Tucked away above the Jules Maes Tavern in Georgetown, Yogasmith is a serene refuge from the…read morestressors of the modern world. Siddhartha sits by the entrance, greeting practitioners as they arrive for class. A creaky staircase leads to an inviting space with brick walls, beautiful hardwood floors and ample windows throughout. A majestic gong sits front and center in the room and is surrounded by singing bowls. Music plays softly and, depending on the time of day, candles flicker. Merely entering the space stirs a sense of well-being. Yogasmith offers a variety of classes for students of all levels. These include an introductory series, as well as all-level, men's, restorative and cannabis-friendly classes. In addition to classes, there are workshops and special events such as a monthly Sound Bath. The instructors at Yogasmith come from different backgrounds, each bringing his/her own unique expertise. The studio is open seven days a week, which makes scheduling easy. Students can sign up for a series (or "stream" in Yogasmith lingo) or drop-in. Director Joel Benjamin is the soul-epicenter of Yogasmith. His approach to teaching is gentle, good-humored and encouraging. And as founder of the studio, he has gone to great length to create a community that is vibrant and inclusive. He is exquisitely mindful of how world events impact this community and is diligent in his efforts to offer comfort, resources and tools in response. There are always tea and snacks in the kitchen at Yogasmith. There is also a living room area with a library full of books on meditation, yoga and various spiritual traditions. Hang after class is highly encouraged. There are numerous coffee shops and restaurants around the bustling Georgetown neighborhood for anyone seeking a more substantial post-class nibble. I've been practicing at Yogasmith for a little over three years now, and the benefit has been invaluable. I always leave feeling better than when I came in. And with each practice, I learn something that I can take with me and apply to daily life. As a fairly recent empty nester, I'm especially grateful for the community I've found here. Whether you're a first-time student or a lifelong practitioner, there is something for you at Yogasmith. I encourage all to give it a try.

Two years ago I had never taken a yoga class in my life and was terrified of the mat. Fast forward…read moreto the present--now I'm a dedicated practitioner thanks to Joel and Yogasmith. Joel is hands-down the most patient, knowledgable, and honest yogi I've met. He blends philosophy and meditation with physical strength. One of the things he says in class is that "yoga is a breathing practice...with postures." For someone like me who is wound up really tightly, having a mentor who reminds me to slow down and breathe has changed the quality of my whole life. Joel works hard to create a community at the Smith. It's more of a family and less of a gym. He has an optional co-op program that allows members a discount on classes, and in exchange, we contribute to helping cancer patients practice for free. Classes are affordable, focused, and manageable for all levels of expertise. I find the curriculum challenging but not frustrating. I get a good workout and I always feel better after class. I love looking around the space and seeing an array of body shapes, skin colors, and ages. No egotistical show-offs here, just lovely people excited to do yoga together. The Smith is always clean, warm, and safe. It even smells good! I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders every time I climb the stairs. Highly recommended for newbies and old pros alike. Much love for Joel and Yogasmith!

I've been contemplating how to best review Seattle Changing Room, Gyrotonic in general, and Leslie,…read moremy instructor. First I was hesitant because Gyrotonic is one of those things that you almost want to just keep it for yourself because it's THAT good. Your body is craving this, trust me. It's the cashmere of workouts, the truffle butter, the hope diamond! I've been working with Leslie for a little over a month to rehab this problem I have with my lower back and hips, but I have also gotten stronger, leaner, have better posture and am and more flexible. I feel 3 inches taller every time I leave and am pretty sure I AM actually taller. Leslie's enthusiasm for her work and your body is quite refreshing! You will be excited that someone is that invested in your body! Just try it and you'll see the light.

I've been doing lunchtime yoga at Seattle Changing Room for years. The classes are small and…read morepersonal, and they work hard to make the classes what their students need, including changing days of the week! They are incredibly caring. I've mostly worked with Elaine, Leslie, and Ben and they are all fantastic. I've only done gyro a few times as a filler when a yoga instructor wasn't available, and it felt simultaneously like I wasn't "working out" and like it was really hard and my body felt incredibly taller and stronger afterwards. Cant recommend this place enough.

Updating again!! The space is different but Ki Lan's philosophy and my dedication to Pilates are…read morethe same as ever! Ki Lan has been expanding her certifications so she now is teaching classes in Yamuna Body Rolling in addition to Pilates. Think of Yamuna like a 2 hour massage that you give yourself. And then go to YouTube and watch a video. I appreciate KI Lan's hands-on approach to instructing, and the care she takes to watch my body move to be sure that I'm moving in the right way, instead of just counting out the number of reps. There's always something new to try depending on how I'm feeling or what my body is telling her that I'm not necessarily able to see or vocalize. We laugh, we share stories, I stretch and my glutes (among other muscles) get a great workout! I love/hate the bosu, which only means that I should do more work on/with it. Always professional, always looking to find a new way to help me reach my fitness/wellness goals, Ki Lan is tops for me when it comes to how I want to spend my time and my fitness budget.

The studio is very well equipped and the staff is professional and caring. Classes are kept small…read moreto give personal attention and provide guidance to ensure all of us as students are in correct alignment. Since attending last summer, I feel my core strengthened and my balance improved. I can recommend this studio for beginners, the advanced and those anywhere in-between.

Elaine is a gifted healer. She is passionate about helping…read morepeople and a keen listener and observer. She tailored her sessions to my needs. Where physical therapy was ineffective, she was able to reduce lower back pain. I enjoyed very much her private sessions.She taught me how to build a home practice. I highly recommend Elaine

The review is long overdue! I started seeing Elaine weekly in February of 2021. I work as a teacher…read moreand the toll of working during the pandemic became challenging by December of 2020. I went to Elaine a mixture of in person and online. I found both methods to be effective. She's through, knowledgeable and gentle. Elaine has a way of helping your body fully relax and release stress. I found myself looking forward to seeing her each week. I also experienced significant improvement with my stress and migraines by working with her. If you're unsure or on the fence about seeing Elaine let this review be what motivates you to go see her!

Great personalized yoga classes, I'm learning a lot and gaining strength. Yonat is a patient,…read moreattentive yoga teacher who adapts the classes to my needs; her personal sessions are supportive and motivating.

Sat Nam, I recommend this studio, especially for those that come from the kundalini yoga pathways…read morefrom other global regions. I was new here and found this studio to be authentic, and kind and comfortable for new guests without any attitudes but true warmth. Los Angeles was home to the largest name teachers like Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Tej, Guru Singh and others we followed for so many years but then after Covid, much of the industry shifted into closed down studios, no more early pre-sunrise Sadhana daily meditation by candlelight, and even after completion of my License with Yoga West in L.A, I truly feel so out of the loop of our meditation and mantra and yoga community. This is a great studio and I hope to reconnect when the best time soon.

Absolutely LOVE this yoga center. I have attended 3 classes so far (with two different…read moreinstructors), and I enjoyed all of them! I leave each classes feeling energized and cleansed. The instructors and attendees are all very nice. It's a comfortable place that doesn't feel intimidating. The workout varies- sometimes more sweaty than others, sometimes more breathwork and chanting, etc...I enjoy the variety! And the class breezes by! I really enjoy the Sunday 5pm class the most. I wish the times were different. A 6pm class would be perfect. 5:30 is hard to make after work, and 7pm leaves a pretty big gap of waiting....thus, I usually only attend on Sundays. I would attend more during the week if times matched my schedule better. For now, I will settle on 1x per week, and I really look forward to that class. I highly recommend this center if you're looking to try Kundalini yoga!

When I started working with Sarah, I was in pretty sorry shape. Having been quite athletic most of…read moremy life, I was coming off of years of inactivity, with some periods of being bedridden, due to health problems. I could neither sit nor stand nor move without significant pain. Since one is usually sitting or standing or moving, I was dogged by quite a lot of pain, most of the time throughout my day. I was unsure what I could even do for a living that wouldn't exacerbate this pain, and I didn't feel that I had many options. Sarah had a unique way of sizing me up as a patient and it felt at times as though she was using a "sixth sense" to evaluate my needs. Her method of working on me was equally intuitive. She might re-position a vertebra here, loosen up some abdominal tissue there, get a foot moving properly, and, after only a few sessions, my physical condition was feeling much improved and was walking miles at speed again, and the pain was gone! There was an incremental process toward better and better physical function, and, after some months of working together on and off, I was diving off the high dive, paddleboarding, and going surfing again! Part of what worked was not just Sarah's incredible skill as a diagnostician and practitioner, but also the way she was in my corner as an advocate for my recovery. It was clear that she really cared about me getting better and at times the conversations we had resembled what I might have with a therapist. The process of healing physically also entailed some emotional and spiritual work for me, and Sarah was right there with me, even doing some remarkably deep energy work and holding space with me to help me process the things that energy work brought forward. All in all I would have to say Sarah is a healer through and through, and if you and she get along the way she and I do, I am quite sure you will see dramatic improvement in your condition physically and possibly emotionally and spiritually as well, and you will enjoy the journey!

Sarah is THE body work therapist I would recommend to anyone who says he/she/they are looking for…read moresomeone to help them with a pain, large or small. She makes me feel better every time I have a session with her. While I still don't understand the science behind it, working with Sarah as an NKT therapist has been one of the best investments I've made for myself. I would even consult with her before ever deciding upon any invasive surgery. She is extremely knowledgable about the body and you will be in very capable hands. She is always learning and she passes that new knowledge on to her clients.

Shilpa is a wonderful yoga teacher!! She helps you to focus on every part of your body in a gentle…read moreand calming manner. I highly recommend her classes!

I have been practicing different branches of yoga since childhood. The spiritual alignment of yoga…read morewith any hatha yoga practice is of utmost importance to me. When I moved to Washington, I was so nervous about finding a new yoga teacher. I was in Vancouver, WA when I finally found a teacher who seemed to do vinyasa yoga. He told me to go up north and there I found Shilpa! She's a spectacular teacher. Patient, kind, grounding, and motivating I am grateful to practice with her on Sunday mornings. When the pandemic began, Shilpa moved her classes to virtual, Zoom live classes. I need these to make sure I do my practice! Otherwise I would not commit one hour to my practice every week. The way she structures her classess incorporate meditation, asanas, strength, stamina, and flexibility. It's also convenient for my partner to do the class with me at home. I highly recommend her classes and I hope you find time to join her.