Yoga Mob

Elite '08

38

55

Meave G.

San Francisco, CA

Best yoga ever. Why? Several reasons.

First, because it's donation-based, meaning we broke-ass people can still benefit from yoga without having to commit hundreds of dollars and months of time.

Second, because it's unpretentious. No incense, no anointing with oil, no exclusively in Sanskrit instruction. This last point is especially pertinent, because when you're in a vinyasa class and you don't understand any of the names of the poses you're supposed to be flowing into, it sorta turns your stream of yoga into a sprinkler set on "random."

Credentials: I took several yoga classes when I was living in Germany, where even my basic vocabulary was limited, and by the end of the first class I understood what to do better than I did the last time I took a class from some Sanskrit-happy instructor in the city.

Third, both the instructors I've taken classes with are very good. Jonathan Reynolds did some chanting and meditation at the end of class, which I was dreading, but his explanation of basic meditation was so clear and simple that I actually got it. Now I use it when I have panic attacks, and hey look it works.

Katy Bell is really nice and personable, as well as a very good instructor. She explains the poses in a way that allows you to better correct yourself, and although she seems to be winging it through class, at the end you realize you've done some solid, all-body work.

Lastly, it is not Power Yoga for Losing Eight Hundred Calories an Hour, Your Ass Could Be Tighter You Know, Jiggly. I don't come to yoga to compete for stretchiest, strongest, thinnest, prettiest, best dressed, or for anything at all, and I don't care to concern myself with calories or the tightness of my ass. I'm no hippie, but turning yoga into another fitness beauty pageant is a terrible thing to do to something that should bring a person peace and inner quiet.

They're out on a six-week break as of yesterday, tragically, but they will come back! And so will I.

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Elite '08

47

152

Megan K.

San Francisco, CA

With drop-in rates for yoga classes at upwards of $20 a class, Yoga Mob is a refreshing breath of fresh air. Yoga Mob offers donation-based yoga, in the spirit of making yoga affordable and accessible to the community. I second the recommendation of teacher Jonathan Reynolds. Jonathan effectively weaves meditation through a physical, flowing yoga practice. His vinyasa classes fit a variety of levels,  but regardless of your experience level, Jonathan's classes will challenge your mindfulness, encouraging you to stay present in each moment of the class.

I haven't been able to get to Yoga Mob as much as I'd like, but I encourage everyone to try out a class there if you get the chance. Yoga Mob is looking to have a permanent space and expand its offerings in the future, which can only mean more good things to come. You can find out more at the Yoga Mob website and also sign-up to receive their newsletter about class schedules and events.

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4

33

Maria T.

Foster City, CA

I love Yoga Mob!  I discovered Yoga Mob about 2 years ago.  It's a donation based yoga based in 2 different locations.  One on Capp Street and one at the Precita Center @ 534 Precita Ave.  I usually go to the one on Capp Street taught by Jonathan Reynolds.  He is an awesome instructor and I just love how I feel after going to his classes.  I feel a sense of renewed energy and walk out with this sense of "high".  I find myself in a great mood and I take the practice out with me.  This is a class for all levels.

Anyway, we start the practice with a short meditation where we check in with our breath and sit in silence.  Then we chant -- you just hear so much passion in the way Jonathan chants.  We chant in the beginning and at the end of our practice.  I LOVE the chants!  He talks throughout the practice to help us become mindful of our intention, what's happening in our bodies -- where we're holding our tension and  how to let go of the tension.  But most importantly, he teaches us to be present to the moment.  He frequently talks about how what happened earlier in the day has passed and is no longer and what we have is the opportunity to be mindful -- to pay attention to what is happening "now".  So if we're bored then we're not really living, because if we are really paying attention then we notice the intricacies of the moment and become so interested in what is happening in our bodies.  I love the spiritual aspect of these yoga sessions.  He is completely present with his students and he does a great job of going around the room to help with adjustments when necessary.  Since going to his classes, my perspective on frustrating or stressful situations have shifted.  I now see these moments as gifts for me to pay attention rather than something negative.  That's not to say that I don't still get frustrated or stressed out, but I can better manage these moments.    

Sadly, it's kinda of a trek to make it out to the city so I haven't been getting out there consistently as I'd like to.  It just seems easier to go down the street to practice at the PJCC and I really like 2 of the instructors there.  Jonathan is now in India so I'll look forward to his return in July to yogamob.  Addition: 7/2/07 - I don't think that Jonathan has returned to his previous location.  Check out his website for his most current teaching schedule:  http://www.learningtol....  

I have also been to Katy Bell's class once.  She's also an awesome instructor.  She knows the regulars by name and with newcomers she asks their names and addresses them by their names during the class.  Her style is Iyengar.  I like Iyengar as well and she is great about making sure that everyone gets into the asanas safely and properly.  She provides modifications or what to do for more of a challenge.  She is very personable and down to earth.  If you are looking for an Iyengar practice, I would highly recommend going to her class.  

btw... their website is:  www.yogamob.org

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