Yoga Garden
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Sat-Sun 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. - Good for Kids: No
7 reviews
Neighborhood: Parkside
"Over 30 years of experience - one of the first Iyengar places in the US. I'd recommend their 4 week Introductory Course if you're looking…" read more »
29 Reviews for Yoga Garden
I just tried this yoga studio for the first time, and compared to the other couple I've been to this place is awesome. There were only two of us in the class, which is vastly different from being crammed three inches away from the person next to you and never seeing the teacher at all. Feeling like you're doing the poses correctly is nice, and I definitely felt great after the class. Managed to accomplish a few things that surprised me. Everyone was friendly, and the studio/space is gorgeous and peaceful. I'll definitely be back.
This lovely little place is around the corner from me. I went a few Sundays ago to Lucas Murgida's class. He definitely asked what I needed to work on and tailored the class towards that. Including the tres uncomfortable arm-against-wall move (grumble grumble) but I suppose its what I needed since my back felt stretchy and good for the next 3 days!
Its Iyengar- so this isn't sweaty power yoga. This is about perfecting your poses and not hurtin yo'self.
They got blocks, mats, ceiling swingy thing, handstand wall, everything you'd ever want in a little yoga studio in a cozy space.
Quick update: Got a very kind note from the director because of my review. Previously I was torn between 3 & 4 stars (half star request number 2346) but customer service goes a long way in my view. Bump to 4 stars.
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After my happy time at the Loft I thought would try out the Garden as well. And before trying it I bought 10 sessions. Yes I am a dumbass.
But you see I was all excited because they have a beginners class on Tuesday evenings around 8 or so and I thought perfect! I can totally get home in time for that and change, maybe have a quick snack so I'm not starving.
I won't be going back to that class though. It isn't really a beginners class. At least not what I would consider "beginner" because doing handstands within a half hour of start of class was not something I was remotely prepared to do. Sorry but there will be no handstands for me for a loooong time.
But I have tried other classes and the teachers there are good. and the studio is intimate which is nice. To be updated once I run through my remaining 8 sessions and see if other classes are equally as misleading.
*sniffle with disappointment*
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Great place. Both David & Brian make sure you do all the poses right. It really helps me stretch & relax my muscles after a hard work out. People who take classes are friendly. The atmosphere is comfortable, quiet, and supportive.
I've tried many studios before. Yoga Garden is by far the best.
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This is the best yoga studio I have been to in the city. They really focus on making sure the students know the poses and are benefitting from the practice as a whole. There are evening classes that start at 8:00 p.m. which is great for those of us who work late. Now there is no excuse to miss it. There is also a very easy online booking system and they even emailed me to say I only had one class left in my series!
Dudes. !!!
Yoga Garden rocks my trailer. So far I love everything about it. I just went to their studio for the first time tonight and I was really hoping for radness. Radness happily found, thank you. It has been the biggest effing headache for me to find a yoga studio I actually like. I mean ACTUALLY like. Not just the usual "I enjoyed my workout thing", but the whole sha'naynay. My experience as a whole was quite satisfying and had me jazzed well after class was over.
I have tried many many yoga studios but I can't say that any of them were memorable, and the one that particularly stands out in my mind is not memorable for good reasons.
So I get to Yoga Garden for the (newly added to the schedule) 8pm class... perfect for me and my schedule... and arrive at the front gate. Love at first sight! Seriously a place that is private?! I really hate it when studios have windows facing the street with no blinds or shades; SO distracting when people watch in from outside! So yeah, they don't have this type of set-up in the slightest. Their studio is actually at the back of the building so it is QUIET and relaxing and wonderful. Lots of natural light and the walkway and decorations are damn cute too.
Who ever said that size matters was a genius. Yoga Garden is small therefore I don't feel like a sheep. I actually felt like the instructor would know I were there if the class were bigger. Oh yeah, did I mention the fact that I was the only one in class?! Basically I got a private session! Booyah.
This brings me to the instructor, Alex. It's kind of funny that my first "class" turned out to be an individualized session; I found it so interesting and useful to be able to ask questions and go into the "why" factor about what we were doing. We focused on my understanding of poses, how to do them correctly (or at least try to!), what the goal in practice with each of those poses is, and how those particular poses would help some chronic pain I have. Alex was super patient with me and very explanatory with my questions. He was so nice to work with and has solidified my future Wednesday evening plans... I'll be here doing yoga in his class, thanks. I'll try the other instructors too but I'm already a bit partial since tonight was so fresh.
david & marisa have the special quality of creating magical spaces around them. after entering the heavy wooden doors you wander down a path surrounded by flowing water and peaceful gardens until you arrive in a homey comfortable yoga studio filled with roped walls and all the best yoga props you could ever think of in your divine imagination. they have extremely high iyengar standards so you will only find highly gifted teachers. marisa is the rock star yoga teacher for pre & post partum women. she is sweet, caring & very nurturing. david nelson happens to be my favorite for an intense soul searching work out. he understands the finite link from muscle to tendon to breath and will help you discover that link within.
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The first time I did Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog) in David Nelson's class was the first time I ever felt that i did the pose correctly. Perhaps this was because I had never taken an Iyengar class before, but it was most likely because of David's amazing attention to detail and ability to simply communicate the exact way you should adjust your body to correctly do each pose. He has an ideal balance of patience and firmness. If you have a hard time with a pose, he will take the time to show you modifications to do it correctly, despite your limitations, and doesn't let you give up.
The studio is small, but not cramped. I have taken classes with as many as 20 students and have always felt I had enough space. It is also quiet, despite the fact that it is on Divisidero. The other students tend to be older than I am, but they are always friendly, and if you go there frequently enough, you really start to feel like you are part of a community.
No matter what sort of day I've had, I know I can always take a class at The Yoga Garden and leave feeling stress-free and restored.
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ZERO stars! Rude couple that run the place, below average pre-natal classes (seriously, do not believe the reviewers here who give 5 stars....they are likely friends of the owners). I bought a series of classes and let them expire because I took my practice elsewhere. I hope this changes, but I found both of the owners/teachers to be rude and unaccommodating to their patrons.
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Iyengar Yoga is my favorite style of yoga. Each teacher that I have had here has been very good in the way that they all communicate their instructions and give adjustments to the poses.
The space is bright and the props that they provide are clean. Everytime I enter the wooden gate and step into the front garden, I get terribly happy that I am going to learn about my body. The fact that they offer passes is great, because I can choose to go to one teacher repeatedly or go to various teachers as my schedule permits.
I highly recommend Brian Hogencamp, Dana Hale, Octavia Morgan and David Nelson. They each have their own personalities but are true to the Iyengar method of teaching. I can hear my first teacher's voice in theirs sometimes.
ps- They have alot of support for mommies and mommies to be in the form of pre&post natal yoga, as well as parenting-related classes. I think it's great that this part of yogagarden exists, I really admire the owner's commitment to their family and the community.
This is where I started doing yoga, and it's where I'll continue to do yoga every week for the forseeable future, because Yoga Garden has spoiled me: I can't stand the classes anywhere else. (Mostly.) The Crunch gym, for example, has the thumpa-thumpa background music and you're more or less left to figure out the asanas on your own. Never again.
By contrast, Yoga Garden feels safe and homey. It's unassuming and unpretentious. It's a tangibly positive space, from the big wooden door out on Divisadero, through the garden (expect to duck beneath ferns) on back to the studio proper. There's a waiting area carpeted with jute or sisal or something similar, which feels amazing on bare feet. There are snacks and yoga props for sale. There are changing rooms. There are mats provided, so it's no big deal if you forget yours.
What really makes this place, though, is the quality of instruction. I've taken classes with Octavia Morgan, Marisa Toriggino, David Nelson, Janet Um, and Heather Donnell, and I would recommend them all. The faculty at Yoga Garden are caring, attentive, and intuitive. (They're also strict in their own way, but I understand this to be normal for Iyengar yoga. Personally, I respond well to strict.)
For those new to yoga, I recommend the Yoga 101 introductory series in particular. It was probably one of the more valuable courses I've taken in my life, and not a bad deal to boot.
I can't give this place less than five stars. 'Nuff said.
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A great place for prenatal and postnatal yoga. Marisa's classes helped keep me strong and flexible so that I could birth that baby successfully. The other instructors are fantastic as well. They are all very well trained and versed in the Iyengar tradition. The studio is bright and airy and it's just a wonderful place to learn and practice.
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My favorite Yoga place in town!
If you are serious about Iyengar you have to at least try one class out - you will never want to go anywhere else again!! Everybody is so knowledgeable, nice and compassionate about Yoga. And the classes are held in a smaller, personal studio which I especially loved. I went to David Nelson and Brian Hogencamps classes and I can't say anything but good things about these teachers!
It is an inspiring place to be!
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Nice space; good, caring, competent teachers. This is Iyengar yoga, and there are classes for all levels and all times during the day. They even have prenatal and postnatal, plus seminars on special issues (arms & upper back) pranayama, etc.
I am glad to support a small business. Plus, this place has 0 attitude.
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I signed up at Yoga Garden a couple weeks ago after doing a search for yoga studios online. I decided to try out their intro to yoga series, which includes 4 introductory classes and 2 regular classes for a reasonable $60, and was happy to find that I could sign up and pay online, hassle-free, in about 5 minutes.
The studio itself is both quiet and very relaxing - something hard to come by on Divisadero - and pleasantly small, but not cramped.
But I bet you want to know what the intro to yoga classes are like? They're brilliant. The instructor, Octavia, asks everyone about any physical problems before each class, and makes sure to individually accommodate anyone who's having trouble. She takes the time to explain everything in detail, so you know how each pose is supposed to be done and the effect it's supposed to accomplish. And then just to make sure, she'll come around an adjust you if she doesn't think something looks quite right.
The whole class is incredibly relaxing, and I always feel 100% better coming out than I did going in. It's only the next day that the sore muscles kick in, and I discover that I was actually really working all those muscles! ;) But it's never a bad soreness, so I always know that I wasn't overworked.
I'm going to my third intro class this coming Sunday, and one more after that. I'll be sure to post an update after I've attended a regular class!
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I attended my first class at Yoga Garden this past weekend and I am impressed. My interest in the place was initially piqued by the big wooden doors....and the promise of something very relaxing and calm behind it. Indeed, once you walk through the doors and down the steps towards the studio, it's like you have been transported away from the busy street that is Divis. The place is very organized, both in the interior space, as well as how they communicate with students in the virtual realm. I perused their class list online, signed up and immediately received welcome and information emails. Once I arrived (on a Sunday morning, in a rather sad state from the night before), I was shown around and introduced to the teacher. I especially like all the classes and resources available for pre and post natal yoga. I'm looking forward to more classes!
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I'm mixed about this place. On the one hand, I took a prenatal class once a week throughout my pregnancy so it was obviously a good experience. On the other, there's a definite bias for home births here and you can feel less than adequate if you're having your baby in a hospital. Try out the different teachers to find one that works for you.
I am amazed that Chris S. finds the couple that owns and runs the Yoga Garden rude. They are what brought me to the Yoga Garden to start with. I work in the neighborhood, and I see them often with their two girls. They are warm and friendly, and the pre and post-natal yoga classes with Marissa are fantastic (not intimidating either).
I am a huge fan of the post-natal class. I bring my baby boy along. There is a blanket with toys set up for the little ones to play on. The babies can play there or hang out with mom. It is really set up for moms to feel comfortable and at ease with their babies nearby. If I couldn't bring my baby, I wouldn't be able to do yoga. I am very grateful for this class.
The studio and clean, bright and warm. Props, blankets and yoga mats are provided. The practice is challenging, and Marissa works with each student individually. She encourages dialogue in the classroom.
I think this is a treasure for new moms. Thanks guys!
I have been studying with David Nelson at Yoga Garden for about 3 years. I have been studying mostly Iyengar yoga on and off for 15 years. I've seen lots of teachers and David Nelson is one of the best.
David is energetic, precise and articulate. He brings great depth of knowledge to both the asanas and the philosophy of yoga. He generally runs a brisk class that does not get bogged down in too much talking. His pacing is excellent and he works hard to carry themes across multiple classes - not an easy task in the drop-in format.
I have taken a few classes here and there with other teachers at Yoga Garden and have never had a disappointing experience.
The school is clean and inviting and run efficiently. And it's always nice to walk through the small garden.
in a business that has become commercial and gimmicky, yoga garden of san francisco is the real thing. it is solid, passionate instruction in the fundamentals of yoga. it is a warm and fun community. it is a clean, well lighted place to open yourself up and explore the maze of asana.
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Marissa is an amazing yoga instructor, whom I have used for prenatal and post-natal yoga for both of my kids. With my first pregnancy, I remember attending but not listening or practicing as closely and thus not deriving as much from the yoga classes. With all things in life, you get the kind of energy you put into yoga. Marissa is also a great source of information for all things perinatal.
David is also an excellent instructor, as I have gotten to the point where I only have time for a private once in a while.
Simple and tranquil atmosphere in a unique garden path to the studio.
All of that said, if you don't like iyengar (or more sassily termed furniture yoga) skip it. I find iyengar forgiving for those who are not yet in shape or flexible enough to hold advanced poses while giving one the benefit of the advanced poses.
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A cute studio, but very expensive for what you get. There are better studios in the city.
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Easily one of the best lineup's of Iyengar Yoga teaches in San Francisco.
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This is a great studio. It feels like a refuge when you walk in from the street. The studio has all the props you need. And it's a great crowd.
It has a very intimate feel to it and supportive teachers. I highly recommend this studio.
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There are very few places in San Francisco where you find such enthusiastic, caring, dedicated Iyengar yoga teachers.
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I would not recommend this place to any pregnant woman who has prior yoga experience. The metal folding chair props has earned this style the nickname "furniture yoga". The teacher talked down to the women in an effort to hyper control the class. It got to the point where i felt i was in 8th grade again-- I'm a grown woman I know how to ommm.
The worst prenatal yoga class I have been to yet. Actually so bad it was pretty funny.
I gave them a star for the beautful building.
you ever notice that big wooden door on divisadero just downhill from Haight Street? i dunno what was there before, but now it's a Yoga Studio!
this is an all-Iyengar studio that's just getting started. the studio space itself is not terribly large, but they've got lots of props, including a wall of ropes, and those really cool back bendy bench things. the relatively small space means that it's highly unlikely that classes will ever get very big, which is good for Iyengar style.
the founders (also yoga teachers), who also started castro yoga, are very much involved and personally running things. they're super nice, and are trying to create a really great space.
they're using some of the same online tools that Yoga Tree uses, making it super easy to buy classes online and register and all that.
check em out =)
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I have taken prenatal yoga classes at the Yoga Garden for the past 9 months until the birth of our daughter two weeks ago, and I am also planning on attending their postnatal classes. During my pregnancy, I have found the Yoga Garden to be a safe haven of relaxation and community. The staff and teachers (especially Osha, Courtney, Marisa, and David) are very knowledgeable, personeable, and great teachers. They also do a great job introducing newcomers to the practice of yoga. I highly recommend the studio!
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