I cannot recommend SV enough. Not only are her programs backed by science, they are developed with real daily users in mind. Each program is so fantastic for motivating me and keeping me strong and lean with my busy nursing lifestyle.
Thank you for creating such an all rounder. It has changed my attitude to exercise like nothing else. I started when I was postpartum a few years ago and I can honestly say it’s the only programme I completed and return to again and again.
A really holistic approach to fitness. I love how much it engages the mind as well as the physical aspect of the practice. It is also great in how it is adaptable to your life rather than the other way round, I found it relatively easy to schedule in and actually having a schedule and a program became a really enjoyable thing.
Shona is like a friend who I trust COMPLETELY! Her programs are so addictive, fun and I notice the results so quickly! I love listening to her podcasts, watching her videos and working out with her ❤️ Shona will make you feel strong and powerful. She will help you feel in control of your body and health. She's a boss and she's awesome! Vertue Crew all the way 💪
Shona's programmes have really helped me to build consistency in my life. Not only when it comes to training! I like her style, mixing strenght, flexibility and meditation! I think she's the best in the fitness industry!! ❤️ always looking forward to new programmes, even though her programmes can be done over and over again! And they are really affordable! Love it!!!
I've been using Shona's home workouts since 2018 and they've been excellent - as they're ~30 mins I can fit one in before work or at any point during the day so easily but they're still hard work. I love working with kettlebells and I love Shona's attitude - she makes it fun but challenging! These workouts have been such an easy slot into my life and I'm so grateful to have them.
I bought the mobility programme. While I find it quite challenging, I do wish there were more detailed form videos about some of the movements. For instance, I have had to do my own research about the 90/90 movement to really understand what I'm supposed to be feeling and where. The video and the description aren't super clear to somebody who doesn't have any background in this kind of stuff.
To me the best part is to be able to keep progressing without depending on gyms or teachers. My life had some ups and downs so keeping a steady workout routine was very difficult before having access to Shona's programs. What I like the most about the method is that it delivers what it promises. It's also interesting and fun to do. The progression system gives you something to look forward to. What I would say is if you're looking for results and good guidance (the instructions are very good and clear), come and join us!
The Vertue Method has brought consistency and stability (mentally and physically!) into my life. Shona is a phenomenal instructor/teacher with so much knowledge to share. Each session I try to soak up her super powers and repeat what she says haha. For someone looking to get started with the Vertue Crew all I have to say is it’s impactful. The Crew themselves are so supportive. I love when people place questions in the Facebook page! Shona is consistent with her programs and it’s helped a lot with progressions. I truly adore Shona Vertue, the Vertue Crew, and both Vertue Methods :)
I’ve been doing the VM programme since 2019 and honestly the gains are incredible, I’m so much stronger but also much more mobile than I thought I would ever be! It’s the only programme I’ve ever stuck to I think it’s partially to do with the aspect of doing it alongside Shona as well as the fact it doesn’t take hours to get the work done and still get results!! At first I was mostly doing it for the aesthetic gains but now it’s more about skill - although I constantly get asked what I’m doing to get my body looking how it does 💪 Love it, 10/10, would love to see a VM 3.0 in the future 🤙
I’ve been training with Shona for almost 5 years now, started in 2017 after I found her on instagram and bought her book to complete the OG vertue method. I’ve completed her book programme, home programmes, and currently training using the gym programme! I recommend this program to all my friends and even random people on the street! Have I seen an insane difference in my body? Yes… But even better than that is that I’ve seen a dramatic difference in my confidence & mental health (i SWEAR on this). From the programme design to the form ques to the banter, this programme is the best and I never stray far from it!
I love the Vertue Method! The convenience of being able to do it at home. The fact that there is a warm up and cool down and you know the hard part doesnt go for too long so you can get through it! Training along in real time with Shona i find you really focus on correct form! The fact that yoga/mobility is incorporated along with strength training! I love Shonas sense of humour it makes working out with her fun not to mention how incredibly knowledgeable she is! The vertue crew community is so supportive!! Shona has a few programs to choose from i can guarantee once you select one you will want them all because shes so amazing!! Thanks Shona for creating such brilliant programs for anyone..including this tired mum!!
Training with Shona is like your gateway drug to exercise. Even if you try it just a little bit, like with a simple YouTube video, you'll want more. What makes it stick for me is that she explains the reason WHY it's important to move your body and the best ways HOW to do it according to your level. I also love that her focus is not about looking nice (although it is a nice perk 😏), but that she encourages you to focus on how exercising makes you FEEL, eg stronger, fitter, healthier, more at peace, capable. I started training with Shona in October 2020 with her free YouTube videos, then got the Vertue Method (At Home) and now I've moved on to the Vertue Method Gym (Sculpt). I've never felt better in my body! Thanks Shona :)
I love the Vertue method because it takes into account the entire person mind, body and soul. The gym plan has been a game changer for me. It’s given me confidence at the gym, which is something I’ve never had. After the first round I have also had visible results which is so motivating. I love the reflective component, it has really helped me understand where I’ve held myself back in the past. I will keep this habit forever. I also love that Shona doesn’t just tell you what to do, she tells you why, it’s an education for how to look after yourself not just to be smaller. If you’re starting out read the plan Shona gives and then read it again. Trust the process and trust Shonas skills to get you moving and feeling like a badass.
Vertue Method is about life, not about training, that is what I love about it. Everything Shona says applies to life situations as well as in training. It is a psychotherapy,the one thst benefits us all in manyy ways. With regards to training about Shona one could only be honored as she is so honest. I truly admire the genuine person she is beside being such a professionalist and perfectionist. She makes it easy no matter how hard it is at times and she makes us love ourselves no matter the circumstances. I will always recommend VM to everyone who is up for a better place to be, physically and mentally. VM is my constant, and that constant pushes me trough and builds my inner strength, appart from some glutes getting stronger. VM is for life. Thank you will never be enough. Still Thank you Shona forever. I hope you have your constant like the one you selfishlessly gave to us ❤️
I’ve been using vertue method since the first programme launched. I was going through a divorce with a four year old daughter that I needed to be able to carry, as well as luggage, shopping etc without relying on a husband! I’ve finished Vm 1.0 6 times. It kept me sane and physically active through the pandemic. I was one of the few people in my friends circle who trained at home pre-pandemic and therefore had all equipment needed to keep going. I’ve now finished Vm 2.0 - gosh it’s way more difficult but equally rewarding and have just started Vm 2.0 as well as the Vm yoga programme. My daughter has grown up watching me exercise in our living room which has normalised exercise for her and on occasion she’s finished a work out with me or even used Shona’s Vm book to try postures. My daughter understands that physical activity is there for ensuring our bodies stay strong - not about outward appearances. I mean everyone wants to be able to win in a zombie apocalypse even a 43 year old single mum and her 9 year old daughter!
I did the Vertue method 1 and Vertue Mobility program. I like the structure of the programs. It’s actually informative. The form queue is helpful. I appreciate the stretch/yoga at the end of the session. From doing these programs it made me want to learn more about being mobile. Also, it made me appreciate movement in particular. So I don’t look for exercise, I look forward to movements and meditation. It made me be grateful of my body. My mobility for Cossack Squats - I am very impressed by it. I managed to Cossack Squat with 7kg on me. I used to only be able to do 4kg when I first learnt about it. And it was also going in depth too. I was really proud of myself yesterday. I bought the gym program, however when it comes to barbell exercises, I’ve decided to not start with it as I am currently fixing my form (deadlift, squats, etc) with a personal trainer. Your form queues made me think about my form, it humbles me. Your program made me be more aware of my body (in a good way). The Vertue method is good for beginners. You actually learn a lot. I would highly recommend it. I also appreciate kettlebells too. You’ve taught me how to think/plan my daily movements & how I should look at fitness. So thank you.
I’ve done the VM1 three times and the VM2 once and I’m about to start the gym program. I’m also doing the mobility program and once a week the yoga program ( very slowly) . There is something unique about Shona VM programs. Her involvement in it is so helpful, the fact that you can watch Shona doing exercices with you or showing how to perfect them makes a huge difference with any other programs I’ve done before. When I signed up first it was for loss weight motivation but very fast into the program the weight loss worry disappeared and I started to focus on my movements, to perfect them, understanding how important each and everyone are and how they made me feel afterwards.Shona is great at explaining it all! Honestly a life changer. My flexibility improved hugely, I sleep like a baby every time I’m doing a program and my strength is on another level I would never imagined to reach one day. What I also loved about the VM home program is how short the classes are. For a beginner it’s great because time is a huge motivation to start with. To know that it only takes about 30 min is a game changer. You feel the workout trust me and it builds you up for something stronger every time! When I started it all I was barely exercising 2h per week. Now I cannot imagine myself not doing one of Shona class each day, if it’s not home exercise it’s mobility or yoga. Movement is key! Super excited to start the gym program tomorrow !
absolutely life changing. couldn’t think of training without the VM! i’ve been using it for 3 years and i’ve gained strength in all areas, learned about my body more and finally found programme(s) I’ve been able to stick to - in my own way - and see results with. I have moved around a lot and the simplicity with which I’ve been able to pick up the workouts from VM and VM 2.0 wherever i am is fantastic and reassuring. it proves that the right programme is one that you can carry with you! doing the VM yoga programme before my yoga teacher training gave me a fantastic head start as well, not just in the philosophy of yoga but also in being able to deconstruct the poses and analyse them anatomically - it really was foundational. I LOVE the educational content throughout - all those nuggets of wisdom mixed with Shona’s banter make me giggle, the workout to feel less hard and they are so helpful. Shona does say that maybe some of the info shared ‘will translate into your life’ and it really does - subconsciously at first, i’ve realised i’ve been adjusting my posture, engaging this or that muscle, or perform exercises differently because a little voice in the back of my head was repeating Shona’s teachings. this, the quality of the content, the ease with which the programme can be implemented (minimal equipment) make any VM programme top of the category. if you’re thinking of signing up, do. first of all, you will actually ENJOY the programme(s), which is not to be taken for granted! don’t get me wrong they are hard, but you will be able to measure considerable returns on investment - in terms of your own body strength (shape too), mobility/flexibility and overall well-being. it’s truly a life companion i am blessed to have found! thank you Shona for your passion and your knowledge.
I started VM 1.0 in July 2020 (shortly after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC) as a way to build strength, stay active while being stuck inside much more than usual, and try to cope with all of the anxiety I was feeling. I had avoided weightlifting in favor of yoga and other fitness classes here and there for the previous 10+ years and was worried it would make me "bulky," but the combination of strength training, yoga, and mobility in the Vertue Method intrigued me. Since then, I've been through numerous rounds of VM 1.0, Shona's yoga and mobility programs, and VM 2.0. The Vertue Method approach has been transformative, not only in terms of my fitness level (I've progressively increased the weights I'm lifting, can see the difference in the strength of my yoga practice, and have lost body fat, even though that wasn't a focus), but also for my lifestyle (I can keep up with my runner friends on long bike rides and with my dog, while she's chasing squirrels!) and my mental health (having such a consistent routine has been incredibly grounding during stressful times and has helped me consider where I can incorporate nourishing practices into other areas of my life). I've had to step away from VM 2.0 now that I'm in the second trimester of my first pregnancy but have found that I've been able to stay consistent with my new prenatal fitness routine, thanks to the practice I developed through VM, and can tell that my inner core muscles are in good shape going into this new adventure. That said, I cannot wait to return to the Vertue Method! The way Shona brings together strength training, yoga, mobility, breath, educational content and form cues--all in very manageable 30-min workouts--is unlike anything else, and I cannot wait to get back! Thank you, Shona! I cannot recommend the Vertue Method enough.
Genuinely the best workout program I have ever tried - by miles. This is the first program I’ve found that aligns perfectly with everything I’m after - from exercise selection to intensity to psychology. Doing the VM Gym program has completely changed how I feel in the gym itself. As someone who has never been “strong”, I’ve always felt a real sense of impostor syndrome in a gym setting. As a result of this I’ve tended to stay away from the serious equipment - barbells and machine seemed like they were only for “strong people” so I should stick to free weights in the corner and let the real gym goers use the big stuff. I don’t feel that way anymore, and it is such a relief. Now I feel like I can walk into a gym and know exactly what I’m doing. The detailed exercise videos and the other info in the program have equipped me with the knowledge to fully and safely utilise my time in the gym and I no longer feel like I don’t belong in that space. The mental benefit of even this one element has been huge. I’ve also found the program to be really adaptable - the list of exercise alternatives is a fantastic tool not only for times when the gym logistics require a change of equipment. I’ve also found it to be easy to scale up or down - the format of Reps in Reserve has been a huge game changer for me. I never realised how much I had been underestimating my strength with certain movements until now, and the psychological boost of being able to go heavier than I ever thought I’d be able to is unbelievably satisfying. It has also allowed for scaling down too - I’ve been struggling with my immune system for a while now and on days or in weeks where I’ve been a bit under the weather or recovery has been impacted it’s a fantastic tool to recognise where your body’s capacity is at that day and to work within those margins so you don’t do yourself harm. The benefits of the program are compounded I think by the amazing experience of the VM community. Shona has created and fostered genuinely the most uplifting, supportive and kind online space I’ve ever come across. The shared experiences amongst the VM community have been a huge source of inspiration and that, along with the amazing resources and insights Shona provides across the board have been a daily reminder of the real reasons for doing this. It’s easy to get disheartened on this fitness journey. The cultural attack of unattainable aesthetics can be really demotivating, but the VM program and community are constantly realigning my sights on the real priorities for me - training my body to work at full capacity so I can live my life at full capacity. After having Covid, I genuinely thought I’d never get back to any level of fitness at all. Climbing the stairs felt like climbing a mountain for a good while. VM has been instrumental in getting me back on track. Even when I didn’t feel physically able to do the program, knowing it was there, knowing the community was there provided inspiration and incentive to keep trying. Even know, I don’t feel worried about getting off track or losing progress when I’ve been ill and had to miss weeks or sessions, because I know that the VM method is for life, that it will be a constantly changing thing and a way to measure progress not just over a few months but over the course of a lifetime. On a more philosophical note, I have so much gratitude for this program, this community, for everything that Shona does. She arms us with the facts, the science, the knowledge to chase after whatever our goals are and to never fall prey to the bullshit that is sold in the fitness world. She has inspired me not only to keep pushing with my fitness journey, but to take control of my overall health and really think about my body and how I’m using it. All this has allowed me to tackle other sports I never thought I could - I finally took on a triathlon last year after dreaming about it for a long time. I never would have had the courage or the capacity to tackle something like that without the inspiration and knowledge that came with the world of VM. I discovered the concept of mobility and of movement outside of just exercise and beyond laying the ground work for things like a triathlon, it has transformed my day to day experience. The niggles of joint pain and back pain I’d experienced for years have gone, I believe as a result of both mobility and strength work and that is a focus I never would have found without Shona’s insight. The generosity she has in sharing her knowledge and experience has had a transformative effect on me and I know on so many others. I could not recommend more highly!
I cannot recommend SV enough. Not only are her programs backed by science, they are developed with real daily users in mind. Each program is so fantastic for motivating me and keeping me strong and lean with my busy nursing lifestyle.
Thank you for creating such an all rounder. It has changed my attitude to exercise like nothing else. I started when I was postpartum a few years ago and I can honestly say it’s the only programme I completed and return to again and again.
A really holistic approach to fitness. I love how much it engages the mind as well as the physical aspect of the practice. It is also great in how it is adaptable to your life rather than the other way round, I found it relatively easy to schedule in and actually having a schedule and a program became a really enjoyable thing.
Shona is like a friend who I trust COMPLETELY! Her programs are so addictive, fun and I notice the results so quickly! I love listening to her podcasts, watching her videos and working out with her ❤️ Shona will make you feel strong and powerful. She will help you feel in control of your body and health. She's a boss and she's awesome! Vertue Crew all the way 💪
Shona's programmes have really helped me to build consistency in my life. Not only when it comes to training! I like her style, mixing strenght, flexibility and meditation! I think she's the best in the fitness industry!! ❤️ always looking forward to new programmes, even though her programmes can be done over and over again! And they are really affordable! Love it!!!
I've been using Shona's home workouts since 2018 and they've been excellent - as they're ~30 mins I can fit one in before work or at any point during the day so easily but they're still hard work. I love working with kettlebells and I love Shona's attitude - she makes it fun but challenging! These workouts have been such an easy slot into my life and I'm so grateful to have them.
I bought the mobility programme. While I find it quite challenging, I do wish there were more detailed form videos about some of the movements. For instance, I have had to do my own research about the 90/90 movement to really understand what I'm supposed to be feeling and where. The video and the description aren't super clear to somebody who doesn't have any background in this kind of stuff.
To me the best part is to be able to keep progressing without depending on gyms or teachers. My life had some ups and downs so keeping a steady workout routine was very difficult before having access to Shona's programs. What I like the most about the method is that it delivers what it promises. It's also interesting and fun to do. The progression system gives you something to look forward to. What I would say is if you're looking for results and good guidance (the instructions are very good and clear), come and join us!
The Vertue Method has brought consistency and stability (mentally and physically!) into my life. Shona is a phenomenal instructor/teacher with so much knowledge to share. Each session I try to soak up her super powers and repeat what she says haha. For someone looking to get started with the Vertue Crew all I have to say is it’s impactful. The Crew themselves are so supportive. I love when people place questions in the Facebook page! Shona is consistent with her programs and it’s helped a lot with progressions. I truly adore Shona Vertue, the Vertue Crew, and both Vertue Methods :)
I’ve been doing the VM programme since 2019 and honestly the gains are incredible, I’m so much stronger but also much more mobile than I thought I would ever be! It’s the only programme I’ve ever stuck to I think it’s partially to do with the aspect of doing it alongside Shona as well as the fact it doesn’t take hours to get the work done and still get results!! At first I was mostly doing it for the aesthetic gains but now it’s more about skill - although I constantly get asked what I’m doing to get my body looking how it does 💪 Love it, 10/10, would love to see a VM 3.0 in the future 🤙
I’ve been training with Shona for almost 5 years now, started in 2017 after I found her on instagram and bought her book to complete the OG vertue method. I’ve completed her book programme, home programmes, and currently training using the gym programme! I recommend this program to all my friends and even random people on the street! Have I seen an insane difference in my body? Yes… But even better than that is that I’ve seen a dramatic difference in my confidence & mental health (i SWEAR on this). From the programme design to the form ques to the banter, this programme is the best and I never stray far from it!
I love the Vertue Method! The convenience of being able to do it at home. The fact that there is a warm up and cool down and you know the hard part doesnt go for too long so you can get through it! Training along in real time with Shona i find you really focus on correct form! The fact that yoga/mobility is incorporated along with strength training! I love Shonas sense of humour it makes working out with her fun not to mention how incredibly knowledgeable she is! The vertue crew community is so supportive!! Shona has a few programs to choose from i can guarantee once you select one you will want them all because shes so amazing!! Thanks Shona for creating such brilliant programs for anyone..including this tired mum!!
Training with Shona is like your gateway drug to exercise. Even if you try it just a little bit, like with a simple YouTube video, you'll want more. What makes it stick for me is that she explains the reason WHY it's important to move your body and the best ways HOW to do it according to your level. I also love that her focus is not about looking nice (although it is a nice perk 😏), but that she encourages you to focus on how exercising makes you FEEL, eg stronger, fitter, healthier, more at peace, capable. I started training with Shona in October 2020 with her free YouTube videos, then got the Vertue Method (At Home) and now I've moved on to the Vertue Method Gym (Sculpt). I've never felt better in my body! Thanks Shona :)
I love the Vertue method because it takes into account the entire person mind, body and soul. The gym plan has been a game changer for me. It’s given me confidence at the gym, which is something I’ve never had. After the first round I have also had visible results which is so motivating. I love the reflective component, it has really helped me understand where I’ve held myself back in the past. I will keep this habit forever. I also love that Shona doesn’t just tell you what to do, she tells you why, it’s an education for how to look after yourself not just to be smaller. If you’re starting out read the plan Shona gives and then read it again. Trust the process and trust Shonas skills to get you moving and feeling like a badass.
Vertue Method is about life, not about training, that is what I love about it. Everything Shona says applies to life situations as well as in training. It is a psychotherapy,the one thst benefits us all in manyy ways. With regards to training about Shona one could only be honored as she is so honest. I truly admire the genuine person she is beside being such a professionalist and perfectionist. She makes it easy no matter how hard it is at times and she makes us love ourselves no matter the circumstances. I will always recommend VM to everyone who is up for a better place to be, physically and mentally. VM is my constant, and that constant pushes me trough and builds my inner strength, appart from some glutes getting stronger. VM is for life. Thank you will never be enough. Still Thank you Shona forever. I hope you have your constant like the one you selfishlessly gave to us ❤️
I’ve been using vertue method since the first programme launched. I was going through a divorce with a four year old daughter that I needed to be able to carry, as well as luggage, shopping etc without relying on a husband! I’ve finished Vm 1.0 6 times. It kept me sane and physically active through the pandemic. I was one of the few people in my friends circle who trained at home pre-pandemic and therefore had all equipment needed to keep going. I’ve now finished Vm 2.0 - gosh it’s way more difficult but equally rewarding and have just started Vm 2.0 as well as the Vm yoga programme. My daughter has grown up watching me exercise in our living room which has normalised exercise for her and on occasion she’s finished a work out with me or even used Shona’s Vm book to try postures. My daughter understands that physical activity is there for ensuring our bodies stay strong - not about outward appearances. I mean everyone wants to be able to win in a zombie apocalypse even a 43 year old single mum and her 9 year old daughter!
I did the Vertue method 1 and Vertue Mobility program. I like the structure of the programs. It’s actually informative. The form queue is helpful. I appreciate the stretch/yoga at the end of the session. From doing these programs it made me want to learn more about being mobile. Also, it made me appreciate movement in particular. So I don’t look for exercise, I look forward to movements and meditation. It made me be grateful of my body. My mobility for Cossack Squats - I am very impressed by it. I managed to Cossack Squat with 7kg on me. I used to only be able to do 4kg when I first learnt about it. And it was also going in depth too. I was really proud of myself yesterday. I bought the gym program, however when it comes to barbell exercises, I’ve decided to not start with it as I am currently fixing my form (deadlift, squats, etc) with a personal trainer. Your form queues made me think about my form, it humbles me. Your program made me be more aware of my body (in a good way). The Vertue method is good for beginners. You actually learn a lot. I would highly recommend it. I also appreciate kettlebells too. You’ve taught me how to think/plan my daily movements & how I should look at fitness. So thank you.
I’ve done the VM1 three times and the VM2 once and I’m about to start the gym program. I’m also doing the mobility program and once a week the yoga program ( very slowly) . There is something unique about Shona VM programs. Her involvement in it is so helpful, the fact that you can watch Shona doing exercices with you or showing how to perfect them makes a huge difference with any other programs I’ve done before. When I signed up first it was for loss weight motivation but very fast into the program the weight loss worry disappeared and I started to focus on my movements, to perfect them, understanding how important each and everyone are and how they made me feel afterwards.Shona is great at explaining it all! Honestly a life changer. My flexibility improved hugely, I sleep like a baby every time I’m doing a program and my strength is on another level I would never imagined to reach one day. What I also loved about the VM home program is how short the classes are. For a beginner it’s great because time is a huge motivation to start with. To know that it only takes about 30 min is a game changer. You feel the workout trust me and it builds you up for something stronger every time! When I started it all I was barely exercising 2h per week. Now I cannot imagine myself not doing one of Shona class each day, if it’s not home exercise it’s mobility or yoga. Movement is key! Super excited to start the gym program tomorrow !
absolutely life changing. couldn’t think of training without the VM! i’ve been using it for 3 years and i’ve gained strength in all areas, learned about my body more and finally found programme(s) I’ve been able to stick to - in my own way - and see results with. I have moved around a lot and the simplicity with which I’ve been able to pick up the workouts from VM and VM 2.0 wherever i am is fantastic and reassuring. it proves that the right programme is one that you can carry with you! doing the VM yoga programme before my yoga teacher training gave me a fantastic head start as well, not just in the philosophy of yoga but also in being able to deconstruct the poses and analyse them anatomically - it really was foundational. I LOVE the educational content throughout - all those nuggets of wisdom mixed with Shona’s banter make me giggle, the workout to feel less hard and they are so helpful. Shona does say that maybe some of the info shared ‘will translate into your life’ and it really does - subconsciously at first, i’ve realised i’ve been adjusting my posture, engaging this or that muscle, or perform exercises differently because a little voice in the back of my head was repeating Shona’s teachings. this, the quality of the content, the ease with which the programme can be implemented (minimal equipment) make any VM programme top of the category. if you’re thinking of signing up, do. first of all, you will actually ENJOY the programme(s), which is not to be taken for granted! don’t get me wrong they are hard, but you will be able to measure considerable returns on investment - in terms of your own body strength (shape too), mobility/flexibility and overall well-being. it’s truly a life companion i am blessed to have found! thank you Shona for your passion and your knowledge.
I started VM 1.0 in July 2020 (shortly after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC) as a way to build strength, stay active while being stuck inside much more than usual, and try to cope with all of the anxiety I was feeling. I had avoided weightlifting in favor of yoga and other fitness classes here and there for the previous 10+ years and was worried it would make me "bulky," but the combination of strength training, yoga, and mobility in the Vertue Method intrigued me. Since then, I've been through numerous rounds of VM 1.0, Shona's yoga and mobility programs, and VM 2.0. The Vertue Method approach has been transformative, not only in terms of my fitness level (I've progressively increased the weights I'm lifting, can see the difference in the strength of my yoga practice, and have lost body fat, even though that wasn't a focus), but also for my lifestyle (I can keep up with my runner friends on long bike rides and with my dog, while she's chasing squirrels!) and my mental health (having such a consistent routine has been incredibly grounding during stressful times and has helped me consider where I can incorporate nourishing practices into other areas of my life). I've had to step away from VM 2.0 now that I'm in the second trimester of my first pregnancy but have found that I've been able to stay consistent with my new prenatal fitness routine, thanks to the practice I developed through VM, and can tell that my inner core muscles are in good shape going into this new adventure. That said, I cannot wait to return to the Vertue Method! The way Shona brings together strength training, yoga, mobility, breath, educational content and form cues--all in very manageable 30-min workouts--is unlike anything else, and I cannot wait to get back! Thank you, Shona! I cannot recommend the Vertue Method enough.
Genuinely the best workout program I have ever tried - by miles. This is the first program I’ve found that aligns perfectly with everything I’m after - from exercise selection to intensity to psychology. Doing the VM Gym program has completely changed how I feel in the gym itself. As someone who has never been “strong”, I’ve always felt a real sense of impostor syndrome in a gym setting. As a result of this I’ve tended to stay away from the serious equipment - barbells and machine seemed like they were only for “strong people” so I should stick to free weights in the corner and let the real gym goers use the big stuff. I don’t feel that way anymore, and it is such a relief. Now I feel like I can walk into a gym and know exactly what I’m doing. The detailed exercise videos and the other info in the program have equipped me with the knowledge to fully and safely utilise my time in the gym and I no longer feel like I don’t belong in that space. The mental benefit of even this one element has been huge. I’ve also found the program to be really adaptable - the list of exercise alternatives is a fantastic tool not only for times when the gym logistics require a change of equipment. I’ve also found it to be easy to scale up or down - the format of Reps in Reserve has been a huge game changer for me. I never realised how much I had been underestimating my strength with certain movements until now, and the psychological boost of being able to go heavier than I ever thought I’d be able to is unbelievably satisfying. It has also allowed for scaling down too - I’ve been struggling with my immune system for a while now and on days or in weeks where I’ve been a bit under the weather or recovery has been impacted it’s a fantastic tool to recognise where your body’s capacity is at that day and to work within those margins so you don’t do yourself harm. The benefits of the program are compounded I think by the amazing experience of the VM community. Shona has created and fostered genuinely the most uplifting, supportive and kind online space I’ve ever come across. The shared experiences amongst the VM community have been a huge source of inspiration and that, along with the amazing resources and insights Shona provides across the board have been a daily reminder of the real reasons for doing this. It’s easy to get disheartened on this fitness journey. The cultural attack of unattainable aesthetics can be really demotivating, but the VM program and community are constantly realigning my sights on the real priorities for me - training my body to work at full capacity so I can live my life at full capacity. After having Covid, I genuinely thought I’d never get back to any level of fitness at all. Climbing the stairs felt like climbing a mountain for a good while. VM has been instrumental in getting me back on track. Even when I didn’t feel physically able to do the program, knowing it was there, knowing the community was there provided inspiration and incentive to keep trying. Even know, I don’t feel worried about getting off track or losing progress when I’ve been ill and had to miss weeks or sessions, because I know that the VM method is for life, that it will be a constantly changing thing and a way to measure progress not just over a few months but over the course of a lifetime. On a more philosophical note, I have so much gratitude for this program, this community, for everything that Shona does. She arms us with the facts, the science, the knowledge to chase after whatever our goals are and to never fall prey to the bullshit that is sold in the fitness world. She has inspired me not only to keep pushing with my fitness journey, but to take control of my overall health and really think about my body and how I’m using it. All this has allowed me to tackle other sports I never thought I could - I finally took on a triathlon last year after dreaming about it for a long time. I never would have had the courage or the capacity to tackle something like that without the inspiration and knowledge that came with the world of VM. I discovered the concept of mobility and of movement outside of just exercise and beyond laying the ground work for things like a triathlon, it has transformed my day to day experience. The niggles of joint pain and back pain I’d experienced for years have gone, I believe as a result of both mobility and strength work and that is a focus I never would have found without Shona’s insight. The generosity she has in sharing her knowledge and experience has had a transformative effect on me and I know on so many others. I could not recommend more highly!
