All Heart Yoga

It has been a while since I have visited this studio, and I almost forgot about this place till the new owner reached me out.
She seems very nice and I believe the studio has been changed, and I will be happy to give another try and update my review again.

Yoga NW is the best community. Each teacher brings a lovely energy and perspective to their classes. I've loved how welcoming everyone is, as well as the beautiful space and variety of yoga styles. There is a great mix of postures as well as meditation/breath work (not strictly fitness - definitely come here if you want to engage in a more mindfulness-based practice). Laela is an incredible owner, and her care and dedication to each student really shows. Definitely recommend to yogis at all stages and abilities :)

I signed up for a month-long membership while visiting the area in February, just as the new management started. Yoga is a big part of my life, and the vibe of a studio is everything to me. I had the opportunity to take classes with three different teachers here, including the owner, and every one of them taught an absolutely lovely class. There was no pretentiousness or "scene," and I felt very comfortable and happy to be in this sweet, little studio. My husband joined me for two classes, and he really liked it as well. We are moving to the area soon, and I look forward to going back on a regular basis.

Yoga NW is a 10 out of 10! This studio is bright, spacious and immaculate. I feel a sense of well-being and calm when I enter into the studio. Bonny is warm, personable, kind and heart-centered! I highly recommend this shared space to ground, feel truly welcomed and connect with others.

I've been going to Yoga NW since day #1 and love this place. It's a haven and Bonnie has done a great job of expanding her offerings to include people of all sizes and shapes and beliefs. Wouldn't think of yoga anyplace else!

I really enjoyed my classes at Yoga NW. They have a diverse blend of classes and a beautiful space. It's got high ceilings and a very peaceful vibe. I love how they make an effort to be accessible and adaptive and make everyone feel welcome. I can't wait to return for my next class!

Yoga NW is a neighborhood gem. It's my little home away from home. I've been practicing there for almost 7 years and absolutely love it. Some of the things I love most about it are the small classes, the friendly and knowledgable teachers, the unpretentious environment, the supportive community amongst the students and teachers, and the coziness of the studio. It is loved and well cared for and it shows. I also love Yoga NW's focus on accessible yoga. If a pose isn't working for you and your body, the teacher will suggest an alternative option. The new owner, Bonny, has brought so much positive energy, love and light to the studio as well as more classes and workshops. It's an accepting and inclusive environment and welcomes everyone. Come join us!

This is a beautiful, relaxing, clean, and cozy studio with lots of light and lovely decor. The staff was very friendly. They have lots of supplies, even blankets! for people to use. Arrive early as parking can be a little tricky.

This is a beautiful studio in a lovingly restored brick building. Tall south-facing windows have honeycomb blinds to soften the light. Mirrors on one wall are curtained off for yoga - or revealed for dance classes or rehearsals. I go for the latter. But, I'm impressed by the variety of yoga classes. The new owner, Bonny, has been a dream to work with!

One man's experience, yours may differ.

I found Yoga NW on the web and figured I'd give it a try. They had $5 classes all day on Wednesday and it was in a convenient location for me on that day.

I arrived and found that alas, the class was not $5, it was $15. The website did (and still does at this writing) advertise the lower rate. I was not the only student that expected the $5 rate.

In class, as we were to begin, the teacher stepped (swaggered?) on my mat nonchalantly. (Alarm bells ringing)

The class was not what I was looking for, and more appropriate for beginning students, which was my fault and not the teacher's, although it was not advertised as a beginner's class.

However, the teacher twice chastised me for not "staying with the class", almost shouting. I was in the same pose as the class, but with slight variations. I was aghast. The second time it happened, I almost left the class. I ended up staying as a lesson in patience and allowing.

I took a bind variation that is very challenging/opening for my body at one point, and the instructor loudly proclaimed the evils of "showing off", and the benefits of staying with the class. It was clearly directed at me.

At another point, the instructor had the class doing a pose I have never seen, with the knees bent far below the ankles in a standing pose. This type of pose is extremely dangerous for the knees. I had a hard time believing that this instructor was telling people to, "stay with the pose" when it could result it injury.

In the middle of class, the instructor had us lie down supine for a "guided" meditation. After 10 minutes of this, she instructed us to get into pigeon pose... so we got all warmed up, then lay down for 10 minutes, then pigeon? It was totally ridiculous. The whole point is to build up to the more difficult poses and here she is having students cool down for 10 minutes before getting into a notoriously difficult pose.

I know this sounds like a rant, but it's not my intention. This class was just that bad and by far the worst class I have ever taken. The instructor for this class has an ego the size of an SUV, but without the skills to match.

Some positives: the studio is nice and airy, with lots of light and a very neighborhoody, casual atmosphere. I feel that beginning students would feel more comfortable in this studio than some others. In fact, with a different instructor, I believe that this would be an optimal studio for those learning about yoga.

In the spirit of clarity and with the hope that prospective students can avoid this instructor, her name is Sheila.