testimonials: Yoga
“Yoga with Christopher is always such a treat. He leads a thoughtful, knowledgeable, intelligent, and fun flow, focused on alignment, learning about the practice, and connecting with the body. As someone recovering from injuries and perfectionism, it's incredible to have Christopher's classes, as he truly creates a non-competitive space, honoring and praising student for doing less, for regressing poses, for listening to their bodies and making it their own practice. His guidance is inspiring, empowering, gentle, and strong. He brings his whole self to teaching and allows you to bring your whole self, too, while also pressing the pause button on life in order to tune in and focus on yoga for the time at hand. Christopher's group and private sessions have given me the movement literacy to listen to my body and move no matter what is coming up for me that day, mentally or physically. I trust that whatever flow Christopher is teaching is the flow I need, and I am grateful to have him as a teacher.”
–Justine Cohen
“The first class I ever took with Christopher was a spin class- it is also one of the most vivid memories I have at the gym because, at the end of the class, when everyone was sweaty and tired, Christopher whipped out 30 canisters of homemade fruit preserves and handed them out to every single attendee. Here is a dude who just slaughtered us for 45 minutes, humbly offering regulars and new attendees alike something that he put effort and love into. In every class and every conversation I've had with him since, I have continued to experience nothing but that love, humbleness and passion for pursuing enlightenment and happiness. Christopher is a teacher who inspires laughter and silliness, but who also so deeply respects the concepts of yoga and health that it glows in his very aura. He's taught me so much about acceptance and self-awareness and I am proud (and grateful!) to have learned from him.”
–Kalina Kwong
“Chris/Topher/Christopher is the most amazing yoga teacher I've ever had the privilege of learning from. His offering of yoga is unique, a fusion of his own life learnings, his own practice, and a deep rooting in the wisdoms of the yogic traditions. His personality comes through in each class he teaches, but never in a way that feels egoic, just in a way that feels genuine and authentic. I'm also a yoga teacher, and when I go to Topher's classes I learn how to be a better teacher, and how to share a better practice when I teach! His anatomical as well as philosophical knowledge leaves me constantly in a state of growth and wonder. Topher is also just an amazing human, and I love being around him. I cannot recommend Topher enough, and think that every yogi has something to gain by learning from this truly gifted teacher and the experiences he offers.”
–Ryan Sweat
“Christopher’s yoga classes offer a unique perspective and always leave me energized, grounded and grateful. I have been a student (and teacher) of Christophers for about 3 years and would recommend him without hesitation. The combination of his knowledge of the asanas and of the way the body works makes each class a learning experience. He also doesn't take himself too seriously which makes practicing yoga with Christopher a workout in smiling as well.”
–Chimene Rosales
“After a car accident I incurred whiplash, Christopher’s yoga classes were the medicine I needed to heal. With his massage therapy background I knew I could trust his judgement. That being said Christopher encourages his students to tune into their experience which is rare. He has the range to teach an intense Vinyasa Flow to a transforming Restorative class. His mastery of multiple yoga disciplines is evident in his teaching. He takes the time to make everyone of his students feel seen and cared for. I would recommend Christopher to anyone regardless of their fitness level.”
–Rebecca Shea
“Chris is like the Jake Peralta (of Brooklyn 99 fame) of yoga. Mischievous, joyful, thoughtful, and completely full of wisdom. As someone who has taken many of his classes he is always student focused. Not only does he put together flows and sequences that challenge the body, he puts forth concepts and breathing techniques to grow the spirit. The best thing about Chris is that he is always down to dive deep into a topic of your choosing either before or after class.
Why haven't you taken a class with him yet?”
–Arya Zarrinkelk
Topher is the best yoga teacher I’ve ever had. He blends asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathwork) into new choreography every time, expanding my limits and my knowledge. Practice is both meditative and lighthearted, as Topher makes heart-opening jokes with the same regularity as strict postural adjustments. For the first time I feel encouraged to pay attention to my own body and flow with my own breathing and this has deepened my practice in a way that I carry out of the studio and into the world.
–David
“Christoper just in case you don’t know the senior group here at Gearldine Johnson Manor thinks you are the best. You are a kind loving spirit and have so much patience, it's also never a dull moment. Lol! You keeps us on our toes! It is a great joy and we 👀 forwarding to spending our time with you. Thanks for your labor of love.”
–The Senior Gang