mood. I'm really not, so this got me thinking and I can't remember not feeling positive and upbeat about every part of my life. I think because this transformation happens gradually that I wasn't fully aware of how I felt until asked that question. My husband has commented over the last few months from time to time that he can't believe how happy inside and out I seem (he's jealous!). My daughter turned 13 this summer and has become a real "teenager", complete with the attitude many teens acquire. There is no doubt in my mind that I am responding to her change and dealing with her in a much more positive way because of my yoga practice. She is already pushing my buttons and testing her limits and I feel that yoga has given me emotional tools that are a tremendous help in dealing with her. So many times after we have a heated conversation I think to myself, "Hey, you handled that really well"! I know this would not have been possible without yoga. As you know, I could go on and on about the positive changes my yoga practice has made happen in my life. I just want to say "thanks". You two are great, your studio is beautiful and peaceful. I'm so glad I found you and for once in my life I know I won't stop "exercising". It feels good to know that yoga will be a part of my life forever. Approaching "middle age" (eek!) knowing I have my yoga practice to help me through all that comes with aging (the good and the bad!) is really an awesome feeling.
C. O
Though I cannot be there as much as I would like, I am a true believer in yoga and it's healing powers. I went out driving one afternoon when I had a sitter for my kids. I went with the intention of finding a space that would nurture my spirit and my grief as I went through this rough time. I stopped at a Karate studio, a dance studio, and found your yoga studio on my way home. The door was locked but I peered inside. Someone came and unlocked the door... a gentleman I have never seen again. I knew as soon as I walked into the studio that it was exactly what I was looking for. And since that time, I feel that you have both touched my soul deeply... supporting me, offering me a hug, and sharing personal stories from your own lives. Though I cannot be there as much as I would like, I am a true believer in yoga and it's healing powers. Within my body mind and soul, I am sorting through the death of three family members... more anguish than I have felt in my life thus far. A ninety-minute session holds me for about two days. After leaving my practice there, I feel a sense of calm and clarity that I find nowhere else right now. You both have created a sanctuary... a peaceful place where I and others can come to nurture themselves from the inside out. I appreciate your dedication and ultimately your faith in creating the Sandy studio.
Whitney
I’ll begin with some context. Professionally I am a personal trainer and one of my extracurricular activities includes training mixed martial arts. On October 3rd, 2019 around 3:20 pm I had left my home to train clients, and my vehicle was hit by a drunk driver. I was making a left turn and the other driver decided the red light should have been green and made their choice. I sustained nerve damage to my left arm, whiplash, and a mild concussion. After the accident, my entire life changed. My “mild” concussion caused a massive list of symptoms. I had mood swings (anxiety, anger, depression, etc), migraine headaches, insomnia, cognitive impairment (memory loss, trouble concentrating, difficulty multitasking, extreme mental fatigue, overall lack of energy, confusion, etc). Light/sound sensitivity, heat sensitivity, balance/coordination issues, and lack of appetite/no cravings. Those were just the concussion symptoms. My whiplash and nerve damage to my left arm was also terrible. I normally sleep on my left side but lost that ability after the accident. Laying on my left arm was unbearable and turning my head in either direction was intensely painful. For the first six weeks after the accident, I was misdiagnosed. I saw three medical doctors and two chiropractors. All of which thought I was just having migraines. I finally got a proper diagnosis in November 2019 when I reached out to a concussion specialist. The concussion specialist worked in a team with other concussion experts and prescribed me physical therapy. I began physical therapy in December 2019. After a month or so of physical therapy, my physical therapist said “I want you to treat yourself as your own client and design a recovery protocol for yourself”. I thought about it and I asked my physical therapist if she thought it’d be okay if I tried hot yoga. She asked, “why would you add hot yoga to your recovery protocol? I was hoping you’d pick something more related to your job”. I provided a list of reasons why I believed it would be a good idea. Reason 1: (Physical) Yoga is a great starting point no matter where you are at. Especially when you haven’t exercised for a while. I think stretching the muscles, tendons, and using your body weight to ease into lifting weights again is a good beginning to a recovery program. Plus it should help with my balance and coordination issues as well. Reason 2: (Mental) I am struggling to concentrate and I’m experiencing anxiety and depression. I think breathing will help with my anxiety. The movements and mindfulness with help with my concentration or at least test it. Getting a good workout will help with depression. Reason 3: I have a weird heat sensitivity from the accident and I would like to test myself by putting myself in a hot environment. If it increases my symptoms too much, then I’ll stop, but if not. Maybe I can overcome the heat sensitivity issue. My physical therapist didn’t argue with my list. She told me to try it out and let her know how it goes. So I signed up at Mountain Yoga in February 2020. When I started my yoga journey I began with an earth class. I must admit it wasn’t easy for me in the beginning. The heat was a bit of a factor in my symptoms. Also, my left arm would give out on me during certain poses, downward dog being one of them. The amount of focus/concentration required was difficult for me. Oftentimes a few poses in, I’d have to opt-out of poses for a bit or entirely. It also tested my balance/coordination which I had been struggling with since the accident. Although difficult, overall it was a great experience. I remember leaving class exhausted but in a much better mood than how I’d arrived. After class, I asked about beginner classes. I was informed that the “water and earth” classes would be the best for starting out. I was told that they build a very strong yoga foundation and that sold me on it. I am a huge practitioner and advocate of “the fundamentals” regardless of the activity. Despite me feeling as though yoga was helping. One of my doctors disagreed and dissuaded me from going. Well once I stopped my yoga practice, all my symptoms became worse. My depression and anxiety increased, my insomnia was still there and I didn’t feel good at all. I continued to lose muscle and gain fat, which fed into the depression even more. It was a dark and downward spiral. I waited until my physical therapy was over and then decided to go against my doctor's opinion. I am a huge proponent of listening to your body and my body and mind KNEW it felt better when it was performing yoga. I returned to Mountain Yoga in June 2020. I began taking Michele Orgill’s water class consistently. What I love about the water class (especially for my brain injury). Is that the lights are dim so it didn't trigger my light sensitivity. It is also very quiet except for maybe some light music, which keeps me from getting overstimulated. It also is at a slow enough pace so that my mind can process what's happening. Michele is always very good about telling me to listen to my body and makes me feel okay when I needed to take some poses off. I also noticed how much effort Michele puts into her yoga classes. She always has a lesson or quote for us to focus on. Which for me, helped a lot to improve my concentration and focus. Not only that, but yoga helped with many areas. My left arm went from giving out on me, to shaking underneath me from weakness to now being able to hold myself up again. My whiplash injuries have improved and I can look left to right with no pain. Many poses that include a head turn I couldn’t do in the past, but now I am able to. The mindfulness and meditative portion of yoga have been extremely beneficial for my brain as well. Yoga isn’t the only part of my recovery, but it has had a massive impact on my overall health. I truly believe I would not be as far along in my recovery today if I hadn’t listened to my body/mind and decided to continue my yoga journey. I am currently in month eighteen of my post-accident recovery, thirteen of those months include yoga. I can’t even express how grateful I am for everyone who has helped me and been a part of this whole recovery process. Another thing I must mention is how friendly and informative the staff is at Mountain Yoga. The environment is huge and the instructors are great and make me feel not only comfortable but welcome. I have to thank Michele Orgill, Rebecca Deighan, Sarah Emery, Brooke Schneider, Jeff Jones, and some others whose names I can’t recall at the moment. If it weren’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be here today. That isn’t an overstatement either. This car accident disrupted my entire life but Mountain Yoga has helped get me back on track. By this summer I should be back to working again and by end of the year, I should be back to my hobbies as well. Thank you for everything, I am forever grateful.
In the Spring of 2004, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, after surgery and six months of chemo and radiation I knew I needed to start some kind of exercise. I had no idea what Bikram Yoga was but the Sandy studio was close to home so I stopped to get some information. Alex had just finished giving a class I thought it seemed a little strange that he was dripping wet, but he was calm and smiling so I asked him a few questions and he explained that the yoga took place in a heated room and that people of all levels of fitness were in the classes. How bad could it be? While I was in my first class I couldn't decide if I was going to embarrass myself more by walking out or just passing out in the room. I stayed and didn't pass out but at the end of class, I walked into the dressing room buried my head in my towel, and sobbed. Alice patted me on the back and told me I'd be ok "newbies all do this." I don't know why I came back for another class, I was so afraid sitting out in the parking lot but I kept thinking that I needed to learn to face fear head-on and this was a place to start. My body seemed to be healing from the cancer treatment but I wasn't sure my mind ever would. When I walk into the hot room and the door closes behind me I'm able now, to leave all the "stuff" outside. I feel protected from my own fearful thoughts and I do "let it go." I felt so uncomfortable in the room and in the asanas in the beginning that turning my negative self talk off and concentration on what the teacher was saying was the only way to survive the class. Succumbing in that way was the first step in learning to let go of all kinds of thought patterns that weren't serving me well. I'm using lessons from yoga more and more in my everyday life, trying to stay in the now, not looking too far ahead, just letting difficult thoughts come and go. While I'm in class and I hear an instructor talk about the benefits of a pose, increased circulation, improved immunity, releasing toxins, I fell like I'm a participant in my healing. I came to yoga thinking my cancer made me unique I've slowly realized that everyone in the room is here for there own unique reasons and in the end, we are all here for the same purpose, we all want to experience life to it's fullest in healthy minds and bodies. I would like to thank all of the instructors for their extraordinary effort in helping us all to achieve this. You change our lives. I wrote this testimonial in Feb. 2005 and I had just broken my ankle. After my ankle healed my Doc's decided that there was a new drug they wanted to give me that could help reduce the risk of a reoccurrence of my cancer. I received the new drug every three weeks for a year, this drug had fatigue and possible heart damage as a side effect. Yoga was put on hold. When the treatments were over I let myself use all kinds of excuses for not coming back, but one morning I woke up tired of thinking about dying, put my yoga clothes on, and drove to the studio. I sat in my car for just a minute and the walked inside ready to start practicing living again.
In Aug 2002 I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which resulted in, among other things, a frontal lobe injury, compression fractured vertebrae, and joint damage everywhere. In Sept 2006 I had already done extensive physical therapy and was on a rotating regime of anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. I had been told that I probably wouldn't get any better and that I would have to learn to live with the pain and limitations. Frustrated with this, I took the advice of one of the doctors, who had had great success in helping his own back problems through Yoga. It's now been six months since I began my practice and I now only need to take an anti-inflammatory on occasion and am off of the muscle relaxers. Yoga has increased mobility and decreased pain in all of my damaged joints, and back, but I think the most amazing thing is how my memory and focus have improved, and not just the physical issues. In fact, I quit smoking along the way as well, and It didn't even seem like I had to try. I eat healthier without trying, and am generally a lot more fun to be around...and I owe it all to Bikram... I'll be doing his yoga for the rest of my life!
Marc L.
I started my yoga regime in September of 2007 after a discussion with a dear friend about Bikram Yoga. I had never heard of it and being about 40 lbs overweight with back problems, was hesitant to begin. I have found this to be the best mind and body program I have ever attempted. I feel better emotionally and physically, although I am somewhat restricted in some of the poses because of excess weight, I am getting there. I intend on making this a permanent part of my life. It has truly been a beautiful experience and your instructors at the Sandy location are absolutely fantastic! I cannot express my thanks enough to you all.
Cheryl L.
A few years ago, I purchased a Groupon to try Bikram yoga at your studio. I have to be honest, after my first visit, I really wasn't sure this type of yoga was for me. However, since I had a 30-day pass, I decided I should give it a fair chance and return at least 2-3 times a week for the rest of the month. By the end of my 30 days, I had more energy, didn't ache when I got out of bed, and most surprisingly, my brain fog was gone. Last fall, we were burglarized and one of the worst things that was stolen was my peace of mind. However, the one place I could go to find peace and clarity was to your studio. Lying in savasana, after exerting myself in a hot yoga studio, helped to calm my mind and bring some balance and peace back into my life. For me, this is where I find true relaxation and rejuvenation. I love this studio and what it has evolved into. There is so much variety, the teachers are excellent and I like the positive energy I feel when I walk into the studio. My husband and I are thinking of moving, however, Mountain Yoga, you are making it very difficult to leave the area!!!
Kari D.
Prior to the pandemic, I was already so grateful to be part of a beautiful yoga family at Mountain Yoga Sandy. While I loved the variety of classes, and accommodating schedules, it was the open-hearted community of teachers, staff, and fellow practitioners that made me want to be there as often as possible. I could not have imagined how much things would change, as it did in March, with the orders to stay home. But thanks to MYS, how they quickly started up virtual classes and built up a library of on-demand classes, I found a way to maintain my practice, and more importantly, my connections to some of my favorite people. Even over zoom, the positivity and warmth shine through, and I have even been able to expand my practice learning from new teachers, and class offerings. While I continue to be physically separated, for now, I look forward to returning to this special place.
Wendy K.
I've been coming to Mountain Yoga off and on for over five years. I started when pregnant with my second child and couldn't find a prenatal yoga studio. Not only did the person I talk to say that every instructor could help me modify poses to fit my body while pregnant but they offered kid care during class a few classes a week. So not only could I go to yoga, but I didn't have to figure out what to do with my older child (and there was no TV in the kid room which I found to be a big turn off with the local gym). The classes were heated though and I'd never done heated. Turned out, I loved my first class and started coming twice a week until the day before my son was born. Every instructor was great about explaining how to modify a pose if there was one I wasn't familiar with. I got back to regular yoga practice two years ago and love it. I love how the heat warms up my muscles and there are all levels of energy depending on which instructor is teaching or the class. They have classes that get you comfortable with yoga, some that will really push your heart rate, and some that will stretch out already tired muscles for other activities (excellent class in the summer if you're really active outside). I haven't had a single instructor that has offered me some sort of positive learning experience. Whether that is slowing down to make me focus on engaging my muscles or the class that wants to just kick my butt by giving me a fast-paced flow through poses. Your athletic level doesn't matter here. There is no one judging and everyone else is there to get the most out of the class that fits their needs. I've never walked away from a class feeling like I was less or that I'd never get such and such pose right. I still struggle with so many poses but I've never had an instructor make me feel like I can't get there eventually. And my core muscles are so much stronger than when I started. Mountain Yoga is more than just a place I exercise, it's a community. Regular students and instructors, there are welcoming and ready to help out in any way they can to help each person have a great yoga experience. When the studio closed for a bit due to COVID-19, they were quick to start offering virtual classes and now on-demand classes for when a virtual class doesn't work of you. The on-demand classes are great but I really miss the community that even the virtual classes have on offer. They currently have both on-demand, virtual, and in person. I haven't done in person yet again but I'm sure those are still awesome. I do love the virtual classes and the fact that if I have a question there is someone on the other side of the screen that can answer it before or after class still. I love still feeling the energy from the instructor and that even when we're in different homes/states, the movement is connecting us.
Ruthann
I started coming to Mountain Yoga in 2006. For starters, the owner and all of the instructors are totally cool, knowledgeable and enjoyable. The classes are right down to business and you will get what you want out of it. I am 57 years old and soon to be 58. Yoga, along with lifting weights and a reasonable diet has allowed my body to continue to do the things I love like hiking, biking, trail running, golf and surfing. I like to call it an equalizer of life. It provides a mental stability in these crazy times. For 75 minutes, you're not connected to your cell phone. A time carved out just for you. There are no expectations of you in the class. You could go in and sleep for 75 minutes and no one would care. The studio is comfortable and clean. Sign up for a class and change your life. Make it a part of your weekly program, even once or twice a week will enhance your life.
Garret R.
I have been part of Mountain Yoga Sandy’s community since 2004. Initially, my focus was to gain flexibility for all of the various sports that I enjoy. Over time, I learned that yoga has not only helped my physical body but my mental and emotional state of being. The studio has helped me through a variety of physical ailments including a broken neck and bilateral knee replacements as well as some very difficult emotional times. I could not be the athlete, nurse, friend, or family member I am today without yoga in my life... The support and positivity of the staff, their devotion to yoga and supporting Mountain Yoga’s mission makes me feel part of a very special community. I am so grateful to Jackie and all of her amazing staff!
Kitty F.
I came to Mountain yoga as a supplement to offset my cycling training. I was endurance racing and needed something more for the off-season. My thought was more flexibility and to sweat. Little did I know what was in store for my body but most importantly for my mind. What keeps me coming back is a long list. The most important things are mental clarity, having the tools to stay (or try) centered and mindful. Another important attribute associated with cycling was learning how to breathe better when your lungs feel like they're going to explode. knowing how to sweat and recover. By far the most important piece is the studio itself. The studio is a sacred place to me. Jackie and her staff rock it out. The philosophical approach to the mind, body, and how it's applied to your individual practice is unmatched. The staff, I adore the teachers and the front desk. I certainly have my favorites but they all hold a special place for me. I trust them with everything related to my practice and they're all very nice. My goals range from breathing, pushing to my edge, doing more with less, and meditation during class and outside of class. My goals are always evolving but targeted around my practice. The studio has supported my goals without knowing it.
Jeff
Words cannot express how much Mountain Yoga Sandy has done for me. I have been a member for about 5 years and in the beginning it gave me joy, hope, friendship, flexibility and energy! I would tell my friends and family it is the yoga at MYS that is giving me a reason to 'live' life not just sit and watch it go by! During the pandemic I took advantage of the virtual and the on demand classes, they offered both, and were and are a god send! Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer -which was a total shock since for the past 74 years I have been so healthy - and thru the entire progress before and after the mastectomy I felt the support and kindness from this studio employees and the members! I am now trying to get back into my old routine of 3 or 4 class's a week! Feeling more and more healthy and awesome with each day and class I take! THANK YOU MOUNTAIN YOGA!! And I am a 75 year young woman and looking forward to many more years of Yoga!
Pam
Just a great yoga studio from the time you walk in the front to the time you crawl back out 😂 Seriously the front desk staff is friendly and helpful, the instructor’s are disciplined and professional yet never to busy to help with questions or suggest little subtleties to improve your practice. The studio is clean with a variety of classes for all levels and schedules and you don’t have to be able to levitate, be super flexible or athletic to start realizing the benefits to both your body and your mind!
Stevo
