The Best Fitness App [Controversial], Fitness App

What's the Best Fitness App?

It’s not what you think...

As one of central Florida’s most respected and sought after fitness experts, I get a lot of questions about which app is the best for weight loss, getting in shape, keeping track of nutrition, and the list goes on. I’ve done my own research on the subject right here at Winter Garden Yoga and I’ve done my fair share of reading up on which fitness app is the best.

The bottom line is I know which app guarantees the greatest results. My answer will shock you and it will be hard to hear, but I assure you that if you use this app, your chance of success will improve by 66%. (Billy Beck backed up this statistic in his own research as a top personal trainer and motivational speaker. See his video below for details.)

My fitness app of choice…

· Will give you immediate and actionable feedback

· Will keep your goals in the forefront of your psyche

· Will let you know instantly when you should eat

· Will let you know instantly when you should exercise

· Will let you know instantly if what you’re doing is working

· And so much more…

But first, an experiment in pain

In Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, Mr. Ramsey tells of an experiment that a credit card company tested on consumers. The company wired up the participants to various clinical machines that would test heart rate, brain waves, body temperature, etc. During the experiment, the volunteers would pay for a transaction with cash or with a credit card. The amazing discovery was that each time someone reached into their pocket to fork over the dough, the clinical outcome was pain. Crazy, right? The credit card company discovered that paying with cash was actually painful. The other, equally, amazing discovery was that each time someone paid with a credit card, the pain was much less. And if the participant swiped their card it was less painful still.

Why was that? Because there was a big disconnect between the consumer and their money when they used their credit cards.

I believe it is the same for fitness apps

When you use a touch screen to track what you’re eating or what you’re doing for exercise, I believe there is the same disconnect between you and your health habits. After all, YOU’RE not eating a piece of chocolate cake, YOU’RE just entering the data into your app. Believe me, it’s a lot less painful than owning up to a bad choice and putting it in writing.


Embrace the pain

The pen is mightier than the app.

Yes, it will be painful. But as the Buddha said, “Suffering is the greatest teacher.” Get out a pen, a paper journal, and write down what you’re doing. When you commit to this, you will be triggering multiple neural pathways.

Number one: Visual. When you write down your habits, you will see what you’re doing.

Number two: Tactile. The act of writing makes you an active participant.

Number three: Audible. When you read what you’ve written, you may say to yourself, “I can’t believe I ate that!”

And as any college student will tell you, the more pathways you activate, the more likely the information will stick.

I know what you’re thinking

“But my app________________.” This objection will echo in the annals of the fitness industry right along with “But what if________________?”

My apologies, I digress.

But my app…

· Tells me how many calories I burned

• No it  doesn’t. It’s an assumption based on a general math problem. No one knows how efficiently you burn calories unless you, specifically, are in a clinical environment.

· Tells me how many calories I consumed

•  No it doesn’t. It’s an assumption that what you’ve entered matches EXACTLY with what you’ve eaten. It’s a guess at most.

· Makes it easy for me to___________________

•  No it doesn’t. Your app disconnects you from what’s really going on.

Believe me, your mirror will tell you more about your health habits than your app ever will.

So what’s the best app?

You guessed it (although your probably don’t want to hear it), pen and paper wins hands down… every time. Period.

"...all of the research I have seen had participants write in a journal" ~ Billy Beck

When you begin to write in your fitness and nutrition journal…

· You will improve your chances of success by 66%

· You will be in good company. WGY’s most successful participants (Marita, Gloria, Janis,)  use pen and paper

· You will connect, deeply, to your goals

· You will save money because pens and paper are way cheaper than technological gadgets

Simply stated, if you want to put your journal to good use, if you have the desire to make positive changes in your life, and you believe that Winter Garden Yoga can help you. I invite you to contact us or call us for a free, no obligation consultation. You have nothing to lose because your results are guaranteed. Be among the 100s who have lost weight, gained strength, gotten toned, and reclaimed their lives. Call or contact us today!

PS: Check out Billy Beck’s video here.

Is This YOUR Yoga Teacher?, Winter Garden Yoga

From the desk of Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga.

As Winter Garden’s resident expert on yoga, nutrition, and healthy living, I often get asked what separates a bad yoga teacher from a good or great yoga teacher. Needless to say, it's a touchy subject and some people will get their feathers ruffled by some of the insight I’m going to share. To keep this honest, I’ll begin with…

Mistakes I’ve Made In The Past

1. I assumed everyone wanted to do what I could do. The practice of yoga is a very personal thing for everybody. My first mistake was to think that not only did everyone want to do “advanced” techniques such as handstands but that everybody COULD do “advanced” techniques.

In my defense, my first batch of yoga clients were relatively young, athletic, and fearless. My big ‘aha’ moment came when I began teaching at a different yoga studio. I remember standing at the front of the classroom and the students began to file in. One was a 74 year old grandmother, another was an overweight woman in her 40s, another was an injured weekend warrior, you get the idea.

My first thought was, “there goes the handstands.” But it taught me a lesson about yoga and about providing a service to others, which leads me to my next mistake…

2. I confused a yoga practice with a kick ass workout. It took me a little while to realize that yoga is an art intended to heal and restore the human body to its fullest expression. 100 or so years ago, life was tough, and yogis used yoga to restore balance to their bodies.

“Kick ass workout” and “yoga” should not be in the same sentence.

Yes, at Winter Garden Yoga, you may feel the amazing side effects of a workout: toned muscles, improved mobility, increased cardio, but it comes from applying concentration and excellent technique… NOT from heating the room and performing calisthenics.

Just because I can do this doesn't mean my students should, could, or would.

3. I didn't make time for my own practice. This speaks for itself. If you’re going to be a leader you’ve got to lead by example.

The Biggest Mistakes Other Teachers Make

1. Creating a yoga class to show how much they know vs. focusing on the student’s needs. This is by far the most common mistake I see. Teachers will use a ton of complex yoga postures and sequences in a single class just to show that they're special. If you’re a teacher, remember: The goal is getting results for your students, not designing something that looks cool.

2. Being arrogant. This is common among teachers who practice very specific, “traditional”, methods of yoga. Or the teacher who has been to India to learn “real” yoga. These teachers act like they know more than everybody in the room, but I’ll tell you a secret… they don’t. Some teachers with the highest level of credibility in the world have never stepped a foot in India. If you’re a teacher, remember: Your students should feel welcome and part of a like-minded community. Be open to discussion… even if it involves questioning your method of teaching.

3. Giving the same bulls#@t answers. I see this all the time. Someone walks up to a teacher and asks a specific question… “Why do we put our hands this way in downward dog?” Only to have the teacher respond, “Because that’s how I was taught.” If you hear this from your teacher, I would encourage you to roll up your mat and seek yoga elsewhere. If you’re a teacher, remember: If you don’t have a straight answer for your students, or if you don’t know the answer, find the necessary resources to fulfill their enquiry.

4. Taking their students too far, too soon. The goal of a yoga teacher is to get positive results for their students making them stronger, more mobile, or in better condition than when they walked through the studio’s doors. It is not the goal to cripple them, drain them of all their life substance, or make them sore for three weeks.

A lot of teachers know that people instinctively think that the more they suffer the more they progress… “No pain. No gain.” Instead of correcting that flawed mentality, they use it to build a reputation that might earn them a lot of credibility and students. Allow me to repeat: “Kick ass workout” and “yoga” should not be in the same sentence. If you’re a teacher, remember: Anyone can kill someone in a class. That's the easy way to earn a reputation. Getting students positive results through a combination of good technique and proper sequencing is another story

5. They stop evolving. The day you stop learning new things about yoga is the day you lose your passion. Every teacher worth their salt should hunger to gain new knowledge of good technique, proper sequencing, modifications, and adaptations. Keeping yourself closed to learning new material is a huge mistake. It’s even worse to keep newly acquired knowledge to yourself. If you’re a teacher, remember: There are opportunities all around you all the time that can lend themselves to improving your knowledge. It may be in the form of a golf swing, an ergonomics seminar, who knows? The key is being open to new things and applying them to your classes in a positive way.

The Least You Need To Know

• Many teachers have their students do “advanced” yoga postures and sequences despite the fact that it may not be serving their student’s goals. It stands to reason that including certain yoga poses (or other gimmicks) could explode their marketability, but teaching this material could be injurious to their students.

• When a student asks a yoga teacher a question, the last thing they want is to feel stupid. The teacher might think they will dazzle their student with their knowledge, but all that will happen is that the student will think the teacher is arrogant... or worse. 

• Anyone can use gimmicks and flash. That's the easy way to earn a reputation. Getting their students positive and lasting results through a combination of discipline and proper yoga technique is another story.

• If you're someone who makes a living by having people practice yoga… practice what you preach.

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.

[Video] Winter Garden Yoga: 2015!

Here's a sneak peek of an amazing year we have planned...

It's not too late.

You can be  toned...

You can get your energy back...

You can feel good about your body...

Don't get left behind. Make 2015 your best year ever!

Right now, I'm inviting you to 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.

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.

2014: A Look Back At An Amazing Year! [Video]

This is why I love Winter Garden Yoga. Watch this video and I think you will, too.

Make 2015 your best year ever!

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.

Instant Results For This Yoga Pose...

Don't miss this great tip that will instantly improve your Reverse Warrior. If you are seriously interested in getting the most out of your yoga, check out this clip...

   Yoga expert and author, Brian Friedman demonstrates the Reverse Warrior.

In my opinion, Reverse Warrior is the evil twin sister of side angle pose. That is to say the benefits are very similar to the side angle pose: asymmetrical hip opening, leg strengthening element of warrior two combined with the side strengthening and side lengthening benefit of triangle pose, but with a higher intensity... especially if you true it up by keeping your top arm straight.

Most yogis will be humbled by this variation because of the rigorous demands of anatomical correctness. Don't let that happen to you. Take a deep breath, use good technique, and do the best you can. The rest will follow.

This is just the tip of the ice burg. If you want more (and I know you do...) I invite you to see what others are saying about Functional Yoga Instruction(tm)...

Awesome Book!
5/5 stars! "Brian Friedman's method of teaching yoga really makes sense and truly allows positive, healthy change to occur in the body. His emphasis on correct alignment and movement rather than on flexiblity makes yoga safe and accessible to everyone. This book goes step by step, and with photos and clear directions, Brian teaches you how to move in and out of the postures correctly, avoiding strain and injury and increasing strength. This is a fantastic, practical book. No matter how much experience someone has with yoga, there is so much to be gained by reading this book and following Brian's method. I highly, highly recommend it."

Must Have Book!
5/5 stars! "This is a must have book to add to your yoga collection whether you are a student or a yoga teacher. I have practiced yoga for over 10 years and taught it for over seven years and I have learned more from Functional Yoga Instruction then in all my personal yoga experience and instruction combined. It has completely changed my practice and how I teach yoga. This book is very organized and explains the techniques in a simple, clear, precise way. Functional Yoga Instruction teaches how to move on the mat in a safe, effective way which spills into proper movement off of the mat. Since I have practiced Functional Yoga Instruction and used the techniques in the book, I move better on the mat, as well as off the mat. It has increased my body awareness and I am much stronger. This book is ALL killer and no filler. I highly, highly recommend it!"

Don't get left behind. Invest in your copy now!

What They Never Tell You About Side Angle Pose

Have you ever thought about the intent of side angle pose (parsvakonasana)? Are you ready to hear a fresh perspective that will take your awareness to the next level?

In my opinion, side angle pose is the best of two worlds: the hip opening, leg strengthening element of warrior two combined with the side strengthening and side lengthening benefit of triangle pose.

But here's the thing, most people miss these wonderful benefits because their focus is to get their hand to the floor... at all costs. The result? A weird sort of front bend that's hard to breathe in. But before I say anymore, check out this clip...

                    Yoga expert and author, Brian Friedman demonstrates a progression for side angle pose.

I choose the modified version for my system of yoga (Functional Yoga Instruction), personal clients, as well as my led classes because I feel you get the most return for your investment. In other words, you get just as much (if not more) from the most fundamental version than if you decide to progress into the deeper options.

As a smart yoga practitioner, you can see the value of embracing the fundamentals and taking the time to truly develop a deep inner awareness of what is going on during your practice. 

Want more? Check out what these fine folks have to say about their yoga experience with FYI:

Highly Recommended!
5/5 stars "I became interested in yoga when I learned it can help with some stiffness and a bit of arthritis I was having. As a beginner, I purchased Brian Friedman's Functional Yoga Instruction book to help me understand the poses. This book helps you learn how to do a pose correctly, comfortably and really make it count. Brian stresses perfect alignment with every move you make. His explanations and photos stay with me in my head throughout my entire day helping me to stay aligned in all my daily activities. When having correct posture and movement you feel stronger, notice less pain and have more energy. I am starting to feel the healing benefits of yoga on my body and mind. Who would have thought it could feel so good just keeping your body aligned throughout the day?

Great!
5/5 stars "Brian is a fabulous instructor. I took his workshop and learned so much, even after my 7 years of experience. His book is a mirror of his great teaching.

Don't hesitate. Get your copy now!

"I Feel Amazing. I Wish I Would Have Joined Sooner"

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

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features an amazing VIP 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 Jennifer's marvelous story. What did Jennifer do to get rid of her achy joints? What did Jennifer do to rev up her energy? What did Jennifer do to lose an inch around her waist and hips?

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

Read on...

1. What made you decide to join our studio?
I have fibromyalgia and endometriosis and had been neglecting my health for over a year. I didn’t feel like myself and was unable to deal with daily stresses. The level of pain I had been living with had become unbearable. I reverted to medications to deal with the pain. I had gained almost 20 pounds and knew that I had to do something before things got even more out of control. I had done yoga off and on for 15 years, so I was aware of the benefits.

2. What results have you received since joining our studio?
After a couple of weeks I had more energy and noticed that I was able to deal with daily stress. The biggest change came after a month. My pain level had diminished by at least 75%. I no longer rely on the medication. I began the nutrition counseling 6 weeks ago and can’t believe how quickly I saw results. I have lost an inch in my waist and hips and at least 5 pounds (I try not to weigh myself).

3. How do you feel now compared to how you felt before joining our studio?
I feel amazing! I wish I would have joined sooner.

Jennifer is off her pain medication, has more energy, and wonders why she didn't
come to WGY sooner.

4. What do you like best about our studio?
Winter Garden Yoga is not only a yoga studio, but it is also a supportive family. I’ve only been a member for 5 months, but I instantly felt like I was part of something awesome. After years of doing yoga and experiencing a gamut of different instruction styles, these are by far my favorite instructors. They are truly interested in helping people reach their health and fitness goals.

5. What would you say to someone on the fence about joining our studio?
Why wait? I had all of the excuses. I understand! I felt guilty about leaving my son in the evenings after working all day, I didn't want to spend the money (I was already paying for a gym membership), I didn't have time, etc. Make “You” a priority!

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.

An Easy Way to Keep Your Results This Holiday Season

A personal message from Brian…

Greetings! Make sure that your Thanksgiving celebration has all of the right ingredients, including a healthy dose of calorie burning activities. Don’t take chances that will sabotage all of your hard work that you've devoted to a healthy lifestyle. There is a reason you visit Winter Garden Yoga: to build strength, get lean, and get toned. You owe yourself an opportunity to keep those results. I’m going to share some simple strategies that will help you succeed.

1. Don’t do it! I know, “easier said than done”, but if you have the discipline and the desire to maintain your current level of fitness, don’t give in to the temptation of overeating during the Thanksgiving season. Instead, have a spoonful of each of your favorite offerings and bring home the leftovers. This way you can enjoy sharing food with friends and family without feeling guilty.

2. Create space. If you know that you will indulge during the festivities, try creating space first. This simple technique was shared in Tim Ferris’ book, “The Four Hour Body.” Ferris suggests vigorous activity just before a meal in order to create a caloric deficit… hence, creating space. Be sure to choose exercises that are related to strength (pushups, bodyweight squats, lift weights, etc.). Fitness experts agree that strength movements raise your metabolism and burn more calories (for a greater period of time) than cardio related choices.

       Fitness experts agree, strength moves such as the kettlebell Get Up burn more calories than cardio.

3. Doubles. Fans of P90X ® will recognize this idea. Workout in the morning and again in the evening. You read that correctly, two workouts in a day. This will help melt away the extra pounds from the double servings of turkey and stuffing. Believe me, this is some heavy artillery against the battle of the bulge. Take a breath and think about it for a moment. Doesn’t it make sense? Of course it does. It works because you are creating space and adding some extra insurance to boot. It will be very difficult for that slice of pumpkin pie to compete for that space on your waist. 

The good news is that all of the above happens only once a year. That means you can make plans to counterattack the extra calories before they take away your hard earned results.

I think you’ll agree that these simple strategies will help you stay on track during the holiday season and throughout the year.

All the best, Brian

*Always remember to consult with your doctor or health care provider before beginning this or any other fitness program.

5 Truths For Finding Good Yoga Teachers, Winter Garden Yoga

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


Okay- you’ve decided it’s time to “get in shape”. Finally, you’re ready to look better and feel better the sensible way- through nutrition and exercise. Because time and experience has shown you the truth...

Diets don’t work, ab gizmos don’t work and infomercials are a joke.You're finally ready to get real and transform your body once and for all. You’ve heard the amazing success stories, watched many a late night episode of “The Biggest Loser”, read about Hollywood's secret weight loss weapon...

And have decided to seek out the guidance of a yoga instructor.

But not all yoga instructors are created equal, so how do you find the right yoga instructor for YOU?

1. They must be qualified to teach.

It is easy to become certified in anything these days. A few dollars and a few days of training doesn’t make someone an expert. Look for a qualified instructor who has years of teaching experience under their belts.

There is a big difference between a “certified instructor” and a “qualified professional”.

2. They should do more than just “take you through a class.”

A top quality yoga instructor does more than just “take you through a class”.

Anyone can tell you what to do.

Look for an instructor who will educate you about all the components necessary to achieve optimal health and a fitness result. Your teacher should review breathing, good posture, alignment, movement, and strength versus flexibility.

Goal setting, putting together a plan of action, and then holding you accountable and supporting you through the entire process is absolutely critical to your success.

High quality is the clearest distinction between the  teachers at Winter Garden Yoga and the other, ordinary yoga studios.

3. Ask for Proof of Results.

A top yoga instructor should be able to do more than just talk about results- they should be able to prove they deliver. Ask for proof of client results. Do they have before & after photos of clients, testimonials, references? Can you speak with a client to inquire about their experience working with them? If a yoga instructor can’t offer this kind of concrete proof than be careful.

4. Ask for a Guarantee.

According to a Consumer Reports study there is more dissatisfaction in the health industry than any other industry. That’s crazy. Think about it- if you took your car to a mechanic you’d expect it to be fixed- not come back with 2 or 3 pings and a loose belt!

Working with a yoga instructor should be the same as any other industry. If they aren’t willing to guarantee your results, then find someone who will. Spending your time and energy without a guarantee of results is like going to that terrible mechanic!

Don’t waste your money or more importantly your time working with someone who can’t offer an iron clad guarantee of your success.

5. Look for someone who will empower you for life!

A great yoga instructor will do more than just help you to achieve your goals. A true professional will teach you the foundation of knowledge so you will no longer be lost in the “sea of confusion” when it comes to all the yoga, diet, and exercise hype.

The foundation of knowledge and the correct technique you’ll learn should allow you to maintain your results for life!

I'm inviting you to put us to the test. 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.

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.

Either You Got It Or You Ain't, Grit

From the desk of Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga.

Unlike other yoga studios, Winter Garden Yoga has core values that we live by. This list is not open to discussion. All of our instructors -including me- are held accountable to them. You could say that our studio is fueled by this potent list.

One of these powerful core values is expertise. We are all encouraged to keep up to date with the latest trends in yoga and health and wellness. More importantly, we're encouraged to sift out the untested or inferior tendencies and to focus on the stuff that works. As an added benefit to maintaining a high level of expertise, I get to check out inspirational speakers. One of which was Joe De Sena, author of  the in-your-face book Spartan Up and the creator of the Spartan Race.

When Joe was on stage, he spoke about grit and how the overall lack of grit in our culture inspired him to create the Spartan Race and gave rise to the Spartan culture.

Grit has been defined as courage, resolve, and strength of character.

Author and creator of The Spartan Race, Joe De Sena knows about grit.

It was an inspirational talk that got me fired up. I was fortunate enough to catch him in the hallway to have a brief discussion about grit. Are you born with it? Can it be developed? Do some people just not have it?

His answer surprised me. Joe said by and large everyone's got grit, it's just a matter of finding what will bring it to the surface. De Sena also said that there are little things we can do everyday to develop grit. He mentions several of these strategies in his 5-Star book, and I definitely encourage you to read it for yourself. But, if you're like me, you'd probably like a little sneak peek right now.

Without further ado, I'd like to offer 3 of my own specially selected tips to develop grit...

1. Wake up. Don't hit the snooze button. Get up and get out of bed as soon as the alarm clock goes off in the morning. It's easy to lie in bed for another 9 minutes, but grit is not about easy. Show some resolve and get your day started without delay.
2. Don't eat. Well, at least don't eat until you've earned it. And how you earn it is up to you. Personally, I don't eat until I've either taken a 10, 000 step walk, done my yoga, or lifted my weights.  Sometimes that may be 6 to 8 hours after I've started my day. You may want to run this one by your doctor. But all things being equal, most of us are overfed and under worked and we take our meals (and pretty much everything else for granted). When you earn your meal, you appreciate it that much more. Have the courage to apply this to as many situations as you can in life.
3. Be quiet. When was the last time you sat in complete silence? Even for just 5 minutes? Turn off your phone. Turn off the TV. Step away from your tablet and just be quiet for 5 minutes. Sitting in silence is a very subtle way of building your grit. By building the strength to ignore the senseless urges to check your email, you gradually learn to distinguish what is truly important and what is not. You learn to rise above and come out as the victor. Ultimately, you get control back into your life by overcoming arbitrary desires. 

Bonus Tip:

Stick to your commitments. I am inspired, every day, by the amazing VIPs of Winter Garden Yoga. These astounding people have grit. It's easy to say, "yeah, I'll come to yoga twice a week and stick to a healthy diet," talking doesn't exhibit strength... but doing does!

I think of Karen who makes it to the studio at least twice a week. Did I mention she only has one leg?

Karen has grit. She doesn't let anything stop her from her commitments.

I think of Kim who had basically given up hope, but stuck to her commitment, is down 30 pounds, and is on her fourth set of yoga clothes!

Kim has grit. She could have easily given up because of a stressful job, but she didn't.

I think of Cher who finally gained back her confidence and has kept it for over a year!

Cher has grit. She stayed faithful to herself and her goals and it paid off... and it still is!

I think of each and every one of our incredible VIPs because they have grit!

I am calling you to the carpet (in a kind and loving, yogic way): practice these 4 powerful steps to developing courage, resolve, and strength of character, also known as grit. Let me know how your life has changed -for the better- after practicing these simple steps.

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.

Are You Crazy? Running Hurts!, Yoga

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

Each month Winter Garden Yoga features an amazing VIP 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 Janie's marvelous story. What did Janie do to get rid of her achy joints? What did Janie do to dump her muffin top? What was Janie's best decision of 2014?

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

Read on...

"As I get ready to run my first 5K in 30 years, I think back on how I got to this point of even considering it. If you had asked me 10 months ago if I would ever run again, my response would have been- 'Are you crazy? Running hurts! ... and so my story begins.

"I had been active all my life and especially enjoyed running until the responsibilities of raising a family and eventually being a single working mom put my needs at the bottom of my priority list. I did a great job of remaining sedentary for years. I kept telling myself I would exercise again and that I'll start tomorrow. 

"Tomorrow... tomorrow... tomorrow...

"I was even sick of listening to myself saying that same word over and over in my head. Simply put, I wasn't getting any younger. Every morning my painful joints, my extra weight, and my muffin top reminded me of the effects of menopause. I knew I had to take action.

Winter Garden Yoga helped Janie change her lifestyle. She just completed her first 5K in 30 years!

"I decided to join Winter Garden Yoga initially not knowing a thing about yoga but the schedule was convenient for me and I liked the variety of classes offered. After the first consultation, I thought, 'ok... it's now or never!'

"It was the best decision of 2014!

"What I probably found the most helpful was the personal goal setting. Honestly I was a little overwhelmed at first thinking I can't exercise 3-4 times a week and do 2 classes of yoga and so I tweaked my goals to not weekly but daily. Baby steps I called it. I remember Brian saying, 'JUST MOVE' and so that stuck in my head. It became a mantra. 

"As soon as I got home from work I changed into my running shoes, knowing that if I didn't then tomorrow would win. I first started running around my kitchen/dining room while my daughter timed me for 20 second intervals. I eventually moved it to running down the street and back, then half way around the block, then the entire block and as of today I'm going twice around the block...just about 5K. 

"My daughter asked me to join her to run in a 5K event and I said, 'Yes, why not? I'm confident that it is something I can do.' Wow! Who would ever thought I'd be saying that at the age of 56 after not running for almost 30 years? 

"I met my initial goal of losing 5 pounds but that isn't even important anymore. I stopped worrying about numbers. It's how I feel. Yes my clothes feel better now but more importantly I feel strong. Perhaps it's because I'm moving better thanks to the yoga classes. 

"Being a pediatric speech pathologist, I sit most of my day on the floor to play. I can now get up and down faster than the kids and the pain is gone in my knees and back. Thanks, WGY for helping me to change my lifestyle but also for encouraging me during each class to maintain a healthier life. 

"The fact that I never felt intimidated by the instructors or clients and especially the attitude of truly caring and accepting where you are in this journey to get healthy, is what keeps me coming back."

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.

[Insider's Tip] The Lotion Story

From the desk of Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga.

I've been in the yoga industry since the early 1990s. That remarkable journey includes: being a student (I still am to this day), teaching at incredible yoga facilities, and eventually opening my very own truly amazing-one-of-a-kind yoga studio in Central Florida.

This story... a true story takes place with an anonymous yoga student at an undisclosed location where I used to teach. Yes, this really happened.

Can you imagine doing this if your mat were slippery?

A slippery yoga mat can be the bane of existence for the yoga practitioner. It makes sense because it is difficult to concentrate on the current task while fighting for stability through your feet or your hands. Needless to say, a common question to yoga teachers is: "How can I stop from slipping during class?" A great question indeed. And I will reveal the answer soon. But first my story...

I was approached by a student who asked, "What can I do to keep my hands from slipping?" I answered with a question, "Do you use lotion?"

Because, you see, lotion can make a slippery mat even slipperier.

They answered, "No. I didn't use lotion."

The next time they came to class, they were still suffering from slippery hands. Again I asked, "Do you use lotion?" Again they answered, "No. I don't use lotion."

The third and final time they came to class, they were still suffering from slippery hands. Again I asked, "Do you use lotion?" Again they answered, "No. I don't use lotion." "None at all?," I pressed. To which they responded, "Well, just on my legs." "How did it get on your legs?"

They never came back to the studio after that. Well, at least, not to my class.

With that being said, here are some insider tips to keep your yoga mat slip-free...

1. You can use a top mat. I had one of these on top of my trusty Manduka Black Mat for years. You see, when a sticky mat gets wet, it becomes slippery. Think 'Slip and Slide'. But when a top mat gets wet, it creates more traction and stability.
2. You can use a simple hand towel. Some folks will have a trouble spot with either their hands or their feet. Just grab a regular old hand towel, moisten it, and place it at the top or the bottom of your mat (for your hands or feet).
3. Keep your hands and/or feet dry and free of lotion or oils. I know folks who have used witch hazel or rubbing alcohol on their hands and feet prior to yoga practice to keep them from slipping during class.

Insider's Tip: A moistened hand towel is an easy way to prevent hand slippage.

Make sure that in either case (top mat or hand towel) that you DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER whenever you wash them. Fabric softener, like lotion, will make the surface of the top mat or towel slippery.

The cat's out of the bag... you now have some excellent tips with staying power that will keep your yoga mat slip-free forever.

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.

5 Yoga Myths: Busted!, Yoga

From the desk of Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga.

It's not a secret anymore, yoga is good for you. We've seen yoga featured on our favorite TV shows, in local newspaper articles, our favorite singers are even practicing yoga. No doubt by now you've heard all about yoga’s excellent benefits:

• Getting strong
• Getting toned
• Getting de-stressed
• Feeling young

On the flip side, unfortunately, you've probably heard some of the trash talk about yoga too:

• You have to be flexible
• You have to use a heated room
• You have to be a celebrity
• Yoga is a weird cult/religion
• Your teachers have to be certified by this organization or that organization

And the list goes on and on.

The good news is that I am here to filter out all of the garbage and shed some light on this very controversial topic. And believe me, I know what I'm talking about. I've been in the yoga business one way or another since my first class in 1993. 

I've rubbed elbows with some of the top names in the yoga industry and I've pretty much experienced everything that the yoga world has to offer: hot yoga, gentle yoga, vigorous yoga, therapeutic yoga, and more. I've interviewed medical doctors on the subject as well as conversations with chiropractors, sports medicine physicians, massage therapists, and master athletic trainers.

Right now I am going to draw upon the cumulative total of 21 years of experience and endless hours of research and debates to shoot down the top five myths that surround yoga and replace fiction with fact. Plus some tips on what to look for when seeking a reputable yoga studio.

Myth: You have to be flexible to do yoga.

BUSTED: You do not have to be flexible to do yoga. Flexibility (I prefer to use the word ‘mobility’) is a beneficial side effect of a regular yoga practice. Look for a teacher or a studio that does not emphasize flexibility. Instead you should look for a teacher or a studio that teaches proper alignment and proper movement. Proper alignment and movement will lead to true flexibility naturally.

Myth: You have to use a heated room to do yoga.

BUSTED: Although ‘hot yoga’ is extremely popular, ultimately it is just a gimmick. Think about it for a second… if you have to bring your environment to 99 degrees F and above in order to move, what will happen when you are out of that environment? If you go to pick up your groceries, will you have to wait for it to be hot in order for you to do so? Heated rooms create false flexibility and can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, as well as other negative side effects. Look for a studio that uses room temperature for their classes. The reason is simple: you want to be able to move well at all times and not be limited to moving well when the temperature is right.

Proper yoga technique relies on solid principles, not gimmicks.

Myth: You have to be a celebrity or movie star to do yoga.

BUSTED: Yoga is for everybody. Yes, it’s true that celebrities like Jennifer Anniston, Sting, Adam Levine, Robert Downy Jr., and Dr. Oz all do yoga. And it’s true that all of those folks look great. The truth (and the good news) is that yoga is available to you, too. That means you can begin to reap the benefits of yoga right now. Look for a studio that is welcoming to all people. Make sure each class is made up of a variety of ages, sizes, and shapes and that everyone benefits.


Myth: Yoga is a weird cult/religion.

BUSTED: I think that fitness expert, Tony Horton, said it best, “Yoga is just yoga.” That’s all. Yoga is a way of slowing things down in order to connect the mind and body through movement and breathing. That’s it. And when we slow things down we begin to feel better, move better, de-stress, and unwind. That is the beauty of yoga… it carries over into our lives in a positive way. Look for yoga studios that teach in a neutral and inviting way for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy.

Myth: You should only take classes with a teacher certified in_______________.

BUSTED: Certain certifications look good on a teacher’s resume, but the truth is that qualification outranks certification in every case. You see, anyone can pay their money and become certified as a yoga teacher. But a piece of paper doesn't guarantee that an instructor can lead a class smoothly and safely. Look for yoga teachers who are qualified, not just certified.

What to take away from all of this...

The reality is that yoga is awesome and is something anyone should be able to do. The trick is just doing it and I've put together some important tips to help you with that. Always use this valuable advice when seeking out a yoga teacher or a yoga studio.If you follow the guidance in this blog, you will have easily doubled your chance at success.

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.

She Is Only 1 of a Handful, Yoga

From the desk of Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga...

It's no secret. The VIPs at Winter Garden Yoga demand the best and they appreciate the value that WGY offers to their health and wellness.

Part of making that vision a reality was to establish a truly unique approach to yoga. So I developed my own method of teaching and practicing hatha yoga called
Functional Yoga Instruction (TM). Each of the instructors at Winter Garden Yoga are certified, by me, to teach Functional Yoga Instruction. It's a non-negotiable requirement.

Every year, I am asked to share this method with yoga students and yoga studios. The following entry comes from Cristi Craigmile, who was recently certified to teach FYI. Here is her amazing story of transformation in her own words.

"My story starts off pretty ordinarily. In the ‘90’s I was a young mom, wife, volunteer curriculum designer, and substitute teacher. I wore many hats, but I was feeling a bit disconnected. I had always been active physically, but wanted something “outside the box”. Here in Orlando, yoga was kind of “out there”, but I found a small yoga group and it just clicked! For me the physicality and spirituality of yoga was exactly what I wanted and I just liked how I felt and how “flexible” I was becoming.

"Fast forward five years, I found myself in a place I’d never imagined I’d be – Southern California, the "Mecca of YOGA!” There was a yoga studio on almost every corner. After years of searching and trying out different programs, I finally found a decent fit. It helped me find my balance living in a very fast paced area of our country and the demands of living with two teens and teaching middle school.

"Now I’m back here in Orlando and I knew my yoga connection was going to be crucial to feeling “at home” after so many years of absence. I had some health problems, was feeling anxious and out of sorts after the usual life changes. I felt that it was the time in life to finally follow through on my desire to teach yoga.

"One day, my tai chi friend (and fellow WGY VIP), Margaret, discussed with me the amazing results she had achieved at Winter Garden Yoga. The more we talked the more interested I became. She graciously invited me to come and try it out. I was hooked from day one and just so happened to meet Brian that first week. I boasted about being a long time practitioner and how I wanted to teach someday. He suggested I take a look at the FYI certification workshop and if I was serious I should enroll immediately. Without hesitation I signed up.

"Little did I know it was time for a wake-up call.

Cristi is one of only a handful of people in the world certified to teach Functional Yoga Instruction (TM)

"During that first evening it started to dawn on me that maybe I was in over my head, that I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. I came back on Saturday and it took just a few positions for my body and mind to realize there was a lot that I didn't know! Well, I had a bit of a breakdown at home, after which I admitted to Brian that I’d been pretty full of myself and that I was there to really learn. Big slice of humble pie!

"The WGY crew- Brian, Karen, Janis, and Kathy-were all really patient and great mentors as I studied and asked numerous questions to prepare for my final yoga teaching certification exam. The multiple choice was a challenge, as my study skills were a bit rusty; the demonstration lesson was frightening at first, but a wonderful group of willing yogis put me at ease and offered great feedback; the dreaded push-ups were accomplished, and next thing I knew I was grinning from ear to ear because I had passed and was on to the next stepping stone of my journey.

"I've had many lessons in life so far and I know there will be many more. A big one through all of this is to learn to trust and just do it! I’m thrilled to have had this opportunity. In the meantime, I’ll be joining all of you on the mat to continue learning about proper alignment, its application in the real world and the next A-ha moment is surely right around the corner."

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.

7 Things You Didn't Know About Winter Garden Yoga, Yoga

A personal message from Brian Friedman, Owner/Director of Winter Garden Yoga:

It's hard to believe that four years have come and gone and that Winter Garden Yoga is now the 'go to' studio for those who appreciate the finest in yoga.

Unlike other yoga studios, that have packed classes, over stretch you, and leave you feeling lost in the crowd, our dream has always been to focus on strength, mobility, and nutrition all wrapped up in a caring, supportive, family-like environment you’ll call home. And, thanks to a very sophisticated group of people, that dream has come true.

Every single day, we thank each and every person who has walked through our doors.

But this dream, like any other dream, had its own trials and tribulations. These are the things that most people don't know about their beloved yoga studio... the insider secrets. I'd like to invite you to come along with me and recall some pretty amazing obstacles that we've overcome through the years.

Here are 7 things you didn't know about Winter Garden Yoga


1. We started from scratch. I used to teach yoga on the east side of Orlando (Winter Park, Lake Mary, Downtown Orlando) and people knew who I was. But I lived on the west side of Orlando and wanted to bring yoga to my side of town. No one knew me at all.

2. It all started with $1, 800. When I decided to open Winter Garden Yoga, there was one big problem: I was totally broke. Broker than broke. Remember when the bubble burst in 2007? But there was one person who believed in me, took a chance, and wrote a check to get me started. 

Rent + a trip to IKEA = $1,800.

Humble beginnings

3. We used to be above a bike shop. Our first location was a refurbished office space that had about 400 usable square feet. We were hidden behind trees and almost everyone said the same thing when they walked in, "I didn't even know there was a second floor to this building."

4. We opened our doors at 8:30am on Saturday, October 9, 2010. I'll never forget that feeling. I was finally there... opening day. How many people would show up? Did I hand out enough flyers? What the heck am I doing? All of this was running through my mind. And suddenly... I heard the door squeak... I heard some steps coming toward the studio entrance... and...

5. No body showed up for our first class. Or the second class. Or the third class. Or the fourth class. Or the fifth class... you get the idea.

6. I caught up on a lot of sleep. I had a corporate job when Winter Garden Yoga first opened. My schedule looked like this: wake up, go to work, go to the yoga studio, unlock the yoga studio, wait for no one to show up, lock the studio, and take a nap on the floor. It went on like this for months.

7. Our first power yoga class was one person. Eventually, she brought her husband so then the class became two people. Needless to say, Power Yoga caught on and we continue to grow each week. And, yes, she still attends like clockwork.

Honestly, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

As our amazing journey continues we are truly blessed to work with and help so many like-minded people and to be a part of such a phenomenal community.

We thank the discriminating few who have helped us with our mission: Changing the World... One Pose At a Time.

Winter Garden Yoga: Changing the World... One Pose At a Time

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

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.

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.

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.

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.