Santa Monica Yoga

Santa Monica Yoga is a great little yoga studio located on Ocean Park Blvd. It has 3 Yoga Rooms, the North Studio (it's largest and nicest room), a South Studio (small and long), and a Garden Studio (a very small room) and classes that run all day in all of them. My favorite classes are Natalie's classes on Saturday mornings, Sunday mornings, and Sunday afternoons for a Level 1-2 Flow style yoga. She plays relaxing music during the practice and gives you lots of options while you are learning. The Saturday morning class is the most crowded and easiest of the 3 and is held in the South Studio. The Sunday afternoon class is the least crowded and hardest and is held in the North Studio. She also teaches meditation classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays which do very light yoga and 15 minutes of meditation, but they are a bit early in the afternoon so it's hard for me to attend. During the week, I attend the Ashtanga Mysore classes from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM. These classes run daily on Monday through Friday and are a go-at-your-own pace class where the teachers, Nancy and Lois, specialize in Ashtanga style of yoga. You can drop in any time during those hours, and the practice on your own. They will come over and help you through the poses or give you tips/corrections to think about while you are practicing. They are held in the North Studio and usually have anywhere from 2-8 people at a time. It's basically like having a personal studio with a personal trainer that is there to watch the group. On Sunday nights, there is also a great Restorative Yoga class where you basically lie down and relax in various poses for 90 minutes. It's a great way to finish any stressful week and prepare you for a new one. The studios are always clean and well stocked, and the teachers are experienced and friendly. The only criticism I have is that I wish they had a shower facility available so that you could drop in and shower before you go to work. The prices are comparable to other studios in the area. A single class is $18, but you can get packages of 5, 10, 20 classes at a discount. You can do unlimited classes for one month for $150 if you pay monthly, and $125 if you use auto-pay. Tip: If you are new there, ask about their specials because they have some great deals for new students! more

This is a terrific, community-oriented yoga studio with excellent teachers and friendly staff. Julian Walker's classes are a must-try! His particular approach to mind-body-spirit integration attracts a regular following and is positively addictive. His classes are geared to yogis and yoginis of all levels and never fail to cleanse, energize, and renew. more

The classes for young children are just great, and the teacher is terrific. She's always patient and understanding. Lots of fun for my daughter. We're hoping that the childrens' classes will resume soon. more

I hesitate to spoil this best kept secret - but it really is too good not to share. If you are looking to practice in an accepting, nurturing environment...please check out this space. As a devoted practitioner of yoga throughout my last 12 years all over los angeles - this is by far, my favorite studio! I have truly loved all of the yoga teachers here - i am planning to try out some of their pilates classes but haven't yet been able to get to one. Teachers on my high recommend list: Kyra Haglund, Hilary White & Julian Walker although, honestly, i have learned something new from every teacher here. I love the non-competitive atmosphere, and community that it attracts. The classes are sprinkled with yogis of every age, size and shape. There is a certain amount of quietness and respectfulness that feels sincere and it has re-ignited my love that first brought me to yoga. Pros: Uncompetitive, low-key. Great instructors! more

I have really enjoyed every class I have ever taken here. All the instructors are fantasic. And the studio space is great. The rooms are large and always the appropriate temperture. Prices are competitive. And based on how good the classes truly are- it is a great deal. more

Although the rear-only entrance to the south studio is a bit perplexing, the studio is warm and peaceful. The four-session introductory program is a terrific deal, and the instructor did a great job of explaining and refining the poses. Santa Monica Yoga offers a wide variety of classes for different ability levels and particular needs. Pros: instruction quality, Intro program Cons: parking more

When you walk into this studio you feel welcome and at home. Rick Gould is a fabulous yoga instructor and person and this comes through in the selection of staff as well. The studio is convenient, clean and well cared for and the selection of yoga clothing and props available for purchase is well thought out. I am pleased to have found this oasis in the city. Pros: Friendly, Inexpensive, Great Instructors more