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Bikram Yoga Seacliff
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
6300 California St(between 25th Ave & 26th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94121
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
(415) 751-6908
- Hours:
Mon, Wed 6 am - 10 pm
Tue, Thu 7 am - 10 pm
Fri 6 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
ERICA E. said: "Okay, so I live around the corner, so yeah i got often....not because I'm an exercise nut (well, yes). If it wasn't for that, I'd go elsewhere for my workout. They have what you need, cardio, machines, and classes. Lack on the space…" read more »
181 reviews for Bikram Yoga Seacliff
181 reviews in English
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Review from Tatyana K.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I hate the heat. The first time I came to Bikram, I thought I was crazy - east bay summers of 100F make me dizzy, yoga in a 120F room? Hahahhaaaa. But I survived and have been coming ever since. I love it. I usually attend the 8:15 class and by then the class size is very nice and you have plenty of room.
The instructors are helpful and lead great classes, Ana and Jay are my favorites. It's a carpeted studio but I've only had a bad smell problem once and it wasn't the carpet but a stinky person next to me.
You can rent a towel, or a mat, or both. I usually rent a towel to save myself from doing laundry x4 a week. Remember to drink lots of water, to not eat 2 hours before class, and come enjoy some heat and yoga! -
Review from Kathleen G.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
I woould give it 5 stars if they did not insist that you get off your matt for some of the poses. In some studios the instructors will have yogis turn on their matt so feet (and sweat), always land on your own matt and towel. This studio keeps the students facing the mirror, and the students straddle the matts for three standing poses, so you stand on their carpet and someone esle's sweat. And your sweat does not land on your matt but on the carpeted floor where it mingles with other people's sweat.
Yuck.
Big studio, street parking is not easy. I don't care about the dressing rooms and showers - I dress and shower at home. Its not as crowded, nor as militant as funky door. Instructors are nice, Wish they would say meditate instead of concentrate. I think it is an acoustiic studio. If only one person is talking, and everyone else is meditating on their breath, you don't microphone. -
Review from Jenny L.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2012
My opinion of this place might be biased to not wanting to go. I'm born and raised in San Francisco, and love the weather that we have. I have no desire to move to hotter places, so I guess that would mean I shouldn't have even considered going to bikram yoga.
But, I'm glad I did go. Depending on your instructor, it reminds me of a bootcamp. "Push yourself, push, push, push, and relax...." Every instructor has their own style, so I would suggest going at different times to see which one you like. I was able to sample a few of them, and let's just say, there are some who make it unbearable, and some who seem to be empathetic to your needs, like opening the hallway door to let cold air in, or turning on the fans. Also, lie down when you're tired, and don't over exert yourself. You're allowed to rest, but don't even think about leaving the room. They have a policy where you cannot leave the room when class is in session, and some of the instructors take this very seriously. Trust me, I was reprimanded once.
If I didn't mind the heat, and putting my body through pain, I would absolutely love coming here.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/16/2012
Thank you for the review, yes we encourage students to stay… More » -
Review from Tuesday C.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
This is the second studio I have been to for Bikram and now my favorite. The room is a little smaller but it is less crowded than the other place I've been to. Also the instructors are nice and actually try to be helpful. They will you give you tips in a non condescending manner and encourage you to get it right.
I appreciate the frequent class times and the convenient cubbies they have to put your stuff in.
Hopefully Ill be able to keep going back! -
Review from Bianca D.
Pacifica, CA
2/5/2012
The Daly City location is a lot more spacious, but this place is still well-kept. I like the instructors that teach here a lot better.
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Review from Abby D.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I am used to doing yoga in a cool environment, so trying Bikram yoga was an interesting change. I tried this place because my coworkers recommended it to me and I also live fairly close by. Luckily, I was able to receive a free class because my coworker "referred" me. If you're a first timer, all you have to do is go up to the counter and let them know you are referred. They will give you a card to write down your friend's name, and your first class is free!!
Last I checked, they had a deal for first timers- $20 for one week of classes, but you have to go consecutively. If you're lucky, you may find a groupon deal- $20 for 20 classes and can be used over the span of several months.
I followed the advice of my friends and pre-hydrated myself throughout the day. Also, remember to bring one large towel (to cover your mat) and an extra towel to wipe your fountain of sweat. I sweat so much that perspiration got in my eyes and I was able wring water out of my tank top and hair afterward. Yes, prepare to lose some water.
Upon entering Bikram Seacliff, it was already stuffy and warm. I thought, "ok, I can probably do this." Little did I know that the temperature was only a fraction of what it actually was inside the studio!! The yoga studio is approximately 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat can become very unbearable, almost as if you will pass out. If you are temperature sensitive, take caution. I became dizzy from the heat and had to keep hydrating myself. The poses themselves are not difficult; rather, it is the heat that makes the poses challenging. However, your muscles feel more relaxed and warmed up, making it easier to stretch and bend.
One thing I disliked was the putrid smell. Being in an extremely hot environment and holding yoga poses pushes one to take long deep cleansing breaths-- but how is this possible if all I smell is stank body odor, bacteria proliferating in the sticky carpets, and the smell of poo particles? Man, that smell was horrendous. Now that I think about it, was I really dizzy from the heat, or could it have been the smell? To top it off, we had to do poses standing ON the CARPET. I'll admit, I can be a germaphobe, and stepping on the carpet is REALLY distracting. Instead of concentrating on breathing and holding a pose, I'm thinking about what disgusting substance my bare foot is touching. Yuck! Next time I do BIkram, I'm going to look for one with hardwood floors and refreshing (not repulsive) smells.
The instructor was detailed and descriptive about the poses and stood at the front the whole time. No demonstrations, just verbal instructions.
I did get mildly sick after the class, probably because of the extreme temperature changes (and possible bacteria lurking in carpet/ studio). Freezing SF weather and scorching Bikram temps can really mess with one's homeostasis.
Overall, it was an OK experience. I may have to sample other studios before committing... -
Review from Sheila M.
Pacifica, CA
12/20/2011
Caroline is not so good as an instructor. First, how could she speak in such a monotone (without any energy!~ If you don't enjoy your job, please quit! Don't try to transfer your negative thingy to us!!) which made me wanna fall into sleep and therefore, hardly to follow her instruction and concentrate on doing different postures.
Second, the unacceptable smell of stinky carpet made me wanna throw up and I told caroline about that. But she insisted to have my foots touching that dirty & ugly carpet instead of just letting me to do it inside my clean yoga mat. Well, your boss just lost a potential long term client. If you are as picky as me, go find another hot yoga studio with hardwood floor (like say urban flow yoga, close to rainbow grocery :-)Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/2/2012
Thank you for the review, we have to have carpet because we… More » -
Review from Janice C.
11/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm one of those weird people who LOVE LOVE LOVE the heat.
So I was feeling very excited(albeit a bit overconfident) that I can hang with the 105 degree heat from this studio.
Boy, I walked out of that first class with my tail in between my legs and I would've hung my head low in shame, but I was ready to pass out right after I got out of class so I kept my head upright.
I've only gone 3x to Bikram Seacliff and all I can say is the instructors here are BADASS. There is no leniency on opening the door to let some cool air in or taking water breaks other than the only ONE that is allowed. Teachers are also very experienced and will call you out on your pose (Steve is THE best!) and correct you multiple times until you get it right. Lock your knee. Lock your knee. Lock your knee.
Since a lot of the yelpers also mention the carpet issue (which I believe one of the owners already addressed) it is kinda gross when you do the triangle pose and I have to step barefoot on the carpet. Shudder.
I like that they have a shower stall here, well, ONE shower stall. But the problem with that is, you get at least 3 people waiting to take a shower. Also, I can't help but constantly bump into others in the tight changing room. "Oh, excuse me, I need to wash my hands" or "sorry, I need to get to my stuff". There are complimentary toiletries (mouthwash, lotion, shampoo, etc) in case you forget to bring yours which is a huge plus since you don't see that often in other yoga studios in the city.
This is a very intensely heated studio and if you're a beginner, you should definitely come well hydrated, even if you think you drank enough water, keep drinking before class starts. Also, pick a spot closer to the door so you're not in direct contact with the heaters.
If I lived in the neighborhood, I would happily return to Bikram Seacliff and continue practicing. I stopped going because it would take me 50 minutes by bus to get to this studio which is on the opposite side of town from where I lived. Not because, I'm NOT badass.
Suuure.....Listed in: Non-eating activities
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Review from J P.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2011
I have been practicing Bikram since March, and it has been more helpful to me than therapy and medication combined! I have tried several studios, and I love this studio for it's cleanliness and the instructors. I really enjoy Steve and Suzanne, because they are very tuned into what their students are doing and make individual corrections, walking around the room and checking poses. I'm sure it's easy to get bored with the dialogue, and have observed other instructors sit in the one spot and spout their memorized verbal cues. Anyway, most the instructors here are tuned into to their students which is how it should be.
Also, this is just a personal preference (and I'm sure everyone is different) but I wanted to give my thoughts on the verbal feedback that the instructors provide during the class:
LIKE: making corrections, positive attitude, and I also appreciate spiritual ideas/comments.
DISLIKE: please, please, please do not harp on how hard it is. I think this might usually be intended for beginners who have attended a class without properly caring for themselves etc, however for us regulars who might just actually be having a hard day for whatever reason, too much negative actually makes it worse.
Also, as a health care professional, please remind people to activate their quad muscle rather than lock the knee, because locked joints are a compensatory technique that wears down the bones and joints, rather than strengthens.
Thanks for all the healing you have done for me and Namaste!Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 11/25/2011
We are happy to hear that you are getting a lot of benefit… More » -
Review from Jessica S.
Outer Richmond, San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011
I have now tried every studio in San Francisco and can officially say that Seacliff Bikram is my absolute favorite. Not only is it the hottest studio, but it is the largest studio in SF that enables you to really blend into a large number of students without feeling "gawked" at. There are so many elements that come into play during the Bikram yoga practice so having a large, well-ventilated, hot studio truly creates the best environment for a consistently awesome Bikram experience.
For those people that cannot take a somewhat "fragrant" room, this type of yoga might not be for you. I have now lost 40 pounds after having my baby and am striving to lose more and continue to tone my physique. I have trained professionally in multiple sports and can say, with pride, that there is NOTHING comparable to Bikram yoga and what it does for your body inside and out.
Back to the perks of this studio: Most of the teachers really know their stuff and will actually call out your name when you are truly hitting your "edge". I find this a nice compliment to further push you in your practice. The teachers at Seacliff will also come correct you more often than not during your practice to give you your money's worth, as well.
There are classes, literally, every two hours throughout the day, which makes finding a time to practice easy. I cannot say enough GOOD things about Seacliff Bikram and can't wait to go to my next class!
The only drawback to this studio is that the instructor names are not published on their website. I do hope that one day we will have access to see who will be teaching which classes throughout each day. Other than that, I heart this studio! -
Review from Cindy T.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011 13 Check-ins Here
My review is based on this location alone and not on Bikram Yoga itself.
Geez, where do I start. Let me begin with Day 1.
Purchased an online deal $19 for 20 classes. Went in and expected a warm and friendly hello or smile but instead got a stone-faced blonde woman looking at me like "damn, another coupon."
me: Do you have a water fountain?
her: No
me: Anything for me to fill my water bottle?
her: There's a sink in the bathroom.
As another review has said, this place really depends on the instructor.
Shorter guy--very nice!
Tall guy--mean. He says things like "C'mon bend. It's NOT that hard."
Woman with Spanish accent--nice but hard to make out what she says sometimes.
Tall blonde I met on day 1 with a funny name--never seen her smile.
Petite brunette--my favorite instructor. Does poses with you to show you the correct way.
All in all, I enjoy Bikram very much but will definitely not return to this location because of the staff.
Parking is a pain in the butt so get there at least 20 mins early. Try to avoid the 6:30 class b/c it's always jam packed. -
Review from Lucy M.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
For a $20 groupon deal, it's been great! I think the changing room and shower area is pretty clean, instructors seem friendly, the studio is small so it does get very stuffy towards the end. My biggest complaint is parking but that's sf!
Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/2/2012
Thank you for your review!! We have a map on our site and at… More » -
Review from Clifford L.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
I thought I would write this review after having gone to the Seacliff studio for the past twelve months..
I think that Bikram Yoga is one of the best exercises. I have lost weight, inches off my gut, and become more flexible and stronger. The yoga also has mental benefits (more mental toughness, focus, and concentration) and spiritual benefits (more peace of mind).
I like all of the teachers. They are personable, friendly and knowledgeable. They also care about how you do.
The heated room - when you go the first time, you probably will get dizzy from the heat. However, when you go the next time, you will get used to it. The heat is good because it warms up your muscles and allows you to stretch further. It will also help you to sweat the toxins out of your body.
One teacher said that the second year of doing Bikram Yoga is even better. We shall see. I will write another review next January.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/2/2012
Thank you for the review Cliff, I am so happy you have… More » -
Review from Judi K.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
My review is for first timers to Bikram and a person with a really low key attitude and happy personality.
Yes, this place is 105 degrees and it's HOT, but that's what Bikram is people, stop complainting people. Yes people sweat and there's a smell. Yes they have CARPET and for some poses, you will touch the carpet.
I purchased the $20 for 20 classes which was amazing!! I wish I could have done all 20 classes within the 2 month I am allowed. But due to some health issues I was set back for a month. I only got a chance to take 10 classes which is still pretty good.
Since then, I haven't got a chance to go back because I'm cheap and I didn't want to pay $180 per month. But I really miss Bikram and I want to go back. -
Review from mo m.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
Before explaining the two stars let me say what I think is really great about this place.
I have been to one other Bikram yoga place in the city that I can compare Seacliff with. And the staff and instructors at Seacliff were really good. They explained the poses thoroughly, they were helpful, and they were very friendly. It is a good place for beginners in that respect. Usually, that is my top priority in a studio.
However - at Seacliff, I could not get over one thing. And that is the *carpet*.
It is disgusting.
I should tell you that I am not in any way neurotic, or a germophobe, or anything like that. But I just can't see doing anything like yoga - and *especially* Bikram yoga, where you sweat all the time - on carpet. I can't see how it's sanitary.
Yes, I have read that traditional Bikram is done on carpet. I can't do it. I prefer the first place I went with bright natural lighting and wood laminate floors, even when the instructions were not quite as clear. -
Review from daniel w.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
I'm really sick of reading reviews that are obviously not written by an actual costomer.
This studio is kinda dirty and stinky. I realize that there's a lot of sweating going on but the carpet is disgusting and the mirrors need to be washed.
The staff are friendly and helpful and the yoga instruction is perfect. I liked the gentle encouragements. And, when I got a little dizzy from the heat, I was able to lay back without any flack from the instructor.
The heat was a bit much for me. I prefer a slightly cooler yoga like California Yoga Company.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 12/1/2011
Daniel, thank you for the revie we are getting new carpet in… More » -
Review from Jia min C.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011
This was the first time I did bikram yoga and the first place I've done it at. I got the Groupon and decided to try it out.
The first class was hard. It was hot as Hades and I wasn't sure if I liked having to rely on watching the other students to get the poses right (the instructors do not demonstrate the poses). I'm fairly certain that for the first class, I did less than half of the poses and spent 80 percent of my time sitting, laying down, or drinking water. The instructor asked beforehand whether there were any first-timers, so I think that was why I had a free pass for being such a wuss. I did manage to stay in the room the whole time, which was the goal of the first class, so yay me! After the first class, as I was driving home, I thought to myself how much I hated the class, how flippin' hot it was, and how I can't ever go on a diet because I have no self control so I'm just going to be fat. The idea of going to another class the next day, which is encouraged, sounded completely insane and masochistic.
It took a week before I went back. Strangely, despite how much I suffered the first class, I kinda looked forward to going back after the initial misery wore off. The second class was a little better. The third class was actually worse than the second because there were a couple of walk-outs, which I found very discouraging. After the fourth class, things got a lot better. Towards the end, I was almost able to only do the one designated water break and I was able to get through all the poses.
My pros and cons will be a mixed review of the practice of bikram itself and this studio.
Pros: -I don't think I lost any weight, but that wasn't a goal of mine in the first place. I did start to carry myself differently, and I think some fat redistributed itself. I also became much more aware of myself, made more conscious dietary decisions, and just generally felt better.
-There were a few instructors that I got very used to and I liked that very much because the pace they kept was familiar. There were a few instructors I only had once or a small handful of times who were a little more difficult for me but I think it was mainly a pacing issue. This also made me aware of how you can and will constantly improve your bikram yoga practice.
-Friendly and knowledgeable instructors. They never pushed or pressured people, simple encouraged them. I really appreciated this as I had heard that at some places the instructors shamed and pointed out people.
-I'm not sure if it is like this at all studios, but there were mirrors on the front and on one side of the room. This was great for checking your posture, though sometimes I really had to focus on not fixating on what I looked like doing the pose and whether I was getting it all wrong.
-Easy and quick check-in. You just have to sign in.
-There were times when I was about 1-2 minutes late and if there was a person at the front desk, they always let me in, so I'm super grateful for that.
Cons:- Class size was sometimes very out of control, especially the weekday 6:30pm and 8:15pm ones. I understand that like me, people work and can generally only do it at those times. I would recommend that the instructors be more proactive about rearranging people to create more space because it gets really awkward having to cram your way between two people who really don't want to let you set up there and have them hate you and glare at you the rest of class. Maybe I just imagined this... But I definitely felt that some people were more accommodating than others and I feel that the instructor taking control over the spacing would solve most of the space issue.
-I generally found the carpet tolerable. There were a few times however when we stepped off the mat, e.g. for triangle pose, when my feet started slipping due to wetness on the carpet. I'm not sure what caused the wetness and I didn't want to think about it. It couldn't have just been sweat...
- The smell was never really that bad going in... It was kinda bad during the class. The worse was actually when you come out of the bathroom and back into the main hallway after class. I made it a point to wash my hands after class after touching that carpet, and I would feel assaulted by the smell after coming back out. Perhaps it was the contrast of how clean the bathroom smelled and how gross hot human beings smell...
-Parking in the area is difficult and as it is pretty far out there in SF, public transportation could take a long time, though it is convenient for the 29 and the 1.
The only two things that would prohibit me from going back there are cost and location. I plan to check out a few other places so that I can compare, but I would consider going back as the experience was generally very positive. -
Review from Evelyn C.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
I'm a bit torn writing this review.
On one hand, all the instructors and employees I've ever interacted with have always been super friendly and nice.
On the other, whenever I went to this studio, it was always super crowded to the point where I'd continually have to adjust myself to make sure I don't get whacked in the face or I don't whack someone else in the face. That's my main complaint, really. Class sizes really should be limited.
Also, they've recently (or are about to) open a second location in Daly City, five minutes away from where I live. Because driving through 19th Avenue is a pain in the behind, I had inquired in person as to whether I could transfer my membership to the new location and was told to email that inquiry and someone would respond.
No one ever responded. So a middling overall review--nice people when speaking to them in person, lack of response over email, and classes are overcrowded, though the workout itself is good.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 8/18/2011
Evelyn, we have not opened our Daly city location yet. We… More » -
Review from Victoria F.
San Francisco, CA
1/9/2012
This is NOT your vinyasa flow class.
I have a love/hate relationship with Bikram.
I love the idea of the heated room, but desire more than the same 26 poses each class. I don't like being told what to do, it is very structured and there are many rules involved: don't leave the room, drink water only at the break, don't use a hand towel etc.
The first couple times I went I hated it. The heat is intense. It felt like an hour and a half of hell and I was sweaty and wanted to puke. I came out afterward looking like I went for a swim. Then you feel pretty fabulous having sweated that much and your skin feels amazing. The next time I went the poses were easier and I found myself going deeper with each round.
The teachers at Seacliff are good, yet I'm finding the more I go here there is a certain attitude about this place I don't really like. Then again I have to remind myself that this is a different practice than I am used to.
Yes, the carpet is smelly. People sweat here. A LOT. Prepare yourself by bringing a towel and drinking lots of water before and after class.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/9/2012
Thank you for the review Victoria, the postures and sequence… More » -
Review from J D.
San Francisco, CA
9/27/2011
Every class depends on the teacher! Sometimes there are good teachers and sometimes not so good. But that being said over all most of the teachers at Seacliff are pretty good.
There are some teacher who feel like they constantly need to be talking for the entire 90 minutes, where they sound like an auctioneer... I personally can't stand this, but I breath through it. But there are some fabulous teachers that talk calmly and with a soothing voice.
I like that the lighting isn't super intense, it helps to mentally bring down the intensity of the heat, which is nice. The colors in the room are soothing. Other Bikram studios I have been too have been very loud in their color and visually the environment is just screaming at you. But Seacliff is very calming which is nice.
They do not have hand towels so make sure to bring your own! Their class packages expire a lot sooner than other studios I have been to so keep that in mind when purchasing. Other than that they have one shower and open lockers, so don't bring anything of value. There is also only one area to lock you bikes up outside if you plan on riding to class. -
Review from Ellen R.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2012
Ugh, I guess I should start by saying I've been doing yoga for two years now, specifically vinyasa, in a heated room. This was my first time doing bikram and I took the class with Steve. First off he stopped the class every pose every five minutes to critique things such as my index finger the wrong way 'No, like this, like this!see her (points to some random chick in the class)-that's how you're supposed to look, stop bending your waist' he'd pant in frustration, i kinda felt like i was being harrased/picked on. Which thats gotta be the worst start to an exercise class. Halfway in between he pointed at this girl and smirked 'you need a break, take a break' . He kept calling people out in the class and it was never for anything positive. I'm pretty sure the girl then walked out of the class feeling defeated after he said that. She had raised her hand in the beginning and stated she was new. He did not once advise different variations of poses he just went straight to the most difficult one, I wanted to tell the girl hey this is not what it's supposed to be like! There's an easier way to do the pose. This isn't some damn competition, were all here to improve ourselves not be humiliated. Idk, I always saw yoga as soothing to the body, calming, breathing rhythmically, however this place was more like a boot camp. I have a six pack, I work out constantly and I'm in good shape. I don't need a drill Sargent.
Then after the class he went on and on outside the door about how soar were gonna feel and he's done yoga for ten years and blablabla 'I'm so great moment'. I rate my soarness 3/10, nothing monumental. Not to mention this place smells like a dirty sock, the floor has carpeting!!! Ew like how many times do they shampoo the carpeting? I was drip sweating all over the place along with twenty some other people for over an hour onto what smelled like rotten body odor rug. I could guarantee there's something growing underneath there if they ripped it up.
Anyways, it was a good workout, so I felt like I didn't waste my time, but I think I'm gonna try somewhere else mainly because the place smelled so bad. It made me think more about all the staph infections I was gonna get via the great workout I got. If you can get past the smell and the annoying comments that stop the class, then go for it. Your world!Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 1/5/2012
We steam clean our carpets daily with 280 degree steam to… More » -
Review from Bodhi D.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2011
FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFOG!
Fog in the sky, fog in my brain, fog in my joints.
It's been a freeeeeeeeeeeeezing summer as a result.
I suppose if I had the moolah I'd go to Hawaii, but never been there and I have no $$$.
My antidote to all this FFFFFFFFog is 90 minutes of hot Hatha style yoga at Bikram Yoga Seacliff.
I won't get sunshine and Vitamin D here, but I do put up a healthy sweat and pretend I'm sweating in the tropics.
The teachers stick to the sequence of poses developed by the yogi Bikram, but they don't come off as shrill and militant in their delivery unlike other Bikram studios I've been to in the past.
Drop in and get out of the fog for 90 minutes of sweaty, detoxing bliss. -
Review from Irustin B.
San Diego, CA
8/7/2011
I am a 10 month Bikram fan, and love what the practice has done for my body and hind, oops, mind.
This studio has great rates and wonderful instructors but the carpet is falling apart and the smell was disturbing.
The changing room was a bit small, but it worked out ok for me. Hopefully they will replace the carpet soon. I'll go back next time I am in SF.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 8/7/2011
Justin, thank you for the review. The carpet is only a year… More » -
Review from Alisa A.
San Francisco, CA
8/24/2011
Great spot for Bikram. Gripes are that parking can be tough at times and I wish they had a water fountain with cold water but other than that it's a great place.
Classes can be pretty packed but that's the case with most Bikram spots in SF. It's a crowded city!
I like the fact that it's not overly stinky in the room. It seems they clean the carpets often... very cool. I've been to some stinky spots in SF and I appreciate that this one is low odor. You're bound to get some smell with hundreds of ppl sweating all over the carpet daily.
I digress... They have a nice shower and even toiletries to use if you want them.
I'm a fan. -
Review from Tiffany U.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2011 21 Check-ins Here
Can't say that this is my favorite place to practice yoga but it is definitely the most intense. Out of Hot Yoga on Ocean, Fluid and Bikram Yoga Seacliff, there is no doubt that this studio is the hottest. I also feel that the instructors here are the most helpful and obviously experienced. Unlike the other two studios, no slack is given. It is rare that they will open the windows or door to cool the room down. As a Bikram enthusiast, I highly appreciate that. While I might be drenched in sweat and dying from the heat, I didn't come for an easy practice. I like it that the instructors actually go around trying to correct as much as possible.
The only down side about this studio is the smell. Wherever you are in the studio-- there's no escaping the smell. It makes it really hard focus on my breath when all I want to do is hold it for 90 minutes!
Parking is also a horror but the good news is the studio is big and they hardly pack you in as tightly as Fluid does! -
Review from Mena A.
San Francisco, CA
5/29/2011
I LOOOOVE this place. My friend had given me a coupon for 2 months unlimited. I am terrible at sticking with an exercise routine, but I go at
least 3 times a week and as cheesy as it sounds Bikram has changed my life. It forces you to eat better during the day, or you will pay dearly during class. Also try not eating at least three hours before class. And stay in the room! The best thing to do is just to lay down, eventually you will become acclimated to the heat. The heat actually makes doing the yoga poses so much easier, with no feeling of strain or fatigue.
The place is clean, the instructors or knowledgeable, friendly and helpful and the classes really do transform your entire body. -
Review from Vinette G.
South San Francisco, CA
8/17/2011
THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER FRIENDLY STUDIO. I've been practicing bikram for almost 10 months now and if I went to this studio first, I would probably have been turned off.
I'm still giving this place four stars. Four because I go to Bikram to have, "Me time." I've become pretty comfortable with the order of the poses and and I like that most of the time, the instructor is barely instructing. This is one of the reasons I feel beginners wouldn't do so well here. The instructors provide far less instruction and advice than other studios I've been to. In one of my classes, the instructor barely even got up from the box she was sitting on! So basically, if you're new to the practice, you'll probably spend most of the class looking around for help as opposed to the teacher explaining or instructing poses to you.
Another reason I gave this place four, instead of five stars, was because there are so many rules written on the walls, yet no one really follows them. For example, a sign in the shower reads, "Please limit showers to 3 minutes." Only about 60% of the people there follow this one, the rest add a zero and take 30 minute showers. THERE'S ONLY ONE SHOWER LADIES! Another rule no one follows is the "no shoes in the yoga studio," rule. I see people come in, place their mats on the floor, with shoes still on. This place either needs bigger signs, or needs to enforce their own rules better.
Finally, the staff isn't too friendly here. All of the other studios I've been to have always had a super friendly staff, but this place seems to be missing that. There just seems to be a non-welcoming attitude. I've never once been greeted by the staff before I have greeted them and no one ever wants to talk. This is good or bad depending on how much, "me time," I want, I guess.
All in all, if you're a beginner, try Funky Door Yoga or Bikram Yoga In The Mission. The teachers are super friendly and will help you with the postures, by either showing you themselves, or helping you contort your body. Once you're comfortable with the practice, and just feel like moving through the postures, try Bikram Seacliff. -
Review from Albert W.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went here since I got a groupon coupon. I first thought "cant be that intense" but I was wrong. It's hot in there. I was dripping throughout the entire session. The 90minute marathon is no joke. First visit is a killer, but on my 2nd, it got easier since I didnt underestimate the heat.
Must drink loads of water day before and after the session, some salt too.
This place smells, well, smells like a sauna room. That would be expected. The place is pretty clean too.
I would of given 5 stars but unfortunately one individual instructor/teacher denied my entry when i showed up couple minutes before the session starts. Also she was pretty much very rude. I think she needs to go take some classes to improve her customer service skills. -
Review from Whitney D.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
"[Bikram yoga] ain't a track meet, it's a marathon"-Ice Cube
SO happy I found this place! I just started going a couple of days ago but already I feel like myself again. I did Bikram yoga in Austin, TX (YogaGroove) before I moved here and really loved it. Yes, it's HOT. Yes, it will kick your ass! But most importantly YES, you will feel STRONGER and CENTERED after the 90 minutes and 26 different postures! So far all of the instructors I've met here have been extremely helpful and encouraging. I was also really impressed on my first day when the staff was so kind to go out of their way to help find me a good spot in the room.
Drink lots of water, get there a little early for a good spot, don't eat an hour or two before class, be prepared to work hard, and most importantly, have fun!
PS As for the stinky carpet comments, traditional Bikram is done with carpet...and while the smell isn't a Bath and Body works fragrance, it's really not all that bad. Just reminds me of how hard I'm working :)Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 8/14/2011
Thank you for the entertaining review! Good job with your… More » -
Review from Chloe A.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011
I purchased a deal on bloomspot for 20 yoga classes at $20. For $1 a class, this is a really good deal. However, the yoga studio, staff, and class itself is just OK.
I read all the reviews and brought my 2 towels (one large, one small), a large 1 Liter bottle of water and came prepared with shorts and a tank top. The first time I went in, the blonde lady (forgot her name was pretty nice). She teaches the thursday classes. The heat is extremely straining especially on the body while doing yoga.
For beginners, I recommend trying hatha yoga to start with. I have been doing hatha yoga for 4 years and was able to do bikram yoga in the heat. It was difficult though going through the poses.
The reason I think this yoga studio is just OK is because the poses are exactly the same in each class. It doesn't matter what day it is, the same breathing exercises are done in the beginning, then the same poses are done throughout the class, ending with back bends, stretches, and twists. Each class is EXACTLY the same. The instructors don't mix it up or do anything differently. Some people might be fine with this, but I find this very odd and honestly quite boring. Different instructors, different personalities, same exercises.
Also, some instructors are more strict and nicer than others. The thursday instructor (blonde lady) was not bad. I thought she was fair.
The monday instructor is this tall guy and he was very vocal, pointing out what you did wrong and how to fix your poses and breathing. Also, he calls out some regulars by their name letting them know they did a good job. He was nice to a new student calling him out by his name and telling him to take a break if he needed to. But, he wasn't like that to the rest of the new students. It's like he has favorites and just sticks to them.
As I was leaving, he said goodbye to a regular student calling her out by her name but totally ignored me as a new student. I didn't care. I just noticed it and wanted to bring it up in my review. Probably just his personality.
I am going to try some other days to see what the other instructors are like.
Finally, the carpet is really disgusting as most people mentioned in their review. So be prepared if you are not used to doing yoga on carpet.
Also, you don't want to stand directly under or near the heat vent (you will notice where they are). Someone recommended to me to pick a location right by the door as sometimes the doors are opened because the heat is just too insane. That way, you can feel the cool air if you are right by the doors and it will provide some relief, not much.
Parking isn't too bad if you go early. I typically go to the 4:30 classes and they aren't packed. There is def enough room to do the yoga poses without hitting anyone else.
drink lots and lots of water afterwards. -
Review from Renee L.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2011
I guess I can't say all that much since I'm definitely a newbie for bikram yoga, but from the two classes that I've been to, the staff is super friendly and the yoga is simultaneously relaxing and intensifying.
My first time, our instructor was Steve. I was scared that I wouldn't be able to handle it, that I'd get dizzy or light-headed but to my surprise, the hour and a half class was just perfect for me. Throughout the class, I never felt extremely fatigued or exhausted from the stretching we were doing. Nor did I feel overheated. Steve was really good about making sure it wasn't too hot; he'd open the windows and doors at random times if it got too hot (that may have been because we were in a class with quite a few beginners). I was able to follow the poses really well because his instructions were very detailed and precise. He'd always demonstrate and re-demonstrate poses. He also pays a lot of attention to everyone, (even though we were in a class of (estimation) 30) and points out little things here/there you may be doing wrong.
My second time, I forget his name, but we had a newer instructor. He was okay. But this gave me something to compare my first time by. For sure, I found poses slightly harder to do because instructions weren't as detailed. And, I think the timing for everything was a little longer, too, so I wasn't able to hold all my poses like I was last time. Nevertheless, the course/frame of the class remains the same and overall, this time was still good.
After only 2 times, Bikram Yoga is quickly becoming a favorite hobby. I'd been under a lot of stress during the week and those 2 classes really helped take my mind off of everything. The heat and focus required for the poses forces everything out of your mind. You're either too busy concentrating or sort of delirious (for lack of a better word) from the heat to think about work, etc.
They provide small cubbies for you to put your items in. Parking may be difficult but not impossible.
In general, you can trust that the people here are serious about what they do. It's a great place to get started. -
Review from michelle y.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2011
I am a convert to yoga because of Bikram yoga. I bought a 3-month unlimited because of its proximity to my house and because I needed to lose weight for my sister's wedding. After going 3-4 times a week for the first 3 months, I definitely noticed a change in my body. That being said, it's not easy. Bikram yoga is as much a mental struggle as well as a physical one. Sometimes, I feel like a yoga goddess and I can go through the poses with no problems at all. Sometimes, I feel like I want to leave in 10 minutes and I want to cry.
I took a 6-month break from Bikram because of its intensity. I tried different kinds of yoga but didn't get the same sense of well-being and fulfillment that I got from Bikram yoga. So now, I'm back.
I just have one complaint, and it's not necessarily about the establishment but to some students. Because of the heat--understandably, everyone sweats. So please, everyone--practice good hygiene and be considerate of others. The additional odors on top of the heat and sweat really doesn't help.
Nevertheless, I always feel a great sense of accomplishment after each class and boy, do I sleep well after! -
Review from Kalah W.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
I found my self at Bikram Yoga Seacliff after buying a group discount coupon for 20 classes. I had never done bikram yoga before but was anxious to give it a go.
When I first arrived, I was a little intimidated, but the instructor made me feel comfortable. There were several other beginners in the class and she gave us instructions that were suited to our level. They have one fairly large studio with mirrors on two sides. While the instructor doesn't do the bikram themselves, more advanced students place themselves in the front of the room and can act as guides. The heat of the room is intense - I highly suggest following the studio's instructions on what to bring and how to prepare the day before coming.
Now that I've been several times, I've grown to really enjoy the classes. All the instructors have been welcoming and helpful. They seem to say exactly the right thing at the right times during each of the 26 posses.
I would highly recommend checking out Bikram Yoga Seacliff! -
Review from Max A.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011
Thanks to my ever-changing schedule I've had the opportunity to attend class with several different instructors - a blessing and a curse, because they are all so radically different. There's one in particular (he knows who he is) who gets a cheap thrill out of pushing the newbies' limits and telling macabre stories about the morgue and fire ants in Texas. Exactly what this has to do with Bikram Yoga is beyond me. Maybe it's some kind of mental exercise.
There also seems to be some administrative slippage earlier in the day, causing slight distress for instructor and student alike.
But whether it's the facilities or frequency of classes offered, Seacliff can't be beat. At other places in town, "walk-ins welcome" means cramming yourself between two very unhappy regulars in a studio the size of a crawlspace. -
Review from Q W.
San Francisco, CA
7/21/2011 6 Check-ins Here
BEST YOGA PLACE in SF! friendly and helpful staff. If you come here a couple times, you will not go anywhere else. Parking is kind of tough but you can manage.
hot tip: drink alot of fluids a few hours before coming here because if you dont, you will be dehydrated. -
Review from Vivian D.
Updated - 6/29/2011
2nd time was DEFINITELY easier and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Now if only my body would cooperate and quit getting sick after each session I would continue.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/3/2011
First time doing yoga and it was intense! Combined with the fact that I haven't been active in a… Read more »
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Review from Lara L.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2011
I've been coming here for about 3 months, and I too was originally lured in by a discount -- 20 classes for $20. I was not new to yoga or to Bikram, so I knew what to expect.
The facility seems pretty clean and only mildly smelly (the smell is somewhat chlorine-y which might disgust others, i find it somewhat reassuring).
I like the variety of class times (though the 6 pm class is often over crowded), and I appreciate that they added another 6 am class! And, there's only one teacher I'm not crazy about, one, that was just OK, and the others have been great. They don't have regular schedules, so you never know which teacher you'll get when you attend a class.
My only grip is that the owners don't seem to let up on the promos! They're everywhere. I understand marketing -- it's what I do all day -- but I find the constant influx of newbies very frustrating, especially in the already-crowded evening classes. Having people chatting/losing poses/not trying/etc. is disruptive for others in the class who already know the ropes and are trying to improve. -
Review from Alisa G.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2011
Infuriating customer service.
I've felt this way for a while now about this place. The teachers are very unfriendly unless you are a future Yogi or you come all days of the week. On a couple of occasions I've almost walked out of a class because the teacher had almost become adversarial and seemingly turned on the class because we had fallen out of postures or wiped sweat of our face using a towel. I'm a disciplined person when it comes to yoga, but this place seems outright mean at times. I want so badly to like it because there is parking and the yoga studio itself is quite large, but I cannot.
I've been practicing Bikram for almost 5 years now... (I started in So-Cal and I have yet to find a studio in SF that I like as much as the ones down there.) I love the institution, but Bikram Yoga Seacliff is one of the reason I struggle to come back for longer than a couple months at a time.
Well, Global Yoga (on Chestunt St.)... you've earned yourself another convert. You're not much better, but at least your staff is friendly and you crack the window at the end of class to let out the moisture... Both of which I can appreciate.Comment from Christian L. of Bikram Yoga Seacliff 3/12/2011
Alisa, we care very much about all of the students that come… More » -
Review from Yohanna B.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2011
Like everyone else and their mothers in the last handful of reviews, I joined because of some online group-buying discount deal. Most of the instructors encouraged everyone to return as often as possible as it will get easier. I've done about a dozen classes now, and I'm convinced that it does NOT get any easier. You will simply have good days and bad days.
On a good day, you will have eaten 3-4 hours prior to class so you are not starving at the beginning of class, and yet your stomach is comfortably empty. You will also have thoroughly hydrated for at least 8-12 hours beforehand. The room will be at a bearable 105 degrees and yet you get a somewhat cooler spot at the rear corner of the room, closest to the window. On days like these, you will be able to do most of the poses without wanting to pass out.
On a bad day, you will have eaten something spicy (hello heartburn) or you will be starving at the beginning of class. Perhaps you forgot to take gulps of water throughout the day and thus aren't properly hydrated. Although the temperature of the room remain at 105, somehow you got wedged somewhere in the middle of the room, or worse, towards the side of the room away from the windows. (You came at 6:30 pm on a weekday, didn't you?) On days like these, go ahead and do the first few poses and then lay down until you no longer feel light headed. Rinse and repeat.
Bonus info: the website doesn't list instructors, but if you can go to classes taught by Christian, you are in for a treat. Because hot yoga is just that much more exciting with a hot instructor. :) -
Review from Fian L.
San Francisco, CA
6/25/2011
The first-time student deal is such a steal. It's $20 for one week, but luckily I found an online deal that was $20 dollars for 20 classes!
The first time is certainly intense, for it's highly unnatural to be sweating in every single body part (even behind your ears). I really wish I had the patience to endure 90 minutes of the class...but seriously, 90 minutes!? In a sense, those 90 minutes are great for emptying the mind, but for those hyperactive folks like me, no can do.
All the instructors are amazing and are experts on Bikram yoga. They're great at giving instructions and making corrections, and they give everybody equal attention.
Tips:
1. DRINK WATER. HYDRATE.
2. Don't open the door/leave during class.
3. Although it's generally frowned upon, dress less.
