Testimonials

Tony,
I wanted to tell you something that Peter has mentioned to me and which my doctor confirmed. Before practicing yoga, I had scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, both of which had shrunk me down to 5 foot 7 inches. My back appears to be straight now and I have regained the two inches lost to the spinal conditions. I have no idea what to think. Except the fact that yoga seems to have done this for me...I never expected my back to be straight ever...and now it is. We measured my height....I really can’t believe it but it’s true. I thought you’d like to know.

-Colleen, Yoga Student

Just wanted to share my thoughts on your Yoga class:
I have been participating in your class for the past few months and have noticed a very positive change in my flexibility and movement in my hips, legs, arms and back. When I first began the class, I was dealing with an injury from a broken wrist which also contributed to limited movement in my shoulders and arms from non-use. As the weeks went on, I noticed a significant improvement in the movement in my shoulders and wrist. I am now able to move my arms more freely and bend my wrist at a greater angle. I am also an avid downhill skier and experienced more flexibility in my skiing. My turns seem to be much more fluid especially moving my hips laterally through the turns. I feel that the yoga classes have helped me with my flexibility and movement and overall physical well being.
Thank you Dena!

-Linda Kelly, Yoga Student

Just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your class. It truly relaxes me and I am stretching muscles that I didn't even know I had. I think 2 times a week would be great for my mind and body. I am so glad that I found Yoga and your class!

-Lori, Yoga Student

I look forward to Dena's yoga class more than any other fitness class I've ever taken. It's relaxing and challenging at the same time. Every time I leave her class, I'm ready to go right back for another one. Wednesday nights can't come fast enough.

-Claire, Yoga Student

I love the philosophy of the teachers at Infinite Light Yoga. Mind and body; together. I always leave Dena’s class with a real sense of peace. I carry that feeling through my week. I wish I could go every day!

-Molly, Yoga Student

“I had back pain for over ten years and it became something I learned to live with and “fix” every couple of months when it became debilitating with massage, chiropractics, drugs. After only 2 months of Infinite Light Yoga – my back pain is gone. I can do yard work, move furniture, shovel snow with no pain. It has been life-changing.”

-Kristin, Yoga Student

I wanted to let you know how much being a part of your Tuesday evening Yoga class has benefited me. At 57, even with doing lots of physical work that I enjoy, I had found myself becoming increasingly stiff and achy. Trying to turn around in the car to look out the back window was almost impossible and getting on my socks and slacks in the morning would be a joke if not so pathetic. My wife Annie, who has been doing yoga for many years, first suggested yoga....it seemed too "out there for a "man's man", like I considered myself. Part of the reason I finally agreed was to have an activity that we could do together. I LOVE IT!! In the 10-12 weeks I have been coming to your class, there have been dramatic changes that are all from Yoga. Turning around in the car is nothing now, getting dressed is a cinch and I can almost touch my toes!

Last week I went back for my yearly physical and my blood pressure dropped 20 points on both ends to the lowest reading I have ever had. We both look forward to Tuesday evening and your class. Being a complete novice, I was originally nervous about knowing what to do, not wanting to look like an idiot. Your method of teaching makes it very easy to follow along......"Step back with left foot, bend right knee until it's directly over the foot, etc. " You always add variations to each pose to challenge even the most limber of the class. I have never had any formal exercise regiment, preferring to just be active in my everyday life and that has kept me trim. But Yoga has definitely helped me in many ways and I expect it to be a part of the rest of my life.
Thanks again and see you in class.

-David Blakely

I had had a number of beginner's level yoga classes at some of the best yoga centers in New York City, but when I moved to Syracuse and began to study yoga with Tony Riposo, everything clicked, and yoga became part of my daily life. Beginning with his emphasis on meditation and pranayama, Tony's approach to yoga facilitates an integrative experience of the practice. While learning and then more effortlessly moving through the postures, the breathing exercises, and the meditation segments, I found that Tony's commentary—suggestions on how to unlock and relax the body and mind, encouragement, witticisms and humor—gave my mind a way to settle into the rhythms of a yoga body. The multi-level class is an aspect of Tony's teaching that I really like. While I feel advanced in certain postures and practices and on certain days, I work in a group that shares a beginner's mind and the humble approach of beginners' bodies. The emphasis is on awareness within the practice rather than on competition or achievement.
And the occasional weekend retreat gives a foundational depth to the weekly (and often twice weekly) classes I attend. I feel fortunate to be a part of these classes and this practice.

–Rebecca Garden, Professor

After reading an article on yoga and its ability to reduce stress and increase flexibility, by chance I happened on one of Tony's brochures. With great trepidation, I attended a class. After one class and without understanding much about yoga, I was convinced of its benefits. This was in 1993, and my yoga practice has continued ever since. I particularly appreciate Tony's emphasis on meditation and breathing techniques. Yoga with Tony is individualized and non-competitive which greatly enhance the experience.

–Michael, Yoga Student

Tony Riposo offers much more than an exercise. Tony is a gifted, spiritual teacher of Yoga. In a loving way, without overt mechanisms, Tony teaches the Yoga of love, personal strength and oneness through breath and Yoga. During Tony's classes, not only does the body that holds the treasure of self become strong and healthy, but the higher self of perfection begins to shine brighter as he provides a haven of opportunity to find that which is inside all of us. He leads us to see, without judgment, that we are equally equipped with all the resources we need for a beautiful and peaceful life. Without thought he will precipitate the stretching of the mind and body to places you didn't believe were possible. I highly recommend Tony's Yoga class – for when you leave, just about what ever was hurting will be diminished or healed. My body has never been in better shape and my spirit has never shined more brightly.

–Maryann, CEO, Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY

I have taken yoga with Tony for 5+ years. I began because of hip pain that woke me up at night. That was quickly resolved and has never returned. But it is much more than that for me now. It is a holistic practice bringing mind, body, soul, and spirit into alignment. my body craves it when I miss a session. It is my gift to pause during the week to attend to myself. It allows me to be fully present, to be embodied, and to increase my awareness. Tony does not only facilitate adjusting the postures for each individual, but lives what he teaches. The classes are a warm, safe, friendly environment. I highly recommend them.

–Maggie, Yoga Student

I have been a yoga student of Tony's for years and refer many of my patients to him for help with chronic pain and stress reduction. Tony's classes are unique in that he is constantly changing and evolving as a teacher. He is very easy going and funny, which makes people relax and enjoy yoga more. Yoga has helped me personally with back problems and allows me to balance my busy life with 90 minutes per week devoted just to me and my own well being. As a yoga teacher and physician I appreciate the way Tony can teach multiple levels of students at the same time, with ease and grace. He gives gentle and effective hands on assists with poses, and incorporates various breathing and meditative aspects into his classes. Another thing I appreciate about Tony as a teacher is that he frequently reminds his students that we are at yoga class for us, not for him. As an overachieving first born I tend to push too hard sometimes, so it is great to have permission to take it easy on days when I'm not feeling my best. I have been to many yoga classes but Tony is my favorite teacher who I am proud to have become friends with as well.

–Linda Lemay, MD, Yoga Teacher and Student

Hi, my name is Freda. I have been doing yoga with Tony for many years. There are days when it would be easier to stay home but I know I always feel better when I attend class. I am very convinced that yoga has kept me limber and relaxed. It helps keep me balanced both in mind and body. No matter your age, yoga is helpful. I am proof of that.

–Freda, Yoga Student

I have been a student of Tony's for over seven years now and I will say that his class is one of the greatest blessings of my life. He integrates (in a comprehensive and sophisticated manner) all aspects of Eastern contemplative traditions; intellectual, spiritual, physical, historical, and psychological. He is both insightful and inspirational. Each class is rich and varied and imparts practical wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. In his teaching he weaves a tapestry of awareness, kindness, gratitude, and acceptance. He himself is so humanly genuine and charismatic. He will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and make you grow into a better, more peaceful version of yourself. His students are fortunate to benefit from Tony's longstanding devotion to his own personal contemplative practice, years of study, and Kripalu training. His class is a gift. He manages to surprise and delight with each varied session. He always keeps it fresh and thought-provoking. Being his student has helped my mental, physical and emotional health. His teachings can transform one's life in a profound and enduring way. It has done that for me. Give yourself the gift of Tony's yoga class and see what it can do for you!

–Christine, Yoga Student

Since I have returned to Yoga, I have encountered a subtle feeling of spiritual freedom. Just wanted to say thank you for introducing this wonderful part of life for me. I am certain each person focuses in their own way. For me it completes the experience.
Thanks again,

-Jeanne

Tony is a uniquely gifted teacher who brings his deep love and knowledge of yoga to each class. His teaching methodology allows students to participate safely and fully irrespective of physical limitations. Meditation and yogic philosophy are incorporated seamlessly into every class. In a hectic world, yoga classes with Tony are an oasis of calm that nourish the body and mind.

–Anthony B. Karabanow, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine,
SUNY Upstate Medical University

I would like to thank you again for the wonderful holiday classes. Your classes were a highlight for me and my daughters! We all send our thanks and appreciation for the reflective, restorative times! Thank you for all your efforts to make our time with you so memorable!

-Odette,Jennifer,Christine and Erin

I just wanted to say that I am really, really, really enjoying your classes. The balance of instruction, familiarity, challenge, and guidance has been just perfect for me. I think you are a gifted teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your light with me.

-Namaste, Stephanie

I went to see my pulmonologist last week and as you age your total lung volume usually decreases but guess what... mine has increased since June and the only thing he can attribute this to is the yoga!!!!! So my asthma is better controlled and my lungs are actually getting better as I age - (not bad for a woman who smoked for 25 years ( I quit 10 years ago) and have adult onset asthma.) You told me when I started, that yoga would be a place where I would want to be and it trully is not only a place where I look forward to being but has also made my life better physically and mentally. Thank you :)

-Catherine

I am brand new to yoga and my experiences with Tony have been nothing short of rewarding. As a middle aged person dealing with the daily stress from raising a family and the demands of a profession, Tony’s classes have brought peace to my hectic life-style. His peaceful, charismatic and positive approach has taught me to experience calmness and peace – something that has been greatly lacking in my life. His teaching style is unique in that he teaches the new students with care and encouragement while he challenges the advanced students, all at the same time. As a person who also enjoys the rigors of a gym work-out, I have found that yoga has filled the many voids that a traditional gym work-out lacks.

With some uncertainty, I attended my first ever yoga retreat that Tony conducted. Many of my friends and family truly thought I had gone over the edge. To me, it was an opportunity to spend 6 hours with a wonderful teacher and to learn more about yoga and myself. I felt it would be a great escape for 6 hours. All my friends, colleagues and family wanted to know about the retreat. Simply put, I said it was like a having a deep tissue massage, a visit with the shrink, being adjusted by a chiropractor and taking a heavy sedative all at the same time. I had never felt so relaxed, calm and refreshed; it was truly a wonderful experience. Not mentioning the fact, the retreat allowed me to experience deeper mediation, more breathing techniques and many, many yoga poses. It was a time well spent and I would do it again.

My experience with Tony has been brief since I am only a beginning student of yoga. I can say that in the short period of time that I have spent with Tony, that he has had a profound impact on my general well- being. He is a remarkable teacher and I look forward to his classes.
Thank you, Tony.

-Jeff

Email from a former student:
My name is Laurie. I took class with you a long time ago and just wanted to send a quick email to tell you how much effect your classes have had on me.

You might not remember me. I took with my mother, Maryn, around 1999-2001. I taught ballet and worked for a BOCES in staff development.

I currently live in Houston, Texas, where I teach dance full-time and yoga part-time. Kripalu isn't really popular around here, so I studied at the local yoga studio. I've been fortunate to find a great meditation teacher. I've also been working with an Ayurvedic doctor which has infused my yoga practice with those concepts.

Although I've tried many schools of yoga, I find that your easy going manner has influenced me the most. I remember how you modified asanas for my mother and how you worked with the seniors in chairs while still providing challenge for me. I've tried to take that into my own teaching, demonstrating many modifications for asanas and allowing students to find their own ways to be more comfortable and at ease during practice. I've recently been working with a couple of physical therapists who are interested in bringing yoga concepts into a stretching class that they'll teach.

I think of your classes often - both when I'm teaching and when I'm on the mat. I've studied with many teachers since you, enough to know how gifted you are as a teacher.

Anyway, I just wanted to send a quick note. My mom says hi (she's also here in Texas now).

-Sincerely, Laurie

Your Infinite Light illuminates the way;
Your guidance has been there for us, each and every day.
The practice of yoga has rearranged my life;
No longer as much suffering and strife.
You are the key that unlocked the door;
Offering so many new road maps for us to explore.
You have taught me so much;
About all things yoga and such.
The journey to bring ancient practices forth never will end;
So I look forward to future times with you I will spend

-Yoga Student

I began practicing yoga with Tony at Infinite Light Yoga late in June 2009. My life was a mess at the time as I had just
been widowed and was dealing with a lot of stress, emotional upheaval and grief which manifested as some nasty physical problems. One of which was what the doctors call GERD aka Reflux. I had experienced the symptoms for several years and been diagnosed after an upper GI exam in 2003...not fun. Took at least 2-4 generic purple pills a day for over 5 years. Burning, pain etc., but, since it was a constant, I assumed that I would be on the meds for the rest of my life. Not so.

About a week ago, (a little over a year later), I was shopping at a local store. I walked down the medication aisle, looked up and saw the GERD meds. That's when it hit me like a ton of bricks. I have not needed or taken
any of those little purple pills since last August. It's been a full year with no more pain. The only thing I can attribute this to is learning Yoga. It's been the best thing I could ever have done for myself after all the stresses I've experienced over the past few years.

- Colleen, Yoga Studnet

As a returning student after many years, I want so much to be sure you understand the depth of my gratitude for your inspiring and life changing classes. There was a time in my life when I thought I would never be able to do yoga again, and yet here I am, and I fully expect to continue for the rest of my life.

- Joanne, Yoga Student

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