Student Testimonials:
"With your help, I have regained strength and flexibility that I have not had since my back surgery 16 years ago. ...I would not have known where to find my strength, or how to go about rebuilding without your guidance, your knowledge, and you. The incredible amount of knowledge you have and your teaching ability is unmatched by any other person. I have heard it said by others: "Olena has a great way of explaining how to do a position or Pilates exercise."
Jen (2003)
"Olena is not only a beautiful yoga practitioner, but a beautiful person inside. She embodies yoga fully in every aspect of her life. She is open, loving, non-judging, wise, present, strong, flexible, kind, caring. Her passion for the practice is evident... . She is an excellent technical teacher who also brings with her the light, bright spirit of yoga."
Megan (10/2005)
"She [Olena] is always professional when teaching class. She is prepared, punctual, articulate and personable. Safety and health are two important elements that she stresses in her teaching."
Colleen (2005)
"Olena takes her class through a wonderfully safe, vigorous practice... . I trained at White Lotus in Santa Barbara and safety and proper alignment was really stressed. It was great to see that in Olena's class... ."
Bev (2006)
"Yoga is a great way to stop rushing. It makes me rest, stop thinking about troubles and job. It gives me some kind of peace of mind and deep relaxation. This state of mind stays over the following days (even when these are full of stress), clearing thoughts and giving me a very good judgement of what is important and what is not."
Arnim (2007)
"I think Olena did a great job paying attention to each participant and "coaching" each person's body alignment & offering various options to progress or modify each pose."
Flow Yoga student (3/2007)
"Olena does the best job of explaining poses, keeping people safe and does a beautiful job of adjusting students in a supportive way. A lovely blend of flow and pace."
Flow Yoga student (4/2007)
"Olena's class was wonderful. It was a great combination of flow, stretches, balances, and new things to try. I really enjoyed it!"
Flow Yoga student (7/2007)
"Olena has a great flow. It's very relaxing yet very challenging."
Flow Yoga student (7/2007)
"I really enjoyed Olena's class. She focuses on the pose and how to do them properly. I usually attend faster class but I really liked having the intensity of form and focus in Olena's."
Donna (9/2007)
"Olena is not only an experienced practitioner of hatha yoga but also an excellent teacher. She and I taught a group of about 60 public school teachers in the fall of 2006 and I'd jump at the opportunity to work with her again. From my experiences with her as a co-worker and friend I know that she is a true professional yoga teacher dedicated to personal growth in her practice and life."
Ricky (11/2007)
"Partner yoga is part workout, part intimacy, mixed with balance & strength. Afterwards, I felt closer to my wife & both our moods were lifted. I found that Partner Yoga was more fun overall than going to a yoga class alone."
Jeff, Partner Yoga for Couples workshop participant (1/2008)
"I felt my own body in a totally new way when trusting it to my [yoga] partner."
Olga, Partner Yoga for Couples workshop participant (1/2008)
"After having my 3rd baby, using the Pilates Reformer has quickly helped me to connect to my center. After only a few classes, I am already feeling a stronger core."
Doreen (1/2008)
"I was sceptical at first because I did not think I could work out on the reformer but now I find myself anxious to get back to the class & increase my strength."
Kati (2/2008)
"In partner yoga I did not feel stress of the poses because I was focusing on my partner."
Juan, Partner Yoga for Couples workshop participant (1/2008)
"Couples yoga was fun, challengin, different feeling than individual yoga. Had to trust my husband with my body and push it further than ever before. Good Friday night date!"
Cindy, Partner Yoga for Couples workshop participant (1/2008)
"Dear Olena, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to learn Yoga. You were very well organized and patient with your students. Mehdi had talked highly about you and now I know & understand him.
BTW I have 2 yoga DVDs that I will use with my daughters back in Iran & will remember what a great Instructor I had in Janelia." Best wishes,
Mitra (1/2008)
"Olena is a great yoga instructor. She is very encouraging and gently pushes you to do even more than you thought you could."
Dana (2/2008)
"Reformer Pilates has strengthened my abdominals and increased my flexibility. Olena is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor."
Betsy (2/2008)
"Pilates Reformer helped me pay attention to my lower abs. I'm seeing the difference in my abs and having fun."
Lori (2/2008)
"Just wanted to say how enjoyable your classes are, and the good vibe that surrounds you. I cherish good souls like you, for they are hard to find these days. People like you bring the best in others, and help us not to forget who we are and what are the real values in today's busy life. I feel richer knowing you."
Thank you :0)
Michael (2/2008)
"I just wanted to tell you how much i enjoy your yoga classes! You are the real deal - I can tell how much the art of practicing yoga means to you, it's a way of life, and i think that is very inspirational! I truly look forward to your classes and love to see how much i have improved over time."
Brenda (3/2008)
"I've been coming to Olena's class for several years and plan to continue. Olena is very knowledgeable and well-trained as a Pilates and Yoga instructor. Teachers of her caliber are not easy to find.
Her classes have greatly helped me work through back and neck pain due to very tight muscles.
She is very attentive to detail and offers individual input to her students. She is very lively and great fun to be with.
"
Liz (3/2008)
"Thanks for the [partner yoga] class. Had a great time. Felt like a 14 year old with a new boyfriend. So nice to experience my marriage in a new light."
Namaste, Jen (3/2008)
"Olena's Pilates class is the perfect break in my week. The combination of core strengthening, stretching, + most of all body awareness leaves me relaxed + refreshed for the rest of my day. My week is incomplete w/o my hour with Olena. "
Katie (3/2008)
"Olena has such a gift for teaching: she not only guides one through correct movement at any level, but also quietly inspires with her awesome command of technique. Her classes are both challenging and fun. My goal is core strength and stability : I see steady progress, and I leave her classes feeling great."
Teresa (5/2008)
"Joshua and I participated in our first couples class with Olena. We're both new to yoga in general, but did not feel out of place in Olena's class. We left the class with our spirits lifted, our souls soothed and a distinct feeling of closeness. We would certainly recommend partner yoga with Olena."
Kelly (5/2008)
"I am so glad that I have been able to learn yoga and Pilates from you. You are such a fantastic teacher! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and for being so encouraging! I'm hoping that with more practice, I can become stronger and more flexible."
Kristina (6/2008)
"I truly enjoyed your class and I have to say you are one of the best instructors I have ever had. You have a teaching style which is your gift. I have often realized as intense as those postures are, I never look at the clock... that is your gift, so keep that going! ;o)"
Fatimah (7/2008)
"Reasons for taking a yoga class vary from student to student. Each of us typically is in a different place with regard to our physical abilities to perform specific poses and our readiness to explore the spiritual and mental components of a yoga practice. It takes a truly gifted teacher to be able to relate to students as individuals when in a group situation and to help them to personalize their practice to meet their own needs. I have studied with Olena for four years and feel very fortunate to have benefited from her knowledge, insight, and guidance. She has helped me to grow in my own practice, both supporting and challenging me as I continue on my yoga journey."
Michele (8/2008)
"Olena, Thank you so much for teacing us with such a passion and determination. Yoga changed my life - really. I love it. "
Maria (12/2008)
"Dear Olena: Thanks for being such a patient teacher. I am really glad that I started to learn yoga with you. "
Na (12/2008)
"Olena, Thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher! I have learned so much... and discovered that I love yoga! I look forward to learn many new things! "
Kristina (12/2008)
"Olena, Thank you so much - you've changed my life! I love yoga now and couldn't do without it. I feel so lucky to have met you and been able to share in your classes for so long. "
Liz (12/2008)
"Olena, Thank you for the classes & all the effort you put into correcting my moves. "
Mehdi (12/2008)
"Greetings Olena,
Thank you for introducing me back into yoga. I look forward to all the classes. I felt tremendously better after class, and the whole day. I really need it as I am very tense and in need of stretching and relaxation. I appreciate it that you made us all feel comfortable no matter what level we are."
Best regards,
(your new student)
Shawn (1/2009)
"I want to thank you for teaching me to embrace yoga as we embrace life. Your dedication to your practice has encouraged me on my own path."
Om Shanti. Vasanthi. (1/2009)
"I signed up for Reformer Pilates after having my second child, because I was hoping it would help me flatten my stomach. Already, after only six sessions, I am beginning to see a difference. In fact, I end each session feeling like I've stretched and challenged every muscle in my body. I definitely underestimated the power of small group sessions. Olena is able to give constant attention to every student, adjusting and correcting form. Her training and her love of Pilates are both clear. I will definitely take Reformer Pilates again."
Alicia (6/2009)
"I was under a lot of stress trying to adapt to my new schedule becoming a full time student and running a family with 2 small kids when Olena suggested restorative yoga with the purpose of relaxation and stress relief. I tried to control my body in a pose and forcing myself to relax when all of a sudden my body started sinking into the relaxation pose naturally. It was wonderful to be able to experience relaxation on such a deep level. Olena had it all set up for me and introduced me to restorative yoga in a very supportive way. We've met 3 times so far and I continue to experience restorative yoga benefits by practicing it by myself."
Elina (7/2009)
"while i do enjoy having a substitute teacher occasionally to shake things up and be exposed to different styles of practice, i always look forward to your classes the most because they have a nice flow and organization to them that is relaxing even when the poses are strenuous. i had enjoyed your classes tremendously and i'm stronger and more flexible than i was a year ago. you are super-awesome!!!"
Carmen (8/2009)
"Dear Olena, I'm not sure if you remember me, I only went to your class once while I was visiting Janelia for a week. I just wanted you to know I thought you were a fantastic yoga instructor! I've done lots of yoga and had many different types of teachers and you really stood out as an exceptionally amazing teacher! You are very patient, knowledgeable, kind, approachable and helpful. I really really enjoyed your classes and teaching style."
Sincerely, Kelsey (8/2009)
"Restorative yoga adds another dimension to your practice. By doing supported poses, you focus less on the body and more on the mind. Poses feel effortless - a feeling you want to replicate during your more active practice. Practicing restorative yoga with Olena has given me an appreciation of the benefits of this practice and provided me with the knowledge to work with these poses at home on a daily basis."
Michele (8/2009)
"I was pleasantly surprised with the [Reformer] jumpboard. Olena showed me that it involved both cardio and proper form. The class was more challenging than I thought it would be and I really enjoyed it."
Lori (9/2009)
"I don't think I've ever been more relaxed. Couple hours of restorative yoga a week and you are in a good shape. I can turn my mind off pretty fast but I cannot go that deep into relaxation. My body was totally confused. It was feeling sensations it never felt, like deep, deep relaxation, I guess. I'd do it every day but I don't think I'll get anything done :) Every single individual part of your body is being relaxed and as a direct result the mind gets more relaxed. I don't remember having any thoughts. I was right there in the moment. It's very good to distress like that."
Jeff (9/2009)
"I have been a student of Olena for approximately 6 months in her yoga 1 and power yoga classes.
Olena brings a special magic to her teaching:
- She regularly changes the classes to make sure that students do not get bored with the exact same routine each time
- She gently helps people - but asks each person if she should help them
- She accomodates changes in class size, new students and late arrivals with tremendous grace and ease
- Brings her own special form of humor to the class
- Is always offering the class simpler versions of the pose or more advanced options
- And speaking as a male: Is beautiful and brings a smile into the room at each session."
Mike (11/2009)
"I found restorative yoga class to be soothing for both my mind and my body. I felt opened and stretched by some poses, and with others just a calm and restful sensation. My favorite pose was the final Weight of the World Pose, where I almost melted into another state of mind from my relaxation level… I am completely rested now :) "
Karen (11/2009)
"I have been taking the pilates reformer class with Olena twice a week for two years. I began as a Level 1 and am currently at a Level 4! Every muscles in my body is worked, strengthened, and stretched. Olena has extensive background and knowledge of correct form, methods, and a variety of routines; yet she is always striving to learn more. She frequently enrolls in workshops to refresh, renew, and revitalize her classes. She challenges our bodies at every class. Since I have started taking the reformer, I have noticed that my body has changed; it is stonger, leaner, more flexible, and more resistant to injury. The reformer classes have enabled my other workout routines to be more effective and productive. I look forward to each and every one of my classes."
Rachel (3/2010)
"I love my prenatal yoga! I only wish I practiced with my first two pregnancies. It helps physically with keeping my growing body moving and to stay strong. I just as importantly love the mental side. I find little time for me and my yoga class gives me that special time with my body and my baby. It really gets me through the week and gives me such a clam feeling. I practice the breath that is so important for labor and the connection with other women is very comforting. "
Janell (3/2010)
"I am at the end of my 8th month and still feel energetic. I owe this to my pilates and yoga classes. Until now I haven't had any pregnancy related aches or pains. Instead I feel more relaxed and stronger. At my pilates classes, Olena taught me various exercises and modifications on the chair and reformer. These exercises helped me build better form, increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, and stretch the various muscles in my body. Olena brings in a variety of exercises to make each class interesting and fun. I strongly recommend her classes for those who want to build strength and endurance, especially if one is aiming to have a natural childbirth.
It was a fun pilates session and I thoroughly enjoyed it. "
Best, Lavanya (4/2010)
"Olena,
You know that in terms of practicing you were my best teacher? The way you studied my body and made variations and adjustments was great, hope you were here to practice yoga a couple of times a week."
a hug, German (8/2010)
"your pilates classes:
i love your sing-song voice and your CLARITY.
your cueing is "spot-on."
as a NEW student, i would say that you are good at attending to EACH client's needs.
i LOVE your tactile cues -- VERY helpful to me, personally. i really was my MOST ME...being just "the student"...and i valued your gentle, loving correction. i am not very conditioned...and i need all the help i can get for my own practice!!!! thank you soooooo much for that gift.
you have a lovely way of "inviting" people to "try something new." i love that!
lucky students. thank you, olena, for being clear, present YOU."
Nancy (11/2010)
"I hadn't worked out consistently in a long time but my wife and I started with semi-private Pilates sessions and have moved on to group workouts with Olena. Pilates allows me to focus on my overall strength and flexibility. I could not believe how easy it is to to get into and stay with. The Pilates machine workouts and guided training are relaxing and centering and incredibly effective. No weight machine or even free weights compares to the way these exercises get to every part of my body. I'd encourage any guy to give this a shot as people of any age are going to get a benefit. The exercises work with both the limitations and the capability of your body."
Tim (3/2011)
"I love the focus on body awareness and mindfulness in Pilates; it's a wonderfully holistic exercise that uses the entire body and fully engages the brain as well for the most complete workout you can have! Pilates has even helped me in my other exercises - I started using elliptical machines more effectively by using my abdominal muscles to stabilize my body, doing aerobics with more precision and muscle control, and "checking in" with my posture and body stance throughout the day. The workouts have a meditative effect as well, and at the end of a session I not only feel like I had an incredible workout, but rejuvenated and refreshed as well. I love learning more about it with every class!"
Binka (3/2011)
"I have been taking Pilates for almost 8 weeks and can really see and feel a difference in my body. I started out having never taken a Pilates class before; having a weak core; and tight legs, hips, and back. Not only is my core stronger and getting stronger each week, but I have lost inches in my waist and my hips. I am also more focused on my posture, especially when I am sitting and have become more focused on the way I walk. Olena was mentioning the other day in class how our bodies are supposed to walk, with our feet pointed directly ahead and not out to the side. Pilates has made it easier for me really start to realign my body. My lower back is also now a lot more flexible and I have a lot less lower back agitation from daily activities than ever before. And after a long and hard day at work, it's also relaxing to the mind. This class is well worth the money and time and I look forward to continuing it!"
Callie (3/2011)
"After practicing pilates for only 4 weeks, I have already noticed quite a difference in my body. I have always had a weak core and found my abdominals to be my problem area. I am slowly noticing a flatter belly and stronger core. I have also noticed an mprovement in my posture. As a dentist, I strain my back throughout the day. I now sit straighter and appreciate that protecting my spine is crucial to my profession. Pilates has also contributed to my mental status. My reformer class is a departure from stress and tons of fun! I am officially addicted and can't wait to see how my body continues to transform."
Jenni (11/2011)
"The Pilates Studio equipment is awesome and Olena is a very intuitive, kind and knowledgeable instructor. She has brought back a freedom of movement and an awareness that I haven't felt for years."
Elaine (1/2012)
"Olena's teachings of Pilates has changed my life!! My doctor suggested I take Pilates to strengthen my core. I searched for the most experienced instructor in Loudon county. After weeks of interviewing instructors and seeing their studios, Olena and her studio was by far the best in the area!!
Olena's understanding of Pilates is beyond exceptional, it is extraordinary!! I was completely committed after the very first session. I started with a few private sessions and now take 3 classes a week! Each class is different & fun!! I now have a strong core and my body tone is the best it's been in years!! I will be doing Pilates the rest of my life, the health & fitness benefits are just amazing!!!
Thanks Olena, you changed my life!!!"
Brooke (1/2012)
"Pilates w/ Olena is a treat - love it. Pilates is the reason I come here - what a great program. She cares about helping everyone."
Susan (5/2012)
"Olena's yoga classes have had a profound impact on my person wellbeing. Yoga has contributed to my overall fitness by introducing challenging, yet achievable, maneuvers which work muscle groups not otherwise utilized during my existing exercise routine. Her thoughtful explanations about body interconnectedness during the classes have also directly translated to improving how I run. In terms of therapeutic benefits, yoga is performed in a serene atmosphere which contributes to a healthy stress management program. However, the most significant benefit of all is dedicating time each week to share these experiences and connect with my wife, as my best friend."
Mike (5/2012)
"Pilates is for all ages!
This is a time in my life (70 years old) when I don’t feel too busy to get to the gym. With the encouragement of my children, six months ago I committed to attending Pilates Mat and even a few Pilates Apparatus sessions. They have been a good fit for me…I am never sore and have never injured myself. I know my legs aren’t always straight and I don’t flip over as far, but Olena says, “Just do what you feel you can,” and shows modified exercises. I have become more aware of my body in class, but also in everyday life resulting in a better posture, tightening my abs before I move, stretching, etc. I feel stronger and have even tried out a Body Pump and Cycle class.
I just finished another Pilates class that used the roller for a wonderful massage. During this time Olena often invites students to share some motivational comments. I enjoy the camaraderie of classmates. Olena has incorporated breathing patterns into the exercises which leave me feeling energized and refreshed, ready for the rest of my day! She changes the order and adds new exercises regularly which keep the class interesting—a neck strengthening one today. Summer is almost here and I look forward to swimming and active fun with my grandchildren."
Carol (5/2012)
"Olena Kolomiyets, as always, thank you for a great class of Restorative Yoga. I got to stretch and rest at the same time. I think I fell asleep too, because I felt like I was in cocoon. I feel very relaxed and de-stressed. Although I have to do some work afterwords, I don't go home anxious about the fact that I have to work. I am just accepting of what it is, because I am so relaxed! Restorative Yoga truly is a great class, the highlight of my Monday! Today I especially liked that we started with some more physical exercise, and gradually progressed into total relaxation. Thank you!"
Julie (6/2012)
"Olena is always patient, encouraging, and honest with her clients. She believes we can all do better, we can all give a little more, push a little harder! She helps us to set high goals but understands how to guide us towards achievement one small step at a time."
Mary (9/2012)
"She [Olena] goes out of her way to be accommodating to her clients. She is patient and friendly and lives the style of life she preaches."
Tamiko (9/2012)
