I love Laughing River Yoga. I'm especially a huge fan of Emily Garrett, one of the founders. I started seeing Emily for one-on-one yoga lessons when I was going through a particularly hard time of my life. I started these lessons thinking I was taking physical exercise classes that would help me strengthen and work around some rather bad injuries I'd sustained in an accident. Instead, Emily opened up a new world to me by subtly and slowly introducing me to things like mindfulness and being present. Yes, we practiced yoga postures, but it was through becoming aware of my thoughts, repetitive patterns, old habits, while taking on these postures that I began to slowly experience change. Emily is kind, patient, caring and steady. She's such a great teacher because she herself went through her own period of inner growth and self awareness (as I'm sure she'd say she and all of us are going through every day of our lives) and wants to share what she's learned with others. Every yoga teacher is on a journey. I know several in the Burlington area. It seems like one in five people you meet up here are certified. If I had to choose just one to practice with it would be Emily. She's not trying to prove anything. Yoga is more to her than a set of difficult physical postures or achieving inhuman flexibility. Relative to most yoga instructors she is wise beyond her years, balanced and aware. I think she's fabulous. I'm writing this review because I love Laughing River Yoga and Emily Garrett, but also because I saw a one star review by a woman that said some rather uncharitable things. She was visiting from out of town and went to the studio once. It's possible that she had a bad experience. We all have bad days, off days. No one is perfect. But I know with complete certainty that yoga and the Laughing River practice is extremely important to Emily and her staff and I would recommend them whole heartedly. There are several yoga studios in the Burlington area. Visit them and decide which one is right for you. I'm not practicing yoga currently, but if I were, I would go to Laughing River and practice with Emily Garrett whenever possible. read more

Laughing River Yoga - Yoga Near Me - Burlington, Vermont

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 read more

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Took a very relaxing yin class with Weezy. She was excellent at cueing us into poses, encouraging us to use props for support, and explained with clarity why certain modifications would benefit us. Was welcomed to the bright studio with warmth and ease, hassle-free. I felt fabulous afterwards. Love that it's close to Pingala. A highlight of my vacation. Perf! read more

Laughing River has been my yoga home for years. Though I have a wonderful connection with several teachers there and feel nourished by almost all the classes, I have most regularly attended Julia's Tuesday night class. It's vigorous, but Julia teaches lovingly and welcomes any modifications. Some evenings I spend several rounds of sun salutations in child's pose and Julia will come over and give a comforting assist while still leading the rest of the class in the flow. I would say the class is geared toward those with a more established practice. Julia will consistently reminds us to do what our bodies need at the moment, but it takes some practice to tune into our own intuition and decide what it is that we need. read more

I'm giving this yoga studio one star for the location only. I have practiced yoga for many years and at many different studios around the county, however I have never felt so unwelcome my first time in a studio as I did here. The only interaction initiated by the owner/instructor (Emily) when I walked in was regarding the $fee. No greeting, no "hi, how are you", she never acknowledge my presence in the class, no "thank for attending" or "hope to see you again". Not the desired atmosphere and warm feeling I usually get and have come to expect from a well established yoga studio. I found another place in Burlington that far exceeded my expectations. I do not recommend Laughing River Yoga, there are plenty of other great studios to choose from. read more

This is by far my favorite yoga studio in Burlington! It is quite the hidden gem, with a diverse selection of yogas, there is even Kirtan every Monday night. My favorites classes are the Kundalini and Jivamukti! The staff is super friendly and welcoming, the classes are provided with great freedom. They also have many special events including, dj's and yoga. This is a must experience, for you yoginis and yogis! read more

They aren't kidding, this studio comes with a view of the river. Went to a morning vinyassa class and loved it. Definitely going back!

In a town where yoga studios are plentiful, it says a lot that Laughing River has won Seven Days' best studio in Burlington for back-to-back years. For me, the cozy studio has been a center for meditation, exercise, friendship, healing and spiritual growth. I practice with Emily, Brian, Julia, Candace and Beth. They are all great. I have no reservations recommending this studio and there is a friendly first month deal for new members. read more

I LOVE this yoga studio. The beautiful studio and incredible teachers make this my go to for yoga. I have taken yoga all over the world and this gorgeous space on the river is by far my favorite. The teachers are unpretentious and completely welcoming. read more

I'm going to start by saying I am a beginner and I've been trying many different yoga classes. I was disappointed with the lack of professionalism I received at Tuesday's night class. I had attended Monday's class - where I felt welcomed, supported and yet still challenged. Tuesday's class with Julie was a nightmare. It was listed as "beginners welcome" which is what prompted me to sign up... at first it was challenging, as we got into the class, I was unable to keep pace.. the instructor didn't offer modified poses or assistance. She just continued to walk back and forth staring down at me. I felt like I was being shamed for not being at the level of the rest of the class. I was so uncomfortable, I ended up leaving half way through, feeling discouraged and frustrated. I will be returning, because I paid $65 for the unlimited monthly pass, thinking I was going to find a yoga spot to call home. I don't believe that one class can speak to the entire studio. But I am hesitant. In a market where the yoga options are endless, I would try another spot first. read more

Laughing River is a yoga studio unlike any other. The teachers are so incredibly knowledgable and welcoming and are always willing to answer any questions you have. The classes are at all hours of the day and will suit anyone's schedule. I'm still very much a beginner but the teachers here have taught me so much and have always made me feel at home. The location is so convenient and the views of the river are amazing from the studio. There are so many studios in Burlington closer to where I live but I will always make the trip over to LRY. I look forward to every class and will be coming here for many years I'm sure read more

Laughing River Yoga is a welcoming studio with instructors committed to helping you get the most out of your practice. I've taken several classes with different instructors. All have helped me with my practice. I'm a very lacking in flexibility 60-something. Beth, the instructor at my most recent class, helped with some stance adjustments and I could feel a difference. The other great thing is the view of the river. Whenever I'm in Burlington I try to get to Laughing River. read more

Not only is the studio space beautiful, clean, open, and overlooking the lovely Winooski River, but the teachers at LRY are truly steeped in the authentic yoga practices and their own commitment to the practice comes through in their classes and interactions with students. I've practiced yoga all over and still, nothing quite compares to the sweet energy and growing community of LRY. There's a nice array of classes to chose from and they also offer a fantastic 200-hr and 300-hr yoga teacher training. If you're looking for your yoga home in Burlington or just visiting, do yourself a favor and unroll your mat at Laughing River Yoga. read more