Namaste: Tom, friends, universe.
With a loving heart,
- Donna

- Tom McCarthy

- Elaine

- Daniela

- Carl DellaGrotta

- Pam

- Alec

- Bryna

- Tom

- John Trainer

- Arthur

-Nicholas Bretz

-Kent Stetson

-John Abernathy

-Jaimie Sullivan

-John Montoya

-Mike

What yoga has done for me in just a few short weeks has altered my life, my body and my perspective. I notice such a difference in my shoulders and upper back. Those are my stress areas and I feel looser there than I have in years. It's unbelievable to me! Really! I'm soooooooooo glad I found this! This is truly a workout for the mind, body, and soul - one that you owe to yourself to try."

-Tim

I first went to Tom’s class about 3 weeks ago—and have been each week since. The class is great---a combination of workout, relaxation, and “mental cleansing.” I just recently experienced Yoga in the last couple years, but only very sporadically and often felt a little “out-of-sorts” at other classes—the pace was too fast, I didn’t know the poses (--still don’t really) and I would have a difficult time keeping up and really getting the benefit of the practice. Tom’s class is different---the pace is dictated by you!! There’s a relaxed atmosphere and encouragement from both Tom and the rest of the class to do what feels right for you—and that makes all the difference in terms of really allowing yourself to have fun! So if you have been thinking about yoga and want to try it for the first time—or if you are experienced, this is the place to go! There are beginners and regulars—but at the end of each class, everyone feels the same---relaxed and peaceful!!"

-EG

-Gary

When a friend told me about this class, I wasn't sure it would be for me. I'm glad I decided to try it!!! This class is both challenging ( without being too difficult ) and relaxing. Tom, the instructor, is very motivating, yet let's you go at your own pace and knows that some have their limits. I have a very stressful job and this class makes me forget my troubles and I always feel better for it. It's also a great social experience with a good group of guys."

-Bruce Randall

A friend introduced me to Tom’s class, and I can’t get over how much it does for me. The stress of the day is gone, and my body and mind come together to a similar state of contentment. OK, I get “stupid”… My mind pretty much empties… It’s like being drunk… only without the added hangover, and you don’t have to pee a lot. Being with a group of gay men adds a feeling of comfort and belonging, and also allows for a little fun and a few jokes, too! OH, and who doesn’t like hot, sweaty men? I highly recommend giving it a try!"

-Steve

As with everyone I am sure, we come to those metaphorical “bridges” in life, you know the ones that we stand there looking at it, knowing we need to cross over but just can’t seem to get the first foot to move. The “bridges” normally represent something difficult we need to get through…a job change, a long term break up, realizing who are your “stand by you” friends, training for a marathon, a cycle race or even hiking a mountain or dealing with illness or death in your family.

Having recently completed a journey over my ‘bridge’, I seem to have experienced all the above in a very short 365 days in 2004. One day, not to long ago, I was tired of licking my wounds and hosting “pity parties” (they are so not worth throwing) and while attending my first RI Pride I was sitting on the grass reading the RI Pride Magazine. I came across Tom Fronczak’s ad for Gay Men’s Vinyasa Yoga Classes. Totally outside of the box for me to go alone to something like this I choose to move forward then rather turn back to go over the bridge I just crossed.

When I arrived I immediately knew this was a place for me. Tom immediately came over to me and made me feel welcomed. I knew I had landed in a place that could teach me a few things other then balancing on one leg. I attended my first class about a month and a half ago. During this short time I have had more epiphanies that I care to count. Tom has shown me that through yoga (and I like to ad through a great yoga instructor), life can be balanced a little better. Tom, through his yoga class, has brought me to a place that helps me with the physical aspect of my life as well as accepting who we are as gay men. Tom’s class helps me balance my training for yet another marathon that I will be doing and another cycle race as well. I have learned the benefits of yoga are great and physically good for you. Tom adds more then just that, during his class he reaches out to you with his strong kind voice and walks you through to the other side of your ‘bridge’. He lets you be comfortable with who you are and that his class is a place that we as gay men feel comforted to be together. Weather we are in the strong ‘warrior’ pose or laughing in the ‘happy baby’ pose (you need to experience that pose to fully enjoy what I am saying), Tom makes each movement, transitioning from one pose to another, floating on the music in the class, to be gentle and easy and right for me.

If you recently have crossed a bridge or are looking to cross one, think about stopping in on Monday nights…I have not regretted it for minute. I look forward to Monday nights each week with Tom continuing to center me in my training, my mind and my soul. What more can you ask for.

Thanks Tom, I know there are many people that make up this world but I am glad you are teaching a yoga class like yours."

-Ed (The Boston Commuter Guy)

Since beginning the class, I have noticed that my flexibility and stamina have increased. I am more confident in my ability to participate in a quasi-athletic manner and have noticed changes in my physical appearance. Tom’s class has encouraged me to begin working out lifting weights with a friend and has been helpful in my ability to endure longer workout episodes with minimal discomfort.

For those of you who perceive that you are unable to participate in Yoga due to being out of shape, disregard that thought and come join us. You will be amazed at what you can do. Tom is great at helping new yoga-ites feel adequate and leads a class that is very comfortable. I look forward to my Monday nights and feel great after each session! I highly recommend the class."

-Chris Germaine

-Dave Hassel

-Ron Suresha

Increased flexibility
Greater core strength
Improved posture

Upon leaving Tom's class, I am relaxed and relieved of stress: the combination of the flowing movements, breathing, the physical challenge and the positive affirmations leave me with a sense of well-being.

Another unexpected benefit: The practice teaches us to "be" with the sometimes uncomfortable sensations we experience while stretching or holding a pose. We do this with breathing and meditating on accepting the pain and letting it go.

I have carried this practice into other aspects of my life including those involving emotional pain.

In my last physical therapy session, my therapist was stretching my shoulder back while pushing my scapular forward. I breathed, accepted that it was for good, and let go. She responded " What did you just do, I stretched you an extra 2 inches."

Another thing I really enjoy that Tom did one week was a creative visualization. He asked us to envision watching a movie of ourselves projected on the wall. He then gave us suggested affirmations while we held a pose. It has been very healing."

- Geoff

- Mark Cohen

Tom's yoga class has a therapeutic feature to it. He chooses a personal quality to work on like commitment, change, or integrity and relates that quality to the poses we do in class. For example while we were in a pose that seemed to be a bit uncomfortable, he talked about an aspect of commitment that might be uncomfortable as well and how committed are we to the pose and to the commitments in life that we make. He often says, "I see this yoga practice as a reflection of our lives."

- Henry Devona

- Wayne Cotnoir, Licensed Massage Therapist

It was really the first physical exercise that I was getting in a long time, and it felt good to push myself. I really feel that, aside from counseling and medications for my depression, Yoga has been helping me also.

It is not competitive and one can move at their own pace, something I truly appreciate.

The calmness and serenity that I feel at the end of class is something so much more natural than any medication could simulate. I also think that my arms are strengthening because I am handling my 14 pound bowling ball better!"

- A.S., Warwick

The class has done wonders for a 2 year old knee repair in improving flexibility and strength. Due to my hearing impairment and many years of coping skills in staying on top of what's going on there is some need to be introspective, a turning into myself to relax and "hear" my own body. I have been able to get to that point some of the time. Other times, though I am watching to make sure I am in synch with the class which may not be the best way to achieve that inner balance but watching and paying attention is something that has always taken more energy for me than the average person.

I feel that Tom's been a terrific instructor and I do enjoy the class and the connection of being with other gay men who put some value on their health and well being.

Many thanks Tom!!!"

- Jay

- Stephen, Brown University Graduating Senior