As a working mom, I am constantly on the run and busy taking care of other people. Laura’s program helped me to realize where the “balance” in my life had been pulled off-track over the last few years. Laura explores the wide range of tools and techniques that we can choose from, to help improve the way that we use our time. The choices that we make are up to each one of us, in order to achieve our own idea of living a happy and healthy life — we do this not just for ourselves, but ultimately, for the other people in our lives.

I am a senior and doubted that I could still do yoga but with Laura’s careful progressions of the poses, to my surprise I was able to follow. Each yoga practice has left me with a feeling of joy and satisfaction.

I joined this program as I had become more active in my life (yoga, bike riding, jogging, etc.) but I wanted to balance that out with healthy eating. In my mind, those were the only two things that encompassed a healthy and balanced life. While we did have sessions on nutrition and exercise, the greatest impact on me were the sessions on deep breathing, meditating, involving “play time” in my life and finding the balance between stress and bliss. The courses that Laura taught were eye-opening, insightful, informative and always fun. I felt like she genuinely cared for our well-being; the amount of preparation and energy she put into each topic was boundless. I truly feel that if I continue to practise what I learned, I will not only be a healthier version of myself, but more importantly, a happier one.

Laura’s 8 essential elements to well-being is the whole package. She gives you all the tools you need to help you take care of your body, mind and soul. When I signed up I was surprised to discover that what I thought I needed was vastly different from what I reallyneeded. I immediately started seeing the benefits as soon as I started to incorporate some of these key essential elements into my lifestyle.

I quite often arrive at the yoga classes feeling stressed, anxious and tired. I sometimes feel a tightness in my neck chest. I totally lose myself in Laura’s class. She has a soft flowing way of guiding us through the different poses. I leave the class feeling that I have really done something good for me spiritually, emotionally and physically. I feel an inner strength and balance, a greater sense of well-being. Laura is the best yoga instructor and I have had the pleasure of knowing her for a few years.

Laura you were terrific today. I knew you would be but I was very impressed with your very professional, interesting content, your calm tone of voice, the pace you set and your attention to detail.

We are very grateful to you for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to our SALAD event. You got us started and it just all worked out to be a very enjoyable day for all.

Thanks again,

love,

It seems I am the least flexible person in the class, however Laura always demonstrates a variety of options so that everyone can benefit from the class. I am often stiff and sore before her yoga class yet always leave feeling energized and refreshed!

Riding High is my favourite of all cycle classes. It’s a great workout from beginning to end and Laura motivates you through the entire session. It’s very fast paced class but I always leave the class with more energy than when I came in. The great music, camaraderie and Laura’s warm personality keep me coming back for more week after week!

Dear Laura, It was such a pleasure to attend your yoga class at the Can-Fit-Pro conference!!! It was the very last class on Sunday and it was just a perfect closing to this great event. I felt very refreshed after your class.

I have just recently realized how important it is for me to get in touch with my inner self... Thank you for another opportunity to practice yoga.

I am also going to try the yoga classes provided at my gym.

Also, do you have any tips on how to master meditation? As you said before, yoga comes from meditation but I find it difficult to relax and slow down my mind...

Thank you once again and I am looking forward to your next workshop/seminar/class.

All the best. Yours truly,

I was first attracted to Laura’s program because it is a complete health program that address the whole person. Laura’s program addressed not only qualities of physical health, but also emotional, spiritual and mental health. She provided me with the tools needed to address anxiety, and to cope with life’s stresses. Laura’s techniques are simple, but very effective. Moreover, I believe that she introduced techniques that I will be able to continue well beyond the end of the program. I now have more energy, and a more positive way of dealing with stressful situations. Laura’s program made me feel more confident.

After taking Laura’s 12-week holistic program, I feel more confident and energized. Whether it’s making time for preparing whole foods, doing fitness exercises or becoming aware of my breathing patterns, I’ve been encouraged and inspired to take better care of myself. Laura’s guidance has made a positive impact on my lifestyle.

I attended A Journey into Self and was able to relax more in that class than any other time in my daily life! Told my boyfriend (the one over 50) about it and he was shocked. Thank you.

I then took the Postural Adjustment which I also enjoyed and found helpful. Most of all, I really appreciated the time you spent with me in discussing my two member issues (woman with the neck issues in Downward Dog).

Thanks again, I hope our paths cross in the future.

Since I started participating in Laura’s cycling classes I see cardiovascular activities in a whole new way! Laura is able to make you focus into the present moment and is always encouraging you to continuously push yourself harder than you ever thought possible. I am more motivated since I began cycling classes and my body shows the results!

Moi le cours sur le dos m'a donné de bons outils pour guider mes patients qui ont mal et je les utilise moi-même en prévention!

Dear Laura Warf,

I attended one of your presentations, Life Management for Busy Bodies, at the 2009 Can-Fit-Pro Conference in Toronto this past weekend.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your presentation and to let you know how much I enjoyed it. The material presented was an interesting reminder that as a healthy living coach there are so many areas outside of exercise that need to be addressed for clients to truly create the healthy life they dream about. It was also presented in an accessible and entertaining manner, which always makes a session memorable. I have been considering taking the CanFitPro Mind Body Specialist Certification, and after meeting one of the founders of the program I am even more interested. Your energy was contagious that morning!

Again thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and time with the many attendees of the conference, myself included. I look forward to attending more of your seminars at future conferences.

Warmly,

Dear Laura, I just printed your notes Yoga: Creating a Masterful Class from Can-Fit-Pro and I wanted to drop you a line to say how much I enjoyed your presentation.

You are an amazing instructor!! Thank you for all of your tips - your presentation alone, was worth the trip to Toronto.

As an instructor who maintains a full-time day job and teaches 11 classes per week on the side, it takes someone pretty special for me to make the effort to take a fitness class. Laura is someone special. Not only does she instruct with the utmost clarity and professionalism, but she is one of the very few instructors who knows how to incorporate mind/body techniques into any type of workout. The result: workouts that leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed with an increased sense of well-being. Not bad for a trip to the gym.

This program leads you on a spiritual journey if you just let it! It provided me with all necessary tools and more to make positive changes in all areas of my life. I felt ready before, guided and supported throughout, and prepared for being on my own after. I observed great changes: body, I lost 11 lbs; mind, I had tools to breathe to become calmer and more balanced and my spirit expanded and became blissfully happy. Nothing more I could have asked from myself and this 12 week Program.

I hope you are doing well. It was great to see you again in Montreal. Your Featured Session was absolutely amazing and inspiring, you are a phenomenal speaker! J

Thanks so much!

Take care

I came to class looking for exercise and relaxation. I was offered encouragement, strength & guidance in a spiritual environment. I discovered a new level of mental awareness, peacefulness that I didn't believe I was capable of and recovery from a long-standing back problem.

Yoga has allowed me to stretch my muscles and provide greater flexibility but most importantly it has given me a real sense of balance both physically and mentally. Laura’s classes have been a progression for me from a beginner to somewhere in between in terms of flexibility and strength. She also focuses on mind-body awareness so that on days when my mind is not fully focused I know my body won’t do what it needs to unless I start to focus and concentrate. In time my hope is develop a level of mind-body connection that I see Laura has!

Laura, you are a goddess! Never have I felt so fulfilled both physically and mentally. You have opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed. Your calming voice, positive attitude and clarity in explaining the great unknown made for a profound learning as well as spiritual experience. I feel ALIVE!

Thank you so much, you filled me up with all that is healing and wholesome!

Namaste, with love.

Super compétente et tout aussi charmante, Laura est indispensable dans une démarche de santé holistique. Le programme de soins du dos est complet et favorise l'autonomie. Il permet d'intégrer des notions et exercices qui ont un impact concret sur la mobilité et la réduction de la douleur. Bel équilibre entre la théorie et la pratique, mon corps autant que mon esprit ont été comblés et continuent de l'être en poursuivant la pratique à la maison.

I have participated in Laura’s spinning classes and I must say her motivation and skills as an instructor has definitely elevated my performance. I have been a fitness enthusiast for 18 years typically working out 5 days per week in activities such as running, spinning, aerobics and weight training. Five years ago spinning became my passion both for its challenge and high intensity. Laura’s instructional style mixes many elements so that you realize benefits in your endurance and strength while maintaining proper riding technique. She challenges you physically through her tough drills and encouragement. As a result, I have experienced improvements in my running speed and endurance as well as my overall fitness level. Anyone who has peaked, or has lost some self-motivation can benefit from Laura’s experience, knowledge and encouragement to really find out what more they are capable of. I can honestly say, I am getting older, better and faster!

The first group class (cycling) I attended was with Laura in 1999. Since that time I have been a member of Laura’s loyal followers and have continued to enjoy as many of her classes as my schedule permits. Laura is a true professional. She exudes confidence, strength and a dedication to her career that proves she is enjoying what she is doing as much as we appreciate what she does for us each class. Laura is capable of motivating us to meet and exceed our limits as easily as she shifts our mindset to a more relaxed and reflective state in yoga and Body Flow. I have made exercise a regular part of my routine. This commitment has increased my energy and given me strength both physically and emotionally, increased my confidence and the way I feel about my body and has helped make me a happier person. I am extremely grateful that my life path has crossed Laura’s and cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next! My heartfelt thanks Laura!

Yoga – thank goodness we found each other. It has brought me a positive sense of balance and with all that I dropped 2 dress sizes. Yoga is now part of my being.

Hi Laura,

I just wanted to thank you again for such a great experience with the MBS course! I taught my first yoga class last night, drawing from my personal experience and other workshops as well as incorporating so much of the information and techniques that you provided in the course and the manual. Teaching was such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to teach again on Sunday!! The course and your delivery gave me the extra skill/knowledge and confidence I needed to get out there and just do it.

All the best!

Très aimable, à l'écoute et bonne maîtrise de son travail.
MERCI.

Hi Laura!

I hope you are doing well. It was great to see you again in Montreal. Your Featured Session was absolutely amazing and inspiring, you are a phenomenal speaker!

Thanks so much!

Take care,

Laura is an excellent instructor whose spinning classes are both fun and intense. When I was injured and couldn’t run for several months, Laura’s spinning classes helped me maintain and even sharpen my fitness. Within a few weeks of returning to running, I ran my fastest 10K ever, and I credit Laura to being a key factor. Thanks Laura!

I am fortunate to have met Laura and to attend her yoga and cycle classes. She is an excellent instructor and her positive energy is very motivating. She gives 100% to all her classes, making me feel very lucky to be able to attend. I feel very happier spiritually as well as physically. Her calming voice and spirit have had a very positive impact on me; I am better equipped to reduce my stress level. Thank you Laura.

Hi Laura,

I just wanted to thank you again for such a great experience with the MBS course in January! I taught my first yoga class last night, drawing from my personal experience and other workshops as well as incorporating so much of the information and techniques that you provided in the course and the manual. Teaching was such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to teach again on Sunday!! The course and your delivery gave me the extra skill/knowledge and confidence I needed to get out there and just do it.

You used some great music in the course and I was wondering if you might be able to share a couple of those CD titles with me, as I would like to expand my yoga/meditative music library?

All the best!

In health & fitness

The yoga classes have helped me in two areas. Firstly they have helped calm the tension and stress of daily life and leave me feeling peaceful and relaxed. Secondly they allow me to continue to improve my balance as I age as well and at the same time I am working on strengthening and stretching the muscles I use repetitively in other athletic activities. I believe because of my regular attendance in yoga classes I no longer need to see my sports medicine doctor for overuse injuries caused by repetitive movements in other activities which before I started doing yoga was a yearly occurrence. Thank you.

This course will challenge you to identify all aspects of personal wellness – spiritual, physical, psychological – and supports you through your plan to nurture your needs. You learn to develop habits that will strengthen ways to feel more confident, energized, positive and calm.

Hi Laura,

Attended your Yoga for Detox this past weekend at CanFIT in Montreal. Loved it very much. As a "busy" Yoga instructor, I don't always have the time to get to participate in classes, so it was a thrill to be able to participate in your class. This is an area that I am very interested in, as I am often asked questions on what Yoga poses help with detox. Although, I do tell my students that just by doing Yoga asanas and breath work, will aid in detoxifying the body.

You are an amazing instructor and presenter. Your voice is so soothing. Thank you for a truly enjoyable and enlightening session.

I did feel “in limbo!” and Laura’s 12 week holistic program has taught me to step to the beat of my own drum with the special tools that I have acquired after her introduction to a blissful mind, body and soul journey. I feel that my outlook is different, less reactive and more open, less trying to control and going more with the flow; I am more lighthearted and I hear myself laughing more, which is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for your inspiration in every way, Laura. I feel so blessed to have been a part of this extraordinary workshop!

My principle pass time is scuba diving the many ship-wrecks of the Great Lakes / St. Lawrence river system. Controlled slow breathing while under sustained physical exertion is of paramount importance while diving. Yoga is the best dry-land activity that I have discovered to practice and improve upon this skill. I now recommend yoga as a wonderful adjunct to any diver’s regular fitness program. Thanks Laura, you’ve helped me be a better diver.

I took a workshop of yours “Heart Rate Focused Riding”.

Since then I’ve instructed my regular classes as well as substituted for a few others (I’ve been instructing for 2 years now). I only do this stuff once per week or so. Other than that, I’m a computer guy; I do not work in fitness milieu. Humbly, I’ve got lots to learn about this stuff. I’ve taken several workshops but, for some reason, this one did it for me (and the people in my classes).

After your class, I revisited some aspects of my typical routine. I broke the routines down a little bit better technically (what exercise goes better with what music) and planned out each song a little better but, the biggest change was in what I try to communicate during the routine. I have a more complete intro, I talk about the usual posture and techniques. I have added more praise/compliments. I now use some imagery and now spend more time on describing what is coming up. I let them know about the upcoming exertions and let them know when and how long the recovery will be (in other words, don’t save energy in case there won’t be a recovery). I smile more, on purpose, and compliment the class on theirs. Man, is this contagious.

I’ve had more people come up to me after the class, regular classes and subs, than previously. Their compliments are things like “…not sure how but, I find myself putting more into your routines”.

From a regular (and friend) of many months now, I was told “Today, I really pushed hard, you were great today”. This was from a friend who seemed to never break a sweat before.

The praise feels great but, I know I must pass it on. I know as an instructor, feedback comes in small doses yet is so valuable since it feels good but, also since it affirms you’re heading in the right direction. I just wanted to say you do a great job, you truly have mastered this. Thank-you very much and keep it up!

Dear Laura,

Let me just start by saying I have never taken a yoga class before so when I signed up for your The Power Of Harmony; Awakening Your Subtle Energy Body workshop at the Can-Fit- Pro conference I had no idea what to expect. What I didn't expect was to love it as much as I did.

You asked at the beginning of the workshop what everyone's energy levels was - I was one of the 2's. But by the end of the session I was definitely closer to an 8 or 9. Thank you.

You had mentioned that if we made the request you would send us a copy of the session - so may I please have a copy?

My other question for you is what style of yoga would I look into which most resemble that session - I believe that you had said that it would be a "cooler" form?

Anyhow, I just wanted to let you know that I thoroughly loved your workshop, and I believe you have opened up a whole new path for me. Thank you ever so much.

I look forward to seeing you at next years conference.

Sincerely,

What attracted me to this program was its 360 degree approach to health, fitness, and well-being. From nutritional tips and tricks to develop functional fitness to strategies for staying focused and balanced, and spiritual teachings from culturally-diverse ancient philosophies, along with weekly individual check-ins with Laura, this program walks the talk of holistic health.

Your cycling classes have influenced both myself and my mother in many positive ways. We feel better about ourselves physically and mentally and ready to face the challenges in our days with greater energy. Thank you, we love your class and hope you will always be a part of the cycling program.

Bonjour Laura,

Je veux te remercier pour la conférence de ce matin. C'était très intéressant et 'ressourçant'. Je vais me servir des différents trucs pour 'surfer' la vague lorsque je me retrouve dans le creux de cette vague.

Tu es une excellente animatrice, merci de partager ton énergie avec nous.

Bonne fin de semaine

I had surgery 1.5 years ago. If it wasn’t for Laura’s yoga classes I wouldn’t have recovered as quickly as I did. With yoga I feel my body is stronger, more toned and I am more aware of my posture everyday. Laura manages to channel everyone’s energy in the class to provide a strong empowering yoga workout. Thank you Laura for introducing me to a wonderful way to exercise.

Depuis que j'ai suivi des leçons Soigner mon dos avec Laura, mon dos se porte beaucoup mieux. Les étirements et le renforcement des muscles m'ont permis de continuer mes activités avec beaucoup mieux d'aisance.

Merci beaucoup Laura!

Il n’est pas nécessaire d’avoir un problème de dos pour assister à ce cours, vous pouvez y assister à titre préventif et éviter d’éventuels problèmes!

Laura est un professeur remarquable, elle est à l’écoute, patiente et surtout très compétente.