Laura McNamara Yoga
As a practitioner of yoga since the mid 1990’s, Laura loves sharing tools and techniques for stretching, strengthening, softening, stress management, and cultivating calm. After 28 successful years in the events industry and a degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Communications, teaching is a natural and joyful second act career progression.
Laura is a Certified Yoga Teacher from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health and registered with Yoga Alliance. Her Meditation teaching certificate is from the Temple of Kriya Yoga in Chicago.
A four-year apprenticeship with Gabriel Halpern, named by Yoga Journal in 2016 as one of ten influential teachers who have shaped yoga in America, generated valuable experiential learning on the many benefits of yoga and breathwork. Laura co-edited Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa, a textbook on the breathing and postures of the primary series by her teacher, David Garrigues, certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
A member of IYNAUS (Iyengar Yoga North America United States) and IAYT (International Association of Yoga Therapists), Laura is a lifelong learner. When she’s not stretching on the mat, she enjoys running, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her husband and adult children.
“I started Laura’s practice at a very stressful time in my life, and she truly helped to recenter me and still my anxious mind, with effects lasting long after class. I always feel so powerful and calm when I leave.”
Maria D.
“I’m so happy I found Laura’s class—I feel calmer the moment I walk in. Laura is a kind soul, and it truly emanates in every session; she reminds us that yoga is a practice and creates a space to learn and grow.”
Mary L.
“I really enjoy taking Laura’s yoga classes. Early mornings on the rooftop watching the sun rise ground me, and her meditations for the day are always inspiring. Laura curates a perfect mind and body experience that’s good for the soul.”
Debbie K.
"I practice yoga with Laura every Saturday morning. There is no better way to start my weekend. She always challenges us and is very attentive to her students…constantly checking in and adjusting the class to fit what we need that week. She is simply the best instructor out there."
Mike D.
“I always knew that a regular yoga practice would be good for me, but I could never really get into it. It turns out that the yoga instructor makes all the difference! Laura is an amazing instructor and has inspired me to practice weekly with her. I feel like a new person after each of her classes. She’s the best!”
Peter C.
“I’ve been taking Laura's classes for over a year, and her calm, kind, and attentive approach creates a truly welcoming space. Not only do her sessions bring a deep sense of calm, they've also greatly improved my flexibility and balance. During a difficult time of grieving, she took the time to listen and even learn the Moon Salutation to help me build a meaningful daily ritual - it helped me more than I can express. As she reminds us in every class, this is your yoga practice, it's not yoga perfect, and that spirit is what makes her so special.”
Jennifer H.
“My 4+ years practicing with Laura have helped me realize not only my physical strength, but also my emotional and mental tenacity. Via her thoughtful meditations, quotes, lessons, and breathwork, she has grounded my mind and body into positive focus, helping me through my cancer treatments and high blood pressure. She supports me through anxious days and has given me lifelong tools to use when feeling stressed.
In addition to the mental clarity and emotional balance her classes bring, her knowledge of human anatomy, yoga philosophy, and technique continuously challenge me physically. After every class, I feel strong and revitalized. Laura’s practice has changed my body into a more sinewy, able physique. Through the years, she has helped relieve various aches and pains, including hip, ankle, and shoulder pain, through her carefully tailored strengthening, stretching, and breathwork.
Laura teaches a well-rounded practice that truly nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. She cares about her students and listens to their goals and concerns, working with them side-by-side. I cannot recommend her practice enough. Truly a life-changing gift!”
Annette D.