I suffer from Scoliosis. I have an S curve with a rotation. Doctors say there is nothing I can do about it. I was in constant pain, couldn't sleep, and struggled being active. Since working with Michael, I've actually been sleeping, I am no longer in constant pain, and I've been progressing in my activity levels. During our 1-on-1s he tailors each visit to address my curves, and what current ailments exist. He takes care to listen to me and my body. He has given me so many tools I that I use on a daily basis in order to quiet the pains and discomforts of my Scoliosis. I am so ever grateful I found Michael. Don't hesitate to give him a try. Thank you Michael! Namaste. read more

LADIES, If you are interested in how to improve your pelvic floor, get yourself into classes with Michael at LYFE YOGA! Tried all the other kegel exercises, weight training, etc. In the Iyengar Yoga practice Michael teaches you the type of yoga practice that will help you attain the physical fitness you desire inside (especially) & outside. There are too many benefits to list on here, you just need to come & experience it for yourself. read more

Michael is the best yoga teacher I've ever known. I have been practicing with him for over 10 years. No one understands how bodies work better than he does. If you haven't tried Iyengar yoga, it might be time to learn the inner working of the poses that you have done before but never really understood. You can choose between on-line and in-person classes, both are exceptional. Michael also organizes wonderful retreats in fabulous places around the world. These retreat experiences are carefully curated to fill your soul and strengthen your body. Michael is also a truly lovely person to know, full of wit and wisdom, and a master at creating caring community. It is not an overstatement to say that Lyfe yoga has changed my life. read more

I started practicing yoga over twenty years ago. I started with Hatha/Vinyasa classes which were both great ways to learn the basic asanas. When I moved to the West Coast ten years ago, I was in search of a new yoga studio. I had never taken Iyengar classes before, but I was open to trying it. To say this practice has changed my life is an understatement. Through joining LYFE, I was introduced to the most extraordinary yoga teacher, Michael Ruccolo. His approach to the practice is transformative. His knowledge of the body as well as his focused attention to each student is unprecedented. This studio also provides a sense of community, allowing students to connect in and outside of the yoga room. I am grateful to have found such a supportive space along with Michael, a one-of-a-kind teacher. read more

I have been taking classes at LYFE for over 10 years now. Michael is by far the best yoga teacher I've ever had. He has a depth of knowledge of how different poses work and what they can do for the body that is unparalleled. The Iyengar method is especially helpful for me because it supports me to access the poses despite my physical limitations. You will not feel rushed in one of Michael's classes, you have time to feel your way into the pose and get the full benefits. Most LYFE classes are now online, but Michael has started doing some in-person classes in Hermosa Beach too. Even online, he watches the video feeds and suggests different ways to move. You can tell that Michael really cares about his students in their yoga practice and as people. I have also taken Lisa's classes, and she is also supportive and caring. Lisa's classes are very gentle and relaxing! read more

What a wonderful part of the community this elevated yoga studio is! Though closed for now due to COVID19 crisis, I have been to several classes in 2020 and enjoyed them. There are many Iyengar style classes here, but also some Vinyasa and Kundalini classes. Lots and lots of props, including a rope wall. Every teacher I have enjoyed has been highly qualified and interesting. Peekaboo view of ocean, about 1/2 mile away. One star taken off due to lack of parking, no private bathrooms (shared w other businesses, in hallway), and parsimonious attitude with water bottle (don't fill your bottles from the jug, just use their paper cups; come on guys!). TL/dr: Pretty darn good little studio! read more

Authentic yoga I highly recommend LYFE Yoga studio for anyone seeking a more complete, genuine, and rewarding yoga experience. The teachers I have taken class with here (4 different ones) have been very knowledgeable (from my limited experience) and given personal attention to everyone in class - something I had not experienced when observing 'yoga classes' at the gym. This is real yoga - not only the physical poses, but exploring the mind-body connection, slowing ourselves down, learning how we see ourselves and the world. This is not a fitness class studio (again in my limited experience). If you are only looking to workout /stretch then this might not be the best place for you - although there are definitely more advances classes where you will work your body like never before - and you WILL feel the burn. read more

Fantastic teachers - especially Michael! I have NEVER experienced such - individualized attention - in a group yoga class - including in-person classes - even the Online classes here feel almost like in-person (and quite a bit better than the average yoga class elsewhere) because they give such clear, detailed instruction and adjustments. I never feel lost or like I'm just following the motions. Every class I feel involved and like I come away a bit more self-aware and more mindful of the world around me. I am learning to slow my frenetic, anxious thoughts and I am gaining a sense of well-being / comfort / calm (I cant think of the right word but un-attachment describes it partly - like being better able to let go and feel at peace). I absolutely contribute this to my yoga practice - and specifically to the knowledge and insights that I've gotten from teachers here - particularly Michael and also Lisa. Lisa's gentle classes are very relaxing and easy to do. She provides TONS of background for why we're doing a particular pose, variations to try, how to account for injuries, etc). Michaels classes are something different altogether. It is never simply him telling you to do a pose or giving a demonstration (like what I've seen at the gym or some flow studios). I've come to realize that such 'corporate-style' or 'gym-style' yoga instruction is only very basic; geared more toward 'fitness' vs actual yoga like I am learning here - which goes far beyond just exercise and into our thoughts, perceptions of things, etc. I have always had anxiety issues and I did cardio and some strength training for years before I started yoga, and that definitely helped my physical and mental well-being. I loved the feeling of getting / being 'in shape' and having that sense of satisfaction from the endorphins after a good workout. But that feeling always wore off eventually and never gave me the sense of 'bliss' or calm that I can feel from a really good yoga class - and workouts alone never taught me how to manage my stress and anxiety AFTER the endorphin rush wore off. I've also had a hard time keeping up a regular meditation practice (which, yes, would really help with things like stress and anxiety) but real yoga, done correctly, is able to combine aspects of exercise and meditation into something more. If there's one thing that I cannot stress enough - HAVING A GOOD, KNOWLEDGEABLE, EXPERIENCED YOGA TEACHER - not just a fitness instructor - IS KEY TO MAKING PROGRESS IN YOUR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING - mind, body, and soul!! read more

I take the web based classes and they really help my hips and back to feel better. I take the beginning classes w Melanie as instructor. She breaks things down for newbies like myself, and displays great patience read more

Michael is a great teacher for any level yogi, but especially for mid and more advanced practitioners. He teaches with world-class yogic philosophical knowledge and true care for each individual. read more

Absolutely love strong & calm. Always leave the classes feeling great, when truth be told, I went in forcing myself to just be active. Christopher is a great teacher. I also enjoy relax deeply restorative but I've gone twice now when I've been pretty tired and I've completely fallen asleep. Studio is great. Instructors are engaging. Parking is the only con. read more

Love LYFE Yoga Center!! Outstanding Yoga teachers with a lot of knowledge. If you are new to Yoga this studio will give you a great foundation. If been practicing for years then you will find classes to suit. It's a small and friendly studio. This is true Hatha Yoga. You will work hard but in a safe way. Highly recommend this Studio. read more

Absolutely Fantastic Yoga Studio We bought the Groupon for a month unlimited. So far I have attended 7 classes and really enjoyed each one immensely. All of the teachers are great and very helpful. The use of Groupon was so easy and checking in for each class is relaxing. They have fresh drinking water available in the lobby area. They have really nice accessories like straps, blocks and bolsters. They even have nice spare mats if you don't have one or forget yours. The floors are nice and the place is always spotlessly clean. A new Favorite for sure! read more

Parking is rough here and it was a bummer that there aren't any kunalini yoga classes on weekday evenings. Some of the instructors I've really enjoyed, and others were less so my cup of tea. The person of the front who initially helped me sign in with my Groupon was not the nicest or most welcoming which wasn't ideal. Beautiful studio though with some very interesting offerings. I wish I could have used my Groupon to the fullest but the schedule just wasn't very conducive for me to do that. read more

4.25 Stars... But I am rounding up! Beginners Yoga 1.5/5 5/5 Ashtanga Vinyasa (My teacher has changed studios, and this no longer applies.) Strong and Calm 5/5 Vinyasa Flow 1-2 4.5/5 Front desk and actual studio space 5/5 except for terrible studio lighting (2/5) The beginners yoga class is really an introduction to Iyengar class. It is not a regular flow class. If I were new to yoga, this class would make me never want to return. This was my friend's first yoga class. She did not like it, to put it mildly. Luckily she did some Bryan Kest Dvds and understood that there are different styles. We only went to this one because our Ashtanga class got cancelled at the last minute the night before, and the studio comped us this class. The "class" basically consisted of us watching the teacher demonstrate a pose for at least 5-10 minutes, and then us doing the pose for less than a minute. I found it excruciatingly boring and tedious. I don't usually love Iyengar, but I don't usually hate it either. I understand why Cheryl S called the teacher rude and self absorbed. I think the teacher is a nice person, but this style of teaching is so frustrating. I felt like we did about 10 min of actual postures, TOTAL. We basically sat around and watched the teacher demo poses. I felt like a little child at kindergarten that literally had to gather around the teacher. She made us get up and view her at different angles. It was ridiculous. This class is not a true beginners class in my opinion. I have an advanced practice, but have been to numerous beginners classes for relaxation and fun. This was neither. I had to keep stopping myself from walking out. Please don't let this beginners class deter you from trying yoga. Please try different styles. The half star is because the teacher seems like a nice person, and this class would be good for seriously overweight/injured/impaired physical movement people. If they just relabeled the class to Intro to Iyengar, I think there would be less misunderstanding. Onto Better Things: UPDATE: Robin no longer is teaching there =(. The Ashtanga Vinyasa class is exactly what I thought it would be and would want from a Level 1 class. The teacher, Robin, is very knowledgable and not a clock watcher. Ashtanga is never just 1 hour. Impossible. I am a bit bummed that we will be skipping many of the primary series poses (all the hard and fun ones), but I understand that this is a Level 1 class. I would have liked it if we broke down 1 new pose a month at least. I enjoy the class. The teacher has a classic Ashtanga body which motivates my practice. The class flows nicely. My friend and I depart in good moods with quieted minds. Robin also has a very pleasant personality. Front Desk: The Asian lady that checks us in is very kind and conscientious. I feel welcomed and cared for. Studio: Gorgeous views of the ocean. I watch the sunset while I am doing yoga. Life feels good. I wish my schedule allowed for me to sample more classes. We are going to try and catch a weekend class soon, and I will update then. Update: Tried the strong and calm class. Christopher was excellent. It is Iyengar based, not my favorite... But the class was excellent. The teacher was knowledgable and I left feeling calm and strong. The vinyasa flow 1-2 is more my style. I wish the studio had a level 2-3 class, but they don't. Josie was a good teacher. I found her direction and flow good. I wish she cued a bit more for the balance postures and did some adjustments. read more

I took the Monday Lunchtime Flow class and it was so great, i have never been so relaxed in my life. The class was small about 7 people, everything about it was great, CLEAN, relaxing. I will be back on Wednesday . The class is only 5 dollars donation. Ocean View Great Instructor Clean Friendly read more

Was out here on vacation and was able to take the 8:30 am yoga classes 4 mornings in a row. I had walked around to the other studios in the area to check them out, but this one just seemed to draw me in. What a wonderful variety of classes and what a warm welcoming environment and yoga community! One class I took was the nice gentle warm up it advertised and one class was more about the emotion, pulling alot of stuff out of you and leaving you surprisingly refreshed afterwards. However, Lisa's class was my favorite of the week! To me it seemed her class strongly focused on the positions, which I prefer. I liked her flow and routine, and I mostly appreciated she offered great corrections where needed to get the most of the class. I walked away with the nice yoga calm, but also feeling my body had gotten a really really good stretch. I would have liked to have tried more of her other classes and also more of the studio's other offerings. The studio was beautiful and tranquil, with a pretty view looking out at the ocean in the distance. Going here made me want to pack up and move out to Cali to become a part of it! Actually...I'm still thinking about it! :) read more

I'm kind of a yoga BRAT which is why I drive all the way up to Hermosa Beach to take at LYFE. My absolute favorite instructor Julie Rader closed her studio in MB this past winter and is teaching at this TRANQUIL yoga studio. The feeling is welcoming and warm and the practice studio is BEAUTIFUL! It is located on the 2nd floor looking out onto Pier Avenue. A great way to practice yoga! Julie teaches Mukti Yoga and she's AMAZING! Her energy is INFECTIOUS, her words ENCOURAGING and her spirit ENDEARING! Her classes are always a challenge, never monotonous or stagnant and the authentic music she plays on the studios FANTASTIC surround speakers fills the room and motivates. Julie currently teaches Tuesdays & Fridays, check her out! Michael, the owner is a DOLL and so kind! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS STUDIO! read more

I really love going to LYFE! Over the past year, I've taken several classes ranging from Yoga for Beginners to Iyengar-Level 1 as well as some of the relaxation and restorative classes. The instructors I've had are all excellent and Michael the owner has a wonderful positive spirit and cares deeply about offering an inviting and healthy place to practice yoga. They recently moved to a new eco-friendly space---located on PCH at the intersection of Pier Ave, just behind the Vans store. It's got a wonderful view overlooking Pier Ave. and the ocean. Some yoga studios can be a little intimidating, but I've never felt that way about the atmosphere or people at LYFE. I really look forward to going there whenever I have free time in my schedule am more relaxed, grounded and in shape as a result. I took my boyfriend with me to a class and he liked the experience too! Whether you're new to yoga or more advanced, I highly recommend going to LYFE! read more

Studio is in a great location & very clean. My experience is limited to prenatal & gentle yoga classes -- both have excellent instructors. Parking is hard to find in the evenings. read more

Beach view!!! I mean c'mon doesn't get much more awesome than that. Parking can be a little tricky just get there early. I got an awesome groupon deal that I'm still working my way through. Classes. I recommend you try a few different teachers before you really judge. There might be one you don't like the style of so keep trying as there are so many of them all with different styles. read more

Great place and very clean. The view at sunset is a nice addition to the class. Definitely worth's checking out. read more

Smaller yoga studio. Attended a class here and it was decent but the room is smaller so it gets fairly cramped. Also as others have stated, parking is terrible so give yourself plenty of time. My main issue is their website to purchase classes- it is so slow and just hangs for minutes at a time. I had to try three times to register! Just very troublesome to drop into a class. Most studios these days have zippy websites and apps so trying new classs is easy. Clean studio, small water jug for after class but no tea or regularly sized water cups, just the type you get at a dentist(mini cups). read more

I have tried yoga classes with two instructors here and they were very different. The first time was the Beginner Yoga class with Wendy and it was a HORRIBLE experience. I almost stopped coming because of it. I was having a medical condition with my toe and didn't feel comfortable taking my socks off. Wendy continued to ask me to remove my socks after I explained that I felt more comfortable with them on. She also did this in front of the class and it made me feel incredibly insecure. I've read a few other reviews about her class on here and see that I am not alone. Luckily I did not give up hope in LYFE. I tried it one more time and stumbled across Josie's Power Hour class. My review was a zero but with Josie brought that back up to a four. If I never experienced the other class, this would be a five. Josie is what yoga is all about. Not only do her classes challenge you physically, but they really make me feel so well-balanced. If you are looking into this studio, be sure to take Power Hour with Josie! read more

I love this place. The instruction is fabulous and the daytime view superb. Since I'm a beginner, Lisa was my instructor to start. She takes the time to give individual attention especially to beginners. I always leave with more energy than I had arrived with and I'm more relaxed. It's amazing how yoga is energizing. I have heard the other instructors are very good from other regular students. One in particular is Veronica. Like Lisa, she is super friendly, kind, and more than willing to attend to specific needs. I found that Bikram yoga, while popular for some, was not for me due to the heat and lack of cleanliness. If you want MRSA, go to a sweaty, hot yoga studio. This style, Iyengar, is great for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, and has props to employ in case one does not flex so easily. I've renewed several times since then and I don't think I'll ever leave. If you want to try it, go to the outreach class on Friday at noon if you can make it or on Sunday at 11 a.m. Day classes are particularly enjoyable because of the ocean view. It's very meditative, relaxing, yet energizing. read more

I came to a lunchtime donation class here on my day off. There were three of us in the class with varying ability levels. The teacher was kind and explained positions well - she took her time letting everyone get into position, and sped things up in the middle to let the more advanced students flow. The studio is large, with plenty of space for many practitioners to place their mats. It also has an ocean view. You do hear a little of the traffic from PCH, because the studio is right above it. The studio was very clean (unused?), which was nice - I'm used to entering a room that's heated up from the prior class, but this room was nicely cold and dry. The parking situation is bad - the lot fills up, and there is virtually no street parking in this area because the studio is on PCH. Their scheduling is also in need of a little revamping - they offer virtually nothing in the early morning hours. read more

Great place and view with nice instructor. Very clean. I would go whenever I have a chance.

Parking as talked about in other reviews is a nightmare - that alone is a deal killer. That followed with what I found to be a rude and self absorbed teacher in a supposed "beginner" class was more than enough for me. Tried it on a Groupon special - would never go back. read more

Lyfe is great. Before I joined a studio in the South Bay I did my research and tried all the ones I could find in Manhattan and Hermosa. Lyfe was by far my favorite! When I started I was fairly new to yoga and the other studios just did not offer as much attention / corrections to your poses (they care about your body!) and such a good variety of levels / classes. They are serious about building a strong foundation and understanding of the practice -- something I really appreciate. Almost two years on I am still going and the new space is great. Michael and Kari have always been favorites of mine but I have tried many of the other teachers and they are all great. read more

Oh my, what a great experience! I bought a Groupon for LYFE because I had always wanted to try the place out when I used to live in Hermosa. I'm so glad I did. The facility is immaculate! I mean, completely and utterly beautiful, and so so so so clean. The instructor I had (who's name I unfortunately cannot remember) was incredible. She had such good energy, like yoga was legitimately important to her, not just some fad way to make income. Oh and the view is pretty killer, too. Highly recommend if you're in Hermosa to check this place out! read more

Discovered this yoga studio in January, started practicing my Iyengar yoga with Michael. Once I went to one of his classes, I could not, not go there! I have pretty quickly changed where I was going for my Iyengar, to never missing Michael's classes. HE IS THAT GOOD! I also have been moved spiritually by his very gifted method of teaching us to connect with our body, mind & soul. I could never put into words what I have found here. Feel fortunate to have found. read more

I never thought I would love Kundalini as much as I do, but Seda's classes have helped take my practice to the next level- helping me find inner happiness and peace. She combines psychology with spirituality for a truly unique and rewarding experience. read more

Beautiful studio and the classes tend to be very small which offers a lot of instructor attention. I recommend this studio if you want to learn correct body mechanics for yoga poses. read more

Great view and very friendly staff. Really enjoyed it and look forward to going back! I had tried a different group-on at "yoga works" and they were so rude and treated me different because I was using a group on I never went back. Josie was a great instructor for Yogi experienced girlfriend and newbie un-flexible Yogi me. read more

Discovered this place in Feb. have been a regular since then. They have some nice package deals if you're willing to commit to 5, 10, or 20 classes. Great selection of classes for all levels, and at many different days and times. There's a new student special where you pay $29 to get unlimited classes for 2 weeks. It's a great opportunity to try out as many different classes and teachers as you'd like, and then you can buy a package after that. All sorts of styles available--kundalini, gentle yoga, beginning yoga, iyengar (many different levels), pranayama, philosophy discussion, power yoga, flow. Nice studio overlooking the Pacific. Parking is a somewhat limited, but if you come a few minutes early you can easily park around the neighborhood. One unique feature is the rope wall, which is sometimes used for support, stretching, and alignment. Rental mats available. read more

They have a great deal on groupon if you want to try this place out. They have all levels of classes and styles of yoga, and a great schedule. read more

I love this studio! It's clean! lol. I went with my girlfriends and I was able to walk away with serenity, energy, but mainly clarity. I haven't seen an oceanic view while doing yoga, it was a calming mind, body, and spirit experience. The selection of music was perfect! The instructor was cheery and friendly. This studio can possibly bring depth and meaning to your life! ;) read more

I'm very picky about my yoga instruction and environment. I can honestly say my experience at Lyfe has been nothing short of excellent. The instructors are first rate, as is the classroom overlooking the hills that lead to the ocean. Michael Ruccolo's instruction is the perfect way to begin my Saturday. read more

Purchased a groupon and I tried the class with Tracy today. It was such an awesome workout. I love the technicality that comes with it and the stretches are invigorating. Looking forward to my next 9 classes read more

Love the Kundalini classes offered here. The two instructors who teach it are great. You must go in with an open mind as it's a non traditional yoga class. It's all about breathing and lots of movements and chants to align to body and open up the chakras. My favorite is the gong at the end of class. Go and enjoy the wild ride. :) read more