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Bend SF
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
1935 Hayes
(between Ashbury St & Clayton St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 830-7501
1935 Hayes
(between Ashbury St & Clayton St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 830-7501
Intro Offer: 3 Classes for $20
Expires 14 days from first class
Announced 6 days ago- Good for Kids:
- No
32 reviews for Bend SF
Four years ago I was involved in an automobile accident. I did not suffer any major or serious injuries thank goodness, but I now am dealing with chronic neck pain. It tends to get aggravated from sitting in front of a computer or any time I am stationed somewhere that involves a tedious task.
After years of Dr visits and huge doses of Tylenol I began taking Yoga classes. Within a few sessions I noticed two things, I am now a full inch taller and my neck pain is now almost non-existent.
Bend has some wonderful instructors who actively work with you and are fully engaged with your progress. It's a workout and you walk out a complete sweaty mess, but it's well worth it.
Highly recommend for those with chronic pain or just want to keep your body tuned.
I love this place. Close to home, peaceful space, knowledgable yet fun teachers (Aleatsae is awesome!!) and not too $. I was going at least once a week, but have recently felt the need to join a gym and just cant afford to do both :/ I pretty much always went to the same "beginners" class, which was awesome because we did new things every week-never boring as many beginners classes can be.
Can't wait to start going again once I get a little more cash flow.
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Typically, when I think of exercising, it's all about the gym, bball, football, tennis and the works. My roommate tells asks me to try some yoga since she found this place within walking distance to us. First thought that popped into my head was, "seriously? this is going to be pretty lame." Dude....I was wrong.
Walked upstairs into a tiny studio area and was greeted warmly by Coleen. I didn't know what to expect, but seeing that it was a small group, I felt really comfortable. The hour blew by and it was intense, yet chill. My lower back hasn't been in the best shape either so when the class was mainly focused on that, i thought it was reallly cool and exactly what I needed.
Nice intro to Yoga for me. I'll never look at it the same again. We ended up going w/ the introductory offer of 3 classes for $20 and tried 3 different classes. They were all reallly reallly different! We'll see if this continues...but I heard this place is closin' these doors soon?
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The little studio with the BIG heart.
This little studio is the perfect place for someone's looking for small class sizes and personal attention. After living on the coast and attending the same classes for three years and still having some teachers not even acknowledge that they knew me with a simple greeting this place was like coming home. (No one wants a snobby yoga teacher, right?). Every teacher is warm, supportive and willing to give individual attention to anyone who wants it. If you've never done yoga before this is a great place to start. Also, how can you beat a restorative yoga class where everyone who wants one gets a neck massage?
This was my first time doing yoga in San Francisco, and I attended a class on Wednesday at 4:30pm. It was one of my best yoga sessions ever. The instructor named, Gabrielle, is marvelous. She is very attentive to your needs. I encourage all who read this review to take her class. She is absolutely phenomenal.
I started taking classes at Bend SF back in January. Other than a few weeks this spring when I wasn't around, I've been coming back once or twice a week -- usually for Sarah's beginner class on Monday evenings and/or Aleatsae's beginner class on Friday evenings, but sometimes for David's beginner class on Saturday mornings, too. I love that the instructors have been willing to meet me where I am (not very coordinated or strong) and have actually gotten me to enjoy exercising. I love that the studio is small; you couldn't cram more than 8 people in there if you tried, and that's great, because it means more personal attention for someone like me who has no idea what she's doing. I love that I get a discount for being a Zipcar member. And I love, love, love that it's a 5-minute walk from my apartment, which has left me with pretty much NO excuse not to get my heinie out the door and go get my downward-facing dog on.
Unfortunately, the landlord at this location refused to renew the studio's lease, which means next Monday will be my last class there. I'm planning to go to the Hayes location, even though it's not nearly as convenient, because the Bend SF experience is so welcoming and non-intimidating. I'm hoping I'll stick with it even though it's not quite as close to home. And I'm also hoping Bend SF finds another space in the Richmond.
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2 weeks full of blissful Yin Yoga later, and I have never been as flexible as I am now. I can't say enough how appreciative I am to have found this gem of a yoga studio so close to home. The classes are relaxing and enjoyable, I don't get bored from repetitive positions like at some other studios, and the instructors are truly inspiring and care about your well-being. I highly, highly recommend taking a Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga class if you don't like standing positions and prefer a mellow approach, but the Heated Yoga class (not Bikram...it's only 75-80 degrees) is also challenging and a good way to get rid of stress! Thank you BendSF!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/31/2009
I took my first BendSF class last Thursday with Stacey and it was great! There was only one other… Read more »
I just had my first experience at Bend's studio in the Richmond. The studio was a little small but it was very clean and welcoming. I heard they are actually closing this location but I look forward to continuing classes on Hayes. The instructor was very attentive and the students were all very cool, not a pretentious place at all. I love the fact that they have an intro offer of $20 for 3 classes too - it allows me to really get a feel for it!
This sister studio to Bend SF on Arguello is tucked into a small space on the mostly residential area of Hayes near Ashbury.
I live a block away.
The space is small, but comfy. I believe they opened in December 2008.
I've been doing yoga for several years now, Vinyasa, Iyengar and Bikram, and I've always had to travel to class via bus. I can't tell you how glad I am there is a studio a mere minute walk away. I've always been envious of those I'd see run in with a mat, house keys and nothing else. I feel like I cary the weigh of the world in my messenger bag.
I went to their 8:30PM Restorative w/ Massage classes last night. I've been sick for 2 weeks and this chest cold has been hanging on to me for dear life so I've been unable to attend my regular yoga classes. This class helped me let go of a lot of the tension I've been holding in. I've not only been sick, but completely ANGRY that I've been sick, hating every minute. Sara's soothing voice and the gentle way she adjusted me in postures was exactly what I needed to let myself unravel. There is some minor massage in the class, but you can advise the teacher if you'd rather not.
They've got a lot of Mellow, Beginners & Restorative classes here and one heated yoga class (not Bikram).
I'm a fan, not just because I live a block away, but because the space, the students and the teachers seem genuine.
I recommend registering and paying online so as to not fuss with cash at the studio.
And yes, for being as small of a studio as they are, there is a bathroom and ample props.
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Restorative Yoga here is exceptional-- not strenuous and has a MAJOR impact. I feel better, am thinking clearer, and in the immortal words of Moe on the Simpsons "suddenly I don't feel like killing anymore..."
Abby is an amazing talent (all the instructors are great).
IF you live in the NoPA--go, you will not regret it.
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Thank you Yelp, for bringing me to Bend SF.
I haven't lost the extra baby weight. Like 15 pounds of it. And it's been a year. I realized that I wasn't gonna eat less while I continue to breastfeed, so I need to move more. Going back to Krav maga right now is too intimidating, so I am starting slow.... and Bend SF is perfect. I've been to maybe 6 or 7 classes so far, all but 1 beginner. Sarah is superawesome, Abby is great too. The "but 1" was with Heather, and I had a bit of a hard time keeping up, but it was a great class anyway. Other instructors were super-nice, but not my cup of tea necessarily, yet I still got a lot out of their classes.
A friend was visiting from NYC who had been doing bikram yoga for a long time. She went to one of Sarah's beginner classes with me, and couldn't stop gushing about it afterwards.
I love that it's a small studio, with a very personal feel. I love that it's around the corner from me, and I'm very sad that this location is closing at the end of September. I doubt I'll find the time haul my ass over to Hayes valley.
I was a little nervous about coming back to yoga after so many years, but once I stepped into my first class with Heather, all that nervousness went away.
This studio is very inviting, and each of the six instructors I have taken classes with have been fantastic. I love coming here.
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Come and get loose and bend-y at Bend SF.
I went to my first class at Bend SF on Friday night, a class called "Mellow Yoga." It's the perfect antidote for a long work week., with just enough calm balanced by some good flow-moving to make you centered and calm.
This is an intimate, unpretentious little yoga studio. You walk directly in to the very small room and immediately realize that this is all about the yoga, and only the yoga. The online sign up says class sizes are max 15, but there were only 4 of us (not including the teacher) in my class, and i don't see how many more than 4 or 5 more could have fit.
Anyway, this is a great place for yoga in the inner Richmond. Prices are right, easy on-line scheduling and payment, with convenient times.
So go open your third eye, get into Downward Dog already!
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If you've never been to a yoga class, consider yourself the opposite of flexible, and are terrified to be the lame duck in the class...Go to a Back to Basics Class at Bend SF.
I just got back from my first yoga class of my entire life and think I may already be addicted. The studio is small and un pretentious, the instructor, Heather, was absolutely knowledgeable and skilled without being scary and overbearing.
When she said to go into downward dog, I knew mine looked nothing like it was supposed to look, but I didn't feel like anyone noticed other than Heather's hands guiding my body in the right directions.
I highly recommend this studio, class, instructor to beginners like me!
Plus, you can register and pay online before the class so you don't have to be all frazzled about payment when you get there.
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This place is great, simple and welcoming. Great attitude, wonderful teachers. I am not necessarily a serious yoga goer, but have enjoyed practicing over the years and this place is legit but not intimating. The only thing I can hope for is that Heather will start teaching more classes, that being said I have had a wonderful experience with every teacher there. The parking near the Hayes St location can be a bit tight, so leave yourself some extra time.
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Yoga kula is great! I'm new to yoga and I really feel that they give you the attention that you need. The studio is new and small... but in a good way. I feel like it's intimate. The instructors are nice and caring and totally work you out.
Being new to yoga I only wish that they had later evening basic yoga classes. Since I commute down to the south bay for work I don't make it in time for their early evening classes and am a little intimidated by their regular classes. (If you saw me flailing around during class while trying to hold a tree pose you'd understand why.)
It's a great way to get a good workout and wind down after a hard day.
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I love love love this place!! All of the instructors are great! No matter what kind of day I am having, I always walk out of here feeling amazing. Each instructor is different and it's great have the variety.
Everyone and every level is welcome here....the instructors will help you go at your pace and comfort level.
I've been going to Bend's other location for about a year now, but truth of the matter is that the Inner Richmond location's just far enough away that it's hard to convince myself to go so frequently. Danger, here I come: I live a 5-minute walk away and I've been averaging 3 classes a week since the new studio opened. I'm so wonderfully excited by this new space!! So many good things to tout... the location is peaceful & quiet, the ceilings are *really* tall (good for tall people who might otherwise hit the ceiling when reaching up), there's lots & lots of space for all who come, the instructors are all dedicated and clearly enjoying themselves, ...heck, I'll generalize: so are the students! The classes are primarily only an hour in length, which beats the 1.5-2 hour norm of the industry in my mind. More palatable, y'know?
I went to David's restorative class last week, and it was DIVINE. That man can work magic for your stress levels, seriously. I nearly fell asleep, something I haven't done since I first began practicing yoga many moons ago (and back then it was from sheer exhaustion). Heather, Jessica and Colleen are a few of my other favorites. Go check it out, you just might get hooked, too.
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My buddy lives around the corner from the Hayes location and I live a couple of blocks away from the Arguello location so convenience is a positive factor. The spaces are both small/cozy but warm and welcoming. I've taken yoga at some studios where I leave my sweats on because it is so cold! I've taken classes from several instructors at Bend. I really like Colleen's approach of teaching several elements then combining them at the end of the class.
I am officially a Bend sf groupie! They've recently changed their name from Yogakulasf to BendSF, so you can check out reviews under both names. Same great teachers and studio. I've been going here since late November of last year and I haven't stopped! I'm very new to yoga but I have to say that the great instructors at BendSF opened my eyes to the practice and now I have a great appreciation for it.
I take regular classes with Colleen and Heather and they are wonderful wonderful teachers. Patience is very important to me and these women seem to have an endless supply when it comes to teaching.
I've also taken a few classes with Aleatsae and David. They're awesome as well. My schedule just seems to mesh better with Colleen and Heather's time slots. I suggest to take classes with as many teachers as you can and see who's style you like the best or a combination of teachers is great as well.
The Inner Richmond is a better place! Now we've got great restaurants, an awesome book store, quirky shops and an off the hook yoga studio..... aaah perfect neighborhood.
Check out my earlier review:
This studio is off the hook! I love how small it is and how new everything feels. I love the fact that its so close to where i live and can go to class without having the excuse that its too far. I'm sure not everyone is as lucky to be so close, but even if you're not its definitely worth checking out this studio for yourself.
I love love love going to Colleen's classes for yoga, she has great intuition for knowing what the group is capable of doing and she's always open to suggestions. I've never really been so into yoga, but she has a great teaching style, its very relaxed and not over bearing!
Since the studio is new and the classes are small, they have a great beginners class If you've never done yoga before. You get lots of special attention and I'm sure you'd appreciate that if you're new to yoga.
The rates are also very reasonable! And if you bring a friend who's never been to the studio, you get a free class!! And also take advantage of their introductory special for new students; 3 classes for $20! happy stretching!
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12/24/2007
I took a class with Heather recently and she is great as well! She's so relaxing and she showed us some partners poses that I really want to try again. Can't wait to go back!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2007
This studio is off the hook! I love how small it is and how new everything feels. I love the fact… Read more »
I'm very excited to go check them out... I've been waiting for a studio to open up around here...
Four stars thus far just for that :)
... more opinions to come soon!
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This studio is so warm and inviting. New students are very supported and welocomed by well trained instructors.
I've been looking for a studio like this for years! A simple, beautiful space with teachers who let the practice speak for itself.
I was in a small class with Heather and she had a great vibe - I felt like she was sensitive to what my body needed and actually seemed excited to be there. Her passion for teaching made me remember why I started yoga in the first place!
I'd just as soon keep the secret but I like the place too much - so thankful they're in my hood.
I'm thrilled with the opening of Bend Yoga's new studio located at 1935 Hayes Street ( Hayes & Ashbury ) I live in the neighborhood and this studio is the perfect addition to the hood -- it's warm, inviting and feels very safe..... heather is amazing -- as are aleatse, laura, mather, colleen and david -- they all bring something different to the practice. I try to spend as much time there as I can : )
I went to Yoga Kula SF for the first time yesterday. This studio is still new so like others have mentioned, the classes aren't crowded (it was just me and one other student) and you get tons of individual attention.
It was actually my first time ever doing yoga and the instructor, Heather, was awesome! The class was challenging without being overbearing, and Heather was very helpful and encouraging.
The prices are good ($15 for drop-in) and the location is lovely too. After class I had all the lunch places on Clement and Geary to choose from.
This morning I'm sore all over. I'm definitely hooked on yoga and can't wait to go back here!
visit: http://www.yogakulasf.com for more detail.
I've tried this new yoga place on Arguello and Clement and love the classes there.
It's fairly new only about month = studio is very clean and small size classes with lots of attention.
Teachers are very good and focus on every individual student's need..
Class size is still small therefore you get a lot of attention, sometimes I feel like I am taking a private class :)
Price is so reasonable, if you are first time visitor, you can take 3 classes for only $20. When you bring your friends you get a free class.
Location is great Arguello and Clement!!!
inner Richmond / Laurel height area / presidio
Happy yoga! I need to get ready to go to their Pilate class now :)
http://www.yogakulasf.com
I took a Pilates group class with Eleanor last weekend. I love her! She is so adorable and energetic and it tickles me how she says "please" when having us do each move. I'll go back as much as I'm able! And yes, it's nice having a studio that isn't in freaking North Beach or the Mission where you can't park or you have to bus or bike like half an hour to get there. Oh and they have nice, new, thick mats and therabands and foam rollers and such. And it's a cute, sunny, clean room with cool art on the walls.
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So I love, love, love Bend! I initially tried out Bend right around the New Year, and have since become an addict (a Bendie, if you will)! It's in the neighborhood, has good class times- and most are only 1 hour which is nice during the week. The teachers are great- I go to Mather, Aleatsae, and Heather's classes regularly. I'd guess the average class size is only 5-7 people, which is another plus because there's lots of individual attention to help you improve your practice. Not a lot of frills, it's just all about the yoga. Some teachers chant and do more with the spiritual size, but I'd say for the most part, it's just the yoga and relaxation. When I drive there is usually easy parking right on Arguello for the 7pm M-F classes. Weekend would be tougher because of Clement St. craziness.
Great location! Finally, yoga in the inner Inner Richmond. Totally sweet instructors and lovely space. I'll be back.
Love this studio! I had tried a few yoga classes (at other studios) before first taking one of Heather's classes, but I always found them boring and unchallenging. Not anymore!
Heather is a great teacher who takes the time to give individual feedback, and knows exactly which corrections to give to make a pose challenging, while offering an explanation that makes it achievable.
I haven't taken class from many of the other teachers at this studio, but those I have taken have been great as well.
In addition, the studio space is really inviting and clean, and has a great community feel. I highly recommend!
Great little yoga studio. Heather is a fabulous instuctor. Lots of personal attention in an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere. It was my first time in a non-gym setting. Much different than crowded in a class with 20 other people.
There are a number of different instructors that teach there. Worth a try and also the trip, even if it's not in your neighborhood. Parking is not too hard to find towards Geary.
this is a wonderful studio with a great atmosphere. candles throughout class, water and tea available, easy to schedule appointments online and pay with a credit card. worth a try for all in the inner richmond!
