A life is well spent when you have, in the course of it, touched other lives and made them better.
Shashi Sarda founded Yoga Central™, and has been conducting Group Yoga Classes in bandra west, along with offering Personal Yoga Training, one-on-one Therapy Yoga and Counselling sessions, and heading Corporate Yoga Workshops and Events.
Following are some reviews and testimonials she has received.
Surbhi Bhatia
Shashi brings so much variety and variation in every class, that in the two years of being her student at Yoga Central, I feel like I have never repeated a single asana! Her focus on pranayama and breathwork centers the racing mind, first thing in the morning for me. Her classes have a rhythm that allows space to stretch, strengthen, relax and build flexibility not just in the muscles of the body, but also of the mind.
Every class of hers is a wholesome early-morning experience. It leaves one with an expanded sense of consciousness, cognition and awareness to get through the uncertainties of the day. For me, her classes are like a re-fuel station in that sense, from where I derive my morning source of energy and happy endorphins!
Thanks Shashi for imparting your knowledge, tools and sutras with us everyday, so that we are better equipped to take care of our health and happiness. Being your student has made me breathe deeper and balance better, both on and off the yoga mat!
Nitya Singh
Yoga Central classes have bestowed upon me tremendous health benefits, both mental and physical. I feel much more energetic, yet peaceful and centered through the entire day. My mindset and outlook towards life have become more positive and they give me more strength to take life's challenges in my stride. Thank you Shashi Ma'am for this wonderful gift!
Shreya Bubna
I have been doing Yoga with Shashi since 1 year now, and it has been one of best things that happened to me!! I thoroughly enjoy her classes, her amazing guidance, her keen observation, and her excellent methods of teaching. I love to challenge my flexibility and I love the calmness it has slowly bought into me.
I was recently suffering with a chronic cough, which led to a spasm on my right side high waist area (rib cage). I had reached a point where I was ready to pop pain killers and go see a physiotherapist also. Shashi helped me through this journey immaculately. She made me do some amazing therapeutic yoga sessions consisting of breathing techniques, stretches, and asanas, which really helped to release the spasm. In 2-3 classes I was much, much better and did not need to take any treatment or medication for it. The breathing techniques for reducing the cough were also very helpful.
She was also extremely concerned about me through the whole process and took a lot of care. Thank you Shashi for being an amazing and extremely caring teacher!
Nahida Coelho
Finding a good yoga teacher is like finding a good pair of jeans that fits perfectly.
I have been practicing yoga for a few years now, but was extremely irregular- till I met Shashi!
It’s been over two years and there is nothing I have been more regular with, than her classes. Shashi truly inspires you to look at yoga from within and motivates you to push yourself and ‘go a little further’, but at the same time acknowledge your limits.
Her classes are a mix of breath work, stretches and asanas, which is a perfect blend to start your day.
Shashi has truly inspired me to deepen my yoga practice, and we are truly blessed to have a teacher like her.
Tarun Kalra
, Jio
Shashi is one of those rare individuals (and professionals) who is driven by her passion to make a difference in every life she touches. Since I joined her group class, I am calmer and more energetic. I have better control on my breathing, a better posture (that I much, much needed), and a remarkably better understanding of my body. While you practice in her group class format, you are not just another person. Her attention is towards every individual, and that's how everyone in her class grows, in their own way. I can't imagine living without Yoga anymore, and most certainly while I am here I will always be learning with Shashi.
Dr. Roshan Shetty
, Pinnacle Imaging Centre
I am a practising Radiologist and ardent fan of "Shashi Yoga" (which is a subcategory on its own right)! True effects of Shashi yoga can only be realised when lockdown happens (which has become a frequent even thanks to this Covid pandemic) and body becomes frozen & feels like 20 yrs older then it’s actual age! And every new musculoskeletal issue crops up involving the spine, joints, muscles etc! Then one hour of supervised passionate yoga session with Shashi heals both physical and mental rigidity, and it feels 100 times better than the deepest spa experience one would have had experienced. Nowadays I plan my out of Bombay / out of India trips in such a way that my Tuesday & Thursday yoga sessions with Shashi are least hampered! I strongly recommend everyone to experience this temple of healing to truly judge for themselves how holistically Shashi takes care of us her students & fans!
PM
"I was introduced to Shashi Sharda by a friend when I was struggling with my anxiety issues. Shashi Sharda has changed the course of my life. She is patient, honest, compassionate and empathetic. She has an amazing ability to tell you the truth, no matter how harsh it is, without making you feel bad about it. She has enabled me to see my challenges and problems with a new perspective and I can already see the immense difference it has brought to my life. Moreover, in this world where everybody is trying to commercialize mental health, Shashi Sharda stands out with her genuine passion for her work and her intense desire to make a difference in the lives of people. She goes out of her way to help you, check on you and ensure that you don’t waver from your path. She has modified her schedule several times to accommodate my sessions as I live abroad. I cannot thank her enough for her help and support. It is because of her that I have been able to overcome my anxiety issues to a great extent. We may be in denial or we may believe that we can solve our own problems, but seeking help and undergoing therapy will help you get a different perspective that is non-judgmental, objective and honest. The best person to seek help from would be Shashi Sharda and I would strongly recommend her to everybody."
Rupsha Roy Choudhury
Shashi, what can I say about her. I have been in therapy for about 3 years now and nothing seems to have worked. My sister suggested me to have a word with her. Trust me I never felt so relieved. She listens to you and tries to understand the root cause of it. I have cried during those conversations but it was really a sign of relief that someone understood what I have been through and try to support me. She has been a boon to me and I could not thank her enough for helping me out in my journey. Thank you Shashi.
Priya Nijhara
, Disney Consumer Products
“Unlike some of the very troubling situations faced by many others, I felt I had a case of typical anxiety and over thinking that most of us go through, embroiled in my own thoughts, mostly related to work and personal relationships. And for the longest time, I thought I would manage this myself and its silly to consider speaking to someone (the idea of therapy or counselling never really occurred to me)
I had been going for Shashi’s yoga classes for over two years but wasn’t aware she was a yoga counseler. I happened to read one of the testimonials Shashi posted and so I reached out to Shashi for a casual chat to understand more about how yoga therapy worked.
In the first meeting itself, she pretty much zeroed in on some fundamental issues in my thinking, what was blocking me and what amazed me was, that she managed to do this without me giving any specific details about my current life issues. That really convinced me that she could help me navigate my thoughts and reconstruct a new way of thinking that would help me come out of some black holes in my head. Shashi gave me some simple exercises and homework with every session and she regularly followed up on me to make sure I was not slacking. I saw a definite shift in my outlook and it’s been 6 months now, and the mental shift I made with Shashi, has stayed with me and I still apply it when I feel stuck. It, of course, requires hard work and belief from my end but the tools have been really helpful. I would recommend talking to Shashi at any point, for any small or large issues that may be bogging us down, and causing anxiety or general discontentment also. Thanks Shashi and more power to you! :)”
Titash Roy Choudhury
“I have been suffering from chronic cervical and neck pain for over a year before I came to Shashi. I also suffered from severe migraine. I was also going through depression and extreme hopelessness triggered by my physical problems. By then I had already gone through physiotherapy, pain killers and tried everything. They could only give me momentary release and not a solution. Then one of my colleagues referred me to Shashi. From the very first I liked how her focus was to create a holistic therapy process that would look at improving not just my physical body but also my mind. I have been to many therapists before, but I have never met someone so dedicated, passionate and sincere in their approach. When she is working with you she is completely engrossed and is not bothered by things like time. She takes consistent follow-ups to ensure you are doing your homework. I felt completely taken care of by her but also at the same time she was strengthening me to make me take care of myself. I did around 10 sessions with her and I can’t put in words how much I have grown. She has completely transformed my perspective and outlook towards things and that in turn has helped me process situations better. My pain has subsided considerably, migraines don’t happen that frequently but most importantly now I am equipped to deal with most of the situations life has in store for me. I am happier, healthier and heartier thanks to Shashi.”
Veena (name changed)
“My path with Shashi Ma’am crossed just when I needed her the most and turns out it was the best thing that happened to me. By the time I met her I had gone through multiple failed IVF cycles. I was extremely disturbed. In my initial sessions with her she made me realise I had a lot of baggage and that I wasn’t even thinking of a baby. She made me aware of a few things about myself which really made a difference. I still replay in my head important lessons, examples she taught me, a few concepts she introduced me to will always stay with me. She never limited herself to the sessions, she encouraged me getting in touch with her whenever I needed her. She helped me clear my head. And believe it or not I just followed her lessons religiously and just when I felt better, lighter I conceived, naturally! I remember she told me once “you won’t conceive until your mind and body are open”, I understood it now. If I join the dots now, things just fell in place for me having met her at this point of time in my life. I feel extremely fortunate to have found Shashi Ma’am and will continue to seek her guidance.
Thank you ma’am you’ve touched my life and I hope this attempt of mine helps somebody out there too. Thank you!”
Mahima (name changed)
“Problem: I wanted to run away from my marriage because I wasn’t getting along with my husband. I had reached a point where my marriage didn’t seem worth my time and energy.
How sessions with Shashi helped me: The sessions helped me take charge of my life by becoming more aware about my behaviour. I’m now happy with my marriage because I did work on the inside (i.e., within me) without changing anything on the outside. Shashi made me realise how my beliefs about others were ruining my relationships with my husband and other family members. She also made me realise that I have created a difficult situation for myself with my sky-high expectations from others. The ripple effects of Shashi’s sessions have helped me in other areas of my life such as work, my self-image and other mental blocks. Since the start, Shashi’s approach was to take me on a journey where she would guide me and then equip me with all the tools that I could use throughout my life – just like a mom holds her baby’s hands for the first few times when the baby learns to walk and then the mom let’s go when she can see that the baby is good to go on her own. Shashi has helped me reach that point of self-sustainability.”
(Mahima (name changed) has finished her Yoga Counselling sessions , and is now wholeheartedly back in her marriage and much happier than before.)
Sameer (name changed)
“Dear friends in today’s tech savvy world everyone goes on ratings and make a decision but I am not here to talk about that.
This is not a story because stories are made by imagination.
Friends let me tell you about me I have suffered from a very abusive marriage and I was asked to leave the house immediately this my friends was a 16 year old love story even though my x knew I dont even have a job I was on the verge of collapse and suicidal thoughts started,I had depression, anxiety,zero confidence,fear,palpitations and sweating ,hands shivering I couldn’t hold a pen had running thoughts the list goes on and let me tell you this was only the tip of the ice berg.
I wanted to survive and live a fantastic life.
What happened next changed me completely I had lost the real me because of being constantly put down and abused so in my quest to make it through these tough time is an understatement.
I googled and found yoga central and spoke to a lady and casually asked her if yoga will help me she said come over and take a trial session I liked it and joined after a month she asked me how am I now I said I am ok for an hour only that was yoga time.looking at my condition she said what can I do for you I begged her please save me i didn't know she was also a yoga therapist.
She immediately gave me an appointment.
Now with her therapy something I would say a miracles started happening I thought I am irreparable before.
Now read my last statement carefully,
Within 6 sessions 1 hour each that is in 6 to 7 hours in 5 to 6 sessions she changed me completely now i am perfectly great feeling good about my self all the negative things in my life which was holding me as a prisoner are all gone.
And do you know who this god gifted lady is? She is Ms. Shashi Sarda and I want to give her a billion stars.
She not only a yoga therapist she saves lives and does it with her heart.
I stand to testify yes she does heal you.
Lastly to all my friends out there if you are suffering from depression,anxiety etc, please give yourself a fighting chance HELP is out there. Never give up.
My real feedback about my experience with you right from my heart.
There is more but you will say abhi bahout hogaya.
May god bless you and your family with his choicest of blessing.🙏”
Deepak
“You are my go-to person when life is rough. Its amazing how you see more positives in my life than I do. You’ve taught me one very important lesson: ‘Where fear ends, life begins’. When I first started speaking with you, I suffered from anxiety, insecurity and fear. The three feelings that can make anyone’s life hopeless. You got me out of all three and turned them into confidence, positivity and strength. And for this, I shall always be thankful. You really know the right buttons to press and have an amazing diagnostic capability for psychological problems. Hope you are able to reach out to as many mentally weak individuals as possible so that they work themselves into a better space.”
(Deepak's TSH was 67 when he met Shashi. His TSH is now 4.)
Keshav
“Hello Shashi,
I just want to give a brief light on what I have experienced after getting in touch with you. So my lifestyle has changed in a better way with the motivation that I got from you. Now I love exercising and don’t take it as a burden as I enjoy doing it. I feel light and happy as I can see the difference in what I was and what I am. You’ve filled my mind with positive energy, which keeps my inner werewolf at bay, and that was much needed for a guy like me.
I’m really thankful to get associated with you. It’s doing wonders to my health.
THANKS A TONN !”
Swati
“Thank you very much.!!
You are a true motivator, a helping hand, solution giver and the list goes on.
You were there when I needed a friend or some one who can understand me. You not just heard me but also helped me understand what exactly is the problem and gave solution to address it. The problems were small but I made them look big and you have helped me to address the root cause of the issue by giving a new direction to my thinking. Thank you for the simple quick techniques that you have given me which works like magic. After following the techniques I am not just more balanced but also I have a feel good factor about my self. Thank you for making my environment around more happy and positive.
Your talks, guidance and immediate access to you helped me come out from my world of negative thinking and understanding that life is above all that and is very beautiful to live.
Thank you once again for the helping hand."
Radhika Shah
, Infinite Analytics
Shashi is an excellent teacher – she is super positive and knows how to push you beyond your limits. I have been training with her for over 4 months now and I don’t remember a single class which is repetitive. She has something new to offer every class, making the classes nicely varied. She manages to give personal attention irrespective of the number of students in the class. She includes asanas as well as pranayama and meditation. I feel an immense improvement in my flexibility and endurance levels since I have joined her. But the icing on the cake is the location – it is serene and has a lovely vibe to it. I call myself a yoga convert, thanks to Shashi!
Radhika Makkar
, Star India Pvt. Ltd.
In the pursuit of getting a fitter well toned & back ache free body I took the chance of trying a yoga class with Shashi, not knowing what to expect. And I’m so glad I did. Shashi is not just a thorough professional & well trained in her craft but she has the ability to give individual attention even in a group class.
I have had chronic back ache for years but I can safely say thanks to Shashi I’m nearly 80% better.
Every class of Shashi has something new to offer & push ourselves just a lil harder. I don’t remember ever repeating the asans & I think that’s what makes me look forward to my sessions with her. There is no monotony.
Samta Nadeem
, lightandyou.com
I had engaged with Yoga on and off many times before. It is not until I found my current guru, Shashi Sarda, and truly experienced the transformative power of Yoga.
Due to an extensive work life my body had started facing many a health challenges early on, PCOD being one of the major concerns. I had tried allopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy and what not, over the last 7 years but failed to effectively manage this syndrome.
A year ago I took the first class with Shashi and almost immediately started seeing the changes. Since then, I’m completely off any medication, managing PCOS alongwith the other minor issues like migraine and sciatica only though Yoga! And I credit this 100% to Shashi. She’s a brilliant teacher with an unbelievable insight into the body and mind of her students. Besides the physical training, she’s taught me how to calm my mind and look inwards through closed eyes… It’s like I can connect with all my organs, cells and the very being that is me.
Neelesh Sarda
, Bajaj Finance
I always thought Yoga was boring, sitting in one place doing simple breathing exercises and light movements. However all that changed once I started attending Shashi’s morning yoga classes in Bandra west.
Right from explaining the basic concepts of Yoga to explanation of the aasans and their effect on the body, Shashi ensures that the class just doesn’t go through the motions. But the highlight of each class is the gradual, subtle and unassuming increase of intensity as the class progresses, followed by an equally gradual turn towards cooling down aasans.
Shashi has a deep understanding of the subject, gives personal attention and ensures that the class is subject to new aasans and exercises, to break any monotony. She also makes herself available after class for any personal consultations. I thank Shashi for breaking my myth about yoga and I thoroughly enjoy attending her class. Practicing yoga has helped improve my physical and spiritual health immensely.
Priya Nijhara
, Disney Consumer Products
I moved to Bandra about a year ago and wanted to join a yoga class. I tried out atleast four centres before discovering Shashi’s class and I have been hooked for the past 5 months. Shashi has a great knowledge of yoga and also of the effects the asanas can have on the body and the mind. Her classes are not repetitive at all and really allow one to explore and push one’s boundaries. She is also very attentive to individual needs and issues. The best feeling is that, the class which is at 7 am actually makes me want to wake up so I don’t miss it. Thanks Shashi!
Shital Gupta
I joined Shashi’s yoga classes with very low expectations. But to say I was pleasantly surprised is putting it rather mildly. Her classes are both subtle and rigorous. She begins the class by drawing attention inward and follows it up with breathing exercises and body awakening through various asanas. 3 months on I feel mentally more at peace and physically far more flexible. Her each class is so different and beautiful that I have even convinced my husband to join the same even though the classes now shift to a new venue and will begin at 7:00 am. Her yoga classes truly nourish mind, soul and body!!
Sarika Changwani
Shashi’s yoga classes are beyond words. The feeling at the end of each and every class is so good, it’s almost addictive. More than two years on, the difference I feel both mentally and physically is unbelievable. Month on month I have been seeing myself getting stronger, more flexible, less prone to health issues, and more at peace.
Shashi has managed to make me a yogi for life. And I cannot thank her enough for it.
Asit Sait
I started my yoga journey 12 years ago at the Sivananda institute, New Delhi and considered myself thoroughly spoiled by the excellent teachers there. Have struggled to find a good yoga studio in Mumbai until I was introduced to Yoga Central a year ago. In one word, the sessions are Brilliant. Shashi keeps us on our toes and the classes never fall into a boring routine which is important for me to stay engaged. I am hooked and happy that yoga is back in my life.
Sneha Devnani
‘Helping & Healing’ has always been her motive towards performing Yoga. This aura changed my view about Yoga & pulled me towards learning it. Though classes are conducted in groups there is still a sense of individual attention. With variations in asanas concentrating on the body & mind, her purity & dedication is majorly what adds magic to the class!
Shreya Lahori
Shashi Ma’am is a gem of a person. For me she’s just a phone call away, always there to guide & direct me. Her teachings are to be treasured as she brings harmony to both – the body and the mind. Her perfect blend of magical aasans loosens up our oh so stiff bodies keeping on its effect even on breaks!! Learning yoga under her has been one of the best things that happened to me.
Karishma Jagtiani
Holistic and rejuvenating, Shashi’s yoga classes work to calm my mind and energise my body, providing fuel to tackle the stresses and pressures of everyday life.
Daksha Patel
Shashi is an excellent teacher. I deeply appreciate the manner in which she designs her classes. Every session teaches something new. My body has become more flexible. I come out of her classes with a bounce in my step and the feeling is GREAT !!
Ananya Tandon
, KPMG
I started doing yoga at Yoga Central in May 2017 and I have been hooked onto it since my first class. Shashi clearly appreciates and attends to individual needs, irrespective of the number of people in class. I have left every class feeling better, calmer and relaxed.
For me, I started Yoga to feel better mentally and was not aware of how much my body is capable of, physically. With time, not only have I felt much better mentally but I have also done asanas that I never thought I could do or would try and that’s only because Shashi has been able to identify how much I needed to push my body and when. She is one of the most genuine and pure people I have met and I’m glad my first yoga experience has been with her. She has made me appreciate the practice and inculcated a strong passion for yoga in me. Every class of hers has something new to offer. Thank you for making my life better, Shashi!
Zoya
Thank you to Shashi’s yoga classes for an intense but rewarding yoga training. I am so grateful for the amazing mentor, the good atmosphere, and the lovely friends I have made in the process. My time with Shashi was a great experience. Some things we did in class seemed to be impossible even to come close to doing because I was really stiff in some parts of my body, especially my legs and knees. But here Shashi knows how to help, always finding the right moment to push you to a higher level of doing an asana. My feet and knees are happy to have met Shashi. I gained a lot of flexibility. Now I am able to walk for long hours without any pain or trouble, which earlier was just impossible for me to do. I’ll never forget this experience & if anyone is looking for a real ‘off-the-beaten-track’ yoga teacher, she’s the one to give a try & decide for yourself! Thank you so much Shashi for sharing your knowledge with me. I had a great time.
Mr Vijay Punjabi & Mrs Shobha Punjabi
We, a couple, Shobha & Vijay Punjabi, aged 63 & 73 years, are very fortunate to have Shashi Sarda as our teacher of Yoga for the last 3 years without any major break in between.
Following is our honest opinion about her and what Yoga has done for us.
Shashi Sarda is fabulous, brilliant, dedicated, sweet, amazing, wonderful and incredible with her teaching style. Her voice and tone is perfect, even with the soft devotional background music she plays on her portable music system which she brings along with her to our home.
She takes us through each and every posture with great demonstration and verbal instructions so much so that we feel truly energised.
Shashi has made us really passionate about Yoga and made a difference to our lives. We have observed noticeable changes in our flexibilities.
Finally, she taught us this….. "Yoga is not about just touching our toes…
Its about what we learn on the way down…"
Once again…Many Many Thanks to her…
For us…Yoga will be unstoppable… Forever…
Mr Nikhil Jain & Mrs Heena Jain
We are one of the few fortunate people where Shashi comes home to take classes.
It has been around 3 yrs since we are training under her. And we have seen tremendous changes in ourselves. My dad had an issue with his back, which has recovered drastically. Even his blood pressure, which used to be on a higher side earlier, is under check right now.
I have seen tremendous improvement in the flexibility of my body. We all are extremely happy to get yoga teachings from such a wonderful teacher.
Shashi is more like a family to us now. Every class before starting we have a very healthy chat for 10 mins. We look forward to taking advice on everything from her.
The best part is that, it’s been 3 yrs now & I think no two classes have been the same. Every class the asanas are different, the flow of the class is different & I just love the way she approaches the class. We have never had any pain in the body after the class.
Biggest fan of Shashi is my wife. Shashi has helped her a lot emotionally. And we owe that to her a lot.
Yoga with Shashi have changed a lot of things in our lives for the better.
Samta Nadeem
, lightandyou.com
I had engaged with Yoga on and off many times before. It is not until I found my current guru, Shashi Sarda, and truly experienced the transformative power of Yoga.
Due to an extensive work life my body had started facing many a health challenges early on, PCOD being one of the major concerns. I had tried allopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy and what not, over the last 7 years but failed to effectively manage this syndrome.
A year ago I took the first class with Shashi and almost immediately started seeing the changes. Since then, I’m completely off any medication, managing PCOS alongwith the other minor issues like migraine and sciatica only though Yoga! And I credit this 100% to Shashi. She’s a brilliant teacher with an unbelievable insight into the body and mind of her students. Besides the physical training, she’s taught me how to calm my mind and look inwards through closed eyes… It’s like I can connect with all my organs, cells and the very being that is me.