Laughing River Yoga

Mar 2024

LRY is a very special place in Burlington, Vermont! When I found out that Emily had trained in somatic work, I had no doubt that it was the right place for me to do my 200 YTT. As I started my training and getting to know the community, I was pleased to learn that members of the LRY community are all passionate about their yoga journey, many continuously going to India for training, and many traveling the world offering their gifts. I'm doing the TEP program led by Christina, someone I witness embodying sacredness in her yoga practice. LRY is a very special place, with a very special community, welcoming everyone and it's been an honor to be learning with them and strengthening...read full review

Aug 2022

I have been coming to this studio for years (when I'm living in the US). I love this space. The studio is right on the Winooski River and in the summer, the windows are open and sometimes you can even hear the nearby falls. as for the instructors they are great and there is a nice variety of regular and special classes offered at reasonable rates. There are no joining fees and pressure to buy any of the multiple class pass options. There are also a number of classes available online. In addition, this site also has special incentives and offerings for the BIPOC community. First class is free, and I highly recommend checking it out.

May 2022

Where to I start. I like to get the uncomfortable out of the way so let's talk business. A single class is fifteen dollars and that is very reasonable. Now let's talk spectacular! The introductory offer which I opted for, get this, thirty-nine dollars for one month unlimited yoga. Thats right $39.00. Unlimited. That is the best deal I have ever heard of for any yoga studio, and as you will see from my review this place is a spectacular yoga studio. So the deal is a steal. The regular rates are still outstanding in my opinion. The price break starts on the ten class card at $130 but in my opinion the best deal is the regular unlimited pass. For $79 you get unlimited in person and online classes. Two classes per week and you have a great deal. Three and is once again is a steal. There are numerous other options including an option which will allow you to assist LRY in reaching out to the less fortunate in our community. Since we are discussing business let's talk turkey. The website (often my least liked element of any business.) is well thought out and comprehensible even for a technophobe like me. The studio is well organized and I found the studio manager to be highly professional and approachable. She even had the aplomb to deal with me when I was upset about an issue, not LRY connected directly, and did so in a very proactive manner. Top notch business including a commitment to bringing yoga to persons who might not be able to afford or connect with the many benefits of yoga. I am fairly new to yoga but I have been to several studios. Other studios I have been to will remain unnamed because I don't want anyone to mistake this review as a criticism of them. The instruction at LRY is the best I have ever encountered. I have yet to find an instructor who is not well versed in every aspect of their particular yoga style. I will not name any of them because this would leave someone out, my memory being shady at best. On top of being obvious experts who take their craft seriously they also are multifaceted. They will bend over backwards to see you get the maximum physical emotional and spiritual benefits of yoga. If you are a beginner this studio is highly recommended for you! I would rank this studio as having top to top (no bottom here) the best instruction I have seen so far in my yoga journey. Laughing River Yoga is conveniently located in the historic Chace Mill and the studio is gorgeous. I love industrial space conversion and this fits that dynamic for me. The feel of the space is warm and inviting and one would think the prices much higher considering the luxurious space and design. I forgot to mention. During the limited duration warm weather season in Vermont you have access to classes offered at the gorgeous Burlington Surf Club location. Yoga in the midst of nature overlooking the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain, yes included in the price of the aforementioned monthly passes. Just as incredible as it sounds! In conclusion let me state three things. 1: Instruction, Instruction, Instruction. Without quality teachers a yoga studio is just a room to exercise in. 2: The prices are not just reasonable and it is impressive that they offer so much to the community and still not charge much more. I have paid $30 and up for classes that weren't nearly up to the standards of LRY. 3: The feeling of LRY if you will, is quite positive and uplifting. I have never left and felt I was let down, rather I always leave, often worn out, but buoyed by a sense of joy and presence that is most affirming and helps guide me in my blossoming yoga journey. Peace Jim