Mary Lou

221 have dabbled | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 30 days

Top rated icon TOP RATED TEACHER
Medium square mlou
5.0 | 36 reviews

Mary Lou

221 have dabbled | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 30 days

Big square mlou
5.0 | 36 reviews

Not Active in the last 30 days

Top rated icon Top Rated

Mary Lou Cerami, Epic Yoga Flow

Mary Lou Cerami is a Level 2 certified ACA Paddleboard Instructor. An avid paddler and outdoor enthusiast, Mary Lou combined her love of nature and teaches Stand up paddleboard, SUP Yoga and SUP with your PUP classes. As an instructor, her main focus is on introducing the sport of SUP to all levels, beginners included, while creating a safe, fun and totally memorable experience throughout.

You can find Mary Lou every summer at Kayak Chicago's Montrose Beach location teaching SUP Yoga and Paddleboard workshops from early spring to late fall. During the off-season check out her studio classes and workshops on the Indo Board, a balance board workout that's a great way to train SUP anytime.

ABOUT THIS TEACHER

Mary Lou Cerami is a Level 2 certified ACA Paddleboard Instructor. An avid paddler and outdoor enthusiast, Mary Lou combined her love of nature and teaches Stand up paddleboard, SUP Yoga and SUP with your PUP classes. As an instructor, her main focus is on introducing the sport of SUP to all levels, beginners included, while creating a safe, fun and totally memorable experience throughout.

You can find Mary Lou every summer at Kayak Chicago's Montrose Beach location teaching SUP Yoga and Paddleboard workshops from early spring to late fall. During the off-season check out her studio classes and workshops on the Indo Board, a balance board workout that's a great way to train SUP anytime.

STUDENT EXPERIENCES

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    Courtney C.
    Reviewed on 04/13/19

    This was a bit out of my comfort zone. Though I’m not a very spiritual individual, the space, equipment, and instructor were well beyond expectations. The environment was warm, welcoming and the instructor was overflowing with energy and passion for the content. Come with an open mind and brace for some deep relaxation.

    This was a bit out of my comfort zone. Though I’m not a very spiritual individual, the space, equipment, and instructor were well beyond expectations. The environment was warm, welcoming and the instructor was overflowing with energy and passion for the content. Come with an open mind and brace for some deep relaxation.

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    Phaydra B.
    Reviewed on 04/05/19

    You paddle out to a private, but safe area on the lake. It is more difficult to do yoga on the boards than I thought, but it's a lot of fun too. The instructor was encouraging and kind. I felt challenged by the work out and I really enjoyed being on the water. It's a great summer activity to do in the city especially when it's hot out.

    You paddle out to a private, but safe area on the lake. It is more difficult to do yoga on the boards than I thought, but it's a lot of fun too. The instructor was encouraging and kind. I felt challenged by the work out and I really enjoyed being on the water. It's a great summer activity to do in the city especially when it's hot out.

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    Alexandra M.
    Reviewed on 08/04/18

    Class was amazing! Super fun and relaxing and definitely at your own pace

    Class was amazing! Super fun and relaxing and definitely at your own pace

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    Richard F.
    Reviewed on 06/30/18

    Mary Lou is THE GREATEST SUP Yoga teacher on the planet. She made the class fun, informative, and she’s tough! Clear instructions and she pushes you to focus on technique but in the most fun way possible. Our group had an absolute blast and we’re ready to sign up for another session next week. If you’re on the fence, hop off and jump on this class yesterday. You’re going to love it.

    Mary Lou is THE GREATEST SUP Yoga teacher on the planet. She made the class fun, informative, and she’s tough! Clear instructions and she pushes you to focus on technique but in the most fun way possible. Our group had an absolute blast and we’re ready to sign up for another session next week. If you’re on the fence, hop off and jump on this class yesterday. You’re going to love it.

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    Alexandra M.
    Reviewed on 06/29/18

    I loved this class! Mary Lou is a wonderful teacher, and even when I felt face forward in to the water at one point, it was totally worth it. (Also, definitely due to my being a little too bold on the board and not Mary Lou's instructions...). I had a great time and will definitely be back--and accessible at any level of experience!

    I loved this class! Mary Lou is a wonderful teacher, and even when I felt face forward in to the water at one point, it was totally worth it. (Also, definitely due to my being a little too bold on the board and not Mary Lou's instructions...). I had a great time and will definitely be back--and accessible at any level of experience!

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    Nikki L.
    Reviewed on 06/16/18

    This class was so much fun. It was about half paddle boarding, half yoga and we loved that. I do yoga regularly but have never done paddle boarding before and it was easy to pick up. My boyfriend who is not a yogi was totally fine too. Highly recommend.

    This class was so much fun. It was about half paddle boarding, half yoga and we loved that. I do yoga regularly but have never done paddle boarding before and it was easy to pick up. My boyfriend who is not a yogi was totally fine too. Highly recommend.

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    Christy P.
    Reviewed on 08/20/17

    I have never been on a paddle board....and then I think....sure I can add a dog to the mix... Mary Lou w as my instructor and she was amazing! She was able to fabulously instruct me, help shape my dog's behaviors and get us both on the board together in less than 15 minutes! She was great with helping me focus on the board and moving it where I needed it to, but at the same time she was carefully watching my dog and noticed the instant he seemed to be getting tired. I appreciated her attention to him....I sadly wasn't, as I was too focused on standing upright! We ended on a great high note for both him and me! I HIGHLY recommend this class to anyone who wants to do more with their dog!

    I have never been on a paddle board....and then I think....sure I can add a dog to the mix... Mary Lou w as my instructor and she was amazing! She was able to fabulously instruct me, help shape my dog's behaviors and get us both on the board together in less than 15 minutes! She was great with helping me focus on the board and moving it where I needed it to, but at the same time she was carefully watching my dog and noticed the instant he seemed to be getting tired. I appreciated her attention to him....I sadly wasn't, as I was too focused on standing upright! We ended on a great high note for both him and me! I HIGHLY recommend this class to anyone who wants to do more with their dog!

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    Karen V.
    Reviewed on 08/20/17

    We had a really great time, such a fun class! We had both done yoga before (def not yogis though!) but never done SUP before, however the instructions were easy to follow and we had no problem with the SUP. It was great exercise and a very different experience trying to do usually pretty simple poses on a board balancing in the water! But falling was fun! We also got lucky to see the air and water show from a different angle and one of the planes flew right over us! Highly recommended!

    We had a really great time, such a fun class! We had both done yoga before (def not yogis though!) but never done SUP before, however the instructions were easy to follow and we had no problem with the SUP. It was great exercise and a very different experience trying to do usually pretty simple poses on a board balancing in the water! But falling was fun! We also got lucky to see the air and water show from a different angle and one of the planes flew right over us! Highly recommended!

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    Edward R.
    Reviewed on 07/17/17

    We had a wonderful time doing Stand UP Paddle Board Yoga with Mary Lou Cerami. This is something I've wanted to try for a long time. Montrose Harbor is a great place. It was a beautiful summer day on Lake Michigan. We got to paddle out on the lake and then do yoga in a protected harbor. The instruction was excellent. One of our group was a bit tentative, but she got all the support she needed. Shivasana on a board in the water was quite a special experience. I'm looking forward to doing this again.

    We had a wonderful time doing Stand UP Paddle Board Yoga with Mary Lou Cerami. This is something I've wanted to try for a long time. Montrose Harbor is a great place. It was a beautiful summer day on Lake Michigan. We got to paddle out on the lake and then do yoga in a protected harbor. The instruction was excellent. One of our group was a bit tentative, but she got all the support she needed. Shivasana on a board in the water was quite a special experience. I'm looking forward to doing this again.

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    Kaitlyn D.
    Reviewed on 07/17/17

    Such an awesome experience! Great instruction in paddle boarding and plenty of time to practice! It was fairly light on the yoga (as there are limitations to what you can do on a paddleboard and some time is spent paddling back to the starting point after the wind takes you a ways) but it was still very relaxing and challenging (in a good way!). We didn't have anyone fall in unless they were experimenting with the trickier poses, and the people who were less comfortable with the paddling still had a good many chances to try scaled pose options. And the pictures she took of the class were an excellent bonus! Would definitely recommend to a friend!

    Such an awesome experience! Great instruction in paddle boarding and plenty of time to practice! It was fairly light on the yoga (as there are limitations to what you can do on a paddleboard and some time is spent paddling back to the starting point after the wind takes you a ways) but it was still very relaxing and challenging (in a good way!). We didn't have anyone fall in unless they were experimenting with the trickier poses, and the people who were less comfortable with the paddling still had a good many chances to try scaled pose options. And the pictures she took of the class were an excellent bonus! Would definitely recommend to a friend!

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    Emma W.
    Reviewed on 07/16/17

    Had a great time!

    Had a great time!

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    Karli S.
    Reviewed on 07/16/17

    I had a great time - will definitely be back!

    I had a great time - will definitely be back!

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    Jemal S.
    Reviewed on 07/12/17

    Really unique experience on the water of Lake Michigan with Mary Lou and some new friends. Great introduction to movement on the paddleboard and really felt confident and safe as we made our way out to the harbor for our yoga practice. Such a great experience all around the HUGE full-moon at the end was really amazing.

    Really unique experience on the water of Lake Michigan with Mary Lou and some new friends. Great introduction to movement on the paddleboard and really felt confident and safe as we made our way out to the harbor for our yoga practice. Such a great experience all around the HUGE full-moon at the end was really amazing.

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    Katie E.
    Reviewed on 07/10/17

    This was so much fun! Enjoyable class and it was beautiful out on the lake. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a little bit of a workout or just a fun activity!

    This was so much fun! Enjoyable class and it was beautiful out on the lake. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a little bit of a workout or just a fun activity!

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    Emily K.
    Reviewed on 06/12/17

    Just amazing!!

    Just amazing!!

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    Kerry D.
    Reviewed on 09/12/16

    I've now taken two of Mary Lou's SUP yoga classes and after both I can say this is such a wonderful class. She gives you a good base for feeling comfortable on a paddleboard and she makes the yoga poses accessible for all while giving you the option to take them further. I was able to take my first class on the lake, but the second one was in the harbor because of the waves. This was great because both locations have great views and different vibes. What's interesting is that I feel like the first class (on the lake) was more paddleboard-focused, whereas the second (in the harbor) was more yoga-centric. Both times I've left the class feeling more calm than I ever have before, while feeling like I really did something truly challenging. Mary Lou is such a warm and approachable teacher who really knows her stuff. I would recommend this class to anyone!

    I've now taken two of Mary Lou's SUP yoga classes and after both I can say this is such a wonderful class. She gives you a good base for feeling comfortable on a paddleboard and she makes the yoga poses accessible for all while giving you the option to take them further. I was able to take my first class on the lake, but the second one was in the harbor because of the waves. This was great because both locations have great views and different vibes. What's interesting is that I feel like the first class (on the lake) was more paddleboard-focused, whereas the second (in the harbor) was more yoga-centric. Both times I've left the class feeling more calm than I ever have before, while feeling like I really did something truly challenging. Mary Lou is such a warm and approachable teacher who really knows her stuff. I would recommend this class to anyone!

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    Maia R.
    Reviewed on 08/29/16

    Once again, Mary Lou delivered an amazing class! I would HIGHLY recommend her sunset sessions... I was a bit concerned when the day turned out to be dreary and chilly, but once we were on the water the sun broke through to give us a spectacular sunset, and a magical overall experience. Mary Lou's positivity is contagious, each class is uniquely sequenced, and taking svasana with your finger tips in the water and waves gently rocking you is indescribable.

    Once again, Mary Lou delivered an amazing class! I would HIGHLY recommend her sunset sessions... I was a bit concerned when the day turned out to be dreary and chilly, but once we were on the water the sun broke through to give us a spectacular sunset, and a magical overall experience. Mary Lou's positivity is contagious, each class is uniquely sequenced, and taking svasana with your finger tips in the water and waves gently rocking you is indescribable.

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    Liz S.
    Reviewed on 08/22/16

    My boyfriend and I had an excellent time! We were first timers at SUP, and our instructor was very patient, kind, and never made me feel silly or bad at trying. She encouraged us to trust ourselves, and even though I fell off a couple times, it was no big deal. A very relaxing and fun time, and definitely a thing we want to do more often!

    My boyfriend and I had an excellent time! We were first timers at SUP, and our instructor was very patient, kind, and never made me feel silly or bad at trying. She encouraged us to trust ourselves, and even though I fell off a couple times, it was no big deal. A very relaxing and fun time, and definitely a thing we want to do more often!

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    Christy T.
    Reviewed on 08/22/16

    My pup, Bella, and I had so much fun taking this class! I had only taken one SUP class previously and never with Bella. I was a little nervous because I knew Bella would be very excited. Mary Lou was so patient with my exuberant pup and had many tips and suggestions for me to try to practice for future SUP outings. Bella might be more suited for swimming "next to" your SUP haha but overall it was a fun experience and I left glad that I didn't let my reservations keep me from trying something new. To me, that is what Dabble is about:)

    My pup, Bella, and I had so much fun taking this class! I had only taken one SUP class previously and never with Bella. I was a little nervous because I knew Bella would be very excited. Mary Lou was so patient with my exuberant pup and had many tips and suggestions for me to try to practice for future SUP outings. Bella might be more suited for swimming "next to" your SUP haha but overall it was a fun experience and I left glad that I didn't let my reservations keep me from trying something new. To me, that is what Dabble is about:)

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    Meha D.
    Reviewed on 08/17/16

    This was a fantastic class! Mary Lou is a really great instructor. She gave clear guidance and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the class. It was a little windy, so after getting out on the water we only did a few poses before heading over to a sandbar to do more. I was hoping to do more yoga out in the open water -- it was beautiful, peaceful, and such a great experience out there! I would definitely recommend this class and am strongly considering going back to take more SUP Yoga classes with Mary Lou.

    This was a fantastic class! Mary Lou is a really great instructor. She gave clear guidance and made everyone feel comfortable throughout the class. It was a little windy, so after getting out on the water we only did a few poses before heading over to a sandbar to do more. I was hoping to do more yoga out in the open water -- it was beautiful, peaceful, and such a great experience out there! I would definitely recommend this class and am strongly considering going back to take more SUP Yoga classes with Mary Lou.

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    Brianna J.
    Reviewed on 08/01/16

    I had a great time SUPing with my pup! Mary Lou did a great job of teaching us how to make SUP an enjoyable activity for us and our dogs. She was very focused on our pups to make sure they were enjoying the activity and not getting tired or stressed. We spent a few minutes on land discussing the process and logistics (i.e. where to keep treats for the dogs, what to do if your dog jumps in, where to let the dog roam on the board, etc.), and then when we were all comfortable and the dogs had gotten used to the boards we took to the water.

    I had a great time SUPing with my pup! Mary Lou did a great job of teaching us how to make SUP an enjoyable activity for us and our dogs. She was very focused on our pups to make sure they were enjoying the activity and not getting tired or stressed. We spent a few minutes on land discussing the process and logistics (i.e. where to keep treats for the dogs, what to do if your dog jumps in, where to let the dog roam on the board, etc.), and then when we were all comfortable and the dogs had gotten used to the boards we took to the water.

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    Alisa C.
    Reviewed on 08/01/16

    This was a great way to spend my Sunday afternoon! Very peaceful, yet adventurous! Loved it!!

    This was a great way to spend my Sunday afternoon! Very peaceful, yet adventurous! Loved it!!

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    Cynthia G.
    Reviewed on 07/31/16

    This was a really fun class. The instructor, Mary Lou, made everybody, (dogs and students), feel comfortable. Her expertise in paddle boarding and her understanding of dogs made for a great day. It was a nice bonding time with my pup!

    This was a really fun class. The instructor, Mary Lou, made everybody, (dogs and students), feel comfortable. Her expertise in paddle boarding and her understanding of dogs made for a great day. It was a nice bonding time with my pup!

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    Cheryl Z.
    Reviewed on 07/22/16

    This was a really fun class! I'm not really a yoga person and the class was great for all levels. The time slot around sunset was perfect.

    This was a really fun class! I'm not really a yoga person and the class was great for all levels. The time slot around sunset was perfect.

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    Sandy M.
    Reviewed on 07/11/16

    Mary Lou is a great instructor, and I had a great time doing SUP Yoga out on the water. Everyone was super friendly, and it was just a fantastic experience.

    Mary Lou is a great instructor, and I had a great time doing SUP Yoga out on the water. Everyone was super friendly, and it was just a fantastic experience.

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    Biddy M.
    Reviewed on 06/13/16

    We had the best time! Mary Lou is a great instructor and the class was so much fun! The instructions were clear and easy to follow and it was an amazing location to do this. In downward facing dog I realized that behind me was the best view I ever had in that position, the Chicago skyline 😆. It was a great experience and also really good workout, I wish I lived in the States cause I would be back for more on a regular basis!

    We had the best time! Mary Lou is a great instructor and the class was so much fun! The instructions were clear and easy to follow and it was an amazing location to do this. In downward facing dog I realized that behind me was the best view I ever had in that position, the Chicago skyline 😆. It was a great experience and also really good workout, I wish I lived in the States cause I would be back for more on a regular basis!

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    Maia R.
    Reviewed on 06/07/16

    This was my first time trying SUP Yoga, and I loved it! Mary Lou was a great teacher, and her enthusiasm and knowledge made everyone feel super at ease in the water. Would highly recommend!

    This was my first time trying SUP Yoga, and I loved it! Mary Lou was a great teacher, and her enthusiasm and knowledge made everyone feel super at ease in the water. Would highly recommend!

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    Abhi K.
    Reviewed on 06/06/16

    Mary is an amazing instructor and makes sure every one is having a great time. The activity itself was fantastic and would do it again.

    Mary is an amazing instructor and makes sure every one is having a great time. The activity itself was fantastic and would do it again.

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    Jessica S.
    Reviewed on 05/30/16

    I had a wonderful time! Mary Lou is a very patient and fun teacher. At first I was worried that I couldn't do it but the way she explained it calmed my anxiety and ultimately I had an amazinging time!
    I plan on doing it again.

    I had a wonderful time! Mary Lou is a very patient and fun teacher. At first I was worried that I couldn't do it but the way she explained it calmed my anxiety and ultimately I had an amazinging time!
    I plan on doing it again.

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    Lisa P.
    Reviewed on 03/07/16

    This was such a unique experience for me! The teacher did a great job of encouraging us and it was nice to have all the equipment provided.

    This was such a unique experience for me! The teacher did a great job of encouraging us and it was nice to have all the equipment provided.

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    Mc L.
    Reviewed on 03/04/16

    Been to this class a few times. It's challenging, but you'll see a difference every time you go. Keep in mind I have no Yoga background. I signed up originally to help with physical therapy and increase stability for other athletic activities.

    I'll keep going back as long as I can.

    Been to this class a few times. It's challenging, but you'll see a difference every time you go. Keep in mind I have no Yoga background. I signed up originally to help with physical therapy and increase stability for other athletic activities.

    I'll keep going back as long as I can.

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    Erin E.
    Reviewed on 09/01/15

    Mary Lou is great! She made us feel so welcome and comfortable as we were inexperienced and a little apprehensive at first.

    Mary Lou is great! She made us feel so welcome and comfortable as we were inexperienced and a little apprehensive at first.

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    Valerie D.
    Reviewed on 07/26/15

    This was my first SUP Yoga class. The instructor was great! I had so much fun and really felt connected to my yoga practice. If you have ever thought: "Could I do this?" Yes, you can -- and, should!

    This was my first SUP Yoga class. The instructor was great! I had so much fun and really felt connected to my yoga practice. If you have ever thought: "Could I do this?" Yes, you can -- and, should!

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    Jennifer G.
    Reviewed on 07/21/15

    If you've had even a passing thought that you'd like to try SUP Yoga, take this class! Mary Lou is a fabulous instructor and will help you feel comfortable on the board while you master moves you'd have thought impossible. This was a wonderful way to spend a summer Sunday morning, and I can't wait to take another of her classes soon.

    If you've had even a passing thought that you'd like to try SUP Yoga, take this class! Mary Lou is a fabulous instructor and will help you feel comfortable on the board while you master moves you'd have thought impossible. This was a wonderful way to spend a summer Sunday morning, and I can't wait to take another of her classes soon.

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    D K.
    Reviewed on 07/06/15

    HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! You WILL be back to take this class again with Mary Lou.

    Sometimes you see a picture of someone doing some crazy yoga pose on a paddle board and you think, "Ain't no way I'm gonna be able to do that," and so you "like" the photo and move along. But I'm telling you now, folks, you CAN do it and you don't have to have any experience to do so.

    This was not only my FIRST time on a paddle board, but only my SECOND time doing yoga. EVER. EVER!!! So here I am all nervous and excited and then Mary Lou pops around the corner with her bog ol' smile and her calm confidence and BAM! I'm on a board. I'm standing up. I'm paddling to the Hook and then I NAIL (with patience and Mary Lou's guidance) yoga positions I've never done before. Next thing I know I AM THE PICTURE PEOPLE ARE LIKING. Boom!

    Never say, "I can't." You can. Mary Lou makes it possible. TAKE THIS CLASS!

    HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! You WILL be back to take this class again with Mary Lou.

    Sometimes you see a picture of someone doing some crazy yoga pose on a paddle board and you think, "Ain't no way I'm gonna be able to do that," and so you "like" the photo and move along. But I'm telling you now, folks, you CAN do it and you don't have to have any experience to do so.

    This was not only my FIRST time on a paddle board, but only my SECOND time doing yoga. EVER. EVER!!! So here I am all nervous and excited and then Mary Lou pops around the corner with her bog ol' smile and her calm confidence and BAM! I'm on a board. I'm standing up. I'm paddling to the Hook and then I NAIL (with patience and Mary Lou's guidance) yoga positions I've never done before. Next thing I know I AM THE PICTURE PEOPLE ARE LIKING. Boom!

    Never say, "I can't." You can. Mary Lou makes it possible. TAKE THIS CLASS!

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    Megan H.
    Reviewed on 04/22/13

    Good class. Fun for a yoga beginner to try something new. You'll definitely feel the burn.

    Good class. Fun for a yoga beginner to try something new. You'll definitely feel the burn.

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