I am loving Yoga Vista Academy!! I went through this class a few years back and decided to re-visit. So glad I did!! Sherry and the teachers are incredibly positive and the anatomy is presented in an easy-to-understand manner with just enough information to get it. I have taken way too many trainings (😆😆) and this, by far, is the best.
Testimonials: Online Courses
Jeanne Valenti, River Vale, NJ
I turned 82 yrs young this past Aug. I opened up a yoga studio in my home. Word is slowly leaking out about me and I can’t even imagine what my days will be this coming year. Because of you, I found somatic yoga. I’ve taken James’s course and have been doing this for myself for two years. I feel great, better than ever! So I decided to incorporate as much of somatics into my senior chair yoga classes as I could. Miracles have been happening for me and my clients. Everybody has been so excited that they can move and feel so much better. My students range in age from early 60’s to 94.
Maryann O’Brien, West End, North Carolina, USA
Thank you for taking the time to create such a comprehensive program and to share your expertise and experience in such a candid and honest way! The depth of information on the aging body, anatomical issues with each part, combined with yoga poses to help mitigate issues was extremely helpful. Having a manual with diagrams and photos addressing these issues serves as a handy reference guide when preparing classes. I constantly find myself reviewing the manual as students identify their physical limitations. Your program was so extensive that after completing Gentle/Chair Yoga dual certification, I feel like I earned a medical degree! Thank You! Thank You! Keep doing what your are doing! You are making a difference in so many lives!
Gail Pickens-Barger
I started taking this course right after I finished the Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care course. It was briefly touched upon, when we had the option of doing teach backs, and my mentor in my previous course talked about setting up for filming. Then COVID-19 happened, and this course really came into play. Zoom was not really a mentioned element and live streaming, and this was quickly incorporated into this class. Wow! Great responsiveness to current events. Thank you! Gail
Helen M., Durham, United Kingdom
I’m a doctor by background and I just wanted to tell you how much I am loving the anatomy section.
Tara
Your course was just what I needed to get off the ground and get going. I’ve had a lot of feedback from other faculty that my videos look really good (comparatively of course) than those that are using their phones and computers and just going for it. It really did help.
Peggy Aveyard, Dayton, Ohio, USA
Thank You for the awesome tips and honest feedback!
Ruth Piper, Newbury Park, California, USA
Just wanted to let you know how much I am learning from the how to make yoga videos course. The best thing is that you have taken away my fears of the camera, the computer and the finished product! Thank you!
Linda Smith
And thank you for the posture project. I have learned so much from that and have a much stronger core as a result. I sit away from the backs of chairs for entire meals and or meetings. I observe more carefully others’ posture and can see how positively it has helped increase awareness in the members of my classes.
Maryann O., West End, North Carolina, USA
I am working with a Neuropsychologist on a 10 month program for Stroke Recovery Survivors, offering yoga at the end of each of her rehab sessions. I was “bold” as you said and approached her and the next thing I knew I was involved with hospital recovery groups, her program, and teaching stroke survivors at a healing house designed to support family and caregivers. It has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.
I could never have completed this course in an in-person class situation. Both my husband and I are lucky enough to have our 90+ year old mothers alive and living on their own. Most of our weekends get spent with one or the other; they are a fabulous focus group on what works and what doesn’t for some of my classes! They love all I’ve learned as much as I do.
Chair Yoga Certified
I enjoyed the Anatomy Module. I knew a lot of the basic anatomy already, but I really appreciated tying that to the problems that Seniors have and then showing why certain poses helped with these problems. It is great to have all of this in a coherent, organized form. I will refer back to these chapters when I plan my lessons. Thank you for the user-friendly curriculum. I look forward to the rest of the course.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga Certified
Jill D., Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, USA
Viki is a FABULOUS presenter! It gave me a great new appreciation for my own pelvis………just that awareness is so valuable to learning how we access movement in that area. Knowing that I can inhale and expand my sitting bones is VERY interesting!! (: Also, the c-curve importance was something that I know I will emphasize more often in all my classes. Thanks for all you do to share and assist us curious yogis!
The course was great. I really enjoyed the live portion with Jane and learned so much in the few times the group met. Love the videos with the various teachers and styles. The thing that I learned most is to remove EGO and that not all bodies are the same. I really love all of the feedback.
Chair Yoga Certified
Ana Polanco Hernando
What LOVE best about Yoga Vista Academy is the comprehensive detail to the online trainings and manuals. As on occupational therapist with over 20 years experience, I have never taken an anatomy and movement course specifically for geriatrics AND with the detail and care the information was presented. I am so happy I found this resource. I haven’t finished the Chair Yoga for Seniors course just yet but have incorporated what I have learned thus far with the geriatric patients I have on my caseload. Thank you!
Jackie Currie, Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
One of your “aha” moments was particularly useful to me. I am going to begin applying the module suggestion. I think I was already sort of doing it, but when you explained it yesterday a light bulb went on for me. I don’t think I was truly taught how to go about adapting to different audiences quickly in my original training.
Melinda P., Strongsville, Ohio, USA
I enjoyed your workshop very much. I feel a big shift coming in my teaching philosophy as a result of the knowledge your are sharing. I look forward to reading the manual, watching and doing more of your videos, and the next live workshop.
Sara, Alaska, USA
I’m learning so much more in this anatomy training than I did in my teacher training. The training we got was way too much for beginner teachers. At least it was for me. Your teaching is so clear and applicable. Thank you!
Joanne Stark, San Diego, California, USA
Thank you so much for the absolutely amazing talk you gave on osteoarthritis yesterday for SAYCO. You are a fantastic teacher! Everyone in the room was engaged. I can see why so many of the SAYCO teachers were thrilled to have you provide the CEU workshop; you are such a great speaker. You gave us solid content, made it personal, and made it fun. You are an absolute inspiration!
Jackie Currie, Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
Your program has been priceless to me, and in turn my students. Just this morning I spoke to a lady about vertigo, a direct result of the program I watched on dizziness and vertigo. The resources and ideas have given me so many ideas, kickoffs, practices, and invaluable information to pass on and share. The Crown membership this past year was an excellent investment.
I have learned so much about the anatomy of seniors, [which I am One], and how chair yoga can help seniors become more mobile through strengthening their bones and muscles and stretching the fascia through movement and staying hydrated.
Chair Yoga Certified
I loved the Posture Project Course and use that information all the time. You have inspired me, I have become the queen of props. I have been using balls, magic wands, drumsticks, hats, ninja items, and anything from the dollar store. They love it!!!! Thanks. I could never do this without your certification. I am also in yoga therapy class, and have 3 private older ladies. It is really helping them. Thanks again to you and Justine.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
So in love with teacher training. I am reading about the Posture Project right now. Everything is so well done.
I have a fantastic group of people in my chair exercise class that are loving all the new exercises I am teaching them. I tell them they are my guinea pigs as I go through Chair Yoga training. We are having so much fun!
Chair Yoga Certified
I have been asked to teach at a Nursing Care Home for the Elderly and was feeling very nervous about it. Your course, however has reassured me and I found lots of points useful. For example- starting the class by checking which joints are moving, instead of starting with a quiet meditation. I loved the video showing how you do the shoulder and neck massage. Its something that I do not normally do in my yoga class, but will now be added as I feel much more confident with it. I also like the idea of greeting every student prior to commencing the class. I loved the course!
Chair Yoga Certified
Jasmine M., Queensland, Australia
I really enjoyed it. Learnt a lot and feel much freer in my body already. I am very keen to do the full 100 hr course so please let me know when it is released, as I am in Australia so will have to be online. I am a yoga teacher and yoga therapist and have already started to use little snippets in my classes with great response. After about a week and a half of practicing GSY every other day, I did my regular personal home practice this morning and am feeling like I have a lot more space in my body. This work is amazing!
I have completed the studying and testing of the low back course now preparing to video sequences and send them in. I am excited to say that I was asked to teach a gentle yoga class with an emphasis on low back care to physical therapists and have now been asked to teach a class at their facility for their clients. This physical therapy facility is who I treated with following my accident (it will be 3 years in April). I am so grateful for their treatment and care and the opportunity provided by Yoga Vista to study online to receive my Chair Yoga, Gentle Yoga and now Low Back Care Certification. What a Journey it has been! Thank you Sherry and Justine.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Christine Nagy, San Diego, California, USA
What I like most about Yoga Vista is the quality and authenticity of your teaching, the teaching staff (Sherry, of course) and the variety of classes. Yoga Vista is fun (and funny), friendly, and accessible online which is huge for those of us that cannot make it into the studio or any studio!
I am now on permanent disability and was a former yoga teacher for seniors. I feel as if I am in class at home and not missing out. Thank you for connecting with ALL of us! Much appreciated for everything you do!
I found the pelvic floor workshop so good that I have mentioned my source of new knowledge to several fitness oriented individuals. My recommendations will help grow your business in the best way, word of mouth recommendations!
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Ruth Piper, Newbury Park, California, USA
Just wanted to let you know how much I am learning from the how to make yoga videos course. The best thing is that you have taken away my fears of the camera, the computer and the finished product! Thank you!
I chose Yoga Vista Academy training because of the quality of your video classes, but especially because of your emphasis on learning the anatomical issues and conditions of seniors and on how to meet their specific needs. I was NOT disappointed! I am a much more confident and skilled teacher as a result of this training. At the same time, I believe my classes, like your training, are creative and fun!
Chair Yoga Certified
The Park District thought it would be a great idea to partner up with the local hospital and to offer my class for free for 6 weeks! I already get around 20 people every Tuesday, and yet, they allowed 50 people to sign up! Over 60 people showed up!
Chair Yoga Certified
The course has really helped me to gain confidence in teaching seated yoga, by basing it so strongly in the context of the physiology of ageing. The depth of information about anatomy, injuries, philosophies and yoga modifications to work alongside everyone’s particular body issues, is really exceptional. I’ve found it so helpful and I know that it will continue to provide endless stimulation and ideas.
Chair Yoga Certified
Workshop Attendees
“Pertinent, energized presentation of LOTS of material in an understandable, ‘digestible’ manner. Especially appreciated thoughts about accessing your corporate wellness possibilities. Sherry, you absolutely walk your joyful talk.”
“Always fresh, creative and inspiring! This is such a relevant concern in today’s world. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t present with tech based pain issues.”
“Loved it! Very thorough, fun, enjoyed the stretching exercises. Really appreciate the sample flyers to use for my own marketing.”
“So much useful information! This is such an important topic that is useful not just on a teaching level, but for family, friends and myself. It is always wonderful to practice while learning.”
This Low Back Care Foundations Course is the harbor cruise, providing a high level understanding of types of back pain, causes, contraindications and recommended yoga poses and modifications. As a graduate of the Low Back Care Certification Program, I found that it builds on this Foundations Course as it goes into even more detail and prepares the student to create class plans whether 1:1 or teaching groups.
Low Back Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Lovely practice and beautiful presentation.”
“Nice sequence and presentation. I felt so refreshed.”
“Fabulous! Her sweet soft voice is PERFECT for Restorative. Great new ideas for my classes. I loved her guided meditation…. Wonderful journey.”
I finished the Anatomy Section of the training. I just…. I have no words for how amazing it is. I’m working on formulating a review of this program. It’s just…. well. I’m sure you know. My confidence has increased. When I teach my yoga classes, I actually feel as if I KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT! Not just repeating something I learned. That’s what’s amazing about this. The understanding that lies underneath her teaching. I’ve been yearning for something in yoga… something I couldn’t explain or even understand. But now I know. I just needed the answer to the question WHY. Now I know so many more answers to why we teach what we teach in yoga… why we do certain movements in certain ways. Even my students have noticed a difference.
Chair Yoga CertifiedLow Back CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“I’m trained as an ICU/CCU RN – career nurse x 20 years – I’ve never had this explained as thoroughly/understandably. EVER! I will take this info out into the world – should be required reading by all Western adults 50 and over! Outstanding – THANK YOU!”
“Loved, loved, loved how you presented all this info through a Yogic lens. You made very complex information very understandable! Wonderful movement practice.”
“She made a tough topic to grasp very clear and easy to understand. This is so important as a health issue today. The practice at the end was a perfect practice to illustrate the power of Yoga to deeply relax and mobilize energy in healing ways. ”
I am teaching Chair Yoga classes and my students loved my classes, yet I felt something was missing and that I needed some basics that had to do with anatomy, safe practices and sequencing. When my plans to enroll in a 200 hour RYT didn’t work out, I decided to do the chair yoga certification with Sherry. This was exactly what I needed!
I had already felt a synergy and simpatico with the yoga vista team. I love teaching and I want my students to be safe, learn and have a joyous time! I want each class to be fresh and an in the moment experience for my students. I also want my students to grow stronger and healthier and be inspired. I felt I’d found a resource in yoga vista that also has the same goals and high standards and with great dedication and expertise.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - Certified
Helen M., Durham, United Kingdom
I’m a doctor by background and I just wanted to tell you how much I am loving the anatomy section.
I am currently enrolled in the Senior Chair Yoga Program and I am really liking it. The payment plan is so helpful and affordable.
Although I am only into the third chapter, I am finding the program quite user friendly. I was a bit apprehensive about taking an online class to begin with. Chair yoga is hands on stuff, how can this be done? I am completely confident in the completeness of the course and its contents, and I am ecstatic about the unlimited resources at my fingertips. The videos are great!! No actors here, just reality.
I also thought an online class would be lonely, but it’s not. Sherry is right there with me, as well as Norma or Lou and so many of the Seniors from the limitless videos. I get excited to see their progress and to know that what I do from this program makes a difference in people’s lives.
I drive a school bus during the week, having the opportunity to have a printed manual to take with me to study and practice from is essential. I can’t possibly remember everything, so to have the quick reference is handy too. I like how the program is laid out, and how it builds upon itself. It is very obvious how much time and research has gone into this program. I’m gobbling it up.
From being encourage to wear bright colors, have fun in teaching things like “picking fruit” or “how much money, honey” really gets ya going. I can’t wait to show you “Pirate Pose!” for balance. It makes my Seniors smile, giggle and confident. I even teach “Turkey Yoga”. I hope you are curious here.
Thank you for such an affordable, current and applicable program that is like having a personal trainer with me all of the time. I feel more and more confident each day because I am being equipped to provide my Senior students with the tools they need to be safe, active, and independent for as long as they can be, and to have fun along their journey.
Chair Yoga Certified
I just wanted to share with you that today I did my first full chair yoga in a nursing home. Todate I’ve taught to the Parkinson Association, then set up my own chair yoga class in my home town for the active retired, but today I took it to a whole new level where every one was in wheelchair, several amputees, deaf and even one blind man. Now! you’d swear I was doing this all my life as it was one of the most enjoyable, rewarding and humbling class, and boy our seniors love a laugh, they had me sing Joe Dolan-More And More, Neil Diamond-Hands Touching Hands. It was fantastic! Everyone engaged and love it.
So I guess I was so excited about it all that I just wanted to share it with you. This was all possible thanks to you, your team and all your invaluable handouts, videos, tests and teachbacks even though it’s an overwhelming amount of material. Love, love, love you and your Vista Team xxxxx
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I have loved the training and look forward to feedback from both you and Jane. Someday I hope to get out your way and would love to take a class with you. I am tickled to share with you that since retiring I am now teaching 4 classes a week! I teach chair at State of Mind Yoga on Fridays, I also teach basics there on Monday nights, and a basic class at a very posh retirement center, where they are eager to bring chair yoga back. On Saturdays, I teach a basic at the park district in a nearby town. I could not be happier and owe so much of my success to you and Jane and all my other teachers along the way and to come.
Chair Yoga Certified
I enjoyed the Posture Project, feel like I am more aware of the misalignments in the yoga students and just in the general population! I catch myself looking at people everywhere I go with attention to their posture. I loved the idea of the questionnaire and the before and after photos of the students. The Fascia-nation sequence is a fun way to introduce the students to the fascia netting of our bodies.
I am learning so much thru this certification program! So grateful that I found You and Chair Yoga. I love the gentle yoga classes I teach and look forward to teaching Chair Yoga!
Chair Yoga Certified
Barbara Hamilton, Danville, Pennyslvania, USA
I learned a lot! So many great ideas to share with the nursing home residents I’ll be working with! Several great tips – especially about the music. I hadn’t even thought about them not being able to hear me over the music. And I love the names of some of the poses — makes it fun! For example, “Monkey” is just adorable…and something I am sure they will relate to! Thank you so much. Great course!
I have learned and relearned so much. I am a retired nurse and anatomy and physiology have always been one of my passions. I love incorporating all the new poses and information from the course. I will certainly be going forward with the extras that have been provided. I am loving every minute of it!
Chair Yoga Trained
Currently I’m offering 7 chair yoga classes a week (plus a twice-monthly healthy brains with yoga segment) and am loving it. I often hear from students how much they appreciate the variety of movement and themes from class to class, and I know that I’ve been able to offer that as a result of this training. One of the best compliments I have received from people who used to practice mat yoga was that they still felt as though they were practicing “real” yoga!
Chair Yoga CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
First, let me tell you how much I am enjoying the overall course. I have learned so much and am able to take the information and relate it to the classes I teach; a few chair as a sub, Hatha and restorative.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
Loved the connection to other yoga concepts such as the yamas and nyamas, fantastic and easy to understand description about how these diseases start, info about the role of the diaphragm and it’s movement and beneficial effects on the organs, lots of useful extra pointers in the stretches and breathing. the simplicity of restorative poses.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
First let me say that I am thoroughly enjoying all the information in the Chair Yoga course. I am blown away! The 20 hour anatomy portion is VERY informational and highly applicable to treating my patients… As an occupational therapist.
Chair Yoga Certified
I just wanted to say thank you for recommending that I look into the online Intro to James Knight’s Gentle Somatic Yoga that you offer. I have been using all of James Knight’s GSF’s daily off his YouTube channel as the major source of physiological therapy for my SMA and injuries. All have been a key of my success and healing, as well as an integral part of my daily routine or lifestyle. I am very eager to start the remainder of the 100-120 hour online GSY. Just as with your online Chair Yoga program, I know it will be almost like being there, on the mat or chair, learning. Thank you for the detail that goes into providing such excellent, excellent teaching and for the invaluable resource of information through your handouts and outstanding videos (So many videos!!!). I can hardly wait.
Chair Yoga Certified
It was such a blessing for me to come across the Yoga Vista Academy online program. It’s inexpensive and easy to work. I was able to recieve such detailed knowledge on the aging process and all the main issues that can contribute to pain. Learning about the anatomy was so helpful. I appreciated the information to print and videos to reinforce what you are learning. I loved Sherry’s style and she really inspired me to become the best chair yoga teacher I can be.
There are different types and styles of yoga and working with students on this program that brings such variety and benefits. All the teachers are dedicated and inspiring. You become a part of that community, with the ability to use the videos as often as you desire. I could go on and on about Yoga Vista Academy online program. I plan on continuing going through some more of the many workshops and programs, for there are many! I recommend it highly!
Chair Yoga Trained
Gail Pickens-Barger, Port Neches, Texas, USA
As I have challenges with my scoli back and various issues, this foundation for low back yoga workshop helped me tremendously in teaching me how to do the proper yoga poses, how to teach the poses and explained thoroughly the anatomy of the body.
I have loved doing your course and pushing myself to video and look back at the way I run classes, I must admit I have enjoyed the learning experience and pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I now do cd’s and working on getting a proper video camera to make dvd for me to sell. A big Big thank you for the opportunity to learn about myself as well as the wonderful world of chair yoga.
Chair Yoga Certified
Marilyn F., Ohio , USA
Enjoyed the presentations, handouts and videos. I got started watching and couldn’t stop! This was very helpful.
Jinhe Min, Seoul, KOREA
I want to thank you so so much for your wonderful class yesterday. The students {here in Korea} were so so so happy with your teachings. They felt really clear, gained confidence and were truly inspired by you and the teachings. All of them conveyed so much gratitude to you:)))) And I thought you did amazingly great!
Gail Pickens-Barger, Port Neches, Texas, USA
The handouts, the pacing of the material, the videos accompanying the specific modules, then the practice video and the interaction with the course creator was a great way to communicate foundations of yoga for low back challenges. I plan to take more training with the folks at Yoga Vista Academy! Gail Pickens-Barger RYT500.
Triple Hinges – This three part sequence exercise certainly gets in and strengthens our hips and Glutes . I have had 3 students in classes who had hip operations and prior to surgery concentrated on these exercises and recovered much quicker after surgery as a result of having the Glutes and hip area strengthened up.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Maryann O., West End, North Carolina, USA
I am working with a Neuropsychologist on a 10 month program for Stroke Recovery Survivors, offering yoga at the end of each of her rehab sessions. I was “bold” as you said and approached her and the next thing I knew I was involved with hospital recovery groups, her program, and teaching stroke survivors at a healing house designed to support family and caregivers. It has been one of the biggest blessings in my life.
Live Workshop Attendees
“The demonstration of poses was especially eye-opening as you explained, not just what you were doing, but why it mattered for Seniors.”
“Love the energy and playful approach! Yoga is meant to be fun and playful!”
“Very helpful! Learned more about the realities of working in these facilities.”
Live Workshop Attendees
“Excellent presenter, very knowledgeable. First time I have actually learned in-depth about the meaning behind the poses.”
“Amazing! The very first class I’ve ever heard of on myth and asana. Inspired to create a class using this.”
“WOW! The asanas will never be the same. So much to share and absorb. Beautiful!”
“So interesting! A great summery of some of the stories and their relationship to the poses. I can share this historical information with my students.”
“Very knowledgeable. This was my first introduction to the “story” of the myths. Beautifully done!”
Thanks for all that you do!! You have changed my life, I quit my nursing job, I am teaching 2 classes, and possibly one more and I have started to take a course to become a yoga therapist. I could not have done this without your classes and your knowledge and support. Thanks to you and Justine!!
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
I am so excited to finish the chair Yoga certification. I loved every minute of it!!!! As a nurse, the anatomy was very informative and great to help anyone understand the body. The videos are amazing and the support you give is great. I cannot say enough good things about your program!!!! I was worried taking an online class, but it was as if you were there there the entire time!!!! I learned so much and will tell everyone how amazing this course was. I am going to take all the classes on your site, and continue to learn. Thanks again!!!! This was life changing for me!!!!! Thanks again!!!
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
In 4 months, at the age of 53, I will finally leave my federal government job in order to follow my true passion of teaching chair, gentle and low back yoga. I am extremely grateful for your teacher certification that is allowing me to transition to a new chapter in my life. I continue to be impressed with your materials and teaching as each time I reread or repeat a video, I pick up something new.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
I took the Online Pelvic Floor Workshop with Viki. I think this kind of workshop that you offer to teachers is very valuable and an experience that yoga teachers are rarely offered. It gave me some very valuable awareness information about a part of my body that I thought I knew. I think that much of what we already do in chair and standing yoga incorporates many good pelvic movements, and I am still studying some of the exercises in the workbook to try to adapt them to the chair.
I think just helping people realize that their posture unconsciously becomes their real physical body is my imperative take away from the Posture Project and what I try to relay to people in my class. I have not tried to just tell my fellow man or woman at the grocery store that their hip leaning is creating an imbalance in their body and it shows, however I do think telepathy is a growing trend, and people are picking up on the unified field of thought. So, maybe if I just starting projecting posture corrections onto people they will begin to find new breath in the unconscious faults that become crystallized in their physical vessel.
Chair Yoga Certified
“Yay for yoga!” And “Yay for Yoga Vista and you, Sherry, as well as Justine and everyone else who contributed to your chair teacher training program! I learned so much from this teacher training and I am so enjoying my chair yoga classes. They give me some of the best moments of my week. I love working with seniors!! We laugh and learn and practice yoga together – and most are learning about yoga for the first time in their lives. And your program has given me so much to share with them. I now have a good, solid foundation to rely on and so many wonderful and fun sequences and movements to use. I appreciated learning in detail about the anatomy of the body and the conditions that seniors can experience. I am planning to go back through these sections – they are so helpful. I have a much better understanding of how the human body works. I can’t thank you enough for this program and want to tell you it has opened up new avenues for me, as well as bringing many new friends into my life.
Chair Yoga Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Tough topic – but she explained everything in “Yoga” terms – so very easy to comprehend. Learning about the cells, cytokines, LDL and plaque, etc., etc. and explanation of Yoga Therapy intervention excellent.”
“Loved her calm and energy, soothing voice. Another knowledgeable teacher. Fascinating and complex topic taught at an understandable level. Something I didn’t think I would ‘get’ but she made it very simple to take in. Loved that she included an hour of asanas!”
Patty Tavis, Howell, New Jersey, USA
I think this is one of the best online courses I have ever taken. I do teach chair yoga already, and I have already gotten so many new ideas! I am passionate about my seniors, and I know this wonderful course will make me an even better teacher!
Tara
Your course was just what I needed to get off the ground and get going. I’ve had a lot of feedback from other faculty that my videos look really good (comparatively of course) than those that are using their phones and computers and just going for it. It really did help.
Thanks for my report card, your kind and empowering remarks and certificate. Made my day!!! Today going to see an Egoscue practitioner for my knee deviation. Been sharing the book PAIN FREE with my classes. Life has taught me to be open to healing not fixing. Your holistic way of teaching and thinking is a powerful message for all. So glad you are a part of my life. Love, Moon
Chair Yoga Trained
Linda
Thank you hugely for sharing your professional insights and business savvy. As a yoga teacher working with fellow seniors, I find your gentle, healing style of teaching, coupled with your va-voom personal style, both inspiring and joyful.
The chair yoga teacher training program was invaluable to hone and fine-tune my yoga education to serve the 55+ population I teach in South Florida. I found that during my 200 hour certification, anatomy was my weakest area because I just didn’t have much of an interest or understanding, but in this program it was so easy to follow that I found myself becoming an anatomy geek. It was general anatomy, yes, but also what happens to the body as it ages, or with various health conditions. I find myself incorporating many of the concepts and movements into my traditional hatha mat classes as well, and the class attendance has improved as a result. I was dubious about how well I would learn using video content, and was very pleasantly surprised to find out how effective it was. Not only did I feel as if I was there, but I have all of the content as reference materials too! I highly recommend this course, and all Yoga Vista Academy offerings. May we keep up this vital work that blesses so many!
Chair Yoga CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
Based on what I have seen in your YouTube videos, throughout the Corporate Yoga program and most certainly during your live Chair Yoga class — I definitely see what you’re doing, and can feel that you genuinely pour your heart and soul into the connections you have with others. Since changing career paths, I want to invest my collective skills and experience in something meaningful for people and spreading that goodness all around.
Corporate Yoga Certified
I fell in love with the videos when I would search for new ideas for my chair exercises. I am currently taking the online Chair Yoga course. Before I made the commitment, I spoke to Sherry over the phone. I was so excited to speak to her and hear her voice. Her enthusiasm is contagious! She was so kind, friendly and nice on the phone. I felt an immediate connection. She is someone that you would love as a friend!
I have been taking the course for two months now and I am in awe on how beautifully this course is put together. I am learning so much about anatomy and how yoga ties in to help seniors. The videos come with a wealth of information. I love watching the different styles of the yoga teachers. The ideas on what you can bring to the table are endless!
Chair Yoga Certified
It’s been a while since I last contacted you both and this past year has been a journey of ups and downs! I wanted to convey to you both that I would in no way be where I am today without the both of you! My yoga business has grown exponentially because of your trainings/teachings that I continue to go back to online; and frankly, my clientele eats it up! Even though I haven’t met you face to face, you both are such a force in my life which helps my teachings to others! In a world of people complaining, I LOVE that I am passing along Gratitude, Love, and Thankful to both of you.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
Kerry G., Holden, Massachusetts, USA
I have taught seniors many times in a yoga class but i took your course because OMG your anatomy, knowledge of diseases in the older population and how you empower the seniors to try different postures….I love love loved this course.
Live Workshop Attendees
“Loved Kat and her presentation. She gave me confidence that I can now offer a restorative class to my students, something they want and I want to do. Just have to convince them to buy some props! Her love and compassion is evident. She has a beautiful heart, and a great sense of humor.”
“Gentle Kat – so easy to trust. I melted into all her beautiful restorative poses. Great balance between explanations, answering questions, yet plenty of time to completely surrender in the poses – she was wonderful.”
I have felt from the onset of the program that there was a real person that was available for support and guidance. I love the organization of the program! The online materials were easy to access, read and digest. I do appreciate the inherent redundancy in the chapters. This helps me remember concepts and asanas and to see their inter-relatedness. Thank you for offering this program! I know that I will use the written and online resources for years to come.
Chair Yoga Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Loved this session incorporating lots of cactus arm use for back strengthening and holding flat back. Sherry’s energy and generosity is so inspirational.”
“Very interesting ‐ especially survey results. Your students are almost the same age as mine with similar issues. So great to see the improvements!”
“It gave me ideas to photograph my students.”
“Awesome information. A great baseline to be more information with students issues (structurally) Excellent.”
“Sherry, love your teaching style! You connect with students in a beautiful way. Keep spreading the love!”
Karen K., Vermont, USA
I enjoyed James’ class very much and have been incorporating some of the flows into my sessions with clients and group practices…and…oh yes…have weaved some of them into my own practices as well.
Live Workshop Attendees
“I learned more about metabolic syndrome than I ever have! And I have it. I can’t wait to download it! I LOVED her practice.”
“Good presentation – cohesive, followed structure, handled complicated topic in easily accepted format. Visuals excellent. ”
“Interesting and presented in an understandable format – a topic that affects many seniors – so information is vital for a safe practice.”
If someone were to ask me where to find the best information and lessons about Chair Yoga, I would (and have, many times) send them to Yoga JP and Yoga Vista Academy. Even though the training is remote (as in, not in person), I felt as if I knew Sherry and Justine and the regular teachers and could go to any of them if I had questions. The information provided in the training is comprehensive, and having text and videos plays to everyone’s learning style. I could not recommend this program more. I already was teaching Chair Yoga, but this has made me a better teacher. Thank you to Sherry and the crew.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga Certified
Oh my gosh! What didn’t I learn! I think that twenty hours was more in depth than basic teacher training 🙂 For me, I have a pretty extensive background in Anatomy and Physiology. What I really learned were the variety of postures “to do” and “not to do”. I thought going in that it would be just modifications on traditional but there are so many other important adjustments.
The other thing I learned was to really not be afraid to work with seniors. I love them and have always had a desire to work with them at a deeper level than I have in the past (pharmaceuticals) but I was nervous in not wanting to hurt them so your course helped me so much. You are seriously awesome and so are all of the other teachers you had do the videos and I loved the fun little sayings that popped up thru the videos too 🙂
Chair Yoga Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Excellent presentation skills and cuing for the exercises. I learned some new moves to help my senior students. I liked the way Sherry related the moves to the muscle groups and the reason why we should do the movements.”
“Tremendous – when is the book coming out!! A wealth of info. Could not say enough, what you are doing for the profession with your teaching and online videos is just great. You are a Yoga hero!”
“Great as usual. Every time I listen to you, Sherry, you are fun and you are always add so many new things. Thank you.”
Workshop Attendee
Thank you hugely for sharing your professional insights and business savvy. As a yoga teacher working with fellow seniors, I find your gentle, healing style of teaching, coupled with your va-voom personal style, both inspiring and joyful.
Jill Doughty, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, USA
For what I love BEST: (besides YOU) The availability of online courses OR just viewing bits and pieces of classes for free or almost free!! I am not RYT, but Group Fitness certified through AFAA and need to keep up my CEUs for my accreditation. Your classes are so much more valuable to me than any AFAA classes I have taken over the many years as a group instructor. At age 63 I don’t know how much longer I can teach aerobics, but I am definitely looking forward to bringing yoga to our local seniors for many years!
Thanks for your generous sharing and inspiration. Keep up the good work!
I was prepared to take human anatomy at my local community college as an enrichment to my yoga teacher training, but the anatomy of the aging body is more than I would have had. I wanted to know the how’s and why’s of aging. These are the tools that allow me in depth understanding and compassion for Seniors and for those with limited mobility. The medical names are important to know, and are delivered in such a way that I remember terms and how they fit into my daily work of teaching chair yoga. I’m not going to just read and take a test, I’m retaining so much of what I am learning, and applying it. Your program has so many pictures, sequencing, cue tips, and practical helps. It just goes on and on.
Chair Yoga Certified
I want you to know how much I enjoyed completing the Chair Yoga Certification course. I learned so much more anatomy than in any of my other Yoga trainings. I loved how the course tied together the anatomy portion with injuries and conditions, and then illustrated specific poses to be used for various conditions affecting seniors.
Chair Yoga Certified
The layout of the course work is very cohesive. Completing the course has greatly enhanced my teaching skills and helped me to become more confident in my abilities as a Yoga teacher not only to seniors, but other populations as well. Thank you so much for the effort you have put into creating this course. I will be a devoted follower of Yoga Vista Academy in the future!
Chair Yoga Certified
Thank you so much again for your wonderful Chair Yoga course!! I especially enjoyed the great review on Anatomy. I greatly appreciate that your resources will be my wonderful library of information to refer to when needed. The online setup worked great for me too. I also gave my feedback via Yoga Alliance.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga Certified
Cathy B., AUSTRALIA
I am learning so much from it, and am enjoying it a lot. I’m finding the “Conditions and Injuries” sections invaluable, because it has finally put a real “everyday” human slant on anatomy study!
I really, really appreciate your comments on “Area of Improvement”. As yoga instructors, we rarely get constructive criticism but I feel it is so important to improve our abilities so we can better serve our students and community. I will definitely use your cueing suggestions.
Chair Yoga Certified
Sabine Rivière Barrière, FRANCE
What I like best with Yoga Vista Academy? So many things!! First and most of all, they teach a form of yoga that doesn’t hurt your body (ahimsa). From France, I can download valuable videos and workshops (last one on pelvic floor-amazing). I discovered chair yoga with Sherry’s Videos. It was new for me because we don’t have this approach here, so a great source of inspiration. I love Justine’s work too, with this bio-mechanics aspect, so brilliant!! And for sure, I will take time to discover the other teachers who seem so interesting too! Thank you Sherry to answer so kindly to my mails! Your personality and opening heart is a delight and an inspiration!
Sheryl S., White Bear Township, Minnesota, USA
I thought it was fantastic. Thank you so much for making learning fun. I love the new jingle bell dance and I’m looking forward to to trying it out in my Friday assisted living class. I think they will be able to handle it and really enjoy it.
Taking this class has been an amazing experience for me. I am impressed with the amount of past and ongoing research you have put into it. This is obviously a labor of love for you and you must know how many lives you have touched. The lessons are well constructed and easy to follow. Your positive attitude is infectious. I LOVE all the videos and watch at least one a day, whether it’s chair yoga, gentle yoga, somatics, or one of the educational clips. One of the things I most appreciate is the time you take to make the class personal. You responded immediately to every email I sent, answering my questions an offering encouragement. I also appreciated the time you took to thoroughly review my teachback and provide specific, helpful comments. Where do you find the time and energy for all this?!? I am amazed. Thank you so much for the work you do. You have personally blessed many lives, and your love and compassion is radiated to the world through all those you teach. You are a gem.
Chair Yoga TrainedGentle Yoga Trained
Jim Angerame, Florida, USA
The course was excellent — as usual. With the growth of the Chair Yoga Movement (thanks a lot to you) a course like this is a must for any instructor. Your material and workshop have made me a better teacher and that has improved the wellness of my students. The Yoga community owes you much for all you provide.
Before this project, I never REALLY looked at peoples’ posture very much. It’s amazing what I saw and learned from having to observe people and write this paper. Seems like everywhere I go now, I’m looking at a person’s posture and trying to figure out what the issues are and how to improve them. Thanks Sherry!
Chair Yoga Certified
I had no idea how successful my chair yoga classes would be! I started a class in January as a volunteer at our senior center. From that I have grown exponentially via word of mouth. I am now teaching 6 classes a week, and am being asked to do more.
Thank you from the center of my heart for your patience and kindness. I am SO grateful that you, your amazing team, and chair yoga has come into my life!! I hear from my students how they have benefited from their practice of chair yoga. Classes are full, fun, and flexible.
Chair Yoga Certified
Since I graduated and got certified, I m starting another chair yoga class in another village and was approached by a local care home to do a class there too. I am seeing if I can fit it into my schedule as the local high school asked me to do a yoga class there for the students and one for the teachers so it is all full steam head!! Thank you Universe.
Chair Yoga Certified
Dhyana Wade, San Diego, California, USA
Did I learn some things I did not know? YES!! Many things! I would have many of the same mistakes you spoke about….start with breathing, using nostalgic music, making my practice WAAAAAY to complicated. Loved the sample class, so helpful! I feel immensely grateful for taking this course before teaching on Monday.
Marilyn M., Crotonville, New York, USA
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback and suggestions!!! You have no idea how happy I am right now. Your positive and encouraging words give me the confidence to move forward with my teachback class. This course has exceeded my expectations. It is so informative and wonderful. I have learned so much. Thank you both, for the inspiration.
Linda Smith
And thank you for the posture project. I have learned so much from that and have a much stronger core as a result. I sit away from the backs of chairs for entire meals and or meetings. I observe more carefully others’ posture and can see how positively it has helped increase awareness in the members of my classes.
I’ve learned so much from Sherry and her Chair Yoga Certification course. After teaching chair yoga for a number of years, I felt a little stale and in need of a fresh approach, to bring to my students and a brush up on my anatomy knowledge. The course gave me that and more. It is full of detailed pictures, videos, poses and instruction, and is easy to follow along. I liked the fact that I could work at my own pace around a rather hectic schedule.
Chair Yoga Certified
I’m impressed with the feedback you have given me, and it is valued and appreciated. What makes it special is that I feel like I have a personal relationship with you – that I am NOT anonymous. Your whole course is written from a place of caring and educating, and your feedback has always been the same. Thank you!!
Chair Yoga Certified
Tina Carpenter, Carmel, California, USA
Every night and morning I am spending at least two hours. I am so excited to finish and start practicing. I live in Carmel, Ca where we have a huge elderly population. I have been watching your videos since November in the middle of my teacher training. I love the way you teach all the anatomy tidbits. I find chair yoga so fascinating because anyone can do it! You are an inspiration!
It hit home just how much posture is correlated with pain and discomfort. I always thought, “what’s the big deal? Just stand up straight!” Now that I’m a senior I have so much more compassion and I’m getting a taste of what my students are experiencing! The students find relief with regular practice with emphasis on awareness and alignment and that in itself is huge. Love your program. I have been inspired the whole way through. I am so thankful.
Chair Yoga Certified
I wish you had more courses. I have now taken all of them. Except for gentle yoga because there is alot of overlap. I think you guys are awesome. You have changed my path in my life. I am not going back to my nursing job because of you. I have been trying to figure out what I love for so long. I am, and always will be a nurse and I am finding that people love that I am a nurse and have gotten a few classes because of it!! So, a million thanks again. I know you are sick of me praising you, but you and Sherry have really changed my life!! Thank you again!!!
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
C.C., Encinitas, California, USA
Ever since you left us with your business presentation from our yoga training; it’s all I could think about! I’m amazed at how successful you are and how you manage so many occupations at once.
I feel blessed each and every day that I stumbled across your online Yoga Vista Academy Chair Yoga Course. Sherry you were so gracious in accommodating me and enabling me to do your course. I haven’t forgotten!!
Having left school at barely 15 years, my only subjects then we’re Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Since doing your course I’ve studied anatomy. But not just Anatomy! Your Chair Yoga course gave me the fullest respect for my own body and a deep understanding of how we can offset and relieve the myriad of health issues that can be helped by practising a Chair Yoga Class. This knowledge learned is extraordinary for me. I found it challenging at times, but with the support and constant feedback from Sherry and all at Yoga Vista Academy, I never felt that it was not achievable!
Finishing this online course and receiving my certification to teach Chair Yoga, I feel absolutely confident in my understanding of what is the safe practice required of me to pass on to my Seniors or anyone with limited Mobility. I recommend this online Yoga Vista Academy course highly.
Chair Yoga Certified
Workshop Attendees
“Fabulous presentation and info as ALWAYS. I really liked the focus on desk workers as I plan to offer Yoga to desk workers…..SOON! I SO appreciate the detail in the manual as I refer back to them again and again and again!”
“Sherry did an awesome job. I feel like I am confident to help technology age workers.”
“Very energetic and engaging. Content is SO applicable to weekly teaching, to personal life, to people to people I know.”
I have a 90 minute class on Saturdays for Midlifers with asana adapted to individual needs. I have incorporated my chair yoga knowledge in my class as 2 of my students have mobility issues and have trouble getting onto the mat. What a blessing to know how to adapt the postures to the chair. Thank you so much for this certification class Sherry. It is really coming in handy teaching the 40+ age demographic.
Chair Yoga Certified
I currently teach 3 chair yoga classes, and my students have commented on how much they like the new format! I have been shamelessly stealing your dances off the videos and have created a 2 of my own (honestly, just rearranging your movements, mostly). The dances are my seniors’ favorite part of the class.
Chair Yoga Certified
Yoga Vista Academy’s Gentle and Chair Yoga Teacher Training was beyond my greatest expectations. So much detailed information on anatomy, aging and yoga was presented in such an accessible format. The factual information combined with practical applications and a multitude of resources will guide me for years to come. What a great investment in my yoga journey!
Gentle Yoga Certified
The Anatomy of Aging module was fantastic. The anatomical details presented were sufficient for a yoga teachers purposes organized in an understandable and informative format. Insight was given into movement, conditions, injuries and modifications that exceeded my expectations. The self-paced study allowed me to progress at my own rate. The tests, teach back and assignments were terrific learning tools. Overall the organization of the course was an excellent way of presenting a large amount of material. I would recommend this course to every yoga teacher whether or not your interest is in Chair or Gentle yoga.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I plan on celebrating my completion and certification (your honest and comprehensive feedback is amazing). Really I had an absolute ball last year with this course. Learning the dances, practicing them with my students has completely changed how I approach my chair yoga classes. I always include two yoga dances, and the end of the month culminates in an entire hour of yoga dances. The majority of my students, don’t miss a week and I am finding a significant retention of my students. I know it is due in part, to including yoga dance. But watching your delivery, and learning all the factoids and other bits you add to a class, including naming the postures, has helped to develop my teaching skills. I am a very good teacher because of what I’ve learned from you.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - Certified
I love the wealth of experience and knowledge offered by the instructors at Yoga vista academy! I love the variety of poses and progressions that the trainings provide! I know as soon as I learn something that it is going to have a tremendous impact on my students, and I am always excited to share what I have learned with them!
Yoga Vista Academy is helping me to help others and prepare them for longevity!
Chair Yoga Certified
Thank you very much for the detailed feedback. It is very helpful. I’m really enjoying the course, especially the practice videos. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into creating this. I can only imagine the many, many hours that went into planning, filming, and editing it. I’m grateful to have them as a resource even after I complete the certification.
Low Back Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“I loved looking at the case studies because that makes it real and relative. Looking at the issue and then having prescription is great.”
“The project was well planned, researched, and carried out. The postural observations, structural analysis of misalignment causes, together with specific asana and strengthening exercises to correct specific misalignments were insightful, well though out, and rigorously documented. The methodologies were clearly explained and documented, making the process accessible to yoga teachers wishing to implement the principles in their individual teaching niches. Sherry’s enthusiasm and effervescent personality are
contagious and inspiring.”
I completed the posture project for the 50+ this morning!!! I love to watch your videos which are very easy to listen and understand. You inspire me with so many ideas and I’m very excited to prepare my one hour class incorporating hula motion since I live in Hawaii.
Chair Yoga Certified
Personally, I thought the program was GREAT, WONDERFUL and AWESOME. I teach a variety of classes and I have used all I have learned in every single class. Whether it is with my Assisted Living clients or my 30 year olds. The anatomy portion was more than I could have expected. I learned so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Chair Yoga Certified
Jennifer Lake, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA
Sherry’s enthusiasm, positive energy, combined with her industry experience and knowledge led me to create a higher standard product as a result of the direct advice I received from her. I felt like someone finally GOT ME on all levels!
I have been so blessed to learn about Sherry Zak Morris and Vista Yoga Academy with the online curriculum for Chair Yoga certification! She is a phenomenal teacher and explains everything clearly and with joy and a great positive attitude, which is contagious!!! Also, the mentoring of Josee Madison has been such encouragement to grow, improve in my knowledge of the human body and how to help hurting people. Sherry’s online teaching program for Chair Yoga is complete, detailed and thorough! I have confidence, through her knowledge and detailed understanding of the body, to be able to help so many hurting people and give them Hope! Kudos to Josee and Sherry for all you do! Thank you for your patience in helping me do my best!
Chair Yoga Trained
Jan F., Kansas City, Missouri, USA
The Gentle Somatic Yoga course with James Knight was fantastic. I was not familiar with him and now have found another yoga teacher to follow. His teaching style is wonderful and very engaging. The content of the course was exactly what I’m interested in and he does a great job of explaining and coaching the various movements. I will be looking for more educational offerings with him in the future. Thank you so much for what you do and the love and enthusiasm for yoga with an aging population that you display.
I have people who have disk problems, low back pain, shoulder problems, heart problems, Plantar Fasciitis, and of course you noticed how crooked my fingers are. Your training certainly helps me to incorporate moves that relieve their pain. There isn’t a class where I don’t have one of my students come up after class and tell me how much better they feel since they started taking Yoga. Actually it gets embarrassing when they keep thanking me for teaching the class. I am sure I get more out of the class then they do.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
Elizabeth M.
I have watched a couple times now and found a Log online. Education is certainly empowerment and with your guidance I can proudly say my balloon can hold 18-20 oz.!!! Leaks and accidents are a thing of my past as well as the crazy ‘stresses’ and ‘urges’ I used to battle! Thank you for resolving 15 years of “oh my goodness”!!
I am truly unable to fully express how much I appreciated your feedback on my sequences for Low Back Care. I did not want to write back to you until I read each one of your reviews more than several times while reviewing my videos. Watching my videos (which I will admit again was not easy for me) while reading your feedbacks was an invaluable learning experience as I continue this journey of teaching yoga. I am so appreciative of all of your detailed descriptions of the poses, suggestions and corrections. Justine, I know I will be a better teacher because of your guidance, knowledge and wisdom.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Totally met and surpassed my needs and expectations. I received the reminders I needed in feeling his postures inside out and received new insights in translating the poses to the chair. As always, James both spoke and listened in a personable and understandable way. He brought out the best ideas from all of us!”
“New concept for me. What an enthusiastic and positive guy.”
“Challenging and useful information. Very nice presentation.”
“I learned so much! He is such a gigantic ‘heart’. This was my 2nd time to experience his work, and it’s starting to settle into my slow brain! 🙂 Can’t wait to learn more!”
“Your passion for your work radiates! It was so helpful to receive experience of your teaching of the somatic movements – it will make my presentation of them to my students much easier. Love your work, love your teaching. Appreciated the chair demo’s.”
“Content well organized.”
Sabine Riviere, FRANCE
I enjoyed it so much. For me, the anatomical part with the homemade fabrics was brilliant. A lot that I learned at the “De Gasquet Institute” is similar but Victoria’s style is so much impactful, with lots of great exercises and super creative ideas! I’m amazed by the quality of the pdf document too. What a work!! It’s full of care, respect and engagement… I’m touched in my heart !
Live Workshop Attendees
“Delightful! So sweet! Loved the yoga nidra. I was not expecting restorative Yoga. I think this was my favorite part of the weekend.”
“Kat seems to have the perfect personality for Restorative Yoga. Enjoyed her presentation and her poses were very relaxing.”
“A beautiful practice and I learned a lot about the physiological conditions necessary for relaxation.”
Lynne G., Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA
I want to thank you for the suggestion to take The Anatomy of Aging and Movement Course. It took me almost all year to complete it — with balancing it along with my daily life and lots of travel this year. I also took the opportunity to take a look at Pain Free by Pete Egoscue and Natural Posture for Pain-Free Living by Kathleen Porter based on your suggestions.
I totally loved the handouts and videos and will use them for years to come. I have two private clients right now. She has SI joint instability and he has chronic sciatica! This info makes me look like I know what I’m doing. Thank you!!
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
I am so delighted to have finally completed the advanced chair yoga teacher training. I really appreciate the time and effort you have put in to helping me getting over the line and complete the course. You are so correct with the information you sent back on the feedback. I definitely need to work on, and thanks for such a detailed report on my final teachback.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
I just loved how thorough the anatomy part was and also the videos included in the material. I’m a visual person and it was so cool to see an actual class and a description of a sequence or pose video-style. I love your team! James, Justine and others. Really such a great group of professionals. So well done. Both you and Justine were such a hoot to watch. Really showing your true selves and it made me feel like I was already part of the Yoga family without even having met you. Very welcoming presentations. Thank you for this amazing course!!
Gentle Yoga Certified
Kathy Fulgione, Tappan, New York, USA
I have found the material very helpful. It is informative, clear and easy to understand. I only wish I had this info during my 200 hr YTT! It is filling in the missing gap of my anatomy knowledge, especially as it applies to yoga!
Live Workshop Attendees
“Love! More please! I didn’t even remember this was part of the line-up. Thank you!”
“OMG! Kat! I LOVE! BEST restorative class … Ever! Let’s stay in touch – even though I said “Don’t ask!” I’d love to learn more about your Oregon retreat… xoxox”
“Very nice overview of restorative and the fundamentals. Helpful, useful and enjoyable. Kat is very knowledgeable and it was rewarding to learn many variations.”
“Best restorative practice I’ve ever attended!”
“A beautiful, healing practice. Kat placed much needed tender stitches in my newly broken heart.”
Pelvic Floor Workshop Attendees
” Enjoyed presentation, good mix of theory, fun and interactive. Great information and hand out.”
“Exceptional! Fun, useful, informative, relevant, applicable, good practical demonstration, interactive, a bit of a good time!!”
“It is such a fascinating topic. Viki = you did an awesome job!”
“Loved the interactive session – learning through movements to strengthen the pelvic floor. She made everything so understandable – definitely will incorporate into my practice and into teaching.”
“Viki has woven together an amazing body of information and has presented it in a way that was hands-on and entertaining. She made an embarrassing topic accessible and easy to understand. Thank you!”
“SO AMAZING! Love all the hands-on experience and handmade props! SO important to know this! She is such a play-filled teacher. So grateful for all of her expertise.”
“Oh my gosh, loved, loved, loved Viki and her style of teaching. I will remember her pelvic model (that she handmade last night) whenever teaching to my students! The best! The whole lesson was outstanding.”
“Viki was amazing. I never realized and never paid attention about the pelvic. Learned a lot – excellent information – and workshop. Was great, will share and use some information in teaching.”
A young man, who has a brain injury as a result of being knocked off his bike, joined my home classes just before the summer break and returned today. He has been having plenty of physio and continues to do so but has practised yoga in the past and is really enjoying getting back to it. In the few classes he did earlier in the summer he just came for half my class which we practise in our chairs but he was keen to stay for the full class once strong enough to manage the transfer onto the z-beds.. so today he did so and his assistant stayed and helped him with the transfer and a few times in positioning himself. It worked really well and he is keen to continue with the full class from now on. He is so motivated, it’s a pleasure to work with him. I really am so grateful Sherry for your part in starting me off on this course.
Chair Yoga TrainedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
Your video: the business and marketing of Yoga was very clarifying, I realized all the mistakes I made when doing it, so great learning, I have to put it into action. How to use sponsorships to grow……. a video of Shelly Anderson. It was incredible, I thought about everything I did not do, it was because I did not look for sponsors I did not know how, now I do. For me all this videos were so clarifying, I always review them because there is always something that escapes me because of the language, and I must see them more than once.
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedChair Yoga Trained
I’m very pleased to be a graduate of Yoga Vista Academy! I can’t wait to continue my education and am planning to sign up for more classes – especially the teaching mixed floor and chair classes…. Thanks again for all the incredible work you and your staff do for those of us out here. I love everything you’ve done.
Chair Yoga Certified
Patti Krogman, Saginaw, MI
I am loving Yoga Vista Academy!! I went through this class a few years back and decided to re-visit. So glad I did!! Sherry and the teachers are incredibly positive and the anatomy is presented in an easy-to-understand manner with just enough information to get it. I have taken way too many trainings (😆😆) and this, by far, is the best.
The On-Line Chair Yoga Teacher Training program is full of wonderful instruction for all types of learning styles and laid out very well to pace oneself through the material. The use of the many teachers and experiences/education that Sherry and Justine have collected is amazing and drew me into learning the anatomy material with much more ease. The Yogajp.tv resource was absolutely a real plus. I did get this subscription before jumping into the program so I could get an better idea of how the classes were composed but also to have a resource for me to do out of my home meeting my requirements/restrictions that I was unable to find in the community. To see how this resource continues to evolve and all of the benefits one receives for their subscriptions is priceless.
Chair Yoga Trained
I thoroughly enjoyed this project. I have been observing postures & various physical conditions since I received my RYT certification 7 years ago, but this course has taken me to the next level of observations, ie. I better understand the ripple effect to the ENTIRE body when a “load bearing” joint is out of alignment.
Chair Yoga Certified
Just a note of thanks for a wonderful training experience! Integrity is the word that comes to mind when I think of the educational program you, Justine and all the other fine educators provide in this program. Your feedback was sincere and very direct and I really took it to heart in a positive way. It is obvious that you really love what you do and your willingness to share and give credit where due just shows how much you like to explore new modalities of movement and keep it all fresh and creative. I thank you for keeping us all inspired!!
Gentle Yoga Certified
I’ve had to expand my chair classes as they’ve been a huge success. Word has spread through neighboring studios and they send their Seniors my way. Just wanted to thank you for your updates and constant vigil. Very much appreciated. I see not only great strides in my students but a social bonding as well. They rarely miss a class. Which is a far different story from when I was just teaching mainstream Yoga. If I find I have medical questions I can usually refer back to my notes for the most part and send them in a good direction. I’ve incorporated a bit of humor from my own perspective and hopefully encouraged them to laugh in the face of aging. It has become a beautiful practice for all of us.
Chair Yoga Certified
What I like about Yoga Vista Academy..
1. Something new for this part of Canada
2. The information given is perfect for seniors. The anatomy of aging is so helpful in planning my yoga sessions.
3. The library of asanas is the best thing ever!!
4. Sherry and Justine are so informative and extremely helpful
5. I feel so good about myself because I can teach yoga for many more years, also helping to keep myself fit and healthy
6. Thank you very much I am so glad yoga vista is in my life!! Hopefully I can come to Vista next October. ????
Chair Yoga Certified
I love learning about the ‘mechanics’ of problems we may have and her course gave me lots of easily understood new information. E.G. location of vestibular system (thought it was more inside the head), that vertigo can sometimes be cured, stamping/marching after uttanasana.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I am so grateful to you for all your support. Coming from a career in education I know that your course presentation and organization was a perfect way to learn all that material. I most appreciate access to the video library and use it often. I am now teaching chair in an assisted living community and a gentle class at a studio…..One more thing……..You were SO RIGHT about the nursing home population. Everything you said was true-EVERYTHING.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
Most of my teaching is in independent and assisted/step-up living facilities so I was very happy when this course was made available. As you know teaching the assisted and memory unit population is challenging but so rewarding. I absolutely loved when you expressed your mistake in trying to do a centering at beginning of class. No way does that work with this population and I love using your joint movements to begin class along with your playful suggestions.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Thought I’d check in after completing the “Teaching Yoga @ Senior Care,” course. I loved that you shared the meaning of “inspiration,” as being “in spirit.” Light bulb aha for me. You have a tremendous capacity for love and healing. Thank you for igniting my flame and making it shine a little brighter!
Chair Yoga Trained
Zoe M., UNITED KINGDOM
I thought the [online] course was fantastic and it took me more than four hours as I could go over things and look in detail at what he was teaching and how he was teaching it. I think Somatics is wonderful!!
Thank you so much for the time, effort, and passion you offer to your students. The comprehensive feedback/Final Report was so positive and uplifting…and extremely helpful–not just the accolades, but also the suggestions for improvement. I’ll implement those important recommendations immediately. Excellent.
You are truly the teacher’s teacher, a brilliant role model, and a shining example of what true yoga is really about.
Chair Yoga Certified
Hegulka S., New York, New York, USA
The workshop was great, and Viki was terrific. I didn’t know stopping your pee mid stream was problematic. I remember my OBGYN and an instructor in another training talking about stopping your pee as an example of kegels. I liked how Viki structured the workshop, going from broad strokes to fine lines. Talking about what the pelvic floor is, why it’s important, and how to train it held my attention and made the information digestible. Viki’s use of props, such as the pelvic floor muscles made of felt, the bag of oranges, and the buttons, was brilliant. This combined with her sense of humor and humility made the workshop accessible and memorable. Thank you for offering this workshop.
Live Workshop Attendees
“Exciting material and inspiring teaching. Nice to end with workshop with a blending of the practical and spiritual. Enjoyed the mythical art very much.”
“A beautiful end to a beautiful workshop. The depth of knowledge and thoughtful presentation were magical.”
“Teresa is extremely knowledgeable and I very much enjoyed hearing the stories, something I’ve wanted to know more about. I look forward to incorporating some of the stories into my class.”
“Magnificent presentation! Generous and loving presence, sharing her knowledge of the Hindu gods and goddesses and myths. Inspires me to want to read them in-depth and has given new meaning to the poses and their names. Beautiful Teresa!”
“I love story telling. Teresa did a great job fostering class discussions. I learned a lot from students experiences/ideas in this class. I loved honoring the gods and goddesses!”
Helen D.M.
I am really learning amazing things about yoga and the aging process.
Jeanne Valenti, River Vale, NJ
I turned 82 yrs young this past Aug. I opened up a yoga studio in my home. Word is slowly leaking out about me and I can’t even imagine what my days will be this coming year. Because of you, I found somatic yoga. I’ve taken James’s course and have been doing this for myself for two years. I feel great, better than ever! So I decided to incorporate as much of somatics into my senior chair yoga classes as I could. Miracles have been happening for me and my clients. Everybody has been so excited that they can move and feel so much better. My students range in age from early 60’s to 94.
It was very useful the indications of how to teach in places like homes, where there are patients in wheelchairs and special conditions, since I had felt frustrated, and I understood thanks to your recommendations that even if that although there is apparently a small exchange of energy and others continue sleeping that is amazing, that they understood me even though they could not express themselves, and that reminded me of my father, an intellectual who lost his speech and his mobility due to an illness and I realized that everything was in our eyes and everything is expressed through them, it was very mobilizing. So for me this recommendation was wowwwww, and bring me up a lot of memories.
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedChair Yoga Trained
This workshop has greatly enhanced my knowledge on the correct steps to deal with arthritis issues and in each of my classes seniors have issues with knees, fingers and hands being the most common and I have thankfully seen the exercises bring long term benefits to the Seniors through the various exercises I’ve learned in the two on-line courses.
Chair Yoga CertifiedCorporate Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Cynthia G., South Carolina, USA
I decided to close my yoga studio and pursue more outreach and community classes. The area where I live is a retirement community so I began cold-calling senior living centers and opportunities to teach have appeared, it’s so amazing! I love what I am doing now even more. I was trained in Ashtanga yoga but since moving to this new town I have sought out more accessible yoga practices for myself and my students. Your compassionate, knowledgeable and joyful style is so inspiring.
I like the way you break down the modules and provide separate sections on anatomy and conditions, which give me a deeper understanding about the seniors. It is also inspirational to watch various videos and observe amazing classes and see how seniors enjoy moving in each postures.
Chair Yoga Certified
Teaching “on the fly” happens all the time. Yesterday I taught my weekly Yin Yoga class. When I entered the room I had my normal group of students as well as two new students seated in chairs – (Enter YVA Chair Yoga and Yoga for Seniors training). I modified Yin Asana’s for the chair for these students. In addition, I had students with lower back-pain (Enter YVA Yoga for Low-Back Pain) and used certain movements for them. But wait – there’s more! I had a student that is 8 months pregnant (Enter YVA Pregnancy Yoga – STOP – there isn’t one!!), so I modified low-back and gentle yoga for this student. Total student population for this session – 27. One never knows what comes to them and we use the skills that we have learned over the years. THANKS Sherry Zak Morris and Justine Shelton for your teachings and instilling the confidence in us to address each class with a deep breath and confidence. You two R-O-C-K!
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
I love what I do and your courses and guidance have given me an amazing range of insights into ensuring those who attend my classes are given the best support I can give. I hope that I teach with confidence based on knowledge and a growing skill basis. Your courses are so well structured and detailed and I love the detailed functional anatomy understanding I now have.
I also like to imitate your approach of being in partnership with the students, sharing my knowledge so we can all be happier and healthier. I thought I was going to be ‘lost’ once I retired from teaching but have found a new satisfaction in life, knowing I am making a difference in the lives of others, even at my age. I turned 65 last month.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I have never found anatomy to be exciting, and didn’t receive a lot of anatomy in my 200-hour yoga teacher training. Learning anatomy on my own was both overwhelming and intimidating. When I was researching this course I saw something that said I didn’t didn’t need to be an anatomy expert to take the course. WOW.That was a relief so I went for it. I had a college professor say many times “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That is the way this course is put together. The anatomy is broken down into sections, so it isn’t intimidating at all if anatomy isn’t your thing. I’m a long way away from being an “anatomy geek” but it no longer intimidates me. Additionally, Justine’s yoga therapy teaching provided new insights to me that really enhanced my understanding of many concepts along the way.
Chair Yoga Certified
Live Workshop Attendees
“Monique’s presentation was so pertinent with the population I work with as they become more sedentary. I loved the use of Yoga and specific poses as disease intervention. The concept that Rest and Relaxation in Yoga allows the body to de-stress and benefit the issues of metabolic syndrome is my biggest takeaway form this presentation and will share it with students, friends and family. Thoroughly enjoyed the practice!”
“10+ Monique is great at explaining things and making it easy to understand. She is way knowledgeable and calming.”
“Loved Monique – MORE MORE MORE! Her presentation was SO simple, clear and easy to remember. Loved the part about prana, apana and brahmacharya. What else can we learn from Monique? LOVED the practice at the end! Thank you!!”
“Monique’s wonderful illustrations and making something so intricate understandable.”
Margaret Johnson
The course was marvelous! The information and presentation was organized but not at all dry (no pun intended!)…Viki displays lots of spontaneity, sensitivity and humor which kept me engaged. In addition, I was amazed by the prevalence of the problem of urinary incontinence and since completing, have been on a quest to learn more. (As it turns out, the more people I talk to about this training, the more are coming forth to share their own struggles with stress or urgency incontinence.). Needless to say, my personal bathroom habits have begun to evolve in an effort to maintain my pelvic floor health. (I know this sounds odd, but every time I pee, I can’t help but think of Viki!) Thank you for hosting this very informative workshop. Kegel on!
I LEARNED SO MUCH from this course! Justine beautifully presents high quality information here that is particularly special because it is infused with her own personal experiences with herself as well as her clients. I am truly inspired and cannot wait to get out there and work with and help people with back pain. I have chronic back pain as well so that was my first motivation for taking the course; to use it for myself. It has made me so much more aware and present in my own body and has definitely helped strengthen my core. Often after a course I might still feel not very confident with the material to start using it, but the homework assignments and teachback final really make sure you are ready with at least a good amount of the material. I am sure I will refer back to it over the years and will always find something new and useful. Thank you Justine, for sharing your knowledge, your humor, and your heart!
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedChair Yoga TrainedLow Back Trained
Last November I begun the Dual Certificate in Chair Yoga and Gentle Senior Yoga. With work, family and Christmas I had to put it to one side until January and all the materials I had read I decided to start again to refresh everything as I was near the end of the anatomy section and really wanted to absorb it all. I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I am LOVING this course the delivery and presentation of it all you really have ticked all the boxes. With your videos I feel I know you more as your personality shines out in each clip. The amount of work you have put into your courses is phenomenal, but you have made it so accessible for a student to learn and you set us up for success. You are my inspiration and hero and I just wanted to say special thank you for this gift of knowledge. I have lots more to finish on the course, and like my favourite lunch I’m savouring every bite.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I just wanted to let you know I am finishing up my first Happy Back workshop class. It was seven weeks of back education and exercises specific to each persons condition. I start my next one on Oct. 31st and it’s full! I am so happy and grateful that I had the opportunity to do your course. It has given me new passion for my yoga teaching.
Low Back Certified
This is my fourth week teaching my chair yoga classes. I am doing three a week and everyone is loving it. We did the dance to ‘What a Wonderful World’ this week. THANK YOU. Sherry, I am HAVING SO MUCH FUN AND CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH. I hope I get to hug you one day in person. You are a blessing to me and so many others!!!!
Chair Yoga Dance - TrainedChair Yoga Trained
I taught at my first nursing home, and it was very challenging! They could only do a fraction of the movements. I found myself with a one-hour class and 15 minutes worth of material. Made it through okay, but realized I have a lot to learn 🙂 you have a really great program, and I’m continuing to watch your YouTube videos for more info. Thank you for your Compassionate Heart!
Chair Yoga Certified
Each unit had a fully color detailed handout, easy to follow videos and an abundant of yoga pose library to suit each body part or a personal injury or condition. I especially loved the Anatomy so much fantastic information and illustrations throughout.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
Mahalo, Justine. I am re-watching your group practice for the knees right now and had to stop and say it is so informative and also brings a smile to my face and heart. I so love you dear one. Thank you again for your contribution to Yoga and humanity at large. You are a joy and make a difference to me.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
Live Workshop Attendees: Bell
“10 Oh my God! I never realized what a horrible thing vertigo can be. Information of BPPV – so timely and well explained.”
“10 What a master teacher Kim is! This info is so relevant and important to me individually and for all of us as teachers. I now have the language to explain BPPV in a clear, easy to understand way. Knowing where to go for help is a HUGE relief!”
“10 I’ve never seen a Q&A format work SO well – masterful, informed, compassionate teaching. Thank you! “What you thought of as deficits are truly your gifts to the world….” LOVE THIS!”
Live Workshop Attendees: Bell
“10 At first I was trying to figure out what Dr. Bell was doing by spending so much time going around the room. Then the story unfolded as she wove the discussion through all of our personal stories. Brilliantly creative. A topic that I learned so much more about.”
“10 Fabulous format – I too was skeptical that it would work, but it did! Wealth of information, presented from a very heartfelt space.”
“10 This was amazing! Kimberley was extremely knowledgeable, appreciated her energy, answering everyone’s questions in an easy manner was huge for me. Incredible!”
Jill D., Michigan, USA
I am a AFAA certified group fitness instructor with YogaFit training. I love all of your fabulous tips, DVDs and Utube productions. They have given me so much very important information to make me a better yoga instructor! I began teaching a chair class 5 years ago because I saw a need to modify for my seniors. It has become the largest growing segment of all the various classes I teach!! I feel so much more confident since watching your youtube classes and DVDs. I just took your “Posture Project” online course and loved it! So many great tools and tips to help me instruct an effective, safe and appropriate chair yoga class.
Workshop Attendees
“Wonderful info on how to get into corporations. Clear explanations of the ramifications of repetitive postures at work.”
“Sherry is a fabulous presenter. Her enthusiasm and passion is infectious. The material presented was concise, sequential and extremely practical. I felt there were so many tips that I can immediately put into practice. Thank you!”
“Excellent information! I have a ‘bucket sitter’ student at home. I can’t wait to offer him exercises to help with head and neck tension and to stretch those tight hamstrings.”
“Loved all the ideas to bringing Yoga to the desk world… they need it so much!”
Live Workshop Attendees
“Very comprehensive information and fun! The research and statistics were eye-opening. I’ve found seniors love fact-based information about yoga. Can’t wait to share.
“Love, love, LOVE the posture project!!! Can’t wait to do this with my students. Thank you gazillions for sharing this with us. You are so gracious!”
“Sherry’s work with senior posture issues presented a wealth of knowledge that provided a comprehensive education on the issue. Her expertise, enthusiasm and love of what she does made her presentation extremely enjoyable and informative.”
I started a chair yoga class three weeks ago and it is going very well. We had a reporter from our local paper come to class on Friday, it will be written up in our local paper. We are averaging around 21 lovely seniors ! Our reporter friend, 24 years young, did chair yoga with the class!
Chair Yoga Certified
After getting my Academy certification, I immediately started a chair yoga class at my studio that is always full. Full enough that I’ll be adding two more in September. One of my students gave me a card recently that said, ‘Thank you for caring enough to remember us older folks. Honey, you are a born teacher.’ I also teach private classes for a married couple, 87 and 88. The other day, after class, the wife looked at her husband as he stood from his chair and exclaimed, ‘Oh, Lynda, look at his posture! I don’t see an old man anymore. I see the dashing young man I fell in love with.’ So, was this training course worthwhile for enhancing my yoga teaching repertoire? For enhancing my LIFE? A million times over. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Chair Yoga Certified
Content… The amount of information in the course was unbelievable. It was well-delivered. The PDF documents were organized perfectly. And I appreciate the videos throughout. Applying different learning methods really helped it all come together for me. Testing… I actually felt like I got real feedback. This is so unusual this day and age and I feel like I am a better teacher for it. The course made me stop and think about who I am as a teacher.
Chair Yoga CertifiedLow Back CertifiedWheelchair Yoga - Certified
Francesca C., UNITED KINGDOM
I’m a trained yoga teacher with some 18 years experience and now feel that working with older folk is going to be my forte. I honestly don’t know which way to go – if I could afford it I’d do them all! I am so much enjoying the Anatomy of Aging course and truly can say that your work and motivational videos have changed and inspired the way I teach. Despite my two year yoga training and continuing professional development I feel I have gained more from Yoga Vista.
Live Workshop Attendees: Bell
“10 Wow! She was such a world of information, and her teaching technique of asking for personal stories worked so well.”
“10 Loved her approach! So many new bits of info. Appreciate her ability to remember names. So helpful in understanding how balance works in general.”
“10 Excellent presentation on a very relevant topic for senior Yogis. Technical information presented in an easy to understand manner. Very effective presenter.”
“10 You rock Kimberley Bell! I have referred 2 clients to her.”
Live Workshop Attendees
“James has such an engaging nature – he pulls you in to his enthusiasm. Will incorporate more somatics into my classes and look forward to more info on visualization.”
“I like James’ personal approach and openness. He explains concepts very clearly and skillfully alternates discussions with practice. I really appreciate that he demonstrated chair versions of somatic movements.”
“Awesome! It really brought home the idea of the fascia-so simple but such effects. Just so impressed.”
“James is so passionate about what he does. His energy shines thru his eyes and truly concerned about each and every individual.”
“Very good session. The energy was good, a lot of information that I can use for my students.”
“Learning about somatics today was so refreshing and opened a new world of opportunities.”
I incorporate Yoga Dance into every senior’s chair yoga classes. Once a month I offer an all yoga dance hour. I have witnessed significant increases in student numbers. I am sure this is because it introduces a physical activity to seniors that is fun, socially engaging and imaginative. Seniors love to dance and the feedback is always positive.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - Certified
Marilyn M., AUSTRALIA
I want to thank you for compiling The Online “Anatomy of Ageing & Movement Course.” It has been most beneficial. The course is comprehensive contains much valuable information and videos to inspire – most pertinent to our age group. Have completed the assessment. The videos are a great resource (still working my way through the videos). Well done to You, Justine and the Yoga Vista Family..
Melissa W., Strongsville, Ohio, USA
Sherry was so knowledgeable in chair yoga and how to teach a yoga class to seniors or people with physical limitations. I learn many poses/techniques to incorporate in my chair class that could really benefit my students range of motion and make their daily routines smoother.
Jackie Currie, Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
I am only halfway through Dr. Bell and am AMAZED!!! This information is invaluable not only for our yoga classes but anyone that is alive.
Thank you for making the workshop online so available. I am anxious to share some of the findings with one person in particular in my class. This may be life changing for her.
Christina G., Vienna, Virginia, USA
I truly believe that all YTT 200 programs should also include a course like this one for aging/older adult population. Even though I tend to have clients that are between 16-40 I believe that it would be beneficial to have this type of knowledge under your belt.
I found this course to be well designed/formatted and very comprehensive.
It flowed nicely from one area of the body to the next.
The Anatomy section was very detailed, and loved learning about the mechanical aspects of the human body.
The Conditions sections associated with the different areas of the body answered a lot of questions I already had about working safely with a wide variety of ailments that seniors may be experiencing.
The Poses section was filled with great step by step information, which gave me confidence, ensuring I was delivering the information to the class appropriately.
The videos were a fun and inspirational part of the class, seeing various members of the Yoga Vista Community sharing their knowledge.
Chair Yoga Trained
I have started a chair yoga class in the memory care unit at our Continuous care facility after taking your Yoga in Senior Care Facilities Workshop. I have about 10 people (about half participate). I have had great success in learning that using sing-a-long songs like – Jesus Loves Me, row your boat or You are my sunshine are great motivators to get them moving. At first I was very nervous having very little experience with patients with memory issues. It is quickly becoming my favorite class. Thank you for your support!
Chair Yoga TrainedGentle Yoga Trained
My experience with the Corporate Yoga program was incredible! I’ll admit that there was some apprehension when I was deciding to do it as it is 100% online — needless to say, this was my first time getting my feet wet with the world of online Yoga courses. After completing the program, let me tell you just how extremely pleased I am today with having made the right decision 🙂 Sherry and the Yoga Vista team will leave you feeling more confident, knowledgeable and prepared to teach in the corporate setting. Upon completing my initial program to become a certified Yoga teacher, I felt that I could have learned a LOT more about anatomy and didn’t quite know the best approach to working with students who have a limited range of motion/flexibility. Glad to report that I now look forward to having a diverse population of students to work with and KNOW that I can be there to properly help them in their Yoga journey.
Corporate Yoga Certified
I started taking this course right after I finished the Gentle Yoga for Low Back Care course. It was briefly touched upon, when we had the option of doing teach backs, and my mentor in my previous course talked about setting up for filming. Then COVID-19 happened, and this course really came into play. Zoom was not really a mentioned element and live streaming, and this was quickly incorporated into this class. Wow! Great responsiveness to current events. Thank you! Gail
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedLow Back Certified
Live Workshop Attendee
“Teresa Austin had a genuine, friendly, welcoming and attentive presence which allowed the workshop participants, myself included, to relax and share freely in discussion. She introduced me to a new, and previously unexplored avenue for inward connection and gratitude, by guiding us to place our hands on our hearts and then bring our awareness and gratitude to its beating, which is more oft than not, taken for granted.”
Live Workshop Attendees
“Comprehensive and well‐presented. Inspiring to include posture enhancing asanas and facts in each class. Convincingly presented to inform that posture is foundationally important.”
“Very in‐depth! Loved all the visuals. Appreciated all the different angle/shots of REAL bodies. Gridlines helps me see more. I appreciate so many poses shared in the manual.”
“The case studies were informative and very applicable to teaching yoga safely. Sherry’s knowledge of body alignment presented in a user‐friendly manner was just great.”
Joy J., Vienna, Virginia, USA
I can’t recommend this course enough for people who are working with the aging population. It is a must! Their expertise in the aging population and their slides and explanation and demos as well as experiencing for ourselves, helped bring the understanding to a maximum potential.
TinaMarie Connelly, Shirley, New York, USA
I’m in the middle of a course I purchased from Yoga Vista Academy…Fundamentals of Chair Yoga with Sherry Zak Morris, Anatomy of Aging & can I just say how much I’m loving it! I never thought after my teacher training I’d find myself teaching chair yoga but here I am & I LOVE it. Thank you for your wonderful content & fantastic teachers.
Caroline Meeks
I had done Somatic yoga before but more about sensory amnesia and pandiculation. The videos are great quality. Overall I love it. I look forward to Friday when I get paid and can sign up for level 1.
Now having a different perspective after breaking my wrist, I began to investigate chair yoga online. I found Yoga Vista Academy, Sherry Zak Morris and Justine Shelton. Making the decision to sign up for Chair Yoga Certification has been life changing for me and my husband! I have learned so much about the anatomy of seniors, [which I am One], and how chair yoga can help seniors become more mobile through strengthening their bones and muscles and stretching the fascia through movement and staying hydrated. I am very grateful to you, Sherry and to Justine!
Chair Yoga Certified
Thank you for taking the time to create such a comprehensive program and to share your expertise and experience in such a candid and honest way! The depth of information on the aging body, anatomical issues with each part, combined with yoga poses to help mitigate issues was extremely helpful. Having a manual with diagrams and photos addressing these issues serves as a handy reference guide when preparing classes. I constantly find myself reviewing the manual as students identify their physical limitations. Your program was so extensive that after completing Gentle/Chair Yoga dual certification, I feel like I earned a medical degree! Thank You! Thank You! Keep doing what your are doing! You are making a difference in so many lives!
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
The Chair Yoga Certification course was totally amazing in the content offered and the way in which it was presented. I really love how you have the main portion of the program to complete, but there is also so much additional information to continue to study long after completion of the program. The anatomy section to me, was not at all “too much” because this is vital information for a yoga teacher. I also loved how you feature some of your teachers/mentors and their work, i.e. Somatic approaches with Erhard R. and James Knight. Justine’s videos were super helpful too. The program just covers so many areas but does not bog down in anything.
Chair Yoga Dance - CertifiedChair Yoga TrainedLow Back Trained
Taking this class has given me a lot more confidence in my teaching. One other reason I took your course was to learn more about how to take care of myself. I am 63 (closer to 64) and have S-curve scoliosis that often gives me pain at L4-L5. Of course there are arthritic changes, too, and thinning discs. I thought it was great that your course offered a holistic approach and discussed anti-inflammatory supplements and topicals. Thank you again for everything. I really learned a lot, and I feel like I gained a friend.
Low Back Certified
Sherry, your exercises are helping to correct 30 years of computer abuse. I love your “Sleep Well Yoga” – floor exercises to relieve stress in your body. It is helping my rounded shoulders. I can now get the back of my hands to touch the floor when I am in Cactus pose. Today I presented your Strengthen your core with breath to my Senior Chair Yoga Class. My class loved it.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I know that you value our great news, we mortal Chair Yogi students of yours! For the past five months, each Tuesday morn I have been teaching at the Elenora sixties & better community Center’ and I’m growing in confidence as the class grows! A local retirement Center has given me the go ahead to teach every Wednesday morning there after I gave a Complimentary class to their residents Thanks once again for all your wonderful support!
Chair Yoga Certified
I am absolutely enjoying every moment of learning, and I am very impressed with your team’s skill-set in these videos, and how much information there is to try and soak up. I have added quite a bit to my personal practice as well as sprinkling a bunch in my chair yoga. I am not sure if you have heard this one yet, but the one module that brought some tears to my eyes, was the business and marketing of yoga video that you teach. Thank you for all that you do. We are all so very lucky that you took the baton.
Chair Yoga Certified
Cheryl Harper, London, Ontario, Canada
I am a retired school teacher… and I just wanted to let you know that I have begun your Anatomy course and I am really loving it. I’ve taken many courses in my life and I wanted to tell you that I really like how you’ve laid that out. Your handouts are very professionally put together , easy to follow but rich with content. I can’t wait to get started again this morning. Suffering from mobility issues myself, I Know that your courses are going to benefit me enormously both Professionally and personally.. Your programs go far deeper than other ones I have taken.
Things continue to go well. My chair yoga classes are very popular. One student commented that she could tell a big difference as she had not attended in a while and just started back about six months ago and its a nice comment coming from her since she is a retired educator!
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
I truly found the Chair Yoga Program to be beyond informative. You offer SO many resources to the student. I loved that a mentoring program was offered, studying at your own pace, yoga videos, modules, and “spot on” yoga lessons. I learned so much regarding anatomy and the aging of our bodies and how to correct and decrease pain. I liked the emphasis on how to cue and speaking loud and clearly. Honestly, I would highly recommend this training to any one that wants to incorporate these important subjects. For me personally, I have become a better version of myself.
Chair Yoga Certified
I thank you for your wonderful instruction. Love it. Love it. The information you provide would make anyone a better teacher. My students love the information and knowledge they gain. They tell me that their doctors asked them what they were doing differently as their lung capacity has improved (some had very little lung capacity). They proudly told me that they informed their doctor the only new thing they were doing was Anna’s Yoga. Their doctors told them to keep coming. Same results for different students and different parts of their bodies. I can’t take the credit. We do a lot of your “While you are at it.” I am following your game plan and it is amazing. I must admit I knew nothing about the human body before I took your classes. Both me and my students thank you for a job well done.
Chair Yoga CertifiedChair Yoga Dance - CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
Thank you so much for the nice comments and thank you for sharing your knowledge of chair yoga, it is truly appreciated. Everything that I have learned from you has made me a more confident instructor and I will continue to research and learn more on your website. Thanks again for everything you do and for being my saving grace.
Chair Yoga Certified
Alison D., Tampa, Florida, USA
I absolutely LOVED the intro package about Chair Yoga for Seniors. It was clear, concise and presented with a spirit of authentic joy. I am hoping to utilize the approach you shared so delightfully at the new residence I will be moving to.
Laure Liverman, Boulder, Colorado, USA
I appreciate all the time, effort, collaboration, and years of learning that were so evident throughout this course. The course was structured really beautifully, introducing material that built from the ground up what it means to be a chair yoga teacher for seniors at all different levels of health/fitness. The Methods and Philosophy section communicated the essential elements of teaching and structuring a class so that I had a nuanced lens through which to view all the great video material and really learn from them. The Anatomy of Aging section was so rich. I thought having the three sections on anatomy, conditions and poses for each general body area was very helpful. The yoga aspects included in the anatomy and conditions section reinforced each other, and having a separate pose library because it made pose ideas easily accessible for constructing a class. The program was full of so many great pearls!
I completed the Chair Yoga course several months ago, and it has been such a blessing. I am now teaching Chair Yoga twice a week at our local Regional Wellness Center, and twice a month at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, and I continually refer to the course materials for insight and inspiration. Communication and support throughout the training and beyond has been great, and I highly recommend Yoga Vista Academy and its course offerings.
Chair Yoga Certified
I now have bi-weekly 30 min yoga session with an 87 year old sweetheart, named Lily, in her home. Thanks to Sherry’s business marketing tools which HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY helpful! Your comment about “not selling yourself short” is SO true!! I wasn’t sure what to provide for a rate when asked and used your reference guide. However, I was nervous I was asking too much! And guess what – It was accepted!
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga Certified
My journey teaching seniors has and continues to be influenced by your knowledge and guidance. As you know, I have completed your chair certification, very close to finishing the gentle yoga certification and once I have completed I will be signing up for Justine’s Low Back Courses. Having a Crown Membership with access to YogaJP has provided me with invaluable resources that I have been able to provide to my students who range in age from mid 60’s to 97. You are both an inspiration to me and I thank you.
Chair Yoga CertifiedGentle Yoga CertifiedLow Back Certified
My chair yoga classes are in high demand at Texas Woman’s University (TWU). Students, faculty, and staff are asking for classes. I have so much ambition for chair yoga and the investment has paid off in a number of ways: the Dean of Libraries wants private lessons, the library staff have increased morale because they see monthly chair yoga activities as fun, my TWU Fitness & Recreation supervisor wants to add Chair Yoga to the Group Exercise schedule.
Chair Yoga Certified
I truly enjoyed doing my Chair Yoga Certification Online Program with the Yoga Vista Academy. The content and the professional manner in which it is presented was excellent. I learnt more in the past months than I ever did from my past 3 year Yoga training here in Australia, and feel I have achieved more, especially with anatomy. Being able to view the many and varied videos was great for me and Sherry’s support throughout the course was always there. A great motivator. I can highly recommend the Course to anyone who is considering undertaking it.
Chair Yoga Certified
Pelvic Floor Workshop Attendees
“Relevant, superbly presented. Clear, concise information. Wonderful humor, Ahimsa, great imaginative visualizations. Lots of ideas to bring to class. Thoroughly delightful. So much information!”
“Wow! Viki is a delight! Her topic was also so relevant to the senior population and working on creating awareness to the pelvic floor health will definitely be a goal of mine. I especially enjoyed the various activities that targeted ‘getting to know’ the various parts involved and the poses and how to use them in this journey. Wonderful Energy!”
“Viki is an awesome presenter and very informative. I just loved her!! :)”
” What a delightful presentation! Loved the humor! Loved the up and down physical practice! Made everything we were learning stick more. Thank you Viki!”
“Viki- Not a moment too soon! I think I can begin to work with my pelvic floor. ”
“FANTASTIC info and presentation. The tools you created and used to teach very complex info WERE GENIOUS! Now I have so much info to use as I move forward on my on-going journey to pelvic floor health.”
“Oh my gosh! Once again, topic presented in such a fun and engaging manner! Viki’s eye contact was outstanding – manual content organized and easy to access….(Actually, the entire manual is SUPER! Thank you!)”
“It was a really interesting education on the pelvic floor and conditions that can be associated with dysfunctional states. Her props were great! Her enthusiasm was contagious!”
Denise Harcourt, Toronto, CANADA
Every yoga teacher would benefit from this training.
Phoebe I., London, UK
I live in London and I work full time but spend my other hours coming up with creative ways to educate students and further their practice. Although I am a trained teacher, I am just starting your aging anatomy course and have already learnt so much after module 1. Wanted to let you know. Look forward to the modules to come. Thank you for all of your work and dedication to this field of chaired yoga.
I learned so much from Sherry Zak Morris and her Yoga Vista Academy team during the six-month online Mentor Chair Yoga Program! The most impressive results for me are: I have more participants in my classes – my energy is in the flow! I used to get very tired after the sessions. Now I’m filled with energy, love and grace which the students give me back!
The Videos and Online Modules are very exciting; you learn Yoga poses and anatomy from a different perspective. Yes, and I found out that I’m an entertainer! We laugh and giggle a lot more during Chair Yoga! Thank you Sherry Zak Morris, Corey Stiles and Justine Shelton!
Namaste from Switzerland
Chair Yoga Trained