Rosemary Garrison Private Yoga Instructor

There are almost no words to describe the experience I have when I attend a class of Rosemary’s… likely because she defies an earthly existence.
Part of it is her presence, part her thoughtful approach to movement and alignment, part what she’s able to bring out in each of the people in the room. All I can tell you is this… I’ve been taking her classes for over 10 years (I was a dedicated practitioner of hers when she lived in SF)… if you have the chance when she’s visiting our city, don’t miss it, you will leave with gratitude for the experience… EVERY TIME.

Ah, where do I start with this lovely lady! I’ve been taking Rosemary’s yoga class now for about 5 years, and I absolutely adore her teaching style! She incorporates the perfect balance of stillness and calmness in her classes, with the intensity of an advanced vinyasa flow yoga class. I always come out of the class feeling so much more opened and renewed, and ready to tackle the day!
I also appreciate how she paces the class, it’s not too slow, and not too fast, and I always get a good sweat on (that I actually created myself as opposed to a pre-​heated room). She is sure to warm us up in the beginning of class and cool us down as well. And I really love her calming voice…
Rosemary is also very hands on which I appreciate. Being a massage therapist myself, I love when she comes over and basically give me a little mini compression massage when I’m in a pose such as pigeon. It really helps me to open up even more fully and deeply. I highly recommend Rosemary’s class to all vinyasa yoga lovers out there!

I’m feeling conflicted about writing this review, for fear that my beloved yoga teacher’s schedule will be booked solid! However, I’m happy to broadcast my gratitude for Rosemary, in hopes that other yogis (or soon-​to-​be yogis) will be blessed to know her, too.
Since beginning my practice a year ago, I’ve felt shifted toward growth, reflection, peace, and presence… I have also «shifted» into a smaller pants size ;) I debated whether or not I could afford a private yoga lesson once a week and looking back, I realize that the debate sure was a waste of time.
I started off with a chronic lower-​back injury and a major insecurity around not being able to «get into» certain poses in class. Rosemary provided the support I needed to begin a consistent yoga practice, by customizing sessions for my recovery and by reminding me to be patient with my body. She had the right poses selected, modified the flow between them accordingly, and encouraged my breath to get out of its stagnant, stressed-​out, constricted pattern. Somehow, she even picked music that was healing. I gradually started attending classes and happily witnessed my strength and endurance improving. I’m now taking classes 3 or 4 times a week, in addition to the private session with Rosemary (which I hold most sacred, especially during weeks where work is crazy or I’m emotionally spent).
I was lucky to travel with Rosemary and a group of her amazing students on her yoga retreat in Mexico this past May. She created a beautiful space, in a beautiful place, to challenge myself even further in my practice. Meeting regularly with Rosemary has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Her spirit, commitment, knowledge, and warmth have contributed significantly to one of the most trans-​formative years in my life.

Unilocal defines five stars as As good as it gets and frankly I wish there were a sixth star available. As good as it gets implies that there is no higher plane you can reach– but I’ve been there in Rosemary’s class, so I know it exists! Her style is a perfect balance between exercise and spirit, where you will find it impossible to think about all the things that just an hour before seemed so terribly important. The vinyasa flow is more like a dance, especially if you do it with your eyes closed, and her music choices are perfect. If there is any complaint to balance out this absurdly positive review, it is that she only teaches two classes a week and they aren’t at convenient times. 9:15 on Mondays/​Wednesdays. I wish she would make a CD I could use at home at better times for my schedule. Besides that… just the sound of her voice, the warmth of the room, the calm and peace that settles over me when I come to my mat out of the madness of everyday life… glorious.
Update: She’s added Tuesday/​Thursday classes at 6:15!