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The Yoga Loft
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
321 Divisadero St(between Page St & Oak St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Lower Haight
(415) 626-5638
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
60 reviews for The Yoga Loft
60 reviews in English
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Review from Charlie F.
Hercules, CA
8/10/2011
I took Jennifer's class last night at 7:30 and lurved it.
She is amazeballs 2012.
Remember how the Avatar blue people stick their hair in that big-ass tree? That's what the class was like.
And it cured my Angry Bird Flu. -
Review from l c.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2011
i would give five stars for Josh Gottlieb in an instant.
But for this review, I have to give only one star for the instructor Paul Defacio. Worst yoga class I have ever taken in my life. No spiritual element, very self-absorbed and very rude and condescending to the students (the less advanced ones, that is) in his class. I will never go to one of his classes again. He is not gentle (especially when he tweaks your stance, etc.) and may even contribute to injury. I'd stay away.
That said, for the other instructors, they get five stars. Really smart and passionate group. -
Review from Jodie B.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2011
First class at TYL today... it was terrific.
Loved the studio space, helpful front desk staff and SUPER LOVED the instructor.
My spirit has felt open and my body has felt refreshed all day as a result.
*like* -
Review from Antonia T.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011
Only one class so far, but beautifully paced, challenging. The only reason it does not get five starts is TERRIBLE music.
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Review from Mike H.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2010
This review is specifically for the amazing instruction and care of Anne Saliou, who teaches the Neck and Back Care class. Ive had back problems for over 10 years now, apparently a type of Scoliosis. I'm getting excellent treatment from my amazing Chiropractor, whom I also very highly recommend: http://www.yelp.com/bi... . However, no chiropractor can fix everything; sometimes you have to learn how to control your own body and strengthen what is weak.
This is where Anne comes in. She has really helped to write a new chapter in my life, complete awareness and control of my body. Only 4 weeks into the 8 week series and Im starting to feel like a new person. Best of all, I am actually able to fully understand every pose she teaches and repeat it at home for life. So the highish pricetag of $210 actually is not much at considering the difference it makes.
If youre in serious pain and have an ongoing back problem:
1) Go to Debra Bleemer to get yourself checked out and possibly massaged and adjusted to relieve the pain and find out what is causing it.
2) Sign up for the Back class at this place to learn how to maintain your spinal health. Anne Saliou will even look at your x-rays and diagnosis to help you personalize your yoga healing process.
After being to at least 20 chiropractors, doctors and acupuncturists, I just found the perfect combination! -
Review from Jo W.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2011
I love going to The Yoga Loft. They've been doing yoga forever and aren't going to be swayed by fads. Their teachers, Jen especially, is wonderful. Her voice is so calm but in control. It's pleasure to listen to her while in poses.
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Review from David D.
Updated - 1/23/2009 ROTD 7/25/2009
Oh Sabine, why do you do this to me?
I know, I cooperated willingly. No sooner had we met than you showed me your toys and props. You sweet-talked me into putting myself into an awkward position. You urged me on as I pushed my body to its limits. You stayed with me as I reached dizzying new heights. At one point, you even had me hanging on ropes off the wall! When it was all over, I was completely exhausted.
You did all of this in plain sight of my wife, and then you had the nerve to ask me if you would see me again.
And so help me, something deep inside me says, "Yes."Listed in: ROTD
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/10/2006
I went for an Iyengar yoga class. Strange, but fun. It felt like a cross between calisthenics,… Read more »
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Review from Nom E.
Los Angeles, CA
1/1/2006 ROTD 1/3/2006
Apparently "yoga" is a Hindi word, derived from Sanskrit, which means union or joining. Appropriately, my friend Laura got married at the loft yesterday for New Years Eve. All around me during the ceremony, dim candles filled the spacious and comforting room with a gnostic glow of higher consciousness and transformation, which are two things I know nothing about, and which also might explain why my friend Catherine began to look like a new age Shirley Maclaine as I sat there deleriously trying to hold in my five-cups-of-water chi until after the ceremony. Regardless, the space was lovely and the people at the loft could not have been kinder nor more accomodating.
Two "I-heart-channeling" bumpersticker shoutouts to you Yoga Loft. -
Review from Alice S.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2007
I like to start my weekend off with some ass-tightening yoga.
So on Saturday mornings I drag myself out of bed, eat a cliff bar and force myself to walk to Yoga Loft. Then it goes like this for an hour and a half:
"Push your heel against the wall.
Tighten your knees.
Lift your sternum.
Rotate your leg this way.
Now rotate your other leg that way."
I wouldn't let most people talk to me this way, especially on a Saturday morning. But I end up feeling so much better for the rest of the weekend, that it is totally worth the bullying.
And Yoga Loft has a beautiful space. It used to be an old dance studio, so they have some really lovely honey-colored wooden floors. Overall, this is a nice place to get kicked around on a Saturday morning (of course I'm just kidding about that, I love my teachers).Listed in: Consistent goodness.
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Review from Kimmie Q.
Alameda, CA
7/8/2010
Marni Sclaroff, what a genuinely engaged teacher.
I really enjoyed attending the classes with Marni. Her calming voice and corrections made me feel welcome and part of the class. I only very recently started to practice yoga and would like to attribute my continued interest to the classes I took with Marni.
The studio itself is located on Divis (obviously) so sometimes you'll hear sirens and other street noise. -
Review from Melanie R.
San Francisco, CA
12/3/2007
I went to the Yoga Loft fearing that I would find a yoga scene where everyone would be really self-aware about how they looked in their sporty yoga tanks, which they don't even need to wear an additional sports bra under because they are that efficiently constructed (the people, not the tops). But I read the Yelp reviews and saw the website with the dog on it and thought, well, at least this is a place where there won't be a lot of people who are uptight about stuff like dog hair. So I went.
And I was overjoyed to find that in fact, yes, the Yoga Loft is a very low-key place where you can get excellent instruction - so far I have been to classes taught by 3 different people (Meg, Athena, and Sabine), and they were all great, and the other people who attend classes there seem to be nice. I don't detect any yogier-than-thou vibe there at all.
I especially appreciate Meg's Restorative Yoga classes - I have multiple sclerosis, and she has expertise in working with people with MS, but her Restorative classes seem like they would be great for anyone who needs some active relaxation. But in the other classes I attended as well, I definitely felt comfortable with the instructors and not at all like it was a problem when I wasn't able to continue standing poses for the full duration or other stuff like that.
So, I feel really lucky to have moved to a new place just a few blocks away from the Yoga Loft! -
Review from Alexis B.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2008
Great studio and great teachers even if my previous yoga knowledge is limited to the classes taught at 24 hr fitness. Plus close to home.
The first time me and Mel (roommate and buddy) came we had no clue what was up. We had decided in fit of much needed centering and perspective on life (but for very different reasons) that we should take up yoga. We came for the Wednesday night class that was supposed to be levels 1-3 Iyengar and at the front desk were greeted with "are you here for Karl's class?"
Me: "Uhhh I guess. We are here for the yoga that starts with an I"
Front desk guy: "Ok, yeah $16 please and fill out this form"
One star for not laughing in my face.
It was kinda funny how cult-y everyone was about "Karl's class" but we soon found out why. He's freaking awesome. We walked out all centered and mellow and ready to go to bed. We walked by the Fly and thought "How can you people be putting that poison into your bodies?!" and then chuckled at the fact that Karl makes you feel so good, that he will make you forget that you too were putting that poison in your body just three days ago. Ha ha ha...
Loved it so much I went right home and bought a beginners series class at the Loft that evening. How's that for a vote of confidence!Listed in: Da Hood!
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Review from Jul P.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2007
Dear Yoga Loft,
You make me want to come to a 1.5 hour session and work hAAAAArd. So hard in fact that I can't focus on anything around me for all the sweat that is pouring into and burning my eyes. Nobody else has been able to do that (well, except my parents during the piano lessons phase). I don't have buns of steel yet and my abs are still on the fluffy side, but that's not your fault nor your perogative.
And really, I go to classes (Jennifer's on days when I can take some punishment, Sabine's when I'm looking for some excellent restorative, and Heidi's for special attention) because I leave feeling collected and knowing that my body is still good for more than just walking to work and sitting my butt hinge on a task chair all day long.... -
Review from Gretchen T.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2006
I've been here for both yoga classes and for big yoga-nerd parties (Bhakti Yoga Sunsplash) and I think it's a very sweet, together yoga space. If you are looking for a break from big, heated, high-energy classes with loud music and a line around the block, then this might be a nice respite.
Mind you, I love sweaty-loud-fun yoga, but some days I need a peaceful-restorative-intimate practice. Geoffrey Roniger's classes at Yoga Loft are just the ticket. He is Iyengar-trained but has created a well-paced, safe, flowing class that still pays close attention to alignment. He also typically has a theme that runs through each class, focusing on opening the hips, for example, or working toward expanding the back body to bring our culture's typically forward-leaning posture back into balance.
The size of the rooms is just right, with good light and ventilation, and the environment is definitely more meditative than social. It has a sweet location on Divis, just blocks away from Herbivore for breakfast after a nice Sunday class. Parking stinks, so ride your bike over! ;)
Om Namah Shivaya!Listed in: Your Yoga Digest
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Review from Lindsay H.
Seattle, WA
8/8/2010
I am not a yogo guru, nor am I an advanced student by any means. I want a yoga class that I leave feeling restored, rejuvenated and alive. I don't want too much spiritual chanting and new age speak (some can be okay) but rather a focus on being self-aware and listening to your body. I don't want to feel intimidated or looked down on if I can't do a headstand or know the difference between a utkatasana and uttanasana. Yoga Loft is a place where you can find the practice that works just for you.
Both studios are large and airy. I don't like doing yoga in a stuffy room. I've taken several different classes with various instructors. All were good, but I keep finding myself in Josh Gottleib's Recession Vinyasa class for $10! Josh is very good about working within each student's limits and never tries to push them beyond what they can handle. He still offers a challenging, interesting and well rounded class though and I always leave feeling completely renewed. I like that the classes are never super crowded and always manage to get enough one-on-one instruction to improve the poses.
Definitely my favorite studio in the city. -
Review from amelia m.
San Francisco, CA
7/12/2010
I adore this yoga studio. There is something so iconically San Francisco about the space- high ceilings and crown molding I feel like I am practicing in an old palace or theatre.
I have practiced with Karen, Marni, and Kate. Each class has been massively informative and spiritual. Classes are also not packed to the gils so so the studio always seems calm and intimate. You are actually seen and heard by your teachers.
I would never go anywhere else. -
Review from Claire S.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2007
First I must declare the awesomeness of ROPE WALLS!
Not only do they enable you to therapeutically stretch your body in all sorts of ways you couldn't do on your own, they are fun.
I attempt to come to class early to stretch out the endless tension in my shoulders. Ahhhhh.........
I like the Iyengar instructors here especially Athena & Karl =)
They don't have as many class package options or flexibility as other studios. And it can be a bit crowded when two classes merge in the lobby especially on the weekends. Bring all valuables inside the classroom with you.
Other than that, I highly recommend this studio and trying out Iyengar if you've been doing Vinyasa for awhile.Listed in: Pass the tissues, we've all…
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Review from Sarah C.
San Francisco, CA
1/10/2008
I have so much gratitude for The Yoga Loft. I have been practicing yoga for eight years, have been a student at most of the other yoga studios in San Francisco, and I can sincerely say that my experiences at the The Loft continue to surpass all other yoga experiences. This studio is different because it leaves out the commercialism, competition, and pretension.
The instructors at The Loft get it. Instruction is methodical and detailed, not rushed and sloppy as I have seen and other studios. The result is pure bliss every time. Jane Dobson, Jennifer Rodrigue, and Jason Crandell are my faves, but the other teachers are equally competent and down to earth.
I feel obliged to comment on the dog hair mention by Missy M. It is true that one of the owners has an extremely well behaved and mellow dog who is sometimes present at the studio, however I have never seen any dog hair there. Furthermore, this studio neither smells like dog, nor like sweat as heated studios do. I can't imagine that Missy M's experience is based in the reality that the rest of us live in. I'm a bit of a germophobe myself - The Yoga Loft is clean. -
Review from Meredith R.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2007
Anne Saliou's back-care class truly saved my life. After being diagnosed with a degenerative disc disorder and fearing I'd become out of shape and addicted to painkillers (neither happened), her class offered me a light at the end of the tunnel.
I now do many of the poses I learned in her class in my own home while taking classes on the side (but at a studio closer to my home). I will always be thankful for Anne- a positive, sensitive, motivating woman. I recommend anyone with back issues to take her class. It was the best $200 I ever spent on my health. -
Review from liesel r.
San Francisco, CA
5/14/2007
Anne Saliou's neck and back care classes are AWESOME! She has taught me how to take myself out of pain.
Anne's class has helped me more than physical therapy, accupuncture, chiropractic, and pain pills.
Anne's classes are small and taught with an assistant so you get a lot of individual attention. Anne takes great care to ensure that you are doing the pose correctly and not in pain.
I highly recommend this class to anyone experiencing back problems. -
Review from Hella M.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2008
As a newbie to yoga I was scared that I would be engulfed by chanting hippies and teachers appropriating Indian culture. But, I've come to looove my yoga practices.
Jennifer, Geoffrey and Lexi are wonderful Vinyasa teachers (I haven't tried many others yet). I just leave class with my body feeling "like butter," as teacher Jenn would say. There is very little hippiness, rather it is all about becoming aware of your body. It just feels so good that your mind is totally distracted from the TOUGH workout you are giving your body. I've found that it opens up and clears my mind, regulates my stomach issues, straightens my posture and lengthens my spine and limbs...and just tones my body overall. Like butta!
if you were like me and totally wary of yoga, i say this is a great place to go for it! -
Review from Jimmy F.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2008
This place seems like the real deal. I tried an Iyengar class here, maybe a little too early on in my yoga career, because a lot of it seemed to go over my head... or was it under my sit-bones? Maybe if I went back now I'd get more benefit from it, now that I've learned about riding the edges and all that good yoga stuff.
The instructor was very good and it had a nice sort of feedback-oriented feel, like more... um... workshoppy. I just kept my mouth shut and did the best I could.
It's a really nice well-equipped studio, pleasant ambiance, lovely large high-ceiling studio rooms. My only complaint was that the floorboards were really creaky! It's kind of a pet peeve of mine, because it's totally fixable. All you have to do is tear up the entire floor and re-lay it...Listed in: Go Yoga
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Review from Jen I.
Updated - 11/25/2008
If you're really looking to get off the Merry Go Round, you know, stop the world, get out of your head and forget about everything for a little while...
Go to Meg's Restorative Class on Sunday nights.
Be prepared to do the work though. For some people, its hard to shut their brain off, but shut it off for an hour and come out of class feeling like you've had 8 hours of sleep every night of your entire adult life.Listed in: Where I go to steal prana, My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2007
I started going to the Yoga Loft at the urging of a neighborhood friend. Being awkward and out of… Read more »
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Review from LaLa B.
New York, NY
9/9/2009
This is a very special place, the rooms are beautiful and clean. The wall ropes are divine.
If you are looking for lots of chanting and incense, this is not the place (whew!). It's not as cheap as other places, but I think it's worth it. YL is owned by two ex-East coast women who know their yoga and focus on the best teaching possible. Both lovely, kind and smart.
Geoffrey & Karl are my favorites. Anne has a serious neck and back care class which I went to after a bad neck injury, really helped. Jason's class is very popular, but I avoid his class, I think it's way too dangerous for a mid-level yogi (full back bend from standing? yikes).
Mid-day/off-hours are when their recent yoga training grads usually teach, so it can be a mixed bag -
Review from Alli J.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2010
So far this is my favorite yoga studio in the city. It certainly helps that it's within walking distance from my apartment, but I would definitely travel to come to one of Jason Crandell's classes. He is such an intelligent, insightful teacher, who seems to genuinely care about his students. I wish he taught more classes at Yoga Loft. Really, he's that good.
I haven't taken any classes from Geoffrey or Karl yet but I hear they're also wonderful. Jennifer is also a wonderful teacher. It's nice to focus on asanas and not just rush through a vinyasa. Her classes are very focused and thoughtful.
Side note: it's a huge pet peeve of mine for people to yap really loudly before or after yoga class in the hallway while others are in class. If you're planning on coming here or already do, can you please not talk so loud? Be thoughtful! You don't want people making tons of noise when you're trying to concentrate, why would you want to squawk around and do that to others? Think about it. -
Review from Sarcastic T.
San Francisco, CA
4/4/2009
First class today! I attended Athena's Iyengar class and wasn't sure what to expect. It's been years since I was in a yoga class and wasn't in the mood for pretentious people around me.
The class was super! Athena seems to there to help when you really needed but doesn't coddle you. The other folks in the class were low-key and nice - but they weren't chatty and trying to strike up a major new friendship during yoga class - which is exactly what I was looking for!
I've signed up for my next classes and really look forward to working out some of the imbalance in my body! -
Review from catherine c.
Emeryville, CA
5/9/2008
Great place. Really large, well lit studios and excellent teachers. All of the teachers that I have been to remembered my name from the first class on, and they are really popular teachers with full classes. I appreciate that they have Iyengar classes, taught by experienced techers. I've started going to Jason Crandell's Vinyasa classes, and they're awesome, definitely among the best in the city.
The place is clean, they have lots and lots of props and it's very convenient to where I live. -
Review from Patrick D.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2008
Yoga Loft rocks! Knowledgeable and friendly instructors (my regulars have been Jennifer, Geoffrey, and Jane) who are practitioners of the heart and soul as well as the body.
And there something about the high ceilings, wooden floors, and large windows which add a spaciousness and warmth to the yoga rooms.
I started out doing Iyengar at the Yoga Loft, which was a great way to reacquaint myself the foundations of of alignment. After about a year switched to Vinyasa flow, which seems to be a better fit for where I am now, it has a meditative quality for me. (It's of course good that they offer both).
Overall, after leaving a session at the Yoga Loft you feel great! -
Review from John R.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2011
I love this studio. Its beautiful and charming. Jason Crandell's classes are fantastic and I highly recommend them (except they can be very busy from time to time).
I also appreciate that this studio really tries to offer a broad and diverse range of yoga and body classes. Good job. -
Review from Tricia K.
Ann Arbor, MI
8/4/2011
I bought the google offers deal for 5 classes. I really like the instructor Ana marie, the class sizes are really small, today there was only 4 of us. This allows for plenty of corrections in alignment and general tips for practicing yoga. They offer great rental mats and have good props. The only con is the small size mirror in one of the studios, I need a mirror to check my posture, so that's the only reason my rating was less than 5 :)
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Review from Robyn R.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2007
I heart the Yoga Loft. I was initially attracted to the sandwich board out front with a picture of Floyd, a white (yellow) lab who looks like a mini version of my lab, Monkey, resting his head on two yoga blocks. What self-respecting yogi dog dork can resist that kind of advertising? Not this one.
I've been going there for over a year now, and I love it. I'm there about 3 times a week, and something isn't right in my world when I skip yoga. I take regular classes with Geoffery Roniger, who is a definite healer, really invested in his students, and funny. He's made at least one Fletch reference in class. Nothing in life should be taken too seriously, not even your inner peace.
I also take the Yoga for Neck and Back Care series with Anne Saliou. She is a genius. She developed the plan with B.K.S Iyengar, having studied with him extensively. If you have any kind of neck and/or back problems, Anne can help you.
One of my personal Yoga Loft highlights was when Floyd stayed with me over the winter holidays. My house was filled with so much white lab cuteness it almost made me throw up a little bit in my mouth. -
Review from Jennifer P.
San Francisco, CA
9/11/2006
Wow, a non-restaurant review, never thought I'd be inspired to do that. This was my first yoga experience, and boy was I skeptical... not exactly the incense/ vegan/ chanting sort of person, if you know what I mean. But my chiropractor insisted, so I went. Luckily I stumbled on Jonathan Reynolds' class of "meditation vinyasa" and have been hooked ever since. It's a fabulous combination of sweaty exercises and frightful introspection that leaves me feeling improved in so many ways. When he tells us to sink deeper into Warrior 2 for the 4th time in a row, he follows it up with, "That's right- Warrior 2 is back, just like that same guy you keep dating with different names; it will keep returning until you LEARN something from it." And if that doesn't resonate with every one of us enough to make you sink that front knee deeper, then I don't know what will.
And then there's Floyd, the resident yellow Labrador, to console your sore body and soul when you stumble back out...
I must agree that it is crazy crowded on the weekends, but I think they all are... I always go to M/W/F classes, 9:30, and there has never been more than 10 people there, usually more like 5.... -
Review from kristen l.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2005
I went there for the first time and I don't know if it was the weird time or the excessive afternoon heat but I had the whole class to myself. It was my own private yoga instructor for $13 bucks or whatever it was. I am sore as hell today so I guess it was a good run.
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Review from tara s.
San Francisco, CA
8/5/2008
why this place makes my heart happy:
warm honey colored rooms
brilliant teachers (I'm talking about Jason and Karl but I am sure there are many more I have not tried)
very cool + inclusive owners+desk jockeys
class passes that NEVER expire
drinking water with rocks in it (tastes sooo good)
see?! -
Review from Jennifer S.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2005
A great place to practice yoga.
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Review from R T.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2007
I highly recommend the Vinyasa classes - especially those taught by Jennifer, Jane, Jason, and Geoffrey. I not only get a great workout, but also become more focused and clear headed from the classes. I've also tried Iyengar with Sabine which was a great way to add something different into the mix.
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Review from Zoe F.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2010
I'm so in love with Josh Gottlieb - and not just because he's gorgeous with a deep voice. No, he's a great instructor (really). He's an instructor who came to yoga in the way I did: with tight hips and shortened hamstrings from biking (in his case; running in mine). He takes so much time to demonstrate the proper way to get into and out of poses, and show alternatives. He is always quick to point out "Hey, it took me two years to be able to do this, here's how it might look if you're just starting." Take his classes!
I also took a ropes workshop here recently with Betti Roi, who was amazing. Lord, please let me age like her, and be as flexible and patient.
Great instructors, great facility, and VERY reasonable prices. GO GO GO! Get your yoga (and yoga crushes!) on! -
Review from Missy M.
Highland Park, CA
11/10/2007
Dog hair. All over the floor. Couldn't bend / reach down without smelling it or looking at it. Gross place.
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Review from fallyn s.
Brooklyn, NY
8/15/2008
Such an amazing place. This is where I fell in love with yoga. Such a great ambiance with real, good people who work there. I go to Jennifer and Jane's class and both are amazing. I've been to other teachers who are excellent as well.
Never had a bad experience in my two years of going.
Best yoga in sf for sure -
Review from Joyce G.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2010
If you're not into Iyengar, this isn't the studio for you.
