Testimonials

I had had a number of beginner's level yoga classes at some of the best yoga centers in New York City, but when I moved to Syracuse and began to study yoga with Tony Riposo, everything clicked, and yoga became part of my daily life.  Beginning with his emphasis on meditation and pranayama, Tony's approach to yoga facilitates an integrative experience of the practice. While learning and then more effortlessly moving through the postures, the breathing exercises, and the meditation segments, I found that Tony's commentary—suggestions on how to unlock and relax the body and mind, encouragement, witticisms and humor—gave my mind a way to settle into the rhythms of a yoga body.  The multi-level class is an aspect of Tony's teaching that I really like.  While I feel advanced in certain postures and practices and on certain days, I work in a group that shares a beginner's mind and the humble approach of beginners' bodies.  The emphasis is on awareness within the practice rather than on competition or achievement.
And the occasional weekend retreat gives a foundational depth to the weekly (and often twice weekly) classes I attend.  I feel fortunate to be a part of these classes and this practice.

 –Rebecca Garden, Professor

After reading an article on yoga and its ability to reduce stress and increase flexibility, by chance I happened on one of Tony's brochures. With great trepidation, I attended a class.  After one class and without understanding much about yoga, I was convinced of its benefits. This was in 1993, and my yoga practice has continued ever since. I particularly appreciate Tony's emphasis on meditation and breathing techniques. Yoga with Tony is individualized and non-competitive which greatly enhance the experience.

–Michael, Yoga Student   

Tony Riposo offers much more than an exercise.  Tony is a gifted, spiritual teacher of Yoga.  In a loving way, without overt mechanisms, Tony teaches the Yoga of love, personal strength and oneness through breath and Yoga.  During Tony's classes, not only does the body that holds the treasure of self become strong and healthy, but the higher self of perfection begins to shine brighter as he provides a haven of opportunity to find that which is inside all of us.  He leads us to see, without judgment, that we are equally equipped with all the resources we need for a beautiful and peaceful life.  Without thought he will precipitate the stretching of the mind and body to places you didn't believe were possible. I highly recommend Tony's Yoga class – for when you leave, just about what ever was hurting will be diminished or healed.  My body has never been in better shape and my spirit has never shined more brightly.

–Maryann, CEO, Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY

I have taken yoga with Tony for 5+ years. I began because of hip pain that woke me up at night. That was quickly resolved and has never returned. But it is much more than that for me now. It is a holistic practice bringing mind, body, soul, and spirit into alignment. my body craves it when I miss a session. It is my gift to pause during the week to attend to myself. It allows me to be fully present, to be embodied, and to increase my awareness. Tony does not only facilitate adjusting the postures for each individual, but lives what he teaches. The classes are a warm, safe, friendly environment. I highly recommend them. 

–Maggie, Yoga Student

I have been a yoga student of Tony's for years and refer many of my patients to him for help with chronic pain and stress reduction. Tony's classes are unique in that he is constantly changing and evolving as a teacher. He is very easy going and funny, which makes people relax and enjoy yoga more. Yoga has helped me personally with back problems and allows me to balance my busy life with 90 minutes per week devoted just to me and my own well being. As a yoga teacher and physician I appreciate the way Tony can teach multiple levels of students at the same time, with ease and grace. He gives gentle and effective hands on assists with poses, and incorporates various breathing and meditative aspects into his classes. Another thing I appreciate about Tony as a teacher is that he frequently reminds his students that we are at yoga class for us, not for him. As an overachieving first born I tend to push too hard sometimes, so it is great to have permission to take it easy on days when I'm not feeling my best. I have been to many yoga classes but Tony is my favorite teacher who I am proud to have become friends with as well.

–Linda Lemay, MD, Yoga Teacher and Student

Hi, my name is Freda. I have been doing yoga with Tony for many years. There are days when it would be easier to stay home but I know I always feel better when I attend class. I am very convinced that yoga has kept me limber and relaxed. It helps keep me balanced both in mind and body. No matter your age, yoga is helpful. I am proof of that.

–Freda, Yoga Student

I have been a student of Tony's for over seven years now and I will say that his class is one of the greatest blessings of my life. He integrates (in a comprehensive and sophisticated manner) all aspects of Eastern contemplative traditions; intellectual, spiritual, physical, historical, and psychological. He is both insightful and inspirational. Each class is rich and varied and imparts practical wisdom that can be applied to everyday life. In his teaching he weaves a tapestry of awareness, kindness, gratitude, and acceptance. He himself is so humanly genuine and charismatic. He will make you laugh, make you cry, make you think, and make you grow into a better, more peaceful version of yourself. His students are fortunate to benefit from Tony's longstanding devotion to his own personal contemplative practice, years of study, and Kripalu training. His class is a gift. He manages to surprise and delight with each varied session. He always keeps it fresh and thought-provoking. Being his student has helped my mental, physical and emotional health. His teachings can transform one's life in a profound and enduring way. It has done that for me. Give yourself the gift of Tony's yoga class and see what it can do for you!

–Christine, Yoga Student

Since I have returned to Yoga, I have encountered a subtle feeling of spiritual freedom. Just wanted to say thank you for introducing this wonderful part of life for me. I am certain each person focuses in their own way.  For me it completes the experience.
Thanks again,

Jeanne

Tony is a uniquely gifted teacher who brings his deep love and knowledge of yoga to each class.  His teaching methodology allows students to participate safely and fully irrespective of physical limitations.  Meditation and yogic philosophy are incorporated seamlessly into every class.  In a hectic world, yoga classes with Tony are an oasis of calm that nourish the body and mind.

–Anthony B. Karabanow, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine,
SUNY Upstate Medical University

I would like to thank you again for the wonderful holiday classes.  Your classes were a highlight for me and my daughters!  We all send our thanks and appreciation for the reflective, restorative times! Thank you for all your efforts to make our time with you so memorable!

Odette,Jennifer,Christine and Erin

I just wanted to say that I am really, really, really enjoying your classes. The balance of instruction, familiarity, challenge, and guidance has been just perfect for me. I think you are a gifted teacher. Thank you so much for sharing your light with me.

Namaste, Stephanie

I went to see my pulmonologist last week and as you age your total lung volume usually decreases but guess what... mine has increased since June and the only thing he can attribute this to is the yoga!!!!! So my asthma is better controlled and my lungs are actually getting better as I age - (not bad for a woman who smoked for 25 years ( I quit 10 years ago) and have adult onset asthma.) You told me when I started, that yoga would be a place where I would want to be and it trully is not only a place where I look forward to being but has also made my life better physically and mentally. Thank you :)

Catherine

I am brand new to yoga and my experiences with Tony have been nothing short of rewarding. As a middle aged person dealing with the daily stress from raising a family and the demands of a profession, Tony’s classes have brought peace to my hectic life-style. His peaceful, charismatic and positive approach has taught me to experience calmness and peace – something that has been greatly lacking in my life. His teaching style is unique in that he teaches the new students with care and encouragement while he challenges the advanced students, all at the same time.  As a person who also enjoys the rigors of a gym work-out, I have found that yoga has filled the many voids that a traditional gym work-out lacks.

With some uncertainty, I attended my first ever yoga retreat that Tony conducted. Many of my friends and family truly thought I had gone over the edge. To me, it was an opportunity to spend 6 hours with a wonderful teacher and to learn more about yoga and myself. I felt it would be a great escape for 6 hours. All my friends, colleagues and family wanted to know about the retreat. Simply put, I said it was like a having a deep tissue massage, a visit with the shrink, being adjusted by a chiropractor and taking a heavy sedative all at the same time. I had never felt so relaxed, calm and refreshed; it was truly a wonderful experience. Not mentioning the fact, the retreat allowed me to experience deeper mediation, more breathing techniques and many, many yoga poses. It was a time well spent and I would do it again.

My experience with Tony has been brief since I am only a beginning student of yoga. I can say that in the short period of time that I have spent with Tony, that he has had a profound impact on my general well- being. He is a remarkable teacher and I look forward to his classes. 
Thank you, Tony.

Jeff