Client Testimonials

I love your ability to guide us into a deep and positive meditation in such a short time.

Thank you for leading the group coaching session – Meditation: Breathing for Focus. Your meditation was truly calming and inspiring. You offered a pure perspective on handling the mind. I love your ability to guide us into a deep and positive meditation in such a short time. You were amazing!

Julian R.
Moderator
wellnesscoach.live
2024

Sofija has a wealth of knowledge, it is apparent her love of helping people shines through when I had my private yoga session. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of having a private yoga session with Sofija. She is friendly, professional and intuitive. Sofija has a wealth of knowledge, and it is apparent her love of helping people shines through when I had my private yoga session.

We are very fortunate to have such an experienced yoga teacher here in the Curra/Chatsworth area.

Annie B.
Reiki Practitioner
2024

Regular Mat Pilates has helped relieve [my nerve problem] and after the first session I started to notice the difference.

I have had a chronic sciatic nerve problem in my left hip for several years, most likely from childbirth. I have found that regular Mat Pilates has helped relieve it and after the first session I started to notice the difference.

I’ve just finished my first 10-weeks with Sofjia and I’m feeling good all over. Looking forward to keeping my body feeling healthy and pain free for a long time to come.

Margaret B.
Former Pharmacy Dispensary Technician
2024

Can’t wait for next week’s classes.

The classes are fantastic, such a great addition to our Curra community for body, mind and soul. Thank you Sofija for your expertise and knowledge. Can’t wait for next week’s classes.

Karen M.
Former Personal Assistant to CEO
2024

I found her to be the most excellent teacher I have ever had!

Sofija, the pilates/movement/relaxation expert, I learnt how to do things perfectly with her at Living Valley Health Retreat that I never learnt properly 35 years ago. This has made a huge difference for me as I’m now on the correct path to healing an injury rather than making it worse with the wrong technique.

She is kind and patient. I found her to be the most excellent teacher I have ever had!

Nancy B.
Custodian and Researcher
Lucia Light Explorer, Melbourne
2023

You absolutely do have an incredible gift and each time I have flowed with you it has been truly transcendental.

It was sooo wonderful to connect again on Sunday at your Gentle Yoga and Meditation class at Morning Light Studio.

You absolutely do have an incredible gift and each time I have flowed with you it has been truly transcendental. I’m sure others have a similar experience… they may just not have the words or confidence to express it.

I’m so excited for your journey, listen to the call of your heart… as it is rarely wrong.

Laura C.
Owner/Acupuncturist
Nautilus Acupuncture
2023

Thanks so much for all that you do for our guests, you’re amazing.

I just wanted to pass on this wonderful feedback from Marian: “The staff were an absolute delight. Sofija was unbelievable as a Personal Trainer and Pilates Teacher, her knowledge and being able to communicate was truly amazing. A brilliant staff member to have on the team.

Natalie B.
Operations Manager
Living Valley Health Retreat
2023

I feel very lucky and privileged to have had time with you.

Thank you so much for your guidance and wisdom that made such a big impact on my life while I was at Living Valley Health Retreat. You’re a very special human being and I feel very lucky and privileged to have had time with you.

Michelle Q.
Management Consultant MBA
2022

We loved it. Learnt a lot.

Thank you for my programme and the amazing support during our stay at the Living Valley Health Retreat. We loved it. Learnt a lot. Already doing the Polyvagal exercises and breathing technique as I battle back into reality and work. Full on. Once I settle I’ll get into my personalised Pilates and foam roller exercises.

Leanne S.
Director
2022

Your coaching skills adjusted my thoughts and put my life back on track.

I was impressed by the level of professionalism and the depth of knowledge that Sofija has when I first attended her Yoga and Meditation classes. Sofija’s caring and helpful nature encouraged me to take a coaching session with her when I had a problem at work that impacted on my mental and physical health.

Sofija has guided me to set my priorities in life and empowered me with skills to deal with unwanted negative thoughts. Thank you Sofija, your coaching skills adjusted my thoughts and put my life back on track.

Elham S.
Primary Teacher
2021

It has given me the confidence to go back to gym classes.

Sofija has helped me to get my body moving again in a supportive and encouraging environment. I have fibromyalgia, and wanted a trainer who understood my limitations and could educate me on the types of movements that my body would respond to. I didn’t want a PT to just smash me – that’s how I ended up with injuries that triggered my fibromyalgia. We’ve been able to create a consistent exercise pattern that has given me the confidence to go back to gym classes. Even during COVID-19 we have kept up the weekly sessions via zoom. I’m grateful!

Rebecca G.
National Communications Advisor
Healius Limited
2020

Having Sofija in your corner as your coach in all aspects is a true gift!

I first met Sofija when she was teaching my Yin Yoga and Meditation class. Having never done yoga in my life, I’d just joined my local studio with an aim to improve my flexibility as I was worried about injuring myself at the gym. Little did I know that this was going to be just the tip of my wellness journey! With her innate intuition Sofija was able to connect not just the body aspects I’d gone to yoga for in the first place, but also teach me that your mind and soul need to be united and worked on in order to develop and find true contentedness within.

As someone used to working in high paced roles in a demanding industry, I was used to ignoring any physical or mental discomfort and cues to ‘keep on keeping on’, so this whole Being concept was something I’ve always struggled to prioritise as it didn’t seem as “action” focussed as I was used to. Sofija’s wealth of knowledge has been instrumental in allowing me to explore all aspects of myself, enabling me to be stronger both mentally and physically than I’ve ever been before, and to feel very connected to myself and to the world around me. I now practice Online Mat Pilates and Mindfulness with Sofija, which have helped me maintain the work/life balance I’ve always strived for, as well as providing a valuable community of likeminded people I can interact with both during and outside of classes.

Sofija truly cares about her students and has provided support and advice that goes beyond the classroom, including providing advice on nutrition and career which has been intuitively offered when I needed it the most. Having Sofija in your corner as your coach in all aspects is a true gift, with her intuitive care and professional knowledge uniting to provide the advice you need when you need it.

Jenna C.
Head of Reserving
2020

Feeling so much better than when I arrived.

I had the privilege of participating in Sofija’s Pilates and Yin Yoga classes during the whole of 2019. Always so impressed by her knowledge, creativity and attention to detail in her Pilates classes which visibly increased my core strength and muscle fitness and continues to do so.

Her Yin Yoga classes constantly improved my breathwork which in turn released the tension and stress that I often brought to class and had me leaving Sofija’s classes with a greater sense of calm and wellbeing, feeling so much better than when I arrived.

Then came 2020 – the year that promised so much, a new cycle whose name even had a great ring to it. The Pilates and Yin Yoga classes that I had been attending with Sofija had a great energy to them and I looked forward to continuing in this new year. And then, almost out of nowhere the coronavirus struck! COVID19 that has turned the world upside down, inside out and created a surreal like environment that we have been forced to live in and that continues today – our family and cultural lives upturned.

One of the most demanding issues we have been faced with in 2020 is surviving in this environment – surviving with our spiritual, mental and physical health intact. In this environment I have welcomed so much my Hatha Yoga/Meditation and Reformer Pilates classes with Sofija and an opportunity to feel that stillness and calm she leads us with, contributing greatly to my mental and physical health and wellbeing during these difficult times. I leave these classes reconnecting with a deeper sense of calm and stillness and with renewed energy. I continue thanking Sofija for her skill, commitment and dedication to our health and wellbeing and playing such an important part in contributing to our life force at this point in time. Namaste.

Robyn H.
Adult and Cultural Educator
2020

I can’t wait for the next class!

Thank you Sofija for the restorative Yin Yoga and Meditation class this evening via Zoom! My first ever zoom class! It was lovely to escape the COVID-19 craziness and remind ourselves of the wonderful benefits of slowing down, getting centered and being grateful for all the little things… like yoga/meditation in the comfort and privacy of our living rooms. I can’t wait for the next class!

Elizabeth F.
Project Officer (Communications)
NSW Government
2020

Sofija is highly knowledgeable and intuitive.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be taught Pilates and Yoga by Sofija. Sofija’s attention to detail and simple communication style has enabled me to improve my Pilates and yoga practice as well as my overall well – being in a short space of time. Sofija is highly knowledgeable and intuitive. Acutely aware of others needs and capabilities. I admire Sofija’s commitment to personal growth, curiosity to learn and ability to inspire and respectfully challenge others to reach their potential – through the physical body, mind and soul. A true example of how powerful human connection and coaching can be when choosing to live a balanced and fulfilling life.

Elizabeth R.
Senior Change Manager
Westpac
2020

I walk away from all your classes refreshed, energised and increasingly more mindful.

I note to say thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and passion of pilates and yoga in such a caring and authentic way. Your consistent focus on breathing patterns, abdominal muscle engagement and small movement of deep core muscles during the past few months have made such a difference to my core strength, flexibility, technique, tone and overall well-being. Your unique coaching style, embracing both the physical and spiritual aspects of self, means I walk away from all your classes refreshed, energised and increasingly more mindful. Namaste.

Rita D.
Customer Experience Director
2020

I cannot control life, I can control the experience of my life.

I met Sofija when attending the Body Shapers’ Women’s Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley and I can say wholeheartedly that I am so grateful our paths have crossed. She is knowledgeable, professional, encouraging, approachable and truly inspirational – and that is all from being with her for just one weekend! I had started my personal growth development, firstly by joining the Body Shapers to lose a bit of weight and get my fitness back, but I then realised I needed to work on my emotional wellbeing also. I began my journey by listening to books and podcasts but I really needed some personal interaction to cement what I had been learning – and Sofija did just that!

From her Yoga/Meditation sessions, to “The Four Dimensions of Being” and “Mindfulness” workshops I have not only learnt to understand the deeper meaning of my whole Being but to relax and regroup and introduce Mindfulness into my everyday routine. I have so much more to learn and explore and hope Sofija will continue to guide me on my journey.

Pamela W.
Director
Weir Admin Services Pty Ltd
2019

I felt the benefits of feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

I have been lucky to participate in a work based mindfulness class run at lunch time. From the first half hour session, I felt the benefits of feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated. Each week Sofija helps you develop a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how to put this into practice. It’s lovely to see the visible changes in the group. I would highly recommend Sofija for corporate wellbeing programs.

Kathy P.
Business Analyst
Resimac
2019

I have to say this was even better… I’m blown away.

That was amazing! Can’t wait to be able to do it myself. It’s going to change my life… smiling so much on the inside. P.S. I do a yoga class and meditation every week, but I have to say this was even better… I’m blown away. In fact, everyone I’ve spoken to is saying how good it was… even the sceptics.

Liza J.
Human Resources Manager
Resimac
2019

I have seen a noticeable difference in my overall appearance, strength and flexibility.

Sofija has been my Reformer Pilates instructor for six months and, in that time, I have seen a noticeable difference in my overall appearance, strength and flexibility. It’s nice when friends and family comment on the changes too. If you want to lose weight, tone up, increase strength and be your ‘best self’ then get in contact with Sofija. As a highly trained fitness instructor, nutritionist and wellbeing educator, Sofija will tailor her approach to your needs and work at the level of mind, body and spirit to achieve positive transformation.

Belinda M.
University Lecturer
2019

I’ve been practising Pilates for over 22 years and Sofija certainly is to be put on a pedestal.

After attending Sofija’s Mindful Well-Being session I was truly impressed by her amazing ability to connect with our individual needs. This session allowed me to unlock so many mysteries on how the mind plays such a major role and how I could apply this knowledge for my own wellbeing in everyday life. Sofija displays passion and utmost devotion during this session and her caring, friendly approach is to be admired. I hope to attend many more of these sessions in the future.

Sofija’s Pilates classes have also been not only FUN to be part of but her knowledge of the anatomy and how every muscle group works is always clearly applied throughout the class. Her understanding of each individual needs i.e. strengths and weaknesses is truly unique. I look forward to each of her varied classes, she goes the extra mile and is a true inspiration. I’ve been practising Pilates for over 22 years and Sofija certainly is to be put on a pedestal.

Alinta C.
Semi-Retired Interior Designer
2019

After attending my first Yin Yoga class, I’ve never slept better!

After years of neglect to my body I decided to bite the bullet and take up yoga at Jannali Healthcare Centre. After attending my first Yin Yoga class on a Monday night, I’ve never slept better! Sofija is a Professional Yoga and Pilates Teacher with over a decade of experience. Her commitment to her practice and philosophy shine through and she has dedicated her life to teaching others what she has learnt through her life. It has become a regular fixture to my weekly routine and has made me a better person for it.

Wendy R.
Executive Assistant
All Pain Care
2019

Sofija puts an extraordinary effort into helping me achieving my goals.

Sofija is an awesome coach with a very broad knowledge in personal training, strength training, yoga, pilates, nutrition and mindset. She combines all of this to individually tailor her sessions to the personalities, bodies and needs of her clients. Sofija puts an extraordinary effort into helping me achieving my goals. I have learned a great deal about exercising in a sustainable way and about my own body in the almost 2 years that I have been training with her.

Barbara D.
P+C Service Manager
Tonkin + Taylor
2019

I always leave feeling much better than when I arrived.

Attending Sofija’s Yogilates class is one of the highlights of my working week. The classes are challenging but tailored to different needs and ability levels. Sofija has catered well to my injuries and helped me to build up strength and prevent further damage. The class itself is very friendly and I love the fact that it provides an opportunity to have a bit of a laugh and take a true break during the work week. It is also great for dealing with stress. I always leave feeling much better than when I arrived.

Catherine S.
Change Specialist
Telstra
2019

Don’t be put off by your age – give it a try.

My name is Brian, I am in my seventies. Unfortunately, I suffer from lower back pain, resulting from a work incident many years ago. My pain levels vary from a continuous dull pain to a debilitating pain that have prevented me from doing anything remotely physical. I decided to try Mat Pilates to see if it would give me any pain relief, I was so surprised that after only a few weeks my pain levels became much better. By continuing with the Mat Pilates on a regular basis my pain has continued to improve, in fact I can now play 18 holes of golf twice a week without using any pain medication. I’m sure that achieving my significant reduction in pain is largely due to the help of Sofija Vracar who has guided me through each Mat Pilates session. Sofija is well respected in the health industry for her knowledge and I would recommend her to anyone who is thinking of trying Pilates. So, don’t be put off by your age – give it a try.

Brian R.
Retiree and Golf Enthusiast
2018

Since starting I’ve had fewer visits to the physio.

I’m sixty, male and a keen skier, body surfer and runner. I’ve been doing Hatha Yoga now for over three years. For me it’s a supplement to regular gym work – and other exercise. Both my gym coach and I have noticed improved flexibility and coordination. Growing up, these were never my strong suit, and it’s great to feel an improvement. Besides enabling my sporting interests, yoga has helped me manage the various aches and pains that come with long hours working behind a PC monitor. I found that the ergonomic guidelines weren’t enough. Since starting I’ve had fewer visits to the physio. Sofija runs a fun, accessible class and varies the program contents. You can start any time. There is no need for new starters to feel self-conscious, we have all been new starters and we are all still learners. And I’ve made a few new friends. Recommended!

Tim G.
IT Specialist
Telstra
2018

Within weeks I felt stronger and more confident in my abilities.

Having sustained a number of injuries in the past few years I was a little apprehensive when I first signed up for Yogilates and Pilates classes but Sofija quickly put my mind at ease. She has a deep understanding and knowledge of biomechanics; how the body moves and the capacity of joints, bones and ligaments to perform certain actions and this is why she is such an excellent pilates/yoga instructor. She worked with me to address my problem areas and at times adapting different movements to best suit my needs. Within weeks I felt stronger and more confident in my abilities and this continued throughout each term.

Karly G.
Event Manager
BT Financial Group
2017

She understands each student’s needs and encourages them to achieve their best.

Sofija is an excellent Yoga Instructor who understands each student’s needs and encourages them to achieve their best. Her Meditations at the end of each Yoga class are very refreshing and a great way to get back into work. As well as her great knowledge of physical attributes, Sofija has a great understanding and rapport with people.

Les B.
Strategic Manager
Telstra
2015

I always find the topics logically presented and easy to understand.

Sofija is a very professional Presenter and Educator – passionate, personal, empathetic, knowledgeable are all words that can be used to describe Sofija, but they only provide part of the story. She is also extremely tolerant and ensures all participants understand the topic being presented, and has on many occasions extended personal one on one time to her students to ensure they are competent. As a student, I always find the topics logically presented and easy to understand. Sofija speaks very clearly and at a language level consistent with her audience… be it children, adults, other fitness and medical experts.

Dom O.
Senior TM1 Consultant
2015

Her holistic approach has benefit me and my family in so many ways.

I have been working with Sofija for nearly 2 years. If history is any indicator I should have given up by now but Sofija’s non judgmental, realistic and highly encouraging approach has meant quitting has never crossed my mind. Over this time I have discovered muscles I never thought I had and I have even learnt to use them. I have developed core strength and changed my shape. Whenever I have exercised in the past I would inevitably strain my neck or back and do more damage than good. Sofija’s expert instruction has ensured I have never gone home sore and sorry for myself.

Sofija puts the personal in Personal Trainer. Sofija seems to always meet me where I am at and help me to move forward steadily. I have struggled all my life with non-existent core muscles and I can proudly say, thanks to Sofija, I now know how to use all my core muscles in every exercise. Sofija has helped me to challenge all aspects of my life which have contributed to my unhealthy choices in the past. Her holistic approach has benefit me and my family in so many ways. Through Sofija’s encouragement I have been challenged to live the whole of my life in the way I always intended. I always look forward to our time together. Sofija’s professionalism and expertise can not be faulted.

Louella H.
Strategic Manager
2014

I would highly recommend Sofija to anyone who is trying to recover from a sports injury.

After too much golf one week in May 2010, I suffered a full thickness juxta insertion tear to my supraspinatus tendon in my left shoulder. This was diagnosed in November after an MRI. The width of the tear was 11mm and the amount of retraction in the long axis of the supraspinatus was 9mm. This meant I had great restriction of movement of my arm and pain with most movements. Everyday life was most difficult. I started Rehabilitation Training with Sofija in November, 2010 and by May 2011, I had full range of movement again and more importantly, she taught me how to improve my core strength and is now focusing on strength training for my shoulder muscles. Sofija has impressed me with her knowledge, professionalism and ability to understand my fear of not wanting to injure myself again. As she has worked with me, I can see that she is helping me to move forward from my injury and to position me so that I will not cause another injury to myself because of poor posture. I would highly recommend Sofija to anyone who is trying to recover from a sports injury.

Catherine P.
Office Manager
2013

This has aided my recovery from surgery and enabled me to return to full training 6 months ahead of schedule.

I have been seeing Sofija for about 2 years now after being introduced to her at the gym. She has helped me through the rehabilitation of both my shoulders after having reconstructions on both sides. Sofija has taken a lot of time to prepare sessions each week that will not only enable me to return to playing AFL, but to continue living without limitation. I feel that she takes a genuine interest in all her clients and not only trains you once a week but continually checks up on you to see how you are, physically and mentally. This has aided my recovery from surgery and enabled me to return to full training 6 months ahead of schedule.

Whilst seeing Sofija she has also educated me in the importance of correct technique, stretching alongside strength and a balanced diet. Thanks to Sofija I have been able to loose the weight I put on after surgery, improve my diet, and my strength and flexibility have improved dramatically. I would highly recommend Sofija to anybody with sports injuries!

Rhys V.
Full-time University Student
2012

Sofija’s work has completely transformed my life.

I first met Sofija at the beginning of her Yoga Class, she identified my pelvic/hip injury as soon as I walked into the class, before I had even opened my mouth or sat down! The fact that she was so observant to notice immediately, was how I knew I was in safe hands at the beginning. Sofija’s work has completely transformed my life. After surviving many illnesses in my youth and numerous pnuemothoraxes, a spinal fracture, hip injury and glandular fever, for the first time in my life I am healthy! I credit my new found health, energy and positivity to Sof. Her extremely caring nature, endless amounts of wisdom and practical advice have helped me form a new life for myself. I will always be grateful for her thorough work with me, internal and external! And her passion for helping people find their health and happiness.

Elana M.
Journalist
2011

Through Sofija’s guidance my hip has improved more than I could ever have hoped for and I have avoided the need to have surgery.

I first began to train with Sofija after she was recommended to me by one of her clients. I had recently injured my hip and had daily pain, which made sleeping and day-to-day activities painful and difficult. After almost twenty years spent attending dance classes I was very upset to find myself in this position and was told by specialists that surgery was my only option. Thank goodness I found Sofija at this stage! Sofija was so understanding and from my first session with her I felt confident that she would help me improve. Sofija’s approach of gradually building my strength and introducing new exercises worked brilliantly. As the weeks passed I had less and less pain and now, one year later I can do most activities without pain. Sofija instilled confidence in me to trust my body and to work consistently to allow my muscles to retrain, so that they will work correctly and support my body. Through Sofija’s guidance my hip has improved more than I could ever have hoped for and I have avoided the need to have surgery. I am truly thankful for Sofija’s advice and support over the past year.

Sally O.
Educator
2011

The Wellness and Relaxation Retreat was an amazing experience!

The Wellness and Relaxation Retreat was an amazing experience! I met many individuals on the same path wanting to rejuvenate and relax away from the usual busy Sydney surroundings. Being a Vegetarian I was in heaven with the food that Portia Tresselt (Raw Food Chef) had provided us with at breakfast and dinner, which inspired me with ideas to cook back home. We were blessed with such wonderful weather, especially on the day of our ocean kayaking, an experience I will never forget being the first ones in the water! The view from our walk around Byron Bay Heads was absolutely stunning and the whale watching tour was great as well. To top our activities off, our Yoga and Meditation Classes at dawn and dusk was a wonderful way to bring clarity to the mind after a long day. The cottages we stayed in were lovely and cosy tucked into the Byron hinterland, and the presence of our wonderful Sofija made it definitely worthwhile!

Holly D.
Tertiary Student
2011

Yoga with Sofija has been instrumental in coping with my anxiety and depression.

Sofija’s Yoga Classes are simply wonderful; it’s near impossible to describe how her classes have calmed my life. I leave each lesson feeling lighter in body and mind, as if the weight of the week’s stresses have been totally alleviated. My once-painful back no longer bothers me and my core is so much stronger. Yoga with Sofija has been instrumental in coping with my anxiety and depression; she has guided me with empathy and grace into a stronger and more peaceful person.

Alice W.
Full-time Dancer
2010