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FreeSpirit Yoga
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
3910 Atlantic AveLong Beach, CA 90807
(562) 989-9959
- Hours:
Mon, Wed 6 am - 8 pm
Tue, Thu 8 am - 8 pm
Fri 6 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 5 pm
Sun 8:30 am - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
$59 for $119 Certificate
Elizabeth G. said: "I found this place through a http://livingsocial.com deal and I immediately fell in love with this place. The owner Rebecca is super helpful with…" read more »
30 reviews for FreeSpirit Yoga
30 reviews in English
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Review from Angela L.
Long Beach, CA
11/10/2011
This studio is great! The atmosphere is very comfortable and they offer an amazing deal for new students so you can see if you like it before you commit. Yoga can be expensive but if you go often enough the prices they offer are good and your body will thank you.
Each instructor has a different teaching style, which is great because all students have different learning styles. Personally my favorite instructor is Veronica. Unfortunately she only teaches 2 classes a week and one is a prenatal class. I recommend both of her classes (depending on if your pregnant or not) if you want to feel like you got a good workout. -
Review from Jenn S.
12/22/2011
I really wanted to love this place, as it was recommended to me by another yoga studio when I said I was looking for a place that does prenatal yoga. I went to the class, which was quite full and obviously this place is loved by many. The class was ok, in comparison to other prenatal yoga classes I've taken. It was taught well but there wasn't anything that made this place special. The class seemed quiet and lacked the sense of mommy community that you get at YogaWorks. Also - parking isn't the greatest - you can park on the street or there is a TINY lot behind the studio. I was also slightly annoyed that they don't respond to voicemails and the website is a bit funky. On the plus side - they do a new student special which is $20 for two weeks and they sell eco-friendly yoga mats (though at $50 a pop!).
Listed in: Prenatal Yoga
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Review from Alejandra V.
Long Beach, CA
7/24/2011
I'm thrilled to have found FreeSpirit Yoga. At 68, and with health issues, starting yoga again after an absence of over 35 years, is having a transformative effect on me. In just a few weeks, I have strength and agility slowly returning, and I haven't felt this good in years. I can also see the effects on my body, which is getting toned and re-shaped.
Owner Andrea Testa is a marvel. A superb teacher with a massive amount of knowledge, she also has a great personality and a robust sense of humor. The FreeSpirit space has a wonderful, harmonious atmosphere, and important for picky people like me, is immaculately clean. Andrea's staff is also excellent, and I have learned so much from every class I've taken. I'm proof it's never too late to do yoga, and yoga at FreeSpirit is yoga at its very best. -
Review from simple g.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2011
Laura Tree and Del Leon are great! If you like restorative yoga, ignore my review and check this place out.
I really wanted to like this place. I wanted to take a class with the owner Andrea, but she only teaches a few classes in the middle of the work week, (at the time of this review). The receptionist lady said Andrea T. only teaches a few classes "because she is the owner." I did meet Andrea when she sat in on a class I took. She was pushing another student to bring her husband. The walls of the studio are painted an odd shade of purple, like something you'd might find in an ob/gyn clinic. I've been to many yoga studios and I've always loved the color and decor each uses. Not here. Maybe my experience was off. I found the flow classes, like the one I took with Andrea M. fell flat. We stopped and started the poses like no flow class I've ever taken. This place has a lot of yang. The yang-type classes like restorative are their best. -
Review from Stacey P.
12/28/2010
The studio is located on Atlantic between Marshall and Roosevelt. You have to enter through the back but theres always free parking available.
I think if you're new to yoga this is a great place to start. They offer two weeks of unlimited classes for $20 but I got mine for $18 since it was an extra 10% off that day. You can always borrow yoga mats, blankets, blocks, straps, etc so you don't really need to bring anything with you. I think this is great if you're just starting out since you don't have to invest too much money :)
I've taken Bikram yoga and yoga classes at 24. The studio is a decent size and all the times I have taken classes there is ample space. All the times I have gone the class size is around 7-10 people. They just recently painted the walls so it's very nice and clean. The only problem I have with the studio is that there are no mirrors which sucks because I can't really adjust myself to see if my pose if correct.
I love the All Levels class with Andrea!! She is so amazing. I like how she walks around the room and adjusts you to make sure you are doing the poses correctly to get the most benefit without hurting yourself. The Level 1/Beginner classes are mostly stretching and breathing and a few very basic yoga poses. So even if you are a beginner I recommend taking the All Levels class at least once just to challenge yourself and its nice to see where everyone else is. But if you take Andrea, she will make you practice doing handstands against the wall. It's scary at first but you makes you feel really safe.
I wish I could continue taking classes here but my winter break is almost over and I go to school in NorCal. -
Review from Michelle T.
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
9/23/2010
Lots of classes at different times and in different styles (pilates, pre-natal, various kids classes, relaxation, flow, etc.) Pricing pretty good, plus there's a discount if you use auto-renew, AND, their packages don't expire for a whole year! Main drawback of this place for me is the traffic getting over here from LAX area on a weekday.
New students can get 2 weeks for $20--great way to check out the different classes and teachers.
So far I've tried the following:
Flow with Andrea M.: you'll get a good workout in this one, with lots of chaturangas! Andrea also does some theater too (I don't mean in yoga class--I mean in a theater ;) ) and has a positive energy.
Flow with Del: A bit more meditative and mellow, only a few chaturangas. The class I attended included some breath exercises at the beginning. Del asked if there was anyone new to yoga in the class and if there were any injuries she should know about. At the end of class, she introduced herself to me, which was nice.
Pilates with Pat: Kind of like going to boot camp! My first pilates class, so I don't have much to compare it to. Good workout, but I think I'm probably more of a yoga person than a pilates person, since yoga feels more like fun & art and less like work & reps to me. I'd be up for going again if I needed to get my butt kicked (in a good way), even if I think I'm more yoga than pilates.
Core with Erin: Started off with some nice, relaxing warmups, then went into a good, intensive core workout. Erin sets a very warm and friendly tone.
Pilates with Shuriu (she was subbing for Pat): Less challenging than Pat's class, a bit more mellow. Shuriu has a warm tone as well, and seems quite knowledgeable about physiology.
Some parking in the back, but it can get crowded at times. Also some parking on the streets.
Overall, a pretty good variety of classes with well-riced and flexible package deals that don't expire for a whole year. -
Review from Becky F.
Long Beach, CA
7/18/2011
I grew up in Long Beach, and every time I come home I take a few classes here. Its a great yoga studio and a good philosophy to their practice. There is a lack of high level classes but as with most classes you can increase the rigor of your class by doing different variations (which the instructors here are really good at).
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Review from Phoenix A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/8/2008
Once a year, at the height of my busy season at work I get this debilitating stiffness in my traps from mousing away.
Discovering Freespirit Yoga just about saved my sanity. As a lot of yoga studios do, I was given free access to all of the classes for the duration of 2 weeks so I could try out their various instructors. I took their core yoga classes from Erin, whose guidance was both nourishing and grounding for the soul. I also attended a class taught by the owner, whose voice, in calling out each pose and explaining what muscles we were using and the benefits of each pose. was as fluid as the movements themselves.
Prices are average, the staff is very friendly, and there are a variety of class types and times to choose from. The studio is as serene feeling as you can possibly get on a busy street. It does get crowded at prime times, but don't let that discourage you, it's just more positive energy to surround yourself with.Listed in: A Gamer Has to Exercise More…
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Review from Emily C.
Signal Hill, CA
8/19/2010
I practiced Bikram yoga for five years, until I moved to a location 30 minutes away from the nearest studio and stopped going. As a Bikram snob, I had learned to look down on "regular" yoga classes, but as I felt my flexibility, strength and muscle tone deteriorating, I knew I needed to do something.
I got the two-week introductory offer (only $20!), and went to 12 classes in 14 days (I'm a teacher on summer break, so I have ample time). I have enjoyed every instructor, especially Chelsea, Cassandra, and Andrea T. The classes are arranged so there is something for everyone, from gentle yoga to Ashtanga Prep - even prenatal and kids yoga!
This is a great studio with great people. -
Review from Diana M.
Yorba Linda, CA
8/19/2008
Starting Yoga for my first time here has been a wonderful experience for me. There is a mixture of great instructors that you can learn from.
FreeSpirit definitely has a positive and peaceful energy within the instructors and students. I just started going two weeks ago and I'm starting to understand how cathartic Yoga can be. I feel like I've found my Yoga studio that fits my needs. There are packages you can purchase but I think the quarterly unlimited($250) is a good deal if you plan to go several times a week. -
Review from Lisa S.
8/5/2009
This was my very first yoga experience. I know a couple of gals who come here, and they adore it. However, my experience was not so positive.
When I first came in, I got there a little early, and the shop was closed. I sat in my car for about twenty minutes, waiting for them to open for the next session. Finally, someone arrived...there were two people actually, but I didn't know who was running the whole operation. I walked in, and the two people started setting up and getting themselves situated. I stood in the waiting area like an idiot and then sat down by myself for a total of fifteen to twenty minutes. Not one person said hello to me, and not one person asked or offered me any assistance in any shape or form. I was completely put off by this. True, I could have been more assertive and said, "HELLO, can someone HELP ME???" but everyone seemed occupied and unfazed by my presence.
Literally, twenty minutes later, after I've now stood, sat, and wandered around the small areas, I walk up to someone and say "does anyone work here???" Suddenly she does and I fill out a form and I take the beginning yoga class. Lame. I should have walked out.
The class was different. It was slow. I actually fell asleep on the floor at the end, which I guess means I was relaxed, but that happens when I'm at my desk at work (and I'm super far from relaxed), so I don't give it that much weight.
There are other classes that might have been more upbeat, but I didn't end up returning, even though I bought a whole weeks' pass. Booooo...Comment from Veronica S. of FreeSpirit Yoga 7/1/2010
hello Lisa, I'm so very sorry to hear about this experience!… More » -
Review from Smar T.
Medford, MA
11/3/2007
I took a class here and liked it. The teacher didn't introduce herself beforehand or ask anyone about injuries or take requests, which I thought was a pity because it wasn't (unlike the experience of the reviewer prior to me) crowded at all. But the class itself was pretty good.
She seemed like new teacher but had good energy, and taught a challenging class.
I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 because, well, it just didn't blow me away. I absolutely love yoga and whenever I travel I check out new studios. Often times I leave that city wishing I could take said studio or teacher back home (to Boston) with me. With Free Spirit Yoga, I didn't have any such pangs. -
Review from Kori S.
8/3/2010
FSY is so great for restorative yoga. Since moving up to LA, I don't think they allow gentle yoga in the city limits - it's all about power this and cardio that. And while I dig the heart-pumping stuff, there's also a time and a place for calmer technique too and that's what I miss about FreeSpirit Yoga.
2 week trial is brillz - you get to test out all the teachers, find out what which classes work for you and then the monthly after that is really, really reasonable. I've been doing yoga off and on for awhile now so I can't say if FSY is great for absolute beginners but I'm always an advocate of going up to the instructor before class begins and telling them your skill level if you think you're going to need support. I mean, they're yogis; not mind readers.
I haven't gone in awhile but when I did used to go, parking was a bit of a pain as there are only a few allotted slots for the studio so you had to go early. It also seemed very, very crowded on the late morning classes during the weekend - prime time, of course but it was difficult to stretch out and do all the poses when people are so tightly packed.
But overall, I thought the teachers were very caring and knowledgeable. If I ever moved back to LB, I'd definitely be back! -
Review from Halleh C.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2010
While I was a regular at free spirit YOGA for 9 months (before my move), this review is for the wonderful, fantastic, amazing PILATES classes (offered twice a week) taught by Pat.
Pat, love of my life, I miss you. I miss your crazy descriptions (churning peanut butter), your ipod issues, and most of all, when you would call me out for being lazy and cheating (I really had no idea!).
I have tried the videos, I have experienced a few other instructors, and even the subs that came while Pat disappeared sometimes, but no one compares. No one can make my body hurt so good like her.
Even though I moved a few months ago, I guess I am nostalgic today. For those of you who are intimidated by pilates, don't be. She is an amazing instructor who will never make you feel out of place. She really only wants to help you help yourself.
After all of those months doing pilates with Pat, I can now say that I am converted and do not believe there is any exercise as effective as this one.
Thanks Pat and Andrea! I miss you guys! -
Review from Cielo R.
Long Beach, CA
4/22/2008
I love Freespirit yoga. I started going when I was pregnant with my first one. Lonne is one of the most caring and nuturing instructors I have ever met. She teaches a kids class, mommy & me, prenatal and level 1.
Yes sometimes classes get big and yes sometimes you hear the kids next door doing karate but if you are the right state of mind (the whole point to yoga), it all goes away and you feel wonderful. I always feel welcome and comfortable here.
Andrea the owner is amazing. Freespirit participates in First Fridays and supports local artists. I keep going back here because it's awesome.
Prenatal classes, Level 1 and Gentle are super. I took pilates with Dawn a few times - that was great too. GO! -
Review from Ni D.
Los Angeles, CA
9/9/2008
I recently decided to purchase the two-week trial package offered at Free Spirit and I wiil just talk about the good, bad and the ugly in all fairness...no cheap shots...
To begin, I have really enjoyed the Pilates class with Pat. If you want your rootie-patootie kicked into shapeliness, go and see this woman!
Great personality to boot and VERY knowledgeable.
She is "da bomb"!... put it this way: on a scale of one to ten, she is WOW!
This may not matter to you fellow yelpers, but I have been working out with variations of the Pilates Method for about 5 years and my arse abs have never felt like that...You are stuck with me...bwah ha ha!!!
Thanks Pat!
Lonne for Yoga is right on...beautiful aura and positive vibes radiate from her...challenging class as well!
I was a'swetting girl!
I have practiced yoga for about 7 years, quite a few different paths actually, and she gives a fairly good variation on sun salutations...The only thing is that I do those at home, so, using that as a warm up and then a little variation into other poses would blow away intermediate and advanced members..and make the experience unforgettable...just a little tip there!
Now for the not so good...
I recently went to Dharma's class and flat out: the girl needs a warm glass of don't talk so friggin' much!!!!
I think she needs to be reminded that it was a yoga class, not her dissertation on what she thinks is wrong with everyone in the world today... She may have believed that she was making people aware of the negativity in their lives, but it was super overkill...she talked about 80% of the session and that is not an exaggeration...NOT COOL!!!!
FYI Dharma, not everyone is a "fast-food eating, gas-guzzling SUV driving, sociopath who doesn't give two hoots about the Earth" who comes through those doors and that was sort of offensive that you kept harping like that the WHOLE darn time like a person with a nervous tic or something...people cannot be in the moment and clear their mind when you are constantly "on" like that...
oh yeah and your preggo *South* Indian homegirl in the front who was laughing so loud with that weird laugh like it was her darn private class needs to get a clue and share that warm glass of be quiet with you, too...
figure it out ladies and don't ruin a class with your personal agendas next time...it taints the purity of what is being exchanged...in a real way...
peace, love and light*Comment from Veronica S. of FreeSpirit Yoga 7/1/2010
Hey Ni D., I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your… More » -
Review from Lori F.
Long Beach, CA
5/4/2008
I took my first class here yesterday and it kicked my butt! I practiced yoga for a year while I was in college, but regretfully did not find a new studio for two years. I finally decided to stop being lazy and try out Free Spirit Yoga.
$20 for a two week trial. You can attend as many classes as you'd like and try out the different teachers.
I attended the Level One class on Saturday afternoon and there were 17 students total. That pretty much filled the room, and because I was one of the last people to show I had to place my mat at the front of the class (I was really hoping I wouldn't suck at this....) Most people bring their own stuff, but there are also mats, blankets, blocks, and straps for you to borrow.
Lonne was really friendly and caring and asked the class at the beginning if there were any specific areas of the body they wanted to focus on. I thought that was really cool. The only bummer was that there wasn't much explanation on how to do all the poses, and Lonne would do about half of them with the class, and the rest of the time she walked around giving verbal instructions while helping people. I knew about 75% of the poses from previous experience, but for someone who has never practiced yoga before this might be a little difficult. Lonne is very positive though and helped everyone out as needed.
Will definitely be trying out more classes this week! -
Review from c. b.
New Orleans, LA
2/3/2008
I have pretty happy with this place so far. All the classes have been delightful and the staff very friendly and helpful. Since it is located on a main street, the noise level can be annoying but you learn to tune it out.
My favorite class is the core yoga class.
But my favorite teacher is definitely Dharma.
You won't be disappointed by either. -
Review from Keisha R.
Long Beach, CA
3/20/2011
I recently moved to the Long Beach area, and was excited to have a yoga studio so close to home. I went to class on Saturday morning, which was taught by Andrea M.
I have taken various yoga classes on and off for years; although I must admit I do not know all the names of the poses. The class was a mixed level class, so I thought it didn't matter.
But it did, did not like this class, AT ALL. The teacher started the class off by talking trash about Bikram Yoga. When I mentioned that it was a great work out, she didn't seem to care. She gave demonstrations on how to properly and improperly perform the poses...but would add, "if you are doing it like this, then, it's wrong and you're doing nothing." Her tone throughout the class was not very welcoming and loving, although she kept telling us, "we should love ourselves, which would allow us to accept and freely love others." Instead it was very harsh, abrasive, and condescending.
My family had planned on making this a family studio. My first instinct was that I would rather take my family and money to Yoga Works or some other studio in the area.
After, I posted my review, the owner, Andrea T, emailed me and apologized for my experience and said she would look into it. She also recommended that I give her studio another try. I appreciate her email, and her desire to ensure that her customers are satisfied. Thanks to you Andrea T, we just might.
Stay tuned Yelp... -
Review from Jackie B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2011
This place rocks! I used to do yoga 3 years ago and I wanted to get back into it. And I found the right place with great friendly instructors. I took advantaged of the 2 weeks unlimited access to yoga classes, for a new customer. Went to all the evening classes after work. Now i'm back 2 or 3x a week!
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Review from Syria P.
Long Beach, CA
12/8/2009
Free Spirit Yoga rocks my world! I've experienced different yoga studios in Berkeley, Oakland, Palmdale, Los Angeles, and Long Beach. This is, by far, the most spirited of them all (no pun intended).
I started with the $20 dollars new student pass. I'm now getting ready to purchase my second series.
Okay, so here are my huge likes about the studio:
-Class offerings (plentiful and flexible)
-So far, no pretentious instructors (I've experienced my share of them). Instructors are friendly, more than willing to assist, offer alternatives, and challenge you as you build your own unique yoga practice.
-Contagious positive energy. Staff and students give off a wonderful "one big happy family" like vibe =)
-Active community involvement.
Overall, the studio is small, but again, the spirit of the place makes up for what its lacking in space. I appreciate the time, energy and attentiveness from the following instructors:
-Andrea T (offers an UPBEAT All Levels class)
-Peter (offers a TRANQUILIZING Flow yoga class)
-Lonne (offers an AWAKENING Flow yoga class)
-Erin (offers a CHALLENGING Core yoga class)
-Jenny (offers a QUICK PACED Flow yoga class)
Happy practicing! Namaste. -
Review from Wendy F.
Gig Harbor, WA
9/6/2006
One of the friendliest yoga studios I've ever visited. In recent years, LB has really worked to clean up Atlantic Avenue and this has been a welcome addition. The teachers are excellent and prices are reasonable (check out the Saturday am level one class for only $7!) The mommy & me class is fun too. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is due to the strip mall they're in- while the location is convenient, listening to the kids in the karate studio next door is kind of distracting.
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Review from Jessica H.
Costa Mesa, CA
10/29/2006
I hesitate to review this place because I'm afraid more publicity will only exacerbate my one complaint about it, which is that the classes are often too crowded (at least the evening Level 1 classes, which are the only ones I've been to). They have a big studio, but I've been to several classes here where the people were packed so tight I couldn't bend over without getting a faceful of someone's sweaty ass. Well, okay, it usually isn't that bad, but I'm a big fan of personal space and at this place I found it was frequently violated. I guess the crowds are a testament to how good the classes and teachers are, though. They are really friendly and welcoming, and I always feel great after taking a class. I just recommend getting there early to secure a good spot on the floor before the crowds rush in.
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Review from elayne h.
Long Beach, CA
6/30/2008
This is my new favorite yoga studio. I didn't really like Yoga World's new location, and the last class I went to was missing something. Free Spirit seems to be more grounded in the yogi way of life. They offer an array of levels and lots of classes throughout the day. I've been to three so far, and I plan on going regularly, maybe even buying a series.
Listed in: Where I Sweat
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Review from JP S.
Long Beach, CA
8/24/2008
Great yoga studio! I've started taking pre-natal yoga classes over the past few weeks and have really enjoyed the environment. The instructor, Lonne, is great and I find myself so relaxed after every session! I'll be coninuing here even after the baby arrives! I love having such a good studio here in the Bixby Knolls area (doesn't hurt that it's walking distance from where I Ilive)!!!
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Review from Lara W.
Long Beach, CA
5/16/2009
I just started classes at Free Spirit Yoga and love the new student special. With the 2 weeks unlimited for $20, I am really enjoying trying many of the classes to find which instructor/class suits me best. So far I have been very impressed, and have found intermediate classes where I can go for a good workout and classes I can go to be mindful and relaxed. Since this great studio is so close to home, I have no doubt I will be visiting a lot in the future. Whatever your style, I'm sure you can find a class to suit your needs at Free Spirit yoga. Namaste.
Listed in: What's going Down in my part…
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Review from Jennifer D.
Irvine, CA
10/26/2008
This is my favorite yoga studio! I have been to other yoga studio's and yoga classes offered at the gym-by far the instructors at freespirit yoga are the best. I feel so relaxed and peaceful after attending a session. Definite recommend to everyone.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Sofia F.
Wilmington, CA
11/15/2009
The price is right at this studio with the $20 two week trial and $110 for a ten-class series.
I like the studio's DIY vibe (teachers sign everyone in then lock the outside door because they're the only ones on duty) and the fact that they provide mats, blankets, etc. free of charge.
I usually take classes with Dharma or Lonnie. Dharma is more stretch and relaxation oriented and Lonnie does more flow-type stuff.
My only complaints are that they don't have an Iyengar class and there's not much instruction (I have been spoiled by Marla at Yogaworks). There's also not much in the way of balance poses or working towards handstands but you get a good stretch in either way.
But like I said, it's a solid local business that's always giving back to community in the form of food drives, participation in the neighborhood art walk, and various other programs. -
Review from Amy s.
Long Beach, CA
12/9/2010
Im not too happy with this place and I havent even started. I live in bixby knolls and recently wanted to start yoga. I googled yoga in my area and this place came up... I called and the lady who answered the phone said she was way to busy to talk to me and refered me to the website . I had already read through the website and still had questions... she was very rude. I will not try this yoga place.
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Review from Kathy D.
Lakewood, CA
12/11/2009
Free Spirit Yoga rocks my world! All the instructors are friendly and helpful. Be prepared to be challenged if you take an All Levels or Flow Yoga class. You will sweat.... but it feels great! Most of the people who practice here are friendly and down to earth, so you feel at home right away. I would highly recommend taking a class from Lonne; she is the right mixture of friendly and calming and challenging.
