- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Yoga Tree Stanyan
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Massage, Yoga [Edit]
780 Stanyan St(between Waller St & Beulah St)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhoods: Cole Valley, Haight-Ashbury
(415) 387-4707
- Hours:
Mon, Wed 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
Tue, Thu 9 am - 9:30 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 9 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Joyce L. said: "I have been coming here for therapeutic massages since 2009 as a way to manage my achy body sustained from flat feet, desk work and sporting strains. I experimented with other therapeutic massage places in SF earlier but this is now my…" read more »
104 reviews for Yoga Tree Stanyan
104 reviews in English
-
Review from Aditya b.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2011
I love this place - this is the best yoga studio I have found in San Francisco so far.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS:
Sean Haleen
Sean's poses are always interesting and he's a warm, attentive teacher. His classes are great stress relievers and pick-me-uppers. He also says strange stuff: "lift your chest into your thumbs", for example...but it's exactly what I need to hear.
All three teach intense classes and are very good. Tim plays great music. Jeremi makes sure every student gets individual attention.
Diego del Sol
You can simulate Diego's classes at your own home. Can you do downward dog? Great! Now hold the pose for 5 minutes. Can you do a triangle pose? Great...hold it for 5 minutes. The upshot of this is that Diego gives every student a lot of personal attention. He is also a genius at figuring out exactly where your pose is wrong and how you can correct it. I go to his classes to fix my form, but I have "fuck, why did I do this" moments throughout the class.
Charu Rachlis
Charu is incredible. Her classes are packed for a reason: she's the best teacher here. If you don't care about fancy poses or techniques and just want some solid yoga, take her class. Be on time though, otherwise you'll be locked out for the first
15 minutes.
Honorable mention to Jeremi McManus, Lauren Slater, Tim Floreen: all excellent yoga teachers.
Other tips:
- Going on a weekend? It's going to be packed. Be prepared for 1.5 hours of trying not to hit your neighbor. Weekday mornings or evenings are better.
- Get a mat. They rent mats for $1, but you might as well bring in a piece of cardboard...those mats are awful.
- It's not hot yoga, but the heat is turned up. Be ready to sweat. -
Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012 3 Check-ins Here
This is my absolute favorite place for yoga. The teachers are some of the best in the country and we are lucky to have them here in SF. I highly recommend Lauren ( she has a dance background) if you like a more playful teacher, not to be confused with easy. I also love Aerial's (she is also a therapist so she's very nurturing) classes, Sean (who has great stories) classes are very unique and definitely fun! I have also taken Jeremy who was very helpful and corrected my poses.
The studio is awesome and I love the clouds and candles burning the yoga room. I wish I could afford to do yoga here everyday! Definitely give this studio a try you will feel wonderful! ;-) -
Review from Jollie Katrinanne U.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012
I loved Yoga Tree! The inside is great, and the class warms up fast! Great staff behind the counter, ready to help and support an out of townie like me! I am not a dedicated yogi, but I went to a Hatha Flow class with Ariel Howland, and it was the most beneficial class I've attended all year. The class was long, and 12 bucks, I highly, highly recommend, Ariel is awesome! And the girls behind the counter rocked! Thank you Yoga Tree! Walk ins are usually welcomed, but some classes you really really need to sign up prior, online...
-
Review from Laura F.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2011
This studio is often crowded to the point of claustrophobia. Teachers are uneven. if you have a recommendation for a particular teacher, great, but avoid high crowd times.
I've often been disturbed that in crowded classes at Yoga Tree the teachers pay no attention whatsoever to individual students' needs, physical issues, and alignment. It's all about muscling through the poses. That's not true of all the teachers, and some are quite good, but again, it's VERY uneven. -
Review from Flora O.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2012
Yoga Tree Stanyan is a great little place to practice Yoga. Its small and sometimes the place is extremly packed, but most teachers are really great!
-
Review from Shaka Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
I have become a regular in Ariel Howland's Tue, Thu (and sometimes Sat) afternoon classes for the past seven months and I can sincerely say it has changed my life. Yoga isn't just about asanas with Ariel, it's about the fusion of the physical practice, a spiritual journey and a deep connection to the somatic manifestations of our emotional experience. This holistic embrace of life-through-yoga has helped me to carry my practice out into the world, something I've never attained with other instructors. Ariel is the real deal.
As for the practice itself, Ariel perfects the balance of adapting to multiple bodies. I've grown much deeper in my practice over the months, yet she still manages to make space for beginners, right next to party-trick, upside-downers. Everyone will sweat! Moreover, her vernacular for corrections is inspired by her deep understanding of anatomy (she's been a dancer her whole like and is a somatic therapist) so when you feel like you aren't getting something, a simple cue and gentle adjustment sends you deeper.
I couldn't recommend Ariel enough, though I'm hesitant to spread the word because I don't want to be overcrowding her classes! -
Review from Bri R.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2011
My fav location so far. The reception area is open and clean. The staff are always sweet and patient. The studio itself is clean as well and more spacious. I have been going to Darren's classes and he is such a great instructor. Highly recommended!
-
Review from Sebastian J.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2011
I have been going to Yoga Tree on/off for past 3 years but started doing regularly (3 X week) since January. I had a knee surgery (acl reconstruction and few other nagging injuries).
It has definitely helped a lot with flexibility and helped me become leaner. I used to be runner so need a class that give same the same high. try Vinayasa class with Elizabeth Rosser or (Lauren Slater or Elise Lorimer at Yoga tree Valencia) You won't be disappointed.
The studio is nice and well maintained. The front desk staff is always helpful. It can get crowded for some of the popular classes but the classes are really worth it. -
Review from gibronandsahar K.
San Francisco, CA
7/31/2011
Very friendly front desk staff and yoga instructors. The instructors actually understand AND teach yoga, which says a lot. Beautiful and clean studio.
I really have enjoyed my yoga classes here, and I look forward to my yoga practice and training and this school.
Om Shanti. -
Review from Andrew Christian C.
San Francisco, CA
6/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I just started going here and I love it. I haven't done yoga in a while and now that I am training for a marathon with Team in Training I decided to get back into it. This place is walking distance to my house, as are about 5 other studios. I chose this place because it seemed to be the most reasonably priced and best of all had a great website where you can book your class before hand, buy the 20$ for 3 classes intro package and reload there on after.
The class itself was pretty full, the waiting room is a bit small with the bathroom only in the studio, so you have to wait for it to be open to use them. This seemed annoying at first but became part of its charm.
The instructor, Pedro, was the best yoga instructor I have ever experienced. He was super advanced and knew how to run the class from beginners to expert. He was very kind, and helped guide my body into the correct positions.
It was an amazing workout with just the right amount of time spent just on breathing and meditation.
I plan on going back tomorrow. -
Review from Polina Y.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2011
Absolutely the best yoga studio in SF.
Every teacher is excellent in his/her own way. I especially recommend Tim Floreen's (he's more suitable for beginners) or Lauren Slater's (she's just great!) Vinyasa classes - both physical, spiritual and fun. Just a little bit pricey for a walk-in, but you can always get into a community class for $13. These 1.5 hours would undoubtedly be the best part of your day!
ps: yes, I do love chanting!
ps2: oh.. and check out Les Leventhal's classes. The guy is my new drug! -
Review from Jason H.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2011
All though this is my only Yoga class experience so far, I was very pleased. I have only practiced yoga at home (P90X's Yoga X). I have taken Lauren's Vinyassa class on Tuesday's at 10:25am two times so far. I felt very welcome as a newbie to the class. The space is very nice, clean, and relaxing. Lauren is knowledgeable and seems to continually educate herself about fitness. She will talk about something new she learned in a Pilates class or somewhere else and incorporate it into the yoga if appropriate. I am planning on making this class a regular thing.
-
Review from Zoey B.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
I bought as 10-pass when I first moved to the neighborhood and although it's a convenient walk from my house, I find it too crowded (and hot) at peak times. I find the lobby too crowded as well, it's always a shuffle.
I've enjoyed most the instructors though and like the ambiance of the room at off-hours.
If you don't mind crowds and lots of sweat, check it out! I'll probably finish up my 10-pass and then hit the park for a run instead. -
Review from Valerie B.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2010
You can look up your teacher on-line prior to the class, read about what you are going to be walking into instead of all the negative reviews of the teachers. geeze
It is a yoga chain, and I can't gush & say I'm in love with it... It is a good workout. (depending on the style of yoga you enjoy) -
Review from jenny w.
San Francisco, CA
11/8/2010
I just started going to Ariel Howlands M/W/F morning class two weeks ago and I love it.
I practiced Ashtanga consistently for several years with a teacher and classmates I loved, but when my teacher left, I struggled to keep my practice going. Then the facility cut back their classes, and I rarely saw anyone I knew at the new times. I occasionally went to other classes, at a variety of facilities, but never found myself going back. I've missed yoga, but I'd had such a good experience before that I struggled to make the most of what was there.
That is why I'm so thrilled with Ariel's class - it is exactly what I've been missing.
The class is of mixed abilities/needs, male and female, of a wide age range, from quite advanced to beginner. It might be tough to drop in if you've never done yoga before, because the practice moves through quite a few poses. As someone who has a decent background but with no recent practice, I find the class challenging but relaxing and centering. I leave peaceful, not riled up.
There is clearly a strong sense of community within the group, although much of it is unspoken. The teacher has an excellent sense of her class as a group and of each of us, as individuals. She spends much of the class moving between students, giving encouragement and suggestions. She occasionally shows us poses or a series before we do them. Her guidance and the intention of the students creates a wonderful atmosphere.
I also like that you can sign up online for $11, the facility and equipment are clean (mats are $3 rental), and Ariel adjusts the lights and music to suit the practice.
Highly recommended. I will try to update my review over time. -
Review from Stephanie V.
10/7/2010
Great studio with Teachers that take the time to get to know you. I think that goes a long way for one's yoga practice. Self awareness is hugely emphasized and the teachers are clearly looking out for out well-being.
Pete is fantastic and his Forrest classes are the perfect late afternoon break that I need from work.
The energy in the studio is great! The classes are usually quite full but it often feels very intimate, which is nice! -
Review from Amanda D.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2010
This review is specifically about massage: Indra is amazing! I got a massage from her yesterday, and it was fantastic. She did some very deep work on my shoulders and lower back in a strong, but gentle way. It really was great.
I also like that your massage is actually one hour, they schedule in buffer time for you to talk with the therapist about what is ailing you, get on the table, etc . . . so that doesn't cut into your massage. -
Review from Clint K.
San Francisco, CA
7/29/2010
Yoga Tree is an amazing contribution the world of yoga. Urban contemporary and definitively customer satisfaction oriented and driven. They offer a wide range of classes, serving all levels and numerous workshops geared toward elevating awareness and well-being. The facilities are well-maintained and very inviting. Despite their enormous popularity, they do a great job maintaining the calm vibe which is so incredibly inviting.
Having studied many disciplines, I love the diversity and energy that the teachers bring into the classes. I study under Ariel Howland, Christopher Love and Josh Camire. My practice has exploded under their scrupulous and compassionate teaching styles. I could write a short novel on the transformative changes that have occurred within me on the physical and energetic planes.
All the staff are extremely knowledgeable and go out of their way to be helpful. Just walking in the place feels good. I tip my hat to this organization for its professionalism and its obvious passion for yoga, and its place in the SF community. Brilliant! A+++ -
Review from Faithy L.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2007 ROTD 2/1/2008
I owe Yoga Tree some awesome praise (aka: long ass review) for the past week:
This review is for all the lazy bums (+me) who identify with that one scene in Harold and Kumar where Kumar stares down the hallway only to realize that he has GONE TOO FAR to grab the damn cellphone that he forgot to bring. AND
All the uptight folks (+me) who get all riled up by mundane nonsense like how companies keep manufacturing shit that has text set in STUPID COMIC SANS.
I haven't been to Yoga Tree long enough to say that yoga has done miracles for me, but my yoga practice there this past week has certainly loosened this tense biatch up and helped me step my motivational game up!
I've tried yoga once maybe 3 years ago at a gym on Van Ness. I remember it being a horrible time. I tagged along with a friend. I was wearing the wrong clothes, my boobs were falling out, it was too hot, and the teacher wasn't really patient to advise me on modification to the poses because I had a bad knee. So I spent the next years hatin' on yoga, despite many feel good stories I've heard from friends.
Forward to a month ago, my coworker randomly mentioned that yoga can increase your height by 1".... As a girl who's been the same damn height since 5th grade, I was jumping for joy to hear that. And since I've hit that time in my life where I should go out of my way to prevent further horizontal growth, I decided to try this yoga thing out again.
I've researched a few places. I could join my local Y again, check out this ashtanga studio 3 blocks from my house (but I heard it smells), etc. Finally I decided on Yoga Tree because:
1) I have a terrible time learning to do physical things.
2) I didn't want to just drop in a class and wing it.
3) Yoga Tree has a Yoga 101 workshop where you take the 1st class with a bunch of newbies for $35
4) After that you get a week of unlimited classes.
5) Short term commitment, I can quit if it sucks.
Surprisingly, it was continents away from Blowing Chunks. After my class on Saturday, I signed up for another one the next day. So this past week, I was able to try out a handful of different styles and teachers before I decide what suited me the most. Here's a summary of the classes I dabbled in:
Yoga 101 w/ Elise Lorimer: Part lecture, part practice. Elise is energetic which helps beginners like me gain motivation.
Hatha Flow w/ Elizabeth Rosser: My favorite of the week. This was a slightly more intense workout than I had expected, but it was just the right amount of challenge. Only early portion of the class was heated, and I was sweatin buckets--but well worth it. Not only does Elizabeth speaks loud enough so you can hear no matter which part of the room you are, she also has a wonderful voice! So the chanting/call/response portions were great.
Gentle Flow w/ Catherine: Hence its name, this class was a good follow up to the previous day. Catherine pays a lot of attention each student and help them make any modifications if needed.
Vinyasa w/ Elise again: This class was a bit difficult for me. I was so damn sweaty, I couldn't do half of the poses at the end because I lost traction, and I had to resort to using my bike gloves because this dummy here didn't bring a towel!! Others tried to do their headstands (hellsno) while I just resorted to child's pose.
Gentle/Restorative w// Sylvie (sub): aka NAP TIME!! This was an awweesome class that really made my week relaxing and calmed my mind. Not too many people at this Saturday evening time slot so there was plenty of space to stretch out and roll around.
Yoga Tree is a pretty small studio that gets a lot of traffic. I've been signing up online, and you can cancel online if needed. Most night classes are pretty packed, but it doesn't ruin the quality of each class. They have these fancy mats for rental for $1. Folks who work there are nice and keep the place extremely clean (e.g. No B.O.)
I love this location because it forces me to bike (usually bike parking outside) to and from my house, since it's kinda a pain to get here from the Inner Rich. While yoga is a pricey activity ($16 for drop in), due to the quality of Yoga Tree, I'll definitely be back weekly for (at least) Hatha Flow. Plus! There's no limit on repeating Yoga 101 so you can get off your bum and make use of this deal.
Seriously, if this McDonalds eatin' chick (aka: me) can do it, you can too!!
5' 5 3/4"... I'm on my way!!!Listed in: Where I'm Workin' on Ma…
-
Review from lynnexyz n.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2008
The first time I went to Yoga Tree, the teacher spritzed lavender water on me during class.
The second time I went to Yoga Tree, a different teacher put massage oil in our hands and told us to rub our bellies during shivasana.
The third time I went to Yoga Tree, the teacher suddenly started playing the flute in the middle of class.
The fourth time I went to Yoga Tree, the teacher had us do this hippie dance, while she chanted "love love love".
The fifth time I went to a yoga class, I went to a different studio. -
Review from Lorraine O.
San Francisco, CA
5/10/2009
This studio may very well be a wonderful place to practice yoga as its own entity, but after a class with an instructor like Diego Del Sol, I don't know if I'm brave enough to go back and investigate that for myself. I'd like to give Yoga Tree the benefit of the doubt, but I'm curious as to why they would allow someone like Diego to teach at their studio.
I've been doing yoga for over ten years and I'm fairly in tune with my body...meaning: if it's telling me to slow down in child's pose, try a more comfortable variation, or stop altogether - I'm going to do just that. A good instructor will encourage and support this. Diego did not. In fact, he did the complete opposite. When I stopped for a water break and to rest for a moment on my mat, Diego challenged me in front of everyone, and told me I needed to keep going. I basically told him "No, I'm just fine resting right here." He said: "Well you need to do SOMETHING."
In addition, and similar to another Yelper's experience with him that I've read here, he spat out all sorts of crazy talk about pain, how we should push ourselves even further, and implying that pain is a good sign that we're on the right track. Right. I guess I should have been grateful for the muscle I pulled between my shoulder blades during that class, and the intense pain I experienced days afterward. Not only is this a ridiculous theory, but can be very damaging and unsafe. For all Diego knows, I could've had some serious injury in the past and was reaching my fullest capacity. Did he even bother to ask? Nope.
I think that this dude is on a serious power trip. Perhaps if enough people speak up about their experience with him, Yoga Tree will get the message and take some action. -
Review from Melissa B.
Washington, DC
3/14/2009
I heart Yoga Tree. This is a great studio with GREAT teachers! Trust me, I'm super picky about my doctors AND my yoga studios.
I've also been to the Valencia studio, which is just as nice and bigger, but sadly not that close to where I live.
Be sure to take a class with either Elizabeth or Darren. Their classes will kick your ass but in a good way.
If you end up going on a regular basis, def get the 10 or 20 class pass- they're great deals.
My only hope is that one day they'll add a Yin yoga class... a girl can dream right?
Namaste -
Review from Nancy R.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2007
My liver has been screaming at me.
"Help, I'm saturated and cannot take it anymore."
"Oh don't be such a wimp!" I yell back. "Where's the Irish in you?"
But I only have one and want to stay on its good side, lest it rebel and stop working. When my body starts to show the better part of its thirtysomething years and needs alignment, I take it to YogaTree.
This place is zen-tastic. Candles, incense, dim lighting, and supportive teachers who warm you up properly before advancing you into more complex poses. They also possess the proper training to suggest modifications. For example, I was still stuffed up from a flu the week before, and the instructor warned me not to hold downward dog too long or I'd get nauseated. She was right. I lay in child's pose, otherwise known as a little slice of heaven, until the class moved onto to another part of the sequence.
Yoga = relaxation + bliss - hangover. -
Review from Preeti B.
Brooklyn, NY
6/11/2009
I came to Yogatree on the recommendation of one of my instructors from NYC and man oh man did I want to love this place, especially because it was in hippie-epicenter of Haight Ashbury. When I perused the website, I was thrilled that the Vinyaasa community classes were $11, but quickly realized that no matter the coast you are on, you can not outrun the cardinal economic rule: "ya get what ya pay for."
The instruction was lackluster to say the least - esp. for the advanced poses being led. At the beginning of class, she asked if anyone had taken under 15 classes. Seriously - what kind of useless question is that? I have been in Basics Yoga for over two years and still belong there. Yo, I ain't tryin to make like Busta Rhymes and "break ya neck."
Oh, here's a tip: Don't expect much more than a curtain separating you from the rest of Stanyan street as you strip down to your unmentionables. -
Review from Beah B.
Lansdowne, PA
9/12/2007
I usually only go to places like Yoga Tree to remind myself why I should never attempt to properly exercise. Apparently unlike some assholes, uh, I mean, "people," I don't actually like pain. Nor do I generally consider the soreness associated with an overabundance of lactic acid in my muscles to be life affirming. For that I find that alcohol does the trick just fine.
And yet yesterday I found myself returning to Yoga Tree for the second day in a row. Two straight days of workout! I owe this unusual occurrence to two things:
1. Yoga Tree offers $9 "Community Classes" at unpopular times (times when most assholes, uh, I mean, "people," are at "work."). Even I can afford that.
2. Yoga Tree really isn't THAT bad, considering its a place for people to exercise. All of the instructors I've had (which is about four) have been quite kind, knowledgeable, and reasonable. Upon recognizing that I'm an uncoordinated, inflexible, asthmatic, honorary paraplegic with the shameful burden of having been introduced to Yoga on -- gasp -- the East Coast, they pretend as if it's wonderful that I can bend forward enough to touch my knees. Thanks, guys.
It does get a little overcrowded during popular (after work and weekend) time slots, so I suggest you quit your job and join me at 3pm on Tuesdays -- it will only cost you $9 not having a job shouldn't be an issue.
P.S. Stop farting on the rental mats!! I use them and I'm tired of leaving Yoga Tree with unexplained bumps on my cheeks and forehead -
Review from Nika W.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2010
Excellent studio. Cozy, warm and friendly. Pete's class adds spirit, faith, truth and hope to my life.
It is intimate and brings self-awareness to all parts of my body.
I struggle hard to get a regular practice going, but when that does happen I feel my soul will grow with yoga. I am seeking to understand what Pete feels about life and love and how that is translated into a fantastic class- yoga! -
Review from Lisa L.
Oakland, CA
5/23/2007
I'm kind of a wimp. I have a pretty low pain threshold, so while I love massage, I freak out when the massage therapist goes too deep.
Juliann is great - she definitely specializes in deep tissue massage, but she was respectful of my boundaries in that sense. She definitely pushed me, and I feel better for it today - but it wasn't all-out torture as I've had with other deep tissue massage therapists.
My leg and hip have been killing me for months now - bad chair at work, stress, etc. Finally, after really stepping up my yoga practice and after getting some incredible adjustments and deep tissue massage there, I feel better!
I highly recommend Juliann - a 60 minute massage per Yoga Tree's current prices (May 2007) is $70 and a 90-minute massage is $95. However, they are running a spring promotion right now until May 31st for $99, which gets you 5 yoga classes and a 60-minute massage - essentially a 60-minute massage for $24. -
Review from Carrie T.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2007
So, I worked with a couple of twins for a while and used to balance each on either hip. Mostly, I carried the heavier one around, and after doing that for so long, my shoulder, neck, and back just gave up on me as a good person, and they have all ganged up against me even since. I lost the ability to bend my head down to my shoulder. I spent hours of my day trying to hack at this huge mound of pain that developed on my shoulder. In short, I was a mess.
And then, last Friday, I moved. After that, it was a miracle that I could even pick myself up out of bed everyday.
Yelp directed me to Yoga Tree, and their website gave me the chance to sit at home at midnight, in my pjs, and make an afternoon appointment for the next day.
Indra treated me right. She tackled my sore spots. She wanted to get to the root of the problem, an impossible task with all the layers of tension piled up, and up, and up.
After 90 minutes, I opened my eyes, dazed, out of my mind. I had entered another world... a world in which I could touch my ear to my shoulder.
Treat your body right. If you have an ache, get rid of it... don't just sit there. And if you have an ache you've been sitting with, make an appointment with Indra. -
Review from Blake W.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/12/2010
OK, well. Another wall has fallen. After years of my wife insisting I try yoga, that it would make me feel better, that it would help my golf swing...I finally tried it. About 30 minutes into the first class I realized I loved it. My back feels 10 years younger already, and I have only been doing this for a month. It's amazing.
I have taken every class so far at various Yoga Tree locations. While there are some supreme new-agey D's who frequent these classes from time to time, they are in the minority. I find I really like most people in the class, and the teachers have all been excellent and supportive of my learning. I guess that's all I can ask for, right?
Yoga classes here can be a bit expensive, though I don't think that is a Yoga-tree thing, I think yoga is just an expensive thing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/2/2007
I don't do yoga. In fact, I don't do much. Plus, there is something about Yoga that makes me want… Read more »
-
-
Review from Luna K.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2008
I've been meditating on how to love this place, given its proximity to my apartemento and its adorable interior.
However, no matter how much I focus, this place ain't never gonna be my nirvana.
The teachers are mostly "eh?" except for a few that are truly "ugh!"
Since when does a pair of Lululemon pants and a bottle of patchouli oil qualify a person as my personal buddha? Some of the teachers at this place need a reality check. Leave the self-righteous bull for another day and bring on the chatarangas. Seriously. -
Review from A Y.
San Francisco, CA
9/15/2007
I am not a yoga person. Really. I thought I would be asked to leave due to my inflexibility. But I did start going to restorative yoga here and it was not what I expected. It is very easy and soothing. There is even a massage therapist or 2 usually on hand during class to come around and give "free samples"!
It doesn't matter if you have limitations, the instructors can modify poses for you. They are very kind and non-judgemental.
I come out of there standing up taller and feeling eerily relaxed. -
Review from jen d.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2008
I took a 101 class at the Valencia location, and took a few classes at this location during my free week of yoga. This, by the way, is an excellent deal and a good way of learning the different styles of yoga and styles of instruction.
The classes I took were all quite different. Three of the four I took were way too over crowded (literally 3 inches between the mats on either side, and about 5 inches away from the person in front of me -- we were all bumping into each other and I couldn't stretch out to the side as directed at all), and the fourth only had 5 people (and because of this was an excellent class and gets one of the above stars). Study of contrasts!
All three classes, despite overcrowding, were taught very well. I particularly loved the (partially) heated class on Sunday evening, which had a great atmosphere and was so relaxing as a result. Of course, it was the most crowded of the entire week! The Iyengar class I took was certainly the most precise, but also the most rewarding physically. Loved the challenge and the instruction was great.
As for this location, it's a bit oddly laid out as the restrooms are in the studio itself. The lobby is very small and gets crowded between classes. The girls at the front desk were friendly, and the place is clean.
Overall, I highly recommend the 101 even if you just want to check out the teachers and classes available here. Just be prepared to have some butts in your face at times. That said, I'll be checking out some other yoga studios in the city to find something less crowded with more individual instruction/assistance.Listed in: Yoga, Bay Area
-
Review from Claire S.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2007
Five stars specifically for my instructor, S.
I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but she's my favorite :)
I fell in love with Anusara Yoga about a year ago, I've practiced Iyengar for some time (also love) and I found the heart-centered approach the perfect balance of focus on alignment & soulfulness.
The studio offers many vinyasa classes, if that's your bag.
It seems to me that many yoga practitioners start off coming for exercise but it can be SO much more if you let it.
All of the physical Yoga Tree locations are OK, in my book.
Its really all about the teacher you trust & enjoy practicing with.
For students new to the studio, $20 gets you 3 classes to be used in 2 weeks. Prices are reasonable, buy in bulk. -
Review from Sharon R.
Oakland, CA
8/16/2006
This yoga studio is the first place I ever did yoga, so naturally it holds a special place in my heart. I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the time, but it definitely left me wanting more. Initially I was a little one-loved out, but I totally have come to appreciate the process of becoming centered, practicing compassion and getting my om on all while taking myself to new physical levels.
I took a Yoga 101 class with Darren Main here that introduced me to the basics of poses and breathing and I've been getting my yoga groove on ever since. -
Review from Yenly M.
San Francisco, CA
2/19/2009
This place is karmarific! Solid 5 stars because:
#1. I always leave Elise's class feeling energized and relaxed topped with a little spirit uplift.
#2. I bought a package of 10 passes and had been to caught up with work and travel and had not realize time flew by and next thing I know, I have 8 passes left and it is expired. I called and before I even need to ask/beg/grovel, they offer to extend the expiration to another 3 months! Awesome!
#3. The times when the system didn't registered that I paid, they let me know at the time of checking in and a simple "pay next time." A long time had passed and they don't even hassle me. -
Review from Alvina W.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2009 31 Check-ins Here
I first started going to Yoga Tree during the summer when I was studying for the Bar. It was my excuse to step away from the books, get a good work out, clear my head, and still be able to spend time with my best friend.
Elizabeth's classes are amazing - her classes are challenging but you will definitely leave feeling great. Recently I have gone to a lot more of Pete's class because the timing works out better and I always wake up sore the next day (in a good way!). Not only do I feel great after leaving Pete's class, but it's also nice to be reminded in the hour and a half to focus on something you're grateful for, especially during a stressful week.
Yes, it's true that sometimes the classes can be packed and you end up being a lot closer to someone than you would like while holding an awkward pose...but I can overlook that because Yoga Tree instructors are amazing and got me through a very stressful period of time. And for that, I am sooo grateful! -
Review from Netty L.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2006 1 photo
Upon arrival in San Francisco, I set about trying to find a yoga studio. I made a circuit of introductory specials, trying about 4 different spaces: Yoga Tree, One taste, Some iyengar studio on Taraval, and Satori. Being unemployed aided my desire to be selective, so that I could stretch my instructor per dollar time as far as possible.
Elise at Yoga Tree was the undoubtable winner. Her ashtanga vinyasa classes are soulful yet physically active and engaging. You will sweat, but you might also be able to go inside yourself to experience something more enriching than just a physical workout. I have on several occasions shed a few tears in her classes. She is able to offer inspiring words without being pushy or overtly sentimental or cliche. She is good about offering modifications, but is sensitive to personal space issues using a light touch, if any at all. -
Review from Lauren V.
Long Beach, CA
9/14/2009
Can I supersize my yoga, please?
Yoga Tree does not live up to its impressive reputation. For the price of each class ($17 drop in), the classes are jam-packed, employees are generally arrogant and unhelpful, and there is a lack of changing rooms. The studio space is oddly shaped making it difficult, at times, to see or hear the instructor.
There are some stellar teachers (Elise Lorimer and Chrisandra Fox), but a few super douchers have disappointed and offended me to the point of not returning to Yoga Tree Stanyan (or any Yoga Tree for that matter).
Darren Main, it's not just the sardine-esque feeling of your classes that makes it hard to move. Your ego was basically pushing me out the door. Cut the misogynistic one-liners. Last time I checked hating women wasn't in the Yoga Sutras. The only thing restored in his Restorative Yoga class is HIS supreme, all-knowing yoga prowess.
Diego Del Sol's classes are not that great and he made inappropriate comments to me. His assists were a bit too friendly as well.
Too bad having a monopoly on yoga studios does not guarantee a high standard of quality.Listed in: Bribing Businesses
-
Review from Janet D.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2010
I've been Yoga Treeing since April 09. Great front desk staff, sweet, fast and efficient at 'what they do'. I love the seasonal discounts and deals. 5 yoga classes and a 60min massage for $99, whaaaa?
Lauren Slater is always highly energetic and leads me into poses before I realize I can do them! I've never had the same class twice, she's always changing it up radically.
Charu Rachlis classes are like a week of therapy in 90min. She humbly imparts so much wisdom through her meditations and carful instruction of poses. I always leave feeling more grounded and enlightened at the same time.
I had a massage with Jordie Martin which was excellent. He was attentive, knowledgeable, had just the right amount of pressure, and instead of talking a lot he held the perfect healing space.
My Yoga roots have already sunk deep in this Tree. -
Review from Ginnie H.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2009
If you haven't had the chance to try Ariel Howland's class at Yoga Tree's Stanyan location, I would highly recommend you do so. Ariel's practice is strong, soulful and continually inventive, often drawing from her background as a dancer. But what really differentiates Ariel from the scores of yoga instructors in this city is her training as a somatic therapist.
She is therefore very sensitive to what the individual and class as a whole needs during that practice. She connects with each person in the room offering plentiful adjustments and custom poses, while infusing the class with learnings and inspirations from her knowledge of the emotional body, leaving you quite revitalized at the end.
I was excited to learn that Ariel also conducts tailored 1:1 yoga sessions (at your house!) throughout the city, a side business which appears to be thriving.
