Testimonials

I started attending Iyengar yoga sessions with Laura-Ann sometime in 2013. Laura-Ann’s way of leading the classes has helped me develop a stronger mind-body connection, overcome inflexibility and allow me to (mostly) achieve poses despite severe limitation in one shoulder joint. The most surprising benefit is an increased energy level, particularly after classes where Laura-Ann gently ‘pushes’ us to stretch further or hold a pose longer. Today, I look forward to the rigorous physical and mental workout yoga with Laura-Ann provides.
A further benefit to me, personally, came about because of Laura-Ann’s way of encouraging her students to notice and honour what is going on in their own body, and to question anything unusual. This led to the early discovery and treatment of pancreatic cancer. With Laura-Ann’s help I was able to continue yoga until surgery, as well as through the following months of chemotherapy.
Maureen Habermeyer

Laura-Ann is the embodiment of Iyengar yoga. She demonstrates postures, providing props to assist in attaining our version of the asanas, encouraging us to see what is possible, gently correcting when needed, all in an accepting, positive environment. It is a safe, caring place for all health and fitness levels.
Lori Van Rooi

Laura Ann’s yoga classes completely changed my life. The strength in my legs, arms and core is such a good feeling. One of the best and most unexpected aspects was how it has changed my breathing. I went from barely being able to run for a minute to running over 10kms not feeling winded at all.
No matter how stressful of a day I have or what is happening in my world at that particular moment, coming to yoga class lets me focus on my body and mind which in turn helps me lead a better life. I would recommend Yogatopia to everyone!
Michelle

Yoga has improved the strength and flexibility of my knee after an injury and surgery. Laura-Ann suggests modifications to allow me to perform the postures to the best of my ability without reinjury. While providing increasingly challenging moves each week, she is patient & supportive, every class interesting and a joy to attend.
Martin Van Rooi

Having grown up playing competitive sports I easily fell into the assumption that yoga was not for me. I didn’t see it as physically demanding enough. Then I suffered a string of injuries and it was recommended to me that I try yoga. Yoga is not only challenging but I leave the studio feeling invigorated. It’s the perfect balance of physical exertion and mental awareness. Laura-Ann is beyond an excellent teacher. She’s very aware of everyone’s abilities and offers modified options that suit each persons needs. She knows how to push you that little bit more.
Tom

Laura-Ann has introduced me to Iyengar yoga. She teaches using helpful props focusing on body alignment and adapts the poses for my short stature, allowing me the opportunity to achieve precise yoga postures. Everyone, both young and old can practice Iyengar Yoga with Laura-Ann safely, to gain good health, better postures (asanas) and mental peace.
Diane Blair

I don’t play any sports, nor had I ever tried yoga or even gone to a gym. Needless to say I was nervous about first attending Laura-Ann’s classes, however it didn’t take long for me to relax and feel at home. Laura-Ann is great at detecting those who struggle with certain positions and doesn’t hesitate to gently correct your form or even provide an alternative position to suit your needs or accommodate injuries. Laura-Ann gives just the right amount of encouragement to constantly push myself a little farther, and as a result I have seen great progress in myself, both physically and mentally.
Alex

I have been a student at Yogatopia for two years and last year was my first time taking pre-natal yoga. The experience was fantastic. I didn't need to look for a separate pre-natal class because Laura-Ann tailored and modified my existing class for me. She was incredibly knowledgeable about which postures would be of benefit and which ones were and weren't safe according to my trimester. As a result I didn't experience any of the ligament pain or postpartum pelvic floor issues that I had during my first two pregnancies and I can't recommend her classes enough!
Andrea Thomas and yoga-baby Maeve

I started taking Yoga with Laura Ann in March of 2013 and it has changed my life. When I started I was very overweight and extremely out of shape. Even walking around the block was difficult for me. My asthma was extremely out of control and I had to use my rescue inhaler multiple times daily. My specialist was even considering putting me on a long term steroid treatment to try and control my breathing.
Today I am 40 pounds lighter. My asthma specialist has seen big improvements in my breathing tests and he is no longer considering the long term steroid treatment. I can actually go days without using my rescue inhaler.
I love taking Yoga with Laura Ann, she has a way of teaching you to do the moves correctly so that when you leave her class you feel empowered and stronger. Her classes are well planned and work for the skill levels of everyone attending. She teaches you how to modify the poses if you are not able to do the full pose so you can still benefit from each class. I highly recommend her classes to everyone not only to improve your fitness level but to help with stress.
Karen Siemens

Through Yoga, Laura-Ann has taught me the importance of balance in my life, both emotionally and physically. Practicing Iyengar Yoga with her has allowed me to effectively manage and alleviate chronic back pain that I have had for years.
She always creates a relaxed and enjoyable environment while continually challenging and motivating me. Her dedication to her practice is an inspiration to me.
Charleen Parchewsky

Laura-Ann is by far the best yoga instructor I have experienced. She understands that I have fibromyalgia and thus exercise inevitably causes pain, however I need to stretch and strengthen in ordered to avoid contractures and further dysfunction. It is evident that L-A is continually researching so that she can utilize the most efficient practice for our needs. There are always modifications provided for those who cannot achieve the poses. She lives and breathes yoga, and her passion for enlightening others in yoga practice is obvious. I always leave feeling more centred and calm.
Jan Schwarz