Student Testimonials

Theresa’s Journey

“Feeling I was part of a community is what makes me the happiest about Melanie’s classes! And of course, the feeling of pushing myself to my edge, plus more! I really didn't think I was able to do some poses, but you helped me/the class walk through the steps to get there.”

Before taking weekly Monday night classes with Mel, it was really a struggle for me to commit the time for myself to go to yoga consistently. My main concern was I wasn't at intermediate level of yoga. But Melanie never made the class feel it was "above" a beginner level. She’s very accepting and open and was always willing help me in my poses. Her energy and sequences (and music choices!) kept me coming back and making me feel so much better every time I leave class.

Right way, Melanie’s has a bright energy and is accepting of every person that comes in. She always introduces yourself to every student and welcomes everyone who is taking her class!

My favorite part of Melanie’s classes is that it always feels like it’s a new class every time and is challenging - both mentally and physically. Plus the music selection is amazing!

Since attending Melanie’s class, I’ve experienced a few benefits. First, I feel commitment to myself and showing up to the mat - even those days I didn't feel like going, but when class was done I was so happy I did it! Second, I’m able to pushed my body to my edge and make me believe my body is capable of more than I thought I was! Third, I’m a peace. I'm true believer yoga teaches us to be calm and peaceful in everything we do.

Melanie is the best teacher! I went through several yoga studios in Hoboken and it never felt genuine - both the studios and my practice. Then when I went to Asana Yoga and met the teachers (Melanie), it really felt genuine, caring, and good/positive energy! It made me more excited about practicing yoga because I could feel the teachers loved what they do. Melanie walks me through the poses and helps me find what works for me/each member of the class. I also love the beginning of your classes where you bring yoga and daily life together and how it really does relate to our everyday life and how it ties together.

Overall, since attending Melanie’s classes I enjoy yoga a lot more! Really! I look forward to coming to my mat and giving myself that time to feed my body and soul with positive energy and movement.

Urbano’s Journey

“I thank Melanie for opening me up to that awareness and teaching me to have gratitude for an aspect of my body that up until her class, had always been a source of discomfort and pain.”

It was January 2nd 2018, my first hot yoga class. I just broke up with my prior yoga studio, and was looking to try something new, and since my friend had been suggesting that I try Hot Yoga, and that I would love the intensity, I figured why not. Coming up the stairwell, with a New Year’s intention to try something new, I met a sweet and tiny voice, behind bundles or layers of outwear, a hat, gloves and scarf, who introduced herself as Melanie my yoga instructor.

I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as we started moving and the sweat started dripping and my head started spinning, and I was nearly about to throw up or pass out, I heard Melanie’s sweet and encouraging voice say - try your best, just be right here right now, and I took a deep breath, and fell in love, not just with the experience of hot yoga, but with the always encouraging and challenging experience that Melanie always brings to yoga.

I never know what “flow” to expect from Melanie’s class, but what I do know, is that her class is always going to challenge me physically and mentally, while allowing me for a little bit of learning that I can take away from class and apply to my daily life- off the mat. The one take away that I will always carry with me is that during one class, Melanie told us that we were going to focus on being aware of our feet, our standing foundation. Now, being someone who suffered with all kinds of feet issues, I had never really thought about my feet with kindness or compassion. But, since that class, I send gratitude to my feet, for the path they allow me to walk, and I thank Melanie for opening me up to that awareness and teaching me to have gratitude for an aspect of my body that up until her class, had always been a source of discomfort and pain.

Thank you Melanie for your sweet and kind and challenging and encouraging yoga flow and dharma talks.

Michelle’s Journey

“Melanie is my new standard for the types of teachers I work with!”

Melanie provides detailed explanations; not only about the poses but how we get there and why we take certain steps to build. Rather than saying the names of poses or sequences, she takes the time to provide reasoning that will help me remember for the future. Also, when I am in each pose she provides helpful adjustments that help me build and improve my practice. (Example Triangle pose: reach top hand to the sky to find length, spin bottom ribs under). Her teaching style can be adapted for any level. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, we can all benefit from the detail-oriented way you teach.

Since attending Melanie’s class I’ve increased: strength and flexibility, understanding of the poses and how to get there and confidence in attending more advanced classes.

With Melanie’s classes I am able to get lost in the flow and not think about "what's next" because you keep us moving the whole time and the sequences are not predictable.

Before attending Melanie’s classes, I had a general understanding of yoga but there wasn't much depth beyond knowing the poses and certain sequences. Now I am stronger, more confident, better overall understanding of yoga.