I absolutely adore this place. Nice, clean space with great natural lighting. All the necessary…read moreequipment is already there (no need to bring your own mat). Jess is a wonderful teacher and she really takes time to know her students/clients. She also goes around the room and modifies poses depending on how advanced of a student you are. I started off with the Beginner Series, which was a great intro to yoga. I've tried all the scheduled classes and my favorites are the rope, Iyengar and vinyasa. TIPS - parking across the street in a lot (look for the yellow Tree of Life Yoga Clients signs) - buzz to be let into the building; studio is all the way to the back and up the gray wooden stairs - get the 10 class pass for $140...worth it! Each class is 1.5 hours and there's usually no more than 8-10 per class. I've been in some classes where there were under 5 people - if you want to get in a rope class, reserve a month in advance (seriously) If you're even thinking about trying this place, DO IT. I promise you won't regret it!

Almost everything has already been said, so I won't repeat the very true, excellent reviews…read moreregarding Jessica, the space, or the classes. Everyone is down to earth, lovely, and real. If you are into lululemon yoga pants and Eat, Pray, Love annoyingness- this is NOT the place for you. Jessica did an outstanding in-depth assessment and now she is teaching me a completely new way to move, and, frankly, to live in my own body. Since I am very analytical, I appreciate that she shares her deep knowledge of anatomy and physiology. If you are a) stressed out by a corporate environment, b) turning into a little cramped shell of back/shoulder pain, and c) you want to actually DO something about it, this review confirms that the instruction at TOLY is world-class.

I love this place. I've been here for music classes, yoga, concerts, and workshops. The space is…read morebeautiful, and completely caters to the heart of the creative process. Artists in the East Bay who haven't found this space by now have been seriously missing out. A gem.

THE CLASSES: range from mild to spicy (my husband's a former yoga teacher and he says after 2020,…read moresome studios avoid beginner/intermediate/advanced terminology to not sound like crazy Scientologists I guess). Mild is great if your body is tight/in recovery, it's been a rough day, or you just want permission to take it easy. Medium would require more effort but it doesn't cause serious regrets. Spicy is all in, keep up, sweat like crazy, and maybe re-evaluate your choice to come. I take classes to meet my body where it is that day; that is, I don't "only" do spicy ones to "get fit." So my week consists of Mild to Spicy to have "rest" days. The schedule is constantly changing and I haven't taken every class/instructor, so here's how I'd categorize the ones I've attended: * = my repeats/try to attend when I can vp = very popular/crowded Mild: Dominique* (vp; you might snore) or any restorative/yin, Vickie*, Baxter (vp), Jill* Mild/Medium: Deshauna*, Yoko* (vp), Margi* (vp), Ellen, Richard (vp) Medium: Andrea, Leslie, Nichol*, Monica Medium/Spicy: Annie (vp), Kim (the lovely owner!) Spicy: Jody* (vp), Gaby (vp), Jacqui, Rose, Ann Thu* Want to take classes from the "original" group who worked alongside Rodney Yee (yes, that guy)? It's Yoko, Richard, and Annie (I think?) when this was previously Piedmont Yoga Studio. Want adjustments? It depends on class size and the instructor. Yoko, Margi, Ann Thu and Jody do so when they can. I've seen some some students get upset when instructors tell them how to correct the pose. It's a no-win situation. If you're new to crowded classes, be in the 2nd row where you can see better. The only suggestion I have is having a whiteboard/display where instructors can write down the suggested props. Or maybe a picture of each prop with a number next to it and write it down in the Zoom chat. Sometimes an instructor repeats the prop list 5+ times as folks trickle in online/in person. TIPS: Yoga's very subjective--try a lot of studios until you find one you like in terms of the space, students, instructors, and the parking/commute. Go where you feel comfortable and want to return, it helps you maintain momentum. If it's your very first time at any studio, show up early to sign waivers! FWIW: I started yoga after chemo and I've stuck with it during recovery, relapse, remission, parenthood, severe burnout, and now perimenopause. After 20 years, I still can't do handstands/headstands and there are some poses I just can't do anymore. I've been with this studio for 10+ years and 5+ years for my husband.

My loved one and I have been attending Dominique's Tuesday night restorative yoga together for the…read morepast two years. I understand why it's so full these days! The best teachers put in the hours and meet the room with flexibility, the kind that comes from confidence in the material and delivery. Dominique leads every class with steady and tender compassion. As someone who has taught yoga for years myself, I appreciate her seasoned ability to hold space for the community with multiple awarenesses at play. The accessibility piece is always present. This class is great for all bodies and levels of experience and I love being in such a room. She has a natural delivery with clear verbal cues and intuitive encouragement that's even at times poetic. Nest's restorative yoga classes are essential! I feel grateful that we have her in Oakland and while I hope this class doesn't become too packed, I wish everyone such a safe space in this upcoming year.

Hella is one of my favorite studios in Berkeley - Everyone is warm and welcoming! I am obsessed…read morewith Lisa's Bikram class and Anne's hot Pilates, they are amazing. Kelly - Thanks for creating such a terrific studio!

What a trendy, twisted theme on heated yoga!…read more It's a stretch in this inferno, but your body and mind will thank you for it. Always. Feeling inhibited? Let the heat and constant movement of your body during the hot pilates, bikram or buti, lower your anxiety and release the fury here! I like the new take on disco colors inside with R rated music! It gets me to be how I want to be, let loose, and leave all the problems that goes on outside of my yoga mat! It's like I'll deal with it later, but first, yoga for my soul please! Hot, move, sweat and repeat! Listen to pump up music and get your workout going! Let's get it working! Yes! ...And instead of namaste, they end with thank you! Epiphany from Hella - If your mind keeps moving, treat your body just as well and let it keep pace to your mind. Balance is key. Thank you!

If you're looking for a diverse, welcoming and inclusive healing space to practice, this is it…read more For days when you're feeling too tired to work out, but I still feel the need to center yourself and move the days events out of your body and mind try the Gentle Yoga class. By the end of class I'm feeling more myself, more grounded and nourished and better equipped to show up for myself and my community. In times like these, this is the perfect place to hold space for yourself, but not by yourself. Arrive early to secure metered street parking.

I joined this organization first as a member and later became a work-trade member, hoping to find a…read moresafe, joyful, and supportive community of BiPOC women. I came here with excitement and a desire to contribute, grow, and connect--but my experience has left me deeply hurt. Without any warning or explanation, I was told by Sataya that I was no longer part of the work-trade community because her and Cleopatra don't feel comfortable. To be removed so quickly and abruptly from a space that is meant to uplift BiPOC women is devastating and confusing. I feel excluded, unheard, and deeply disappointed by how this was handled. I hope the organization takes a hard look at how they treat community members and work-trade contributors. Transparency, care, and genuine inclusivity are essential--especially in spaces designed to support marginalized BLACK women in a society that is already unjust.

Attended an REI virtual class where Treina at YogaLove in Oakland was the instructor. Lovely to see…read moresun and warmth in the outdoor studio in California while being in snowy, dark Minnesota. Treina was great at explaining the poses and giving options for all levels of ability. She was a calming presence with a relaxing voice. I am grateful that I can attend more virtual classes at this far away studio by signing up online. Namaste :)

This studio is both comfortable and quirky. Comfortable bc the studio owner was creative in how she…read moreconverted a home into a yoga center. Quirky bc the artwork was eclectic and representative of local artists' work. Treina is very sweet and cared about her studio

Great vibes here. Excellent teachers who are generous with their knowledge, create a great…read moreexperience and seem to genuinely enjoy being part of the studio. Each of them seem to bring their own creativity in a way that feels smooth and refreshing yet not foreign. Why I like that: you will not feel like a yoga robot. Only thing to watch out for -- not much space up front nor inside. But I like to think that makes the vibe more authentic and less focused on typical yoga studio retail salesy stuff.

Love this yoga studio. All the Instructors are nice and experienced. It is a loving environment.read more

I loved class today, especially Heather's words on the deeper inner work of yoga - i.e. that…read morepranayama will come over time as the mind becomes quiet. And one way to get there is longer, quieter, inversions. I also appreciated when other students were highlighted on zoom (padmasana up the wall!), as it's fun learning from eachother. Thank you, Heather.

This studio is pretty small and tight if the class is full. Its a thing to get there early. For the…read moremost part everyone was really rude.... I'm glad I didn't commit to the actual program and took heed of their micro aggressive behavior. Not the best yoga studio namaste

I am so happy I got to experience my yoga practice the past year. The instructors each have their…read moreunique and diverse take on how they run their class. Being kept on my toes is greatly appreciated here. I felt challenged, I highly recommend to those who consider themselves intermediate level. It is a definitely a great sweaty work out! The service here is very professional and responsive.

Location- local and easy to find Ambiance- intimate yet…read moreminimalistic Service- friendly and professional The room gets hot, bring a water or 2 and get ready to sweat They have mats blocks and water if you need them but it's additional fees applied All are welcome beginners and advanced I'll be back thanks for a great time Be well and Namaste

Just finished my first class at Banana Yoga 10/10! Super cute space, lockers, nice bathroom w/a…read morebidet! I'm super out of practice but lots of options for modified poses. I will definitely be back!

I have been going regularly to banana for prenatal yoga with both Sybil and Hye and have gotten so…read moremuch benefit for my body, relaxation and emotions during pregnancy as a second time parent. I wanted to take the time to write a review because of the welcoming environment at banana - I've appreciated that they also hold community events in the space, offer sliding scale payment, and gathering opportunities for folks with different backgrounds and interests. I'm hoping to find time to check out more classes postpartum and would recommend banana yoga to anyone, especially for folks who appreciate the more approachable experience. For prenatal yoga specifically, I also want to mention that I tried a few different spots during my pregnancy this time, and banana was by far my favorite!