I only began Yoga 7 months ago but am blown away by the experience which I incorporated into my…read morepretty heavy cardio/weight resistance workout. I'm 62 but although initially it was a bit daunting as I am kind of competitive !, it has helped me with balance and flexibility, however now I have more goals and the staff/teachers are all super and supportI've. the facility in Gig Harbor is very convenient, modern and immaculate. I could easily go to classes in Tacoma or Lakewood but haven't felt the need. plenty of classes for me after work and on weekends with no pressure to do more than I'm ready. I would encourage men ( and women of course ) to give it a try as it was not something I thought was a "guy" thing and I lost years of practice so go and take some classes , you won't regret it.

As a beginner to yoga... I was looking for a studio to continue practicing yoga while home for the…read moreholidays. I'm originally from the Bay Area and I was very pleased to learn there was a yoga studio near my parents' home (at least one that didn't require bridge toll or a 30+ min drive). So I booked classes for the days I was staying in Gig Harbor and absolutely loved this yoga studio. LOGISTICS The yoga studio itself is very beautiful and airy. The high ceilings and lighting make it a great space for practicing yoga. Also very clean! They provide yoga mats, blocks, and straps to borrow... but you're free to bring your own. I also like that they provide the yoga mat cleaner spray, which is a great reminder to use after class. I booked all my classes online so the process was very easy. I had a few issue when I accidentally booked a same day class and couldn't cancel, but they were quick to returning my desperate email+calls to let me know they took me off the roster and would honor my class credits for a future class. The customer service communication has been a very good experience for me. There was an error in pricing for a pair of yoga pants I purchased through them, but we were able to resolve it over email without me needing to come in. Currently they require masks in the studio, however they make an exception if you email or show them your vaccine cards. You're still required to wear a mask when off your mat, but during the class itself you can remove it. It makes it so much easier to practice breathing this way. Parking is super easy since it's located in the Uptown shopping area next to the movie theater and HomeGoods. CLASSES The studio offers a very wide variety of class formats at different times of the day. Since I'm fairly new to yoga and could really only do morning classes... I've only done "Vinyasa Flow: Level 1 & 2" and "Hatha Strength and Stretch". Both are good for beginners and even if you're starting out, you can always go at your own pace / make adjustments as needed. Or rest in child's pose. The website will advise the experience level required for each class when you sign up, and the instructors are happy to provide extra instructions to complete newbies (at least from observation). Pacing can be slow or moderate in these classes - it depends a little on the instructor. I had one sub that did a faster pace for a Level 1 & 2 class, but it was quite fun to keep up with. It's really important to pay attention to what the instructor is saying in terms of cues when switching poses. And if you're very new... I'd recommend being in the middle row so you can not only see the instructor but also observe what others are doing. I enjoyed the classes and they were a fairly good workout (I did sweat in a few of them). I also never felt any judgement or pressure on how I was doing my poses. Plus the classes were all a little different in terms of poses used and the flow. After class, I always felt refreshed and relaxed after stretching out my body and working some muscles. INSTRUCTORS I really like the instructors at this studio - very clear cues and instructions, and they offer options depending on your fitness level. They've all been very friendly and unlike other yoga corporate studios I've been to, they actually try to focus on the spiritual aspect of it (without being too preachy). VALUE Coming from the Bay Area... unless I'm committing to a class package/membership, I'm used to paying $30 for one drop in class. Here, a drop in class is only $20 and the price gets lower as you do a class package or membership. $20 a drop in class is a really good deal ESPECIALLY when you're allowed to take more than one class in a day with your drop in class. They offer specials for new clients, like a 30 day trial at an extremely discounted rate. If you're in the area I'd highly recommend it so you can try all the different classes. They also offer discounts for military, which is thoughtful of them. Really though, the value is there for a yoga studio of this quality. OVERALL This dedicated yoga studio is a great addition to Gig Harbor. There's a sense of community and relaxation afterwards, which is something you won't usually get out of "gym" yoga classes. I'm a little jealous that my hometown has a yoga studio like this, but I'll look forward to stopping by to keep up my practice whenever I'm in town.

All of the instructors and staff at The Fit Lab 253 are absolutely phenomenal. I felt welcome from…read morethe first day I walked in. They offer classes are geared for all levels, with right amount of challenge. The cues are easy to follow and visual guidance is also available when needed. Honestly, being cued correctly and being corrected when I'm out of alignment or in the wrong position have kept me from injury. Reformer Pilates has changed my life, I love it! I took a few private lessons with Amanda as my intro to pilates. She and the lessons were so amazing, I've been hooked ever since. When I'm in town, I come to the studio fairly consistently and my body has been transformed, completely snatched. I feel my workouts all over, every atrophied muscle has been awakened. Every instructor does something "special" in their class, please try them all, you will not be disappointed. I highly, highly recommend coming here.

One of the benefit of COVID shit down is being able to take private Pilates lessons at THE FIT LAB…read more253! I have fallen in love with Pilates and have added two another new classes I have never done before and love them as well - Spin and Zone! They have great instructors that know their classes that they teach very well and motivating and encouraging. They give modifications to any level of fitness can attend!! Amazing workout facility!!

I wish I would have known about this place when I moved to Gig Harbor two years ago. My hot vinyasa…read moreclass was great. Rachel gave excellent cues, cracked some jokes and made the practice very enjoyable. She's a lady with a big heart and I love the way she instructs. Lots of parking, easy to get in and out of, very convenient, and I'm glad I saw the signage from the interstate. What a great find and so far, the community are pretty friendly as well. Rachel was very welcoming and made me feel very welcome in her space. It's so great to practice in a space, without judgement, and fully supported. I highly recommend this studio if you love the heat, enjoy sweating and yoga. There are non heated classes as well.

Gig Harbor is so fortunate to have Asha Yoga and Wellness! One of the co-owners Rachel is such a…read moreamazing, kind & passionate yoga teacher! She taught Hot26 with such great dialogue, demonstrating postures & modifications. Their F5 Studio is very spacious & the view from the studio is absolutely amazing! Highly recommend checking out Asha Yoga and Wellness!

Follow up: I am now…read moregoing on my 4th month of my Hot Yoga journey with Expand Yoga Federal Way. I want to share everything I've learned during this time. I practice around 5 days a week. I mostly attend Original Hot but have pushed myself to try Vinyasa and Yin. I LOVE doubling up on an Original Hot day with Yin. My body feels stronger now than it has in years and it's been a slow build to this point since I began my journey. In the time I've been practicing, not only have I progressed physically in my postures but mentally I have gained so much confidence. It was a struggle when I first started just looking at myself in the mirror. I am a tired, hard working mom with 3 boys. It was hard to look at who I am now compared to who I was before all that. As time went on, I started to face myself and gain confidence in the strong woman I am. I no longer want to look away and I appreciate what I see in front of me. I never would have had this, had I not started practicing with Expand. The studio is such a friendly and welcoming community. I've made so many new Yoga friends that I enjoy practicing with. We cheer each other on, we love going to the same classes together and it's nice to meet people who love the practice as much as I do. Yin has become a fast favorite class for me. I describe it as deep stretching with meditation. It has helped me improve so much in my flexibility with Original Hot. If I can, I double it up with Original Hot. However, it is a class that I would just take alone as well. It is so relaxing and almost a spa like experience. Vinyasa is my challenge. I swear every time I take that class I just relish in how improved I am with Original Hot I take Vinyasa though because it is my weakness. I am usually sore after the class and it throws my body out of its usual routine. My hope is that one day it isn't a class I drag myself to but rather one I strive to take. Original Hot is my GO TO. I could practice it over and over without getting bored. Even though it's always the same 26 postures, there is always room for growth and improvement- as with any of the classes to be honest. I LOVE the hot temps of the room and just feel this burst of energy after the class. It's really such a natural high. I've even doubled up with Original Hot twice in one day. THAT was exhilarating. The studio itself is so spacious and can clearly house many comfortably. I love the heating elements in the room. It creates a different level of heat than I have experienced at other studios. It's next level but doesn't wipe you out. Every instructor is amazing. Each one wants you to improve and will give instructions for corrections. They have each taught me something new multiple times. It's fun when they get excited with you on your improvements. I feel like I have a group of cheerleaders. Everyone is great at making you feel special and important to this community they are building. After class, every instructor is happy to help you with any questions you have. They are also great at demonstrating and explaining the why. Their experience shows with their knowledge. I just don't know where I would be right now if it weren't for Expand Yoga Federal Way. I feel like I was just floating with no direction with the same thing happening every day. I look forward to my classes and I walk around feeling confident rather than hiding myself. I love just getting that time to myself to center without any distractions. If you can try this studio, don't walk... RUN! You won't regret it. Thank you so much Expand Yoga!!

I have been doing yoga around the world for most of my adult life and I'm almost 50 years old now…read more This "sculpt" class with the instructor Tomio, was probably the most boring class I have ever attended. I barely broke a sweat and his voice and tone gave the impression that he was reciting the most dry text book for the 100th time and he didn't even want to be bothered. He gave insufficient communication when sequencing and teaching, having no cues for breathing, giving no explanation or modification, having no clear explanation of what muscles students should be engaging and only using about 75% of class time for actual exercises. He used so much time up for talking, changing music and water breaks, it was actually a good waste of my time. He clearly had some experience with upper body strength, but his class was full of older people who didn't have the same ability as he did. He didn't read the room and adjust to his student's abilities or give any modifications or suggestions for older people who couldn't perform his unrealistic exercises. Most students were 40+ women and he had the class doing planks or push ups for the majority of the practice. I couldn't leave fast enough because he repeats everything he says at least twice, as though it's a nervous tic, and it's very hard for someone who is an instructor to listen to his communication skills. He couldn't even count down without repeating himself and counting double. I also kept pulling long hairs from my weights. Yuck! After class, I tried to rinse off in the shower and it was full of a bunch of dark brown hair. I don't think this place is for me.

I first met Brooke about 10 years ago as a stylist/colorist (highly recommended!). She is a…read moredelightful, thoughtful person who dreamed of having a wellness center. In the last few years she has manifested a superb healing center which includes regular yoga classes and massage, as well as an outstanding menu of classes and presentations which change monthly. Check out the Touch of Meraki website, and while you're there, book an appointment in the sound bath and infrared sauna for a mind blowing experience.

This space is incredibly beautiful and provides an incredible environment for so many things. The…read moreowner Brooke has been in the industry for a long time and it shows. Her heart and passion for providing the absolute best is easily felt. Whether in a sound journey, workshops, hair care or her beautiful jewelry, you will leave feeling more connected to your Self and those around you. I only wish I could display such a beautiful space to show what beauty what lives within. I also wish I could afford to buy all the things in her gift shop. Seriously beautiful.

SHY yoga instructors are saints! Not only did they save my life, getting me ready for an upcoming…read morecancer diagnosis, but more importantly have been teaching me how to live, be the man I want to be and know that I'm enough. The instructors are the freaking best! Tacoma is lucky to have you. Sign up now!

Attended the 10:30am hot yoga class this morning. Amazing class! Peach was great! I will be back…read morefor sure. Class was challenging and uplifting, I will definitely be back and asking for gift certificates from family and friends for Christmas from this studio

Wonderful yoga studio ‍ samitha runs the Tuesday pre-natal and the Wednesday align flow and does a…read morewonderful job with the class. She makes everyone feel welcomed, and I appreicte her insight and guidance. As someone who is pregnant doing this for the first time she has made it so doing something new is comfortable, which can be anxiety riding (pregnancy in general.) If you're looking for pre-natal yoga, please come here. The $35 / 2 weeks is a great day and includes in person and online classes. They have offers for class packages to sign up for which pricing is great, especially since I've gone and looked at other studios. They provide all "tools" yoga mat, blankets, massage balls, yoga blocks and much more which is also a bonus a lot of studios don't include. You can bring your own or use what is offered.

Source Yoga became the source of community for me when I moved to Tacoma 5 years ago. Their great…read moreintro special allowed me to sample different classes and teachers and also meet more yogis. Over the years, I have been able to deepen and hone my yoga practice as well as my connections. All the teachers I have had teach well to all levels - you don't need to be a pretzel yogi to fit in! Great workshops and retreats too!