I must admit one great thing about living in a big city are the numerous yoga studios available. Over the last 9 months, I've spent time scoping out different places to relax, rejuvinate and rehydrate my need for yoga. For most of these studios I utilized their introductory offer or purchased a Groupon/Living Social.
The first bikram studio I engaged with was
Fluid Yoga off Judah and 10th. The studio is lacking in space but makes up for it in cleanliness. The teaching was hit or miss. There were a couple of great teachers that push you past your comfort zone. Eventually I realized there were other studios much closer to my house so I decided to move forward with my search.
Yoga Works off Divisadero was a great find, close to my neighborhood and a nice change from Bikram. I was only able to attend a few classes during my 1 week trial. My take on it was excellent teaching, nice facility, good variety of classes but expensive.
Funky Door Yoga off Polk is the best Bikram yoga studio I've found, thus far. This is based upon the ample amount of space, clean facility, windows lining the room (to air out the smell of sweat), exceptional teaching and overall execution of the staff. I spent 2 months practicing about 3-4 times a week. Most of the teachers were highly skilled teachers, focusing on the correct form while pushing students past their comfort zone. They have strict rules about entering/exiting while class is in session and at times came across as egotistical. They could also use a remodel.
Global Yoga off Chestnut is my least favorite yoga studio I've been to... ever. The space is small, enclosed, wreaks of sweat and I question their cleaning methods. I was not impressed by the monotoned, dis-engaged and lack of motivated teaching ability. I actually didn't finish my trial because I couldn't stand the stench any longer.
California Yoga Company was a breath of fresh air after my previous encounter. The focus of this studio is a version of hot yoga incorporating similar poses in a warm (not hot) room while adding a twist of different stretches. What shines most about this yoga studio is the teaching. The regular teacher must also be the owner because he truly cares about each student's correct form and growth as a Yogi. After the 1st week, I saw noticeable differences in my posture, core, mood and sleep patterns. I would highly recommend this studio to Yogis of all ages and levels.
These are only a fraction of the many yoga studios available in San Francisco's 49 square foot city. My interest and experience with yoga has grown immensely and look forward to many years of practice.
