What People Are Saying
If you'd like to submit a testimonial, please use the form at the bottom of this page, or email us at: info@laughingbodies.com.
— Lori C.
I have been a practitioner of Hatha Yoga since 1971. I cannot imagine living in a physical, emotional body without yoga. I hope to be practicing on my final day! I have had the opportunity to study with many wonderful teachers including some of the more famous yogis such as Rodney Yee, Patricia Sullivan, Ramanand Patel, and Mary Paffard. I used to travel to Oak Ridge, Knoxville and Nashville for classes. I have lived and worked in India on three occasions and studied yoga while there. Rebecca is one of the best teachers I have known. Since Rebecca arrived in Crossville seven years ago, I have been in a constant amazement that this master yogini is here! Her dedication, knowledge and talent is outstanding. Her depth of practice and versatility is consistently revealed in her fresh teachings. In seven years studying with her, I still receive new insight and knowledge from every class! She is devoted to the practice and her students. I feel very blessed to have her as my teacher. She has the uncanny ability to instruct to all levels of ability in the same class and challenge them all to their own level! This caliber of teacher is very rare. We are very fortunate that she is here. The studio that Rebecca and Sue have created at Laughing Bodies is a sanctuary. It is a space of serenity and levity. Thank you both for your dedication and skillful teachings to our community. You have made a difference!— Jean Cheely
I had my first-ever accupuncture session with Yong Oh immediately after a Friday yoga class. I went more out of curiousity than injury. But I did happen to mention to him about a pulling sensation on the right side of my leg just below the knee that I would feel whenever I would squat or sit on my heels. So he put some "extra" needles in that spot. During the session I felt some mild cramping from this area extending down into my right big toe and the toe next to it. I enjoyed my accupuncture experience but did not think too much about it until exactly one week later during the next yoga class. The pain was 95% gone and by the following week it was completely gone. I was astounded. The pain had been occuring for 4 months prior and I know of nothing else that I did other than the accupuncture. I am thankful and accept my healing.— Cathy Scott
Rebecca's yoga was recommended to me in April 2007. After one of the free classes I discovered I was more flexible. At age 66, I have found I no longer wake up with all of my joints hurting. I am able to get right out of bed without thinking about it. For years I have had lower back issues, going to the chiropractor more and more frequently. I was concerned that the pain would one day come and not go away. Also, my doctor wanted to put me on osteoporsis medication as my bone density was borderline. I had heard that excersize and yoga help in these areas and decided to give it all a try. It is now 10 months later and I hardly go to the chiroprator, the joint pain in the mornings is gone and they no longer feel compressed, I feel taller and younger. Who could ask for anything more at this stage. Thank you Rebecca.— Glenda Van Slyke
I am over 50 and over 200#. I thought I was too old, fat, and stiff to take yoga. Nope, not true. When I started it hurt to get out of bed in the mornings. I was embarrassed for others to see all my rolls of fat, and to see how much I could not do. Rebecca has a way of making you feel relaxed and accepted. After six weeks of classes, I went for a check-up with my chiropractor, and he asked, "What have you been doing? Your back and neck are in much better shape!" Rebecca also has a way of modifying difficult poses to take the pressure off your back or spine, knees or ankles or whatever feels strain. She says "If it hurts, don't do it!" Yoga is a gentle stretch, but I also get soaked in sweat sometimes in class, so it can be a great workout. Now it feels good to get out of bed in the morning. Compared to how I felt when I started several months ago, I feel like a million dollars.
— Pam Rogers
I am a veteran of 36 marathons and an ironman triathlon. As the years progressed, I found that I was getting less flexible. I began taking yoga in hopes to improve my flexibility. My wife was already in Rebecca's yoga class, and always came home feeling better after each class. We are now taking yoga classes together, and we are having a great time experiencing yoga. Yoga has indeed improved my flexibility and balance. Since beginning yoga three years ago, I find I am less susceptible to injury. Adding to overall fitness, yoga also works out areas of the body that are sometimes negelected or underused. Yoga improves fitness through a combination of proper breathing techniques and yoga postures. Rebecca's instruction allows each person to be challenged to their ability. Rebecca is sensitive to limitations her students might have (like my tight quads), and readily adapts her classes to every student. The classes are relaxing, challenging, informative, and most of all – fun.
— Benny Bixenman
Ms. Dennis recently visited our school in Deer Lodge to lead a two hour class for our female students.
The students and staff members that participated thoroughly enjoyed the class. Ms. Dennis did an excellent job providing a program that all students were able to feel successful with, yet challenged the most athletic of our students. Her teaching style was wonderful and the staff members all plan to attend a lesson at the studio soon.
Thank you for your time. It was a blessing to our program.
— Rebecca Dukes
I am so happy with the results I can see and feel in my flexibility, strength, posture and endurance as a result of learning Pilates with Sue Butkus at Laughing Bodies. I highly recommend Pilates to anyone who wants to be stronger, more flexible, and stand taller. Sue is a wonderul trainer and a invaluable resource for me in my personal quest to be healthier. This is a process that anyone at any fitness level can start and see progress in a short period of time. I love it and it makes me feel great.
— Steve Stone
I have been taking yoga from Rebecca now for about two years. I have a new found awareness of my body, and am inspired to take care of it physically, mentally, and spiritually more than ever before. I orginally went into yoga looking for a great way to tone my body. I found much more than a great workout. In a self destructive society, we need to slow down and listen to what our body is telling us. Through yoga, not only have I been able to gain strength and flexibility, but also have discovered the healing arts it can bring. It is not only one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, but also to the others surrounding us.
— Erin Smith
When I first heard of Rebecca’s yoga classes, I had just suffered a catastrophic shoulder injury. Though I couldn’t take full advantage of all yoga had to offer until after the surgery that was required a few months later, I was able to better cope with pain, and my physical therapist was amazed by my rapid recovery. I have great range of motion and flexibility, and I feel younger now than I did six years ago. Thanks, Rebecca! and thanks, Sandy, for telling me about Rebecca's classes.— Nora Beck
I can't say enough. I've learned to love my body again, obese as I am. I can be honest about my physical weight and limitations, and also my strengths. Practicing yoga with Rebecca reminds me of my days in college as a dancer.
I have lost 20 lbs. — very slowly and moderately, over quite some period of time. This is not a magic weight loss system, but a way of loving yourself, and wanting to be your very best self. I am much more in touch with how I feel and behave. Yoga is also a spiritual practice for me, helping me be centered in the present moment, and at the same time, to be in touch with the Spirit in whom I live and move and have my being.
I would recommend yoga practice to anyone and everyone, and Rebecca is an excellent teacher, able to adapt to almost any needs and physical limitations.
— Ann Markle
I began taking Sue's Pilates classes this past spring, and I feel that I am really seeing changes in my body that I had hoped for. Sue is a fun and very enthusiastic instructor. I always leave her classes feeling like I've done something good for myself and made some good progress in my efforts towards fitness.
I have also enjoyed Yoga with Rebecca. When I first started taking Yoga classes, I was recovering from a broken leg and was wanting to get started into an exercise program, but I felt limited because of my injury. I really didn't know anything about Yoga but had heard about the classes from a friend and decided to try it. It didn't take me very long to find out how out of shape I really was, and how challenging Yoga really is. Not only has Yoga helped me through the healing stages of an injured leg, but it's helped me develop strength and the ability to do things I hadn't even thought of in years.
I am greatful that these two great instructors have come to Cumberland County and brought their talents together at Laughing Bodies Yoga and Pilates.
I recommend Yoga and Pilates to everyone I meet.
— Sharon Kington
In my 20's I took yoga in Knoxville and loved how I felt when I took classes and practiced. In 1980 I left the city and lived in small town after small town – none of which had opportunities for yoga. I was thrilled when Rebecca began teaching here – I believe I was in her first class in Fairfield Glade!
I have told many people that when I am in my car on the way home from my yoga classes, I feel better than I feel the entire rest of the week. I feel in control of my body – I feel "worked out" and rested all at once.
Yoga has not only made me stronger, but it has also taught me how to keep the "calm" in day–to–day life. Thank you, Rebecca!
— Jean Bell
Three & 1/2 years ago I saw an ad in the newspaper advertising yoga classes. I had wanted to try classes for a long time so I called and signed up. I fell in love with it the very first day. I left that class feeling so peaceful and joyous. Soon I was taking classes 2 times a week and then 3 times a week. I have gone on 2 retreats with Rebecca and they were wonderful. I cannot begin to describe how yoga has helped my body. I am much more flexible, my posture is much better, I am stronger and overall I feel better in my body.
I feel we are very fortunate to have Rebecca as an instructor, she is very professional, she works hard at making the classes chalenging and fun. We work hard but we also laugh. I have met a lot of new people at Laughing bodies and made some good friends. I hope this inspires anyone who reads it to try yoga. YOGA is a lot of things to me and all of them are GREAT.
— Jane Franklin
I grew up taking ballet classes and continued to take ballet until my son was about a year old. When I moved back to Crossville my schedule did not allow me to take ballet. This is when my mom suggested yoga. Classes on Saturday worked out great for me. Yoga has been very rewarding for me in many ways. First by teaching me to breath! Back to the basics for me. I have learned techniques and skills that have allowed me to focus on the task at hand or relax when needed. This could be at work, grocery store, airport, or just at home by myself. Second are the physical rewards. I am more flexible, stronger, and more aware of my body movement and placement. Now that I am expecting my second child, yoga classes and Rebecca are continuing to help me through life. With the ongoing pre-natal classes being held and workshops I am still learning a great deal about my body. I am also able to be more focused during this pregnancy which is allowing me to enjoy it more than my first. Thank You!! I highly recommend checking out the studio for yourself and see what wonderful things they can offer.
— Rachel Hawn
Attending Rebecca Dennis’s Retreat at Gray Bear was like being in a dream for three days. The dream of being in my ideal setting of a mountain cabin surrounded by trees in their brilliant fall colors and I do nothing but practice yoga and eat and my most difficult decision is deciding when to have my massage.
— Betty Kalister
I'd like to start out by saying that I decided to give yoga a try because I was looking for a new workout. I wasn't sure about doing because I've never been very flexible and tend to be very clumsy. I'm sooo gald I decided to gulp my fears and give it a try! So what has yoga done for me? I'm definitely more flexible and yes, I'm learning to be more balanced. (alot less stumbling going on!)
I'm very happy about both those things but it's really not why I come back 3 times a week. Yoga makes me more at peace within myself. I have more self–awareness. Which honestly, never realized was very important. Sooo, yes yoga is challenging, a great workout, even FUN but sooo much more. Now I can't image not having yoga in my life.
— Anita Jones
I have been taking Sue's pilates classes since Laughing Bodies opened. She is a great teacher and is so knowledgeable about Joseph Pilates and the workout background. I have never been very flexible, but taking pilates classes has improved my posture and my flexibility.
— Mary Beck
I've been practicing yoga with Rebecca since she first offered yoga in Crossville, and now I can't imagine NOT practicing Yoga. [For that matter, I can't imaging practicing yoga with anyone BUT Rebecca]. I have a very demanding and sometimes stressfull career, as do most professional women my age, and practicing yoga on a weekly basis, even just one night a week, provides both physical and mental therapy that I have come to depend upon.
Speaking of my age, I have reached that age when one realizes they are not as young as they used to be and no where near as flexible, so practicing Yoga has become much more important to me, as a form or fitness. I have been athletic most of my life, or at least physically active, and Yoga is the only activity I have ever engaged in that is both relaxing and challenging at the same time. Unlike other sports or fitness activities, Yoga is something I look forward to practicing for the rest of my life, plus I know it will enhance those sports and other physical activities that I do enjoy, such as golf and rowing. I simply can't say enough good things about Yoga, and I realize just how fortunate we are to have someone of Rebecca's caliber in our home town. Let's hope she's here to stay.
— sharon potter
I have enjoyed Pilates with Sue so much this session. I am beginning to feel stronger through my mid–section and see some dramatic changes in some troubled spots that, in the past, have not been easily targeted. At this time in my life, I feel it is no longer an option to have a physical fitness program, and at Laughing Bodies, it can be tailored to my own needs and concerns, with lots of fun in the process.
Sue is an inspiration as I go through the techniques of strengthening my body and changing my thinking. Not only is she an excellent teacher but an outstanding example of a woman challenging herself to be stronger and more physically fit as the years pass.
As a yoga practitioner for several years now with Rebecca, I find the combination of yoga and Pilates to be the consummate bond between strength and balance as I strive for better health. Certainly Rebecca and Sue have a wonderful thing going with Laughing Bodies Studio and have so much to offer the community. I feel the Cumberland/Crossville area is so very fortunate to have access to this life–changing experience.
— Katharine Miller
Walking into Laughing Bodies is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I've taken yoga classes before but never one that offered so much individual instruction. Regardless of the number of people present for a class, I always leave feeling I've had a one on one session with a teacher who really cares about my practice.
In the past I've ignored my body (perhaps hoping it would go away–or at least shrink a little) and filled my mind with anything to distract me from my own thoughts. Here is a place where I can feel safe confronting my limitations and overcoming them. In a few short weeks my posture has improved. I'm noticably stronger and more flexible. My mind and body are calmer and more in tune with my surroundings. I feel ready for anything that comes my way. Rebecca is truly helping me to develop a Laughing Body!
Namaste, Donna Davis
— Donna Davis
I had not done yoga for many years and was thrilled when a teacher came to town. At first I felt clumsy and awkard and very aware of how out of touch I was with my body, all things that surprised and horrified me. I am proud of sticking with my practice, because now, I am so much more flexible and I am able to do things that surprise and delight me. The best thing about my yoga practice, is the feeling I have of being more centered and more accepting of my limitations. The other best thing is having Rebecca and Sammy in my circle of friends.
— Peggy Paquette
My first yoga classes resulted in a startling discovery. I know longer knew how to relax my body. Frankly, it kind of scared me. Relaxation and tight hamstrings were my reasons for starting yoga. My reasons for continuing for now, almost two years surprise me to this day. I feel much more content and comfortable within my own body. Not only do I physically feel better but mentally and emotionally, too!
— Patty
We began taking Sue's class last spring. We have enjoyed Sue's methods of teaching & have greatly improved our flexibility and strength. We would highly recommend Sue's classes.
— Phyllis & Len
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