Tuesday, September 30, 2014

5 Questions Reveal Amazing Results, Yoga

From the desk of Brian Friedman/Owner of Winter Garden Yoga

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features an amazing client who has achieved incredible results with our guaranteed methods. We call this feature: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month.

Nominees share their inspirational stories (in their own words) and their photographs to motivate others to break old, destructive habits and to rise higher than they ever thought before.

This month we are proud to share Cher's marvelous story. What did Cher do to feel absolutely rejuvenated? What did Cher do to get more toned? What did Cher do to get more confidence?

These answers and much, much more will be revealed in Cher's amazing and inspirational story.

Read on...

1.What made you decide to join our studio?

"While living in the Denver area five years ago I “discovered” yoga! We did not live far from a small studio. I had always been interested in yoga so I decided to give it a try. It was wonderful! A year later we moved to the Orlando area. I joined the YMCA and another gyms at different times and tried their yoga classes. They were too large and impersonal for me. I was looking for a place that gave small classes. I wanted to have a connection with my instructors and other class members and I wanted to integrate my mind, body and spirit into my yoga practice. Then we moved to Winter Garden. When I walked into [Winter Garden Yoga] I knew I found the perfect place for me!

2.What results have you received since joining our studio?

"I have been practicing at WGY for about a year. I had not been paying much attention to my physical results. WGY became a sanctuary for me during my mother’s illness and her final passing. I would go to the studio completely stressed and worried…turn my phone off at the door… and totally focus on myself. I felt so rejuvenated at the end of the practice that the tasks set for the day did not seem so daunting. Little did I realize that my body was changing too. This I discovered while shopping for a dress for my son’s wedding. At every dress shop people were commenting about beautiful the dresses fit me! (My husband would tell them…You know she goes to Winter Garden Yoga!) Everything I tried on looked great! I received many nice complements on the dress I finally chose. I was getting toned and I hadn't even realized it.

Cher looking great in her black dress! She's more toned and more confident. You can be, too.


3.How do you feel now compared to how you felt before joining our studio?

"I feel more confident. I feel like I belong not just to a yoga studio but a to a caring community.

4.What do you like best about our studio?

"I love the small classes and the way the instructor walk around the class helping with the postures. I also love the tips the instructors give during the yoga practice. But most of all I love the caring people who instruct you and those who participate in the classes.

5.What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our studio?

"Give WGY a try. No one is too old, too young, too fat, too stiff (all the excuses) etc. It is a loving, supportive atmosphere where everyone can reach their own goals in their own time."

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.


Saturday, September 20, 2014

Secrets Revealed: Fat Loss, The Conclusion

Start Reaping the Benefits Today

Welcome to the third and final installment of our three part series on fat loss. You can go back and review the previous two steps below.

First installment:
Food journal? Check!

Second installment:
Inefficient exercise? Check!

Now what? Read on!

Put it Into Action

I'm going to share a very effective and simple template to help you with your fat burning goals.

Let's start with the food...


This template is based on an idea called "3/2/1" which means, three meals, two snacks, and a liter of water. That is the goal for each day of the week. A meal plan might look like this:


  • Breakfast - Protein smoothie
  • Snack 1 - An apple and two tablespoons of peanut butter (all natural)
  • Lunch - Dark leafy greens and lean protein
  • Snack 2 - A protein bar
  • Dinner - Vegetable and protein stir fry (with olive oil)
  • Drink a lot of water throughout the day

That's it!

Simple enough, right? Remember: this is a general idea. It is not engraved in stone and passed down from the mountain. You may find your own path. That is fine. The results will speak for themselves. 

On with the exercise!

This template offers a great balance of work and recovery. 
  • Day 1 - Yoga (Beginner's or Power Yoga will depend on your current level)
  • Day 2 - 20 Minute Walk
  • Day 3 - Yoga (Beginner's or Power Yoga will depend on your current level)
  • Day 4 - 20 Minute Walk
  • Day 5 - Variety Day (Kettlebells, Swimming, Calisthenics, etc)
  • Day 6 - 20 Minute Walk
  • Day 7 - Rest/Recovery (Foam roll, Massage, etc)

Mystery Solved!

Now you hold the key to fat loss. Treat this information the same way a scientist would treat a new discovery. Give yourself room to experiment and find what works just for you.

Your Turn!


Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Have You Seen This Yoga Person Lately?, Transformation

About a year ago, we came up with a great idea: Winter Garden Yoga's Client of the Month. We agreed that this would be a fantastic way to share the amazing success stories of our highly regarded clients.

That was the easy part.

The tough part was trying to decide who would be our first remarkable story. Which one of the many success stories should we highlight? It didn't take long before we decided on Bridget's unbelievable transformation. You can read her full story here.

Right now, we'd like to share Bridget's follow up story in her own words. Did she gain her weight back? Did she stick to the plan? Is Winter Garden Yoga still a part of her life?

All of these questions and more will be answered...

"I was so honored to be chosen as the first Winter Garden Client of the Month last July!

"When I started my yoga classes with WGY in April of 2011, I had no idea how much of a difference it would make in my life. To recap my story, I came to Winter Garden Yoga as a sort of last resort - I was both physically and mentally wiped out! After a series of upheavals in my life - the death of close family members, my marriage breaking up, and quitting smoking - I was in need of some help. And WGY was the kick in the butt I needed! 

"Just six months after starting, I had lost 25 pounds. But more than just the weight loss, I FELT amazing! I had gained and lost weight many times before but never [had a transformation quite like the one I experienced at Winter Garden Yoga].

Bridget's amazing transformation. She lost 25 pounds!


"My body became leaner and I became stronger.

"Fast forward 3 years later - since becoming Client of the Month, I have still kept all of the weight off that I lost in 2011. After the holidays in 2013, I saw that my weight was creeping back up and I realized that I was still celebrating the holidays in February! In March I ended up in the hospital with some health problems that were probably due to the fact that I was eating poorly. Because I now take care of my 2 year old granddaughter full time, it's not as easy to exercise or eat right all of the time and even though I make it to two yoga classes a week, I realized I needed to do more.

"So now while my granddaughter naps, instead of sitting on the couch, I pop in a DVD of Brian's Yoga class and work out! I have lost the "holiday" weight plus a few pounds more!


Look at that smile! Bridget has kept the weight off for over 3 years
and has enough energy to keep up with her 2 year old grand daughter.


"I cannot say enough about how much WGY has changed my life. At the age of 55, I am so full of energy even after keeping up with an active 2 year old! Besides the physical benefits, the mental part is just as important. I have become addicted to Karen's Yin Yoga class and look forward to every Tuesday where I can de-stress!

"[I am] so thankful that I found WG Yoga!"

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

How Did She Avoid Painful Foot Surgery?, Winter Garden Yoga

Every once in a while I come across a story that seems to be too good to be true. When that happens, I get that story out as fast as possible because seeing is believing. This is Kathy's amazing story in her own words...

"I have done it all. Jazzercise, step classes, Curves, gyms with private trainers, stationary biking, running and walking.

"I have had lower back problems and was diagnosed with 2 lower bulging discs twenty years ago. Walking seemed to fit me best for the past five years because of my back concerns but then I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in March 2013. 

"They told me to do calf stretches 10-12 times a day and [wear] a boot at night. I also had two cortisone shots. It did nothing. I was in so much pain in April 2014 after walking most of the day, I was considering surgery and instead I gave up walking.

In just four weeks, Kathy went from a size 12 to a size 10, has more energy, and has a pain free foot!


"My friend Karen [and fellow VIP] took me to Winter Garden Yoga in June and we loved the beginner's class. (How nice is it to enjoy your exercise instead of dreading it). She also recommended I sign up for private sessions with Brian, which I did weekly, to address my foot pain and back concerns.

"A month later, I did the "Busy Professional's Challenge"[… and after four weeks]...

"I feel stronger, lost weight, and [have] zero foot pain. The food plan helped me understand the benefits of more protein, greens, and lots of water!"

"I am looking forward to becoming stronger and more flexible and also enjoy the friendly and positive people at WGY. I can finally touch my toes!"

What are you waiting for?

Winter Garden Yoga is a world renowned yoga studio recognized for providing a unique form of functional yoga instruction (TM) that gives you a toned, pain-free body that leaves you feeling great whether you’re currently flexible or not.

Unlike ordinary yoga studios with packed classes that over stretch and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our services focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up into a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home.

Contact us or give us a call at 407-579-9889 for a free, no obligation consultation ($87 value) to find a package plan that is perfect for you.