Advanced Yoga Studies » Testimonials

What students are saying!

Our 2011 AYS students share their experiences...

For me, AYS was a great resource in taking my practice beyond just the physical, to learn more of the greater aim of yoga, and it's goal of uniting mind and body. If you want to learn the finer points of a particular pose, you'll most certainly get that, but expect to experience quite a bit more, through meditation, breathing exercises, and more.

The time spent going through this yoga journey with my fellow classmates created such a warm, nurturing bond between us, I don't think I will soon forget. It was a great experience getting to know the people I see around the studio and forming new friendships.

Trina's depth of yogic knowledge is extensive, and she filled the entire learning experience with joy, insight, and a great sense of humor. She emanates love in her teaching, love for the practice, and love for all her students.

By the time we went on the retreat, it felt like a family vacation without all the family drama. It was an unforgettable experience to get to practice yoga in such an inspiring setting, looking out over ocean views, and even taking a class in spanish!! And I won't even mention the gorgeous beaches, the amazing food, floating down a Mayan canal, etc...

Seriously, what are you waiting for???

-Carlos

I enrolled in the AYS 2012 after practicing yoga at the Mat for 4 months. I felt a little nervous not only because I was new to yoga but new to the US too. Today, at the end of the Level 2 of AYS I’m so happy that a couple of months ago I took a risk and started this beautiful and never ending journey of study yoga and myself. Thanks to Leah Salganik for encouraging me to go for what I want! Thanks you Trina for your wisdom and insights! We laughed, we cried, we shared our stories and dreams, we became friends, we discovered that yoga is so much more than poses and stretching, and, most importantly, we learned how to bring yoga into our lives. Trina, you are an amazing teacher and a beautiful person!

-Aygul

I enrolled in AYS to learn more about yoga, and it exceeded my expectations! I learned so much from Trina. She is a knowledgeable, caring, and passionate instructor. I also enjoyed getting to know my fellow yogis better. Our group had fun and worked well together.

AYS was life-changing, mind-expanding and emotionally energizing. Trina's knowledge continued to impress me. I was inspired by her willingness to enlighten and inspire us. Just do it. It will take your life to the level emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

-De'Edra

I had a wonderful experience throughout my AYS training. As you sign up, I would be ready to learn through direct experience of yourself (physical strengths and weaknesses, mental strengths and weaknesses) and others. You would be shocked at how much you don’t know and this is a great opportunity to explore through yoga! Our group were all on different paths of life but were still able to create a tremendous bond by the end of the series. Then you get to top it off with a retreat to Mexico, which is obviously the most fun! Sign up and enjoy!

-Katie

The friendships and the way everyone bonded with each other made AYS and the retreat very special. On a personal note, emotionally and spiritually, I've grown more in the past 6 months than anytime I can remember in my life. I've always been secluded, introverted, so for me to take off to Mexico with people I've known only 6 months, some even less than that, and to have as much fun as I did is huge. The retreat was a perfect mix of planned activities and free time.

While I definitely gained knowledge about yoga from the AYS classes it was the simple lessons that meant the most. If you want to be happy be happy. I was able to practically apply that on the retreat and it was far more than fake it till you make it. When I learned of my mom's passing my initial reaction was to go to grief and sadness. But then I thought about her wishes to not have a funeral or a memorial and I decided instead of remembering her as she was the past year, broken down and a shell of her former self, I thought of a time when she was laughing and smiling, when she was the mother that I had most of my life. Anytime I felt grief of her dieing creeping up I returned to the good memories of her and carried that with me everywhere we went. I was laughing and having a good time while we were on the retreat and there was nothing fake about it. If you want to be happy be happy. Without question that is the most important lesson I got from AYS.

-Bruce

Attending the AYS yoga retreat in Playa del Carmen was amazing beyond words. Becky and Kendall organized the perfect combination of great restaurants, beautiful yoga studios, a wonderful excursion, shopping, and a nice relaxing afternoon at the beach. Having Kendall's local knowledge of Playa long with Becky's favorite recommendations made this retreat extra special. Plus, you just can't go wrong when you bring together a group of like minded people who all have a passion for yoga.

-Samantha

The retreat to Playa will be a treasured memory for years to come. It was a totally positive experience....from the quality of the yoga, to the companionship and joy that was shared by all the participants. Playa is beautiful but it cannot compare with the beauty of the spirits of everyone involved. We laughed, ate, drank, played and practiced in a completely authentic and spontaneous way. I cannot WAIT to do it again!

-Lisa

It's hard to put into words exactly what I learned and even harder to make a sentence. Sounds that come to mind are, "Ooooh, ah, awww," Okay: Effort (is a word that comes to mind). I did have to step outside of my comfort zone and share more about myself, even as I was learning some of it about myself for the first time. That is why I continued with Level 2 studies. I got much further in my practice than I expected, and that includes yoga philosophy. I love the list of obstacles and exploring the Yoga Sutras. This is a short, intensive experience. It will fly by but you will be better for it. I'm so glad I was able to expand my practice at The Mat. I'm very thankful for the chance to learn with Trina at my home. It's been a blessing. Trina, you're a great teacher. You really created a welcoming environment. You also expected me to be my inner teacher. I have a lot to learn from within and from others, and I am more able to listen and reflect because of you. You rock.

-Reema

There are a few defining moments in my life, and joining Advanced Yoga Studies is undoubtedly one of those moments.   When I first learned that Treenuh Yoga and The Mat were doing a joint venture to offer AYS, I knew that it would be something I would really love to do, but there were a lot of obstacles that presented themselves, and I used them as an excuse not to apply.

I wanted to embark on this yogic journey to deepen my practice and learn more about the yoga philosophy.  In the process, I discovered ME.  

From the very first session, I knew that AYS would be life-changing.  Trina is very knowledgeable as well as being a gifted teacher.  It's not all about learning the asanas or classroom lectures with boring textbooks.  She pushes the envelope and made our learning experience fun and accessible to everyone, no matter how long we had been practicing yoga.  

Thanks to a leap of faith, I am a better person because of AYS -- more confident, forgiving, strong and self-aware.

I am looking forward to continuing on this path with AYS Level 3.  It's going to be a fun ride.

-Melanie

I heard about AYS (Advanced Yoga Studies) at The Mat and thought to myself, this might be a good opportunity for me to perfect my asanas. Unbelievably, AYS was so much more.

I only signed up for Level 1, thinking, I'll get my poses straight and move on.  Little did I know that Level 1 would be so life changing mentally, emotionally and physcially, that I would sign up for Level 2, a retreat to Mexico and believe it or not......Level 3 that would take me all the way to instructor level. I learned very early on that AYS was more than just asanas.  I was totally engrossed in the philosophy of yoga teachings and the interaction with the individuals in my group class.   I learned to let go and be absorbed in the love and support that surrounded my starting with my instructor, Trina, who I believe has been "called" to do this.  My bond with my classmates became stronger than I ever imagined.  I enjoy my practice so much more as I understand the philosophy behind it and knowing to respect and be true to my body.

Try the class and see for yourself......you will find it to be a lifechanging event.

I enjoyed learning more about different aspects of yoga in addition to gaining valuable form pointers with the poses. Trina is so knowledgable. It is evident she is well prepared for each session. I learned so much from her and appreciated her passion and positive energy. The program was so valuable. It has strengthened my dedication to my practice. The AYS program is a commitment but you will gain so much in return.

-Melissa

Redefine yourself...
...at The Mat