Testimonials
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"The Hot Bod-YoGuru...Also, if I do this on a regular basis, I’LL.BE.SMOKIN.HOT."
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"I love I.AM.YOU. class. I.AM.YOU. is magic."
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"I.AM.YOU. has been and will forever be the sexiest, coolest lifestyle around. Yoga, Music, the wine tastings, even the nutrition programs. No comparison."
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ZUMOArtist/Designer/Surfer
"This place is a totally new approach to the term “yoga studio”(!) …. it’s realistically philosophical; it's personal; it's exclusive; it's in-very-good-taste musical, and it will really kick your ass"
More"This place is a totally new approach to the term “yoga studio”(!) - it's serious but at the same time realistically philosophical; it's personal; it's exclusive; it's in-very-good-taste musical, and it will really kick your ass, no joke. I am personally very turned off by the typical yoga studio vibe that is abundant in NYC: where everyone thinks they have somehow seen the light because they do yoga, don't eat meat, have all the latest in the trend yoga looks and can say whatever Sanskrit "thank you" they learned - and let me tell you, this studio is NOT that AT ALL... At I.AM.YOU studio you get challenged to break down your barriers through meditation and philosophy - and really check yourself - while being challenged by an insane yoga workout guided by Lauren's methods. Leave the Birkenstocks at home and go try a class, that's all I can say."
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VANESSAWall Street Trader/Dancer
"Working with (Lauren) has become the cornerstone to my fitness of both body and soul."
More"Lauren's private lessons are a unique experience in every way they should be. Each session is perfectly tailored to focus on the aspects of my practice and my body that I need to work on whether it is find a deeper, more continuous breath or opening up a tight hip. Her focus on alignment is remarkable and has changed my practice and my understanding of yoga considerably. Working with her has become the cornerstone to my fitness of both body and soul. It is a rare moment when you find a yoga teacher who doesn't focus her efforts on the salvation of just your @ss or just your soul, but both all while you are having a blast to rocking music. Lauren has managed to pull this off by bringing the same intensity that she gives to life, mixing it with grace, humor, and a love of life, a mixture that has attracted a whole new group of people to yoga that never connected with the experience before. You walk out of her studio feeling more lifted and more grounded at the same time (not to mention a lot more drenched in sweat). Who could ask for anything more?"
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DARRAFASHIONISTA/BARTENDER/PROFESSOR
"One visit to I.AM.YOU got me hooked and I did not look back. I.AM.YOU. classes are a seamless transition between life on and off the mat. They are a fine balance of music, physicality and spirituality – an efficiency of every moment. In a city full of choices there really is only one place to practice yoga – I.AM.YOU. I want you to know that I find it refreshing that "I.AM.YOU" (you) lives what it believes. Many studios or people say one thing and do another or hide what really is beneath the surface, but you have created a space that is real."
More"I.AM.YOU. classes are a seamless transition between life on and off the mat. They are a fine balance of music, physicality and spirituality – an efficiency of every moment. In a city full of choices there really is only one place to practice yoga – I.AM.YOU."
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IRENEMagazine Editor/Music Junkie/Travel Fiend
"This is like no other yoga class I’ve ever taken. It’s more like an addiction, a natural high that I look forward to all week."
More"This is like no other yoga class I’ve ever taken. It’s more like an addiction, a natural high that I look forward to all week. I’d even hesitate to call it a mere “class” because so many aspects of the I.AM.YOU experience have been amazingly thought-out and curated: from the music that makes you want to sing out loud and reminds you of how much you used to love a particular song, to the gorgeous loft space that’s worlds away from your typical bare-bones studio. Lauren teaches an incredible, inspiring flow class that never fails to result in an adrenaline-pumping rush. She’s constantly in motion, giving wonderfully intuitive adjustments and lavishing everyone with tons of personal attention throughout. She is a truly gifted, special teacher who also happens to be a down-to-earth, funny, completely relatable human being. Ever since the first time I walked into Lauren’s class, yoga became much more than something I practiced on a mat—it’s now an integral, essential part of my everyday existence."
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ELAINETech Geek/Web Guru/Wife
"I.AM.YOU helped me prepare to be the perfect bride… There has been no moment where I have ever felt so energetic in my life, all because of I.AM.YOU"
More"I.AM.YOU helped me prepare to be the perfect bride. My wedding experience was spectacular, vibrant and full of energy and good vibes. There has been no moment where I have ever felt so energetic in my life all because of I.AM.YOU Yes! I got the well toned I.AM.YOU arms and back but I also got a glowing state of mind where I could go on and on dancing, enjoying and celebrating. I just had the right balance and focus. Being a future bride is not easy, and we all expect too much of ourselves thinking we need to be fit and have the perfect wedding. I was nervous about everything and had little time to focus on enjoying the whole process. I attended I.AM.YOU privates and Lauren instantly understood the areas I needed to focus on. After a couple of weeks between privates and regular classes my upper body became stronger and I started to feel much more energetic. I started enjoying much more my wedding preparations without worries! I truly believe my wedding was magical because I.AM.YOU helped me along the way."
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LIZMarathoner/Philanthropist/Marketing Genius
"Yoga has been such a positive thing physically, spiritually, mentally these past 2 years [of I.AM.YOU.] Lauren makes yoga accessible, fun and challenging in a completely addictive hour and a half class."
More"I.AM.YOU keeps the lessons and traditional movement of yoga, but makes it work for A-type New Yorkers who like to sweat. Lauren makes yoga accessible, fun and challenging in a completely addictive hour and a half class. Since attending classes at I.AM.YOU, my idea of yoga has been turned on its head (while I learned to stand on my head). I've never been so satisfyingly sore in all my D1 lacrosse playing or marathon running life. I'm also certain that I.AM.YOU saved my body during a long marathon training season. Bonus: the music during class is awesome. Tunes compliment Lauren’s fast, athletic style yoga, while the beat seems to keep with our vinyasas. The music is so good, in fact, that I asked the Resident Mixologist to make me a mix to run with during the 2009 NYC marathon. Yoga has been such a positive thing physically, spiritually, mentally these past 2 years [of I.AM.YOU.] It helps to ground me. I can't explain how inspiring [Lauren is]!"
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MIGUELBoxer/Comedian
"I.AM.YOU has become an integral part of my emotional, physical, and mental well being…. we all become better people because of it."
More"I.AM.YOU has become an integral part of my emotional, physical, and mental well being. It's a supportive atmosphere where everyone is welcome and Lauren makes sure you get the most out of yourself. We're all busy, we all have stress, and when we walk into I.AM.YOU we all become better people because of it."
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"I.AM.YOU. and Lauren Imparato are THE body transformer."
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TRACIGym Rat/Lawyer/East Villager
"Lauren provides an incredible service and puts a lot of work into it. As a type-A person, I'm happy to know the right way from Lauren, and focusing on that makes me feel proud that I'm not just going through the motions. To have a good workout AND have great music – your classes are unparalleled in that respect."
More"I enjoy and often need the tunes you pick with a really identifiable beat. Jay-Z, TI or something to that effect always pick me up when I’m feeling tired. By the time I get to your class, I’m typically about 14 hours into my day and ready to collapse prior to coming in. The songs, fun beats, and rhythms remind me to have FUN at yoga. I am a big music person and (aside from the workout itself) I really like coming to your classes each week because I wonder what fun music you’ll have, and also, what gems you’ll throw in that I’ve never heard. To have a good workout AND have great music – your classes are unparalleled in that respect. I.AM.YOU. provides physical and mental challenges but also enough guidance and clear improvements to keep me coming back. Lauren provides an incredible service and puts a lot of work into it. As a type-A person, I'm happy to know the right way from Lauren, and focusing on that makes me feel proud that I'm not just going through the motions. I have improved so much in the ...short months I have gone to [I.AM.YOU.]"
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MEGANWall Streeter/Runner/Wine Connoisseur
"After trying yoga once a few years ago and hating every moment of it, I was hesitant to take another class [At I.AM.YOU.] I was hooked after one class."
More"After trying yoga once a few years ago and hating every moment of it, I was hesitant to take another class. A few months ago, I read an article about Lauren and I.AM.YOU on Dealbreaker.com. Lauren had a sports background as well as a finance background like myself and I.AM.YOU sounded so refreshingly different than any yoga studio I had ever heard about. I was hooked after one class. Personalized attention, AMAZING music ( who plays Frank Sinatra & Biggie Smalls in the same YOGA class??), gorgeous studio and one extremely talented, motivating teacher. Now, instead of laughing off the thought of yoga, I count down the days til my next I.AM.YOU class."
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JENNYSinger/Songwriter/Mom
"To call this place just a "yoga studio" is doing it a tremendous injustice..."
More"To call this place just a "yoga studio" is doing it a tremendous injustice..."
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COURTNEYDoctor of Cognitive Psychology/Fitness Queen/Music Aficionado
"With an understated, those-in-the-know cool of a 1920's speakeasy, you enter the studio on a nondescript elevator …. as the elevator doors close, you feel like you are approaching a good secret, a rarity in a city of overexposed, "hot" or "in" places that everybody and their cousin seems to flock to"
More"With an understated, those-in-the-know cool of a 1920's speakeasy, you enter the studio on a nondescript elevator at street level amidst the spirited salesmanship of maitre d's herding tourists into their NoLita eateries. As soon as the elevator doors close, you feel like you are approaching a good secret, a rarity in a city of overexposed, "hot" or "in" places that everybody and their cousin seems to flock to. The space is airy and soulful. I find myself lingering on the details of the wood beams along the ceiling or variations of color on the brick walls during a half-moon or queen's pose. The instructor is a lovely force of nature. Lauren makes yoga urban and relevant. She asks students of all levels just to jump into the deep end of the yoga pool - you will be surprised at how much you accomplish even from your first session with her. Lauren's conceptual focus through music and mediation let the message of the class (e.g., perseverance, healthy perspectives on your life, body, and significant other, or the pleasure of taking a risk) seep through your body, ears, mind and soul in a clear, but non-preachy way. It's like the best part of church that you likely stopped attending after you moved from your small town to this big city. A mental morsel to chew on while you're contorting and flowing in class...and afterward."
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ANGELINWall St. Structurer/Mathematician
"I always said I was never the "yoga" type - until I went to I.AM.YOU! […] Lauren is an incredible teacher and manages to simultaneously cater to both beginners and advanced students all at once."
More"I always said I was never the "yoga" type - until I went to I.AM.YOU! I had never been to yoga before, but now am COMPLETELY hooked to I.AM.YOU - Lauren is an incredible teacher and manages to simultaneously cater to both beginners and advanced students all at once. Throughout the entire class, she shows both beginner and advanced versions of each pose, constantly coming by and helping correct postures and encourage you, while being mindful of safety and making sure you don't go beyond what you can handle. Every time I go, I leave exhausted, but feeling incredibly energized at the same time - couldn't possibly have a better start to my Saturdays!!"
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PAMELAFinancial Services Executive/Baker/Tequila Connoisseur
"Finally I do not have to travel to LA to get an awesome, inspiring, thorough vinyasa class that rocks my mind, body and soul with its intensity, purity, flow and customized soundtrack."
More"Finally I do not have to travel to LA to get an awesome, inspiring, thorough vinyasa class that rocks my mind, body and soul with its intensity, purity, flow and customized soundtrack. The overall experience, including the loft setting and Lauren’s instruction and adjustments, are unparalleled."
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CASEYEntrepreneur/Trader/Dancer
"Lauren "gets it." She gets that life in NYC is crazy, but she also gets that people want and need more than just another gym class […] After 5 years of practicing yoga in NYC, I had not been able to find many studios that can balance a kick-butt workout and keep that depth of thought that makes yoga yoga."
More"Lauren "gets it." She gets that life in NYC is crazy, but she also gets that people want and need more than just another gym class. Her class will kick your butt, but she is a stickler for technique and alignment. So she offers variations for the more beginner or more advanced, she gives tons of adjustments, and she doesn't let you forget to breathe throughout everything. She incorporates the yogic philosophy by telling stories of things that happen to her or her friends/family in her actual life so that everyone can relate. After 5 years of practicing yoga in NYC, I have not been able to find many studios that can balance a kick-butt workout and keep that depth of thought that makes yoga yoga; Lauren's class does this--it is a moving meditation--not to mention she plays some great music! I have been fortunate to have had a few private lessons with Lauren. She caters the private to you: if you want to work on anything in particular, she can craft an entire class just for you; if you want to work on things in general, she still crafts the class just for you. Her hands-on adjustments and catered sequencing have brought a new depth to my practice."
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KRISTINYoga Connoisseur
"What happens when you combine a rocking yoga teacher, a boyfriend that DJs and a gorgeous home studio? You get the sweat-soaked, music-infused practice at I.AM.YOU. ….. no ordinary yoga studio."
More"What happens when you combine a rocking yoga teacher, a boyfriend that DJs and a gorgeous home studio? You get the sweat-soaked, music-infused practice at I.AM.YOU in Manhattan's Little Italy. On a beautiful Saturday morning I entered class and knew immediately that this was no ordinary yoga studio. Do people really live like this in Manhattan? High, exposed wood beam ceilings, rich dark wood floors, exposed brick walls, and tons of space. With no sign outside, and Lauren’s RSVP in advance policy, this feels like a private yoga club. Smokey incense filled the air as our teacher led us through a seated deep breathing exercise. …Slowly, we began to link our breath to movement, stretching our arms and bodies to the sky as we inhaled, and folding forward as we exhaled. Lauren’s boyfriend moved from his mat to the stereo system at the front of the class and began his custom music mix. The music is an upbeat compilation of 80’s and 90’s pop, hip-hop, jazz, salsa and rock as Lauren cued us through her fast-paced sun salutation variations. Throughout the practice, Lauren put in some core strengthening poses like Vasisthasana, knee-to-nose plank and side squats from down dog (moving our knees from left to right and center). As sweat dripped from our exhausted bodies and we felt like we couldn’t continue at such lightning speed, classic Michael Jackson tunes pumped from the speakers and pushed the room to keep going. Lauren's adjustments were firm and strong as she helped even out my back in revolved Ardha Chandrasana, and massaged my aching shoulders in Sukhasana. After over an hour of fast-paced Vinyasa we moved to the floor for Urdhva Dhanurasana, finishing up with shoulder stand and plow pose. In Savasana, Lauren guided us to empty out everything and fill the space with blue light. But all I could think about was filling that empty space in my belly to replace all the calories we just burned off."
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LAURAEditor/Cyclist/Yogi
"I.AM.YOU. has great taste in music… I find it difficult to not…start dancing."
More"I.AM.YOU. has great taste in music. The pumping soundtracks are what make this yoga class different from any other I've taken, and I have practiced yoga in New York for over 15 years.. Sometimes, I find it difficult not to break my asana and start dancing to the beat."
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NATEChef/Branding Exec/Party Lover
"I’ve been blown away impressed by my personal transformation with Lauren. After just 2 months I’m 15lbs lighter and I feel GREAT [and] the way I got these results was totally doable and sustainable."
More"I’ve been blown away impressed by my personal transformation with Lauren. After just 2 months I’m 15lbs lighter and I feel GREAT!!! I have more constant energy throughout day instead of my previous caffeinated roller coster and mentally I’m much more positive, focused, and productive!!!...and I actually now love vegetables!!! The way I got these results was totally doable and sustainable. Lauren was able to understand me as a person inside and out by understanding my cravings and habits and recommend an approach that weaned me off these things in a gradual practical way that never killed me or made me cranky/angry. Here’s how I did it: 1 month nutritional coaching to gradually work me off the bad stuff and get me to like the good stuff. 1 more month nutritional coaching WITH detox program to further purge and purify my system. 1 more month nutritional coaching as I wean back to a normal life routine teaching me how to keep off the weight while still enjoying the finer things in life In addition, it didn’t hurt to rock out with Lauren’s yoga twice a week for a kick-ass workout and then hit my local Chinatown foot reflexology guy as a little reward!"
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STEFANOFund Manager/Art Collector/World Traveler
"After years on Wall Street… and chronic back problems… [I tried] a private session…Lauren is not only teaching movements; more importantly, she has given me the long-lasting gift of wanting to take care of myself."
More"I have known Lauren for 10 years...always found her energetic, entrepreneurial and perfectionist. I had never done yoga before, but after years on Wall Street, I now have a flexible work schedule, and chronic back problems, so was natural for me to try a private session with her. One session has become regular sessions every week. Lauren is patiently teaching me the ropes. The results have so far been fantastic. I feel less tired, sleep better, have better posture and miss the sessions terribly when I am away. I think Lauren is not only teaching movements; more importantly, she has given me the long-lasting gift of wanting to take care of myself. Thank you Lauren."
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MARTINHedge Funder/Foodie/Wine Collector
"After my first class at I.AM.YOU I was hooked. [Since I have also joined the] Nourishment Program at I.AM.YOU.,… I’ve lost weight and feel better than ever…. I'm happy with how I feel and look and she is responsible for that."
More"I started practicing yoga at I.AM.YOU studio as a total novice. I needed an alternative to running, so I thought "yoga might be ok". It was much more than "ok", after my first class at I.AM.YOU I was hooked. I couldn't believe how difficult it was for me. Yet, I loved it. I'm not the type who works out to look fit, I workout to allow myself to eat anything that I want without looking like a beached whale. My image of myself was "I'm fit and look just fine". Then I had my yearly physical which claimed otherwise. It was a rude awaking for me. So I began my quest to loose weight and get healthy. My purpose was to take a holistic approach to the problem. Typically anyone in my shoes looks for a quick solution. I wasn't interested in a quick fix, my intention was to get healthy and stay that way for good. Intuitively, I thought about talking to Lauren at I.AM.YOU. I figured she is one of the fittest and healthiest looking people that I know. It made perfect sense to ask her for help. I did and she agreed to help me. She quickly put together an eating plan for me under her Nourishment Program at I.AM.YOU. Her approach was very sensitive to any major or abrupt changes in my diet. We started walking slowly, instead of trying to run full speed ahead like many popular diets. She modified my diet and kept track of the food that I consumed, and now I go for the healthier options by MY CHOICE. Lauren was able to introduces foods into my diet that I never really considered before. I've lost weight and feel better than ever. Lauren changed my view of food and how I use food. My food plan was easy to follow. Everything that I eat is easy to find at my local grocery, eateries, or deli. An important element of Lauren's success with me is that she monitored my intake of food on a regular basis, which made me sensitive to what I put in my body. She is very clever. I'm happy with how I feel and look and she is responsible for that. I'm forever thankful to you Lauren!"
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TOMFather/Athlete/Meat&Potato Guy
"For first time I have BOTH the fitness part covered and the nutritional part thanks to I.AM.YOU...my family thinks [Lauren is] a fictitious superhero!"
More"For first time I have BOTH the fitness part covered and the nutritional part thanks to I.AM.YOU.. I cant believe I am basically eating salad every day. No one else can either! My family thinks [Lauren is] a fictitious superhero! Before we started I had never eaten the keys to my success, and I never even dreamed it would be possible to make the kind of changes that I have, or that I would feel 100x better after doing it."
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BLAKEFitness Director
"[Lauren is an] inspiration to me... thank you for all you do, your tumblr posts, your success, your facebook page, your long hours, your tireless work ethic, your strength, your passion, and your inspiration."
More"[Lauren is an] inspiration to me... leaving the mean streets of wall street for the serenity of the mat [is my inspiration]. Lauren thank you for all you do, your tumblr posts, your success, your facebook page, your long hours, your tireless work ethic, your strength, your passion, and your inspiration. There is one more person out here to add to your list of people you've inspired to greatness."
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PETEREveryman/Gym lover/Foodie
"Sometimes you're just looking for that little bit of extra discipline to help you get back on track - and - sometimes you're looking to strip your diet down and truly learn how to eat…Detox to Retox can accomplish both!"
More"Sometimes you're just looking for that little bit of extra discipline to help you get back on track - and - sometimes you're looking to strip your diet down and truly learn how to eat…Detox to Retox can accomplish both! The regiment is simple and easy to follow - no liquid diet leaving you weak, shaky, and starved. Lauren breaks it down to the basics and provides plenty of sample menus from which you can assemble your own daily meals. I lost weight that I didn't even think I had to lose and was more than able to keep my regular workout schedule intact! Take a few days or a few weeks to get rid of those extra lbs, get back on track, get re-energized, and get back to you…"
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"i've been to yoga studios all over the world from the netherlands to california to new york. this one is the greatest. it clears my head so when i work, i am able to produce the best designs this world has ever seen."