August 2020 by Linda McNiff
I am a healthy, 66 year old woman who has incorporated years of exercising, skiing, golfing, gardening, you name it, into my active lifestyle. I have also had 2 complete knee replacements over the last 2 years. The knee trauma(s) that I have experienced are a direct result of injuries that I have sustained over the years as well as osteoarthritis. I am also a seasoned professional and understand the criticality of following protocol when seeking to assure a complete recovery post- surgical rehabilitation. Both surgeries required a structured physical therapy regime. Once physical therapy sessions were completed, I began the process of working diligently with a personal trainer. The physical therapy was an essential component and very effective in restoring stability and building a platform for strength. The personal training provided a segue for flexibility, balance and continued strength building through cardio and weight bearing exercises. I knew, however, that something was missing. I was not satisfied with the range of motion I had achieved with my knees and had also began to experience pain with my IT Bands. I knew I needed to make some changes in my life and establish a more well- rounded fitness routine. I did some research and decided to explore yoga. My first introduction was with Cristina. During my initial classes with Cristina, she quickly developed a thorough understanding of the challenges I was facing and continually provided calm, personal, and attentive guidance throughout each practice. Her approach to teaching me has been beyond exceptional. Her extensive knowledge of restorative yoga and the utilization of multiple props coupled with her genuine caring and love for yoga, directly aligns with the benefits of cultivating an atmosphere that nurtures and strengthens you physically, mentally and spiritually. Within the past 6 months I have experienced significant improvements in flexibility and the range of motion in each of my knees. In addition, I have lowered my blood pressure and I am no longer attempting to manage pain from my IT Bands. Essentially, I am living pain free. I have also developed a great appreciation for the deepest, quietest, peaceful stillness that yoga has made possible for me. To breathe and consciously touch each breath with awareness has transcended into a daily ritual for me. I anxiously look forward to each of my classes with Cristina knowing that I am continuing to heal and that I am truly on my way to a full recovery. When people ask me about what my experiences have been with the benefits of yoga, I begin with Cristina. I describe my experience as life changing, a transformation.I can’t speak highly enough and couldn’t be happier with the overall health benefits of my yoga experience with Cristina and would warmly recommend her classes to anyone. Although, I know I have a long journey ahead of me, I am embracing each day with a renewed confidence of continuing to enhance my quality of life and a true sense of gratitude for what lies ahead.Thank you, Cristina!Namaste.
May 2020 by Lauren K.
Yelpers, why are you sleeping on the talented Cristina Roy Yoga? Since ClassPass went virtual, I've been enjoying visiting other cities and states I like to experience classes. When I came across Cristina's page, I was blown away to see a class called "Back Care Yoga." When you live with chronic pain, you're usually skeptical of anything branded "back care." But after a deep dive on Cristina's website, I was deeply interested in how knowledgeable she was from a mechanical standpoint. I knew immediately she knew what she was doing. Make no mistake, this was not a vinyasa class disguised as back care. When the other students didn't show for class, lucky, lucky me received a 1:1 class with Cristina. Full disclosure, I was coming off being a little sick and felt a bit of a mess. But Cristina was so patient and kind! Instead of flowing through asanas, we did a thorough review of alignment and basic yoga stretches to do to support your back. It was completely approachable, thoughtful and can be realistically applied to my normal practice. For the remainder of the pandemic, she's offering donation-based, virtual yoga classes. I'll absolutely be back! This might be the best back care yoga class in the United States. Cristina Roy is remarkable, and if you are struggling with any type of chronic pain, you must seek her out immediately.
