Testimonials
... in the words of yogis and others from around the world!
About:
Yoga Classes | For Pain Management | Workshops | Teacher Trainings
Yoga Therapy Trainings | Jenny Otto's Structural Integration Practice | Reading
ABOUT BODY BALANCE YOGA CLASSES ...
"You are the go - to yogini in Annapolis."
—Stan Andrzejewski, Greater Baltimore Yoga
"Jenny is an excellent teacher of yoga and yoga therapeutics. She is highly qualified, having studied with the top teachers in the field. Jenny conveys the material in an interesting and exceptionally clear manner, and is always concerned about the well-being of her students."
—Suzie Hurley, Willow Street Yoga Center
"Body Balance Yoga is hands down the best yoga studio in Annapolis. I've taken classes from Jenny for years and because of her knowledge of yoga therapeutics, I am more pain-free than I've ever been. Everyone there is top-notch. I wouldn't go anywhere else for yoga classes."
—Jan Gary
"Best yoga teacher ever!!! Jenny Otto and staff!!!"
—G. Basile, LMT
"Jenny's knowledge of the body - both on the more mechanical and subtle or energetic levels — is nothing short of outstanding! Her dedication to study and deepening her knowledge and understanding of the body has led her to pursue study with the top experts in their fields all over the world! Jenny is very skillful in blending basic principles from many disciplines when working with a client. Thus, she is able to provide those she works with — with a unique template of exercises and poses which targets their individual issue Jenny is gifted, skillful, and creative in how she listens to her student or client's body and she is able to keenly observe and note what must be addressed in terms of mis-alignments on the physical and energetic levels. I wholeheartedly recommend Jenny for her expert knowledge and therapeutic presence!"
—Dr. Olga R. Rasmussen, D Min
"I am inspired by you, Jenny! Thank you for being you."
—Julie Olson
"I just thought of you recently because I picked up a translation of Rumi, and opened it right to the page that said, 'Let the beauty you love be what you do. There are a million ways to kneel and kiss the ground.' I was reminded instantly of you chanting this during savasana, so beautiful. I haven’t found any yoga teachers down here that even come close to you, I was quite spoiled by you."
—Nicole D.
"Working with Jenny has truly made a difference in my progress toward alignment, strength and flexibility. She brings generosity and creativity to the experience every week."
—Cindy Hackett
"Jenny is a knowledgeable and skilled practitioner and teacher. Jenny is sensitive and compassionate in her approach to both individuals and groups and has an insatiable appetite for information and training that will afford her greater opportunities to be in service to her client's and her craft."
—Rich Goodstein
After an Assymetrical Biomechanics Training Jenny attended: “Jenny, your new inspiration in classes this week have been phenomenal, definitely helped re-boot my walking. So much more freedom in my hips!
Many thanks, Jenny. And congratulations on yet another milestone of learning and assimilating."
—Roberta M.
"Jenny is the ultimate Yoga instructor. She is highly skilled and extremely compassionate about her work. It is more than a career. It is her life and truly cares about her students."
—Jill Weissenbach
“Jenny Otto’s ability to invent physical/educational/compassionate poses to convey insights and healing to students is magical and effective.”
—Sue B.
Jenny is such a fantastic teacher on so many different levels. She is so organized, with clear class plans that walk you through each concept she is presenting.
—Patti Zolnick
“Jenny Otto’s teaching has changed my practice and I appreciate the way that she truly embodies satya.”
—Mary P.
“We have so much enjoyed working with you over these past few years. Not only are you an excellent teacher but you have great integrity.”
—Lynne and John E.
“Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life – I am so blessed to have you in my world! I have learned so much from you that I carry into my life and my teaching and hope to continue to learn from you as time passes on.”
—Brookelin G.
"I just wanted to say that I am so honored to work with you and Jill Cahn. You
both talk the talk and walk the walk. You work on things at home in your
own practice and bring that knowledge to your students, I never have felt
that you are just giving a pose without a rhyme or reason or without
personal experience. So much respect for you! Namaste."
—Marianne Meyers
“Jenny’s love for and commitment to her own practice shows in her teaching and serves as a model for me, her deep and precise knowledge of the body and how it plays out in the poses, her passion for sharing all this through her teaching, the great joy and lightness of heart that she brings to each class, and the way she appreciates each of us in our differences and help us accept and love ourselves. And these are just the things that come immediately to mind!”
—Ellen C.
"Jenny knows the workings of the body like no one I've ever met. Her knowledge and continued desire to educate and share all that she knows is inspiring. You are in capable and compassionate hands with Jenny."
—Mary Jayne Raleigh
"Many yoga classes (especially those at the gyms) are geared towards getting through poses, rather than doing them right - such as using your muscles rather than your joints. Plus, I think there are more people out there with hip flexor issues that aren't accommodated in the classes and often end up with injuries. There are very few really good yoga instructors out there - though Jenny Otto and her Body Balance Yoga practice in Annapolis focuses on the right things. Just by doing the pose properly can make it VERY challenging."
—Karen Anderson
"You have certainly been my most inspiring and thought-provoking teacher. Thank you for your expertise and passion."
—Kristi S.
"Jenny is an extraordinary yoga teacher, especially in the area of therapeutics. She is on a constant quest for new knowledge and openly shares this with her yoga students and fellow teachers. She is the ultimate professional and all of her workshops are packed with valuable information and tools. Her yoga classes are a delight; she inspires you and leaves you feeling uplifted!"
—Dawn Shay, Certified BBY Teacher
"Jenny is a fabulous yoga instructor, with an expert knowledge of anatomy. She teaches at a high level of competency, but always kindly to those of us who are just novices. She is patient, explains the process for getting into and out of poses, and how they will help us in our daily lives. She has a good sense of humour and fun too, so her classes are always enjoyable."
—Deb Bancroft
"I set out my mat this morning, humming the healing mantra you taught us (why is that third line so elusive?), and put on the CD of the Dalia Lama chanting. I haven't known what he was chanting - the only word I could really make out was 'aum' — so I was astonished to discover that he was speaking the sounds of this healing mantra and it was incredible how fast my energy shifted."
—Jenny C.
"Jenny has been my Yoga teacher for 11 years, and my Wednesday evenings would not be the same without her. She is truly the best in the area and her knowledge of the body and how it works is beyond impressive. Through Jenny, I have developed a love for yoga and practice it daily."
—Kelly Natale
"I don't say thank you often enough to you for your classes. Today's class was way better than a session with the chiropractor. Which is where I'm heading again if I don't keep up the yoga and qigong. Many thanks for the years of classes and your ongoing good cheer and inquiring mind which continually renews your classes and keeps us old creaky bodies straight."
—Judy B.
"I'm thinking about you and appreciating how much I receive from you in a number of ways. There is your love for and commitment to your own practice that shows in your teaching and serves as a model for me, your deep and precise knowledge of the body and how it plays out in the poses, the great joy, passion and lightness of heart that you bring to each class."
—Ellen C.
"I feel like I have my old teacher back from the AYC (Annapolis Yoga Center) studio. You are happier and more relaxed. You are still as creative as you have always been. Thank you for being my teacher for the last 9 years."
—Joanne S.
"This new studio (Balanced Life Skills) is amazing, the energy is so clear, the floor fantastic and you seem more relaxed. I am so happy for you."
—Linda G.
“I love learning with you and am thrilled that you’re in the new place (Balanced Life Skills). It’s nice to be wanted, appreciated and welcome. Looking forward to another great year in Annapolis.”
—Ingrid B.
“Jenny is a truly gifted and inspired teacher. So grateful to have studied with her!”
—Anna, First Thought Yoga
"I could not wait until next week to let you how much better my shoulder feels today! So you probably knew it would be better… but I have to admit I was sure that it was joint problems so I was skeptical that it could feel so much better. Wow!! I am really amazed!!"
—Carole Teolis
"Can finally fasten my seatbelt without pain due to Jenny Otto yoga therapist, body worker and teacher trainer."
—Rosemarie Lyle
"Good news: walked the length of two terminals at Atlanta Hartfield with no hip pain! Thanks Jenny Otto."
—Testimonial from facebook
FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT ...
"I woke up pain-free this morning for the first time in weeks! Your class is amazing. Thanks for your efforts to help all of us release, release, release."
—Megan O.
"I have practiced yoga for eight years with Jenny as my primary instructor. I walk through life much more easily now at 63 than I did at 50 and I can attribute that to Jenny's teaching. She is very creative and class is never ever dull! I highly encourage everyone I meet to try yoga in general and Jenny's classes specifically!"
—Betsy Wilcox
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help with my connective tissue disease. I have gotten more benefit from the yoga than all the medicines and treatments from the medical profession. I really believe I would be in a wheel chair by now if I had not found Yoga through your teaching at Special Conditions and Injuries Class.”
—John
"Dear Jenny, You are a saint! I was always told my leg length discrepancy could only be managed with my orthotics.
You not only have gotten rid of my back, sacral and foot pain but have evened my legs out in two sessions.
I look forward to our third and thank you."
—Andrea M.
ABOUT BODY BALANCE YOGA WORKSHOPS ...
“I took a workshop with you in New York. I am still processing all of the information that you shared with us and I must tell you I have not stopped using so many of the things you offered that weekend. I really can’t say enough how much I appreciated your approach and commitment.”
—Jonathan G.
"Jenny, I loved your workshop and creative ideas to help us align but the motorcycling tips were just what I needed. My husband and I went riding Sunday and everything you suggested worked like a charm. My husband had no back pain and neither did I.
Thank you so much for the added bonus. Ride safe and see you next time."
—Molly K.
ABOUT THE 200-HOUR & 500-HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAININGS ...
"The RYT500 program rocked my little yoga world! The program & teachers turned it upside down and inside out in the most fabulous ways! Jenny challenged me and all the students to let go of the safety net of dogma and rules and really see and think for myself. Top teachers present alternatives, concepts, and philosophies from many different disciplines. Then I get to "chew on it" and come to my own conclusions. It is so much more than asana! I will never look at the human body in the same way. Not only have I grown as a teacher and a yogini, I have grown as a person. I am taking these learnings and a renewed sense of wonder to all aspects of my life. If you want to grow, then this program is a must-do! Thanks Jenny --- from one of your forever grateful 'kids'!"
—Dawn Shay, Certified BBY Teacher
"Jenny has an incredible knowledge of anatomy! She effectively blends principles and disciplines to come up with creative approaches to yoga therapy. Her application of KMI/anatomy trains work and other modalities to yoga is one of the most useful trainings I’ve received as a yoga teacher."
—Leah Kalinosky
"After studying with Jenny I developed the ability to: understand and teach Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment, read alignment and to verbally cue students to enhance their alignment, modify ANY posture to make it effective for the individual student’s needs, use Body Balance Yoga techniques to help my students in class and in private sessions."
—Molly Harding
"A fellow teacher and I registered for only the first session of Jenny's 7th Annual Yoga Therapy Training because of the 2-hour drive to her studio. After just a short time into the training, we made a decision and at the break made a beeline for the desk to register for the entire course. When we came back the second weekend, I noticed a student with a big black binder on his mat and when I asked him about it he told me he was also in her 500 Hour training. At the break, my friend and I made a beeline to the desk to register for the 500 Hour as well. Jenny will teach you about the anatomy of yoga asana at a level not found in any anatomy book that I had ever studied. She gives her students the ability to begin to understand what is occurring in the pose from the viewpoint of the most inner muscles, fascia and connective tissue. Your students will definitely notice your increased confidence in teaching and you will observe them take their poses with increased awareness because of the precision of your cues. You will also learn the true meaning of generosity from any training with Jenny. She is generous with her smile, her sense of humor and in sharing her extensive knowledge. She will also share with you the very best teachers she has met on her yoga journey. You will emerge with a more profound love for the human body, the sacred practice of yoga and the spirit that connects us all. Namaste. ... P.S. (Jenny, Eternal gratitude for everything!)"
—Debbie Galla
"I am the friend Debbie Galla talks about in her testimonial. And she is so right; we were blown away by the end of the first morning of therapy training. We immediately signed up for all the therapy weekends and couldn't keep ourselves away from the 500 hour training. Jenny is such a fantastic teacher on so many different levels. She is so organized, with clear class plans that walk you through each concept she is presenting. Then there is hands on learning reinforcing those concepts. I know her style of teaching really helps me learn the material, but more importantly be confident to apply what I have learned almost immediately in my teaching. My students loved when I came back from a training weekend! And now that I have moved to Santa Fe, I have a whole new group of students LOVING the tennis ball, foot exercises, etc. They feel good when they leave my yoga class. Isn't that what yoga is about? My thanks to Jenny. Namaste."
—Patti Zolnick, Certified BBY Teacher
ABOUT BODY BALANCE YOGA THERAPY TRAININGS ...
"I began studying with Jenny Otto in 2006. Even though I was first introduced to yoga over a decade ago, my practice and my teaching have grown and evolved more in the last few years than they ever did before I met Jenny. She has an amazing talent for teaching, and can effortlessly communicate a deep understanding of biomechanics, therapeutics and alignment. Beyond just imparting facts and information, Jenny teaches a holistic approach to asana. Under her tutelage I have developed a more discerning eye, and a greater ability to concisely communicate the fundamentals as well as the subtleties in each pose. I am much more confident in my ability to teach to the individual, to give effective verbal cues, and to think outside the box. Even though I have completed both the 200 and 500 hour teacher trainings, as well as several therapy training weekends with Jenny, I know my study of Body Balance Yoga will be lifelong!"
—Janelle Jones, Certified BBY Teacher
“Jenny's enthusiasm for the human body makes anatomy both accessible and fun! In Jenny's Yoga Therapy Training Program I gained an understanding of both proper alignment and misalignment. I learned how to observe, test and gently realign my own body as well as my clients. You can't help but catch Jenny's enthusiasm and can't wait to help others to feel better using the techniques she creates and teaches…”
—Mary Van Beuren
"Jenny was fun and knowledgeable as she taught us some powerful tools to integrate into our practices and teachings. My students
and I love it!"
—Nancy Jackson-Reno
"Going through Body Balance Yoga Therapy Training (three times!!) and the 500 hour program was an eye-opener and a mind blower. My five senses were tickled, teased and challenged. The experience was beyond phenomenal. My teaching, understanding, and approach to life was forever changed. I found my voice’s resonance, a new vocabulary backed by knowledge and understanding, and a deeper appreciation for 'what lies beneath the surface' that connects us all. This all started 5 years ago at a John Friend — Anusara Yoga Teacher Training. I was in Miami with a select group of teachers from all over the world learning from one of the current day Masters. I met a few teachers from the D.C. area and asked if they knew a teacher who could work with my mother who has Parkinson’s. Hands-down, the consensus was that I should call Jenny Otto. Within a few months, I was regularly flying to Maryland to study with Jenny. I could not have made all of those trips out of town with out the support of my husband and children. My husband’s response — fairly early on - was 'whatever you are doing when you go out of town — is working. There’s something different about you. Keep doing it.' We both knew the training would be a big commitment and require him to be 'Mr. Mom' many a weekend. We agreed to hold ourselves in 'check' and not contemplate divorce (ha ha!) no matter how much stress my journey may cause. We happily remain married! My classes and private students relished when I returned from a training. Even though I thought my mind was mush and my words seemed garbled, my students commented after each class, each session that they were impressed by the connections that they were making. Re-committing to Jenny’s Therapy Training over the years has helped me and others tremendously. You would think that repeating Therapy Training would just be a 're-hash' of what you’ve learned previously. It’s so not the case! Jenny is constantly evolving — so what she presents keeps deepening and changing. You learn to 'come at the body/mind' from various angles. This is really beneficial for all my private students. I have so many 'tools in my toolbox' now from training with Jenny that really complex students with multiple issues and chronic pain do not scare me. With new eyes, I see them and offer a path that helps clear away old patterns. I loved moving through the 500 hour program in the course of a year with other seekers from various traditions. Top teachers with alternative viewpoints gave us a lot to consider and discuss. They expanded our world view and challenged us to think and ultimately let go. I am still digesting all that I have learned - and what I continue to learn from my teachers. I am honored to now facilitate the program in Jacksonville, Florida and share the experience with others."
—Lisa Long, Certified BBY Teacher
"Jenny's therapy training was full of insights that helped make sense of years of studying the body. It was presented clearly with many practical applications for my clients and self care techniques for me. Jenny has a lot of heart. Well worth the time and commitment!!"
—Dyan Murphy, Certified BBY Teacher
"I have taken classes with Jenny as her student and in 2010 took her Body Balance Yoga therapeutics training. It was invaluable. Her knowledge and understanding are extensive and her ability to communicate what she knows as a teacher is beyond effective. She is an example of not only what she teaches but how she teaches: care of her students well-being, her ability to connect with each student where they are and her insight into the body/mind and all its intricacies made the time in the training a fantastic experience. Therapeutics in yoga is vast. She covers so many special conditions and gave me a great foundation for my own teaching. I wish I could take her training over and over again. She is an avid student and is always bringing what she learns to her students. I have apprenticed with Jenny as well and have seen how she works with her students in a classroom. She is both mindful and sensitive. Her hands are magic and able to feel what to many of us is a mystery. I have, since her training, begun teaching therapeutics. I have two classes now and they are my favorite classes to teach as the students are always fun and curious and interested in working as hard as they can. Pain is a great teacher. The training was well-organized, thorough, and gave me details and information I continue to return to in my teaching. If you have the opportunity, or are curious about therapeutics at all, you will not be disappointed. I cannot say enough. Om Shanti."
—Edith Lazenby
"This program exceeded my expectations… I gained a much more refined understanding of the body as an integrated living organism, and how to offer effective therapeutic exercises that address specific issues…, Jenny’s enthusiasm for her subject is contagious… My own practice and teaching have been enormously inspired by this program."
—Jeanne Ann Whittington, Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified BBY Teacher
"I have been working and training with Jenny for over 10 years. Her innovative techniques and constant quest for knowledge make her an inspiration for myself, as well as, other students and teachers. The knowledge I have gained from Jenny has brought a level of health and wellness to myself and my students that never would have been possible without her. She is A #1 in my book."
—Maria Doherty, Certified BBY Teacher
"I have been studying with Jenny Otto for over 6 years. Jenny educates and engages from a place of strength and understanding, humor and compassion. She willingly steps into the roll of student to learn and grow, and in doing so becomes an ever greater and wiser teacher. She draws on the beauty and breadth of yoga to gift you her student with wonder and a deep appreciation of the history and science of yoga. I know I will leave each class of Jenny’s with new strategies, exercises and routines that work for me and my students. I start using them right away in my classes. My students love the “Jenny-isms” I bring to my classes. My binders from Jenny Otto’s classes are dog eared from repeated use. They are my antidote to teaching burn out. Jenny is a living example of the healing power of her practice. Jenny connects to each member of her class, honoring the beauty and inviting deeper acceptance and truer expression. Her teachings brought me to a place of balance, healing and peace with my body. Jenny’s experience, will and playfulness exhort the best from her students. Jenny inspires me in my quest to help me and my students heal and grow on their yogic path. Studying with Jenny will light the way for you to infuse excellence, laughter and love into your practice and teaching."
—Mary Sullivan, Certified BBY Teacher
"Jenny’s Therapy Training has given me the insight to know not only how to do certain poses but also WHY. Jenny has an incredible knowledge about the mechanics of the body and how to apply that knowledge to yoga. Every time I teach, I draw from the know how I gained in this training. It’s an absolute must for anybody who wants to bring his asana to the next level, no matter if you are a teacher or a student who wants to improve his practice."
—Hans Merkl
"I moved from being afraid to touch — to being able to touch with grace and sensitivity; from not knowing where to touch — to being able to visualize the body and where I need to connect; from being nervous about my hands on another person’s body — to being sensitive with my touch and knowledge; from not knowing how to relieve someone’s pain or discomfort — to seeing and sensing how I could assist. Since traveling this path with Jenny, I went from watching my students walk into class — to really seeing my students walk into class."
—Karen Paramore
ABOUT JENNY OTTO'S STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION PRACTICE ...
From one of Jenny's First Iyengar Yoga Teachers: "Jenny Otto is a well trained teacher and body worker with a curious mind, creativity, and sensitivity. An avid learner, she not only transmits her enthusiasm for exploration but also has a gift for healing. I have often sent students to her, as a teacher who is good at problem solving and who provides a safe haven for healing. I have invited her into my home to help me with post-surgical healing and it has been enlightening, and effective."
—Carolyn Bluemle, www.cbyoga.com
"Jenny brings a level of integrity and knowledge that allows me to recommend her services to clients without hesitation. I feel in this community we are lucky to have a
yoga instructor and therapist such as Jenny Otto. Her knowledge in combination with a compassionate approach towards others sets her
apart as a yoga instructor and therapist."
—Dr. J.M. Kucine
(Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)
ABOUT JENNY'S READING LIST
"I just want to thank you for the wonderful reading list you have on your website, I have found several extremely helpful references there, Mary Bond's book in particular. I hope to come to your classes at some point, but in the meanwhile just wanted to express my gratitude! I've been trying to alleviate shoulder pain for a while, and feel the Bond book has been more helpful than anything else I've come across."
—Milena
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