Someone kindly recommended Pilates to me as a means of combating the stress on my lower lumbar region which was often leading to acute Sciatica. I found Pilates for Yogis and Jess Purtell and have not looked back since. Jess gives us a real workout but it is a happy one knowing that the moves are geared to strengthen your core in the fastest possible time. After a couple of months of this with additional yoga classes, I can now pick up heavy stuff without pain, walk longer distances, skip upstairs and altogether I feel better. Thank you Jess for adapting Pilates to Yoga in such an effective way. BC
Jess is so knowledgable about yoga, from asana and breathwork to meditation and philosophy. Her classes are energizing and creative. She seamlessly connects the poses and sequences to a thoughtful theme, creating an all-encompassing mind-body experience. Far from the usual sequences repeated and recycled, you will absolutely never be bored in her vinyasa class! And don’t get me started on her Pilates for Yogis. I wouldn’t have believed someone could make such a tough workout so much fun. Try it and see for yourself! - Kate M.
Jess' classes are awesome for beginners and beyond. Classes move at a great pace - slow enough to work on perfecting poses, fast enough not to get bored. All experience levels are accommodated, with different levels and modifications always an option. Jess' yoga playlist is wonderfully eclectic - classic "meditative" stuff mixed with something from just about every genre one can imagine. Don't be embarrassed to find yourself singing along while balancing in tree pose! - Keri L.
I've taken many yoga classes over the years and I have to say that Jess Purtell is one of my favorite instructors. Her classes are just the right mix of difficult yoga poses, which are challenging, but at the same time do-able for all. I love her readings at the beginning of the class and the time she allows for all to sent intentions for their practice.
I've been able to do poses I never thought possible because Jess breaks each pose down into steps- and what a great feeling it is to finally be able to do an impossible pose.
Jess brings humor and lots of laughter and joy into each class. She has a fun playlist, that at times, makes you want to dance.
She is an excellent teacher! - Whitney D.
Jess’ classes ROCK! Jess shows an abundance of care for every student, and is always present to the energy in the class and engaged with the students. Jess is friendly and encouraging, with great instruction in proper alignment and encouragement in being present and practicing to your personal limit. It’s up to you whether you want to push yourself, and she provides multiple options for more challenging poses. Her classes can push you in a very positive way, and she offers a nice variety of poses through the flow classes. Jess is an experienced and thoughtful instructor. Her classes challenge both body and mind. And, I am continually amazed by the other students in her classes, who vary in age and all practice with heart. If you come often, she really gets to know you and your strengths and weaknesses, which will aid in the progression of your practice. Regularly taking Jess’s class has prepared me to drop into any yoga studio in town at any time and not feel awkward or unprepared; However, I prefer her classes. - Suzanne M.
Three reasons why I am so grateful for Jess' yoga class.
1. I inevitably work up the kind of sweat that makes me want to high five someone.
2. Favorite songs from my junior/senior year of high school play and I have to fight the urge to laugh and/or cry uncontrollably while doing pigeon or some other tortuous pose.
3. I leave with a delicious yoga high.
Namaste. - Maria K