Best Yoga in the Bay Area
There's no workout less satisfying than the free yoga class at your gym. You know, the one with sticky, sweat-speckled floors, the constant bang of dropped weights, and that tweaky, cut-rate Pilates instructor just trying to pick up extra cash. Why settle for half-assed when the Bay area is teeming with great yoga teachers and studios in every neighborhood? These are the best places to get your hala-asana on, whether you're a beginner or a near-yogi. Almost every studio offers a great deal on packages for first timers, so take advantage and try at least a few. (jackpotfbd/flickr)
Yoga Garden
286 Divisadero St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Yoga Garden has intimate classes in a homey environment. The studio is in back, so there's no noise, which is awesome. They're helpful with poses and known for their … pre-natal yoga classes (fetuses are evidently very flexible). (gini/flickr) [link]
Mission Yoga
2390 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Bikram ("hot') yoga isn't for everyone. But everyone who is into it should go to Mission Yoga (and avoid the poorly named Funky Door studio). All their teachers are … pumped and enthusiastic, and the space is giant, so you're not too close to the dude sweating buckets next to you. Please, for the love of god, bring a towel. (pavoreal/flickr) [link]
Yogic Motion
2410 California St
San Francisco, CA 94115
The best option for beginners, Yogic Motion is a neat, no-frills little studio. Brian is a very attentive, one-on-one instuctor who will guide and nudge you into the … proper poses. Also, the classes are consistent, which helps when you're just getting to know the poses. (kjdrill/flickr) [link]
Yoga Kula
3030 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
If atmosphere plays a big part in your yoga practice, Yoga Kula is for you. Their studios are well thought-out stunners. Good light does wonders for a calming yoga … practice, for real. Kula has an SF and Berkeley location, and they offer spa treatments in case you aren't already blissed out enough. (huangomes/flickr) [link]
Bend
405 Arguello Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94118
Bend's big draw is Heather, one of the best instructors in the city. Hands-on and helpful, she'll skillfully kick your ass and then make you ask for more. The Bend studio … is welcoming and clean, and they offer a variety of classes, including candlelight and private sessions. Fun tip: Heather teaches a free yoga class in the Botanical Gardens on Saturdays. (vickym/flickr) [link]
