Yoga Teacher Trainee - Testimonials

Yoga has been part of my journey for many years.  In 2009, I decided to take the Yoga Teacher Training with Laura at Feel Good Yoga.  What an experience and growth!  Laura is a very professional, kind and warm-hearted teacher.  Her classes are inspiring and encouraging.  I enjoyed our yoga classes, the depth of conversations over yoga topics, and the group activities like helping each other review our stances and asanas.  I am thankful for this course and the opportunity to pass on to others ‘a Feel Good’ Yoga.  Laura teaches Yoga with Love.  Thank you, Laura for being YOU!

Love and Light,

~ Mariana Shivaie

Before taking the course, I felt somewhat unsure if I was ready. Upon beginning, I immediately felt at ease and I'm in awe of how much we learned and can do. I felt that the time frame, course material and instruction style was paramount in how prepared we now are. In addition, the tuition was very reasonable considering how much we get out of the course.

I think what impresses me the most has been Laura's unwavering dedication to our success throughout and upon completion of the course. Her knowledge and delivery of the content was done in a way that enabled us to all feel prepared and ready. I also really appreciate Laura's calm, caring demeanor. She is incredibly approachable and encouraging. I would unreservedly recommend Laura's course anyone without hesitation.

Thank you Laura! I feel so lucky to know you!

~ Gillian Edmondson

I have never taken any courses or classes that I have been so sad to see end. Laura has created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, that is so conducive to spiritual growth. This course has shifted my life so dramatically in such a positive and beautiful way and I'm so thankful to Laura for her knowledgeable, humorous and humble approach.

~ Leslie Corbett

There is nothing more wonderful than sharing a love for yoga and I feel blessed to have learned from someone as talented and knowledgeable as Laura.

~ Milah Smith

I would recommend this course to anyone. Feel Good Yoga has changed my perception of "efforting" as opposed to "non-efforting" and brought me more in tune with my true self. It was a well-rounded course that explored all aspects of yoga. Laura was an amazing teacher and I felt as course is everything that I hoped it would be and much, much more!!

~Dawn Boyle

Yoga has been part of my journey for many years.  In 2009, I decided to take the Yoga Teacher Training with Laura at Feel Good Yoga.  What an experience and growth!  Laura is a very professional, kind and warm-hearted teacher.  Her classes are inspiring and encouraging.  I enjoyed our yoga classes, the depth of conversations over yoga topics, and the group activities like helping each other review our stances and asanas.  I am thankful for this course and the opportunity to pass on to others ‘a Feel Good’ Yoga.  Laura teaches Yoga with Love.  Thank you, Laura for being YOU!

Love and Light,

~ Mariana Shivaie

I joined the Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training without expectations of becoming a Yoga Instructor, but to benefit on a personal level through a challenging period in my life. I was attracted to the philosophy of the course, that yoga should feel good and cause no harm. I was concerned about knowing the proper and safe way to do yoga postures, finding a therapeutic practice which integrated body, mind and soul, and taking a program that inspires me to continue this practice independently or with others. I found all this and so much more. I have been inspired to share what I have learned with others. Laura walks the talk when it comes to her yoga practice philosophy and teaching. The light in her indeed recognizes the light in others.

Namaste,

~ L Goodwin

The yoga teacher training program at Feel Good Yoga has been an incredibly spiritual, exciting and life-changing journey, and Laura has been the essential catalyst for this. You would be hard-pressed to find a more compassionate, gentle yoga instructor who possesses so much knowledge and a genuine talent for teaching. The FGY teacher training program emphasizes teaching yoga in a safe manner and making yoga accessible to all levels - exactly what I was looking for in a yoga teacher training program. I feel very fortunate to have completed my training here. Thank you, Laura, for being so wonderful in so many ways!

~ Trisha

Laura is an amazing teacher, and is also a very dedicated student. The definition of a yoga guru; her knowledge and love of Yoga and Pilates is endless. With her kind heart and sharp brain, she has developed an amazing teacher training program offered at the beautiful, warm and inviting studio she opened with her husband, Pelle, who is equally amazing! The supportive and loving couple truly are an inspiration to all they meet. It is an honour to say that I learn from them.

Namaste,
~P Hosking

As a graduate of Feel Good Yoga Teacher training, I would highly recommend this training to anyone who has an interest in learning more about yoga. 

I appreciated Laura’s holistic approach to her yoga teacher’s training.  Not only did she thoroughly cover the postures, anatomy, yoga history and philosophy, but she included practical teaching advice such as how to demonstrate postures, how to deal with difficult situations, and injury prevention.  By sharing her knowledge, experience and humour, Laura teaches more than textbook yoga.  She opens the door for each individual to discover and create their own yoga experience.

Namaste,
~ Deanna Macdonald

As one of the trainees in the '08-'09 class, I found it a revelation to be taught such sound body mechanics.  I felt safe in Laura's classes, and am left with the understanding of how to help others feel safe in my own classes. Yoga injuries are a serious matter which many other teachers ignore. The first rule should be "Do no harm".  With Laura teaching, yoga is joyful, relaxing, and fearless. I feel secure in being able to teach any age group, giving modifications and variations to suit all body types.

~ Trisha Irwin

The essence of yoga is union: the union of mind body and spirit.  The Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training course included many perspectives on how to perform poses and structure sequences so that we would feel confident designing our own yoga classes. Yet, our course included so much more than yoga postures and stances. We were given the freedom to experiment, grow and evolve and the freedom to express ourselves by being able to choose our own theme for our certification classes and topic for our presentations. Laura recognized the diversity in her students and inspired us with her kindness and knowledge. I really enjoyed learning about the different aspects and paths of yoga.  I look forward to developing a personal home practice, teaching yoga, and continuing my yoga teacher training through workshops and continuing education.
Thank you Laura for letting us find our own personal "meaning of yoga". 

~  Vicki Chubby

After taking Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training, I am more knowlegable and confident as a yoga teacher. Laura is dedicated to developing teachers who have a thorough understanding of anatomy, injury prevention and practising asanas in a safe, supportive environment. This, along with her vast knowledge of the many different types of yoga, philosophies, and benifits that can be acheived, provides a well-rounded, informative and inspiring course. I am leaving Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training not only with a certificate to teach yoga, but also with a better understanding of myself and how to confidently and safely share my love of yoga with others. Thanks, Laura!

~  Merle Enge

As I reflect upon my experience as a student of the Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training, I am filled with gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment.  Laura was not only an amazing teacher who ensured a solid foundation of knowledge and skill was laid for each individual in her class, but she created an atmosphere in which one could be authentic and creative, discover and explore, grow and develop.  

Laura devoted herself to thoroughly teaching each and every aspect of yoga to her students in the program, and treated each and every one of us with warmth, sensitivity, and respect. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to take this course and for the doors that will surely open for me as a result.  I thank Laura and I sincerely wish her the best in her future endeavors.

~ Tracy Tidsbury

Laura's experience, sensitivity, kindness and compassion are just a few of the impressive abilities and qualities she brings to her teaching. Laura's conduct is a model for new and emerging yogini's. I feel well equiped and confident in my ability to design and lead a safe and effective Hatha yoga style class.

Thank you so much, Laura, your Feel Good Yoga teacher training has been a spectacular experience.

~ Melinda Wilkinson

I am a graduate of Laura’s teaching training program  2007-2008.  Laura’s knowledge of anatomy, yoga techniques and injury prevention is superb and she is able to teach these concepts very clearly and easily.  I felt well prepared for the testing component of the yoga teaching certification.  As well, Laura has developed a core teaching plan that upon completion of the course, enabled me to feel really confident in my ability to deliver a great yoga class to others.   Laura has all the qualities of a great teacher --- knowledge, patience, wisdom and a great big heart.  She really cares about her students. 

Thank-you Laura!

~ Joni Christman

I participated in Laura Phelps' yoga teacher training (10/08-05/09) and I am so glad I did! The reasons that I took the training were to fully immerse myself in the history and philosophy of yoga as well as to gain a more thorough understanding of the postures/asanas. I have now completed the course and feel I was given an excellent holistic education covering all of these facets of yoga as well as anatomy and pranayama. Although my education in yoga will be life long, I now feel that I have an excellent grounding in yoga and feel ready to safely and confidently instruct a class. I am grateful to Laura for giving such comprehensive instruction in a manner that was always concise, challenging, gentle and encouraging.

The Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training course turned out to be so much better than I ever anticipated. The knowledge I received about anatomy, yoga postures, safety, injuries, and the choreographing of classes was invaluable. Laura has taught us how to adapt postures for the individual, reminding us often that every body is different and needs to be approached with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. This is a path I have enjoyed taking and in the process I got the chance to meet some amazing people along the way.

~ Kim Marsh

Over the course of Laura’s 200 hour yoga teacher training program,  I went on a journey of self discovery as we went back in time to study the ancient art and science of yoga. Laura’s teaching methods respect all people’s individual differences and embraces what each person can bring to the practice of yoga.  All aspects of the traditional eight fold path were addressed during the course while giving equal attention to modern science. Laura’s creativity along with her ability to blend the ancient and modern into a non-biased yoga teacher training program, made this experience truly valuable.

~ Laura Barnes

I am a graduate of Laura's Feel Good Yoga Teacher Training class of 08-09. I decided to take this course as a last minute decision and never really knew what I would get out of it. Laura's kindness, patience and understanding over the past 8 months have been a gift in my life. Although I came out of this course a confident certified teacher, I also came out a better person. Laura's teaching method was in depth, clear and passionate.

Before starting this yoga teacher training course I treated yoga more as a stretching class and although I attended many yoga classes prior to the teacher training, I never fully got into or practised the spirituality that surrounds yoga. Now as a graduate I can honestly say that yoga is so much more for me. I have learned to looovve meditation. The yoga teacher training changed my outlook on yoga and on life. I feel great and know that when I start teaching yoga, I will have a well rounded knowledge base to bring into each class. It has been a pleasure to spend the last 8 months along side Laura, Pelle and all the students in the 08-09 class.
Thank you for everything!!
Namaste. 

When I initially saw Laura’s advertisement for Yoga Teacher Training it struck me first as an implausible goal for myself.  Could I accomplish such a thing? 

In spite of this, I swallowed my doubt and signed my name on the proverbial dotted line.

What I encountered over the next eight months was a reflection of the spirit of yoga itself.  Breathe.  Relax.  Learn.  Grow.  Learn.  Laugh.

Laura’s teaching style is open, giving, respectful and tolerant while imparting knowledge gleaned from the study of yoga and knowledge made no less valuable by the experience of living a human life. 

The atmosphere in class was one of caring, nurturing, and respect for all.  The training material was simply yet beautifully written while imparting everything I needed to know and more about Yoga and about teaching.

I would highly recommend this yoga teacher training program to all prospective yoga teachers.

~ Margaret Skadberg

I was a student in the Feel Good Yoga Teaching Training Program during the 2008/2009 season.  Laura is a gifted teacher and a knowledgable yogini that guides you towards a greater understanding of the spirituality of yoga.  Her program is well planned and her classes are very interesting.  Her personal study of yoga has given her the capacity to create sound mind/body technique and application of the yoga asanas for the healing of physical problems in the human body.

~ Namaste, Judith

I first started doing Yoga with Laura Phelps about 3 years ago. A friend asked me to tag along.  I reluctantly joined her. I was a heavy smoker and non exerciser at the time. 
I was instantly taken by both Laura’s lovely and caring manner and her endless knowledge and ability to incorporate all fitness levels into her class.
I started going often and eventually joined her classes 3 times a week.
I quit smoking, changed my diet and lost a considerable amount of body fat. But that was just the physical change that transpired, probably more profound was the reawakening of myself, my confidence, and self-esteem that re-emerged. 
I have just graduated from Laura’s Yoga Teacher Training Course and immediately began teaching classes to my co-workers and to Middle School Children.
I can say without hesitation, as a University graduate that her course is challenging, extremely effective, and equips you with all one needs to venture into teaching yoga.
I’m beyond grateful for her expertise, guidance and life-changing influence.

~ Lisa Barbetta