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City Yoga
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Health and Medical Physical Therapy Yoga, Physical Therapy [Edit]
1067 N Fairfax Ave2nd Fl
West Hollywood, CA 90046
Neighborhood: West Hollywood
(323) 654-2125
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 9 pm
Fri 6:30 am - 7 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 4 pm
Sun 9 am - 7:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
About This Business:
Located near the beating heart of the Strip this is the quintessentially cool Hollywood gym; a place to see and be seen as much as it is a place to… read more »
37 reviews for City Yoga
37 reviews in English
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Review from Josh A.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2012
What a great place. My first yoga class here had me almost hooked, but the second, taught by one of the owners, Anthony, sealed it. A phenomenal teacher. Period. More than that, though, his ability to break down what your body 'wants' to do versus what your body should do, and break it down with a sense of humor, instruction, understanding, and just good-naturedness (my computer doesn't think that last one is a word but I'm keeping it) makes his classes such an opportunity to learn and grow. I really can't say enough about them.
Everyone I've dealt with at this studio is helpful and knowledgeable. City Yoga has turned my life in a different direction, and I didn't know that was possible.
Thank you, City Yoga! -
Review from Sarah P.
Los Angeles, CA
12/5/2011
I love this place. All of the teachers are friendly and welcoming. It's clean. They offer many levels. For beginners I'd recommend basics 101 with Linda Eiffer. She is so nice and helpful!
I always feel so much better after leaving City Yoga. -
Review from Stormy W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/24/2011
I love city yoga.
My favorite teachers are Anthony and his wife Rebecca
They are masters at their craft, i don't know what else to say.
I have skinny arms and like to do things at my own pace, somedays I'll do a headstand against the wall and somedays i won't. I've had breakthroughs in the classes in terms of how to do a pose or poses I've been doing the wrong way for years. Don't be surprised if they stop the class and go into the pose in the most basic way possible if you're not getting it, their yoga basics class is really great.
I've recommended friends and family go there. -
Review from Julie K.
West Hollywood, CA
1/5/2012
Fantastic - everything I was looking for in a yoga studio! I wanted to try yoga for awhile but got discouraged as most places in my neighborhood seemed expensive and focused more on the 'beautiful people' image rather than yoga itself. City Yoga focuses on yoga - what a concept - and the vibe is very welcoming and peaceful. I haven't done yoga in awhile but felt perfectly comfortable in a class with people who had obviously been doing it for years. The instructor, Joseph Seeman, really knew his stuff but had a very calming and beneficial style. I'm gushing because I fell in love with yoga last night, and it's thanks to City Yoga.
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Review from Robert M.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
I liked it... Just can't get there after work...
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Review from Sylvie C.
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Words can't describe how much I love City Yoga. I did my teacher training there almost three years ago, and I can't impress upon you enough how much this place has changed my life and enhanced my practice! City Yoga is owned by Anthony and Rebecca Benenati, and they are the most loving, amazing couple you'll ever meet. The space is amazing - hardwood floors, and great natural lighting.
FOR BEGINNERS:
MON/WED/SAT ANTHONY BENENATI AT 8:30
This is the place for you. I've gone to many a yoga studio in this city (dare I say almost all of them??), and there is nothing like city yoga FOR THE BEGINNER STUDENT. What's different at city? They take the time during class to really make sure you're doing every pose right. In the hatha yoga style, they don't go quickly from warrior 1 to 2 to pose to next pose etc. etc., so instead of losing your breath and sacrificing alignment, you learn the poses with ease and grace.
Anthony will make you feel like you've never felt before. He is just an incredible teacher, and he's so PLAYFUL. His classes are just so fun. He loves to joke, and everyone is laughing throughout the entire class. He taught me everything I know, and he will teach you everything he knows. Check out his 8:30 class if you're a beginner (on Saturday too, because I know some people in LA work at 8:30 on weekdays ;)
FOR INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED:
TUES/THURS ANTHONY BENENATI AT 10:15
Kick your a** yoga class. Get ready to do things you've never done before. All kinds of arm balances, backbends...beyond the "regular" stuff. Like Lisa G. said, he pushes you just enough. This morning, I did not believe that I could do some of the arm balances I ended up doing. He makes you feel like a superstar.
SATURDAY REBECCA BENENATI at 9:00
This used to be "advanced", and don't be fooled, it still is. It's an amazing way to start the weekend, and doesn't make you feel as bad when you get a little out of hand on saturday night ;) Rebecca has an amazing spirit, and is the most caring, nurturing soul I may have ever met!
FOR MOMMIES:
THURSDAY REBECCA BENENATI at 10:15
Rebecca's nurturing for a reason, she loves loves loves being a mom. And loves helping out moms-to-be.
OTHER AMAZING TEACHERS:
MIKI ANZAI - so chill, zen, and straight up cool. She also pushes you to your limits, and without expecting it, she's got you in all sorts of crazy poses. She always has nice themes running through her classes, and you can tell she really cares about her students.
LINDA EIFER - also for beginners. I've never been to her class, but I've only heard good things.
EMILY BURTON - I'd recommend for intermediate-advanced. She's a great teacher as well, who teaches with a nice smooth flow and you sweat a little more than usual.
The downside - City Yoga is definitely a little expensive, but not more so than a gym. They have all sorts of packages - for example, a pack of 10 classes is $130, but a great deal is the monthly unlimited for $120 if you plan on going all the time. They even have a yearly at $1300, if you realllly plan on going all the time.
I can't back City Yoga enough. There are only two other teachers in LA that I love just as strongly - Tony Giuliano at Yoga at the Raven, and Julian Walker at Santa Monica Yoga.Listed in: haute hippie
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Review from Amy U.
Los Angeles, CA
8/28/2011
Now that I've been going to City Yoga for several months I'm very happy with it. The space is nice. The people are sweet. It has no feeling of corporate-yoga at all.
Yoga is really individual - so it will help to know that I'm not a beginner and I was coming from another Anusara studio (Urth in Silverlake). I decided to try City Yoga first when I moved nearby, because it is also Anusara.
During the two week intro period I wanted to try as many classes as possible. Sadly, I almost didn't come back because I was really lukewarm on all of the classes.
Finally, I tried the 6:30 am with Rebecca and a class with Emily Burton on the weekend. Then it clicked, and I was super happy with the studio. Luckily those are the classes that also work perfectly with my schedule.
Pros:
- parking!! parking that is rarely full!!
- beautiful airy upstairs studio
- nice front desk people
- Emily and Rebecca
- Huge number and variety of classes to fit every schedule
- the only class in the area that could work before a normal workday (6:30 am to 8 am class, and it's ok to leave early)
- a true restorative class! (soo relaxing)
Cons:
- the Level 1 classes are really inappropriate for anyone over Level 1.
I will never again take a Level 1 class here because a teacher actually told me NOT to do a pose in the normal way, and insisted on the modification (this was annoying because I don't need the modification, and the regular pose doesn't make me tired.) That was irritating, and I just got bored with the class because I couldn't actually do the poses I would normally do.
- some teachers are just not good and I wish it was a bit more consistent. -
Review from David M.
Los Angeles, CA
11/6/2011
The Catholic Church might disagree with me on this one, seeing that Catholic means universal; but I've always liked that there are so many different denominations in Christianity. It doesn't matter the style or way you find God, just so that you have a path to find Him. Same thing with yoga studios in my opinion. You have to find the right yoga studio and style for you, personally, that allows you stay on the path and pursue your practice. I think we all have preferences and ways we practice and I'm glad there is a diverse yoga community that allows people to find their niche. Well I've tried several studios and styles and my denomination of choice is City Yoga (and Yogaglo, but that's a different review).
After I had an "Eat Pray Love" moment on my bathroom floor earlier in the year, I decided that I needed to make some changes in my life. One of those changes was to begin a yoga practice. I decided to shop around a bit to find the place and style that was right for me. Now remember....this next part is just MY opinion and my discovery about what I was looking for. I tried Ustudio (this studio, and Andrea, are actually fantastic, but it was too advanced for me at this point). UpDog ( I can't do yoga to top 40 music. Sorry), Equinox (I was thinking more Eat Pray Love, not Eat Pray Cruise). Crunch (loved Amy, but doing yoga next to the treadmills was not my cup of tea). Bikram ( don't even get me started about this one!). Finally, I tried my first class at City Yoga.
City is smart in that they offer you a two-week trial of unlimited yoga for $30. You can't beat that. That allows you to try different teachers and times and see if there is someone that you connect with. It really is generous of them. After taking a couple classes I could tell that there was something truly special about this place. Having practiced at City ever since, I figured out what it is that sets them apart. Anthony and Rebecca (the owners) and all the instructors they hire all have what I call, "the heart of a teacher". They don't just come in to give you a workout and stroke their ego by showing off their practice or just go through a series of poses and expect you to follow. They actually teach the entire time as they go: poses, names of poses, anatomy, alignment, modifications to allow you access to the pose where you are at, etc. Plus, they offer classes for beginners, mixed levels and advanced students. As well as weekend seminars with great yoga instructors from around the world, musicians and holistic health experts. They really do go out of their way to create a truly vibrant and beautiful to practice.
The Space: A two level building with a smaller studio downstairs and a larger studio upstairs. Open windows, free flowing air, nice wood floors, clean space, three bathrooms, plenty of props to use during class and a small shop by the check in desk.
The Instructors: A knowledgeable and diverse group that has something for everyone. Don't just try one teacher and then decide it's not for you. Give several a try. I have to give a shout out to my two favorites REBECCA and LINDA. Linda has been so fantastic at really setting up a foundation for my practice to start at. She will teach you proper alignment and the steps you need to take to begin to advance your practice. A very sweet spirit. I love Rebecca and her class. She is a great combination of nurturing and tough love all at the same time. Only she can get away with having you do Hanumanasana (splits) 4 times and you love her even more when it's all over. She really is a gift and her class is genius. GIve her a try, you'll thank me later.
Like I said in the beginning, not everyone is going to like the same studio. Luckily, living in L.A. gives you probably the most yoga options of anywhere on earth. Hopefully this review has convinced you that City Yoga is a great place to start that journey. -
Review from Lisa G.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 5/16/2011 113 Check-ins Here
I'm finally coming back for my update! Can I please just tell you how much I love City Yoga? SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!
I took their 40 classes in 40 days challenge at the beginning of the year and it was the best thing I ever could have done. My practice has improved, so have my body and my mind!
Anthony is my absolute favorite there! He's an excellent teacher and pushes you *just* enough. There have been so many times where I say "I can't" to him and he tells me to try and I end up doing the pose! He's such a knowledgeable teacher who really cares about what he's teaching.
At City Yoga they actually teach you how to do headstand or handstand away from the wall - I don't know of any other places in town that do that!
Students are friendly, unpretentious and genuinely encouraging to each other in class!
If you are looking for a great yoga class you'll find it at City Yoga!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2009
I absolutely love City Yoga. I can't believe I've been living so close for so long and never tried… Read more »
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Review from Highland P.
Los Angeles, CA
5/4/2011
After seven years of doing yoga in Los Angeles, City Yoga is still my hands down favorite. It was also my first so I tend to compare the others to it. The 8 dollar community classes are great: an hour and a half at 12:30 with a great teacher. And the space itself is wonderful - the studio has a great open room with windows and another smaller room on the entry level with great exposed brick walls.
I find the teachers to be very knowledgeable. I don't live near this studio anymore but it still is a place where I go (not as often as I did, but when I can, I go here).
There are other studios that I live near that I go to because it's convenient to get to, City Yoga is a place I go to because I want to. -
Review from Jen hearts L. A.
Los Angeles, CA
9/3/2010
Two months ago you couldn't have dragged me to a yoga studio.
And yet for the past couple years I've been on a somewhat spiritual journey, so I started Googling yoga. The more I read, the more the lingo started to seduce me. People have a real passion for this "sport" and I wanted to know why. Eventually, my curiosity won, and on August 1st, I found myself heading to the Whole Foods across the street from City Yoga and swiping a coupon for a free yoga class.
Sporting a bubblegum pink yoga mat I got from T.J. Maxx for about $5.99 (complete with funky purple swirly decals fit for a Barbie), I tried the Basics 101 class with Linda and liked the pace of it for a super duper beginner like me. I got the gist of the poses, and knew I could take off from there. After the class was over I signed up for their New Student two-week unlimited series for $30.....and proceeded to try 13 different classes in those 14 days! I knew it after day two--I WAS HOOKED.
I'm now doing a one-month unlimited series...City Yoga's newsletter had a 15% off coupon good for anything, including series, so I only paid $127.50 instead of $150 this time around. I see their next newsletter has an even better deal--3 months unlimited for $300! Thanks to these sick deals, I will NEVER stop coming. I'm practically stealing yoga! They even offer community classes for $8, and they are just as amazing as their $17 classes. The same, actually. I take both Basics and Mixed classes, and find that I enjoy them equally. I definitely sweat a whole lot more in Mixed, though...like, buckets.
I can't tell you how amazing this studio is. Both the big huge room upstairs and the smaller space are just so beautiful and clean and bright. I love inhabiting them--they are filled with such great energy and light! They have an overabundance of props, blankets, mats and straps for you to use, too.
The teachers go out of their way to make you feel at home in the supportive and encouraging atmosphere they have created there. All of them are just so ridiculously friendly and kind and helpful. Emily, Steven, Stella, Patricia, Rebecca, Anthony, Linda, Brookelin, Camilla...I have so many favorites. And...THEY REMEMBER YOUR NAME. It's so lovely. I have found a second home.
I'm only a month into my yoga journey and I've already run out and purchased a Manduka mat! I'm obsessed! (My once perky pink mat was obliterated anyway, with craters forming where my hands and feet go for downward facing dog.) Because of City Yoga, I know I'll be doing this pretty much every day for the rest of my life. I simply can't get enough of the space, the teachers and front desk gals, and oh yeah, the strength I am gaining in my body and mind. Not to mention, the complimentary Tulsi tea!!! I bring my own mug for that brew, now. Holy COW is it yummy.
I had this plan that I was going to do New Student two-week trials at tons of different yoga studios all over LA to find the best places to practice. But I've already struck gold on my first shot, and I really don't feel the need to search elsewhere.
I feel blessed that I happened to brave this new hobby at a place that didn't scare me away, but instead, continually encourages me to embrace where I am in my process, and look forward to where I am going.
Needless to say, I am going to City Yoga!!! -
Review from Liora R.
Sherman Oaks, CA
5/11/2011
Money, money money. That should be the chant at the beginning of each class. Awhile back I purchased a year membership. Part of the way through the year, I had to have hand surgery to correct an old injury. My hand took a lot longer to heal than expected so I asked if they could credit the time lost (and offered to provide letters from my surgeon and physical therapist). The answer was a non-negotiable "No". Once I was able to return I finished my year and never went back.
It's also worth noting that another time I signed up for a workshop and by the time I got to my car I realized I had a conflict for that day/time. Not less than 10 minutes after paying, I was back at the counter to explain the situation. The response?: "No refunds. No exceptions."
Great yoga classes and a nice studio. Too bad they're so greedy.
I'm writing now because a friend asked me today if I had ever tried this place and it reminded me that I had meant to post. -
Review from brooke h.
Los Angeles, CA
11/23/2010
I like City Yoga.
In particular, I'm a fan of the Yoga Hour classes they recently started-- great price --$8-- and I don't always have 1.5 hrs to spare for a full class. (Heather / Maud are both great!)
The series classes (regular 1.5 hour ones) expire after 6 months (I got sick last year and ended up losing a few classes because of that)-- whereas Liberation's last forever. Something to keep in mind.
I like the space (not as stuffy as Yogaworks / Larchmont can get-- prettier than Urth on the east side). -
Review from linda N.
Los Angeles, CA
11/21/2010
This is a great studio.
The space is lovely. Especially when I started in the fall you could see the sunset from the room upstairs. All the teachers here are really helpful inviting and friendly. I've practiced on and off for a few years but at classes at regular gyms, but never really at studios that only did yoga. When I came here it was such a difference. I really dig that it's about doing everything right in alignment, not just plowing thru to the next pose. It's made such a difference in my practice.
The staff and people who come are very non pretentious and I love that I laugh in almost every class, especially Anthony he's really funny. It's great for all levels. LIke other people said it's a strong sense of community. No one cares or judges you if you can't do something and if you can and done it for the first time people will clap and come up to you after class and congratulate you.
It's even well priced if you ask me they have community classes 8 dollars for a class. They run specials in their newsletters for the Yogi on the budget. I bought 3 months for 300 on a special.
I can't say nice enough things about this studio honest! -
Review from Francesca F.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2011
Great! Just what I'm looking for. Going to be there three times a week
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Review from A Dee P.
Los Angeles, CA
This studio was the closest to where I was living 2yrs ago when I began my journey with yoga.
The space is great. The sense of community is strong. This is a very vibrant energy filled studio. If you think it is un-yogic to laugh in class... This is not the studio for you.
At City Yoga there is no ego.
My favorite class is the 8:30am Basics with Linda or Anthony. -
Review from R D.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2010
SF Yogi Loves LA's City Yoga
Rebecca Benenati is the best instructor. I've practiced with so many and they're either not experienced enough or their egos are way too big. Rebecca is neither. She mixes Anusara with Hatha and creates a alignment focused high energy class without the excessive yoga mumbo-jumbo.
Oh, and when the class got so hot that we were dripping sweat she cracked open the window for us. That is unheard of in US yoga classes where they are mostly in totally enclosed rooms, with forced heat, and without any fresh air. Surely they don't practice that way in India. Yoga is about breathing. How about breathing fresh air?
I wish I lived in LA so I could practice with her regularly. -
Review from Carrie S.
North Hollywood, CA
12/22/2009
I came to City Yoga because I won a free class there in a raffle. I will not return. I love yoga and loved this space, so was looking forward to a great class. Boy, did I not get it. I was constantly distracted by the pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo, and actually left angry (not what you want from yoga).
The instructor didn't introduce herself, but the website schedule indicates that her name was Tara. She spent the better part of the class telling us to "feel" our organs (particularly our spleen, for some reason), and telling us to "pull in" our livers, etc. At one point, she sanctimoniously asked, "Why should we be able to feel our hands, but not our spleens or livers?" Answer: Nerve endings.
About 3/4 of the way through the class, most students began doing hand/headstands. The cardinal rule of yoga is to never do what makes you uncomfortable, so I went into child's pose. Tara approached me and asked if I had never done a headstand. I explained that I can't - - that I have an irreparably injured arm from breaking it at age 9, and that putting that much pressure on it can re-break it. She advised me to ignore my doctor's advice. What a liability! Fortunately, I am not a pushover. I instead opted for a modified downward dog on my forearms. Had I been a more timid personality, who knows what would have happened. If my arm had broken again, City Yoga might have had a substantial lawsuit on their hands.
I take offense to any pseudo-science, but especially when the perpetrator is keeping people from seeking real treatment from real scientists and doctors. City Yoga lost a customer by employing someone who handles her students' health (and scientific knowledge) so carelessly. Beware. -
Review from oiyan p.
Boston, MA
Updated - 9/5/2009
What did I do before without handstands and urdhva dhanurasana on a regular basis? City Yoga is the best place to find alignment and to center myself. This is like my 2nd home now in Weho. It's where everyone knows my name (har har).
I love everyone here - the teachers, the students, the ladies at the reception table. Sachie, Stella, Camilia, Tony, Noah, Anthony... all the teachers are sooo great! They're super friendly, and because it's Anusara, they start with great daily life lessons and reflections for a few minutes to kick off practice. Totally centering! Then we usually start with about 30-45 minutes of poses to get warmed up and to loosen up the joints.
Then it's "recess"! Handstands with partners, by yourself in the middle of the room or at the wall. After about 5-10 minutes of fun with handstands, it's back to some more arm balances or hip openers... and more fun! With about 15 minutes left, we usually we do some backbends, and we start to slowly move toward shavasana for the last 5 minutes.
I always leave feeling happier, more relaxed, peaceful, and ready to handle my business "off the mat."
Sometimes I do see celebs here, and they get treated like anyone else would. I'll refrain from listing them here, since I would hate the space to be tainted with paparazzi or whatever.
Try the complimentary tulsi tea here too... I love it.Listed in: West Hollywood, My Yoga Rotation
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/28/2009
OK, I came back here after my trial at Earth's Power Yoga, and I definitely think it deserves 5… Read more »
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Review from Aaron M.
Berkeley, CA
5/3/2009
Spending more time in LA lately and yoga slut that I am, trying out a bunch of different studios. So, point 1 - take my review with a grain of rice since I am only reviewing after one class.
But that class was absolutely great. I did Anthony's 6:30 AM Friday class. Great energy, great people and a challenging and fun practice. If you are looking for a fantastic relatively advanced practice definitely give it a try.
The space itself was really nice - not the best I've been to (so far that would be yoga Mandala in Berkeley) but it was light filled and the traffic noise from Fairfax wasn't too bad.
2 nits to pick, neither of which made the experience anything less than great. First, it was billed as a mixed class but I'd say it was pretty advanced. I knew it would be great when the first asana was handstand. I loved it, but I think it would align expectations better to bill it as inter-advanced. 2nd nit, and maybe it is just LA, but jeez people be quiet during headstand. There was some woman who felt she needed to chatter away, even after being asked to be quiet. Must have been someone famous, only in LA.... -
Review from dar d.
Brooklyn, NY
10/3/2007
I have had some good classes at City Yoga but I have stopped going there for two reasons:
1) my favorite teacher Huck left
2) they were really greedy about payment and harassed me for payment after every class even though I had been given an extension on my membership because I broke my arm. -
Review from Allison M.
Los Angeles, CA
10/21/2009
Maybe one of the best yoga classes I have ever been to....
Perfect balance between lots of movement and sweating and relaxation/meditation.
I am so excited to have my free two weeks :) -
Review from Kerry C.
West Hollywood, CA
6/6/2008
To follow up on Danielle's comment: Hillary Rubin is an amazing instructor at City Yoga. She is helping me recover from a broken ankle, and does so with great care and knowledge. Her wisdom not only of physical recovery, but of spiritual association with physiology makes working with her a true joy. You'll get more than a physical experience with Hillary.
Check out her "Therapuetics" class on Friday evenings. -
Review from danielle m.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2008
City Yoga is a golden nugget! There are many great teachers, and I highly recommend Hillary Rubin. Hillary is a down to earth Anusara based yoga instructor. I love her classes because she always brings it back to the basics . . .which is so key for beginners and advanced yogis alike. Hillary was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and continues to amaze me as she is living symptom free. She is an inspiration to many and weaves her knowledge of therapeutics and compassion into each and every class she instructs. Checking her out is a must!
http://www.hillaryrubi...
http://hillarysyogapra.../ -
Review from Nancy C.
Beverly Hills, CA
8/28/2010
I am completely obsessed with City Yoga. Best teachers anywhere and a great community of supporting friends. You must try Anthony, Rebecca, Emily, Stella, Saccie, they are all amazing.
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Review from Diana H.
Park La Brea, CA
6/15/2007
If there is no crying in baseball, there should definitely be no crying in yoga. Yet as I sat cross-legged on my purple mat, looking into the perplexed eyes of the very... new agey Basics yoga instructer, I felt my voice shaking like a Polaroid picture. Now, I'm a tall girl -- nearly 5'11'', and I have very sticky weak arms that are not equipped with adequate muscleage for doing upside down activities. I DO NOT do handstands. And I most certainly DO NOT do headstands!
Though everyone was very friendly, and I felt very "welcome" in the class (even as a beginner whose typical yoga routine consists of light stretching in the comfort of my own bedroom), I still left City Yoga last night feeling unsettled, instead of glowing from the "Ommmmm." The normal down dog, salutations, cobra pose, warrier, etc., were great, and my instructor was excellent about helping me into the proper position for these poses, but I felt very uncomfortable when asked to do the hand and headstands. I do not particularly enjoy being questioned if I always react to situations in my life that make me uncomfortable in "this way". I know she was trying to be helpful, and to push me to be the very best little yoga-er I can be, but it was all very unsettling and anti-om! And not just because the teacher then told me to face the wall and stretch up against it while all the good little yoga-ites listened to her instructions! I felt like a shamed child who pulled her classmate's hair, and was given a "timeout" to stand in the corner.
If you are happy to position your body in upside-down (ie. unnatural) arrangements, you will probably love this $16. class. It's not crowded, the instructor gives personal attention to each student, and everyone was very friendly and into spiritual awareness, like the girl who had an ant on her and didn't want to "kill it" so attempted to place it on the windowsill during warrier pose. If you are like me, and enjoy your feet on the ground, and stomping on ants whenever you can, I would get your inner peace from someplace else. Like a brownie sundae.
I think I'll stick to the running, and overly-aggressive Santa Monica Stairs-climbing. -
Review from Margaret D.
Los Angeles, CA
2/1/2008
I think I have tried about 7 different kinds of yoga. Different types, unique studios, well known teachers etc. I always found it too boring, too difficult or I just did not connect with the teacher. I have never found such an incredible place such as City Yoga. I take the Basics Level class with the co-owner, Anthony 3 times a week. He has a true gift for making yoga a practical, accessible tool, without making it completely "cheesy" for lack of a better word. Anthony is conversational and theraputic...just must try one of his classes! (I also love Karen's restorative class on Sunday nights. It is seriously like taking a candle lit bubble bath!)
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Review from Z Z.
Los Angeles, CA
6/1/2007
I went here for quite a while prior to an injury. (I am not sure whether or not I got injured at yoga or at the gym) I had never been to a yoga class prior to coming here but I loved it. I miss going actually. I always went to evening classes and they were never too crowded. One of the two studios was kind of small but the other one is huge. My instructor was great. My one complaint is I was not able to do all the poses but they never suggested poses that I could do in lieu of the ones that were too advanced for me...I kind of just stood around while people were balancing on their heads. But aside from that, I really loved going there. They have a wide range of classes too. Hilary is great, if you can try and take her classes....two thumbs up! Plus, they give a discount w/the KCRW card!
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Review from J E.
Park La Brea, CA
12/22/2006
The owners of City Yoga are wonderful and welcoming people. I participated in the Yogathon they held in 2005 and it was a joyous and positive experience. I also participated in their Valentine's Day Partner Yoga, it was fun and a bit cheesy. Great food was served at both of these events. The regular classes are great too, I would go here but it is more pricey than Liberation Yoga (the studio I go to when I get my ass off the couch :)
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Review from Em M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2010
Bring a partner or be stepped over during the long break in the flow as those who are finished showing off their handstands dash to the cutest guy s at the wall to offer them a "spot."
Speaking of spots, if you wait for the students in the class before you to exit, the aggressive regulars who couldn't wait to mark their territory won't be moving over to make a space for you---watch out when the door opens in.
Strange that the studio runs promotions for first -time students, but the teachers in the four classes i took catered to their regulars. Only one said hi to newbies before class--last i saw of her(literally--back row, far left--and i was the first person to be waiting for class to start--just not aggressive enough for this studio!
Most peculiar was that all 4 mixed level daytime classes did not do or teach upward facing bow or any more challenging backbends, binding, pranayama, hamanasana, etc, but all stopped the flow to allow people who could already do handstands to do handstands , with great fanfare.
In the basics class, which the owner recommended to me as a good place to learn handstand,everyone who could not do handstand was told to do L pose at the wall.
I begged for a tip on how to kick up, volunteering that i could do L pose already. After the teacher helped 6 or 7 people get into L pose while the others watched each others' handstands, chatted, & ignored me, the teacher individually coached several guys on improving their handstands. Finally she asked if everyone had gotten to do a handstand. I said "no" and the class went on. -
Review from M T.
Brooklyn, NY
6/13/2007
I am really surprised that there are so few reviews for this studio, given how popular it is, and how many Los Angeles area Anusara yoga teachers it has inspired. I credit City and its many wonderful teachers for showing me proper and safe alignment and technique, for showing me that joy and play can happily co-exist with effort and strength. I learned more in 1 month there than I learned in 2 years of daily yoga practice elsewhere.
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Review from Allison C.
West Hollywood, CA
11/12/2009
Pricing is reasonable and the classes are a nice mix of experienced and less experienced yoga-folk (like me). I like the 90 minute format and the pacing is good. I had been doing Bryan Kest Power Yoga for a while but this is closer to my house and while it's a tiny bit more expensive, it's still a decent price if you buy a package.
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Review from wendy N.
Los Angeles, CA
9/18/2009
Such a lovely little yoga place. A retreat on the corner of Fairfax and Melrose on the second floor of a historic building. They have discounted and free classes at special times and days.
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Review from Mitch Y.
Los Angeles, CA
2/5/2010
CIty Yoga rocks. End of story.
Great space, great teachers, cool approach to yoga.
I feel badly for those who say 'they don't get it' because it's not all that complicated. They might talk about things you've never thought about, but if you're open, it'll teach you a new way of thinking, and a new way of moving. It's the only yoga studio (and I've tried most of them) where you feel a real sense of community, friendliness and no attitude. I definitely recommend giving City a try. -
Review from kay s.
Los Angeles, CA
6/13/2008
what the crap...maybe its me...but i was so stressed out during the class...the instructor kept telling me to trust myself, because i kept looking at how everyone else was posing....i guess thats a carnal sin in yoga....not sure....either way i am better off with my ipod, nike sneakers and an open road to relieve the stress....trying to find a yoga place that you feel comfortable seems like i would be chasing my own tail....but i did love the studio it was def. cool --- and airy --- and very lovely....maybe its just i don't like people telling me what to do.....i don't know -- i am biased --- read others peoples comments.... :)
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Review from James P.
Los Angeles, CA
still blows me away after all these years...the best anywhere. This is a REAL yoga studio, not a gym disguised as one. Come to learn about yourself.
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2/5/2010
Truth be told, this is the REAL DEAL. If you want to learn about the practice of yoga you come here.… Read more »
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Review from Jen H.
New York, NY
11/7/2008
This studio is lovely and spacious, great schedule and excellent instructors. They also have pretty good packages including an intro series of 2 weeks of yoga for $30. Hillary's classes are good for beginners as well as advanced students. She bridges the gap between the two very well.
