"Arianna is an excellent Yoga instructor! She is kind, intuitive, and gentle. She does everything and anything in her nature to help guide and support you through the practice. Whether you are a curious novice, a seasoned yogi, or one in between, she'll meet you there. I really feel her enthusiasm for yoga and the joy she receives in guiding others. I leave her classes feeling energized and refreshed every time. I highly recommend Arianna as a knowledgeable, mindful, and understanding teacher of yoga!"
-Yang Li
"Arianna is a very experienced yoga instructor who conducts herself with professionalism and brings the right energy to every session! Whether you're an elite college athlete or you're beginning a fitness journey, her style of teaching is sure to bring you to the next level! We've had her instruct sessions for the wrestling team at NIU and she does a phenomenal job!"
-Trace Engelkes, Professional MMA Fighter, Wrestling Coach, & Former 174 pound NCAA Qualifier
"Arianna makes everyone feel so welcome and makes each class feel like a private class."
-Karen Heffernan
"Arianna is GREAT at what she does and is truly a professional. I have had multiple lessons with her and will continue to see her. Arianna is always in tune with your specific needs. She truly wants to help you succeed in whatever you're looking to improve upon. Her knowledgeable background as a PT is a huge bonus as she does a great job of integrating that knowledge into her yoga classes. Highly recommend!"
-Chad Beebe, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings Football Team
"Thank you very much for introducing me to yoga in a safe and accepting space."
-EM
"Thank you Arianna yogAlea for coming out to help stretch, relax, and teach our young wrestlers the art of Yoga. Being a former wrestler yourself, the kids really looked up to you and took the techniques you taught to heart. This was the most calm and quiet class we've had to date. You are a true inspiration to all of these kids. Thank you again, Streator Wrestling Club."
-Luke Gwaltney, Wrestling Coach, Former MMA Fighter, and Former Wrestler
"Arianna genuinely cares about her students and pays attention to their individual development. When I started attending her classes, there were a lot of positions I couldn't do. Most of them, actually. But Arianna always provides modifications, so I was able to do easier versions of the poses that were too difficult for me. Now, after attending her classes for several months, I'm able to do some modifications that are more challenging. Even so, Arianna's attentiveness and physiological awareness (she has a doctorate in physical therapy) have kept me from trying poses that my body just can't do, and her mindful encouragement has kept me from feeling bad about my limitations. In fact, I always feel better after class than before -- always -- and this is 50% because of yoga itself and 50% because I feel safe and acknowledged under Arianna's instruction."
-JN
"Have just begun Arianna's yoga and am finding a new light inside. Due to past surgeries I was afraid of not being able to achieve this, but with instruction and gentle guidance, I have found that I am able to strengthen my mind, body, and soul!"
-Denise Eggum
"Arianna, thank you for coming in to the NIU Wrestling Room and putting us through a session. We all enjoyed the Yoga and benefited physically and mentally. Your approach was perfect and we hope to see you again soon. Go Huskies!"
-Ryan Ludwig, Head Coach
Northern Illinois University Wrestling Team
"What I love is how you're always evolving."
-KH
"Personally, I really enjoy it and believe it's improving my flexibility each week. Also, it's becoming not as hard. Thank you for taking the time out of your week to help us. You're a great instructor!"
-Donovin Sims, Former Pitcher
Northern Illinois University Baseball Team
"Arianna is the most dedicated and professional instructor I've encountered. Her feedback is personal and individual. Her classes are focused on the participants and she provides meaningful feedback. I could not recommend Arianna as a yoga instructor with more enthusiasm."
-Jacob J
"Mindful yoga. Best classes."
-CF
"Today was my first day trying Yoga with the wonderful Arianna. She has developed this Yogic routine specifically geared to those in grappling. My muscles were still sore from weightlifting on Tuesday. I couldn't be more glad to try this out. I thought it was a wonderful way to improve one's mobility, besides the meditation aspects that are inherent to yoga. I am looking forward to more of these sessions. It definitely kicked my [behind] and my t-shirt drenched in sweat can attest to that! If you haven't tried it before, I suggest you do. Your body and mind will thank you for it!"
-Nomaan Alwi
"Arianna's classes help me relax during the week from work and kids. Challenging enough that I feel I am making progress with my personal fitness, but I'm generally not terribly sore the next day. Definitely glad I found this supportive, no judgment class!"
-Bri H
"Arianna is not only an experienced yoga instructor but also a physical therapist, and this difference between her and most other yoga instructors is *important*. Arianna can discern between a position that you can improve on over time and a position that your body simply isn't going to do. She offers variations of the poses she instructs you to do, which enables you to easily participate if you're a beginner or challenge yourself if you're advanced. Also, you can talk to her after classes for personalized feedback on how to most effectively and most safely train your unique body so you can improve your unique practice (and your life ... which sounds dramatic, but, at least for me, it's true). If you're reading this review, you're probably looking for a yoga class to join. Seriously -- try out Arianna's. Even if you end up joining another instructor's class (for whatever reason), you'll at least have the experience of her physiologically informed approach to yoga."
-Justin Ness
"Arianna is a gifted instructor who makes yoga accessible for yogis of all levels. She creates a welcoming, engaging environment and differentiates her instruction to meet the needs of all participants. Her style of teaching allows students to discover and experience what works best for them, and I would recommend her classes to anyone interested in enjoying yoga."
-Jackson H
"Arianna has a great teaching style. I feel challenged but never intimidated. I love this class and highly recommend it."
-Laura L
"I love it."
-Brandon Williams, Former Pitcher
Northern Illinois University Baseball Team
"Your work is impressive! You observe carefully, give precautions, make timely assists, know how to modify, and give precise instructions. You cover a lot of ground in your class, and this will always keep your students safe. It has been a pleasure to work with you. I sincerely wish you happiness, good health, and much success."
-Dr. Jerard, E-RYT 500
Director of Yoga Teacher Training
"I have just recently started my yoga journey and I couldn't be happier that I chose to try out Arianna's classes! She is so welcoming and kind, I look forward to going to her classes every time, it's one of the highlights of my days! I always leave feeling so refreshed and at peace. She is amazing at instructing -- highly, highly recommend and can't wait to continue doing yoga with her! :) "
-Zoe Z
"Arianna is a wonderful and welcoming yoga instructor. As a beginning yoga student, Arianna helped me feel comfortable and calm during each session. She provides enough guidance to help me progress during each class, but she is also very understanding when something is challenging. She provides modifications and adjustments for each movement if something is too difficult. She teaches a wide variety of individuals including athletes, and she adapts each class to each specific group. Everyone should give Arianna yogAlea a try!"
-Carolyn S
Day 1: "Thanks Arianna for helping me in my first yoga class ever!"
Week 3: "I enjoy your yoga classes so much! I feel so welcomed and peaceful when I am there :)"
-Jenn V
"I really enjoyed your class today, it was amazing!"
-Monica H
Day 1: "First yoga class was nice. Definitely feel like even a focus on breathing was beneficial."
Week 5: "Yoga has been really helpful in melting stressors away, as well as addressing tension and tightness in my muscles throughout the week. I highly recommend you try it at least once."
-Dan B
"Arianna is a sweet and gentle soul who conveys yoga beautifully to her students. Never thinking I could rise at 5:00 a.m. for any reason, I find myself drawn to Arianna's sunrise yoga with quiet anticipation time and time again. The poses are refreshingly creative and the pace is perfect. My practice grows as Arianna's teaching grows. Following her example, my wonderful fellow classmates care for me and each other with kind consideration. Thanks to you all."
-Kathy H
"Perfect drop in class! Great mix of stretching, restorative, and slow flow movement. Arianna did a wonderful job of instructing and modifications. Will definitely schedule this class when I am back in the area."
-Jacki F
"If you want to feel calmer and more stress-free than you've ever been, then yoga with Arianna is definitely for you! Her style encourages you to find your focus, let go of your stress, and progress in your flexibility and strength at your own pace. This class is also a great way to control any anxiety or stress problems you have in a safe way. You'll be amazed with the results!"
-Ayla D-Y
"Great instructor. Class has all levels of fitness. Good stretch and relaxation. Excellent yoga experience."
-Joanne P
"In my case, this was my first time taking a yoga class. I have been a competitive athlete for fifteen years with a poor concept of less competitive and "aggressive" disciplines; however, I felt like I discovered a new world of physical and mental health once I tried yoga. I believe the classes I attended during this semester were well-paced and proposed a suitable challenge for everyone to engage. Me myself, I enjoyed trying every new pose and that single hour that I was able to attend during the week provided me with a great workout, and the motivation to practice the poses on my own sometimes. But most importantly, it complemented my pursuit of a more calm and clean lifestyle."
-LC
"I started going to Arianna's yoga class because I was seeking support on my recovery journey from an eating disorder. Her classes have helped me better manage my anxiety and cultivate gratitude for my body and all of the things it can accomplish. As a teacher she is gentle, compassionate, knowledgeable, kind, patient, and genuinely cares about each person in her class. Arianna is open and responsive to questions, feedback, and suggestions. Arianna also volunteered to teach a youth yoga event for a fundraiser at the elementary school I work at. She was professional and kind with every person she came in contact with. She used developmentally appropriate language and poses with the kids. They were engaged in the present moment and they absolutely loved doing yoga with her. Arianna has inspired many of the teachers at my school to include yoga and mindfulness into the school day."
-Kristin K
"Yoga with Arianna is a fantastic way to melt stress and improve flexibility. I take Hatha Yoga classes with Arianna, and her pace and style are perfect for me. She also does a great job of mixing up the routines. I'm looking forward to taking private lessons with her next fall."
-Michael C
"I'm still amazed at how much of a workout this is...on the surface it doesn't seem that aggressive but I sure do feel it. Thank you again. I'm certainly hooked."
-Eric R
"Great way to start the week! Great group who will not judge! Come and join the relaxation and stretching. Best thing you can do for YOU!!!"
-Jodi L
"Thank you Arianna for all your help this fall."
-Mike Kunigonis, Head Coach
Northern Illinois University Baseball Team
"Having only done yoga videos at home, I was a little nervous attending my first yoga class. It turns out I had no reason to be nervous, as Arianna makes everyone feel comfortable regardless of experience level. I was amazed how she could conduct a class where both the beginners and the veterans got so much out of it. Even during very full classes, Arianna provides individual attention, without being overbearing. What a great experience!"
-Leanna R
"I've been taking Arianna's yoga class for two months and I've enjoyed each class. I specifically like the variety of poses both within and across each class. Arianna creates a very welcoming environment where each person is encouraged and supported, regardless of their level. She takes the time to watch each person and provides feedback to help them improve their practice. I definitely feel that I have greatly improved over this short amount of time."
-Ellen L
"Arianna is a great yoga teacher. I always look forward to her classes. I have nothing but good to say about her."
-Stuart H
"Parent and tot yoga was fun, relaxing, and a great way to bond! My body and mind feel refreshed. I'm looking forward to the next session and hope to see some of you and your beautiful babies there!"
-Chanla F
"I'll be teaching Yogalates this summer, as well as during the fall! Thank you so much for all your hard work in helping me achieve this. I'm so proud of myself, but I really could not have done it without you! You are an amazing teacher and your students are lucky to have you. I appreciate all that you've done for me!"
-Meg M
"July 10 was my wedding, and I decided I wanted to give my bridesmaids a little pre-wedding gift. So we signed up for bridesmaids' yoga with Arianna. It was a beautiful Sunday morning by the beach in Milwaukee and we had our practice right on the sand. I had been doing yoga with her for a while but my bridesmaids were practically new to it. Regardless, they all had had an amazing, relaxing time! As we were listening to the sound of the water in a live, natural, setting, (yay!) Arianna guided us all through poses that were great for practicing on the sand and outside, such as tree and eagle pose. It was a challenge for all of us, but it was also a moment we had to have fun and do something together. We all loved it, and it felt like the perfect way to start my wedding day and feel connected with my dear friends on such a special occasion."
-Lucia P
"I just want to say first off thank you for all of this! Your level of professionalism and dedication is super admirable. This is so much more than I was expecting. It is clear you are passionate about what you do. I consider it serendipitous that the very first yoga instructor I would reach out to would be super legit. That professionalism is exactly what I needed to follow through and give this an earnest attempt, so I would just like to say thank you first and foremost. This was so much more than I expected in a good way and I will definitely ensure that you did not waste your time in writing all of this out. If I have any more questions, I'll send you another email. Is there anything else I would need to bring to the first class?
Truly, I am gracious not only for all of your help already, but also for being so attentive and responsive and I am very glad that in my random search for yoga studios I just happened to reach out to you."
-Jacob J
"Arianna is a wonderful instructor. As a beginner student, my initial session and all subsequent sessions seemed to flow well without issue. She adjusts positions and instructions according to the skill set and comfort of the clients. I especially enjoyed that every session was unique and not repetitious. The studio also has a calming effect with the sessions through the right amount of lighting, hushed calming music, and an aromatic diffuser. I would recommend to anyone looking to improve overall wellness and/or hoping to manage stress in a positive atmosphere. Arianna also speaks in a calm, soft tone that goes along well with the session and following along at your pace."
-Daniel B
"Thank you for everything you have done for me. I love your style of yoga. It has helped me physically and mentally on and off the field. Every session is very fun and beneficial. My kicking ability has increased significantly since I have started working with you. I would recommend to every athlete to go to a session with you!"
-Christian Hagan, Former Placekicker
Northern Illinois University Football Team
"Looking back to my wedding this past June, I am so grateful to have started the morning with a one on one hour with Ari. I spent the day consciously present and relaxed which helped me enjoy every ounce of every moment in my wedding day. The details of all the memories that I remember I directly contribute to starting my day off right. Ari incorporated some postural poses that I requested all while creating a tranquil, calming experience that I feel allowed me to calm my nerves and bring me more mindfulness. Without a doubt I highly recommend all brides/grooms to invite Arianna yogAlea to gently knock on your door the morning of your wedding. You will not regret!"
-Ashley P
"Arianna is an amazing instructor! All the classes are always unique and she gives you tips how you may need to alter poses to work well for your body. Highly recommended."
-Barbara T