Testimonials

Monica & the Studio:

"I celebrated my 55th birthday Thursday by enjoying another wonderful yoga class with you. What a blessing to feel healthier and happier now than when I started at the Academy at age 52. When I started, as you recall, I had severe limitations in my practice due to weight and lack of flexibility. I was also taking six medications for a variety of health issues, including reflux, diabetes and heart medication because of the diabetes risk factor. In the three years that I've been coming to the Academy, my life has changed dramatically. I've lost significant weight and no longer take any medications, except for my allergies. My primary care physician considers my diabetes to be in complete remission, as my four-month glucose tests have been in the normal range 4 or five times now.

You, Raisa, Chris, Shelly, Analii and the others have been amazing in helping me work with what was and is "available to me" at any given time. The environment is so supportive and loving, that I begin to feel relaxed when I walk through the door. You have all taught me to accept what my body is able to do on a given day and to progress without forcing or pushing. When I "set my attention" at the beginning of class, it is usually for "radiant health", which when I started was a hope or a dream but is becoming my reality.

If you ever have a prospective student who hesitates to become involved because of age, weight or other challenges, I would be happy to share my experiences personally. If I could go from barely being able to bend forward over a chair to resting my forehead on a single yoga block, they can look forward to similar progress. I remember absolutely panicking when I tried to do downward facing dog the first time and now, I can hold the pose for ever increasing periods of time. Eventually, I look forward to doing more and more of the poses with greater and greater ease.

Yoga has helped me to quiet my mind and to realize that much of the time "there is now where to go and nothing to do, right now." In the past, much of my eating was my attempt to calm myself down by using food. Yoga has given me so many new tools for dealing with stress that I have finally been able to attain and maintain a fairly healthy weight for me. The philosophy, meditation, and relaxation aspects of yoga have worked together with the breathing and poses to help me achieve a state of youthfulness and health for which I am grateful every day.

Thank you and everyone at the Academy for helping me on my way to radiant health." -- Colleen

"Yoga had enabled me to learn about my own body.  It had enabled me to handle two serious diseases and two serious operations.

Doing yoga has taught me that my body is capable of more than I ever thought it was.  It has taught me how I can reverse the spiral downward and start going upward and forward.  It has taught me how I can deal with pain and discomfort.  It has taught me how to heal from the cellular level.  Doing yoga has taught me how to keep my joints lubricated and flexible.  Doing yoga has taught me how to do pranayama breathing (controlled deep breathing) and how to open my chest and rib cage allowing more vital air into my lungs. 

Yoga is my safe haven.  When I am in my yoga class, I can totally tune out the world's demands and expectations.  At the end of every yoga class I am amazed at my energy level.  It totally restores and  renews me." -- Terri K.

"I injured my shoulder last summer.  By December it was so bad, I decided to see an orthopedic Dr. He immediately wanted me to get a cortisone shot.  I refused.  He thought I may have a torn rotator cuff.  an MRI showed that I didn't. 

I wasn't going to go to physical therapy, but decided to go for exercises I could do at home along with the yoga.  I went once a week and attended yoga an average of 3 times a week. In that month, I had two acupuncture treatments.  I returned to the doctor for a checkup and the Dr. was so surprised at the range of motion I had.

I credit yoga for the improvement.  But mostly you, Monica, because you have taken such wonderful care of me in the yoga poses.  I feel you have sent such healing and love to me through yoga.  Thank you for practicing your gift."   -- Emily B.

"I had a couple of doula clients this summer that took your prenatal classes, and I was so impressed with how in control of their presence and breathing - they did such an awesome job, and I'm sure a lot of it was due to your class."    -- Kim                                                                                                                                                                 

"I really enjoy taking prenatal yoga classes from the Academy of Yoga.  Monica teaches the classes in such a way that you always come away with something that you can use outside if yoga class, whether it be stretches to do at home for your lower back pain or relaxation techniques to use when your hormones are raging.

I especially appreciate the individual attention that I receive.  Monica carefully checks what each student is doing to ensure that you are performing the posture correctly and safely.  Even if I arrive at class tired or stressed, I always leave relaxed and with more energy.  I know that taking prenatal yoga classes will also help me during the labor process to be more relaxed and open to how my labor progresses, even if its not according to plan.

An unexpected benefit from taking prenatal yoga classes had been the support and information provided by the other class members.  I have met many great women and received many helpful tips on where to shop and what works and what doesn't.  Plus, it is always helpful to talk with other women who know exactly what you are going through when you are having a rough time." -- Jennifer P.                                                                                          

"I have had wonderful results with the hip stretching poses Monica Cullinane taught in one of her yoga classes.  I started having hip and lower back pain last spring and I have been going to the chiropractor for adjustments on both my hip and lower back on a frequent basis.  The chiropractor suggested some hip and lower back stretches on a daily basis which I have been doing.  The lower back stretches have helped, but the hip stretches have not.  Two weeks ago I attended Monica's Beginners & Level 1 class and we did the hip stretch at the beginning of class.

After class, I told Monica about the pain I have been having and she suggested I perform the hip stretches on a daily basis.  She said it would be very beneficial if I did the hip stretches for 15 minutes daily.  My normal morning stretches take about 15 minutes so I simply incorporate the 15 minute hip stretches into my routine.

What a difference!  After a few days of doing the 15 minute hip stretches, I was free of pain in the hip.  I have been doing them for just over a week now and I haven't had any hip pain since I started those stretches.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for suggesting the hip stretches.  I am now pain free!"   -- Teri C.

"I really enjoyed your energy and what you shared with us (both the poses and your knowledge and philosophy about yoga.  I liked your analogy of yoga and peeling an onion.  There are SO many layers.

I liked the class size and the time spent with the other participants.  The time we had as a group in the circle was good for building teamwork within the group."  -- Sheri F.

"Just a short note to tell you how much I appreciate and value the personal yoga training and instruction I have received at the Academy.

My old injuries combined with a car wreck and my age had left me with limited range of motion throughout my body.

The time and attention we have spent working on postures and stretching weak muscles have created unbelievable results in just 12 weeks.  Yoga has enabled me to have more flexibility, better posture, less pain, controlled breathing, clearer concentration, deeper relaxation and super energy.

I guess you can tell I'm hooked on a new lifestyle and look forward to our continuing relationship."   -- Lee M.

Academy of Yoga is a proud member of Live Well and Steps to a Healthier Mesa County.