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A Gentle Way Yoga
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Trainers, Yoga [Edit]
8274 Parkway DrSte 102
(between Marengo Ave & Jackson Dr)
La Mesa, CA 91942
Neighborhood: La Mesa
(619) 698-1170
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 7:30 am - 9 pm
Sun 9 am - 5:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
12 reviews for A Gentle Way Yoga
12 reviews in English
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Review from Susan P.
El Cajon, CA
3/24/2011
I've been attending classes at A Gentle Way for a year now, and I feel at home. The teachers and staff are wonderful. I've never found a studio I connected so well with as here.
No matter what your level, there is a class for you. They also focus on large bodies and those who can't move much. Try them out! -
Review from Jean D.
San Diego, CA
11/25/2011
I did my teacher training at A Gentle Way - it's an amazing yoga jewel! The studio is beautiful, full of props that make yoga delicious!
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Review from Valerie H.
San Diego, CA
7/3/2009
I have tried several yoga classes at LA Fitness, Core Power in Hillcrest, and Bikram -- all levels. Unlike Hillcrest, PB, or North County, there are few yoga studios in the La Mesa/San Carlos neighborhood.
I went on their website and signed up for a new student discount coupon for $10. Not bad with classes at Core Power running $17.
The ambiance is clean, very 70s new age with tapestries hanging on the walls, and yoga products on sale in the front of the store. To enter the area where you actually practice, you are asked to wash your feet with some baby wipes.
I took a class on a Wednesday evening with 7 other women. The age group is slightly older (early 40's-60s) rather than other yoga studios I've been to. Because of the demographics, the studio offers many acommodations -- including blocks, straps, blankets.
While the instructor was very pleasant, I found the class a bit slow and not challenging. It seems like a wonderful option for a meditative exercise. Because I use yoga as a supplement to my exercise, I was looking for something more intense. -
Review from Mariel S.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2011
I have only been here once. I participated in a "gentle mix" class. It was 1.5 hours with a focus on relaxation, restorative poses at the beginning and end with some good active, heating poses in the middle. Very small class (9 people -my class was large by their standards!) allows ample space and corrections from the teacher. Very welcoming and hygienic. I would return again.
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Review from Allyson L.
La Mesa, CA
11/20/2009
This is by far THE best yoga studio i've been to. My yoga journey began with a small studio in La Jolla about 12 years ago and this studio practices the same way. There are several different classes offered here with styles emphasizing meditation, breathing, core, or fast movements.
Every session the teachers are diligent about knowing each of the students and asking what they can focus on during the session to help alleviate any body "problems" people may have. The classes are generally small and all the students are incredibly receptive and friendly.
The studio supplies all your yoga session needs (mats, blankets, pillows, and props) which i think is extremely generous. The best pricing deals are obviously bulk packages. I have an auto-debit package the renews monthly that comes out to about $7 per session (not bad for a 2 hour session with sometimes only 8 other people in attendance!).
The negative review posted in October must have been an extremely rare exception. Lanita has always been so open and candid about things in a caring and realistic manner. My only recommendation is to read all policies prior before enrolling into classes and be careful before opting for such a mass package ($400 seems like SO much to commit to at one time!) There is a strict no-refund policy in place and it would be extremely unfair of Lanita to make an exception here and an exception there while trying to accommodate everyone else.
Lanita had mentioned Molly's "incident" without details (but now i know after reading it here) and reiterated policies to all of us. Lanita's daughter DOES teach and take care of managerial responsibilities at the studio, so it was NOT some excuse to get Molly off her back.
A Gentle Way is such a small studio with a close-knit community of students. If you're searching for a loving, honest, and reliable studio to either introduce you to yoga or help you along your yoga journey i'd highly recommend it! -
Review from Tammy M.
Lakeside, CA
10/20/2010
My name is Tammy and I teach several classes at A Gentle Way. This studio has so much to offer. The teachers are excellent and offer several styles. The cliental is young professionals all the way to senior citizens. The students can find whatever it is they are looking for except heat. The studio has a very healing energy a direct result of the owner and her gift to all. I couldn't have asked for a better place to teach and practice. We have great specials.
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Review from Molly F.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/20/2010
Apparently small business cannot afford to refund customers but they sure can afford to upgrade to new improved large fancy studios as A Gentle Way just did. Hmmmm... seems more they are just not an accomodating group of folks.
I was pressured into buying this large package after becoming pregnant and telling them how I intended to come to classes frequently throughout my pregnancy. They insisted this package was the best value, as it would have been had I not been in such a dire emergency and left CA without using my package. Immediately following my purchase, I found myself a victim of domestic violence and I had no choice but to leave the state immediately and permanently. I asked many months ago if I could pass my credit on to a friend because my friend had offered to pay me for it, and I was denied such an opportunity by A Gentle Way. I was told I could come for a retreat.
I am a military spouse who had only lived in the area a number of weeks when I signed up and the only friends I had in the area at the time were the other military women I met in my short time in California. They have all since moved on. Offering me to gift the classes to a friend may have been a good idea a year ago when I actually asked if I could do this. I no longer no anyone who resides in that state. At this point I would add that I not only do I stand by my previous review, but I would add that I am saddened by dishonesty in their follow up remarks. Not a "kosher" establishment.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/30/2009
I signed up for a package here and spent over $400 for 50 sessions. I was pregnant and confident… Read more »
Comment from Lanita V. of A Gentle Way Yoga 1/14/2010
Molly was not being put off in any way. We offered… More » -
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Review from Angela R.
La Mesa, CA
10/3/2010
I tried many yoga studios around the La Mesa area until I found this one. The people are friendly, accepting, and it doesn't feel like class is a contest to see who can do the most. The teachers are knowledgeable and there are classes for all levels. I love this yoga studio! Give it a try!
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Review from Pattie C.
San Diego, CA
12/4/2008
Breathe long and deep let everything go and... come take a break from your inner talk and give yourself a one hour break from the rat race we call life.
This yoga studio that is tucked in a small strip mall off of Baltimore and Fletcher Parkway is what the mind, soul, and body needs.
It is very good to come to class early, so as to absorb the calming energy of the studio, to gather a blanket and a yoga mat. The thing that I really like about this place is that you need to clean your feet with wipes that they supply, not so much as to just wipe the germs off , but to keep the sacred space cleansed and peaceful. It is also for respect of all beings.
The studio is inviting with a comfortable couch to mingle, have tea, get situated before class starts. The ambiance is soft with lavender paint and fairy lights that is soothing for the soul. I love the art paintings too, the artist has a work shop that you can go to. In the back of the sacred space is a healing bed you can ask the owner more about that for I have not experienced it yet, but have heard wonderful things about it.
Each yoga teacher does something different and exclusive to their own training. My favorite teacher is Helen she has a soft voice that is almost trans like, which takes you away from the hustle and bustle of life and puts your mind into the now moment. Her yoga is perfect she caters to what the class wants and helps you with the poses, she has a caring, firm touch. She also teaches laughter yoga. I have also taken a class from Sunja who is also fabulous. She teaches a mother baby class too along with other yoga classes. Lanita is the owner and she teaches also. I attended one of her class and enjoyed it ,for her class is gentle and done all on your back, so if you have injuries, or pain, or overweight; then yoga is for every body (please ask your Dr. first though).There is also Belly dance classes too and a lot more to offer than what I know (check out the web site). http://www.agentleway....
You must go and experience this piece of heaven on earth and connect with your inner self. Your body will thank you in so many way from your mind clarity to your great posture. -
Review from Georgianna P.
Lemon Grove, CA
9/3/2010
Several years ago I realized that yoga might help me with stress reduction, flexibility and balance. After trying three other studios, I was having second thoughts. At the MVYMCA and a Hillcrest studio, I could not get comfortable and had more pain after yoga than before. Then an instructor at the Y told me about Lanita Varshell and her A Gentle Way Yoga Studio. My favorite classes are the Restorative Yoga, and the Meditation in Movement classes.
Restorative Yoga provides ultimate support for cranky spines and painful joints, and as the body rests in an almost zero gravity position, all of the tightly held tension begins to melt into Mother Earth. There is a structured and gentle routine of subtle but strong stretches with periods of relaxation that result in reduced pain and tension for me, each and every time. My body's memory of this special state lasts for at least 2-3 days each time I take a class.
Meditation in Movement classes will teach even a novice exactly what it means to be mindful. The serenity of the studio, the expertly trained staff, and a room filled with other friendly souls makes this journey extra pleasurable. Extreme attention is given to student's comfort and safety. There is a generosity of spirit in this establishment that will protect sensitive souls, and bring peace to your week.
As a previous reviewer says "I LOVE it and am always trying to find a way back." -
Review from Adrienne M.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2011
Kudos to this studio for a delightful and gentle prenatal yoga class. The studio has a nice feel, and both the instructors and the front desk were friendly and warm. The class is defintely geared towards yoga newbies.
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Review from Sabrena M.
San Diego, CA
1/30/2010
You might find this hard to believe, but going to a class at A Gentle Way is as good as getting a massage. Each time I complete a class, I linger a long time in a beautiful sense of comfort and release. Eight months ago, I was tired all the time, out of shape, and depressed from the recent loss of my brother. I knew I needed to start moving. I had always been curious about Yoga, but I am a large woman and thought it would be too difficult. I was really wrong. I found A Gentle Way on the Web and read the personal story of Lanita Varashell, the owner. Her story inspired me to go and give it a try. One class was all it took. I've been going ever since. Once a week at first, and now I try to go twice a week. I have never felt better in my life. Yoga helped me rediscover my inner, loving self. If you're not sure you would enjoy yoga, I strongly encourage you to give one of Lanita's classes a try. You will love it. Namaste.
