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Aqua Kriya Yoga
Making yoga accessible for everyone!
Pioneering and leading education in Aqua YOga since 2000
Swami Nibhrtananda (Camella Nair) IAYT, Ayurvedic Health Educator, Aquatic Therapy and Rehabilitation Faculty
Testimonials from Certified Teachers
Here are some thoughts that certified teachers have shared about their experience with Aqua Kriya Yoga.
Lakesha Bellanti
November 2015 Grad
Minneapolis, MN
"The Aqua Kriya Yoga training was amazing. I learned so much and found the trainig very supportive to my land practice. Thank you so much."
Marie Frederickson
November 2015 Grad
Minneapolis, MN
"This was a great beginning of another part of my yoga journey. I appreciate that it makes yoga more accessible to me and I look forward to sharing it with others.
Jo-San Arnold
October 2015 Grad
San Diego, CA
"Coming to yoga late in life and after a rigorous career in the fire service, I personally found that a number of the traditional asana poses can be difficult on land. I tested 'land' based yoga and even became certified as a yoga instructor. However, I was looking for more...something that was potentially supportive of everyone in class, especially when students cannot hope to get one-to-one attention or adjustments in large classes.My background as a medic and in the emergency medical arena has created the mantra - Do No Further Harm, in my yoga classes. My love is diverse populations and I work with the intellectually challenged, older adults and others. Aqua Kyria Yoga is perfect. Now we have a safe platform to work with those who may not have a clear understanding of their bodies, have challenged and/or painful bodies, and possibly would have never tried yoga thinking the asanas we find in magazines would 'never' be them.Having the water is not only nurturing, it acts as a natural prop in positioning, putting no strain on ligaments, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed Camella's class and count it as a winner in my ongoing self education and look forward to introducing it as a primary modality in our area. Thank you Camella!"
Maureen Maclise
Porltand Therapeutic Yoga
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"Clear, practical inspiring teaching with a side of humour. Camella and Nancy have created a supportive atmosphere for training in Aqua Kriya yoga. I look forward to continuing in this lineage."
LuAnn Rukke
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"I have been teaching yoga and aquastic classes for many years. This training merged my love of yoga and the water. I feel I gained so many wonderful tools and gifts to share with my students."
Gayle Agee
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"I enjoyed this workshop very much...this has reinforced my teaching of my Aqua Strength & Flex class....I can see ways of adding more."
Lisa Osterberg
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"Aqua Kriya Yoga is new and exciting. I see it benefitting all populations of people and I am excited to be a part of it."
Caz Thomson
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"This weekend was an investment in me that will benefit my classes both on land and water. Camella demystifies yoga to allow yoga to be open to all. My own personal practice will be more stable!"
Christa Fairbrother
October 2015 Grad
Dallas, TX
"Camella's passion and depth of knowledge of aqua yoga came through very clearly in our teacher training. She was very generous in sharing her expertise and took the time to place aqua yoga within the larger philosophical and spiritual practice of yoga. This is an amazing modality for all bodies to practice yoga and Camella is truly a pioneer in the field."
Kim Rivera
September 2015 Grad
Las Vegas, NV
"Camella brings amazing energy to the course. She welcomes people from all backgrounds and of all abilities. The water is a very soothing and forgiving medium and a wonderful way to explore new poses and strengthen others. This course teaches inclusion of all individuals and the healing powers of yoga aand water."
Susan Ozanne-Warm
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"Awesome experience! Camella is a wonderful teacher who was always available to provide options for the asana practice.
I can't wait to start teaching Aqua Kriya Yoga! Thank you for a great weekend!"
Marria Evbuoma
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"A very inspiring training on so many levels."
Carol Forte
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"Bringing together a group with diverse personalities and backgrounds can be a challenge. Nancy & Camella provide a professional, thought-provoking two days of instruction and bonding everyone. I will never forget this experience and can't wait to share my new knowledge with others."
Maria Yurova
Jun. 2015 Grad
Austin, TX
“Thank you so much for the training! My back feels amazing! Can’t wait to introduce it to people in Dallas. Especially those who will benefit from it the most; Well, I meant everyone! Anyone can do yoga!”
Meg Kirby
Jun. 2015 Grad
Austin, TX
“This course was a big, wonderful opening to Aqua Yoga! So much valuable knowledge and experience to take away in only two days. Camella has such a great amount of information and it was a pleasure to train with her.”
Jamie Mullen
Jan. 2015 Grad
Madison, WI
"This training will prove to be so valuable with my work with seniors and those with physical limitations. Being able to offer all aboilities the practice of yoga is my desire."
Marcelo Pun Lay
Nov. 2014 Grad
Fort Lauderdale
"Water & Yoga...Since the first time I read about it, it made sense. Now tht I have experienced it, I am on a mission of spreading the love by teaching what helped me."
Bonnie O'Hara
October 2014 (Attending 2nd Time)
Randolph, NJ
"Camella is a gifted and generous teacher, sharing both knowledge and spirit so that we feel throughly supported in carrying on the Aqua Kriya Yoga tradition!"
Rose Petrucelli
October 2014 Grad
Randolph, NJ
"This has been one of the most informative and moving experiences I've had. Meeting Camella and these beautiful women has been amazing and touching."
Megan Holland
October 2014 Grad
Phoenix
"Camella is a fabulous and genuine teacher. She's very approachable and knowledgable and takes the time to demonstrate. "
Nancy P.
July 2014 Grad
San Jose
"Aqua Kriya Yoga Teacher Training is challenging and fascinating. It is a wonderful way to move yoga into the water which is beneficial for all people."
Coco P.
July 2014 grad
San J ose
"Aqua Kriya Yoga training was an amazing experience. It moved my yoga practice to a whole new level. Thank you Camella, you changed my life."
Elyse Walters
July 2014 Grad
San Jose
"This class is a wonderful personal weekend experience. People would pay thousands of dollars to have their life feel blessed, whole, happy, love in their heart, and loved by others. A weekend with Camella and Nancy not only teaches teachers (and empowers them) to teach Aqua Yoga but transforms and shifts the Universe. It is a gift to yourself to take this course.
Nicole Kapala
June 2014 Grad
Minneapolis
"Aqua Kriya yoga is a beautiful practice that embraces all students at every level."
Nancy Pascoe
June 2014 Grad
Minneapolis
Take this training. You will come away with a better sense of what you were meant to do. The added bonus of yoga in the water and being able to bring that practice to those who will benefit greatly, will serve you well throughout your teaching years. Even if you don't teach. If you struggle to do yoga on land and want to explore a safer way to exercise and get a full mind/body practice, take this course. You will find yourself wanting to share all you have learned. I was so impressed with the power of the water and working in it. Camilla is full of spirit and expertise. You will not forget her or this training long after it's over.
Kimberly G.
Oct. 2013 grad
Reno/Tahoe
The results of the Aqua Kriya Yoga were felt integrally in my body after my first experience! When one is doing the postures, there is immediate release on physical, mental, emotional & spiritual levels. The body became more integrated. Camella is a wonderful teacher.
Judy Farniok
June 2014 Grad
Minneapolis
"Camella has creatively adapted therapeutic yoga to the water environment with a compassionate and joyful approach! Her teachings will benefit many and I am anxious to take my learning out into the community"
Gheri Lucas-Lockwood
Oct. 2013 grad
Reno/Tahoe
If you have become less active due to an injury, illness; ie. fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, etc., and the pain connected with it...Aqua Kriya Yoga provides a path for you to find relief from pain and a way for you to have a joyful life. Do not accept depression and constant pain.
Meliisa Tellinghuisen
June 2014 Grad
Minneapolis
I have been practicing yoga for over 10 years, and this Aqua Kriya teacher training was my first time taking my practice to the water. The buoyancy of the water immediately took the pressure off of my joints and still challenged my balance and my muscles. The warm water and decreased gravitational pressure allowed me to stretch my muscles more than on land. With a little creativity and study, it is easy to see how most of the postures I teach could easily be translated to the water.
Carolyn-Osenga-McCollum
November 2015 Grad
Minneapolis, MN
"The training opens up possibilities for people of every ability. I am excited to bring what I have learned to my rural community."
Katherine Lee
November 2015 Grad
Minneapolis, MN
"Opens a thousand ways to help others.
(a hundred poses...ten classes)"
Lori Cheney
November 2015 Grad
Minneapolis, MN
"Great class/workshop. The benefits of Aqua Yoga were apparent after the first pool session! Greater flexibility, ease of postures on joiints, decompresses the spine, and all in beautiful warm water."
Elise McCutcheon
October 2015 Grad
San Diego, CA
"Aqua Kriya Yoga will add to my Aqua Yoga classes in the Virgin Islands. Thank you for your energy."
Stacey Parnum
October 2015 Grad
San Diego, CA
"This weekend was truly life-changing. Although I've practiced yoga for many years. I feel I learned more about my body this weekend than any other workshop or training. I shall feel and experience my body in a new way from this moment forward."
Theri Thomas
October 2015 Grad
San Diego, CA
"The approach makes the mystery & separateness practical & accessible & understandable to everyone. Everyone needs this on their daily life. We live in a physical plane & must stay connected to truly transcend."
Cheryl Zolla
October 2015 Grad
San Diego, CA
"My reflex sympathetic arm pain diminished significantly."
Theresa Ann Kelly-Sparks
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"As an aquatic professional and instructor over 30 years, I feel like I have started over with a new medium, language and practice to help my clients. But, most of all, myself."
Sandy Hayes
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"The Aqua Kriya Yoga Book in partnership with the certification training as given me the tools needed to take this wonderful exercise venue and share it with my class participants."
Stacey Colgan
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"There was a lot of material to cover and I am sure much more to learn but this class seemed more that an introduction. It had a lot of content that was well-organized."
Cecily Hunt
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"Camella's an inspirational teacher who brings much integrity and knowledge to Aqua Kriya Yoga and her trainigs."
Karen Soenksen
October 2015 Grad
Portland, OR
"I enjoyed this class very much. Very informative on many levels. And fun!
Bob Ferry
September 2015 Grad
Dallas, TX
"Great class, great teacher, and great opportunities to bring healing yoga to underserved populations. Highly recommended."
Heather Sand
September 2015 Grad
Las Vegas, NV
"Aqua Kriya Yoga teacher training brought method to my passion for having an inclusive way to bring yoga to everyone. I am so thrilled to have learned how to translate asana to the supportive and nourishing environment of the water. The things we learned in class inspired and excited me."
Kelly David
September 2015 Grad
Las Vegas, NV
"This training was inspirational and it was better than I thought it could be. Camella and Nancy created a safe and fun place to learn, their passion for Aqua Kriya Yoga is contagious!"
Khris Fuller
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"I personally can sense that the universe is full of danger and opportunity. The way Camella teaches her practice of Aqua Kriya Yoga allows me focus on "opportunity" because I can let go of my mind chatter about "danger". Because of experiencing yoga in the water, I grew open to and conscious of letting go of my attachment(s) and thus my fear. Shifting from gravity to buoyancy allowed my mind to float into my heart. This is what I have tried to practice on land in a rather uphill fashion.
In the water the flow I knew was possible occurred effortlessly with each Aqua Kriya Yoga pose. Now I am aware that I am so blessed to be alive in this grand time of danger and opportunity because I am now aware that this gift of dynamism is in my body. Thank you Camilla for bringing how I have been blessed and continue to be blessed --by the opportunity to teach--to my awareness!"
Kaitlyn Murphy
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"I enjoyed learning Aqua Kriya Yoga and look forward to sharing it as an option for those who feel wary of regular yoga classes. This class is truly for eveyone, regardless of physical ability."
Ursula Bleeg
July 2015 Grad
San Jose, CA
"A very good experience. I will use it for myself and maybe eventually teach it if the occasion arises."
Camille Butler
Jun. 2015 Grad
Austin, TX
"I am so grateful to have taken Aqua Kriya Yoga training with Camella. Doing yoga in the water feels so restorative and I have fallen in love with Aqua Yoga. The training is very comprehensive, including time in the water, anatomy, chakra education, and yoga history and philosophy. I feel like I learned so much in such a short time! I highly recommend it!"
Tina Lewis
Jun. 2015 Grad
Austin, TX
This was extremely intense and yet fun at the same time. Packed with information and backed with great written materials. As a yoga practitioner but not a teacher, I appreciated the ability to participate in such a high level and valuable experience.
Kumari Sky
Jan. 2015 Grad
Madison, WI
"I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of yoga. and then the bonus os you learn to teach it in the water! Camella is an amazingly inspiring woman."
Jerilyn Geishirt
Jan. 2015 Grad
Madison, WI
"It is wonderful that a program is finally offered to be able to bring yoga to those who may not be able to do it on land."
Marian Smith
Nov. 2014 Grad
Fort Lauderdale
"Camella is an amazing spiritual inspiration. She has a great deal of energy and her passion for this topic ia appraent. I am blessed to have had this opprotunity come my way."
Brittany Gadt
Nov. 2014 Grad
Fort Lauderdale
"Camella is a fabulous beacon of light filled with timeless knowledge and obvious passion and enthusiasm for her work. It was a prviliege to learn from her adn enjoy her compnay. Our two days together were a wealth of knowledge..."
Sharon Moore
October 2014 Grad
Randolph, NJ
"I am a certified RYT working with Yoga Alliance and working with "Ashrams for Autism". Practicing for 8 years. Started due to fibromyalgia. I have always practiced in the heat as it is beneficial and opens me up. The water is even more amazing! This need to be advertised more! If I know how much it would help, I would have been doing it years agao. Thank you!"
Colleen Marsilio
October 2014 Grad
Randolph, NJ
"This was an enlightning, wonderful, inspiring workshop. Being from an "Aquatic" background, yoga was new to me! WOW! Fantastic! I plan on exploring fiuther, so exciting! Camella presented in such an organized, clean, easy to understand approach.So much to learn! I will definitely apply all I learned to my students and plan on going deeper as I have realized how much there is to learn! Best Weekend ever!"
Melinda Reynard
July 2014 Grad
San Jose
"Camella's teaching style is engaging, enlightening, interesting and all the while her students are having fun! She and Nancy are so approachable and genuinely concerned that each student grasp the concepts completely and are able to impart this knowledge to others whom they teach. Aqua Yoga is definitely the new wave in yoga therapy and I am so grateful to be part of "riding this wave". This is a well put together training and I highly recommend it. I am certain that the people whose lives they touch will never be quite the same-more balanced, happier and with much more awareness of their breath, posture and body alignment, for starters..."
Lynn Scott
July 2014 Grad
San Jose
It was so great to meet you and Camella and everyone else this weekend. It was a wonderful experience. I was so excited to go to the hotel pool on Monday morning and practice my yoga routine.
I have always had a passion for the water but this weekend ignited that passion even more.
Michele Daish
July 2014 grad
San Jose
"The workshop was an amazing exploration of therapeutic asanas. Aqua Kriya Yoga will be a valuable asset to everyone, particularly students suffering from chronic health conditions and the general yoga populations as well. I thoroughly enjoyed Camella's teachings and Nancy's skillful facilitation. Highly recommend Aqua Kriya Yoga for yoga teachers, physical therapists, fitness professionals and medical pros."
Sandra E.
July 2014 Grad
San Jose
"I had a wonderful time connecting with other wonderful women! I will always remember to ground down with my femur bones!"
"I became certified in Aqua Kriya Yoga less than one month ago. I have held four classes in my backyard pool, averaging 7 participants per class. These women represent the diversity of my community: a 13-year-old girl who hates "exercise" but likes being in the water, a woman who is carrying a surrogate triplet pregnancy, two sisters-in-law who wanted something fun and healthy to do together on their weekly night out, a medically obese woman who has just started her wellness journey, and a 73-year-old Indian woman who practiced yoga much of her adult life until she had a double-knee replacement 8 years ago. Despite their varying backgrounds, they all say that aqua yoga is the most relaxing and refreshing hour of their week.
As a teacher, I love offering a class that is so inclusive. The participants have incredibly different body types and fitness levels, but aqua yoga allows each person to work to her own ability. A gentle reminder from the deck that the most important part of the class is to connect the breath to the movement and to be grateful for what we can do gives everyone the permission to honor her body and her self.
Practically speaking, there is a huge market of individuals who are craving this type of class. I will have paid for my training and equipment (pool noodles) by teaching just five classes. That return-on-investment is unheard of in the fitness industry. More importantly, I know that offering this class gives otherwise-disenfranchised people the opportunity to experience health-building movement in a welcoming and supportive environment. When you teach from the heart and offer people what they want and need, the rewards are great."
Cindy To
Camp Campbell YMCA
Sept. 2013 grad
Saratoga, CA
"Getting caught up in the craziness of life, I have simply forgotten how to breathe...I felt stressed, tired, overworked and most of all, unhappy. I love my life and my job, but I couldn't slow down enough to enjoy them. Once I discovered the Aqua Kriya Yoga teacher certification, I jumped at the chance.
I have never taken a class, let alone an aqua yoga class. But once I started the training, I knew I made the right choice. I was scared at first because I didn't think I was flexible enough. However, with the supportive environment of the water, I felt I could do anything. Instantly, I began to relax, awaken, and I felt so much happier. After one class, I already began to feel my mind and body connect. I can't wait to share the many wonderful benefits of Aqua Kriya Yoga. Thank you Camella for an enlightening class!"
"The yoga is so soothing, healing and rejuvenating for everyone. I love the accessibility that Aqua Kriya Yoga offers to everyone. I can't wait to start teaching!"
Kelly Nobbs
Sept. 2013 grad
Saratoga, CA
"Aqua Kriya Yoga has moved my soul closer to the infinite! Realizing that the goal
of Kriya Yoga is happiness has empowered me to practice yoga more often and for the right reasons!"
Dr. Nadine Kelly
June 2013 grad
Chicago, IL
"I had a rich learning experience. I was further inspired to share yoga with those with physical challenges and chronic conditions. Camella is a true grounded, nurturing inspiration."
"Teaching aqua yoga has made me a better yoga instructor. I get the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of injuries and disorders and then come up with creative ways to modify poses so that each student may benefit from the pose. I have also found that it increased my ability to effectively direct students as the conditions of the pool are such that some maybe in deeper water or facing opposite directions. It is great to be able empower people to do yoga especially those who don't feel like the stereotypical yoga student. Being able to reach a wider audience has also increased my requests for group and private classes which has increased my income. Best of all it is wonderful to be able to watch students progress on their courageous journey back to the body."
Clear, articulate guidance, deep insight and whole-hearted dedication to the mission of bringing the benefits of yoga to the broadest range of students is what you can expect from Camella's course. Her years of experience teaching aquatic yoga, as well as personal practice in the aqua medium shines thru her lessons. The class was attended by a synergistic mix of experienced yoga teachers and aquatics fitness instructors. When out of the pool, her curriculum delves in a wide range of topics from practical business, communication & teaching skills,to more esoteric subject matter. I learned so much from this class that will enhance my skills and versatility as a teacher, and add a lovely new dynamic to my own sadana." Melanie Knapp
Devin Laming
Sept. 2013 grad
Saratoga, CA
"Aqua Kriya Yoga is an amazing training that I feel gave me
expansive yoga knowledge in a condensed time frame.
I am truly excited to be able to enrich my students' well-being with
what I have learned."
Priya A.
Sept. 2013 grad
Saratoga, CA
"The Aqua Kriya Yoga weekend training was wonderful. Water, being an expansive & flowing element of nature along with the asanas & breath was conducive to letting go of gripping and stress in the body and mind.
Camella went to great lengths to explain the concepts and offer constructive feedback of students "classes". Overall, the workshop is a great value for the money and the health benefits associated with it."
Dr. Dancing Lion
July 2013 grad
Atlanta, GA
"This training had fascinating theory, real world examples, righteous honoring of the tradition and teachers, and plenty of opportunity to explore what we were learning. Thank you for your integrity and commitment to excellence."
Diane Harness-DiGloria
July 2013 grad
Atlanta, GA
"Aqua Kriya Yoga will allow me an opportunity to make yoga more accessible to a more diverse population of students in the healing environment of water."
Canella Mullins
June 2013 grad
Chicago, IL
"Aqua Kriya Yoga is so much more than yoga in the water!
Camella takes you deeper into reflection and contemplation. What a lovely experience. Thank you to Camella, her teachers and the Kriya Lineage."
"One of the most fantastic experiences of my life.
It took my yoga practice to a whole new dimension
and opened new doors within myself."