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Darren Main - Yoga
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Tue. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Wed. 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thu. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thu. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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"Hands down the best spot for yoga in SF, heck maybe even the west coast. The teachers here are not just great yogis, not just wonderful…" read more »
20 reviews for Darren Main - Yoga
Of all of Darren's yoga classes, my favorite so far is his Restorative Yoga class at Stanyan Yoga Tree. I can incorporate the elements of focusing on the breath, strengthening, increasing flexibility, and meditation all in one class. I can reach a certain level of relaxation during class and still feel like I had a work out. Most importantly, the level of relaxation and peace are sustained through out the rest of the day.
It is a hour and half of "Savasana" with gentle poses and stretching with props! The hot stones and aromatherapy are nice bonuses. Sometimes there are other surprises such as live music and chanting...I highly recommend the class irregardless of your yoga experience level...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2009
I am new yogi and student of Darren's yoga classes at Yoga Tree, Mission Yoga, and various donation… Read more »
Darren Main was nothing more than a disappointment. He is arrogant, rigid, and patronizing. He runs the Yoga Tree Teacher Training with a condescending air and general indifference to the needs of the trainees.
Hot stones can't save his Restorative Yoga classes at Yoga Tree Stanyan. Thank God for his dedicated and helpful assistants otherwise that class would have been a total waste of $17.
The Hatha Flow All Levels at Yoga Tree Stanyan is no better. The space is jam packed with little room to move. I understand what 'flow' means, but shouldn't you be able to take at least half a breath every third pose? He does not give due attention to newcomers either. It's every yogi and yogini for themselves.
Darren is someone who makes you feel so good about yourself by just being around him. His yoga practice possesses that same quality. In a city where there are more yoga instructors than cars, its hard to find a yoga instructor that connects all the dots perfectly for any level student.
You will walk away from his class feeling simply amazing.
I've taken a numerous classes and a couple of workshops with Darren and found him to be an exceptional teacher. His Hatha Flow classes at Yoga Tree are some of my favorites.
As a yoga teacher myself with 10 years of yoga practice, taking a veteran teacher's class can be a great way for me to learn to grow as a teacher myself. And having done such research on numerous Bay Area teachers I find Darren's manner to be inspiringly playful and humorous while maintaining a level of tranquility and seriousness about the practice that I enjoy. His adjustments and personal attention are exceptional. I feel I always learn something new about teaching when I attend.
I can also say that I've noticed in Darren an impressive ability to really teach an all levels class. Many "all levels" classes from other well known teachers are either too simple and easy for me to find interesting or go in the other direction and could practically kill a beginning yoga student. Darren's gracefully manages that subtle balance between caring for beginners and challenging regular practitioners. I recommend his classes and workshops very highly to all.
I have been practicing yoga for two years and some change, and I have studied with a lot of different teachers, and Darren's Hatha Flow class remains my absolute favorite, go-to class at least twice a week.
Darren found his yoga calling early, and the result is rare - a young, energetic and spirited teacher who has almost 20 years of teaching under his belt. (Or, I guess I should say, under his yoga pants. But that sounds kind of pervy). He's relaxed and competent in the studio, guiding all levels of student through challenging but accessible sequences, offering up variations on poses so that advanced students can find their edge without the beginners being left behind.
You won't find a lot of yoga "scene" or performances in Darren's classes, and he doesn't try to be a personality (though he has plenty of personality- watch out for him cracking really bad jokes that are somehow still funny enough to make you fall out of your balancing pose). He's just really, really good at what he does, and he creates a fun and comfortable space for his students to explore their practice at whatever pace they need.
If you can breathe, you can do yoga with Darren's guidance. He is joy. Yoga is joyful with his presence and uplifting with his caring teaching. There are so many words which can describe appreciation of the great learning he easily shares; you must step beyond those words into his class and begin to breathe the practice.
Darren has gone above and beyond any yoga teacher I've encountered and approaches teaching as a privilege not a right. His impact extends far beyond the studio. . . building relationships with his students that facilitate support and development in their lifelong journey of learning, loving, and healing. Darren establishes clear directions; offers challenging variations; assists generously; structures his classes in a well-planned and organized manner; is funny and truly cares about his students.
Darren brings out the best in people. He's extremely easy to approach and talk to; spends the extra effort to put others at ease; is warm, thoughtful, dynamic, and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with the interpersonal anxieties of others; is a good listener; is widely trusted; and doesn't misrepresent himself for personal gain. Darren really has the rare ability to create a climate in which students want to do their best; empowers students; invites input and makes each individual feel important.
You would be hard pressed to find a student that didn't feel the same way. Every student I've met has shared similar, glowing feedback. His passion for teaching permeates beyond the classroom and impacts the lives of his students in many powerful, lifelong, and tangible ways.
Darren taught me everything I know about yoga. And when I say "yoga" I mean how to move through the world in a purposeful, peaceful way. There are also, of course, the asanas; so many asanas.
Take his class: please! He will make you laugh, he will make you sweat, he will make you think, he will make you rest in corpse pose at the end. And that's the best part: you get what you earn, and Darren helps you earn what you're ready for. Even if that's just ending a sentence with a preposition. Seriously: I heart Darren and his class and his big, loving open heart. And you will, too. Sign up.
Praise from a reluctant convert! I started taking Yoga because I was amazed how it changed my x-boyfriend life. I wasn't very open to Yoga or Yoga Philosophy; I thought it was a bunch on New Age nonsense. After several classes with other yoga instructors I was about to give up, then I found Darren's class at Yoga Tree. Darren has a talent for making yoga accessible to everyone. I'm quite tall and not very flexible but he showed me how to approach yoga from where I am. (And to feel good about it) I've even taken my yoga practice off the mat and into "real life" I was recently laid-off form work so the yoga classes have temporally stopped, but my practice continues, not so much the poses but the philosophy, and it has made a BIG difference in my life. I suggest you start with his restorative class. It's a great jumping on point for a reluctant beginner
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/12/2008
I stumble into one of Darren's classes at Yoga tree. I'm a tall, not bendy man that never really… Read more »
Darren is a great yoga teacher. He is knowledgeable, experienced and approaches the practice with an encouraging balance of enthusiasm and humor.
I did my first teacher training with Darren in Costa Rica. I had not expected the kind of opening that I experienced through Darren's teachings. Aside from my body transforming from stiff to fluid, I would have to say that it was my heart that opened the most. I never expected yoga to be a big part of my life. Since Darren, I've been teaching yoga in LA for over 4 years and leading retreats all over the world. Darren remains to be the biggest influence on my yogic path and I recommend his classes to anyone.
I have been attending Darren's classes for several years. He is a humble and wise teacher; so earthy and such a concerned soul for all of his students. I look forward to each class with Darren. His restorative practice is something we should all enjoy to bring us down from the stresses and rigors of our daily routines. Go to any of his classes and feel better!
I take Darren's "mens" class at Mission Yoga and have to thank him for creating a class that really suits the way I like to practice. When I first started in the Hatha Yoga, I was awkward fat and tight. Now I am lean lithe and limber. I'm a runner and yoga is an essential part of my cross training. I think I'm faster and more mentally in control by having yoga as part of my whole thing.
Darren Main ROCKS MY WORLD! He is not only an amazing Restorative and Hatha Flow instructor - but he is truly an amazingly caring and humble human being. No matter if you are new to yoga or an advanced practitioner, Darren will lead you through class and offer you more then just a physical work out - but a mind/body connection. He is passionate about the history and philosophy of yoga and pranayama and incorporates this into his classes through quotes/text/breath and meditation. I HIGHLY suggest attending a Darren Main class - you won't regret it!
Relax and restore just begins to describe how wonderful these classes are. The class opens with inspirational words. Then, hot stones, warm oil, and possible massages by assistants make this a great 1 1/2 hour retreat. This class is for everybody! I especially recommend all power yoga people to take restorative as the passive yet wonderful complement to their rigorous classes!
Darren was my first .....and best ....
Yoga instructor...I'll never forget him
i love darren's classes. his classes are challenging, yet light-hearted--he manages to infuse them with his witty sense of humor whenever the moment is appropriate. i appreciate that so much in a teacher.
i also love and recommend his book, "Yoga & the Path of the Urban Mystic."
i am currently re-reading it because it contains so much information and insight--it's hard to take it all in the first time.
darren is the best yoga instructor i have ever had and i've gone to my fair share of yoga classes. his hatha flow class knocks my socks off! it's a total sweat-fest and i always feel rejuvenated and detoxified after class. he has a rad sense of humor that infiltrates into his classes and adds to the awesomeness. he's very hands on which is really helps me get the correct alignment. get to darren's classes! you won't regret it
I took a teacher training program in which Darren taught the yoga philosophy portion. The way he talked about the subject, and how he wrote about it (he has three books) changed my life dramatically for the better. He is a very special person and teacher, and I am so glad he lives in San Francisco. He has made what could be an alienating and confusing topic highly accessible and vibrant. He really is a treasure, and I am grateful for him.
Quite simply, Darren is one of the best yoga teachers in the Bay Area. I have attended classes with dozens of teachers and Darren is exceptional. He is an incredible combination of accessible and inspiring. His knowledge of yoga is vast and he teaches more than just asana.... he brings the other 7 limbs of yoga to life. I highly recommend Darren!
