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AstaYoga
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Yoga, Trainers [Edit]
417 14th St(between Valencia St & Guerrero St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 701-1888
- Good for Kids:
- No
$120 for $175 Certificate
Cathy Y. said: "Michael Feldman is a miracle worker. I am a mid century 60 mile walker. I walk in the Susan G Komen 3 day walk for the cure and Michael helped make…" read more »
35 reviews for AstaYoga
35 reviews in English
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Review from Backwordbender f.
Menlo Park, CA
10/20/2011
Next Thursday morning escape your 9-5 for a looong coffee break... to take Eric's 1130am Mixed Level class...
Eric teaches a strong yet accessible ashtanga-inspired class spiced with arm balances and core work...
His calm and concise instruction will make you forget that you are sweating on a yoga mat in foggy San Francisco...For an hour and a half...you will believe that you are riding your warrior two on a surf board admist the aquamarine waters of Hawaii...
I promise that if you take this class, you will feel more alive than if you had chugged a $5 latte from Four Barrel... -
Review from Tony D.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2012
The wrong yoga teacher can really hurt your practice. I went to get my practice going again after a month without yoga, and the class was what I call jock-yoga.
The teacher was mainly interested in practicing poses with his friend to woo the ladies of the class while assigning us different poses. They had their shirts off and I may as well have been pumping iron at a gym with jocks. A couple of students left mid-way during the class.
It's just a matter of being a 20-something teacher who has no life experience and can't figure out how to connect on a spiritual level with yoga. Yoga is not a sport, it's a practice.
For people who do yoga to lose weight, it's not about cardio in yoga, it's about changing lifestyle, eating different, and accepting yourself and doing cardio separately.
I was disgusted at the jock mentality of the teacher. I had unlimited visits for a month and went only once because the practice is more important than the ego....and I'd rather lose the money than have a negative experience with something so positive.
And, there is far too much ego in this place.
I went with my girlfriend and it was early times for her in yoga and I had to re-introduce her in a better yoga setting.
Want to "work out", then this is the place for you. But, yoga work out is temporary, kind of like Atkin's....yoga practice is for life, and this place is not for practice. -
Review from Sally M.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011
Really cool space, great vibe and relaxed atmosphere. The front desk guy is as sweet as they come and the teacher I've had twice (I think Mark) is awesome! He does some hardcore poses, but is totally cool with everyone going at their own pace. Also, the students are all chill. Haven't seen any snobby yoga princesses here. Can't stand those. I will be going back!
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Review from Sara B.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
Glad to get an Ashtanga style practice with wonderful teachers- Rene is solid and Miranda is a living goddess. Only minus one star because the heat goes so good in the beginning- and then the teacher usually shuts it off right when you start to get psyched. Maybe because the heater is too loud? Or so that its not considered a hot studio?
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Review from Moo S.
San Jose, CA
7/12/2011
This review is belated, but I wanted to give the people at AstaYoga props.
Everyone was helpful, from Steve at the front desk, to the different teachers (I've taken classes from Mark, Miranda, Tara, and Rene). Even though there are long-time regulars and superyogis in the classes, I never felt like an outsider stepping into a yoga cult worshipping at the altar of [[insert instructor name here]] (cough..yoga..cough..tree).
All the instructors provide good general feedback (tidbits that prompt you to fix your form) and also gentle hands-on adjustments. The studio has a lot of natural light and is warm enough to get your "juices flowing," but not sauna-like.
Every class I've been to, I've smiled or laughed at least once (either at myself or at something the instructor has said, e.g. Miranda saying "take a picture" when our knees are next to our ears). Sure, there are a lot of hand/headstanders, and the flow may have you wobbling at times, but the general feeling is that you can take yourself as seriously as you want and you can challenge yourself as much as you want - the people at AstaYoga will provide the venue and the guidance. -
Review from Christina D.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
I love this place!! I got a Groupon for two months of unlimited yoga as a gift for X-mas, and just activated it. I went and i have never practiced yoga in a studio so nice or ever actually.
I have been to a few beginner one-time yoga tutorials in the past and was not challenged at all, which is why i didn't continue to practice yoga. Asta is not like other classes. They really challenged me in a way yoga has never been able to. ( i like very extreme/challenging sports) They went through each pose and offered beginner, moderate, and advanced forms of the poses. I like that a lot because it allows me to challenge myself but at my own comfort level. i tried all the hard ones of course, and i fell one or twice (as did my kid she is so cute and surprisingly good) but the teacher guy came to help me adjust and gave the proper technique to get the move.
They let my very well behaved 4yr old daughter watch/try quietly in the yoga room with me. She has never shown much interest in anything, but was absolutely taken by this class and the instructor. I really like this place and plan on attending a ton. -
Review from Sepi A.
Oakland, CA
4/3/2011
I was very excited to try this place with an awesome living social deal but sadly disappointed. The guy at the front came off as rude the first time but he seemed more friendly after a few times. The studio stinks, and it's carpeted. All the classes I took were in the evening (after 5) and those were packed.
This place is great IF you are doing yoga to get a workout and do tons of handstands with a class full of pros and get strong, not so much if you want a safe environment to grow into your practice at your own pace. I would not recommend this place to anyone who is a beginner; there aren't enough classes and even though classes are open to all levels it can be a very intimidating space. -
Review from emma d.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2011
Asta yoga is great. They have a lot of variety of classes, from super easy beginner to super advanced crazy town. A couple important things to note if you're planning on coming here:
* They practice Ashtanga so you will be doing a lot of vinyasa. Yeah, your arms will be sore from all the chataranga. If you don't like vinyasas, you won't like the type of yoga they do at Asta.
* Although they say they practice Ashtanga, they also seem to have some Bikram principles in place. Namely, they turn the heater on and keep it pretty cranked up during the sessions. If you're like me and you sweat just going for a run, you'll be dripping sweat by the time you get to shivasana. Bring a towel.
* The room is carpeted (typical of Bikram). Take that as you will. Yes, it smells a bit of sweaty human but it's not moldy and therefore it doesn't bother me too much. Maybe it will bother you.
* The classes are hard. Even the beginner classes are hard if you really push yourself. If you want to take it easy, you can certainly do that -- the instructors are good at telling you how to modify the poses.
* I think there's tons of room. It's no yoga tree, but then the classes aren't as packed as yoga tree either.
* They have a water dispenser but no cups. Bring your own bottle.
* You can leave your mat there if you are coming often. This is great for me so I don't have to haul that shit with me everywhere.
That's been my experience so far, after a couple weeks of unlimited yoga. I've not tried any of the more advanced classes (Rocket I or Rocket II) but maybe toward the end of my two months, I'll feel up to it.
PS they have octopusses all over the place. That's AWESOME.Listed in: Awesome yoga places
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Review from rachel y.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2011
I love it here!!! I'm tempted to write a great review as I don't want newbies coming and crowding up the place, haha, only kidding. Rene and Steve have created such a generous community and it makes such a difference on the quality of my yoga practice. I'm surprised and eternally grateful that they let anyone take the class from the creator of the Rocket series, Larry Schultz. What a treat.
Thank you, Living Social, for introducing me to what will be my first ever consistent yoga studio. -
Review from Tmon B.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2011
This place doesn't need another 5 star review - so I hope I have something to say that is helpful and not overstated.
I did a living social deal here (an absolute steal btw) b/c it was in my neighborhood and am so glad I did. Firstly, because ashtanga is exactly the yoga I'm looking for as a counterpoint to my bikram practice - ab work, upper body strengthening, handstands(!), etc. The practice is energetic but challenging, so I find myself working hard but not left panting or over-exerted.
The space is cozy, but after a couple classes you get the jist of things - newbies get there early so you can use a wall to balance for all the headstands. The instructors are friendly, but they also are not going to faun over you during your first class. However everyone figured my name out after a couple weeks of regular practice, and that is certainly appreciated.
After two months, my experience has been nothing but positive. I do wish they had more beginner/intermediate classes available (at my current skill level and time frame I can only make 3 classes a week tops, and usually only do 1 or 2), but that will also change as I'm comfortable doing some of the more advanced classes too.
In short - if you are only going to go every once in a while, its pretty good. For someone who's going to take things seriously, work hard, show up often, and commit, it's fantastic.
btw - for the noobs who take anything other then the most basic level class - there will be people standing on their heads all the time. Just ignore them. Maybe you'll be one of them eventually! (ps, I'm not....yet) -
Review from Ivelina I.
San Francisco, CA
5/9/2011
Nice spacious studio but they absolutly must invest in changing the asana room floor from carpet to either pergo or hardwood. It's so hard to balance!
The classes are challenging. I think it's a great studio for yogis that want to develop and build their practice to very advanced levels. Each move from the beginner classes trains your body and prepares it for the more advanced sequences.
The rocket sequence is very rigid. It seems that all classes start and end the same way so you should be particularly fond of this sequence to come here 3-4 times weekly.. but to be fair, i didn't attend a large variety so i can't say that this is the case if you are attending the full spectrum of class levels. I think entirely too much time is spent doing forward bends at the end though.
Ultimatly, good yoga with purpose! I took the most classes from Mark who taught a great and very challenging class. -
Review from Dwigt K. S.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
Dammit AstaYoga. I didn't think you could do this to me. We started with one of those Living Social deals and had me believing I could love you and leave you, but now I'm in too deep. I'm sad I got taken and am paying mad skrilla just to see you several times a week.
But it is so worth it. And this is where my review can be of any use. The studio is fairly clean and the space/ambiance very welcoming and unpretentious. I've been to about 5 different instructors' classes over the past few months and almost all of them have been great. They're very approachable and seem genuinely concerned about your progress as a student (at least if you've demonstrated that you're serious about practicing and improving). There have been days where the studio has gotten pretty crowded and other times when I've been only one of three to attend a class, in which case, the instructors will often modify the session to best suit everyone's needs and skill level. All in all, if you want to risk getting lured in and taken for a (really awesome) ride, try this place out with a groupon and decide how you're gonna deal with paying for classes after it expires. -
Review from Douglas P.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2011
Asta Yoga is a relatively new studio teaching the "Rocket" style of yoga. This is best described as a challenging reworking of ashtanga vinyasa yoga (as taught by Pattabhi Jois). It's the kind of yoga style that attracts more gymnasts and men than other classes. If you're looking for the most physically challenging class in the city, then this is a good place to start looking. Expect lots of arm balancing poses (handstands abound) and lots of challenging variations.
The studio is a definite downgrade from the "It's Yoga" location on Folsom between 4th and 5th (now closed), but a definite improvement over the "It's Yoga" location at Folsom & 5th (now closed). If this doesn't mean much to you, then I'd just say the studio is average to slightly small. The place is getting pretty crowded during the popular times, and could stand to consider a larger space ... if they can find one. Floor is carpeted and soft. Room is heated, but more to an ashtanga temperature (80F) than to a bikram temperature (100F+).
Mats and towels available for rental. -
Review from Alison C.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2010
Clean, close by, and UNcrowded! Wow! This is the first place I've done yoga in SF where I can actually fully extend my arms without touching my neighbor's sweaty face.
Rene's got a great, calm vibe, and really teaches to all levels, making everyone feel comfortable, so it's not just for the upsidedown people.
Highly recommend. -
Review from sonya d.
3/1/2011
I really really wish I loved this place as much as everyone else. It had so much potential; a gem- it's a super cute little yoga studio in the mission. The front room is well designed and the back yoga area is spacious enough for a bunch people to squeeze in and get cozy. The class I enjoyed the most was the Pilates class, b/c it was a good workout and the instructor was really friendly and helpful.
However, my experience here was lacking. I would expect a little neighborhood yoga studio to be welcoming when you walk in. I received much different treatment- a lot of the time the receptionists working the front room were cold and almost rude. I was being friendly, so I'm not sure what the deal was. But it definitely made me not want to go very often. The teachers were always nice though, so that helped! The other problem was that they changed the class times so that the beginner classes didn't line up with my work schedule. I tried going to an all levels class and felt pretty ridiculous, considering most of the people in the class were pros.
It was pretty disappointing because I was really excited about joining this studio- but I moved away anyways, so on to the next! -
Review from Mick A.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2009
We attended the inaugural yoga class this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Instructor Rene was very helpful and inspirational.
We are glad that this yoga studio is so convenient (and a block from one of our favorite restaurants, Mission Beach Cafe). -
Review from Stella L.
Pacifica, CA
6/17/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Clean and spacious studio. I did a living social deal here and love that they offer a variety of classes from beginner to advanced levels. The instructors are very knowledgeable and give special attention to first time students. I get a total body workout, my two month is coming to an end and I'm a bit sad that I won't be able to continue going to this studio under their regular rates. I pray another coupon or special comes along before then.
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Review from Austin C.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2011
I second every positive sentiment on this website and will add that the instructors are super genuine. Egos are completely checked at the door. I've practiced yoga for years having cut my teeth on Ashtanga...They know the sequences inside and out. I felt safe in reaching beyond my comfort level more-so than I've ever. After two months I can definitely tell that I'm stronger and more balanced than before as a direct result of this studio's approach. Cheers Rene, Steve, Mark and all of the other cool-ass folk.
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Review from Daya K.
San Francisco, CA
10/21/2009
Hands down, the best yoga experience I've ever had. The mood was light and happy, the crowd mixed with all levels of expertise, the space spacious, and the instructor... wow.
I'm pretty sure he levitated at one point. I have never seen anyone practice with such perfection and ease. I've never been more motivated!
Awesome! -
Review from Noah b.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2010
It's been a while since I wrote a review on Yelp but i needed to say something about Asta Yoga.
I've been looking for a studio in SF (amongst hundreds) with a 'neighborhood' feel to it and I've finally found it.
Beautiful space with caring & knowledgeable instructors - Can't recommend enough. -
Review from Jim G.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2011
I bought a two month pass from groupon and it was well worth it. The instructors as well as the other yoga participants were all friendly. Nice and clean studio makes for a pleasant experience. I will most likely extend my two month pass for a membership.
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Review from Christi B.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2011
I have been to yoga studios all over the bay area and Asta Yoga is by far my favorite. I found Asta by chance when I was researching teacher training programs. I had no idea what to expect when I first walked through their door but what I found was better than I could have ever imagined. Asta follows the It's Yoga System that Larry Schultz created to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible.
I had barely practiced Ashtanga yoga before so I found the classes very challenging. However, after practicing at Asta regularly for a few weeks I found comfort in the discipline of the routines and noticed deep improvements in my practice. Now I can't even imagine going anywhere else.
All the teachers are amazing so be sure to try out a variety of classes. A word of advice I can give you is not to be intimidated by the advanced classes...instead see them as an opportunity to challenge yourself and learn from others.
The most important thing I can tell you about Asta is that it is truly a community. If you are looking to deepen your practice and be surrounded by an amazing group of people then you should absolutely come to Asta. You won't regret it. -
Review from Mack T.
San Francisco, CA
1/20/2011 12 photos
Great place to go do handstands, show up 5 days a week and get strong, come six days a week, twice a day get super strong. The weekly Friday morning deck parties are awesome fun and they offer the best happy hour deal in San Francisco every Friday at 5pm. Check it out!!! 42 thumbs up.
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Review from Hanan H.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
I dunno, I'm confused. I bought this 5 classes for 5 bucks deal and went to a whopping 2 before it expired. The guy at the desk was pretty "agro for a yoga guy," as my friend eloquently stated. But he warmed up and became helpful. The studio is open and not too crowded. Clean. A bit smelly but that's to be expected. Our instructor was a bit scary and SUPER SUPER fast. "downwarddogupwarddogwarriorpose." He had us changing poses with each breathe, which is intimidating for my level. Little did we know that each week, the classes start out slow on Monday and get progressively harder as the week goes on. We went on a Thursday and got our asses handed to us. But it was a great feeling at the end of the class, I felt really blissed out. So all in all, good experience. I like my yoga a bit slower and my instructors not as scary, though.
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Review from Veronica C.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2010
In my search for peace and balance and an affordable quick start to my yoga interest, I found a deal on living social and I felt compelled to give this place a try. I was so relieved to find Asta Yoga tucked in the Mission District area. Although I live far away, over 2 bridges far, I would recommend anyone to give Asta Yoga a try. The instructors are open and informative and really want their students to learn and make this practice an extraordinary experience. They even have mats available for use in case you don't have one. My first experience at Asta Yoga I left relaxed, inspired and slept like a baby!
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Review from Ravi K.
San Francisco, CA
10/26/2009
It's a blessing to have the "cream of the crop" instructors teaching Ashtanga Yoga at an absolutely fabulous place.
Ashtanga yoga is a life changing practice - I can tell this from personal experience. It's one of the most powerful forms of yoga that is a classic union of mind and body. You will be stronger physically and mentally, and with the added benefit of flexibility. What other form of practice can give you all of this at the same time.
The instructors here learnt their art from the best people ever to teach ashtanga. I have personally taken many classes taught by Rene and Reed. They are just amazing instructors with years of experience. They have traveled all over the world to conduct workshops and teacher training sessions. People travel from far just to attend their classes. We're indeed so fortunate to have such well known people in our own backyard, and available to teach us.
You have to come and experience for yourself. I guarantee you that you'll be hooked to this form of yoga and will recommend this to all your friends. It is a transformational experience to learn from these world class instructors. It will change your life. It certainly did mine!! -
Review from Kate K.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2010
Peaceful space, great energy, knowledgeable teachers! So happy to have AstaYoga in the neighborhood!
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Review from Kristin J.
New York, NY
2/11/2011
Love this gorgeous clean space and challenging classes that don't miss the spiritual aspect of yoga. I will say I've had one teacher there, a woman who had just finished her training, who was completely passion-less. I've never had such an un-inspiring yoga teacher. She was calling out the poses as if we were in a phys ed calisthenics class from back in the day. But that's ok, I just won't go back to her class. The other teachers I've had there more than made up for her and I find myself really looking forward to each class. ALSO: parking there is surprisingly easy. Just watch out for all the bicycles on Valencia Street. Quite a lot of people ride after dark with no lights on their bikes. Namaste!
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Review from tinkerbell e.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2010
wow, this place is no joke. i am not the greatest yogi and they are all very helpful with people of all levels as well as understanding when ya need a lil extra push. i am not able to do all the postures but i feel pretty comfortable to sit things out when i need to. The $30 for 30 days is also pretty sweet so you can check out all the styles of the different teachers.
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Review from Katie K.
Oakland, CA
9/22/2010
I absolutely love this place. Seriously. The instructors are friendly and very knowledgeable. I was hooked from the first class - I'd recommend trying this place to anyone.
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Review from steve r.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2009
fantastic place, awesome classes that are both an incredible workout & true to yoga form, in a huge & comfortable studio....
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Review from Danielle B.
Oakland, CA
4/28/2010
This place is great. Just went to my first yoga session ever - and I loved it! Instructor was amazing and I felt so good afterwards. Prices are also very reasonable and they have a ton of class options. Can't recommend enough.
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Review from yariv e.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2009
A really beautiful space -i especially like the comfy,well designed front area,and the view of the garden from the studio itself. I've taken a few classes there already,and REALLY enjoyed the instruction, as well as the diversity of students. The studio seems to have a very welcoming atmosphere,both to practitioners with some experience,and the few people who seemed pretty new to yoga. Lastly,the tea and pastries after the Sunday morning class - great idea,and( for me) an opportunity to catch up with friends.
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Review from Danya T.
Palo Alto, CA
12/30/2009
Asta yoga is the best yoga in San Francisco. Renee and Steve have created a wonderful place and you can't get a better yoga experience. The room is beautiful, the prices are great.
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Review from David K.
San Francisco, CA
1/7/2010
wow. i am transformed. what more could i want from my yoga studio? the teachers are not only skilled at their practice, they also incredible aware of how to work with a variety of skill levels.
