Student experiences

Don and Gayle -  Parkinson's Disease for 28 years.  As Don's wife I am in awe of Jaya's commitment to make every minute she is with Don work to his benefit - from movement to humor to alert his brain, etc.  You are one in a million. And I am grateful for you. 

My sessions with Jaya over the past 6 years provide me with essential challenges that keep me moving in my hips and legs, relief from stiffness, increased flexibility, and improved balance and coordination. Every class is specific to my daily needs and goals.   Jaya approach is holistic, working to improve my breathing, speech, and cognition as well as inspiring me to explore my artistic abilities and new hobbies. She is a valued member of our team working together to live well with Parkinson's. The breadth of her knowledge and her demeanor and dedication are unique and outstanding.  Certainly, I can't imagine where I would be if not for her.

During a recent initial visit from an Occupational Therapist, she stated that she was surprised at how well I was doing for how long I have had Parkinson's. We know, without the continue and committed effort I would be in a very different condition.  

Sherry M. - I was in physical therapy for balance and neck issues.  It was he who suggested I work more deeply with Jaya Jacobs, a Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis Movement Educator. I began seeing her twice a week in July of 2025, and the changes I've experienced have been profound. Through Jaya's guidance, I have awakened my spine. For the first time, I feel connected to my seed center, the true center of movement, my pelvis, and tailbone, and I am learning how to move with support rather than strain.  The focus on spinal movement and integration leaves me feeling lighter, supported and at ease in my body. After each session, I feel energized, grounded and genuinely connected to myself...Body and Mind.  

Jaya's teaching is thoughtful, precise, and deeply supportive.  Working with her has changed no only how I move but how I inhabit my body.  

Gina S - (60)  Several months ago, I was looking for a way to improve sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, excessive sitting, restricted breathing and fear of falling.  I read about a movement modality known as Gyrotonic, and Gyrokenesis.  Reading of it's unique techniques to improve my balance, elongate my spine, strengthen my breathing. The instructor, Jaya Jacobs, was very welcoming and eased any apprehension I had.  Her easy manner, clear instructions, visual and verbal cues make it easy for me to understand the movements and connections I would be making in my body.  Her extensive background in holistic practices gave me confidence in her knowledge and experience, and is brilliant at relaying that to me, even when I think I can't, Jaya shows me I can. And that alone is worth a lot. My outlook on my future is so much brighter now. 

After the first class, my body felt straighter and lighter.  I'm progressing, and seeing changes in how I stand, and walk;  softening, releasing tightness in areas of restriction.   Jaya is so patient and her positive reinforcement is enabling me to feel safe when trying new positions and movements, stretching but not straining my body past its current limits.  I am connected to my core and smooth in my movements than I was just three short months ago.  My flexibility and range of motion and self awareness makes me feel confident as fearless of falling.   I can't wait to see how I feel a year from now!

I am incredibly grateful to Jaya and Gyrotonic/Gyrokenesis for showing me what was possible for my maturing body, and for helping to strengthen my resolve to live a healthier, more authentic life.

Kim K. -  (47) - I really appreciate her patience while I learn the techniques. Jaya is wonderful at verbal cues, and illustrations when presenting new concepts. Jaya is very hands-on and makes sure I understand the origin of movements, specifically targeting my lower back and hip pain (which I've suffered from for years and that physical therapy and other forms of exercize never seem to resolve). Working with Jaya has made all the difference, especially in building strength and support to my core and seed center. Jaya is upbeat and positive and super fun! My daughter and I have a great time in our class and I am so thankful to have found such a phenomenal teacher!

Lily K. -  (19) - Jaya is a great instructor, consistently showing me the importance of focusing on my seed/core center and how strengthening that strengthen everything else.  Jaya continually encourages and inspires the class to get better, while also being aware of each of our limitations.  Gyrotonics has been a great way to strengthen, stretch and heal all areas, especially my back, maintain better posture and be conscious how I carry myself.