sandyjonesyoga@outlook.com / 613-700-1023 / Orleans, Ontario
sandyjonesyoga@outlook.com / 613-700-1023 / Orleans, Ontario
"I have been taking Gentle Yoga classes with Sandy Jones, via Zoom, for awhile and I truly value them. Sandy’s warmth, humour, and acceptance of our individual circumstances (and bodies too...) enhance the value of the hour I spend with her remotely each week. Her skill and joy in her yoga practice shine through as she coaxes me into stretches and poses that support me, but never scare or hurt me. And her ability to adapt her practice to all comers, whatever our body shape, soreness, flexibility, etc. is worthy of a medal for creativity. The hour class passes too quickly, and most times I fall asleep on my mat as the class closes. Love it!!!" Jane T.
"I have been doing yoga for the better part of ten years, and I have never had a teacher who is as sensitive as Sandy is to individual needs. She offers numerous modifications for each pose, checks in on me regularly via email after class, and offers participant-specific advice seamlessly while teaching. I am so grateful I found Sandy during the pandemic and that she has encouraged me to focus on my mental and physical well-being while making yoga fun and accessible!" Jenn H.
"I was surprised by the crippling and long-term effects of Covid. How low my energy got, how dizzy and unfocused I became, and how much anxiety came from the simple act of breathing (especially caused by the pain in the chest every time you tried to take in a nice big breath of air). I'd often go outside to try to fill up my lungs with fresh air to get "more oxygen" but it felt like I could never get "enough air" in. I also felt like 8-10 hours was never enough sleep and had to nap pretty much daily. The best way I can describe the difference the 4 yoga classes of Long Haul Covid with you, have had for me. It has totally changed my mental relationship with my breath - if that's a thing.
Yay!! What a HUGE game changer this practice has been for me." Sylvie S., March 2022
"I wanted to take Yoga classes but realized they were too expensive for my income. Until I heard about Sandy's Gentle Yoga classes. She is more about helping people than she is about money. She gave me classes as a gift and still does today. These Yoga classes are the Best I have ever had by a teacher. Thank you Sandy for your love of yoga and the compassion and love for your clients." Kim M.
"It’s been a hard year for me, as it has for many of us. Between Covid, the unexpected loss of a beloved family member, supporting elderly parents with dementia, working at an amazing but underfunded non-profit, and just trying to squeeze it all into the limited hours of the day, 2020 was quite a ride. 2021 started out much the same, stressful and tiring and often difficult. But I can truly say that Sandy’s online yoga class has made a huge difference in my life. I’ve practiced yoga (inconsistently) for years but never through zoom, and I was a little unsure if online yoga would really work. Sandy’s sessions are incredible. They are calming and restorative, allowing me to rest, process my week, focus on my own physical and mental health, and regain strength to keep on moving. I have cried, laughed and breathed on my mat in ways I have never done in an in-person class. I end the hour feeling so much more grounded than when I started. Thank you so much Sandy for your holistic approach, your sense of humour and all your amazing energy and support!"
R.T. (Kenya)
"While I've had several wonderful Yoga classes over the years. Sandy is by far the best! Truly an exceptional teacher, Sandy always makes you feel as if her class was tailored just for you. She has vast knowledge and experience and always seamlessly incorporates alternatives, supported versions and excellent guidance. You feel completely supported through practice. I've taken her class in-person and I am so happy that I can continue classes online. It's nice too that you can keep your camera off, show up as you are, and be instantly transported into Yoga bliss. Sandy creates an environment that is nourishing, welcoming, and wonderfully enjoyable. Her classes are a real treat, and I cannot recommend it enough!" T.K.
"Namaste, I was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2013. This is a debilitating condition that stole a previously fulfilling and active life. One of the most difficult things for me was "acceptance" of my limitations. One of the best things that I have done is taking part in Sandy's online Yoga classes. Working with Sandy has not only been extremely beneficial to my physical health, it has also given me faith in myself again. Thank you Sandy" T.B. (United Kingdom)
"Sandy's yoga has been amazing throughout the covid pandemic as a way to connect to others and also to clear my mind of the stresses of pandemic life for an hour a week. I have especially been grateful for the practice being accessible online - I live in Toronto and have still been able join practice each week. Sandy has also been so understanding and accommodating to making alterations for my yoga practice throughout my pregnancy so that it is both safe and beneficial to me and baby. Thank you Sandy!" Emma (Toronto)
”My association with Sandy has been through Zoom and telephone conversations only! My sister “introduced” me to Sandy, and I am fortunate that she has come into my life. When my husband passed away last Fall, Sandy took the time to find several Grief Support Groups for me to contact here in London, ON. In addition, she made time to speak to me on the phone during some sad moments. Her kindness has no limits. She opens her class at least 10-15 minutes before start time allowing me to become relaxed, calm and able to “let go”. Her knowledge and experience is re-assuring as she guides us through a pose. I appreciate her offering different variations for each pose, so I am not causing an injury by doing a pose which is beyond my capability. I trust her completely. I am grateful to Sandy for the impact yoga has made on my life as I find myself applying yoga breath to my day to day activities. As a result of knowing Sandy, I am trying to become a better person, and she is my role model. Thank you Sandy; you are a gift to me. Namaste." L.C. (London, Ontario)
"Great thing about Zoom Yoga is it is Accessible! I live in Nelson BC. Accessible Virtually, Accessible Physically. Sandy is a fun and inclusive yoga teacher. So many benefits available!" Laura A. (B.C.)
"Sandy is a warm, compassionate, gentle and enthusiastic human being. During the eight years I have experienced and enjoyed her yoga classes she has demonstrated her deep knowledge of body dynamics and so provides a wide variety of accommodations for each participants' level of ability. Sandy endeavours to know each student and is a gracious, sympathetic listener. Her devotion to our community during the early days of the pandemic with free outdoor yoga classes demonstrates her level of commitment. Sandy is flexible as she has pivoted her business to ZOOM which has enabled her to reach people around the world as we practice together. I have personally enjoyed her most recent series where we have explored the seven chakras. It is evident that Sandy has spent a great deal of time preparing the information and incorporating the asanas so that we are exercising our bodies as well as our minds." Cheryl
"I have been taking a class with Sandy for many years and followed her when she started her own practice and most recently through Zoom I like the way Sandy works with each of us who have challenges and ensures that our experience is at our most positive for every class. I especially like that she shares different variations for each pose depending our on your individual challenges. She has a great sense of humour and the one hour class just seems to go by so fast. I will follow Sandy anywhere she goes because she is such a great Yoga teacher. " Carole G.
"I have been doing yoga classes with Sandy going on three years now. I have had a couple of experiences with other yogis, but Sandy is by far the best yoga instructor. She has a very warm and welcoming nature which puts you at ease from the first instant that she meets you. Sandy always illustrates different versions of the poses that we do. This way people with some physical limitations (like me) can still take benefit from them. Yoga has had a very positive impact on my life, in particular, during the isolation of the pandemic. Sandy's online yoga classes have been a lifeline for me. I am forever grateful that during the class the world with all its present day challenges disappears." Beverley M.
"I have been taking Yoga classes online since the Fall 2020 with Sandy Jones. I find that she is such a sweet person and has a great sense of humour. Her classes help me to relax completely. The Asanas are shown to us using several variations, from the easiest to the most difficult. I enjoy my one hour with Sandy every Tuesday (online)! " C.T.
"I had never quite understood the fuss about yoga until I was invited to attend one of Sandy’s yoga classes. I was impressed by her teaching style which addressed my needs as a beginner as well as the needs of those who were more experienced. She was able to create an environment in which I felt welcomed and accepted. After three months of regular yoga practice, I can say that it helped me to learn to listen to the needs of my body and soul. Through Sandy’s yoga class, I found a space to relax and “let go” which I am very grateful for. I highly recommend her as a teacher!!" E.O. (Montreal)
"Sandy's yoga classes are truly an enjoyable experience for me. I'm new to yoga and Sandy welcomes everyone in with warmth, lighthearted humor and a vast knowledge of yoga history. The depth of Sandy's knowledge of the philosophy, culture and spirituality of yoga is very profound. I'm always looking forward to my next class." Leanne C.
"Never in a million years would I have thought I would practice yoga! Sandy got me hooked. Her gentle approach and excellent instructions made it easy to learn and love yoga. Sandy's yoga class helps me and my mind to slow down but the benefit of yoga breathing applies to every day life also. It helps me deal with anxiety and the pressures of life. I am so grateful. Thanks Sandy" Sue M.
"I found the Gentle Yoga class last year by coincidence and I am hooked. If you have not been exercising for a while or if you’re simply tired of competing with younger more flexible woman, this Gentle Yoga class is for you. Sandy always make us all feel welcome, she always explains every move in detail with their benefits and even tries to blend in different moves for those wishing to feel more or alternative moves for those with difficulties. This is a must class for 50+ who wants to stay in shape. I leave every class feeling refreshed, more limber and happy I went." Sylvie D.
"I have been practicing yoga with Sandy for a year and a half and it has made a wonderful difference in my life. Sandy has a gentle positive nature and an instructional style which is very inclusive and cognizant of all abilities. She puts a great deal of effort into providing a varied program including a meditative style reading at the beginning of each class and soothing music throughout. Most appreciated is the effort that Sandy takes to get to know her students and therefore tailor the practice to each individual's physical capabilities. Many times throughout my days I find myself reflecting on something that Sandy has said in class which brings my thoughts Into the moment and calms my breathing. Her breathing and focusing exercises have been particularly helpful to improve sleep. I look forward to my weekly yoga practice and it has become the best exercise that I have ever enjoyed." C.M.
"Sandy is always in tune with what is going on with each participant and suggests alternate poses when required in order to accommodate injuries." Brenda G.
"We were pleased to welcome Sandy Jones to present her yoga series at Maple Ridge Elementary School and couldn't have been more satisfied with her program. We were a mixed group of ladies, some young, some not so young....some more fit than others, some of us with minor health concerns. Sandy's skills allowed her to present her yoga series to us with modifications to meet the needs of each of individual. She introduced us to yoga blocks and balls as well as a variety of stretches using ties. Its pretty amazing what these different props and techniques can do for your practice! Sandy's presentation was gentle, soothing and the temple massage at the end of the session was wonderful! Namaste." Tanya D.
"So when yoga was suggested to me, I really was unsure of going as I have a hard time relaxing and I didn't believe that it would help me in anyway. The thought of doing stretches also didn't intrigue me. I really believed you had to be an expert to be taking yoga, but I was wrong in so many ways.
I really had no idea what to expect as I had never taken yoga before, and I was nervous about the person teaching yoga. Did she have high expectations and what if I wasn't able to do the stretches? What would the other people in the class be like? Would they also be experts while I would look like a fool?
Well to my surprise, yoga has been a wonderful experience in many ways unimaginable.
To start off, Sandy who is the yoga instructor is the most sweetest woman you could possibly ask for because of her gentleness and sensitivity. She is very mindful of everyone who is in her class and is aware of challenges that each of us face whether it be health or psychological. For me personally, I suffer with anxiety and stress on a daily basis, but when I do yoga weekly with Sandy, her class teaches me to focus on my breathing and the stretches we do are so gentle that my body can't help but relax.
What I appreciate about Sandy and her teaching techniques, is she always has different stretches to accommodate others like myself, who may not be able to do certain exercises due to health limitations. She is a very approachable woman who cares greatly about all who attend her class and is very passionate about helping others to achieve relaxation and proper breathing techniques. When you attend any of Sandy's classes, you can always expect to be greeted with her smiles and to leave there feeling energized and renewed.
The environment is without a doubt, welcoming and set up to make yoga be an enjoyable experience. The music she plays is very soothing and relaxing. The lighting is perfect and she ensures the temperature in the room is working accordingly. I enjoy the company I have coming and going to yoga each week, but also the other women who attend the class too. It has made me feel safe and is not in any way intimidating from anyone.
After completing her first 6 classes, I am now back for another round as I have found that her classes are really helping me sleep better on the nights I do yoga with her. I also find that the yoga classes I have done so far with Sandy, have helped to lessen my anxiety and breathe better too. I can't imagine doing any other yoga class without a teacher like Sandy. She truly goes out of her way to ensure yoga is a very enjoyable experience for everyone who attends her class.
I would suggest to anyone who is thinking about trying yoga, to attend Sandy's classes as I guarantee it will be the best decision you have made and the best experience you can imagine. It will keep you coming back each and every class she offers. Having a yoga teacher who is caring and passionate about yoga, makes all the difference in how enjoyable yoga can be." S.P.
Responses received from a confidential survey through Carleton University Healthy Workplace - Restorative Yoga Series:
Q: What aspects of the teaching did you like?