An Invitation

Let me take you on a journey

A journey into discovering

The true nature of the self

Which is beyond form

There is gold awaiting you

It resides in the deep recesses of you heart

It takes great courage and strength, but you can be triumphant.

I am a Movement Creator, bridging the gap between fitness and yoga. I organically weave my love of both disciplines into the services I offer. I am deeply, passionate about helping others reach their highest potential; from the inside/out.

For many years, I trained vigorously. To the point of utter and sheer exhaustion. One can say that I literally ran from my feelings. The deep pain I felt inside. My heart cries. My souls longing. How can that be? Because the physical body is only one layer. We have to love who we are on the inside. I just couldn't stop training so intensely. I prayed for direction, for guidance.

So through serendipitous events, I found my heart in yoga class. I have truly learned to listen, not just to others but to myself. As the practice of yoga presents us with the opportunity to be present; to what is happening right now. To really listen. And perhaps to see where we are not paying much attention. 

For over twenty-six years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse mix of people. Of all ages, shapes and sizes. My desire burns brightly to assist others towards deeper fulfillment. This includes being an inspirational writer and spirited teacher. This is my path. This is my highest calling. A gift that I treasure with every fiber of my heart and soul..

What is Movement with Soul?

It is the concept of moving from a place of deep intention. Creating harmony from the inside/out. Through the movement itself, space is created to experience greater receptivity and transformation. A state of expansiveness is achieved which facilitates growth and deep healing. In a direction that is in alignment with your highest potential. May these words alone empower you to touch into the deepest parts of who you are.

I believe we all hold the capacity to transform; not just our physique, OUR exterior,  but also our interior landscape. Who you are now is a result of all your past experiences. Who you desire to become takes shape as you transform who you are today into who you dream of becoming tomorrow. We are more powerful than we could ever imagine. With consistency and commitment to self, anything is possible. What we believe you surely can become.

My teachings are multi-dimensional;

IN MINd            IN BODY             IN SPIRIT

All these elements work synergistically to create symmetry, balance and union. Our physical bodies have a tendency to hold onto stagnant energy. This may create blockages. Not just on a physical level but also emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. This energy needs to move and be released. We do that by moving the body, mindfully. I apply a unique philosophy to lovingly assist you in a grounded way. These four elements work synergistically to encapsulate a template for your highest evolution.

The Four Elements:

Something led you here, so let's explore a bit more..

We all desire to lead an abundant life. How we feel about ourselves is everything. Especially as it relates to our health and well being. Who wouldn't desire to feel stronger, more empowered? Not just physically (which is a great feat) but also on an emotional and energetic level.

At numerous junctures, you may have embarked on that next best thing. That quick fix promising to be the answer to your prayers. Be it exercise, yoga (they are quite different) or that juice cleanse. But nothing seemed to stick. You've done just about everything but find yourself utterly exhausted, frustrated and just plain fed up. The truth is there is no magic formula. What works is consistency. Consistency to self, consistency to showing up. Even when you may not feel like it. Especially when you don’t feel like it.

My approach to movement/wellness is nurturing, nourishing and supportive. Where you feel really good about yourself. I often tell clients if they do not like something that is offered, I will find another way. No exercise (or anything for that matter) is that important, especially if it makes you feel miserable. My job is to leave you feeling uplifted, invigorated and powerful. Not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. Remember, "It all about the journey, not the destination..."

There is a fine balance between what the body desires and what the body needs. When it comes to movement, my intuition is the guiding force. The body speaks in moments. It is like a road map that shows different ways of navigating. Sometimes what is called for is to push a bit more and at other junctures to pull back.

Clients often say they feel grounded, uplifted and inspired after working together. They didn't know that they could perform the challenges being asked of them. And to their surprise, they are amazed at what they can do. Not only do they become physically stronger, but emotionally empowered. Their ability to communicate, to listen to their intuition and be present, are just some of the feedback I have received.

So I ask you, “Are you ready now?

Choose from the following sessions:

Testimonials

I've known and worked with Denise Brandi for more than a decade. She's an incredibly knowledgeable and super-talented personal trainer and yoga teacher. But what I like most about her is her intuitiveness and dedication to working with the whole person. She not only got me looking great for my daughter's wedding, but she also used yoga to lower my anxiety level. She adapts our workouts to my mood and energy level, gently coaxing me along on difficult days and challenging me when she senses that I need a push. She's kind, funny and interesting, and a totally terrific person.

~Laurie Meisler, Rankings Editor: Bloomberg News

I've never been an athlete and my goals weren't simple. Building muscles and gaining strength while enhancing flexibility in a body that was anything but flexible. Building cardio performance and preventing injuries in someone who started running half-marathons in middle age; improving physical idiosyncrasies and perhaps most important, understanding what we were doing and why. Denise's knowledge is based on extensive training and a breadth of experience that enable her to combine disciplines and create programs that are specific to the client. Whenever I was in the gym without her, other regulars would come up to me and comment on the interesting workouts I seemed to be doing with my trainer. It's been more than a decade since we first met and I'm still running, still working out, still doing yoga and still improving them all.

~Steve A., Public Relations

Denise is a spiritual warrior who brings her heart, passion and knowledge to each workout session. Whether strength training, or helping me to rehab an injury, Denise's insights and intuition helped me achieve my wellness goals.  She knows when to push and when to be gentle, and uses a variety of training modalities, including yoga, that make every workout interesting and meaningful.  

~Lori Kaplan, Owner and Maven at Bratenders Nyc

I have spent over a decade working with Denise. During that time, I have found her to be diligent, intuitive and thoughtful. Her wisdom as a trainer always impressed me. She is a skillful instructor and motivator who consistently elicited clear focus and movement from me. It was apparent that her instruction was rooted in a comprehensive understanding of anatomy as well as having a deep foundation in Eastern movement and yoga. Additionally, she has always been receptive to inevitable changes in energy levels and unexpected stresses and strains which had cropped up over time. She has always been flexible and highly inventive in finding the best ways to work together. She always arrived at the best possible modality of movement on any given day. Finally, her sincere concern with my physical and psychic well being was a constant. Denise's commitment to personal growth and development was always infused through her teaching style through the years... 

~Jackie M.

I was almost 60 when I decided to start to practice yoga. I was fit but stiff, and intimidated at the prospect of joining a class as a complete amateur. Denise introduced me to yoga practice and worked and practiced with me individually for eighteen months, before I left NYC to liven the country. It was simply a wonderful experience on every level-emotional, physical and spiritual. Denise was my teacher and guide and became, almost inevitably, my close friend. As a teacher, she is clear, careful and precise: demanding but gentle. I made great progress and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Her approach was a balance between the physical activity and the spiritual underpinnings of the practice-a perfectly measured balance for an open-minded but not entirely unskeptical newbie. It's been two years since we have practiced together but I still hear her voice reminding me just how to place my hands in down dog.

~Dan S. Sternberg, Legal Counsel

The possibilities are endless... Shall we explore?