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Fluid Yoga
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
455 Judah St
(between 10th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 753-8694
455 Judah St
(between 10th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 753-8694
- Good for Kids:
- No
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74 reviews for Fluid Yoga
You'll either love it or hate it! I've never sweat this much in my life and I grew up in the central valley where temperatures were 106 on a typical summer day!
The first day of class I felt light headed and probably didn't focus as much as I should of... being distracted by the beads of sweat down every part of your body and listening to the instructions on how to do the 26 poses! An hour and half of that ... I couldn't wait for Stephanie to say... "NAMASTE" because that meant class was over!
The following class sessions were fantastic! I felt myself becoming more flexible and zoning out, focusing on me and the poses. Its a really great practice! I'd love to come back regularly. It's a an excellent stress reliever and workout.
BFF and I came with a GROUPON - 2 buddies, 10 classes for $20. There is however, community drop in class on Saturdays, we're totally coming back for that.
The facility is tiny but mighty perfect. One mirrored, hot room for class and then two his/her changing rooms with one shower each.
If you don't have your own mat, towel or water bottle, don't fret! Fluid rents them out for a $1.
Stephanie & the Fluid instructors, thank you for sharing your practice with me, namaste!
After 6 months in pastry school, I am finally a certified pastry chef. I am also a certified fat ass.
It was time to sweat out some of this buttercream, and my friend just so happened to have a Groupon for Fluid Yoga -- 10 days for $10 if you sign up with a pal. I had never done Bikram before, so I've got no point for comparison, but here are my thoughts on Bikram in general and Fluid Yoga specifically....
It's hot as hell and the class is 90 mins. Some of the stretches, when combined with the heat, can make a newbie feel dizzy and nauseated. Day 1, I had to step out of the room toward the end for a minute. Our instructor let us know it takes about 3 classes to fully adjust to the heat. Day 2, I felt ill again but didn't need to leave. And then sure enough on day 3, the nausea was gone.
I really did enjoy the class each time. The 90 minutes flew by, though I could see the Bikram class script becoming monotonous for anyone who practices regularly. My flexibility really did improve significantly each day. And although I enjoyed it while there, I quickly learned Bikram is not for me. I started feeling sick in the evenings after class and my body just went kind of crazy. The heat and stretches massage your inner organs in ways they have never experienced before, and my whole body pretty much let me know it wasn't liking it. Although I don't plan to continue with Bikram, I am in awe at the intense affect it had on me. Crazy!!
Now on to Fluid specifically. For the most part, it is very clean. There was a period of 2 days when there was no soap in the bathroom. That could have been dealt with sooner than it was. And it just really bothers me that a yoga studio charges customers to rent mats. It's only $1, but the principle of it annoys me. All you offer is yoga, that's it, so I would expect your studio to provide the mats. And while I do have my own, I don't enjoy having to carry it across town for this class and then with me all day afterward.
And my final gripe...go ahead and call me crotchety, but I am really not into the owner's dog coming into the studio at the end of the class. I can see that other reviewers think it's cute, but personally, I just spent 90 mins in 100+ degree heat, sweating my ass off, stretching my body how it's never been stretched before, and trying to keep my mind focused. It's not an ideal time to have a dog all up in my space.
Sooooo...glad I tried it, but won't be back.
If you are able to keep up, the health benefits are phenomenal. I'm not very flexible but this class gets me sweating like I've never sweat before. My skin is a lot softer and I feel a lot more energized. I nearly passed out on my first session so I really suggest for your first class the pregnancy session which is open to everyone, is non-heated (warm), and is only 60 minutes (as opposed to 90 minutes).
Pros:
- very friendly instructors who are very skilled in managing a territory of beginners, intermediate, and advance yogis
- very clean environment with shock absorbing non-carpeted floors
- don't know what's the secret, but the BO is under control here
- convenient location (right in front of N Judah stop)
Cons:
- Parking (try GG Park), but not on Thursday summer nights
- only 1 shower for women and 1 for men (this is really difficult b/c you are literally drenched in your own sweat at the end of class and the last thing to want to do is sit in Muni or in your car in this condition)
- changing room is in the same room as shower so I suggest coming to class already dressed
Additional Info:
- small lockers in bathroom (bring your own lock)
- special 30 days for $30
- bring a headband
- you will need more than 1 small bottle of water (can refill in bathroom sink)
- to survive in class, have your last meal 2-3 hours before the start of class and drink lots of water 1 hour before the start of class
- wear a tank top and shorts for the class; inner sunset gets really cold with the fog. Dress warm to get to class, but take it all off before you get into the room.
30 days for $30.00 bucks! What a recession deal! Normally 1 one month unlimited costs $100.00. Drop in classes are $15-$20.
I have done other disciplines (Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar) This Bikram is a sweat inducer. My teacher Rebecca was very attentive and calming. I love the Gaim mats for rental.
The studio is very clean. I love that floor. We had a nice size class. Not too crowded. I can imagine the weekends get hectic.
The dressing room has a few coat hooks, a sink and one shower. Very small. Once again I was glad it was not prime time.
I am looking forward to the benefits of regular yoga practice.
I was really quite scared to try Bikram. I had no idea what to expect (well, aside from the heat) and felt a bit nervous walking into Fluid. I took my first class with Elizabeth, and I have to say I was really impressed with the fact that she knew everyone's name - even the newbies like me - and talked to us throughout the class. I got the sense that beginners are welcome and encouraged here.
The space is nice, though a bit tight as they tried to cram as many bodies in there as they could. The dressing room was also a little too cramped for me. If I go back, I won't plan on using it.
I enjoyed my experience but have to say it was a little weird that Elizabeth spent the last 5 minutes of the class talking about the studio and how great it is - almost "selling" us on why we should come back (antimicrobial floor, commitment to the community, etc.). One of my favorite parts about yoga is the meditative final few minutes of the class, where you can relax and think quietly about the practice you just completed. The end of this class felt more like an infomercial, which was disappointing because otherwise I enjoyed her teaching style.
Overall, I think this was a decent studio for my first Bikram class. I may try one or two others for comparison.
Ups: I went on one of the 5 bucks Saturday classes. Cool that they offer that. The class was fine, the instructor was good. The place was relatively clean
Downs:The room is too small tho. Kind of disgusting to be so close to the others when everyone is sweating so much. You have to be careful not to hit your butt on the person behind you as you bend over. After a while the room starts to stink. ugh!
The changing room is tiny and after the class is over there is not much place for people to change clothes or put their shoes on...
I would try this place again to see if there are other classes not so crowded. Also I like their 30 dollars for 30 days deal.
honestly, i'm still not sure bikram yoga is really all that healthy for you...working out in extreme heat? just doesn't sound great but you know, i still do it anyway and i love it! (i mean i already do a ton of bad stuff so why not?) i do bikram because it's the only form i yoga i can do without falling asleep.
so, onto fluid yoga. the instructors are nice and the facilities are great. i love that they have hardwood floors for bikram. carpeted floors for bikram is nasty. sweat collects and the stench is hard to get so hardwood is the way to go. it's well ventilated and they have you take water breaks (much needed!).
best thing about fluid, their $5 community class every saturday at 4pm. i'm way too busy and stingy to pay a monthly membership fee that i might not be able to use so the $5 drop in classes are ideal for me. best deal i've come across in the city.
About a month or two ago i signed up for yoga classes here, and then completely forgot i had until last week when i received a phone call from them. I came in early Saturday morning for a class because i had a jammed pack rest of my day and early morning was the only time i could squeeze in.
Since moving ive needed to find a new yoga place and this place caught my attention. The class was actually great. The instructor new what she was doing and the class really gave me a workout. By the end of class, i was sweating.... a lot. It felt so good to get back into the groove of things. I felt refreshed and relaxed. Yoga really helps with stress. After class i took a short jog through gg park to keep the blood flowing. I love my legs and need to keep them in shape.
Classes are very reasonably priced and the facility itself was clean but it was really packed. I felt like i could almost smell the person next to me. Sweating is inevitable during yoga though, so what do you expect right. I very much enjoyed the class but am sad to say i might not be returning. Unfortunately its a little out of the way from me now. I might try one more class and then look for a different studio. But if you live in the area or nearby, i would recommend it.
Excellent studio. Very clean. The instructors are excellent, taking the time to walk the room and help correct postures and give encouragement.
I do wish that the management would limit the number of patrons in the class. I make an effort to arrive at least 15-20min before class starts to reserve a spot. The addition of a third row, really makes room quite tight, affects poses and ability to focus in on the mirror, as well as hiking up the temperature more than perhaps anticipated. I am new to bikram and I find that too many people make it distracting.
Other than that, I find that I really enjoy the studio.
So now that my one month trial has ended, I figured i would write an update...
Honestly there are only a few reasons why i'm docking one star. One more minor reason being how packed it gets--i am faithful to getting to bikram 15-30 minutes early to reserve a quality spot, and each and every time i've done that here, someone wanders in at the absolute last second (or even after we've started), and squish in next to me, completely defeating my purpose of getting there early and waiting around impatiently for class to start in my quality spot (plus i hate gross people's sweat dripping on me..but who doesnt?).
The main reason i am docking a star is one instructor, Ashleigh, who i had the misfortune of having one day towards the end of my month. people literally got up and left midway through her class, and my two friends with me (who i brought to this studio to try bikram as they never had before) also despised her. One of the two did not return for the rest of his month period after her instructing our class he hated her so much.
The owner is awesome, and was the only instructor who taught me anything new...2 days after actually learning something new (I do a lot of variations from my prior instruction in NOLA), this Ashleigh told me that it was WRONG, and would ONLY permit me to do the basic beginner poses. she said anything other than the basic beginner poses was WRONG--really? i thought yoga was about doing what works for you, not to mention that i dont want to BACKTRACK in my practice, but rather push myself to learn new things. obviously when you begin bikram you learn all the basic poses, since when is learning a more difficult concept WRONG??
Especially when i hate ALL other types of yoga as i dont feel that they really push you, and i dont care for the stretching, spiritual bullshit aspect of yoga.
Further, she was incredibly RUDE about it. When i said i was taught something just days earlier (by the OWNER), she tells me its WRONG??
It is truly sad when a bikram student such as myself is more advanced in bikram than the instructor.
That being said, if it werent for the fact that i truly hated her so much that i called from then on to see who was teaching, i would return to this studio (i.e. if Ashleigh were no longer teaching). Also, as my friend felt, her speedtalking constantly doesnt really push you, but really just made it difficult to focus.
I guess its just not worth being forced to call and make sure i dont attend one of her classes--which is sad, as the studio is really nice and the owner knows my instructor in nola.
Guess i'll have to try another bikram studio..
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
2/20/2009
After meaning to join Bikram since I moved back here (being an avid fan in NOLA), I finally went to… Read more »
This place is ok, you get what you pay for. -$30 for 30 days amazing, clean studio. I was happy with the deal but there are several things they need to change to make it an awesome studio.
1. The instructors should wait at the front after class to answer questions, not take long showers in the already packed, small locker room. This is very inconsiderate for people that have to go to work
2. The instructor should not let her dog into the class room no matter how much it barks. This is very very distracting and not sanitary
3. The instructors didn't seem very consistent and maybe need to freshen up on some course work--for some reason I hate working out at a studio where you are in better shape than the teacher?? That more of a nit pick
This is, quite simply, the best bikram yoga studio in SF.
Objectively: the only place I have found (and I checked out 5 or 6) with non-microbial rubber floors (looks like simulated wood). It is very clean, there is no smell. Mens and women's locker rooms, with showers. Very friendly and professional staff.
Subjectively: I love this place. I have been doing Bikram for a year now, and feel I have progressed very nicely. Elisabeth, the owner, is great, if she teaches your class you will learn a lot. Ryan is fantastic, Erica is great, all teachers are very professional, knowledgable and nice. There is a great community feel.
If you are just beginning, I highly recommend the Thursday 4pm and Saturday noon "restorative" classes -- one hour, low heat. They are also known as pregnancy classes, but don't worry, plenty of guys come to these. They are also $10 per class.
But for the real Bikram experience, do the full hour-and-a-half class. Note of caution, the community class does get very full, but the energy is always great. It is also hotter in the community class, since it's so crowded, so I do not recommend it for your first Bikram experience.
Another tip -- if you are looking for parking, look two to three blocks into the avenues, not near the Judah and 9th corridor. You can always find parking on Kirkham or Lawton at 10th or 11th.
Again a huge thanks to Elisabeth and everyone else at Fluid for keeping this the place I WANT to come to and work out three times a week.
i'm not quite sure how i feel about this place: after reading the reviews here, i was excited to try a class. I've been practicing at a different studio for a couple of months now, and decided to try Fluid because it's a bit closer to some friends' houses, that way we could maybe take classes together once in a while.
I can't quite put my finger on what it was exactly that turned me off about this place...and I can't really. and i would hate to write a review that's mostly a comparison, but i can't remember what it's like to have never done yoga before. so keep in mind, this review is written from the standpoint of someone that's been practicing for just a tiny while and has some biases...
i did definitely get a GREAT workout. the instructor definitely knew what she was doing, and gave great instructions..even if i had never taken a class, i would have known exactly what she wanted me to do. i was sweating buckets, and was completely exhausted after the class.
i'm not sure how i felt about the brightness, and the sounds of all the traffic and people walking by...definitely took me out of my "zen" place and meditation.
the 30 days for $30 is a FANTASTIC deal, especially if you live close by.
i felt like i was waaay to close to other people.. i don't like having to worry about my face being directly in someone else's tush during some poses... and vice versa.
also didn't like how the owner told us we could stash our stuff in the men's room because the ladies' was full...then after class, had to wait until the mens room was open to grab our stuff. granted, this wasn't really her fault, we should have thought about that. but it was a weird situation.
so...i don't know. if this place were in my neighborhood, i would definitely take advantage of their classes. but it's not the kind of place i would go out of my way to attend.
however--the cleanliness definitely is a huge draw for this place..
To tell the truth, Bikram is not my favourite kind of yoga. I much prefer Ashtanga, with its huge set of poses and flowing movements.
But one can't beat the proximity of this studio to our home, a mere 2 blocks away. Since the husband decided to give yoga a try in earnest in order to help fix some chronic back pain he's had for several years, I decided to participate as well.
Pricing is a bit steep ($15/ class), and I think they could certainly do with better package/ pre-paid options. Instructors are also not equal - my favourite so far is Ryan, who teaches in the evenings on Wednesdays and the community class on Saturdays - her instructions are most complex and specific (she gives more things to think about within the poses). Arrive early to grab a spot. The space is small and the door folks tend to allow the room to be packed. You can also call ahead if you're running late and the staff will also set a mat down for you.
All in all, I like FluidYoga. The facilities are great, kept spotlessly clean with anti-microbial flooring. After several sessions, I've even gotten used to the heat, which is kept cranked during class to a sweat-inducing 110-degrees. My overall flexibility has returned and my skin always feels fabulous afterwards. And best of all, it seems to be helping my husband's back tremendously.
Bring your mat, bath towel and water (or be charged $1 each at the door).
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this Fluid yoga. Since this place was so convenient I had to try their $30 for 30 days introductory class. I loved it! I sweated from places I never knew I could sweat from. After each class, I felt refreshed and I think I literally glowed. It was an awesome feeling.
Their facility is kept ultra clean. You would expect the place to reek since there are usually at least 30 people sweating in a 100+ degree room, but it actually doesn't smell very much at all (a real plus). All the instructors have different styles of teaching the class and most of them were all very friendly. Of all the instructors, I like Elizabeth, the owner, the best so far. There was one instructor who was rude to one of my friends but I can't remember her name. Her attitude hasn't deterred me from coming back though. I would recommend people to come early and grab a spot because the room is small and the class fills up fast! Bring your own mat, towel and water or else it's a $1 a pop.
As a side note, we all know about the dreaded muffin top. I've done some hardcore stuff to get rid of it including aerobics and abs workouts with a former female body builder but I wasn't getting the results I wanted. I don't know how, but Bikram yoga was MAGIC! My muffin top MELTED off after 10 classes. And not even 10 consecutive classes. It M.E.L.T.E.D! I'm not trying to be a weight loss advertisement here I'm just saying this was just my experience. Of course on top of yoga, I varied my workouts with running and weight lifting and watched what I ate. The combination of all of that was just what I needed to rid of that thing!
i have tried yoga in many studios, on more than one continent and run the gamut from hippy havens to places that are downright fashion shows. fluid yoga is by far the most peaceful, relaxing, non judgmental and supportive studio I have ever been to and got me re-excited about doing yoga. I have since moved away from the inner sunset and are a bit at a loss since nothing I've tried compares. After one particularly bad experience and a "shall go unnamed" studio with a teacher who fancied herself fabulous and fascinating, so talked about herself the entire time, I couldnt wait to go back to my little foggy haven.
I'm giving this studio five stars because I completely expected a stink inducing environment. I mean what else could you expect in a 110 degree room with lots of bodies. Well, I am completely happy to report that the place was so clean that I couldn't discern any offensive oders,
I've only done three classes so far, and each time I have had a different instructor. I'd say at this point it's too soon for me to rate them properly but each definately has his/her own style and they get the job done. I wasn't too sure how I'd hang in the heat but surprisingly I'm surviving and already feeling the limbering effects and I certainly hope it will make my back problems go away.
5 stars for the facilities, 1 star for the instructors...
When it comes to my experience with Bikram, clean and fresh smelling is all well and good, but not at the expense of my practice. I went to several classes at Fluid based on reviews I read on yelp. Although I was thoroughly impressed by the studio's antimicrobial flooring and super-duper vent system blah blah blah, I was totally disappointed in the quality of instruction. The instructor barely gave any feedback, stood in the same spot in the room the entire time and basically let the class run itself.
I would rather smell musty carpet and get a fabulous hour and a half of yoga instruction than pay $20 to teach myself in a clean, sterile environment. I know some will disagree, and for what it's worth, the studio is probably great for people who do bikram casually, or don't feel they need or want much instruction. For me, having an instructor that encourages me, pushes me, inspires me, reminds me, and calms me has made an immeasurable difference in my practice. Perhaps someday I'll find a studio that has a rubber floor AND kickass teachers. This is not it though.
#1- $30 for 30 Days.
#2 - Non Carpeted floors.
These 2 factors alone are reasons you should start your Bikram practice here at Fluid.
A rousing 3rd factor is that the teachers I've had so far in my foray into Bikram, have been supportive, helpful and nice. My biggest fear going into a Bikram studio was that I would be bullied into poses, barked at for being fat and clumsy and all in all humiliated. Something about grade school gym class came to mind when I entertained the idea of going to a Bikram class. I don't know. I just heard word of mouth from friends who had tried it and said that the teachers push you and sometimes to the point of degradation.
To me, yoga shouldn't include crying, so I never gave it a second thought until I read the yelp reviews for fluid and gave it a shot. It couldn't hurt. If I hated it, I'd never have to go back.
But I've been back, 4 times my first week. I'm prepared to go 5-6 times this week. Not because it's a walk in the park, but because it challenges me in a way my normal Vinyasa classes do not.
I prefer the early morning classes and recommend them if you have time, they're less crowded and it's a good way to start the day. When I've gone at night I've had a harder time and I tend to need several breaks for some reason. At night I get weak kneed and shaky.
I like the fact that they manage to make room for everyone in the studio so no one is really turned away. The stink factor is close to none and the cleanliness of the studio is one of its best selling points.
But seriously, it's the teachers here that really have me coming back.
I brave the N Judah to get here, the train that wants to break down every time I get on it. And if the train completely breaks down (it has on me before) I get off and hop in a cab to make it to class, that's how important this practice is to me these days and I'm grateful that I started my practice at Fluid.
Even though it's one of the smallest studios I have ever been too, it's also one of the nicest. Everything is environmentally friendly and sustainable and kept very clean. Although Bikram specifies a carpeted floor for every studio, the eco-friendly flooring is nice because it doesn't absorb sweat and odors. The showers are nice. And the prices are pretty good for Bikram standards.
The instructors are just okay. Nothing special. Although, there was one instructor who had one of the most genuinely heart-warming smiles I had ever seen. My only complaint is that she smiled at everyone too often. It made the moments when she smiled at me seem less special. Actually, it almost made me jealous to see her hand out those marvelous smiles like candy corn on Halloween.
Bottom line is this a good place to start. Nice, clean, and uplifting space. Also, Bikram can be very intimidating, but the instructors seem to really monitor the room, letting cold air in when people start sitting out of postures.
This is the cleanest bikram yoga place I have EVER been to and trust me, that is the most important criteria when picking a bikram yoga studio. I've been to other bikram studios and after 90 minutes of sweating your ass off, you're gonna be grateful for the hardwood floors. Do not go to Funky Door Yoga because they have carpeting that smells like mold and nastiness.
Fluid has an introductory $30 for 30 days, which I tried when I was "auditioning" bikram studios. The instructors do not do the positions with you, but their instruction is clear and motivating. They work with you no matter what level of experience you have.
Elizabeth, the owner is a fantastic instructor. She's got great stories to tell, can correct your posture like no one else can and lets "Sailor" (her tiny, adorable black poodle) into the room for the final 3 or 4 positions. Sailor always knows who the newbies are because he gravitates towards them! Its uncanny and irresistibly cute.
Arrive early because parking sucks.
Nice new space. om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om omom oom om om om om om om om om.
Clean floors. om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om omom oom om om om om om om om om.
Great, supportive staff. om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om om omom oom om om om om om om om om.
Try it, you'll like it!
Ok, I been going here once a week for the past month and it is the first time I have ever done Bikrams. I LOVE this place. They have this awesome deal where you pay $30 for unlimited class the first month, and after that its only $10 per class. The instructors here are very helpful... I mean I SUCK at Yoga, but they make me feel extremely comfortable in the class.
The place is a little small, but some how and some way, they find a way to fit everybody in the class.
If you live around the area, definitely give Bikrams a try. No joke, I have lost 8 pounds in the last month because of this form of yoga.
I'm no Bikram Yoga expert, but have had the wonderful opportunity to take maybe nine classes in Brooklyn, El Cerrito, Chicago, and just this week... I tried Bikram Yoga at the Fluid (inner Sunset) studio in SF. Of the 5 studios, I've experienced this place has to be the cleanest, most organized, and most encouraging bikram studio I have tried thus far. I will certainly try it again.
Sarah, the instructor that evening, is encouraging, and was successful at putting smiles on my face during class (reminding me about the blissful experience it can be while my wobbling legs and ready to pass out dizzy self was just trying to hold it together during the class). The class was challenging, yet I felt supported all the way through. The folks in the class had a great vibe too.
Kudos! I felt great during and after the class. I'll be back! Great Studio!
I LOVE this studio! Elizabeth, the owner, is fantastic and really great about helping you modify your poses in order to attain proper form. She is also terrific about explaining how the poses can be beneficial to your overall health and body. Although all the instructors are good, she is by far my favorite.
The studio is immaculate, private and is cleaned after each class. I have been on vacation for the last month but you can be sure I will be there first thing tomorrow sweatin' my buns off!
**On a side note: Bikram ain't exactly cheap but this studio also offers student and teacher discounts so all you starving students and educators like myself can still enjoy the benefits of yoga with breaking the bank.
I had heard horror stories about bikram yoga - tales of large, hairy-chested wildebeests grunting loudly as they struggled to balance on one leg. Or, of long haired hippies with pierced nipples who listened to Natalie Merchant on repeat. Plus, I expected the scent of unwashed feet to waft through the enclosed room, slowly filling my airways until I suffocated on my mat.
Fortunately for me (and you), none of my assumptions about Fluid Yoga were true. A pessimist who may quite possibly have ADD, I was surprised to feel instantly calm as I walked into the immaculate medium-sized studio to try out the $30 for 30 days trial period.
The place is clean at the start of class, and pretty much stays that way since all of our mats are required to be covered with beach towels. No bacteria infested sponge-like carpet here - the hardwood floor is obviously cleaned after each class.
For the most part, the teachers were encouraging and not condescending or patronizing, especially to a newbie like me. The postures and the heat make you sweat so much that you can wring out a towel at the end of class. But, the classes can get boring if you go often since they use the same routine for every class. Apparently, that's the status quo for all bikram studios.
Bottom line - clean, great intro special, challenging workout, encouraging instructors, maybe a bit too repetitive for my taste.
For those of you who have done Bikram before and associate it with that moldy, BO stench.... and you think that is just "part of it" YOU ARE WRONG! Other studios have that because people sweat into the carpet and it never dries out, and because the heating system is not designed to actually circulate that very damp air properly.
This place is revolutionary... it does not smell bad, you don't almost vomit when you walk in... it's warm like a summer day in San Diego (as opposed to a summer day in a gym locker room).
Practicing Bikram in a pleasant environment where you want to take those "6-count-in" breaths of air is a totally different experience -- and much, much, much better than any other studio I've been at. Once you try it here you will never go back to the mold/mildew/stench/BO environment that other places seem to pride themselves on.
I like it here. Everyone was very nice /clean facility, however, the instructor does not do the poses herself instead they walk around and correct your poses which is fine, but they encourage you to do them perfectly and to look to the group to see what poses are being done.
It's a good place for people who have the routine down, but kinda uncomfortable for newbies...I felt self concious as they kept saying names outloud (including mine) when we were doing poses incorrectly. It just made me feel like too much attention was being drawn to me, and when I'm doing something new please cut me some slack, but that's just me, some people might like that extra attention.
Overall, nice place.
Hrm. It probs would've been a good idea for me to have researched what exactly Bikram Yoga was before I started. Silly, Bel--I thought it was just the name and didn't realize that it is a type of yoga that employs an extremely heated room. Right...
After my first class, I'll admit--I was dying. Literally dripping sweat. But then again, I am normally against any activity unless it involves eating or sex. And when they say that room is heated, they are not screwing around. It's like working out in Arizona. Except not. But as I continue to go (about 3-4 times a week with the beginners' package), I am definitely feeling better health-wise and mentally.
Maybe it's all in my head or maybe it's really happening, but if you decide to go, realize a few things: 1. It is a great deal for your money, but you should go pretty often and take advantage. 2. It is burning up in that room. Bring a water bottle and a small towel to wipe yourself off. 3. The teachers are so friendly and amazing so don't be scared if you're not perfect. To sum up: Bikram Yoga is intense but DEFINITELY well worth it.
Selfishly, I love this studio for the simple fact that it's located just down the street from my house (meaning I have no excuse NOT to go).
The studio is super clean and the instructors and front desk staff members are oh-so-friendly. My favorite instructor thus far is Lisa, as her teaching style is much more on the mellow-calm side.
The schedule here is pretty doable, though I've definitely noticed that the evening classes during the week and ALL of the classes on the weekends are uber-popular and can be tough to secure a spot.
Word to the wise: if your schedule can accommodate it, go to the 6:30am weekday classes, they're not as packed to the gills as the other classes. BUT, if your schedule doesn't allow for that, then make sure you show up AT LEAST 20 mins prior to any of the weekend classes.
For newbies considering Bikram for the first time, definitely sign up for the 30 days for $30 special. Bikram is an amazingly therapeutic experience that, through repeated practice, gets easier and leaves you feeling refreshed and energized afterwards. Trust me, it's a good thing to get addicted to!! ;-)
Class: I have never done yoga before. And I didn't know that Bikram Yoga means HOT yoga! My coworkers and I got a free pass here and decided to try it out last night. The class lasted for about an hour and a half and we did all 26 poses and 2 breathing exercises. There was plenty of space inside the yoga room and also rooms outside to clean up and stash your belongings. Our instructor made a point to introduce us as the newbies and was very helpful and motivating during the session. I liked how she wasn't forcing us to keep up with the pace of the class, there were a few times where I was so wiped out where I just sat and rested. The heat was quite overwhelming for me at times but the occasional breaks, rests helped! Overall the class was an intense but fun experience! Mats are available to rent also for $1.
Price: Our first class was free but they have several packages you could buy...about $20 to drop in for one class
Atmosphere: Everyone was nice and welcoming and it wasn't super crowded.
Location: Located right across from Dragon fly restaurant...parking available at side streets...
Day 26, the jungle canopy looms overhead, good lord it's hot, I think they may still be following me. It's been weeks now and I'm not sure how much longer I can survive on tubers and grubs. If you swallow the grubs whole they're not too bad."
Alright, so you may hallucinate when you first start Bikram. I think I shouted something out around the 80th minute. "Ambush!"
But how else are you going to get rid of that winter coat you've been growing for the past 6months? There is a sign on the wall that says, "Bikram Yoga 600 calories, 3hrs afterburn: 300 calories, total: 900 calories" That's no joke, in fact, if you spend as much time wobbling around as I do, it's probably 906 calories burned. And speaking of burning, the temperature is a balmy 99F which feels like 199F by the end. I'm going to sleep like the dead tonight.
Eat your heart out Kristy Alley....I've just lost 90lbs. in one week!!!
Because of their no-stink, no berber carpet floors, this is the ONLY Bikram yoga spot for me. I'm addicted and will drive towards the fog to get my bikram on!!!! Very clean and never crowded during the morning or weekend classes.
I took my first EVER yoga class here yesterday. I felt like a silly fool....the cool part is that no one here made me feel like a silly fool! The teacher helped me during the entire session by giving me modified poses, and she made me feel really good after the class was over.
I have been hesitant to do yoga b/c of all those people who are way more flexible than I am looking at me like I'm a chubby little girl who shouldn't be there. BUT the people who took the class I was in were really nice (told me I did a good job when I totally didn't) or were really friendly. I was shocked!
My GF has been doing yoga for almost her entire life (yoga baby and all) and she said this is one of the more difficult classes she has taken. Although I had no idea what I was doing it wasn't too difficult to keep up.
The only thing was that b/c this is a Bikram studio, even if it isn't a Bikram class with the heat on, it's still hot from the other classes. I knew this and enjoyed a good sweat, but I think I will stick to the regular stuff from now on b/c I sorta felt like I was going to die 3/4 of the way through. I am pretty sore today, but I still feel really good, and I felt great yesterday as well. Apparently I heart yoga.
I've gone 7 times now and it looks like I had a 'boot camp' instructor my first session (Wed night). She was having a speed talking contest with herself so I couldn't understand her and she didn't help me through the poses even though she knew it was my first time. I wrote a pretty bad review of the place after that experience, but after participating for a few weeks now I've changed my mind. I still think that instructor sucks, but the others are attentive and helpful.
The place is very very clean. My overall health is much better. I used to go to the gym 3-4 times a week, but this Bikram has shown me the results in only 5 or 6 sessions. I'm leaner and I feel stronger.
I think I'm addicted!
Upgraded from 2 stars to 4. Most of the other descriptions of the instructors are accurate. Bikram Yoga is a different kind of yoga and each instructor is different. I wouldn't recommend my first instructor for any beginner...not a good way to be introduced to Bikram.
I'd never even stepped into a yoga studio until about 6 weeks ago. (What? I'm from Oklahoma!) But now I'm addicted, thanks in part to Bikram Yoga Inner Sunset.
The owner and staff are friendly and welcoming, making first-timers feel completely comfortable. The instructors are helpful, taking time to correct poses, encourage students to push further and acknowledge small triumphs. The studio is extremely clean. If you are considering Bikram, this studio offers a $30 unlimited pass for 30 days.
My Okie friends fear I'm turning into a new age hippie... but they drive monster trucks and eat chicken fried steak for breakfast.
I can't begin to tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE my yoga studio! I go about 3 to 4 times a week and I am seriously addicted! The studio is always clean, the teachers are the nicest and very informative, and I really feel welcomed every time I go in there. The owner is so nice and she knows me by my name!
I started out at funky door and after a few weeks I didnt go back. After the first day at this studio I new I would never have to go anywhere else.
It's a small studio but I think that is why I love it so much. Its never to crowded that I cant get a spot in the room and the energy there in the studio makes me feel happy! It may not be for everyone but at $30 for 30 days why not give it a shot...I did and after just 4 months I have noticed a huge change in the way I feel and think!
A year after my review and things have only gotten better at this studio. Seems Elizabeth and the other instructors have really found their groove -- their teaching style is better than ever. I tried another studio in SF for a week just to see how it was. It was pretty good but I still like Fluid so much more. They are encouraging and gentle to the new students while still giving that extra push to the regulars. No pretention or judgement - everyone is nice and friendly!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2008
This is by far the best bikram yoga studio in the area! I've been to 2 different ones in Marin… Read more »
I have been a member of this studio for 4 years now so I can say without a doubt that this is the best bikram yoga studio around! It's clean, the instructors are talented and friendly, and the big windows are a plus. The only downside is that it can get extremely crowded - I usually have to come 20 minutes early to reserve a spot!
So now that I have successfully completed the place's 30 days for $30 deal (having gone 4-5 times/week), I feel that I can more accurately review this zen sanctuary.
Again, the place is very clean, the instructors are generally helpful and supportive. In regards to my, and others, comments pertaining to instructors who "bark out orders at an insane speed" - I recently learned there's a reason for this. According to bikrim's theory, if the instructor is constantly talking, you (as student) are more likely to stay focused on the pose and make adjustments (as opposed to be concerned with the uncomfortablness/hotness/painfulness/tiredness).
I find the practice itself rather cleansing, and it helps to center yourself (at the risk of sounding cliche) and focus just on the task at hand, letting go of the world's troubles, if only for 90 minutes. I highly suggest that if you're willing to go once, you go at least 3 times and then decide if its right for you.
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Imagine you're in a sauna for 90 minutes, while trying to balance on one leg.
If you've never been in a sauna, them pretend you're at home and the heat is on waaaaaay too high and the thermostat broke, so you can't turn the heat down.
Today was my very first time trying Bikram Yoga in general, and although I knew what it was about...I was so not ready! I almost passed out towards the end of the session, and I consider myself relatively in shape! Hands down, the most I've ever sweat in my life. It looked like I had gotten pushed into a pool....and then someone tried to drown me.
Alright, alright. So I know this isn't' a review for bikram yoga, so as far as the establishment goes, very very clean, with a friendly and supportive staff. Although I will second, one yelper's sentiments, in terms of an instructor who barked out directions at an insane speed. Its pretty overwhelming for a first timer, but I'm determined to make it through a session without going unconscious.
