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California Yoga Company
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
2410 California St(between Fillmore St & Steiner St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 775-0570
- Good for Kids:
- No
Robin P. said: "I have nothing but great things to say about my experience working with Justin Spence. He is very attentive and thorough. He explains what he is doing and this is extremely informative and has a calming effect. I had some hip and knee…" read more »
110 reviews for California Yoga Company
110 reviews in English
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Review from Jo L.
South San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
I have done yoga a few times with my friends in other places before but I didn't like it too much. I bought the unlimited 2 months from living social and I love this place!
Their poses are simple and since the classes are the same (no matter who the instructor is), you can get familiar with the poses really fast. And because it's hot in there, you definitely will sweat. I love a good sweat! The other good thing I like about it is that the instructor does not do it in front of you, they actually come over and "fix" you which is a big plus to me. I like the fact that they are like personal trainer, I don't know why people are complaining about that! And when they see you can manage your pose, they encourage you to push/pull harder to improve... love it!
Like the others say, Diana and Venis are more relaxed and easy-going if that's what you prefer... My friend and I both like Bill and Brain better because you can challenge yourself and they really help us newbies to know which muscle to use and to improve ourselves.
You are supposed to take off your shoes at the top of the stairs (before you get inside the room), there are changing "rooms" and a bathroom. No locker. No shower stall, would have been nice. Get there earlier to get a good spot and calm down. Bring a beach towel and water; otherwise you'll need to rent a mat for a dollar. Believe me you need a towel when you are sweating like crazy! Go to their home page and read their FAQ; also like them on facebook so you can get their news. One last tip, the morning classes have fewer people in general. There are times there were fewer than 10 people that the instructor had done some new poses with us which was refreshing.
I just think it's really nice that they do try to pay personal attention to everyone. Otherwise, we can just buy a yoga exercise dvd, right? -
Review from Christina H.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
California Yoga Company is pretty swell. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming, not intimidating at all. The studio overlooks a lovely little patio that radiates serenity and a feeling of 'zen'. The space is cozy, yet large enough to comfortably accommodate up to 35 Yogis. With that small of a class, you'll definitely be receiving personalized attention.
CYC teaches the Monnier Method--the practice is similar to Bikram's general principals. We do many of the same poses and breathing exercises. The main difference I've noted is intensity of the heat and the length of the class. This studio heats up to 90-95 degrees (and if you've ever done Bikram, you would know that this is much more comfortable that the standard 110 degrees). The classes are usually right around 60 minutes, rather than the 90 in Bikram. Lets be real here--who has 90 minutes a day to dedicate to yoga??
The weekend instructor, Bill, is pretty funny, and very diligent about postures and accuracy. Diana seems to be a bit more lax. My only qualm is that I wish there were more classes offered on the weekends. There is a 9:30 AM and an 11 AM class on Saturdays and Sundays. But nothing after that...
Bonus point for the Coffee Bean located just a block away. Perfect way to start a Saturday morning!Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 2/3/2012
Thanks so much for your review! BTW keep an eye out for… More » -
Review from Audrey L.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012
I purchased a deal for this place that offered unlimited yoga for two months. I signed up soon after buying the deal, and the place was insanely crowded. So crowded that they ended up rejecting people about five minutes before the class even started. I mainly went to the evening classes taught by Brian who is the owner and head instructor. He has a very strict, almost drill-sergeant style. He'd be like your personal trainer at the gym, if that's what you're looking for. Brian is also intolerant of late people; he locks the door very promptly when the class starts. This is very annoying for people like me who are commuting 40 minutes from across town and dealing with inefficient public transportation.
Regarding the classes, I felt the poses were quite useful, but the instructor goes through the same routine every single class, which can get a bit tedious. Other yoga classes I've been to tend to improvise their routines a bit more, so each class is slightly different even though taught by the same person. He does offer towels and mats during the class for $1 a pop. I also felt some of the poses were slightly too advanced for me to perform effectively. Other than that, I did feel like I was getting a workout. Even though my deal lasted for two months, I pretty much stopped going after the first month.Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 1/29/2012
Hello Audrey, Thanks for your review. Sorry to hear you… More » -
Review from Chris H.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2012
They shouldnt call this place hot yoga, its farrrrr from it, its not even warm in the room and its bikram which makes it boring and unexciting to go to. Hot yoga needs to be like the ones in Socal where its ACTUALLY a heated room, Oh and the Instructors arent friendly at all
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Review from S B.
San Francisco, CA
1/23/2012
I went here after buying an online voucher. I have a regular Bikram yoga practice, but this studio appealed to me because it's close to my work and the classes are only an hour vs 1.5 hours, so I thought I'd mix it up a bit. I took class with the owner, Brian, who 30 seconds into class told me that I WAS NOT in bikram and stop locking my knee. I thought it was pretty funny that he zeroed in on this so quickly, and continued to make corrections throughout class- actually nearly every posture he was correcting my Bikram tendencies. I'm a student who definitely welcomes corrections, so this did not bother me, even though I disagreed with some of the corrections from a personal standpoint of what I like in my practice, I kept an open mind and followed his advice.
In the area, it definitely isn't as swank as International Orange, but I think the workout here is better and I've found my classes at IO to be impersonal and completely lacking in decent instruction, even in a small class setting.
The only thing that kind of sucked was the layout- it's just a big room, no locker rooms, no reception area. You just walk in and hey there's your class.
Although I have to say that I personally enjoy Bikram's style more than what is taught here, I definitely think this studio is great for someone who wants hot but not boiling yoga and wants to improve their health. The owner seemed to be very attentive to all of the students in class and gave very clear instruction. A beginner may reap more benefit from visiting a class here than in a larger studio or Bikram location because maybe you could ease into the idea of working out in the heat and the personal attention is very helpful on getting the right form and preventing injury.Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 1/23/2012
Hey thanks for your review! More » -
Review from K C.
San Francisco, CA
12/29/2011
I bought a coupon for 60 days of yoga. I walked in to the studio to redeem my coupon and was yelled at by for walking in with my shoes on. There was no obvious sign at the top of the stairs telling me that I was breaking any rules and I really did not appreciate being shouted at, isn't yoga supposed to be quiet and relaxing?
He was very short and rude. He told me that it I must stay for the next class in order to redeem my coupon. I was just stopping by after school and was not prepared to take the class. He said that it was not his fault that I waited until the last valid day of the voucher to redeem it (rude again and I never blamed him for it being the last day to redeem the coupon). I checked multiple times to be sure that I knew the rules around this voucher and nowhere in the company's rules or on the website where I purchased the coupon was it stated that I must attend a class to begin my purchased 60 days of yoga. I was able to get my money back from the website since the rules this man placed on me were not outlined anywhere when purchasing the coupon. I think being rude to new customers is a not a great way to act. I would never return to this company or recommend this place to anyone I know.Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 12/29/2011
First let me apologize for the experience you had. We never… More » -
Review from A. F.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2011
I found out about this place through a Living Social deal that basically bought me two months of unlimited yoga.
I'd practiced Bikram casually in college but it had been almost a year since doing anything yoga related unless you count those sorry attempts at touching my toes before working out. By the looks of the Yelp reviews, I assumed I'd chosen (mostly) the right place to get back into yoga.
I enjoyed my first class and found it was easier to get back into the pacing and deep breathing required in yoga with the help of the teachers who know when to push and when to stand back and simply encourage. I also enjoy that other folks in the class were also just normal people who try, mess up and then try again. (Nothing is more intimidating than those unsmiling, limber lime-green wearing yogis who make pretzels shudder.)
I really like the variety of teachers here, though I've probably taken more of Diana's classes because of the schedule breakdown. She's friendly and knows who and when to push, even politely asking first if it's OK for her to help you go further. (A muscle in my abdomen once locked one me while she was pushing me into a deeper bend. Totally NOT her fault, muscles do crazy things sometimes.)
Venis is polite and easy-going; he's like the nice math teacher from high school who will teach you about the quadratic equation but won't force you to tears trying to learn it.
The owner Brian, true to his rep, is a stickler for form. I appreciate the attentiveness and his sense of humor, since things can get kind of tense when all you want is for your damn forehead to touch your knee.
Bill is hilarious and isn't afraid to call you out, literally. I'm sure I was sweating like a dude with a glandular problem by the time we reached the Awkward series. Oh, and the Hello Kitty Pez dispenser as inspiration for the correct way to drop your head back is GENIUS.
All in all, I enjoy CYC. One of the only reasons I unfortunately have to stop coming here is the location (I'm on the other end of SF) and without ample time to find parking - no way I'm paying $2+ per hour - I'm just plain out of luck. Also, my current budget isn't very fond of me spending x amount of dollars on a studio that's out of my way. For anyone within the area and the means (well, if you're in Pac Heights, you probably have the means), I highly recommend coming here. -
Review from Christian S.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2011
This place is great, unfortunately it's the only yoga studio I have ever stepped foot in so I can't compare it to others but I feel very lucky that I stumbled across this place.
I have never done yoga, I was intimidated, shy, and somewhat embarrassed about giving it a shot.
This studio made me feel so comfortable from the get go, it has a great blend of people, the teachers are nice but they push you to do better. They spend time with you correcting your poses but it's nice to see them also give pointers to those who are more experienced than me (i.e-everyone) to make their poses better.
I am a runner, play sports competitively, lift weights, all the manly stuff but have never felt better than after a good class....if you've never done yoga the benefits you can get from it are unique, no other workout is as challenging or gives you the whole body satisfaction and a more confident stride than yoga does.
I walk taller, I breath deeper, I run faster....all thanks to CYC...
there's lots of girls there too...this place is legit -
Review from Muey S.
Bay Area
8/12/2011
I miss my yoga! I no longer stay in the city anymore and so, I haven't gone in a while. My body does crave it and I absolutely LOVED how my body felt after each session - so alive and radiant. It's really a natural high and you will be sore the next day.
The teachers are awesome too! They push you in a nice open way where you're comfortable and doing yoga for YOU. That's one of the reasons I liked coming here so much was how comfortable the atmosphere was. Shapes and sizes range too.
Bring water. It's recommended you bring a towel instead of a mat. Bring a small one too to wipe off the sweat and trust me, you sure will sweat! -
Review from daniel w.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2011
This place rocks.
Its clean and well lit and easy to get to.
The staff are professional and give great posture corrections.
The price is average.
And, the yoga is great for me because its not as hot (90-95) as bikram (105).
I totally recommend this place.
My only criticism is that their weekend schedule is kinda sparse. -
Review from Alina T.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
I came here to use my LivingSocial deal before it expired. I have practiced Bikram in the past but never hot yoga. I was definitely a little nervous during my first class and didn't know what to expect. After 2 weeks, I feel awesome!!!
The heat is very tolerable and not suffocating. 85 over an hour versus 105 degrees over 90 minutes makes a huge difference. FYI: The evening classes are definitely warmer than the earlier ones. Also, the studio is very clean without that musty smell.
I love the teachers!!!! They are professional but with a sense of humor. I actually laughed during my first class. You will get a challenging workout and they will take time to correct your form. I didn't know that I had been doing some of the poses incorrectly all this time. Oh, and you are allowed to drink as water as you need. I have been to other studios were it's frowned upon to drink frequently.
The people in the classes are great. I love the fact that there is a mix of different ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. That makes it less intimating than other yoga studios with rail thin people who can morph themselves into the shape of a pretzel. I feel completely comfortable during class.
All and all, I have nothing but positive things to say. Sweet location, awesome teachers, cool people and a great workout. -
Review from Mel P.
6/7/2011
I came here the other day to use my Living Social deal. I was a little nervous about coming because my previous experiences in taking other "hot" yoga classes were not so appealing. BUT, I decided to give it a chance this time and just have a positive experience...and it was.
I like that this isn't over the top 105 degrees. That was my deterrent in my past experiences. (I can't tolerate heat for so long) I couldn't really appreciate the practice before because I was too focused on the heat but I feel it was just right here. I knew that I would be drenched by the end of class but not drenched with a side of dizzy and nausea.
I also like that it is just a 60 minute class. An hour and a half can be too much sometimes so this was good for me in that I was able to stretch and get a good workout, too.
Brian, the owner said I would be sore the next day and I am! He is really nice and made me feel at ease even when I was unbalanced and uncoordinated. He makes sure you have the correct form but doesn't scold you if you don't. All a learning experience. I hope by coming more often that things will change: my form and body shape. I definitely appreciate a place that sells good health and not hype. This place is great! :) -
Review from Geraldine N.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2011
This is my absolute favorite Yoga studio! I will start by saying that I am a pretty active person. I like to run, go to the gym at times for their weight class, have tried Bar Method for some time, hike, and will soon pick up biking.
My friends know that I've tried a few yoga classes elsewhere and there was always something that didn't keep me interested.
Sometimes it was the intimidation. I love that both men and women are different shapes and sizes and everyone is friendly at California Yoga. No intimidation. Teacher and people around make you feel very comfortable.
I actually love that the teachers know people by name. That was a prerequisite at the Bar Method! It's good to call out names, to give them more added personal attention. Also, in other studios, I was left to follow the person in front of me as we moved quickly from pose to pose, whereas, at California Yoga, each teacher tries to help to get you into perfect form (more personal attention).
Another plus about this studio is that it's not the meditative yoga styling. We concentrate on breathing correctly to help you thru the poses. There have been yoga studios I've tried that have made me too sleepy or was too slow in a way that made me bored. Not that I am so experienced that I need challenging poses(don't need to try to do hand-stand), but California yoga gives me a challenge each time to get more perfected in each different pose. You need mental and physical power and strength to build perfection and that's the CHALLENGE here!
About the heat: I also sweat a lot when I work out. I like that the studio is not too hot like Bikram, where I would sometimes feel like fainting. Definitely warmer in the evening, if you prefer the heat.
One other thing I wanted to mention:
I stopped going to yoga for a few months and was running a lot, and pulled my back out. The whole staff is very good about giving you modifications for an injury. They would never tell you to do something that hurt. When they say, "Push through a pose", it's for the non-injured participants to help them work slowly to get to their desired perfected pose. Yoga helped my back and now I'm in it for life!
Love you guys! Glad you are close by! -
Review from Holli R.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2011
I bought the LivingSocial two-month yoga deal to get myself in shape before my wedding. I've done both vinyasa and Bikram yoga before, but was out of practice.
Those two months were definitely a life-changing experience: I lost weight, gained muscle, and one of my co-workers said to me, "you look the picture of health." I've never been told that in my life!
No class is exactly the same, and I find my practice getting a little better each time, especially since the teachers really seem to care. Brian is a stickler for perfect form (I know that I can't give anything but 100% whenever he's pacing around the class), Diana's class is more mellow and relaxing, and Bill is hilarious! He knows just how to motivate me to get my leg up one inch higher, or my nose one inch closer to the floor.
I personally enjoy the heat- it's just enough to warm up my muscles and get a little extra stretchniess, but not excessive. I look forward to coming back once all the wedding craziness is over! -
Review from Shelly W.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2011
If you are intermediate or advanced in yoga, this is not the place for you. If you are a beginner and/or inflexible, this is the place for you.
I typically take an all level yoga class where we do back bends, head stands, hand stands, etc. A lot of times, a few people can barely complete 20% of the class and do the poses incorrectly (which can be more hurtful and cause injuries). Many times, I only see these people once and assume they give up. These are the people that should go to California Yoga Company.
I'm intermediate/advanced at yoga so this is not the studio for me. If you are a beginner or have limited flexibility, this is a good place to start. -
Review from Kamille R.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
dont get me wrong this is a GREAT place. but to go as far as to call it a yoga studio is a bit much...its more like a glorified stretching class.
So theres currently 4 teachers:
Brian- really focused on form. very hands on. he will come by and kick your foot into place lol mild personality, slightly monotone.
Bill- LOVE this guy. most entertaining and contagious personality. he pretty much sings through the whole class. he is also very focused on form and watches everyone very closely. hes not afraid to call you out by name in the middle of class if youre doing something wrong.
Diana- very cute. doesnt really get into the whole touching thing. more of a spectator style intstructor.
Venis- probably the most meek of the instructors. he's very calm and gentle but will push you just the same.
all four instructors teach the EXACT same class. (although i hear on tuesday nights theres a special class for Diamond members...) half of it is consists of standing/balancing poses and the other half is on the floor. you go through basic yoga inspired stretches like cobra, cow, seated forward bend, childs pose, etc...
Bottom line: if youre new to yoga this is the place to get started. if youre not new dont come here expecting any challenging poses. its more about focusing on your form and enhancing your flexibility. The heat is hardly noticeable to me it barely feels above 80. but thats just me...
Give it a shot!Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 9/14/2011
Hi Kamille! Thank you so much for your feedback! This kind… More » -
Review from Sabrina B.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2011
I am a regular Bikram Yogi but decided to try this Hot Yoga studio when I first moved to San Fran. I hate to say it but its just OK. The "hot" part of this practice is a joke-- theres literally a space heater in the corner and thats it. (I did overhear the owner say something about new heaters coming soon, but who knows when/if that'll happen) I always went to the 10 am class, so maybe it heats up more during the pm classes?
The class itself is a variation of Bikram poses only you go through most of them only once and theres an (albeit tough) ab section towards the end.
The owner Brian is super nice and really cares about each person there. I did take one class with the other instructor (Bill?) who was HILARIOUS, I would honestly go back just for him. Plus, it was a much harder class.
I do like that the class is just over an hour long and the space is clean. No showers or anything though...but you don't sweat nearly enough as you do in Bikram. No need for showers here.
Overall, if you're new to yoga, this is not a bad place to start. If you're an experienced Bikram yogi and crave a challenge, stick to Bikram. This studio just isn't as hot or focused.Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 3/25/2011
Sabrina!! Thank you so much for your review! I just wanted… More » -
Review from Zachary K.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2010
Absolutely wonderful studio. I could not recommend it more highly.
The instructors are perhaps the greatest asset - they provide relaxing and supportive classes, tons of individual attention. They will improve your practice immediately in ways you had not anticipated... I practiced bikram for a few years before, and the observations and adjustments they made during my classes on the first week alone made me realize just how much I was missing in my technique.. the sort of attention to detail you just dont get in cramped bikram studios..
at 60minute classes, it fits in to my work schedule easier. Also for a beginner I find it mentally easier after a long day to push myself knowing its not a 90minute class.. where I felt like i had to budget my energy frugally.
really worth a visit...Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 12/8/2010
thanks man! More » -
Review from Saktii M.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2011
I should preface this review by saying that I am not a fitness type and I am especially not one of those "yoga" people.
I'm just a girl who has packed on a little bit too much extra weight as I've grown older and I realized one day that I had better learn to love exercise or I was doomed to wearing plus sized pants forever.
I have tried gyms, boot camp in the park, WII Fit, you name it. I just couldn't find anything that didn't make me have horrific flashbacks to the horrors of Middle School gym.
......That is, until I showed up at Brian's studio one month ago with a discount voucher in hand.
"Why not?" I thought, "I like heat, and besides, Yoga is a gentle hippie thing that won't scare me."
Let me say: HA.!
Boy, was I ever wrong about that gentle hippie thing.
The first day of class I discovered that this stuff is harder than SFBootcamp!! How was this possible? Where were the "OM's"?? Where were the kirtans and statues of Shiva?
I was working hard, here and it felt.... amazing.
The first thing Brian said to me on my first day without me having said a word to him about my concerns was, "Give me 6 months and I'll lose you 40 lbs."
Brian is an excellent teacher and it shows in the intuitive sense he has for each student's needs. His natural charisma keeps you focused and engaged with the practice every moment you are there.
This studio is not the place for you if you want to pose around in your $300 Prana pants and flex the Bhagavad Gita sanskrit script tattoo on your perfect belly.as you show off.
This studio is for people who want to learn master their bodies and minds through sheer determined physical discipline without the distraction of a "scene"..
This is a place where real, everyday people can learn to love fitness, even if they have injuries.
I'm beginning to see some ab muscles, btw! Thank you Brian!Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 6/22/2011
Thanks so much for your great review! It is really exciting… More » -
Review from bet y.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
Bill is absolutely amazing!!! His approach is refreshing and one of kind! I love his energy and motivation as he guide the class AND still manage to focus his attention on individuals and not miss a beat. I would definitely recommend the class to newbies or if you're a dedicated yogi like me.
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Review from Kate J.
Boston, MA
9/18/2010
If I could give six stars, I would. If you want a quiet place to just kinda get your Om on and mentally check out, this is not the studio for you. If you want to be challenged, inspired, and supported on your way to better fitness, strength, and flexibility, look no further.
I've been going to California Yoga Company now for several weeks and already felt like it has changed my life and my body. After years of being very physically active (training as a dancer, running, swimming, biking), I found myself with pain in my neck, back, and shoulders that was so bad I couldn't sleep. I was diagnosed with cervical foraminal narrowing and told I would have chronic pain for the rest of my life. After being told that I had to stop high-impact exercise and manage the pain with heavy-duty pain medication, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to help my body heal itself.
I looked up "yoga pain management" on yelp and found this yoga studio. I visited the website and decided to follow their instructions exactly: come early if you're a new student, explain any injuries, and come 3-5x per week (and it's only $30 for the first month).
I came early on my first day and had a long conversation with Bill about my specific situation. I cannot say enough good things about the instructors. Brian, Bill, and Diana run the perfect balance between coach and cheerleader. They are all familiar with my injury and regularly inquire as to how my pain is that day. They give me modifications that are specific to my injury. Even when the class is full, I get lots of personal attention and they are always there, adjusting, encouraging, and making me laugh. As a former dancer, I like the attention to alignment, the intensity of the practice, the specific instruction, and the mirrors that help me adjust my alignment.
I leave class with the same high I used to get from running. No matter your level of fitness, yoga experience, or pain, if you dedicate yourself to following their instructions, you will get more out of it than you put into it. -
Review from Natasha R.
San Francisco, CA
6/16/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Have you ever spent an hour with a guy and been worked so hard you can barely walk the next day?? Listen up ladies; after three consecutive sessions with Brian, I was hobbling around like a penguin and popping aspirin like skittles just to get through the day. If you want a hot and sweaty workout, this place has got you covered.
California Yoga teaches Hot Yoga, which I would classify as 'Bikram for Beginners.' Many of the poses are what you find in Bikram, although it's not the exact same routine every time. The room is heated to a tolerable 90 degrees, instead of a nauseating 105- and you are in here for just over an hour, not a full 90 minutes.
Brian is one of the best instructors I have come across in this great city. He cracks a joke here and there, and there's nothing I love more than giggling in class to keep things light spirited and fun (and to distract from the pain).
Secondly, and more importantly, Brian is very hands on and practically OCD about your form. He gives everyone personal attention and is not one of those 'Follow me while I go through my yoga routine out loud and ignore the rest of you' types, but instead spends the entire class pacing back and forth checking on everyone. This could be why I hurt so good, Brian makes it his job (as it should be) to set you up correctly and tell you to push harder, lunge deeper, and bend lower. Many times I thought I reached my limit until he waltzed over to adjust me and give me a good nudge. I may have grit my teeth and forgot to breathe, but progress can be uncomfortable. Although, so is a degenerate and achy body because you never took proper care of it over the course of your lifetime. Pay it forward- that's my new motto in life.
There are a plethora of yoga studios around the city, and an abundance of mediocre, and sometimes awful, instructors. Cal Yoga is one of the few gems out there. :-)Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 6/16/2010
ROTLOL!! Thanks Natasha! You totally just made my day!!! More » -
Review from Candace T.
Helena, MT
3/9/2011
I don't know why anyone in San Fransisco would practice at any other studio...
beautiful space.
great teachers.
wonderful vibe.
CLEAN
not so hot that you can't wait to get out, but warm enough to get the good workout and sweat that you want.
GO GO GO...try it NOW
*only thing I can say negatively is "why in the world would you lock people out if they are late"?!!!...ESPECIALLY in a big city with HORRIBLE public transport and a supposedly 'laid back attitude' - as a yoga teacher and studio owner...it's just bad business.
otherwise...
both thumbs up up up!
:-)
Namaste,
Nicky from Montana... -
Review from kat r.
San Francisco, CA
7/2/2011
Luv this class n location...I luv the warm room and I say warm not hot! I take the early morning class and I luv going to that warm studio and get my muscles stretch and going for the day...best place for my purpose..no drama no crazy poses and headstands just great yoga,great teachers and great location...
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Review from emiko o.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2011
Finally, a yoga practice that cares about proper alignment in students' bodies! I've been doing Bikram and other yoga for 14+ years and it's been ages since I've found a studio that helps me to truly understand what is going on internally with my body in the poses to achieve the best practice. Classes are intimate and if you care about your practice, you'll find that the teachers will support you 100% of the way. Even though there are many studios right around the corner from my house, I'm more than willing to multi-Muni it across town to be a member of this studio. Cal Yoga Company is one-of-a-kind, I'd recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone who is looking to strengthen core, heal an injury, or is otherwise disenchanted with the usual "scripted" Bikram scene but loves a challenge in a heated practice.
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Review from jennifer c.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2011
Buyer beware!I
am a Physical Therapist and a yoga practitioner. I was so excited to attend a hot yoga class in the neighborhood. But my first foot in the door, I knew this establishment was anything but healing or positive! I literally stepped one foot in the door and was screamed at by the owner for walking in with my shoes on. Now first off, there is a long narrow hallway to walk up to the entrance. Secondly, there is no bench in this concrete cold hallway, third, nowhere to sit, and fourth, no waiting area. So forgive me, that I actually had my shoes on! The owner, Brian, bit my head off. I almost left right then, and should have!
The class is an orthopedic nightmare. He has people doing things that will herniate discs, cause strains, create tendonitis and who know what else. He never asked if I had any injuries or limitations (of course he did not know that I have 20 years of experience treating patients legitimately), but then if I did not perform a move to his liking, he literally tried to move my body in places it did not go.
It gets worse. He preaches his "gospel" that one has to work through pain and just keep doing his yoga (for 60 days he says), and "you'll break thru the pain." THIS IS WRONG AND HARMFUL ADVICE. Sorry, but he has no medical, or rehabilitation degree or speciality, that I can find. He does not post or advertise that he has attended any accredited university, which would allow him the knowledge to counsel people on rehabilitation or injury treatment. Just because yoga helped him heal an injury, does not mean he can give you medical advice. WATCH OUT AND GO TO A REAL PROFESSIONAL if you have an injury.
Needless to say, I will not be going back!Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 3/23/2011
First, I sincerely apologize that your experienced feeling… More » -
Review from Jeffrey R.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2006
This is an awesome studio to learn yoga in. And really learn it. Brian teaches the basics and makes sure that you are properly in poses and breathing correctly, rather than powering through yoga like many gym classes.
I really feel like I've done my body good after one of his classes, not soar.
Also, the room temperature is very good. It's not nearly as hot as a Bikram studio, but it is heated. -
Review from Caroline C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 3/27/2011
Miss you guys and hope to be back soon to do some serious yoga!! I feel at my best after your classes Brian! Keep it up!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/5/2011
I have discovered this studio during a holiday trip to San Francisco about 2 years ago. Since than I… Read more »
Comment from Brian M. of California Yoga Company 4/4/2011
We miss you too! I know everyone is looking forward to your… More » -
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Review from Daniel J.
San Francisco, CA
1/28/2008
Fantastic!
I'll give you the short version of my story: For ten years, I've been a "dabbler" with yoga. I took one class at one place, two classes at another. I did yoga on beaches in Thailand, and yoga in my room with a book. But, the truth be told... I never actually DID yoga.
I recently made a commitment to myself that I was going to start a regular yoga practice before my thirtieth birthday. And, I'm doing it!
So, of course, I got on yelp and searched 94133 for Yoga studios. Yogic Motion was actually the closest to my house (four blocks) and the BEST price for an intro offer. Twenty Bucks for a month!
Over the last month, I've gone a few times a week and I love it!
For the first time, I'm no longer a "dabbler". I'm a practitioner!
Yes, the classes here are repetitive. Basically, the same routine every class (with some variations just to keep it interesting). But, after having dabbled for so long. I now know that the only way to really get good is going to be through consistency. Yoga doesn't happen in one pose. It's about a consistent practice. So, I'm coming to LOVE the routine, and I LOVE doing the same poses and watching my incremental progress week by week.
Brian (who has never been "moody" for any of the classes I've attended) is a phenomenal instructor. All the other reviews are true, he will come and make SURE you are pushing yourself and make SURE you are doing the poses to the best of your ability. His adjustments to your poses are priceless and something that you can't possibly get from a book, a video, or even just watching an instructor sit at the front of the class.
I feel like I'm repeating what others have said about him... but it's all true. He is that good. And, he keeps it fun too.
It is a workout and it's a moderately heated room. It's not be-at-peace OM away your troubles yoga. You will feel it.
If you're looking for lots of variety of poses, or variety of styles, this probably isn't the place to find that. But, consider that you may be a "dabbler" like I once was.
I love it and I can't wait to see how my body feels in a few months.
But seriously... the intro offer is so ridiculously awesome that you've got nothing to lose. So just go there and see for yourself. -
Review from Brad L.
3/9/2007
I love Yogic Motion. I've been going for several months and, frankly, I can't imagine doing yoga anywhere else.
Make no mistake, I am beginner. I can't even tell you the difference between Hatha and Bikram yoga. This does not bother me.
If you care about saying "Namaste" or "My energy salutes your energy" or chanting some other metaphysical claptrap during your yoga, then Yogic Motion is probably not the place for you.
Brian Monnier teaches the classes I attend. He rocks. He's very empathic, which I think is why he's such a good teacher. He knows just when I should be stretching a little further and when I've gone as far as I can. He's also a regular guy with a good sense of humor, which makes the classes a lot of fun. In fact, I can't think of a single class where I didn't laugh out loud at one thing or another.
I'll also mention that people don't seem to come to Yogic Motion to be part of a social scene. I'm told this is the case at some studios. I feel like everyone who comes to Yogic Motion is really friendly, but no one really hangs out after class. This isn't a bad thing, just different perhaps.
One last comment: If you've never tried yoga, I can't recommend it enough. You will learn things about your body that you've never even considered before. You'll become stronger, more flexible and less stressed. You might even find yourself more present and maybe even happier. Brian offers a super deal for beginners. For $20 you can come as much as you want for a month. Check out the website for more info. -
Review from Lauren W.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2010
I believe it was literally 17 seconds after my first class at California Yoga Company that my friend and I turned to each other and said, simultaneously, "You want to come back tomorrow?" After several weeks of coming here, I am officially addicted. Brian is an excellent teacher - he's tough and expects a lot out of you, but he's also kind and pays attention to how you're working through the poses. He's no drill sergeant, but he'll have you working your butt off very quickly!
I had only tried one hot yoga class before, and I swore I would never go back. I got dizzy and frustrated and had no idea if I was doing anything correctly - it was basically a waste of an hour and a half. Somehow my friend convinced me to try California Yoga Company and I'm very happy she did. Brian has taught me a good amount already and I find the classes productive and incredibly satisfying. This is one of the few times I wish there were more than five stars! Highly, highly recommended. -
Review from Shannon V.
San Francisco, CA
2/2/2007
My platform is strongly anti-gym (but highly pro heel-toe express). It is also strongly anti-schedule, but I break my own damn rules for yoga, even if I may have the worst technique ever and it's an environment in which farts are to be regarded as natural, instead of totally hilarious.
It's too bad that most yoga studios in the city are pretty expensive, which is enough to turn me off of it and simply swear to sub sorbet for ice cream for the next month.
Yogic Motion isn't too expensive, but it's not too inexpensive either, unless we're talking the super sweet 20 bucks for the first month intro deal. The instructors are cool, but do not expect to not be called out. Also, it is the same routine pretty much every time, which eats at my soul. I need new things! I need a downward dog!
Anyway, I'd love to indulge my frugality and find a cheaper yoga studio, so if you know of one, do let me know.Listed in: Narcissism R Us
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Review from ellyk E.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2007
What Kelly E says: My shoulder is a little messed up...Not sure what I did to it.
What Kelly E means: I've been lifting bikes over my head all summer and pulled something, but hate going to the doctor. I also messed up my entire left leg, but it doesn't bother me when I run, so I pay no attention to it. I forget that it hurts like hell to stretch it, therefore, I rarely stretch.
What Kelly E wants from yoga: touch my toes one day.
What Kelly E got from Yogic Motion: a nice, easy, yoga experience with attention for my remedial abilities. I did touch my toes (my knees may or may not have been bent).
This place is sweet if you want to go, stretch, sweat, get a little work out and feel good. Brian helps with efforts at various stretches and does a great job of getting alignment right, which I find more important that trying to put my ankles behind my head. -
Review from tommy p.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2006
I love this place! I, like the first reviewer, tried yoga in a number of locations and either found it too hot, too cold, too advanced, too 'yoga'y' but this one is just right goldilocks!
I came in with a longterm knee injury and was embarrased at other studios when i could not do some of the poses and instructors didn't take the time to suggest an alternative. brian watches out for me always and when we go into a pose he knows is hard on knees, he suggests an alternative. even though i now know which to watch out for, he's still there with help.
i've gone from a frustrated 'i wanna do yoga but its kind of beyond me', to wow, i'm hooked and i cant miss a class in my schedule so y'all other activities better git the hellouttatheway!
i think i'll cancel that dumb gym down the street now. -
Review from Stephanie J.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2007
Update 8/8/07: So I wasn't very pleased with this place but Brian the owner was kind enough to email me with any concerns I may have had and even offered to refund my money! Now that's customer service! I appreciate his thoughtfulness and attention to the reviews.
I'm used to a much more disciplined practice, in 105 heat, with a structured program. I like my regular yoga classes as well, but this place just tried too hard to not be Bikram but still use parts of his sequence! -
Review from Maren P.
San Francisco, CA
6/18/2008
When I was a kid, I wanted to be Nadia Comaneci. In my mind I was a great athlete, a world-class gymnast, super flexible and graceful. But, in reality, I sucked, and I could never climb up that damn rope in gym class. So, fast forward 20 somewhat odd years, 15 years behind a desk at a computer, sleeping in airplanes, eating crappy food and working all night. End result, a really inflexible and out of shape body!
For the past year, I've been working on undoing the damage. I got to the point where I'd treadmilled, ellipticalled, lunged, dipped and pushed up enough, and I was ready for something new. I finally worked up the nerve to drag myself to a Yoga class at Yogic Motion, and I'm really glad I did. Previous Yoga classes that I've tried have not inspired me, and I usually left confused.
But, I really like the classes at Yogic Motion: I love the heat (it's hot, but not deathly); the structure of the class works for me; Brian is a great instructor - provides lots of details and information and assistance. The classes are never overcrowded and so far nobody smells and the studio is neat and clean. The classes seriously kick my butt, and I sweat like I've never sweated before and feel great!Listed in: Where I go to get fixed up
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Review from janet j.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2009
Damn I miss Brian and his classes.
I was a religiously Bikram practitioner for years and was reluctant to believe I could get the same results in 60 minutes without sweating buckets. But after having felt invisible at Funky Door on Polk Street for years, I decided it was time to give Yogic Motion a try.
Well, Brian had me converted after the first class. His method is fabulous and effective. I didn't miss anything about Bikram at all - especially the time commitment (class, shower, blow dry, etc.).
Brian's class gave me the same results in less time with the perfect amount of sweat.
Even when Brian moved his studio over the hill on California Street, I still made the trek.
Now I'm in the East Bay and miss his classes. Although I still do the ab series on my own each morning!! -
Review from dorothy p.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2008
oh yogic motion. I miss you sooo much. I used to practice with brian on a very regular basis. unfortunately I moved across town & so did he. Brian has worked with me so much, it really changed my life. My body used to be in constant pain, but is now much better thanks to his yoga.
It's pretty different that most yoga practices. If your into locking you joints & exercising in 100+ degree rooms, It may not be for you.
Otherwise, give Brian a try. You'll get hooked. -
Review from Allucaneat G.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2011
This review is based on their business practices, not their classes, as I ended up not taking a class due to being too put off by the way they operate.
I bought a Living Social deal for 2 months of unlimited classes. Before I had a chance to redeem the certificate, I received an email from Living Social asking me to rate my experience. Huh? Apparently CA Yoga Co. had submitted my certificate as having been used. When I contacted them, they gave me some explanation that someone with the same name as I had also bought the deal and they mistakenly mixed it up. Um, that is pretty amazing, as there are about 4 people in the city with my last name. What are the chances one has the same first name AND bought same deal? Yeah. But even odder- does Living Social provide the business with the name of every purchaser? I believe they go by certificate number. CYC did not provide any further explanation when I presented them with these questions.
They did apologize and assured me there'd be no problem using the deal.
So past couple weeks I'm experiencing neck & back pain. The only thing that I have found to help this chronic issue is bikram yoga. I think it's time to use the CYC deal as they tout themselves as therapeutic but not bikram, which is why I was interested in the first place. They generally offer no midday classes, making it difficult for me to go as right now I have an evening class so am up late and busy during their evening times. I see that this week they have a "trainee" class at noon on Wednesday. Finally! A time I can go. Because the pain had been worsening, I actually cancelled another commitment to attend the class.
I show up the requisite 15 mins early as a first time student. Besides me, there is only the trainee instructor and a guy I assume to be the owner. Imagine my surprise when I'm told the Living Social deal doesn't apply to this class. What? I explain that 1) I did not see that on the schedule; and 2) the times usually offered I'm generally unable to attend. Owner tells me it states the n/a of certificates on website under "news." Ok, but really, as someone that's never been to this studio, why would I read news about it? I want to do some yoga to reduce my pain, NOT read the latest news about your studio. In response to my comment about lack of midday classes, owner says that's due to lack of demand. Huh. So here I am, the only person so far to show up for this noon trainee class, now only 10 mins before it's to start, but the owner is unwilling to even offer to let me stay for this class without paying, despite the fact that I have purchased a deal for 2 months of unltd classes and there was nobody else there.
Note that the issue I have isn't with the price of $5 they wanted to charge me, it's the principle of the matter. The owner would rather lose business AND reduce the trainee teacher's teaching opportunities than eat $5. Wow. No thank you.
All in all, just something not right about the place/owner.
Guess it's a 4.5 mile walk back to Global Yoga for the relief I need.
Now let's see if this review makes it on Yelp....
UPDATE 6/9/11:
Since writing this review yesterday, I've received 3 separate notifications from Yelp that the owner has added a comment to my review. Apparently a slightly edited version each time. Odd.
I will state for the record that: 1) the first contact I had with this studio was a result of the mistake they made with my living social deal. So understandably I was already not viewing this business favorably. 2) I was NOT provided the detailed explanation as to how the mistake could occur. I was told only the implausible excuse that someone with the SAME name (they told me this twice) has signed up for the same deal. And 3) as a full-time law student my schedule changes by the semester. I bought the deal at the beginning of last semester before starting my internship and finding that I would not be able to make the classes available. Further, I assumed I would at least be able to attend some classes in the summer, but then decided to attend summer classes too! Sometimes people don't buy a Living Social deal with a set plan of how they are going to use it. Doesn't change the poor policy of having a potential customer with such a deal show up for the one class they can make and informing them they have to pay for that class and not making a good faith exception.
Thank you. -
Review from Tom M.
San Francisco, CA
5/26/2008
As a male, I like the no-nonsense style of doing yoga simply to get your body healthy and functional. It's really different from the normal yoga studio where everyone speaks in hushed super-calm voices, and is oh-so-spritually-sensitive. The routine that he does everytime is quite good... gets you sweating and then cools you down.
But as a stiff beginner, I was put off by his adjustments most of the time. It didn't feel like Brian was sensitive to my level of inflexibility; when I was stretched to my limits he would push or pull me further, and I rarely got anything out of that except annoyance. It was especially annoying when I was in a balance pose and he would try to adjust me further than where I could go, and I would end up falling over. It seemed his modus operandi was to look at who is not in the "ideal position" for the pose and then push them into that position. I wish he would also consider more carefully whether the person is already at their max stretch level before coming in with an adjustment.
So maybe I'm a little baby and do want a "sensitive" yoga instructor after all. Most people in the classes seemed to be more flexible than myself and didn't get nearly as much adjustment as I did; his classes would probably be great for them.
