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Aha Yoga
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
1892 Union St2nd Fl
(between Octavia St & Laguna St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 440-9642
Yelp Deals
$75 for $100 Deal at Aha Yoga
- New customers only.
- Promotion lasts for 1 year from date of purchase. After that period, your Certificate is redeemable for the amount you paid, less any value you may have received. Not valid with other certificates or offers. Certificate can only be used for services, not retail products. Only 1 certificate(s) can be purchased and redeemed per person. Cannot be purchased as a gift. Subject to the Yelp Deals General Terms.
- Reg. Price $100
- Discount 25%
- Savings $25
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 6 am - 9 pm
Tue, Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
103 reviews for Aha Yoga
103 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie S.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2012
I am so happy I finally made it to Aha, as I've known about this place for close to 2 years now. I have been to 3 classes so far, and have walked away with the best feeling afterwards. I had Courtney the first time and Arella the past two classes. Both ladies are great, really warm and welcoming. It is the first time I've tried Vinyasa yoga, or as I like to call it, "yoga for athletes," haha. I actually canceled my gym membership in order to go here on a weekly basis. I've also convinced a few guy friends to take it up as well, and they are also hooked.
A few tips- bring a bigger towel, you will sweat. Bring water, you'll want to take a few sips here and there. They have cubbie holes for your things, and two bathrooms to change your drenched clothes after class. -
Review from Caroline P.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2012
Obsessed! I love this place. The space is wonderful (big, open windows) and the room is heated to the perfect temperature. They added a few more classes this year (6am classes are now offered M-F and one-hour slots on Sat/Sun) which is really convenient. Really happy with the additions!
My favourite is Courtney; she's so awesome. I also really like Howard, Tom, and Laurie. -
Review from Kelly B.
4/4/2012
LOVE this place! Always clean and very friendly staff! I love the Tuesday 4:30 class but I also really enjoy the candle light yoga classes as well!
The windows are very inviting and overall the studio has a great feel to it! -
Review from ThuZ W.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012 11 Check-ins Here
LOVE LOVE coming to ANA and TOM - my go to Yoga studio in the marina. Great Vinyasa Flow's and a kick ass 1.5hr of workout.
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Review from John R.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
San Francisco's yoga scene continues to amaze me with beautiful studios full of lackluster teachers more concerned with entertaining you than teaching you (like Urban Flow, International Orange, etc.). This space is beautiful and inviting. But its full of more generic vinyasa teachers that just play loud music, repeat poses as if they're a tape recording, and repeat trite phrases. I'll pay $20 dollars for a drop in if you'll teach my something about my body or yoga. Otherwise, I'll stay home with Yogaglo for half the price (or go to a teacher that actually teaches you).
Furthermore, there were maybe 7 blankets and 20 blocks in a class of 30 people. The foam blocks were falling apart and the blankets were a mess.
Two stars for the beauty of this location but until the teachers stop trying be somebody and actually teach something, I won't be back. I recommend Yoga Loft, Yoga Garden, Yoga Kula, or Yoga Tree. -
Review from Chris L.
4/2/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love the windows and how the light fills the space in the large room. The new student special is $20 for three classes that you have to use within a week. I went to the 2p Saturday one-hour power yoga class and it was pretty chill but I was still a "good" sore the day after.
Parking is a pain here! So get here early if you're going to drive. -
Review from gibronandsahar K.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2012
I took a Vinyasa class in the small room with a teacher named Jacqui. She was friendly and seemed very knowledgeable. She offered adjustments throughout the class and thoroughly explained the asanas (poses). I really liked her energy; though I was not a fan of the vinyasa style sequence, it felt more like an workout class than a yoga practice because at times asanas were not held, instead we were instructed to bounce in and out, in and out.
The choice of music played during was distracting and not the most appropriate, it created a workout atmosphere instead of a focused yoga space. Music is not traditionally played during yoga, so if it is used it shouldn't distract for the practice at any point.
Not sure how I feel about the general feel of the studio. Front desk seemed over eager to take my credit card to charge me but completely ignored me after. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Francisco, CA
2/7/2012
In regards to the classes, I don't have many complaints. They finally gave Howard his Wednesday slot back, which is great! (Give him more time slots please!) The classes I've attended are incredibly crowded, but I haven't felt it hindered my practice and it often contributes to a great energy in the room during the class. But before and after the class it is very chaotic and anxiety provoking. They keep trying to smooth out the sign-in process but nothing seems to be working yet.
My complaints with Aha are with their management. Along with confusion about my account (which I imagine was a result of the chaotic sign-in process), I bought a Bloomspot deal, and was told that the terms were different from what was stated on the original deal. Response to my complaints has been slow, and I was ultimately referred to the owner who will not respond. I assume she is trying to avoid refunding me the classes that I was charged in error.
It is frustrating that great yoga instructors can be overshadowed by shady business practices.
Update: I was contacted by Aha and was refunded some classes, which is great. But I will still be weary of purchasing anymore Bloomspot-like deals for the studio. -
Review from Alyson B.
Austin, TX
4/13/2012
Hit up a Saturday 9am class while visiting a friend from out of town. The class was packed, was fast-paced, challenging, good music and great energy! Great location too. Lots of great post-yoga brunch spots.
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Review from Lina S.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2012
The instructors are amazing. Great mix of spirituality + work out. I am addicted to this place.
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Review from Andi G.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2012
I love Aha! I started going here right when it opened and quickly became a big fan because of it's beautiful studio, fabulous teachers, and vigorous vinyasa classes. Many of the teachers have a challenging practice and play great music! Check it out, especially any class with Tom Lee or Anna Hughes. Highly recommended!
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Review from Chris P.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011
I've been going to Aha since they opened (and practicing yoga since 1996) and used to rate them 5 stars, but can no longer recommend the studio (until some changes are made)......
They seem to only be interested only in profit now-- packing the classes well over the limit of what the room can hold. Adding bloomspot after 3 years of being in business? Are you guys really struggling? Not cool.
If you go, you'll be disappointed that it's chaotic and that you won't have room to actually breath or do yoga with so many people packed in there. It really has to be about quality and not quantity. The studio was Aha-mazing when they started, and now it's failing.
Stuffing people into rooms the way they do is actually very disrespectful to the practice of yoga itself (and handing us numbers upon going in!?!?)
Biggest Issue I have, why would you cut one of the greatest teachers the studio has seen to just 1 night per week, when he only had 2 to begin with AND was highly sought after?! I've heard the rumors, and it's just poor form. Because of Howard, I have recommended over 100 people to Aha since I started going, and now, I can no longer support him, and the other great teachers.....Anna, Tom, and Kerri Kelly.
Maybe if they scaled back on the size of the classes, and stopped the bloomspot madness..... listened to their customers, and brought back Howard,s Wednesday spot, I'd re-endorse.
Namaste.Comment from Kathleen H. of Aha Yoga 5/15/2012
Thanks for the info, Chris! My name is Kathleen Holm and I… More » -
Review from Jenny S.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2011
I'm am very sad to give Aha 1 star, because it has nothing to do with the great teachers, the staff or the lovely space and convenient location.
I've been going to Aha for over a year but can no longer recommend it. They seem to only be interested only in profit now-- packing the classes well over the limit of what the room can hold.
If you go, you'll be disappointed that it's chaotic and that you won't have room to actually breath or do yoga with so many people packed in there.
And how can the yoga instructors insure the quality of instruction with so many people packed in there? They can't.... quite a shame.
Stuffing people into rooms the way they do is actually very disrespectful to the practice of yoga itself. -
Review from Natasha M.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
I LOVE THIS PLACE! I wish I could make it here more, I just never seem to make it on time and I feel bad trying to squeeze in late. They are super nice and understanding, I had a Bloomspot that I did not read well and they fixed it for me.
I love the hardwood floors which keeps the smell down. The big windows into the trees is very nice and relaxing. There are multiple teachers and styles plus a short lunch hour class. I really wish I had used it more. -
Review from Lauren C.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011
I can't say I'm the biggest fan of this place. The people that work here are somewhat rude, and honestly I felt kind of stressed out throughout my entire experience.
I've taken a lot of yoga classes...maybe 100 or so. Never before have I had an instructor who actually seemed angry and stressed out while teaching! It was very strange.
Also, they pack you in here. I couldn't actually completely do the positions due to a lack of space. The location is convenient, but I'm fairly certain San Francisco has other bikram (hot) studios that have more to offer. -
Review from Aaron G.
10/10/2011
Yoga is actually really hard for me.
1. I'm not flexible
2. I have no upper body strength
3. I'm not in tune with my breathing.
I feel like yoga was set up to make me fail, however, to my surprise, I am not all that bad. I can get into some of those crazy positions and I bend over and touch the ground.
I really enjoy the teaching styles of Anna and Courtney. They keep it at a difficult level, but allow for beginners to keep up and not feel stressed out about not being able to do some of the poses. After I finish, i always feel like a bus just hit me. It's pretty hardcore.
I love that this place is clean, and never smells like feet or wet towel. The room is pretty spacious and had a lot of natural light. It's a great studio and I'm totally sold on becoming a member of this studio. -
Review from Yana K.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2011
I really enjoy going to this studio. It's has a very convenient location and a convenient class schedule. I love the oranges at the end of class.
The only reason that Aha doesn't get 5 stars is this:
Why doesn't Howard have more classes? Everyone loves his monday class, it's amazing. It's truly a level 2-3 class. Please please please Aha do the right thing and give Howard more classes so he can kick my butt more then once a week! -
Review from Angella S.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2011
Not feeling this place. One big room does NOT = yoga studio.
No, this is not a Marina digg! I'm just used to a warmer atmosphere.
When I arrived at Aha, I stood at the front counter for 10 minutes while the receptionist was on the phone. I filled out my form, waited and waited, heard the class starting, and when the gal finally got off the phone, she looked up and was like, "oh, can I help you?" I told her I had already filled out my form and was ready for class. She didn't even realize I hadn't paid.
The yoga space is kind of odd--a lot of pillars in the room, a mirror on one side, then an area in the back that is tucked away from the instructor. Half the time, I couldn't even see.
Studios have energy (seriously), and Aha just reeks of nonchalance. Aha is just an open space with no love, thought, or warmth put into it. No vibe whatsoever there are much more lovely studios in SF. -
Review from heather d.
Calabasas, CA
7/18/2011
So I learned about this place from the special listed on Yelp-- $10 dollars for 10 consecutive days. I figure with a price like that, showing up the first time alone makes it worth it.
I'm now on day 7, and I've been a total of 5 times...
Things to know about this place:
-Bring a towel (or 2), it's not Bikram yoga but they heat the room to at least 85 degrees. If you don't bring your own they have the following for sale (FYI $1 mat rental, $2 towel, $1 water bottle).
-After the 10 days are over, a drop in class is $20 so unless you plan on coming often enough to do a month to month, you're pretty much done with your "yoga practice" after those first 10 days.
-Classes get packed. Especially the 4:30-6pm class so if you are claustrophobic it's not the place for you.
All in all, I'm glad I tried this place out. I don't think it's worth $20 a class but it's a great strength-building workout and a good sweat. -
Review from Patti P.
Portland, OR
9/18/2011
My daughter brought me here on my visit. She loves this place, calls me after her classes often and is always in a great mood. I see why! What a great workout!
Anna (according to Maggie) is the best teacher there. She was not like the yoga teachers i usually go to in Boston. She was funny, explained the poses without missing a movement, and played great music.
Warning: it gets really crowded and really hot in there! -
Review from Tawny A.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
The best yoga instructors.
This place sure has a following. I felt like I was the only person who couldn't do a Headstand or Forearm Stand. Even though some of the other students are ultra fit and really good at yoga, I never felt pressure to do a pose I couldn't handle. The room gets HOT HOT HOT and at times I felt I was going to pass out. I just lied down, took a sip of water, or rested in child's pose until I felt ready to take on the heat. It definitely feels like workout. I may have been sore for a day or 2.
Extra bonus points for the orange and salt at the end of class.
The space is small, hot, and gets really crowded. Your mat would probably be only a few inches away from the mat next to you. Go early and get a spot!
If you are not ready for the crowds and can't handle the heat, then this is not the studio for you. I only went to their evening classes, but maybe you will have better luck in the morning or afternoon classes.
Also, this place is a bit pricey. It's $20 for a Drop-In class. I liked it a lot, but I need to go somewhere a bit more affordable. -
Review from brandie y.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2011
Thanks for another great Yelp find.
I decided to return to yoga after a couple year hiatus. I'm sure over the next couple days several parts of me will be screaming "Aha!" and not in a good way.
Tom Lee was the instructor. He's awesome. Fantastic Flo class. While they state it's "all levels", I think if you've never practiced yoga, a Flo class might not be the best foray. That said, they are some people with beautiful practices in the room for inspiration.
The studio is VERY warm. They tell you it's 80 degrees, but it felt Bikram hot. That's ok, I like to get my sweat on! Water is an absolute must - so don't forget it. Oh, and a towel.
It's not a huge studio, so I imagine it gets crowded after work.
Best part - they have a special 10 days of classed for $10 so you can get immersed (or re-immersed - hey, did I just make up a new word!)
Aha ... thanks for helping me get my yoga back on!
Namaste -
Review from Sarah T.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2011
Where's the option for "bonus stars"? I LOVE this yoga studio so much that I refuse to go to any other studio because this one just makes me... happy. :) The staff is super friendly, the teachers are AMAZING and the studio is beautiful with the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and sky lights pouring light in during the day and the dark sky above you at night- it's a little slice of zen in the city.
It is "hot" yoga, but not Bikram (yawn... no thank you). This is hot flow yoga and it can literally kick your ass if you let it and that's the whole point of working out, right?! Yes, the room is warm, but trust me - you will not complain after you leave feeling like a new person. One of my favorite classes is the candlelight flow on Mondays & Wednesdays - it's so rejuvenating and where else can you find an 8-9:30pm yoga class?
One thing I love so much about this studio is that many instructors play music during class. You can hear anything from Radiohead to Sia to Moby during class... and I promise you, it works! -
Review from Mike F.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
The teachers here are great and the space is adequate. The main problem....it's way too HOT, almost to the point of suffocation. Seriously, someone is going to drop dead someday. The room has to be near 100 degrees and it feels like a humidifier is running. Heat should come from within the practitioner and not artificially. The only teacher there that controls the heat properly for a vinyasa flow class is Tom Lee.
If you choose to practice here, stay away from the front, left of the room because undoubtedly, the collective condensation (read: sweat!) will drip all over you as you try to relax in Savasana.
Definitely won't be practicing there anymore. -
Review from Priya N.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
Aha Yoga is my second home so it's about time I write a review. I have been wanting to get more into yoga for YEARS and decided to check this place out. I first joined six months ago - I got hooked by an awesome GroopSwoop deal: $25 for a month unlimited... I ended up going 18 times that first month and then buying a long-term unlimited pass. I was not planning to become so addicted - I am frugal and didn't like the idea for paying so much for yoga when I could just go to yoga classes at Crunch. But this is a whole different ballgame. For one thing, the heated room makes all the difference in the world. I've never sweat so much in my entire life and it feels AMAZING. Also, there are way more class time options, and some really fantastic teachers. So even for frugal old me, this place is worth every cent.
Let's start with what I wish I had known in advance. I showed up to a 9am Saturday class having no clue what to expect and entirely unprepared. I'm here to make sure that does not happen to you.
1. As I mentioned, it's heated. They say ~85 degrees but in the super crowded classes, it feels much hotter. BRING A TOWEL AND WATER. It serves me right for not doing adequate Yelp research in advance, but I showed up without either one and it was a miracle I made it through the class.
2. If you are somewhat new to yoga or want to ease into things, I would start with the Candlelight Mellow class, on Mon/Wed at 8pm. People at this studio are generally really nice, even the really advanced people, so you could go to any class even as a beginner.. but if you are nervous it is less intimidating to start with these.
3. All the teachers are great but they have their own styles. If you are looking for the most intense/hard-core workout, you probably want to go to Anna or Howard's classes (check the website for exact times, generally 6:15pm on weeknights and 9am Sat, 4:30pm Sun). The tradeoff is that these classes are typically the most crowded.
Joining this studio has been life-changing for me so if you are even considering it, just try the $10-for-10-days deal. In the interest of full disclosure, I haven't belonged to other studios in the city so I can't personally make a comparison - but I know many people who have hopped around to check out various studios, and I consistently hear this one is the best. The natural lighting in the room, the quality of teachers, the vibe of the people who go, the oranges on the way out... it is just AMAZING. No matter what mood you're in when you go in, you walk out feeling fantastic and it just generally makes you a happier person overall. Much as I don't want the classes to get any more crowded than they already are, I feel compelled to rave about this place. Check it out! -
Review from Tiffany T.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2011
If you are looking for a great yoga studio in the Marina/Cow Hollow area, I would take the time to check this one out.
Friendly staff who make you feel very welcome every time you return. In the classes that I have attended, the instructors have found a good blend of spiritual cleansing and helping students obtain a structured workout.
If you're looking for more of a primarily stretching class, this may not be the best option for you. You will however, receive a great work out!
If you're a new student, I would recommend doing a web search for discounted rates. While they are a little pricey, they usually have promotions available for new clients. -
Review from Christine G.
San Francisco, CA
11/16/2011
Howard's Monday night class at Aha Yoga is the highlight of my week. I wish he taught more often. Anna and Tom are also excellent instructors, and Kerri Kelly used to teach amazing classes at Aha. My only compliant is that the classes have been extrememly packed recently due to Bloomspot and Living Social deals, and classes and have been filling up 15+ minutes before they start. That said, I still love and recommend Aha Yoga.
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Review from Jennifer K.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2011
Really great yoga studio on Union Street. It's really pricey, and the owner's nutz, but you can't beat the workout.
Be warned: I'm convinced it gets hotter here than in my Bikrham (sp?) class. They teach mostly an all levels class, but this is the hardest (physically) studio I've ever attended. It's visited by lots of hot marina women, and I'm convinced if I had kept going I would have hot and toned bodies like them. The teachers are amazing and supportive, but the classes tend to be HUGE (50+ people) so it's impossible to get individual attention.
This is more a studio to attend if you are a yogi or know what you are doing rather than just getting started. I like my classes smaller, but this is a really nice studio. -
Review from Jennifer W.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2010
I LOVE this studio. I got hooked with a fabulous $10 for 10 pass.
The studio has great natural lighting, knowledgeable instructors, and the classrooms are quite warm. Overflowing bowl of bright oranges as a refreshing snack on the way out.
This is truly a happy place. -
Review from Berna T.
8/8/2010
My regular Tues-Thurs-Sat yoga instructor hightailed it to Boston for a month, so I was stuck trying to figure out a good substitute for his challenging classes. Two of the girls from my class suggested we head over to Aha, as our instructor also practices there.
I signed up for the $10 for 10 days deal (new students only) and got the workout of my life during Howard's Flo 2/3 classes. You can read the details of my class experience here: http://omgirlsf.wordpr...
Overall, I really liked this studio - beautiful space, clean, shower available. The only thing that I really don't like is that since their classes are heated to 80-85 degrees, the heat actually goes higher due to all the bodies in the room, and then you may have a hard time breathing due to the lack of air circulation. I had to leave the room twice during my first class to get some fresh air. Other than that - great instructors, nice length of classes, and generally just a very solid yoga studio. I'll be back any time my regular teacher leaves town again :)Listed in: Get your OM on.
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Review from wendella a.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
There are precious few things in life which can inspire tears of joy. I am happy to say I can now add another to my list with the discovery of Aha Yoga.
Aha - I have finally found it! A beautiful, serene studio with talented, caring instructors, a nice variety of classes and all within reasonable walking distance to my home! YES! I did the 90 minute HOT yoga this morning and at the end of class, one or two of those tears of joy (or was it sheer relief? sweat?) trickled out and splashed onto my mat. I have searched to find a new studio to my liking after accepting the reality that my beloved kundalini studio in the Haight was just too far for me to go as often as I would like. Aha has sweet conveniences like an on-site shower (lots of yoga studios don't), child care for parental practitioners and gratis oranges with Himalayan rock salt for post-class refreshment.
Now I have a new place to center, practice and grow. It appeared at just the right time. It is a perfect match for me. I look forward to a long and healthy future twisted into a molten, sweaty pretzel at Aha. Yes - it is good to feel good. Very good indeed. Good enough to make you weep. -
Review from ChiYan T.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2009
Ever have the feeling of sweat inching down your forehead, into your eyes, dripping off the tip of your nose, not to mention every other part of your body?
Welcome to Aha Yoga. The sweat doesn't seem so much from being worked hard (not that they don't do that) as it is from flowing through energetic yoga poses in humid 80-90 degree heat. If you're not sure you can handle it, place your mat near the hallway door. There are enough people sneaking out to the bathroom between poses to ensure you get some fresh air every couple of minutes.
Many people here appear to be regulars but they're just as friendly to newbies as they are to each other. Don't worry about looking stupid.
Alternate poses are not necessarily given. You may want to check a youtube video and figure out what "downward dog" and "extended child's pose" just in case it isn't covered early in class, because in most cases it will be your default if something is too challenging.
The $10 for 10 classes in 10 consecutive days is a great way to experience their different classes and figure out what you like. After that it's around $18 for drop-in or you can buy class cards. Make sure to choose carefully because the cards have expiration dates. Small fee for towel and mat. Go early to get a good space, classes can get really crowded. People are good about wiping sweat puddles off the floor when they're done but I haven't noticed anyone disinfecting or doing a quick mop up of the floor between classes.
I love the free oranges they provide as an after-workout snack and their house cat is friendly, although if you're really allergic this will be an issue.
For those that are into this style of yoga this is a wonderful place to go to with friendly people and instructors, but I'll admit that this is just not my thing.Listed in: Where I go to burn off…
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Review from Ashley H.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2008
Considering its been ions since my last review, I wanted to save the debut for something special, something worth it. Aha Yoga is absolutely worth this coveted spot!
I was riding the 41 home on Monday, debating if I should go from a run, but the pulled hamstring for last week's ambitious hour sprint to the bridge was still hurting. And as much as I love my S Factor (see previous review), I have my class on Tuesday and back to back classes (see:bruises) is rather painful, not to mention unsightly. So as I am conflicted with my injured body and not so full pocket book, the Muni doors open at Union and Laguna, and standing in front of me is Aha Yoga.
Aha! Not only is is the first letter of my name and the first two of my last (too much time on my hands, I know), it was literally an Aha moment. Yoga right then sounded phenom. So I trekked up to my house, snagged my rather sick-o roomie down with me, and marched into the 4:30 pm class (gotta love my new job and pseudo-market hours).
You walk up a rather steep, dark staircase, to a door with several signs proclaiming, "YES we are open, but close the door for the kitty." Hmm, yoga with a cat? Sure. It is rather warm in the reception area, although the word "reception" really should not be applied here. Not only is the temperature warm, but the woman at the desk and the two or three fluttering around are so inviting and genuine, def not a stoic nurse reception area. Signing in, paying all of $10 (read:super fab deal!!) for 10 classes....as in $1 a class. Dude. This could be in a cave with some chick in a dom outfit and a whip, demanding us to get into downward dog and I totally would have been there for a $1 a class. That might be a whole other story...
So $1 mat rental and $2 towel (which my roomie and I promptly forgot to grab), and we are in. The awesome Wendy grabbed our hands and led us into the GORGEOUS studio space. I mean amazing, phenom, you get it. With floor to ceiling windows and hardwood floor, you get this really cool tucked away view of Union Street, with the nearby trees protecting any creepsters or nervous Nancies. And since it was one of the beautiful days we've had lately, the sun came in and lit the room up. What a great atmosphere to do Flow Yoga in!
For the 90 minute class, we did some great moves and stretches that made this little dancer's heart flutter. The instructor (I'm pretty sure it was Wendy, but maybe it Mary...I have a bad memory for women's names) was so cool, helping each of us pose and move through her crazy routine, while she was modeling on the floor, sans mat. Rather impressive to be doing a headstand on hardwood floor, but she's just a bad ass.
My absolute FAV part was finally surrendering your bod after the class and just lying there (read:nirvana). I felt so euphoric and elated and so simply blissful. Many yoga teachers rush this processing/decomp part, which is a shame. Not this one. She even whipped out a bottle of yummers eucalyptus-minty oil and came to EACH OF US and RUBBED OUR NECKS AND HEADS while we lay breathing. Um hi. You just made me so so so very happy (read:uber nirvana).
As we leave she hugs each of us ("Ashley, I really enjoyed your presence here today..." when was the last time someone said something like that to you??), with orange slices greeting us in the lobby. And not like sticky bucket o' oranges at soccer games when you're 8 and covered in mud and grass and blood (hey, I was a bad-ass 8 year old), but legit, organic, sweet oranges. It tasted simply divine after that experience.
I will ABSOLUTELY take advantage of my whole ten dolla and come back here every day until they look me in the eye and say, "Um yeah its been like 36 days, you can't do the $1 a day anymore." And then I will pay them and the continue my nirvana therapy. -
Review from Han C.
San Francisco, CA
11/14/2009
Aha Yoga was the third yoga studio I tried in one month. Love. :)
It's still a toss up for me between Aha and The Pad, as I really enjoy both. Aha packs a ton of people into one classroom and gets crazy hot after just a few poses. It's not the most clean studio in the world, as the floor doesn't get mopped after people have dripped sweat everywhere.
BUT! The classes are crazy awesome and I feel amazing afterward. I lost 2 pant sizes since I've started doing yoga (2.5 months or so?) and my arms are seeing serious tone. Weee!
Also, beware: you will also go crazy over Lululemon. The class is a walking ad for Lululemon... hot girls in cute clothes. Oh, hot guys with bare chests, too. Yum.
I'm addicted to vinyasa and Aha offers some great vinyasa ;)
Highly recommend. -
Review from Martina B.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2011
Aha was great. In fact it was awesome. But something has gone amiss over there and the operation has gone downhill. Very disappointed as I've been a loyal customer for over 3 years. Still, if you go, Howard, Estee, Anna H., Tom, and Christie are fantastic. Arrive early and expect a packed room.
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Review from Sky W.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2008
I'd never once done any form of yoga before checking this place out a couple months ago; now I can't get enough. I'd go every day if my work schedule would allow for it.
I've never had anything resembling a bad experience here, and while some of the classes can be pretty intense for this beginner I still leave nearly every session I take here feeling revitalized and like nothing could ruin my day.
All the instructors I have encountered thus far are terrific. They are friendly and helpful but most of all talented. The studio itself is worth mentioning as well. There is an in-house token Yoga cat that'll walk right up to you and initiate a conversation, its true ... you'll see. They even give you a nice refreshing orange after every session to help restore your electrolyte situation which goes down really nicely after a 90 minute sweat-fest. -
Review from Nicole S.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2008
Dear Aha,
How I adore you! Your studio space is beautiful and serene, your staff nothing short of inspirational. Your classes are challenging and enlightening. Your post-yoga oranges are rejuvinating and orgasmic (no joke). I look so forward to my 90+ minutes of harmonic bliss the moment I step through your doors.
Namaste! -
Review from Phuong L.
San Francisco, CA
4/20/2010
Having recently moved up to San Francisco, I spent some time searching for a new yoga spot and found Aha through Yelp. Their introductory offer is a great value and the studio has well educated, spiritual, and energetic instructors, however I will not be coming back to Aha.
First, as many have mentioned before, the heat. It's just way too hot in there for me, to the point where I've felt like I was suffocating. I agree with the reviewer that said the heat should be built from within, but that just may be the style I learned.
That exacerbates the second problem, crowding. The classes are too crowded and that causes the leg-in-face and other-people-sweat-on-mat problem. Some people find this amusing, but I think it's just disgusting. I sweat more than most, so I spend time after class wiping up my own sweat. However, the week I was there, nobody else's puddle was wiped up by the sweater or staff. In fact, the waiting area is so small that people waiting are blocking people getting out. It's a very hectic environment post-savasana.
The instructors provided a great flow sequence, but I do believe the term "All Levels" is a misnomer. Perhaps due to the crowding, there wasn't much instruction on how poses are supposed to be done for maximum effect. Instructions that were given were sometimes drowned out by music from the front. If I was a beginner, I don't know if I'd learn or enjoy yoga as much if I started here.
That said, for intermediate and advanced practitioners, the experience is rewarding if you like or can get past the heat. For beginners, you will get a great work out. The sequence is challenging even if you're not doing the poses correctly. The other amenities, like fruit and childcare, are pluses, but I didn't take advantage of them. -
Review from Lindsay A.
San Francisco, CA
4/23/2008
I was trying to get into Yoga since it's so good for the mind and body, but I was nervous about starting out. It can be intimidating. A friend of mine recomended I check out Aha Yoga, especially since they have such a great introductory rate of $10 for 10 days!
The instructor was great, he was very conciensus of the varying levels of the students. He made me feel very welcome and encouraged me along the way.
A treat at the end was the delicious oranges!
If you're going for the first time, definitely don't forget your towel! It's a very sweaty workout! You can rent one for $2 but perhaps knowing that before you go can save you some dough :) -
Review from Melissa H.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2009
Been 'yoga hopping' over the last few months here in San Francisco and AHA stands out as THE best.
Some yoga studios too smelly, others very hostel like (primary colors, flourescent lights ahhh) whereas Aha is pure bliss. Each session is a little therapy and a whole bunch of feel good for my overworked body. My recent ventures as a 'funemployed' San Franciscan have me running, lifting and doing fitness stuff umpteen hours of the day. I just bought a 6 month pass at AHA so i am sure to keep my body aligned, in order and in Aha shape.
Cant wait!!Listed in: We're men, Manly men...
