This review includes months of "research" in the making, so I am very confident in my 5-star rating. Note that there is a huge diversity of styles, preferences, and priorities when it comes to your yoga practice, and I prefer more active vinyasa and power yoga-type flows than other types (such as hatha or Bikram).
Over summer 2016, I took advantage of sample classes/days/weeks at almost every single gym, yoga studio, and pilates studio, and barre studio in Pasadena and ended up very eagerly purchasing a black tag membership at CorePower Yoga. If you're curious about this studio, I HIGHLY recommend that you try out CPY's free week of unlimited yoga.
THE CLASSES: I have yet to have a class I did not enjoy and feel challenged/rejuvenated by at CPY. There are tons of classes every day to fit your schedule, and each of them is awesome. I attended CP2, Yoga Sculpt, and Hot Power Fusion classes during my sample week, and each of them was great. Unlike a lot of other studios I've been to, the different types of classes actually seem to be really consistent regarding their focuses and challenge levels. For example, if you go to a Sculpt class, you will be sculpted. If you go to a CorePower level 2 class, it will be more challenging than a level 1. At the same time, if you're just trying to go to a class that fits your schedule, any class will offer a good workout. I love power yoga because you're constantly moving and you're focusing on strength. I also really love how in most of my classes, the instructor has set aside time for us to work on one particular challenging pose. They show you how to approach the pose based on your current level, and it's just a fun and challenging time. Power yoga can sometimes sacrifice form, which can lead to injury, but the instructors are really good about helping people adjust their form throughout the class. Also, I've been to some studios where instructors WOULD NOT STOP TALKING or on the converse, did not provide enough instruction. CPY's instructors are clear, challenging, and helpful, but let you stay focused on your practice.
THE AMENITIES: Free parking in the garage underneath the building (enter through Dayton). The studios are always clean, smell-free, and well-maintained. No mysterious grit on your bare feet as you walk around. The locker rooms are small but well maintained. You can ask for a lock at the desk, there are showers, and the ladies' room is stocked with basics like tampons if needed. There is a water fountain and bottle fill station. Most of the classes are heated to some degree, and the heating system is super legit. It's not loud like some other places, and it hasn't been broken any of the times I've been. I always leave dripping with sweat and feeling like I can conquer the world.
PRICE: Y'all, working out in Pasadena/LA is not cheap. But if you're like me and cannot motivate yourself to work out at home or in a weight room all by your lonesome, this membership is about the median price to gyms/studios across the city and TOTALLY WORTH IT. If you include yoga in your exercise routine at least a few times a week, the black tack membership (unlimited classes) is definitely worth the price. BONUS: For us students, there is a student discount! I was shocked that almost every other studio I sampled did not have student discounts... don't you know how stressed AND poor we are??
ENVIRONMENT: Yoga is both a personal and communal practice, and it's awesome to take a class where an experienced instructor is guiding you and where everyone is being generous to themselves and to each other. I am *not* a super fit-type svelte LA person. I work out for my mental health and to support my pizza-based diet. But I feel totally comfortable at CPY both in my body and my ability level. CPY lets you flow and grow.
If CPY made the following improvements, I'd give it 6 stars if I could:
- Allow black tag members to bring a friend a few times a year (maybe once a month) for free! I think that would be a great way to expand the customer base, because I totally get being intimidated by going to a new yoga studio (or even trying yoga for the first time) by yourself. Let us preach for you!
- Have some sort of locker rental system. I live within running distance to this studio, and I'd love to be able to run to the studio and have my mat/towels/etc already there. Otherwise, I have to drive with all my stuff.
CorePower Yoga Pasadena, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. read more