I've been an athlete and weightlifter my whole life and was introduced to Iyengar Yoga at the end of May 2023. Since I was introduced, I've switched over completely from weightlifting to only doing Iyengar Yoga. This practice has been so beneficial for my mind, body, and spirit. My body is opening up in ways it never has and I feel light, pain free, and more relaxed each time I go to class. The instructors are all amazing. They don't want to just run you through of bunch of poses and call it a day. They aim to actually teach you what you're doing, why you're doing, and HOW to actually progress with each asana so that your mind, body, and spirit receive the benefit of the pose. I'm super grateful for this center and all of the instructors, especially Carolyn, the owner. If you haven't tried Iyengar Yoga, I highly recommend you go to a class! read more

Amazing, well kept studio that always feels warm & welcoming. The Iyengar method, led at Iyengar Yoga Source by Miss Carolyn, has truly changed my life! Working a 9-5 desk job has led to a lot of chronic pain & stiffness as well as brain fog and grogginess & the relief I feel after taking Iyengar classes is truly incredible. Cannot recommend this studio & it's staff enough for their attention to detail, thorough & clear explanations & thoughtfulness in getting you feeling incredible! read more

I have taken yoga classes at this studio for a number of years. I've also taken yoga classes at other locations throughout the country and even throughout the world. The Iyengar Yoga source studio is by far one of the best yoga studios I've ever frequented. Their instruction is top-notch, as is their understanding of all aspects of Yoga. As a beginner, there is no question, but that it's best to start at a studio like this. And, for long-term practitioners, it is essential to have a community like this one to be a part of. read more

I sought out Iyengar Yoga Source for posture correction even though I am in good physical shape and exercise regularly. I have had a desk job my whole life. In the past, a job where my posture was slumped while on a hand held phone. Driving in the car has also made for poor posture. I have totally transformed my body through Iyengar Yoga Source. The teachers are amazing and had me hooked. I did not realize how strong and active your back and core needs to be in order for the alignment needed of your vertebrates and organs to sit properly and stand properly. I equally did not realize how active your legs need to be to sit well and stand well. There is even an art to lying down properly. For my transformation in posture, I needed to build strength in some muscles that were not strong and in my case what strong muscles were taking over. Iyengar Yoga Source the proper yoga techniques, teaching poses with the correct structure, which flows to being mindful, strengthening the mind and body in every day life. I have had many compliments on my posture without people knowing I am taking Iyengar yoga at Iyengar Yoga Source. I feel better inside and out. read more

Finally found a yoga studio that isn't that awful hot yoga. Caroline and all the teachers are beyond knowledgeable and no one gets hurt in these classes as they are so hands on. Beautiful studio with lots of fresh air and light. And it's not the same routine each time like some of the corporate yoga chains around. This is an absolute must for your health - mental and physical and spiritual read more

Carolyn has been my teacher since 2011. I feel so lucky to have found this studio. As someone over 60, I always feel safe in her classes. She considers us her students so every class is a lesson on how we can improve. All the teachers at this studio are awesome and well trained. read more

Not the best studio. I was turned away from a class by Carolyn because it's a higher level class. I am yoga certified and would have been able to handle the class. The first class I had I was told by a fellow student I couldn't set my mat by her - the instructor told them to space out - I ended up setting up my mat next to her because there was no other spots. I had bought a 5 class pass but was only able to use it once. I wanted to try again but when I went back it had a 2 month expiry. Would not recommend this studio. read more

Surprised when my gastroenterologist recommended Carolyn at Iyengar Yoga Source to help relieve chronic digestive issues and musculoskeletal problems, I decided to try despite being in my seventies. My body began changing more quickly than I could have imagined. I recommend both Caroline and her studio without reservation. She has helped my posture, my balance and my sense of well-being. Her presence and her work are a blessing. read more

I am not one to take the time to write reviews, but this yoga center has an incredibly positive impact on my life. The discipline of the practice is what I most respect. What I notice most in my day to day is how much the practice grounds me and carries me through the week, beyond the physical benefits. Carolyn and the teachers of the center are beyond knowledgeable and if one comes in with an open mind and heart there is much learning to be absorbed. I thank you Iyengar Yoga Source for making such a difference in my life. read more

I'm over the moon with joy in taking Thursday class with our beloved teacher, Carolyn Belko. . If you haven't been here yet, it's the best present you could ever give yourself! Yoga at it's finest‍ read more

Teachers here at Iyengar Yoga Source are amazing. Each one I have studied with has helped me so much.. I have loved classes with Bonnie, Joanna, Sri varda, Lisa Ruby, Joahanna and Carolyn. All teachers are trained under Carolyn. All teachers are very good both in knowledge and teaching skills. The teachers here have so much training before they even teach the class. and Carolyn is very very talented in diagnosing any problem and helping students by making necessary adjustments for there maximum benefits. Few years back I had a lower back issue and I was not able to walk without my belt. With the help of Carolyn now I can run,walk and I can do intense hiking.. Carolyn is certified by BKS Iyengar Guruji itself. She teaches class with complete honesty and not loosing any integrity and discipline.. she is very spiritual. Her energy level is in completely in different level. Very very positive. She is strict in class with alignment and at the same time in retreat I saw the complete opposite of it. the reason why she is strict in class is because she cares for us so much. She doesn't want us to get injured. She is very very gentle and loving and she knows how to handle teenagers.. my both teenage daughters have become physically very strong in there poses because of her. She make sures that they are not bored . I will never ever go to physiotherapy. I highly recommend this iyengar yoga Source for yoga classes.. read more

tl;dr If you're experiencing chronic pain, come to Carolyn and her team and you WILL find relief. I came with constant pain and am now pain free. Listen to them closely, and practice diligently. Develop a simple regimen of exercises to do daily. Do this and you WILL find relief. -------- I started experiencing back pain at age 15. By my early 20's, my back would spasm every 3-6 months, with pain lasting for 2-3 weeks each time. Being on the other side of my issues, I believe the cause was from a bike accident when I was about 12. Around 23/24 I started doing yoga (flow or power type) in search of relief. At age 29, after years of diligent practice, including a 200-hour Hatha teacher certification, my back completely gave out during a simple "up dog" to start a class. Took 2 years to go from constant, severe pain to constantly achey with periods of sharp pain. Tried EVERYTHING just to get there. Around year 2, I started going to Iyengar on the advice of a family friend who wrote a book on back pain ("Crooked"). Moved to San Diego shortly after and have been a member of this community basically that entire time (3 years). IT HAS BEEN THE SINGLE BIGGEST DRIVER OF MY RECOVERY. Took 3 years, but I'm now pain free. - Their quality control is very high, so I developed a high level of TRUST that enabled me to push but stay safely within my limits. - The teachers really care, and will remember your issues if you come regularly. They keep up with your progress and will make sure you advance/pull-back as appropriate. Come here with the intent to join a community and better your life. I'll see you there. read more

I feel racism and Carolyn (the owner) kept bullying me the whole time of class. I practiced yoga for years but new to Iyengar Yoga. The schedules are limited to a working mom, and I happened to sign up the level II class whose instructor is the owner. I reacted a little bit slowly because I am new to some poses but she asked me if I can speak English in front of everyone (she said "hey I am talking to you, do you understand English?). I got my B.S. and M.S. at UCSD and how could I not understand English? She asked me if I have experienced with any Yoga before. I said I went to YogaSix and CorePower Yoga in the past. She is like "okay those are not real Yoga, so you are not familiar with Yoga poses". Alright...Very arrogant and disrespectful. She didn't show the poses herself, instead she lead me to read a book with the picture. She kept talking and talking "if you know this pose and that pose". But when I asked which pose, she stoped and turned to me say "could you have patience when I am turning the page?" What??? I didn't say anything the entire whole time and only SHE is non-stop talking. Could you be patient when I don't understand the poses you are talking about? Yoga should be peaceful and calm, but practicing with her giving me emotional hurt and unconfident. As for the Level I classes, I attended for two weeks and to be honest, we kept practicing warriors poses/standing poses the whole time, and I don't feel improvement in my body. I rarely leave comments but I really don't recommended this place for yoga. read more

Beautiful, clean, spacious yoga center with classes accommodated for every experience level. You come here to learn yoga and grow in your practice. The teachers have strenuous training and the best mentor in the world, Carolyn Belko! They have regular public classes but the most magical thing they offer is their yoga therapeutics class- where people with serious ailments and conditions seek Carolyn's guidance in healing and receive focused care based on the Iyengar method of yoga therapy. I drive down from LA monthly just to study here! The quality and dedication of the teachers are unmatched anywhere else. A true GEM of a source of Iyengar yoga learning. read more

Iyengar Yoga Source - Yoga Near Me - San Diego, California

Yoga Retreat - Flores del Mar I just returned from a wonderful yoga retreat at Flores del Mar in Mexico feeling stronger and healthier. I highly recommend this retreat in its entirety. The yoga practice felt like it was meant just for me, the setting is unique and close to the Sea of Cortez, the rooms were spacious and clean, the food was outstanding, and the stars were magnificent. And best of all, Carolyn Belko was awesome. read more

I just took Carolyn's Introduction Iyengar Yoga class, and I have to say, I was impressed. I've never taken an Iyengar class (which is the reason why I took the intro course), although I schooled myself a little bit about B.K.S. Iyengar and his philosophy prior til. As other yelpers have said, Iyengar is VERY form focused. Great for me because I always need alignment cues during class. Carolyn is obviously very knowledgeable and contrary to what someone else has said, I thought she was extremely nice. Her style is very straightforward, though, so that might be a little too much for people who don't like to be called out in the middle of class. However, I am a perfectionist and I don't mind being corrected, especially since I've hurt myself a couple times (due to poor alignment or incorrect posture). We only did a few poses for the introduction class, but Carolyn broke each posture step by step, emphasizing on where we should place our hands, hips, and feet, and how our bodies should feel within each posture. This studio is very small, although the class was not big at all; there were about 6 of us in the introduction class. The class before mine was a higher level, but there couldn't have been more than 10 people there. Plenty of straps, blankets, blocks to use; there were TONS of props furnished within the yoga space. The energy was very warm and welcoming, and I loved how the cool, Encinitas ocean air permeated within the room. Iyengar definitely emphasizes the importance of safely getting into poses...so, if your body is not ready/not well enough to get into a certain asana, you are encouraged to use modifications so you can have the same effect as the full posture. Using props has nothing to do with "not being good/advanced enough", which is what our egos will say when we practice yoga. My only complaint? It's too far from me! Haha. I really respect and admire Iyengar, and Carolyn is obviously very privileged to have studied under him directly. If I lived within the Encinitas area, I would totally take another class with Carolyn. I will say that if you regularly practice Vinyasa Flow or Hot Yoga, Iyengar is nothing like that. At all. But if you want to learn more about alignment and proper posture, you may enjoy it. I certainly did! read more

Good instruction but please wash those blankets!! They all smell like dust and dirt and are quite foul when they are used as props and one has their face near or resting on them. Gave me a headache. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. When was the last time they were laundered? read more

I've been a practitioner of various forms of yoga for 8+ years, but it wasn't until 2.5 years ago that I started Iyengar Yoga with Iyengar Yoga Source. The rigor of the practice is utterly transformative: working through a cycle of emphases each month, and each year, leads to a deeper development of the full body, breath, and mind. My whole life I've had trouble with core strength and slumped posture. In adulthood I've had foot and knee problems. ALL of that is better with yoga. I threw away my custom orthodics because my feet became strong and flexible. When I walk, I stand straight, with my shoulders back and my chest forward, no problem. I can do headstands for 5+ minutes, unassisted, using the core strength and balance that the practice has developed in me. And every class I attend I feel grounded by the ritual, the chanting, and spiritual wisdom from the Yoga Sutras that come right out of the Hindu tradition and BKS Iyengar's teachings. This place is a blessing in my life. May it be a blessing in yours! read more

The teachers and the care dedicated to each student is nothing short of incredible at Iyengar Yoga Source. The center moved from Encinitas and the new space is welcoming, alive, and excellent for a good practice. read more

excellent yoga studio - the teachers give the best clear/precise instructions - I have been to many yoga classes and this is the best studio in San Diego! read more

In these challenging times, Carolyn and the teachers at Iyengar Yoga Source have really stepped up by providing live stream classes. While nothing can replace the sense of community of a group class, this is the next best thing. They are excellent. Because Iyengar instruction is based on very precise directions, it is easy to follow along at home. It is so comforting to have access to this nourishing practice while we are in this Covid-19 crisis. read more

I'm feeling so blessed to have the opportunity to connect to my teacher Carolyn, and the teachers of Iyengar Yoga Source through this time that we are being asked to stay at home. IYS is offering live streaming classes each day so that we can all stay unified in our practice as a yoga family. This morning in class there were people from all around the world streaming in and it was a blast knowing we were all there together! If you are looking for a yoga studio to connect to, I definitely recommend Iyengar Yoga Source. The class packages are easy to purchase through the website and you get emailed a direct link for every class! Worth it for your mind body and soul! We are grateful for our center staying fully alive! read more

Impressions- very form focused. There were a ton of alignment cues, very few breathe cues (except just a reminder to breathe). Many cues were about "pulling bone to muscle" or "spreading rib cage and collarbone" and "stetching arms away from each other"... Very visual which was helpful. I came away with new ideas for cues for postures we worked on (I just finished my 200hr certification) particularly as it relates to feet and trunk during tadasana. The intro class I attended did a limited number of poses - tadasana, warrior 2, triangle, extended side angle and prasarita along with a floor pose feet up on the wall. Despite the limited number of poses, repetition was also low... Each pose was only done twice. Would I go back? Cons: I did not break out in a sweat and believe that the number of calories burned is less that 1/6 a vinyasa class. Nor was I able to leave my head and "bliss out". I paid very close attention what teacher was saying. Pros: I felt safe, which I don't often or usually feel or am not consciously aware of feeling safe in a yoga class. I often feel unsafe in vinyasa classes with inversions like headstand, shoulder stand, handstand... Because there is zero coaching, crowded classrooms and minimal wall space. In the Iyengar class the focus was on alignment and the teacher had us moving our mats at various points in class. This is the place I will start going to perfect my form and to learn inversions (which I can bring into other classes). Hours later, I feel relaxed and "blissed out". Studio- no mirrors, no heat. read more

I have studied with Carolyn for over 15 years and have followed the center to Sorrento Valley. Carolyn is an experienced, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, Senior Iyengar teacher. Carolyn is great at teaching and suggesting modifications or alternatives no matter the obstacle. The classes taught there are challenging, focused, and sequenced intelligently, no matter the theme for that week-standing, forward or backward extensions, or restorative asanas. All of the teachers at the center are well-trained and excellent at teaching Iyengar yoga. read more

I am SO fortunate that I live right around the corner from this fantastic studio! People come from all over San Diego and out of state to take classes here, and now I know why...... Carolyn, the Director, is an incredible teacher who will teach and share her tremendous skill and knowledge of anatomy, asana and yoga philosophy. She is able to precisely adjust form, in order for the student to fully realize the pose energetically and physically. All of the teachers at Iyengar Yoga North County are outstanding and know their stuff as well. "A MUST visit if you want to take your practice to "another level" - Safely and effectively!" Thank you for doing what you do, and adding to my life in such a unique way :o) read more

Definitely one of the worst yoga experience ever, was expecting too much from this yoga master in Iyengar tradition, totally disappointed. Not recommended. read more

Love the Iyengar Institute of Encinitas... Carolyn Belko's studio is serene and well-equipped and her classes and instruction are transformative! read more

Carolyn Belko the director and senior teacher is superb. Her knowledge is deep, inspiring and heartfelt.I recommend Iyengar yoga north county with all my heart! read more

So I live in another state and have been so graciously accepted to live stream Carolyn's classes for the last few years. It is an incredible way to get a wonderful class from an incredible teacher. She teaches with such knowledge and experience that you really start to FEEL the yoga, not just DO the yoga. And now since the Covid-19 virus has affected all of us, the streaming has become extremely important and necessary. It is very easy to access classes and provide you have good internet, it works extremely well. Carolyn shares her knowledge with everyone and it is so very easy to get a great class. Thanks Carolyn. read more

I live in the Bay Area and fly down once a month to study with Carolyn. She is that good. After a weekend studying with Carolyn I feel like I was dipped into the Ganges of Iyengar knowledge, like I have been washed and all the water is in my pores and bones and heart. Its completely amazing and sustains my practice for the rest of the month. read more

Excellent studio with wonderful and caring teachers. True Iyengar teaching. Don't come looking for flow and go or hot yoga - this is not the place for that. read more

This and the ocean beach iyengar studios are perhaps the best yoga studios in San Diego. I used to go to the Ocean beach studio and then I moved to north county and found this gem. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable. You get to learn all the pose names in sanskrit as well as understand how to do the asanas correctly (especially if you are a tight individual like me). I wish they would have more 7pm classes so I can come after work. read more

AHHMAAZING! is the word that comes to mind when taking a class from Carolyn, owner and master instructor Iyengar yoga. She teaches with such call calmness and confidence which is absolutely contagious! No physical obstacle that anyone had was beyond her ability to correct and adjust for. The emphasis on posture is something I think everybody could benefit from, regardless if you like yoga or not. The true test is how you feel afterwards- I left with much better posture and awareness .... And very accomplished too! read more

Iyengar style yoga is not for everyone, but for those who want to learn and practice this method, Carolyn is a premier teacher. Her knowledge of the practice and her dedication to and insight into individual students is breathtaking. We are visitors from Philadelphia, and this is our third year visiting the studio. While most of the students are well acquainted with each other, we have felt warmly welcomed. This is a rare gem of a place and those lucky enough to live or be visiting nearby should count themselves lucky. read more

Given the abundance of yoga studios in Encinitas, it's not surprising that this place isn't well known. I never would have found it if I hadn't been told by my physical therapist to seek out this specific style of yoga, that Iyengar would help me heal my multiple physical ailments. (Thank you Andrea A. @ Sharp!! Notice I haven't been back to PT since then?) It is a hidden treasure, a secret gem of amazing yoga instruction that can teach a beginner proper technique and truly deepen the practice of any experienced practitioner - of ANY style of yoga. This is not like any other yoga I'd done before. I've taken so many other classes at different gyms and studios where the instructor talks you through a series of poses without explaining the particulars of each pose, sometimes without even demonstrating and often without correcting. How can you truly learn under those circumstances? Having been a gymnast and dancer, I knew how to twist, bend and balance to my body's limit (and sometimes beyond) but that's probably one of the reasons I ended up in PT in the first place. Iyengar yoga showed me a more conscious way of working with my body and the amazing instructors remind me to work with my body rather than against it but still push me deeper (sometimes physically, always verbally) into each asana. I will never forget one of my first classes where, after having watched how I moved through each pose, Cynthia looped a couple straps around my shoulders and back, pulled down and voila! My neck and shoulders completely released - I was pain free!! There is no judgement here: no one cares if you're wearing Lululemon or can contort into a pretzel. Everyone is there to learn - that's what makes it so special. No mirrors, no music, no heat - no gimmicks. It's pure yoga. Location: E end of Encinitas Blvd. in Rincon Plaza, tucked in the back of the corner of the plaza. It takes an eagle eye to see from the street and even once you enter the plaza it's still tough to find the first time but it's so worth it! Parking: No problem for evening classes, AM classes can be tough. Facility: Clean, welcoming and intimate. Plenty of natural light from the garden windows, good ventilation on warm days, nice heat on cold days. Matts, blanket and props (commonly used in Iyengar) are provided but you're free to bring your own. There's a beautiful little garden in the back, too. The place has good energy, but don't come expecting a spa experience or a gym experience - it's a yoga experience. Instructors: Ain't no 200 hr. teacher training certificate to teach here! Instructors go through a rigorous 3 yr. training program and the school director, Carolyn Belko, is one of a handful of certified teacher trainers in the region. All the instructors are experienced and insightful, on average they're more mature than what you'll see in a lot of other studios. This is not a fitness trend for them, it's a lifelong practice. read more

Carolyn Belko, the Director of the center, is one of the top instructors in California if not nationwide. This is a real school of yoga, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and truly following the practice, not necessarily just getting a workout. If you are interested in deepening your practice and learning from staff who are rigorously trained and really know their stuff, this is the yoga studio for you. read more

Iyengar Yoga is the best yoga method I've found (and I've tried several). Of all the Iyengar studios I've visited in other cities, Iyengar Yoga Center of North County in Encinitas is definitely my favourite. Carolyn Belko, the director, has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in all areas of yoga, and shows a sincere dedication and commitment to all her students. The other instructors are also first-rate - I know Carolyn would not have it any other way. I can recommend with complete confidence this yoga studio. read more

I echo every positive comment on this site. Carolyn, Heidi, Stan, Suneel and every other teacher at this studio with whom I've taken classes has been informed, instructive, intuitive and concerned. I'm a relative novice (about 3+ years), but I never would have lasted this long without the consistent support and guidance of this yoga community. Carolyn has created a beautiful physical space, and she leads by example: with integrity. Thank you, all! read more

This studio is gorgeous and all the teachers are really knowledgeable. It is great place for beginners and they really helped me grow as a practitioner. read more

Best yoga in town. Carolyn's studio is life changing. Her teachers are trained and brilliant. I love every minute of her classes. I wish I lived near by. I would be a permanent member. I cannot imagine doing any other kind of yoga. read more