The owner is very unprofessional and appears to be prejudiced/hate towards employees and certain personnel. Personally I didn't find it to be a very welcoming environment. read more

I've started taking Gentle Body Love Yoga with Angi on Mondays and I can't stress enough how much I love this class. I've never felt more comfortable in a yoga environment. After sitting all day at a computer it gives my back and neck the much needed relief they need. It is go at your own pace, and with plenty of mindful rest built in. read more

I've been a faithful student at Berkeley Yoga Center for nearly ten years and can't recommend this studio highly enough. My main teacher has been Cybele Tomlinson, one of the co-directors of the studio. Cybele embodies the spirit and practice of yoga. Her very presence invites a sense of reflection and calm. She is a patient and gentle teacher with a deep understanding of the body, the mind, and the spirit in approaching a yoga practice. Further, Cybele, and the other instructors I've tried at BYC, which is at least half of them, all embody the entire yoga tradition. They are striving to teach not only a fantastic whole body stretch and strengthening regime, but also the subtle and powerful aspects of yoga for inner health, reflection, right living, and feeling better in the world emotionally and psychically as well as physically. Berkeley Yoga Center happens to be one of the most beautiful places to learn yoga, situated in the Strawberry Creek Design Center above a real creek and a cute cafe. The studios are spacious and airy with golden hardwood floors, sand-blasted brick walls, and big windows with views of the trees and the hills. Choose Berkeley Yoga Center for kind, yet serious yoga instructors who are committed to transmitting their valuable knowledge of the world of yoga. read more

I like coming here but at the end of 2011 I started taking a prenatal yoga class with Melanie and found that there was a anti-hospital sentiment. I can understand the sentiment but I didn't share this sentiment to the same degree. I am having a hospital birth. This sentiment came from the other students and not the instructor. Though I have one class left on my pass, I decided not to use it since it wasn't fun to hear the anti-hospital sentiments. Melanie is good. She's a parent too and you actually do yoga in her prenatal class (a lot more than just stretching). When I started taking her class, there were probably two other new students yet she only asked me (before we began practice) if I had practiced yoga before (I have, 2-3x/week for 1 year). I was kind of miffed by that. I enjoyed taking Jill Davey's class too. I took her classes until early January and then I stopped because I the timing didn't work with my schedule, and just plain easier for me to get exercise from my home (rather than drive, park, etc). I've been taking classes with Jill 1-2x/week for over a year when I stopped so I was surprised when she didn't check in with me. She does with other students and when I've been in other classes, teachers have done so. The pluses are the small class size (at least the classes I've taken), lots of individual attention, beautiful studios, light etc. You can purchase classes in bulk for a discount (end up being $11/class for 8 classes with one instructor). If you forget your mat, they have lots to borrow plus all the requisite props. read more

I have been practicing Mysore yoga for ten years. The two teachers at Berkeley Yoga Center (BYC)- Ayelet and Claire are very well respected and highly trained. Ayelet leads the program doing her own 4th series practice at BYC and then her teaching starts at around 7:30a. I learn so much just by watching her amazing practice. She has been trained by some of the greats such as Lino Miele, Sharath (Pattabi Jois' grandson) and John Campbell. She has many years teaching experience and moved to Berkeley in 2011. We are blessed to have her here! Claire has been an Ashtangi for 20yrs but also has training in other forms of yoga. She brings much wisdom to her adjustments, especially around alignment. If you are new to this style of yoga, simply show up to the studio and one of the teachers will walk you through the series. The mysore style is a self paced memorized series with strong emphasis on breath, power (bandas) and strength. read more

The prettiest place to do yoga. It's above a bakery, so when you think you're the only one up for a 6am yoga class, you are very wrong. Other people have been up for hours. Hardwood floors, large windows overlooking beautiful trees, high ceilings, brick walls: it's the loft space you think of when you think of loft spaces. I use to take the morning Ashtanga classes with the very guru-riffic Kristi Rudolph. Not sure who is teaching here nowadays. read more

Love coming here. It's a whole lot more down to Earth than other yoga studios I've gone to in the area. There's a sweet, open hearted community that comes to this studio and the surrounding strawberry creek is so pretty. I have been going to Angela Madonia's prenatal classes and she is absolutely lovely and holds very nourishing space for new mothers and babies. read more

The essence of yoga is felt immediately upon entering the WARM (that's right - took 2 layers off-yay) room at 6:40a for Mysore on Friday. By "essence", I mean - there is no front desk staff (no front desk at all) - simply take off shoes, put down your mat, write your name on a small piece of paper (no questionnaire, no legalese, nothing to read or sign), stow your stuff on a hanging hook (or put on bench), put your payment down on the small piece of paper (no one collects money or asks you about money - crazy!) and start your practice within 2 min of walking into the room. There is NO talking. When I arrived, I was the 7th person in the room (and the teacher, Ayelet, was doing her own practice). Thanks to Yelp, I knew Ayelet would be busy with her own practice till 7:30a, so I did my own thing (sun salutes, warrior 1 & 2, triangle, awkward, parsvo, half moon, twisting half moon). Other students trickled in after me. Highest number of students in the room around 10. Observations of other students are as follows: 1. they all looked strong & in good shape - I had the most body fat in the room; 2. they were all focused on their own practice - competitive vibe absent; 3. they were all doing their own practice - same sequence, but starting at different times and working on different things - I saw a guy in his 60's do sleeping yogi pose. Ayelet finished her practice then began correcting & adjusting students. Eventually, she walked over to me, very quietly introduced herself and spoke briefly about Sri K. Pattabhi Jois- whose picture is against the wall, his 6 series, etc. She stated that initially, repetition is more important than form - learning the sequence of poses is key for beginners. She didn't ask, but I told her about my issues and how I needed to modify some poses (like standing with my feet apart for Tadasana). She was cool with it. There was a couple who came in after me - the woman was clearly a longtime practitioner and the guy was a beginner with some yoga experience (like me), so Ayelet taught the two of us together. There was a 3rd beginner (a young woman) but she dropped out after learning the first set (Surya Namaskar A & B). We learned some fundamental positions (2 more sets). After each set, Ayelet asked me if I wanted to stop or keep going. She gave me excellent adjustments. At the end of the 3rd set, she taught us the finishing sequence and then we did savasana. Biggest challenge: Breathing. I began by standing and breathing. Ayelet listened to me and then asked me to make the inhale and exhale sound exactly the same. she also put her hand on my back so I could become accustomed to inhaling into my back and also my side ribs and maintaining a straight spine while exhaling (and pulling my abdomen in while keeping air in my back and side ribs). 2nd biggest challenge: Repetition. Ayelet will go through a set (say pulling on toes (Padangustasana) & stepping on hands (Pada Hastasana), then triangle, then reverse triangle) 2 times with me and then say, do this 5-6 more times. Seemed like I ended up doing some sets 10-12 times while waiting for her to come over (she gives each student individual attention). I was TEMPTED to do my own thing (do other poses) BUT felt like it would be disrespectful to do so. Ayelet has a direct, brisk manner and is watchful. From her today, I learned I needed to watch my arm to make sure it was directly over my shoulder in extended side angle pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana). Also need to keep my floating ribs in during Trikonasana. Overall, I had a very positive first experience with Mysore at Berkeley Yoga Center. In order to do Mysore, Ayelet's requirement is minimum 3x per week attendance in order to learn the sequence. Otherwise, she suggested doing classes. I will say this, after my Mysore session ended at 8:55a, I felt the need to do a complete yoga class (more than 10 poses), so went to a 90 min anusara class. There is a kitchen and another room (presumably bathroom?) in the studio. Floor is clean. Punch in *9642 in the keypad beside the street gate, climb up 3 flights of stairs to studio C. Parking: easy at 6:35a. First Friday street cleaning on the studio side of Bonar. read more

Berkeley Yoga Center - On studio side - Yoga Near Me - Berkeley, California

I went to a Beginner's class taught by Mary Lou in Studio 209. It was extremely gentle. I would be comfortable sending my mother here, or sending anyone who has back/joint injuries. Every movement was well supported, and Mary Lou was extremely attentive to each student's alignment. This is also a great class for drop-ins, since the studio provides mats, straps, blocks, blankets, and all the other props you might need. There are some beautiful large windows in Studio 209, but it might be a little hard to find - the entrance actually faces Strawberry Creek Park and you have to go upstairs to find it. read more

I'm just visiting Berkeley and was looking for yoga close to where I am staying, so I read some yelp reviews and then took a vinyasa flow class with Jonathan. I thought there would be a front desk to pay with my credit card, but once I got to the studio I realized that the teachers accept payments individually, either by check or with cash, neither of which I had. I told Jonathan my problem and he very sweetly told me not to worry about it! The space (at least room 209, I didn't visit room C) is truly lovely (high ceilings, wood floors, windows etc.) and conveniently located, IMHO. They have lots of high quality mats and blankets for borrow, and it seems that they offer a lot of classes. The class I took with Jonathan was really nice, a little slower moving than most vinyasa flow classes I have taken, but we did do a substantial amount of unexpected abdominal work which was VERY effective..I'm still hurting! I would go back! It is a little pricey so students beware..$16/class, with discounts if you buy packages. read more

I am definitely a fan of this studio and the instructors here. Cybele's prenatal yoga class is a terrific balance-- there is some time dedicated at the beginning for a very quick "checkin" with the other pregnant moms-to-be before the pace of the class starts to build and you always get a good workout/stretch. Pre-pregnancy I also enjoyed a few classes Herdis, who I think is one of the founders of the studio. read more

I was introduced to this place by my girlfriend and have been hooked for the last couple of years. My two regular classes are Herdis's Yoga for every body and Cybele's Tuesday night begg/int. yoga class. I have really enjoyed both and am continually amazed at the quality of the teachings and space provided for such a reasonable price. I have taken a couple of Scott's classes and have not been dissapointed. Try it - you won't be sorry. read more

Wow! I can't believe the amount of personal attention and hands-on approach that Sadie had. When I first arrived at her class Tues morning, I told her I like more restorative type yoga because I like going slow and holding the poses longer so my form is correct. I also have suffered from sciatica pain in my leg and buttock for the last number of years. She listened and catered the class to my issues and what others needed help with by doing leg stretches and back postures. Some of the stretches were very intense and deep but she was right there in a very supportive way by encouraging me and others to go deeper. I like that the class was very down to earth and not showy and image-oriented like a lot of yoga classes I have attended. The only thing that bugged me was someone became a bit territorial about the usual space she likes which I took without knowing. I just sort of let her words pass through me and held my ground. Oh, the wonderful world of yoga! I think this display of behavior (by both of us?) just goes to show how wonderful the space and the class is. read more

Berkely is probably the city with the highest number of yoga studios per square mile. You can choose a yoga studio based on the type of yoga, the instructor, or the program/certification. In terms of yoga environment, Berkeley Yoga Center is by far the most sensational and relaxing. "The Center, which overlooks Strawberry Creek Park, is located in a beautiful, spacious studio with wood floors, plenty of light, and a tranquil atmosphere." (quoted from http://www.strawberrycreekonline.com/) The "Yoga on the Ball" class is especially good for your lower back. On a sunny day in Berkeley, there is no better place to do yoga than at Berkeley Yoga Center!! read more

Berkeley Yoga Center - Yoga Near Me - Berkeley, California

Melanie Green is an amazing Astanga teacher. I've been studying and teaching yoga for 13+ years, and have taken class with many different Astanga teachers. I make the drive from Danville to Berkeley as often as I can to study with her. She's that good! Melanie understands the subtleties of the Astanga method and also has an incredible ability to see her students' bodies and physical capabilities with clarity. When it comes to hands on adjustments, she is the most skilled teacher I've studied with to date. Her gentle voice, accurate cues, and non-egoic approach to this very intense practice leave me calmly energized every time I practice with her. read more

Eliana Chinea has been a great teacher. I've been to a lot of vinyasa and power yoga studios in Berkeley/Oakland, Santa Monica/West LA, and Santa Barbara over the past 6 years and thought I'd try class here with Eliana when I saw a Groupon. The space is very nice and well-equipped and Eliana is welcoming, knowledgeable, and energizing. It's a medium-paced flow yoga that I think beginners and advanced people would both enjoy. The class sizes are small so you get as much space and personal attention as you'd like. I'm sadly moving out of the area next week or I would definitely continue to attend regularly. Location is easy to get to and I've always had no problem parking right out front. read more

Melanie Green is a master! Her prenatal and postnatal classes (like those of Jane Austin in SF) are those of a convicted, experienced individual imparting wisdom and love. Melanie knows so much about the physiology, anatomy and yoga of childbearing (and childrearing!). She holds an authentic, nurturing space for prenatal and postnatal moms. Melanie emanates a contagious, grounded vibe and humble, radiant confidence. I feel so cared for and supported following her classes. She also has a rock-solid foundation in real-deal Ashtanga practice - no skimping on depth of yogic background and experience, yet perfectly tuned to the gentleness required in pre- and post- natal seasons of life. read more

I have been coming to Berkeley Yoga Center for 12 years. There are two studios - each just beautiful. High ceilings, huge windows, set in a park, lovely light. Just a really peaceful setting. Lately I have been taking class with two wonderful teachers - Cybele Tomlinson, one of the founders with so much experience, and Sophia Campbell, a class with such a good community of students and a really nice vibe in the afternoon. I followed Sophia over from another studio that closed and her loyal students all came with them. The group has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. Sophia is helpful at offering options if I have an injury and has an easy, relaxed manner that works for me. In past years I have taken Astanga with the wonderful Melanie Green and also with Jonothon Gross and Ada Lusari. Each teacher seems like they have their group of students though, like me, I am sure there are students who take from several teachers. You can pay per class in cash or check and each teacher seems to have a multi-class discount if you sign up with them. Each instructor seems to have an independent fee structure. You can find a range of yoga practices here and trying a few teachers to see which style and schedule works for you is worth it and, when you find the one that works for you, the setting can't be beat. Street parking available and difficulty depends on time of day though generally pretty easy within two blocks (free) and meters (always). read more

Love this beautiful yoga center. Great teachers and truly airy and beautiful space. Love the kundalini class Saturday mornings with Sat Daya. read more

I've been practicing yoga at the Berkeley Yoga Center for 4 years. My primary teacher is Melanie Green (who teaches Ashtanga, and pre and post-natal,), but have taken classes with other teachers as well. Both studios are warm and inviting, there's plenty of street parking, and the level of teaching is superb. read more

We moved to Oakland from Danville, and regrettably left our favourite yoga teacher behind. She referred us to the BYC and especially Melanie Green. We've had a few classes with Melanie and really enjoy her. She's very friendly and terrific with everyone. She gives us all personalized tips and doesn't make us more inexperienced yogis feel like we shouldn't be there. The husband thinks her yoga classes are better than physical therapy. read more

I've been practicing at Berkeley Yoga 2-3x week for more than 2 years, and I've had a great experience. There are 2 studios, both spacious, high ceilinged with abundant natural light, compassionate and committed instructors (Melanie and Vance among them), and a friendly (non-competitive) vibe among students. I've studied at other studios (Yogakula and 7th Heaven among them) and while those fine studios have waiting rooms and a person behind a desk to greet you, the actual space for yoga is small & low ceilinged. Berkeley Yoga has plenty of free parking nearby, and a Cafe, Bakery and Strawberry Creek park just beneath. read more

Ayelet and Clair are both amazing teachers. I've been practicing yoga for about 6 years and I've definitely learned the most from practicing the past few months with these ladies. If you're looking for Ashtanga in Berkeley this is the place to go! read more

Melanie's ashtanga classes here are about the best in Berkeley.

The studios are so clean and spacious. Lots of good energy, karma and a great workout. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful you will definitely feel relaxed after a class. Good choice for novices and pro yogis alike. read more

I really like this yoga studio - I keep coming here even though there are others closer to my house. It's a lovely space, overlooking a park, and it's a reasonable (10 min) walk from BART. The class prices are reasonable. I look forward to Cybele's prenatal yoga class all week, and I always leave class feeling fabulous. Cybele is a warm, thoughtful, experienced, and grounded teacher. She takes time for us to share what is going on for us physically this week, but it doesn't get too "talky" and the focus is still on yoga. She is really great at suggesting modifications based on our physical needs. I definitely recommend her class. Before I was pregnant, I used to go to Jonothon Gross's class, which I also loved. The class was vigorous, but it never felt rushed or like we were being pushed - there was a sense of calm and quiet even as we were getting a really intense workout. Also, I was not as strong or flexible as many people in my class, but I always felt supported in going at my own pace. read more

The best place for Ashtanga Yoga in Berkeley is with Melanie Green at the Berkeley Yoga Center.

Adding to the heaps of praise others have shared for Melanie Green and pre and post natal classes. My only wish os to have more offerings per week, since the Thursday morning class was a tough time before maternity leave. I have made it a few times throughout this pregnancy and had the pleasure of Melanie's guidance in each trimester. She always asks each woman to tell what we need or what problems we are dealing with this week, and offers insightful stretches or modifications throughout the class based on what we say. Although the intensity is tuned towards pregnancy, she teaches yoga, not just stretching and relaxing. Her knowledge base is sound and I never hear any bs anatomy or unrealistic cues from her, both pet peeves from may years of trying various yoga classes. Im looking forward to moving on to her post partum class soon, as I remember how great she was after my first child was born. read more

I loved going to Angela Madonia's prenatal yoga classes. Angela is a gifted yoga teacher with special sensitivity to the physical and emotional needs of pregnant people. I always felt supported during class and empowered afterwards. I've also enjoyed Angela's restorative yoga classes. I highly recommend her as a yoga teacher. read more

Finally! A yoga class that is an excellent workout, taught with a sense of humor, and inspiring, at times off beat, music! Jonothon took my experience of yoga to the next level. His knowledge of anatomy provided a new perspective of yoga, and allowed me to understand why certain we were performing certain poses. I had a fantastic time and cannot wait to go back! read more

This morning I went to Nicky Yazbeck's Tuesday Power Vinyasa class at Berkeley Yoga. Now this is yoga! Finally, a rewarding practice with a seasoned instructor who isn't afraid to challenge her students. I feel as though Nicky has yet to be discovered here in the Bay area as she is relatively new. I'm a bit trepidatious in spreading the Yelp word, but figure there have got to be strong, sensible yogis out there who are longing for a thoughtful, strength-orientated class that flows, like well, Vinyasa Power should. Check it out! read more

i've been taking classes at BYC for five years and it is my favorite yoga studio. i love the light and big windows, the hardwood floors and the brick walls, the creek that runs along side it, and the teachers. i currently take classes with melanie and she is spunky and kind. her class is rigorous, but focused on deep listening too. it is a great combo of physically challenging and connecting with my body and my heart. read more

I've lived near this place for 2 1/2 years and have never gone there until today, when I discovered they are now offering Nia, a really fabulous dance form that is a combination of modern, jazz, martial arts, etc. I loved LeeAnn's class. Her choice of music and choreography was wonderful and I felt better after her class than I have in a while. While I can't do yoga right now because of injuries (I hope to return to it in the future and expect that Nia will help me with that), I'm definitely going to keep doing Nia here. I also recommend the space, as it has beautiful hardwood floors and skylights. read more

I love this studio! The variety of classes and workshops is amazing. The space is clean and bright and the location is easy to find. I love Herdis and her yoga for every body class is fantastic and inclusive- Monday classes are smaller and such a great way to begin the week! I highly recommend any class tought by Cybele I am a huge fan! Her style of teaching is the greatest balance of chalenging, consciousness of movement, listening and hands on correction. And her workshops are amazing- loved loved loved her couples workshop! read more

Cybele's prenatal yoga class is great! It's well balanced and Cybele tailors it to the current needs of the ladies in the class (she has a 10 min check in where each woman can introduce themselves and tell the class how far along they are and if they are having any physical issues). She also brings material about birth that you can borrow if you want, and e-mails her students with information she comes across about birthing or post-partum issues. Over all, this class is something I look forward to. It is warm and inviting, meditative and relaxing. read more

I started taking Gretchen Wobrock and Kathleen King's Kripalu class last year and really enjoyed it. They alternate teaching the class. I like Kripalu yoga because it emphasizes meditation and body awareness as opposed to acrobatics. Gretchen is extremely nurturing, but takes a fairly hands off approach. Kathleen is also very nurturing and is slightly more concerned with alignment. After I became pregnant, I switched to Cybele's Tuesday evening prenatal yoga class. Cybele is an incredible teacher. She is precise, attentive, and very skilled. I have learned a lot in a very short time and hope that I can continue learning from her even after I give birth. Cybele is truly someone to admire. The space is airy, light, and comforting. The prices are more than fair. I highly encourage all pregnant mamas and everyone else to check it out! read more

I attended prenatal yoga with Melanie Green from the time I was 2 weeks pregnant with my first son. I continued right through to post-natal yoga and from there to prenatal for my second son. I feel like Melanie coached me through my pregnancies and the madness of new motherhood and provided me a relaxing space to stay in shape during those critical years. I also took classes with Cybele and loved that too. Now that I am overwhelmed with life with two toddlers, I wish I could find my way back to Berkeley Yoga more often. read more

If you can make it to one of Scotty's classes you are in for a huge treat. I have begun taking Beginner classes and couldn't be more pleased. He guides and teaches with such clarity and care, and the pacing is just terrific. At the end of the class I feel as if I have had quite a workout yet during the class I never felt like I was being pushed too far or too fast. He gets it just right. And no small point, he exudes such an inviting, calm and fun attitude toward life-and our yoga practice-that class is a wonderful oasis where you can truly relax and let go. read more

This studio is fantastic! Wonderful teachers and a beautiful space. I especially recommend Melanie Green's prenatal and postnatal classes and Jessie Holland's iyengar classes. I have tried many yoga studios in Berkeley, and this is definitely my favorite. read more

I've taken the restorative yoga class with Elizabeth (super relaxing and slow paced) and the yoga for basic stress reduction class with Scott (very fun, a little bit of a workout). I'm a newbie and I felt super comfortable in each class, both Scott and Elizabeth are amazing! If you're in Berkeley you absolutely must give this yoga studio a try! read more