"I recently stopped my membership at the Y, because Angela is worth a thousand memberships" - Mary W.
"For the past 30 years or so, my relationship to movement has been fraught with guilt, judgment, punishment and shame. After several attempts through the years with different yoga studios, I was left feeling that the practice of yoga was not meant for someone with my body. I am so grateful to have recently discovered Body Love Yoga. I have been practicing with Angela for almost 10 months and her class is a sanctuary for my mind, my body and my soul. I would highly recommend this class to anyone whose body is needing love." - Mia F.
"I've been looking for a size-positive yoga class my whole life. It is an amazing experience to be be led through yoga sequences by such a thoughtful, skilled, empathetic and bad ass yoga instructor like Angi at Big Yoga Life. There's zero shame in her classes for having flesh on my body. I go to her classes to be where I'm at with my self and my body and it feels so good. In her classes, Angi takes care to be mindful of all the different bodies and genders practicing yoga. She also is really into consent when offering adjustments. I feel so relaxed and nourished being her student." - Airial C.
"This is the best and most comfortable yoga class I have ever attended. Comfortable not because it's "easy." Comfortable because Angela is knowledgeable and skillful about how to invite each person to bring our full-embodied-ness into the yoga practice. Her instructions are never about how to "get better." Instead she guides us in being present to exactly how our body/mind is feeling today and to work with that state to its fullness. This style of teaching helps me forgot about my reservations and judgments about my body and physical capacity and to appreciate all of what I'm able to do right now. Angie has said she is oriented around "trauma awareness" and I think this shows up in how she gives us instructions -- she doesn't withhold the opportunity for levels of intensity but she never makes any one level feel better than any other level. And, here especially is the real deal -- nothing about Big Yoga shames thin(er) bodies or large(er) bodies! I can't rave enough about how refreshing this friendly space is to Just. Enjoy. Working. My. Body." - Grace G.
"Every once in awhile, something comes along that is a game-changer. That takes you in a new direction. Studying yoga with Angi has been that for me. I had thought for some time that yoga might be what I needed in order to better deal with stress, but frankly I was too intimidated to walk into a traditional yoga class, filled with what I thought of as traditional yoga bodies. Then I discovered Angi and Big Yoga Life. Angi is a gifted and nurturing teacher, who made me feel comfortable right from the start. She genuinely welcomes all bodies, big and small, and makes everyone feel special. She encourages the use of a lot of props in order to make poses more comfortable, and offers two or three options for many movements. And because her emphasis is about loving yourself and really listening to your body and choosing what option feels right in the moment and without judgement, I am learning to relate to my own body without judgement, something that I never thought possible. The mindfulness aspect of her teaching has also been a gift, as I find that I am tuning in to my body and myself outside of class, too.
In just two months of working with Angi, I can honestly say that my life has dramatically changed for the better - I am sleeping more deeply and awakening refreshed, my overall energy level throughout the day is better and more even, I am even eating differently because I am really listening to my body. And because I am checking in with myself more in general, I've been speaking up, taking good risks and becoming a much better self-advocate. They say that timing is everything, and I usually agree. But in this case, I would say that timing and Angi have made all the difference." -Nina D.
"I first learned about yoga way back in the late 1970's when I was a senior in college. I bought a book of easy to learn positions and started practicing right away. That lasted about a week. Between then and now I probably took a total of ten group lessons, including the last big craze, hot yoga. It always seemed painful and somewhat competitive. No matter what I always felt I was doing it wrong. Then I came upon Angela's Curvy Yoga and now I am hooked. She makes yoga fun, relaxing, and easy. When I leave her class I always feel energized and refreshed. She has a soothing voice and a charming laugh that takes away any anxiety one might have coming into a room with strangers to get into strange positions. I can't recommend her highly enough." -David W.
"Angela's Big Yoga class has changed my perspective on yoga. I have never liked it much until now. Angela's thoughtful and compassionate yoga class brings me back every week. I am so grateful for this practice!" -Vicky G.
"I especially appreciate Angi's skills in helping me deal with my physical limitations. By altering poses or using props, she always attends to my specific restrictions (and does the same for her other students). Thanks to Angela, I can do more poses to greater benefit. She has literally helped make my yoga practice bigger." -Jason F.
"Angela's approach to individualized sessions completely changed my relationship to yoga. Her emphasis was getting more in tune with what my body wants and what it wants to do: feel healthy, move easily, feel freer. Highly recommend for people on the journey to healthier living who don't want the intimidation factor due to cirque d'soliel acrobatics happening in regular yoga classes." - Bara S.
"Angi made me feel welcome into the room and into my body and created a loving atmosphere. She led her class at a great pace and always had options for each pose for beginner and up levels. She has been practicing for many years, and it shows!" -Joy K.
"Great classes and an amazing teacher. I first went to one of Angi's classes after having not done any yoga for more than six months and felt amazing after the first class. Angi brings variety, information, and overall great experience. Lots of encouragement to push your practice as far as you want, while also offering numerous opportunities for customization and personalization. Will certainly be back for more! - Michael C.
"Angi is a kind, encouraging, and amazingly informed instructor and I feel so comfortable in her classes! She offers modifications for challenge or comfort, and ensures that you're safe while making it happen! Definitely will be back for more!" - Emma B.
"Angi is a wonderful teacher. I had been nervous about doing yoga as a fat person but she makes it so accessible and the class is 100% geared toward body positivity. She says things like "if that's available to you" instead of "if you can" which help make it feel like I'm not failing to do it right. She's sweet, funny, and warm. She has provided props like blocks and straps and blankets which is great because as someone just starting out I don't have all those supplies. I look forward to the class every week and although it's very hard for me, am always really glad I went and so grateful to have a teacher who makes it so doable and accessible." - Rachel G.
"I cannot recommend Angela enough. I have only been to two sessions so far, but I have appreciated her good humor, her attention to her students' individual needs, and her attentive instruction. Join her for a great experience!" -Rachel B.
"So supportive and knowledgeable. I feel like the yoga session was tailored to my body perfectly." - Ruby R.
"Angie is authentic, compassionate, skilled and passionate about her practice. There's just no one better to teach women to get in touch with and fall in love with their bodies as they are."
- Carmen H.
"Angela held a deeply supportive and empowering space. Having trained as a yoga instructor myself in a style aimed at accessibility, I was impressed and delighted by Angela's approach and skill in facilitating movement for all bodies and experiences. The Yoga / Sauna / Snacks event was yummy on every level and I will definitely be back. Thank you!" -Cedar R.
"She has to be the most welcoming yoga teacher I have ever had. - It has been awhile since my last yoga class-, So, her acceptance to all bodies types and all levels of fitness made it very comfortable for me to start up again. I really appreciate how she articulates and guides us into our poses. She helps us refine our alignments with exact verbal instructions and with permission she is gently hands on. She teaches us how to breath and the importance of our breath though out our yoga practice, with emphasis on NOT harming ourselves. Angela has a jovial spirit toward yoga, meanwhile, working us out and sportively challenging our levels. I feel the strength in my core developing already! She provides mats, blankets, straps, blocks and sometimes bolsters. This makes it very easy to start up. All you need to do is show up! Angela is super creative in the yoga community, offering a Yoga and Sauna Night Class and also teaches elsewhere in Berkeley. She is a great resource for yoga focused events and retreats. Angela is all about loving body and self. She teaches yoga in a way that helps me take home my "yoga lessons" and apply them into my daily life.. I love... BODY-LOVE-YOGA! Thank you Angela!"
-Ailene R.
"Seriously my absolute favorite yoga classes. Especially as someone with chronic pain and physical limitations, I love that Angi teaches in a way that is inclusive and accessible without 'talking down' to those of us requiring modified poses. I can not recommend her enough!!!"
-Freya
"Awesome instructor, calm, guides well. Like others, it's been awhile since I did yoga and after a few knee surgeries, and age, found myself "bigger" than usual and even when skinny was always intimidated by many yoga classes. I found out about Angi's class on MeetUp and decided to try it out. It was a great re-intro to yoga and I'm happy I started with her class and hope to drop in whenever I can." -Linden D.
"Awesome instructor, calm, guides well. Like others, it's been awhile since I did yoga and after a few knee surgeries, and age, found myself "bigger" than usual and even when skinny was always intimidated by many yoga classes. I found out about Angi's class on MeetUp and decided to try it out. It was a great re-intro to yoga and I'm happy I started with her class and hope to drop in whenever I can." -Eddy L.
"I've been taking Angi's class at the East Bay Community Space in North Oakland. I LOVE IT. I prefer a more meditative, slow style of yoga (I'm sure there's a name for that and I don't know what it is), instead of a super vigorous aerobic style yoga class (yoga to the people anyone?). I really enjoy being able to get into the poses in an extended way. Not only that, but Angi is so body positive in this way that I haven't experienced before. She calls you to notice your body in a different way. For example, instead of "shaking it out" there are dance breaks. And there's a moment of massaging and rubbing your legs - just give your legs some love for a minute! Despite it's slowness, it's still challenging and super enjoyable. I'm definitely becoming a regular. " -Jen A.
"Angi's classes are amazing. I always feel welcome there. Although I've gone to yoga classes offered by a couple of different people, Angi's classes are what made me really love yoga. Her yoga/sauna/snacks event at East Bay Community Space (now called Yoga and Sauna Night) was great too, while the yoga class was advertised as "gentle yoga", that doesn't mean it's easy, just that it's a chance to go a little more into inner space. The food was great, too." -Tim C.
"Angela's class is great! She goes thru all the poses and guides you if you need help and provides you with alternatives if you want something different." - Valarie B.
"For the past 30 years or so, my relationship to movement has been fraught with guilt, judgment, punishment and shame. After several attempts through the years with different yoga studios, I was left feeling that the practice of yoga was not meant for someone with my body. I am so grateful to have recently discovered Body Love Yoga. I have been practicing with Angela for almost 10 months and her class is a sanctuary for my mind, my body and my soul. I would highly recommend this class to anyone whose body is needing love." - Mia F.
"I've been looking for a size-positive yoga class my whole life. It is an amazing experience to be be led through yoga sequences by such a thoughtful, skilled, empathetic and bad ass yoga instructor like Angi at Big Yoga Life. There's zero shame in her classes for having flesh on my body. I go to her classes to be where I'm at with my self and my body and it feels so good. In her classes, Angi takes care to be mindful of all the different bodies and genders practicing yoga. She also is really into consent when offering adjustments. I feel so relaxed and nourished being her student." - Airial C.
"This is the best and most comfortable yoga class I have ever attended. Comfortable not because it's "easy." Comfortable because Angela is knowledgeable and skillful about how to invite each person to bring our full-embodied-ness into the yoga practice. Her instructions are never about how to "get better." Instead she guides us in being present to exactly how our body/mind is feeling today and to work with that state to its fullness. This style of teaching helps me forgot about my reservations and judgments about my body and physical capacity and to appreciate all of what I'm able to do right now. Angie has said she is oriented around "trauma awareness" and I think this shows up in how she gives us instructions -- she doesn't withhold the opportunity for levels of intensity but she never makes any one level feel better than any other level. And, here especially is the real deal -- nothing about Big Yoga shames thin(er) bodies or large(er) bodies! I can't rave enough about how refreshing this friendly space is to Just. Enjoy. Working. My. Body." - Grace G.
"Every once in awhile, something comes along that is a game-changer. That takes you in a new direction. Studying yoga with Angi has been that for me. I had thought for some time that yoga might be what I needed in order to better deal with stress, but frankly I was too intimidated to walk into a traditional yoga class, filled with what I thought of as traditional yoga bodies. Then I discovered Angi and Big Yoga Life. Angi is a gifted and nurturing teacher, who made me feel comfortable right from the start. She genuinely welcomes all bodies, big and small, and makes everyone feel special. She encourages the use of a lot of props in order to make poses more comfortable, and offers two or three options for many movements. And because her emphasis is about loving yourself and really listening to your body and choosing what option feels right in the moment and without judgement, I am learning to relate to my own body without judgement, something that I never thought possible. The mindfulness aspect of her teaching has also been a gift, as I find that I am tuning in to my body and myself outside of class, too.
In just two months of working with Angi, I can honestly say that my life has dramatically changed for the better - I am sleeping more deeply and awakening refreshed, my overall energy level throughout the day is better and more even, I am even eating differently because I am really listening to my body. And because I am checking in with myself more in general, I've been speaking up, taking good risks and becoming a much better self-advocate. They say that timing is everything, and I usually agree. But in this case, I would say that timing and Angi have made all the difference." -Nina D.
"I first learned about yoga way back in the late 1970's when I was a senior in college. I bought a book of easy to learn positions and started practicing right away. That lasted about a week. Between then and now I probably took a total of ten group lessons, including the last big craze, hot yoga. It always seemed painful and somewhat competitive. No matter what I always felt I was doing it wrong. Then I came upon Angela's Curvy Yoga and now I am hooked. She makes yoga fun, relaxing, and easy. When I leave her class I always feel energized and refreshed. She has a soothing voice and a charming laugh that takes away any anxiety one might have coming into a room with strangers to get into strange positions. I can't recommend her highly enough." -David W.
"Angela's Big Yoga class has changed my perspective on yoga. I have never liked it much until now. Angela's thoughtful and compassionate yoga class brings me back every week. I am so grateful for this practice!" -Vicky G.
"I especially appreciate Angi's skills in helping me deal with my physical limitations. By altering poses or using props, she always attends to my specific restrictions (and does the same for her other students). Thanks to Angela, I can do more poses to greater benefit. She has literally helped make my yoga practice bigger." -Jason F.
"Angela's approach to individualized sessions completely changed my relationship to yoga. Her emphasis was getting more in tune with what my body wants and what it wants to do: feel healthy, move easily, feel freer. Highly recommend for people on the journey to healthier living who don't want the intimidation factor due to cirque d'soliel acrobatics happening in regular yoga classes." - Bara S.
"Angi made me feel welcome into the room and into my body and created a loving atmosphere. She led her class at a great pace and always had options for each pose for beginner and up levels. She has been practicing for many years, and it shows!" -Joy K.
"Great classes and an amazing teacher. I first went to one of Angi's classes after having not done any yoga for more than six months and felt amazing after the first class. Angi brings variety, information, and overall great experience. Lots of encouragement to push your practice as far as you want, while also offering numerous opportunities for customization and personalization. Will certainly be back for more! - Michael C.
"Angi is a kind, encouraging, and amazingly informed instructor and I feel so comfortable in her classes! She offers modifications for challenge or comfort, and ensures that you're safe while making it happen! Definitely will be back for more!" - Emma B.
"Angi is a wonderful teacher. I had been nervous about doing yoga as a fat person but she makes it so accessible and the class is 100% geared toward body positivity. She says things like "if that's available to you" instead of "if you can" which help make it feel like I'm not failing to do it right. She's sweet, funny, and warm. She has provided props like blocks and straps and blankets which is great because as someone just starting out I don't have all those supplies. I look forward to the class every week and although it's very hard for me, am always really glad I went and so grateful to have a teacher who makes it so doable and accessible." - Rachel G.
"I cannot recommend Angela enough. I have only been to two sessions so far, but I have appreciated her good humor, her attention to her students' individual needs, and her attentive instruction. Join her for a great experience!" -Rachel B.
"So supportive and knowledgeable. I feel like the yoga session was tailored to my body perfectly." - Ruby R.
"Angie is authentic, compassionate, skilled and passionate about her practice. There's just no one better to teach women to get in touch with and fall in love with their bodies as they are."
- Carmen H.
"Angela held a deeply supportive and empowering space. Having trained as a yoga instructor myself in a style aimed at accessibility, I was impressed and delighted by Angela's approach and skill in facilitating movement for all bodies and experiences. The Yoga / Sauna / Snacks event was yummy on every level and I will definitely be back. Thank you!" -Cedar R.
"She has to be the most welcoming yoga teacher I have ever had. - It has been awhile since my last yoga class-, So, her acceptance to all bodies types and all levels of fitness made it very comfortable for me to start up again. I really appreciate how she articulates and guides us into our poses. She helps us refine our alignments with exact verbal instructions and with permission she is gently hands on. She teaches us how to breath and the importance of our breath though out our yoga practice, with emphasis on NOT harming ourselves. Angela has a jovial spirit toward yoga, meanwhile, working us out and sportively challenging our levels. I feel the strength in my core developing already! She provides mats, blankets, straps, blocks and sometimes bolsters. This makes it very easy to start up. All you need to do is show up! Angela is super creative in the yoga community, offering a Yoga and Sauna Night Class and also teaches elsewhere in Berkeley. She is a great resource for yoga focused events and retreats. Angela is all about loving body and self. She teaches yoga in a way that helps me take home my "yoga lessons" and apply them into my daily life.. I love... BODY-LOVE-YOGA! Thank you Angela!"
-Ailene R.
"Seriously my absolute favorite yoga classes. Especially as someone with chronic pain and physical limitations, I love that Angi teaches in a way that is inclusive and accessible without 'talking down' to those of us requiring modified poses. I can not recommend her enough!!!"
-Freya
"Awesome instructor, calm, guides well. Like others, it's been awhile since I did yoga and after a few knee surgeries, and age, found myself "bigger" than usual and even when skinny was always intimidated by many yoga classes. I found out about Angi's class on MeetUp and decided to try it out. It was a great re-intro to yoga and I'm happy I started with her class and hope to drop in whenever I can." -Linden D.
"Awesome instructor, calm, guides well. Like others, it's been awhile since I did yoga and after a few knee surgeries, and age, found myself "bigger" than usual and even when skinny was always intimidated by many yoga classes. I found out about Angi's class on MeetUp and decided to try it out. It was a great re-intro to yoga and I'm happy I started with her class and hope to drop in whenever I can." -Eddy L.
"I've been taking Angi's class at the East Bay Community Space in North Oakland. I LOVE IT. I prefer a more meditative, slow style of yoga (I'm sure there's a name for that and I don't know what it is), instead of a super vigorous aerobic style yoga class (yoga to the people anyone?). I really enjoy being able to get into the poses in an extended way. Not only that, but Angi is so body positive in this way that I haven't experienced before. She calls you to notice your body in a different way. For example, instead of "shaking it out" there are dance breaks. And there's a moment of massaging and rubbing your legs - just give your legs some love for a minute! Despite it's slowness, it's still challenging and super enjoyable. I'm definitely becoming a regular. " -Jen A.
"Angi's classes are amazing. I always feel welcome there. Although I've gone to yoga classes offered by a couple of different people, Angi's classes are what made me really love yoga. Her yoga/sauna/snacks event at East Bay Community Space (now called Yoga and Sauna Night) was great too, while the yoga class was advertised as "gentle yoga", that doesn't mean it's easy, just that it's a chance to go a little more into inner space. The food was great, too." -Tim C.
"Angela's class is great! She goes thru all the poses and guides you if you need help and provides you with alternatives if you want something different." - Valarie B.
Reviews on Big Yoga Life workshops:
"I truly appreciate how you support everyone’s style and ability so you don’t feel chastised when corrected or when doing modified poses." - Elizabeth G.
"Angi created a welcoming and non-judgmental space that made it easy to look inward and have a peaceful yoga session. I appreciated the structure of our time together and the session was well balanced with practice time and breaks" -Caylin
"The yoga portions were beginner-friendly, yet still satisfying for those of us with a bit more experience. There was also a nice variety of other, non-yoga activities. And Angi helped to create a safe space in which we could explore and honor the feelings that came up for each of us throughout the day." -Nina
"A workshop where you can feel comfortable moving and expressing yourself exactly the way you are; where your abundant body is celebrated, and where you can dispel your yoga fears!"
- Emma
"It was an amazing love your body yoga retreat where I got to explore movement, writing, art and connection to align with my intentions for the year. Start negative, leave positive, energized, and feeling limber. " - Vicky
"It was a perfect combination of active and restful, with attention to body, mind, spirit, and community."- Jeanne-Anne
"It was in a lovely location, very relaxing, well suited for someone who is familiar with basic yoga moves and wanting to spend the day treating yourself kindly. Delicious food & delightful company! I would say come and enjoy a luxurious yoga retreat with two sessions of yoga, a long break to lounge in the sun, connect with friends and spend time in the hot tub. You will come back feeling refreshed and energized." -Heidi B.
"I would say come and enjoy a luxurious yoga retreat with two sessions of yoga, a long break to lounge in the sun, connect with friends and spend time in the hot tub. You will come back feeling refreshed and energized." V.G
"Angi created a welcoming and non-judgmental space that made it easy to look inward and have a peaceful yoga session. I appreciated the structure of our time together and the session was well balanced with practice time and breaks" -Caylin
"The yoga portions were beginner-friendly, yet still satisfying for those of us with a bit more experience. There was also a nice variety of other, non-yoga activities. And Angi helped to create a safe space in which we could explore and honor the feelings that came up for each of us throughout the day." -Nina
"A workshop where you can feel comfortable moving and expressing yourself exactly the way you are; where your abundant body is celebrated, and where you can dispel your yoga fears!"
- Emma
"It was an amazing love your body yoga retreat where I got to explore movement, writing, art and connection to align with my intentions for the year. Start negative, leave positive, energized, and feeling limber. " - Vicky
"It was a perfect combination of active and restful, with attention to body, mind, spirit, and community."- Jeanne-Anne
"It was in a lovely location, very relaxing, well suited for someone who is familiar with basic yoga moves and wanting to spend the day treating yourself kindly. Delicious food & delightful company! I would say come and enjoy a luxurious yoga retreat with two sessions of yoga, a long break to lounge in the sun, connect with friends and spend time in the hot tub. You will come back feeling refreshed and energized." -Heidi B.
"I would say come and enjoy a luxurious yoga retreat with two sessions of yoga, a long break to lounge in the sun, connect with friends and spend time in the hot tub. You will come back feeling refreshed and energized." V.G
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