John R. Murphy, HHP
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Like many people in their mid sixties, I have had my share of surgeries and musculoskeletal complications. I have always been a heavy exerciser, and taught martial arts for over 16 years. I underwent knee surgery, a shoulder replacement, and major spine surgery. My back surgeon indicated that if I had not kept up with my exercise program, I wouldn’t be walking today.
As time progressed especially over the last two years, my pain from these surgeries as well as spinal degeneration became chronic. The time I spent at the gym, or on an ice pack, were my only times of relative freedom from pain. It was during this time that I really came to know Jennifer Opaka. Jennifer has always been extremely kind and supportive for the years that I have known her. I knew she taught Yoga classes, and she encouraged me to try a class. For many months I thought I was too stiff, physically compromised, and too much in pain to attempt Yoga. A couple of months ago, I spoke to one of Jennifer’s students, Danielle, who had been in a car and motorcycle accident years before. Danielle informed me that Jennifer’s class had “saved her”. That was all it took for me to be at the next class.
I struggled through the next three Yoga classes with much encouragement from Jennifer. I have been around many fitness instructors in my time, but none like Jennifer. Her unique, gentle yet firm approach to Yoga is remarkable. I noted that she was always caring, compassionate, and understanding with all her students. After only three classes, I began to notice a change. A bit more flexibility and a reduction in shoulder and back pain! Downward Facing Dog became my new favorite pet. The physiological changes that I continue to note have been my motivation to maintain my 3 day per week Yoga class, and daily cardio and resistance training schedule. I look forward to Jennifer’s Yoga classes as I continue to improve.
Because of Jennifer Opaka’s professionalism, care for her students, and her encouragement, I have been able to find the drug free pain relief I have sought for so long. My deepest heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Opaka.