"Why should I do Yoga?" Tom is an intelligent and dedicated teacher. His teaching
mixes his deep knowledge of yoga and pranayama with his playful irreverence
and good humor. I have been practicing Yoga and Pranayama regularly with Tom for
more than three years now. I do not fully understand how the Pranayama works,
but I know for sure that everything in my life flows more easily and effortlessly
because of it. Somehow I am more in synch and in the flow and things just
"work out." Even problems seem to flow through my life in a timely
synchronized manner with ease and grace. (Meaning the problems arise in an
organized, manageable and effortless fashion, making them easier to handle,
one at a time.) Tom's classes are a sassy blend of wit, fun music, deep stretching
in the poses, partner work, and lots of useful feedback. I leave feeling both
refreshed, more awake, and a bit more courageous than when I got there! Tom offers his yoga classes with passion and precision, in his
utterly original style. In Tom’s class, I finally “got” what pranayama is all about.
He has a gift of sharing his knowledge with his students, and bringing
them to that certain “Place.” Tom teaches yoga in such an amazing way….he takes it lightly
enough to extract huge bouts of laughter from his students and seriously
enough to create an ecstatic sense of peace. He not only stretches your
body, but your brain to its full capacity. My amazing teacher, Tom Abrehamson of Yoga of Los Altos,
told me the other day: You’re shooting for the stars again, Boudicca.
His lessons are mind-bogglingly wonderful — life-changing stuff — and heartily
recommended to anyone in the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. I have been practicing yoga with Tom for the past 7 or 8 years.
He brings energy, enthusiasm, humor, personal connection with students and a
deep and constantly expanding knowledge of yoga to his teaching. I have noticed
that taking a class with Tom somehow always makes my day go better. Tom’s yoga class feels so good it’s addictive! I leave feeling
taller, calmer and very positive. I love Tom’s variety of asanas and sense
of humor. No nonsense yoga with a sense of humour! I must have done something very right in a past life to have
Tom Abrehamson as my yoga instructor in this one. His passion for passing on
the powerful disciplines of yoga and pranayama is infectious. With experience,
intelligence and wit he has enriched my life through yoga and I am eternally
grateful. Yoga has been a part of my life for over twenty years; practicing,
teaching, using its principles in my work with patients. What I have learned
through asana and pranayama practice once or twice a week with Tom in less than
a year has been more valuable for my personal practice, my life, and my work than
the months I spent studying in India. I’ve been taking Tom’s classes for 8 years. I’ve had other
teachers but no one who keeps things as lively and fresh as Tom. He’s always
learning and introducing new things to keep his students interested… plus he’s
fun. Some would even say "funny". He always includes pranayama in
his classes - and for this he is serious! Seriously good! I came for the yoga lesson. I come back for the jokes. Tom is a terrific yoga 'Teacher'. I emphasize 'teacher', because
few Yoga classes are led by real teachers. I have been taking classes with Tom for several years,
including through a pregnancy. Tom always makes class fun and engaging by
bringing in music, humor and interesting anecdotes from his own personal
experiences, particularly with our pranayama practice. I’m amazed at how
Tom always knows every student’s name and something about their practice,
considering how many people attend his popular classes. Tom is a magnificent teacher! With humor, empathy, and gentle
prodding, he brings out the best in every student – even stiff old women. Tom Abrehamson is a great yoga instructor! His classes are
challenging and rigorous, and at the same time, fun. Tom is sensitive to
students’ chronic ailments, and accommodates them, both with equipment
(blocks, bolsters, chairs) and alternate instructions. He encourages students
to continually push themselves both physically and spiritually, and includes a
pranayama breathing practice at the end of every class. He uses different kinds
of background music, from classical to classic rock, to inspire us. And he’s
hilariously open and funny — a compliment I have never been able to give any
previous yoga instructor. After attending Tom's classes for 2 years, I stand 3/4" taller,
I've regained physical capabilities (at age 51) I thought I had lost forever,
and I spend a much greater portion of my daily life living calmly in the present
moment. Coming to your class and doing the pranayama filled me with strength
and courage. Tom teaches yoga with humor, humanity and a palpable concern for
his students. By grounding his teaching in very human relationships, Tom helped
me and others realize our potential. I am leaving the country, and one of the
things I will miss most is Tom's class. Tom Abrehamson teaches yoga with such style, humor, grace and class.
He makes the practice of yoga a treat to your body and mind by infusing humor
and entertainment into each class. He is honest and open with his students and
expects the most out of himself each and every class. I’ve grown to truly admire
Tom over the years, not just for giving me an excellent workout, but for adding
community and friendship to something I already hold dear to me. He has a
rare gift -- and we are the lucky ones to receive a part of that with every
practice. Tom is the best kind of teacher for me. He has deep knowledge and
experience with the practices he teaches, and continues his own practice
personally. He welcomes new, beginning students, and at the same time continues
to challenge experienced students to refine and advance their practices. In class,
he gets to know his students personally, and brings warmth and humor to his
sessions. The classes are challenging, but always fun, and I'm always amazed at
how quickly the time passes. When I leave, I'm looking forward to the next class.
I always feel at peace when I leave Tom’s class.
He guides us with a sense of humor to find that “sweet spot.” Tom: I am thankful I dropped in to YIY about four years ago on a holiday weekend
to attend your class. How blessed I've been to have you as a teacher. You've
instructed me with encouraging words which have filled me with courage and confidence
to be my best and to continually move through my edge. You've helped me grow in my
practice. And I am so grateful that we are able to devote time to pranayama practice. When I began doing yoga with Tom Abrehamson I had just had my
sixtieth birthday and was feeling that I had started a physical decline. Now,
several years later, I can report that my whole body has been strengthened and
made much more flexible – this with just doing yoga once a week. Perhaps the
best thing has been the breathing techniques Tom teaches. I am a tense, anxious
person and have found the yoga breathing exercises to be amazingly effective –
like taking anxiety medication. Tom's patient instruction in yoga and pranayama has resulted
in a significantly healthier mind and body for me. My life has improved in very
significant ways, and I find I approach stressful situations much more calmly and
effectively now. Tom is a wonderfully gifted teacher and I feel lucky to have
found him. I am most grateful to him for his wisdom and his passion for teaching.
Two years! Time flies. Thanks again Tom. Your class is wonderful,
filled with joy and your incredible teaching abilities and inspiration.
My middle age body likes it too. Tom knows his yoga--what would you expect? He uses every minute
of time and pushes us; I like his fast paced instruction which combines
flexibility and strength training. He uses humor and music to keep us loose.
His Meditation practices are informative and relaxing. I appreciate having Tom
as my "go to" Instructor! I've been a student in Tom Abrehamson's yoga class for over
four years and I am very excited to hear that his book is about to be published.
Tom is a wonderful teacher whose every yoga class is a unique experience.
He is able to combine different aspects of yogic experience as very few teachers
I've encountered over these four years. He is able to keep his students challenged
and entertained at the same time, blending physical, energy and, I am not afraid
to use a lofty word here, spiritual elements in a seamless texture. I hope that
his book covering practical aspects of Pranayama will become an integral part of
yoga experience for students everywhere. This class has helped my posture and neck. I never get tired of
coming. Tom keeps if fresh and challenging. Best yoga class I’ve taken. Tom's combination of asana and pranayama practice offers every
student in his class a unique and intensely rewarding experience. Tom has a unique style of teaching an Iyengar-based style
of yoga and pranayama. He blends in humor while encouraging students to work
to their potential. Tom’s classes have alleviated my chronic lower back pain in a
way that years of chiropractic care could not. Equally important, they have made
swimming joyful again – my arms don’t hurt anymore, and my kick is stronger! I have been practicing Yoga for the past four years and have had
numerous instructors during this period. Tom Abrehamson is a unique entity when it
comes teaching yoga; I find his classes very rewarding from both a physical and
spiritual perspective. He drives his students hard but is particularly adept at
demonstrating the right technique and explaining the importance of this in yoga
practice. Tom is an exceptional teacher who challenges us in every class and
consistently finds new ways to keep his students fully engaged.
I have been attending yoga sessions with Tom for several months now
and I am amazed at his extensive knowledge of yoga asanas and pranayam, both in
terms of technique and in terms of the purpose and benefits. Tom’s yoga classes always draw a crowd. Aside from generously
sharing his very deep insight of yoga and applying his knowledge to our individual
conditions, Tom is the consummate entertainer. His always-surprising eclectic music
repertoire ranges from mantras and chanting to classical to rock ‘n roll
and "Getting Jiggy With It." Yoga has improved my balance, strength, and flexibility,
and has eliminated a lot of my back pain. I look forward to the class
and the chance for physical and mental release. Pranayama for the Un-Yogi's. Call me the typical Type-A Silicon
Valley multitasking working mom. Breathing? Yeah, not so much for me.
Can't even sit still for 5 minutes. That is until I met Tom. Then everything
changed. No longer headed for the door to keep the yoga class to an hour. I was
amazed that I could be 'present' and mindful, and lose track of time. Almost eight years ago, when I was suffering from neck and heel
discomfort, my friend suggested that I try yoga with an instructor named Tom at
Ladera Oaks. I thought…why not? I have taken yoga classes in New York, the San Francisco Bay Area,
and across the UK... Tom is my favorite teacher. His motivational techniques are
second to none. He has a gift for creating a fantastic atmosphere in his classroom.
Not to swell Tom’s considerable ego more than it already is, but in
my five years of classes with Tom I have: Through praise, encouragement, humor and some occasional shouting,
Tom makes sure every yoga student achieves the most they're capable of, and even
a little more. Tom is a teacher in the best sense of the word. I look forward to
Tom's classes each week, and the benefits stay with me all week long. I see a
little bit of improvement in one pose or another every week (well, maybe it's mostly
just in my mind, but I'll keep believing :-). There is just no one like Tom! Many years ago I injured my shoulder during a volleyball game.
Almost every year I would reinjure it, take some time off and then play again.
Needless to say, my shoulder never got better…only worse. It was during one of
my volleyball siestas that I joined Tom’s yoga class. Tom’s unique teaching style,
words of encouragement and respect of everyone’s capability kept me coming back
for more. What a great class. I never thought I'd be able to touch
my toes from that direction. I've been practicing yoga for many years and have had more than a
dozen teachers. Until taking Tom's classes, I dreaded the "quiet" class
time (listening to the teacher talk, resting in savasana, and especially what I
used to call "strange breathing"). Thanks for taking my body parts to places they
never dreamed of going on their own. I started yoga about four years ago and I was told that I needed to
explore different yoga instructors since each one offers different ways of
practicing. I was never able to meditate and enjoy the outcome, until I started
to take Tom’s classes. I can never forget the first time that I was able to feel
the great sensation of Meditation by following Tom’s instructions in the class.
I always feel energized and positive after Tom’s classes. I have been exploring
different instructors, but the only one that I always look forward to taking class
and can never change is Tom. Tom Abrehamson makes yoga accessible, and challenging, no matter
what your ability level. In my first 10 years of study, I gained a superficial acquaintance
with the true benefits of yoga. Then about 6 years ago, I had the good fortune of
encountering Tom Abrehamson and began to study with him. Since that time, my yoga
practice has gained a new clarity and relevance in my life. Tom, I am glad to know that you and I share a common vision for the
equality of men and women. I am thankful for your teaching. It provides me with
both strength and serenity. Tom makes Iyengar-based Yoga accessible with his unique blend of
rigor, candor and humor. Rigor that defines Iyengar Yoga, candor in his sharp,
precise feedback, and humor that disarms. We don't realize we've been holding that
pose for five minutes because Tom deftly distracts us with his wit, bathing us with
humor on our way to grasping the profundity of his insights. A gifted master who
loves both what he does and those he does it to! I first attended Tom’s yoga class over four years ago, shortly
after being diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder. While the
physical symptoms were painful and disabling, I was also at a low point
emotionally. I had not yet come to terms with my diagnosis and was not ready to
discuss my disability with anyone outside of my immediate family and closest
friends. When I regularly practice yoga, I'm more inclined to easily
watch my weight - I'm simply more aware and less hungry. Tom's yoga classes are a fantastic combination of boot camp, stand
- up comedy, and spiritual retreat. He seamlessly blends earthly fun & bodily
challenge with the bigger meaning and purpose of yoga. Understandably, he has a
very loyal student following! We all greatly enjoy and appreciate Tom's
teaching. Tom’s Yoga classes are challenging, but he has a way of making our
time on the mat light-hearted and fun. He works with our abilities with compassion
and understanding and has a unique ability to establish a rapport with his students
that makes us want to come back for more!
Tom brings his wit and humor to every yoga class! His classes are
filled with laughter and light as well as gentle reminders to work on each pose.
Also, his focus on pranayama work has yielded blessings at home which I have not
expected. I'm really enjoying your classes. I appreciate your
combination of careful teaching and humor. I have been a yoga and pranayama student of Tom Abrehamson for
nearly seven years. I have studied with other teachers and even gone through a
yoga teacher training course and have been a teacher myself for five years, yet
I still find myself coming back to him for more classes. As his own practice
deepens, he deepens his teachings. Dear Tom: you are my inspiration and your Sunday class is my
church (or I should say my temple in my case…). Thank you so much for
deepening and advancing my practice, and for introducing me to the art of
Pranayama that took me to a completely different level. I've been practicing yoga with Tom for several years in Palo Alto.
His classes are always light and fun. Tom has a great depth of knowledge about
yoga, is attentive to his students, and always has great suggestions about how
to improve on the poses. My sciatica responded terrifically after only one session
- amazing. Thank you. I am your most grateful student. I can't speak highly enough about Tom. I really appreciate how
committed Tom is to each pose, each flow, each pranayama exercise, and each
student. I also really appreciate his dry sense of humor. Tom's humor and his
serious commitment are the perfect yin-yang balance. I leave each class feeling
deeply worked out, energized and calm. You can't ask for much better than that. Tom has been my yoga instructor for over four years. My initial
motivation for taking his classes was to support my sister when she learned that
yoga could relieve her stiffness and pain due to Parkinson’s disease. It became
quickly apparent that I too benefited physically, emotionally, and spiritually
from Tom’s classes. After 45 years of back problems accompanied by fear, I am
gaining strength, flexibility and courage from my yoga practice. I like
being an active participant in my improving health. Petra Pino’s "Yogatomamonial"
Tom is a one-of-a-kind yoga instructor. He spends his class time teaching,
not showing us his asana prowess. His matter-of-fact attitude about the most
esoteric yogic practices (pranayama, Meditation, visualization) make these
practices accessible to anyone in his class.
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