Testimonials
The stretching of one’s physio-emotional being in the studio as we learn to guide currency in certain directions parlays nicely when stretching to communicate with a coworker, when assimilating a new project, when managing the dehumanizing rigors of the work world. In fact, if one is as centered, focused, alive with compassion, free of unhealthy emotions, and able to successfully manage ego grasping in the best sense of yoga practice, then one should necessarily be able to be a warrior in the world of work as one brings the light o these practices gently to bare on the delicate and powerful interactions of work as one creates, advances, refines and executes the currencies of business. Your class helped me in this way. ~Aaren Perry
For me, it is even just taking the time to slow down. I am always running around from one thing to another and busy in life, and this class has been so helpful in just doing something for myself, something good and healthy and beneficial. Something that lets me breathe in and take a moment and reflect and have peace and calm. What has opened up for me is also stretching while also listening to your words which carry over into my daily life and not just at that moment. Thanks for giving this class and for doing what you do. Daniel
Thank you so much!!! This will be the best 1 year anniversary ever!!!! You are much appreciated! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Bob
My grasp of the English language does not allow me to state more clearly than you have here in your own poetic, articulate and poignant way, the personal benefits of yoga in work effectiveness and work-life balance. I would only add that turning yoga insights outward in the world is a profoundly important practice.
Last night, my husband and I returned home from Jasmine’s partner yoga class relaxed and grateful for the time we spent focused on each other. We enjoyed Jasmine’s calm approach and the way she tailored the class to the levels of those in attendance. The studio at 3901 Main St is really beautiful. It was the perfect way to spend an evening together. We loved meeting Michael and the other students too! See you next time! Excellent Class. By Cristina
Thank you so much for the retreat and the suggested poses. In regards to the benefits, there are so many, first of all the opportunity to connect on both a physical and emotional level in a very intimate way, the opportunity to stretch, strengthen and gain flexibility and the opportunity to share with others. These, the amazing surroundings and your skill level all make for a most rewarding opportunity. Linda
I’ve been practicing Hatha Yoga for four years and teaching it for one. However, Last night was my first experience in Partner Yoga. It was a special experience, because it was a way to connect with people in a relaxing and safe environment. I highly recommend this class.”
We really enjoyed the class. It was a gift for our relationship and so badly need. So thank you for your gift of yoga. Because for a (yoga) newbie, my husband really felt comfortable and wished we could have done more. The class you lead last week really touched our spirits which was amazing! And for me partnering is a whole new yogic trip! Summer
Relief from my back pain. Alan B
I went to a Synergy by Jasmine event held by the Sustainable Business Network of Philadelphia. I really liked doing partner yoga – I was able to help my partner stretch and also relieve my own strained back. It was a great exercise in physical and spiritual contact!
“I had done yoga before but my boyfriend was not into it. We were both curious to see what kind of stuff we would do in a workshop. We really enjoyed some of the non-physical aspects of the class which were really bonding. The poses were fun and playful. It made for a great date night!”
Playful and chill. KeeKee
Jasmine has a way of bringing together a group so that any feelings of weirdness start to get laughed away. Yoga is usually such a solitary practice but doing yoga with your significant other makes it to be a great way to bond in child-like ways. “
Your program is great and you do such a wonderful job of gently and attentively guiding the session. We both were raving about the experience and would love to come back and bring some of our friends.”
David R.
All of the helpful aspect of yoga for personal growth and balance are equally as important when applied outside the studio and do stand up well in the more unpredictable light of the social and work world. The skillful reading of one’s body becomes the confident, accurate and impactful reading of another’s needs and style and, therefore, directly helps one manage the potentials and challenges of workplace and group relationships.
You mentioned how yoga influences our work performance, I’m not sure it does since we do it so infrequently, but I can tell you that it is most rewarding to our relationship. The physical and emotional connections that we can make, the laughter that we share, all amidst the ambience is such a gift to us. Plese don’t forget about us and do keep us informed about your upcoming retreats. Thank you for all you do. You are a blessing! Linda Duncan
Thank you so much for the evening! Choosing a single most memorable part would be tricky since the experience walked us through a broad number of mood spaces : intimate, playful, focused…etc.. you know how yoga can be, yes?
I have already mentioned our experience to several friends. More importantly, both Tom and I have a renewed sense of urgency about re-incorporating yoga into our life. Elizabeth
Thank you guys sooooo much for Friday’s class. It was way cool. I enjoyed experiencing familiar poses in novel configurations, and also, just got a huge kick outta playfully following along with Steve. FUN!!! And the cooperative vibe continued thru to weekend. I think we talked more — and less superficially — over the next few days, and perhaps even still we’re benefitting from your couples yoga class.
But whatever — GREAT CLASS!!! Looking forward to trying another one, to discovering more ways to enjoy moving together with yoga. Was a pleasure meeting you & Michael, thanks for being such awesome guides & warm, friendly personalities. Looking forward to another class soon. Carolyn
Thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon that promoted relaxation, exercise and the opportunity to reconnect, all of which we so desperately need. We had so much fun and will definitely arrange sitting for the March retreat. Thank you again. You two have really created something special. Linda
We are so glad we had the opportunity to meet you and connect with each other in such a beautiful intimate setting. We enjoyed each other and everyone very much on Saturday, and are so grateful to our children for bring this opportunity to light! Paula
Jasmine is a warm and energetic yoga instructor and I highly recommend her classes for couples. My wife and I have attended several of these and they encourage interaction with your partner that is unlike the traditional yoga classes I have taken. Jasmine’s classes are suited for novices and those who practice yoga regularly and will be rewarding for all Bob Walsh.
“Jasmine is a excellent yoga instructor. Her classes are easy to follow and her methods get results. She shows modifications when needed to meet each individuals needs. She also shows how to apply poses in “out of the classroom” environment. I would highly recommend her.” Shirley Shchory
Good afternoon Jasmine and Michael, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm Thank You for a delightful Friday evening! Marc and I thoroughly enjoyed your class. It was nice to take a ‘time-out” from all of the hustle and bustle in our everyday lives. Thank you for the wonderful gifts of peace, love, and happiness! Debbie Duffy
We found it interesting and a challenge to communicate without words, and we see couples yoga as a unique way to work on non-verbal communication. I found it a very cool way to be connected to my girlfriend through relaxing exercise. I love weight training, and my girlfriend likes a variety of exercise types, but we haven’t found much we both truly enjoy doing with the other, and not just exercising in the same space but really with each other. While we both enjoy traditional yoga, this was different since we rely on the other to work through the poses, for balance and strength.
As far as what shifted, we have a fun, new way to relax/exercise in a date night fashion. The class was a great exercise in giving up control of our bodies and allowing our partner to have control. We also noticed that it was good practice for both giving and receiving. For me especially, I now know that I don’t need a more strenuous power yoga session to loosen up and most importantly, to allow my body to shut off. Thanks again for the experience! Jason
Your class impacted our relationship by adding another level of physical connection that we had never experienced. We have discovered a new form of physical, sensual interaction, and we look forward to our next class! The two of us have worked out together before but never in a manner that required that we trust both our own bodies as well as each other’s. This shift in how we view each other is a welcomed change! Kim and Jamal
Jasmine’s yoga classes are relaxed and comfortable. She teaches to the level of all the students in the class so the poses are accessible to everyone and no one is left out. Jasmine is a kind and patient teacher who is committed to the growth of each student. She also plays a great mix of music during her classes! Cindy Harrington
“We both really enjoyed the opportunity to hit pause on everything and connect with and appreciate one another. We have a lot going so it really helped us get back in balance with one another and I feel like that feeling carried on even after the class.” Kiana
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you. We had a really enjoyable experience. I gained a physical understanding of my husband’s tenderness through the yoga poses. I have shared how lovely the evening was for us to our friends; hopefully they’ll be visiting you too. “ Karina
“WOW. If someone told me that I would love yoga I”d probably say NO WAY. I’ve spent the last several weeks involved in the Gentle Yoga class taught by Jasmine and have become a fan of yoga. For those with joint pain,and inflexibility I highly recommend this class. I have had mutiple surgeries on most of my joints..elbow,wrist,shoulder,and knees and find this class benefical to relieving stress in these joints. The class is awesome and I look forward to practing yoga for years to come thanks to Jasmine.” Justine
“We loved everything about the class. But of course, just the feeling of being so close and feeling the other persons breath made us feel very connected. I think it makes the feeling more intimate because you feel the other person spiritually. “Kiyomi
“We loved the couples yoga session.Nancy was delighted and the same applies to me. “ Oscar.
“Had a good, short run this morning, during which I noticed it was easier for me to tighten my core (to improve my running form)without having to also tighten my lower back muscles. This is a big deal and I hope to see continued improvement in this as the weeks go by & my mileage goes up; this is the way it’s supposed to work. Shoulders also felt nice and relaxed. Emotionally/mentally, I feel calmer, more focused, and yet more relaxed. Happy is an appropriate word today.
Spiritually, all is right in my little corner of the universe.” Kim
Oscar and I loved our yoga for couples class with you last Friday. It was excellent and I definitely would like to repeat it when we can. We left very happy and discovered that it was just teaming rain when we got to the street. Oscar thought he remembered where you are located. . .and we had parked at the other end of Manayunk, so we had a long walk to the car. BUT we used my yoga mat as a huge umbrella and laughed all the way back and we’re still smiling. Thank you both for making our time with you so lovely. Nancy
We enjoyed the couples yoga class. Doing the poses together and receiving and giving massage brought us closer. Our focus was on each other rather than traffic, email, activities etc. We felt relaxed and peaceful at the end. Having tea with others in the class afterwards was also nice. Not only did we have a shared closeness but knowing others experienced those connected feelings in their own unique ways was quite special. Hope to see you soon! Jen
I am a yoga instructor and could try to create a special, connecting evening at home for my boyfriend but I absolutely need Jasmine’s Couples Yoga! Being able to share the space, communicate non-verbally and support each others bodies is the deep connection that I require at least once a week.
Tea and snacks to decompress and not rush out of the space afterwards is wonderful! I really feel the abundance of my relationship renewed in this class. Nina R.
“This was a great experience for us. We carried that feeling through the whole weekend. The timing was perfect, as I was off the whole weekend, and October’s going to be busy for me. We’ll be back!” Joe
“This class helped us have a great weekend together. It’s been a rough couple of weeks for us. She’s been overworked and stressed out and I’ve been dealing with some severe anxiety issues. We’re both secure enough in our relationship that we knew we’d get through it okay, but we did experience a bit of an emotional disconnect over the past few weeks as a result of all the stress.
This class was a perfect way for us to just shut out the rest of the world and focus on each other. The patience, understanding and closeness that we shared in the class carried over to the rest of the weekend and I feel like we were finally able to put all of the stress behind us and move on. Thanks so much for everything! Amanda
My partner and I decided to check out couples yoga because we wanted to do something different for our Fri night date night. We had such a great time! Jasmine and Michael do an awesome class. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, I’d encourage you to give their class a try. The class includes yoga, relaxation, massage and some cuddle time at the end. After the class, you can relax and drink tea with the instructors and the other participants. They’ll even take some super cute pictures for you if you want them to.
If you’re looking for an intimate and memorable date night that will bring you closer to your partner, both physically and emotionally, it doesn’t get much better than this. Go check it out on a Fri night. You won’t be disappointed! Steve
One MALT Student’s Story:
Susan Blum had been receiving the MALT catalogs for years intending to take a course before choosing women’s dance as her first one. Since then, she has taken the gentle yoga class with Jasmine Kaloudis several times. Initially, a friend told her about the course, saying that she loved it. This encouraged Susan to give it a try. She has found it to be the “perfect yoga, with nothing fast… It’s very soothing and calm. I like that it has meditation in it.”
Susan, who has rods and screws in her back, uses the techniques learned in the class to stretch properly at home. She says of the courses, “When you come out of class you feel so light. It’s so good.” Susan likewise has praise for her instructor: “Jasmine is very proactive and in touch with us. She’s wonderful.” She hopes to continue taking classes in the future.
“All the symptoms described in your summary and description of your class in the MALT catalog were ones that I have had to cope with since turning 40, 23 years ago, following an accident at work, that has led to yearly bouts of lumber back pain and spasms. I certainly have discomfort, hold tensions in my lumbar area and neck, and struggle with a low range of movement, despite being able to dance for up to 5 hours at a time, with little to no pains-when I maintain my daily stretching exercises.
The class was one I came to with fear, based on my last experience with a MALT yoga class led by another instructor, some three years ago. I had also been experiencing bothersome headaches for over a week, including when I came into your welcoming greetings and attempts to try and help me with a yoga mat. I really enjoyed every aspect of the class, from the music that was so soothing, to the times spent relaxing with eyes closed and focusing on one’s breathing and letting go of tensions, to the aroma therapy, and your comforting voice and words. I especially loved the closing minutes and the prayer in Sanscrit, that reminded me of Friends Meeting, and of yoga retreats at Pendle Hill, that I had experienced 38 years ago in my twenties.
I experienced relaxation and a moving away from tensions held within, for the entire 75 minutes of class,but for darned cramps, and the aroma therapy and gentle suggestions and concerns you offered me were instrumental in my leaving your class feeling renewed, light, taller, and walking with a flowing motion. I felt joy instead of pain after class, and went home to show my wife the position that you mentioned helps with getting to sleep, one in which we were on our stomachs, with one leg out to the side. My wife was impressed and saw the difference in me after just one class. This was a class I should have joined years before instead of avoiding yoga out of fear.
Thank you again for your class, your gentle spirit of warmth and caring, and looking to help us find the Light of peace within each of us. I loved being in a circle with my other classmates. “ Nick
“Thank you so much Jasmine. The class was WONDERFUL. I felt like it was meant just for me. How special I felt. Thank you thank you thank you. I am sending info to my friends about your wonderful class and your special gentle approach. I LOVED IT.” Donna Kelly
The class was very good for stretching and relaxation, as well as a great workout. I slept like a baby. I am looking forward to the next class! Chris Conley
I just wanted to let you know how much I’m enjoying this class. I have extremely tight muscles and joints and have tried yoga twice before, but this is the first time I’ve been able to stay with the class. Although I still have miles to go, and my knees won’t cooperate with certain poses, I am so thankful I found your class. Paula Boffa-Taylor
Wow! This is how i feel about our class and my body is feeling the difference.
I feel Greatttttttttttttt !!!!!!!! (smile) I notice i do not have the pain in my knee. I think i need to practice yoga more than once a week. It was several different yoga classes offered in the Malt catalog and i was not sure which one to take but i made the correct selection. You made me feel soooooooo comfortable.
Joyce Holmes
I thoroughly enjoy the class and wonder why yoga has not been a part of my life prior to this. Jasmine is an excellent instructor and it is fascinating to see someone work within their gift. Shannon Davis.
I just wanted to take this time to say Thank You for being such a great instructor for the gentle yoga class. Shannon Davis
We had a great time on Friday during your class. It was really fun and insightful. We may sign up again another time but we will definitely let our friends know about the class. Thank you both for sharing your practice with us! Doug and Natalya
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to show me how Yoga can help. It did provide some welcomed relief!!! Thank you again Jeri S. Biehler
Jasmine is a compassionate, motivated, hard-working individual. She is willing to help others that want to make improvements in their lives by offering feedback and suggestions in a caring, supportive way. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to find balance and inner peace. Alisa Kamis-Brindis
I am missing yoga so very much and even keep asking Maria to call me Friday mornings because I am so determined to get back to feeling lovely and relaxed. I just enjoyed your teaching so much and wish I could be there. I still talk about your class in my reading sessions for my clients and tell them “it is the best time and money you will ever invest in yourself”! hope to see you soon!
Candy
“Jasmine is a compassionate insightful yoga teacher who is passionate about building good relationships with partners in her couples yoga classes and business in her expert professional knowledge based guidance! She is pretty awesome!” Celia Pardue
“Jasmine totally ROCKS! MALT students love love love her and she seldom has seats left in her classes. I think it is for many reasons… she is fun, nice, caring, smart and funny! What is not to like? nothing… We love her! check it out” Jonna Naylor