After suffering an injury, I wanted to focus on rehab, but still continuing on strength training on other parts of my body. I've been training with Nick for nearly a year. I'm glad I met him. He is conscientious, knowledgeable, and energetic. His workouts are always challenging and fun. Nick offers a unique perspective in training. As a yoga instructor, stress management coach, and workout trainer, he weaves different philosophies into your sessions. You quickly appreciate his whole body wellness mentality. I highly recommend Nick without reservation. read more

I tried my first yoga class four years ago. Nick was one of the biggest reasons that I stuck with it and now enjoy practicing yoga 3-4 days a week as my main form of exercise. While he is The big yogi, and therefore an inspiration to other tall folk like myself, it's really his demeanor and instruction that stand out. Nick has a knack for creating a community the moment he steps into the room, which helps him blend in the right amount of philosophy and leaves the class with something more than just another workout. I've since started training with Nick on weights/boot-camp/cross-fit style workouts as well. Unsurprisingly, his approach is equally as enjoyable and effective - attentive to your personal goals, meticulous about teaching form/technique, and always, always mentally and physically challenging! You rock, Nick! read more

I started training with Nick after I got serious about riding the AIDS LifeCycle. He worked with me on developing a plan to accomplish that goal. He crafted a training and diet regime that would help me on a difficult cycling ride. He always brings great energy to every session. Nick has gone above and beyond any of my expectations. When he learned I had to raise money in order to ride, he suggested to host a boot camp and brunch to raise money and he would volunteer to lead the class. I've been training with Nick for several month now, but feels like so much longer. I was looking for a personal trainer that would not only help me get into shape but also help me improve and get into better shape mentally too, Nick has been absolutely amazing. I'm very happy to be working out with Nick. He has taught me so much about my body, how it works, how to work with it, dieting, recovery, and Yoga. (I'm a big fan and believer of yoga) There have been many instances where Nick has gone past his duties as a trainer and has become a friend. I recommend Nick to anyone who wants to get serious about their health and learning more about their body and mind. read more

I have been working directly one-on-one with Nick for the past month for meditation, time and stress management techniques. He is a great listener and a great teacher. He is kind, calming, and really knows his stuff. He has shown me many tools that I can use from the beginning, middle, and the end of my day. Tips that I will have with me forever. It's been a great experience thus far and in each session I am learning something new. No wonder he's so awesome and calm. He is flexible and no pushy. Give him a shot and you will not be let down. read more

I decided to treat myself earlier this year and book Nick for 1-1 yoga sessions! I thought " finally i'll learn how to properly do a downward dog, and get my poses looking good!". Little did I expect that I would not just get that but also a complete change of mindset towards life! Every session we would dig deep into our practice, discuss life in a way that even my therapist wouldn't, and realize some incredible things about my life and myself. I feel stronger not just physically but also mentally. Nick offers a point of view that is all about finding the breath that is right for you, accepting that which cannot be changed, pushing forward on things that can be changed, and viewing life from the very calm and spiritual lens of a yogi. These past 4 months were transformative, and I would recommend his practice to absolutely everyone!! read more

I have taken about 10 classes with Nick over the last few months and I must say he has been one of the most effective teachers for me. He has such a depth of knowledge for yoga and movement and he's always willing to share whatever he can to help you on your journey. I look forward to taking more classes with him at yoga garden! Thanks Nick! read more

Nick creates and amazing environment where you feel safe to express yourself freely! His online course embodies this so well and helps me incorporate meditation and mindfulness into my everyday. I am a student who works part time and Nicks program has helped me become more aware of what is actually at the root of my stress. The online modules and weekly calls have a new teaching waiting to be explored. He really puts his soul into his teachings and it reflects in the program. I feel safe to be vulnerable and open on the calls without being judged. Finding the BigYogi was like a breath of fresh air. :) read more

I have been very impressed with the level of quality training I have received from Nick (The Big Yogi). We have been meeting weekly for almost two months and Nick has provided me with wellness and nutrition information, stress relief techniques and private yoga and fitness training. He is genuine and I never feel that he is condescending. He works at the pace of my body and pushes me to excel at my goals. I cannot express how pleased I have been with his process. Nick offers a fresh perspective of experiencing Yoga, which is both meditative and challenging. read more

Have been doing yoga and training with Nick for a few months now, and he's fantastic! Highly recommended. Great feedback, great energy, very friendly while still having the ability to push the work. Anyone looking to up their yoga or fitness should definitely reach out to Nick. read more

I was first referred to Nick over a year and a half ago for stress management. During my initial consultation, I was cautiously optimistic. However, within the my very first session, I could already tell that this was exactly what I needed. Nick empowers you to manage stress in your life by providing you with tools you can apply to any situation. Being an extremely pragmatic person, I find the framework and tools he introduces to be helpful in my personal life as well as my professional life. Nick's experience and expertise in yoga, fitness training, nutrition, and wellness coaching help shape his holistic approach to managing stress. From meditation, to breath work and everything in between, Nick equips you with tools to make the changes you want in your life... ultimately leading to less stress and more joy. :) read more

Working with Nick has changed me and my life. I came to him stressed out of my mind with an anxiety that constricted my chest and knotted my stomach daily. After six months of his stress management coaching, I have achieved a lightness of being that I did not know was possible. The experience also gave me the awareness and courage to make major changes to align my life with my intentions. Nick encouraged me to be authentic about my challenges and aspirations with his genuine, relatable, calming, nonjudgmental and lighthearted demeanor. He guided me in identifying my patterns that created stress and replacing them with simple yet profound perspectives and practices that have offered me a saner, healthier and happier approach to life. Nick empowered me to drive my own transformation through self-evaluation, goal-setting, self-directed coaching sessions and "homework" in an organic yet intentional process. He demonstrated a true care for my well-being, as his ultimate goal was to give me the knowledge and tools to manage stress independently of him. I recommend combining Nick's yoga classes with his stress management coaching for maximum results. His techniques will teach you how to release past stressors, connect with present intentions and shape your own future so you can rise above stress to live as a higher version of yourself. If you trust Nick and commit to the self-work, you can transform your life - and have fun while doing it! read more

I've done all sorts of work with Nick, from yoga sessions to coaching/meditation to some fitness classes. Oddly enough, I met him for the first time at a bar, not in his work setting, but even before I started working with him, I could tell he was a really unique and wonderful person. Once I started actually working with him, I started to see even more how special he is at what he does. He's as good as it gets, and he "gets it". He's authentic, honest, caring and real with you, and in our sessions together, he has helped me make some important realizations and effective changes. Nick is a compassionate listener, and you can tell he's really there with you, engaged in what you're saying. He really has a heart for helping people, whether he's listening quietly and making gentle suggestions or challenging you and pushing you to do better (both in a physical sense through yoga/fitness or in coaching sessions). I've seen a big transformation though my work with Nick and I owe him many thanks. Highly recommended if you want to take an amazing yoga class or fitness class, or if you need some stress management and guidance in your life. read more

One look at this guy and you make think: Basketball Player? GQ Model? Think again! Yoga Teacher. Nick or commonly referred to as The Big Yogi has a great presence that is noticed immediately. He is always smiling and enthusiastic and he brings this energy with him into the room 100%. As a teacher, he blends several important aspects of Yoga into his classes to give a good balance of breath work, challenging postures, philosophy and meditation. His classes will have you get into your body and have you gain new insights about yourself and your practice. Nick provides a supportive and encouraging environment for his students to find new limits and push their boundaries of what they know to be possible. The markings of a good teacher. I highly encourage anybody curious about what Nick has to offer, to seek him out and take a class from him. You'll soon know what I'm talking about... read more

Working in tech can be super stressful , coworker introduced me to Nick . my life changed and I learned how to quiet my mind . NICK has become my personal go to person and in addition he is also a fitness trainer Highly recommend his services read more

You'll find me in the gym 6 days a week and for me the word yoga used to be right up there with dreaded cardio. I thought of yoga as something trendy that people liked to say they did while they sipped on their non-fat chai lattes at the farmers market. Man was I wrong. Nick is great at his contemporary holistic approach to teaching yoga and applies it to multiple facets of your life. I thought that a session of yoga with nick would be a cakewalk and not nearly as demanding as traditional workout. He personalized and catered the session perfectly making sure I was pushed to my limits but still able to have a productive session. I left feeling invigorated yet very calm and at peace. I think we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and this was a welcome escape from that. read more

I met Nick by taking his yoga for athlete classes at Wheel House in Embarcadero 1 center and just one of the things I immediately liked about him was his gentle energy and happy demeanor. He made me feel comfortable to be practicing yoga even though it is hard to focus with his good looks and all. But hey, yoga teaches us to acknowledge the distraction yet stay focused on our breath and asana, right?! His sequences are challenging and flow nicely. He opens the body gradually and I like how he focuses on all aspects of the body and not just one specific area. I have learned a lot from going to his classes this past year and I always know I will walk away from his classes feeling enlivened and refreshed. He has definitely become one of my favorite bay area teachers and I highly recommend that anyone who has a sincere love of yoga and wants to deepen their practice should check out his style of teaching. You will be happy you did:) read more

Nick Palladino - Yoga. Por vida. - Trainers Near Me - San Francisco, California

I'm not a big fan of yoga. I find that whenever I go to classes, I always walk out feeling like I need more of a workout. That is certainly NOT the case with Nick's classes. When I first took his class, I did not know what to expect. I just heard from other people that he was a very talented yoga instructor, so I went. I am so glad I did, because his workout was a great combination of stretching and strength, just the way I like it. You do not need to be a phenomenal athlete to enjoy this class, and you don't need to be an experienced yogi either. Only asks is that you show up willing to do your best, and by allowing him to guide you through the experience, you feel tired, refreshed and energized all the same time. Add to that the fact that Nick is an incredibly nice guy, and gives you a great amount of individual attention to help you through the experience. There's no doubt that you will love your experience with Nick, he is a gem and a rock star at the same time. read more

I typically keep my fitness focus on a combination of weight-lifting, plyometrics, and cardio. After a very active couple of months, I noticed that I had developed tightness and back issues that wouldn't go away. I decided to look into yoga as a possible solution, and a few of my friends recommended Nick. From moment one Nick was very welcoming and took great interest in my background reasons for coming into the class. He let me know that this would be a great help for loosening up the tightness in my muscles and back that I had been feeling while also building strength, and he couldn't have been more right. After even just a few weeks of taking his class I noticed less pain in my back, better mobility and more strength in my core. In addition, Nick is skilled at customizing to your level, anywhere from introductory breathing exercises to difficult inversions. Overall, I would recommend Nick in a heartbeat for someone looking for a fun, challenging yoga class. You will not be disappointed. read more

Nick (The Big Yogi) is one of my favorite yoga instructors. His classes at Wheel House are really challenging, but I always leave class feeling calm. I was a beginner when I first started taking his yoga athlete classes 10 months ago and have progressed to taking his level 2-3 classes with arm balances at WH. He not only steps you through proper form, but also reminds you to stay present and relaxed in the poses. During my first class I was surprised to see someone so tall teach yoga, but after seeing him stand on his head and do handstands, I realized I could do it. I really enjoy yoga now because Nick's classes give you both a physical and mental workout; and at the same time they help to reduce stress. Nick also taught me how to incorporate meditation into my busy schedule and it has helped me make some positive changes. He's a great yoga instructor and coach, as well as a super nice guy. read more

Nick is a great teacher, coach, yoga instructor, and drill sergeant. I've practiced yoga and participated in his small group training -- he's hands down the best teacher. Even if you've been doing squats, push-ups, downward dogs, etc. for years, Nick will show you how to do all those things even better. You will learn the proper form for workouts (in yoga and strength training) and you'll appreciate his kind demeanor and positive energy. Anyone from marathon runners to folks new to fitness will enjoy working out with Nick. He's a great listener and knows modifications for every workout. And if you're someone who works out quite a bit, he will find ways to push you. My favorite things about working out with Nick is that he is very honest and will solicit your feedback on how he did as a teacher that day. I promise, you won't regret working out with Nick. read more

I came to Nick last year after having spent nearly 20 years away from any real training program and I needed a lot of help getting back into it. I was looking for someone who would motivate me and start to get some results and Nick has been great on both accounts. He has a very holistic approach to health and fitness and has helped me improve how I eat, sleep in addition to getting results in the gym. We do a lot of things that I would never have done on my own and I'm in a much better place as a result. I've gotten fitter and stronger in the time we've spent together and it translates to feeling better in every aspect of my life. I'm better rested, mentally sharper and just feel healthier overall and he's a great guy to spend time with. Very highly recommended. read more

The Big Yogi is one of the best Yoga Teacher's out there. He is great working with students of all levels and I would highly recommend him. His classes and private sessions are both energizing and relaxing at the same time. You can see that Nick (The Big Yogi) really puts his soul into each and every client and class. What a gifted teacher with a great mindset. read more

Working with Nick has completely changed my life. My goal was to find a balance in my life that would allow me to focus on becoming physically and mentally healthier. After 5 weeks of private training, twice a week (1 day of yoga and 1 day of strength training), I have felt a tremendous change in my body and mind. As a result, I am happier, have more energy, and feel stronger than I have in a very long time. What sets Nick's program apart from others is that he customizes it to my needs and optimizes it along the way as I get stronger. He explains what I need to be doing as well as why, and teaches me how to do it ensuring that it is sustainable whether I am working with or without him. He is extremely professional, very reliable, takes the time to understand what is going on in my life, and builds a plan that fits within it, nutritionally and physically. Nick is the perfect balance between patient and "kick your ass." He knows when to push me and when to let off. He challenges me to the point that I am amazed at what my body can do and how quickly it can transform. He is very good about recognizing the effort I am putting in, which always feels good to hear and it's very motivating. I hold a very high stress job and have had every excuse in the world to not work out. After five weeks, I have gone from thinking of working out as a chore to enjoying it and seeing the incredible reward for my hard work. Nick is very accommodating of my often unpredictable work schedule, which makes him a perfect fit for any working professional. There are so many things in my day-to-day life that I can't control, but Nick has taught me that health and balance in my life are two that I can. read more

All of the five star reviews are spot on. He is a great teacher that provides a challenging class while focusing on the breath and proper alignment. I always leave his class feeling I have learned more about life, yoga, and myself. Highly recommend his classes! read more

Big Yogi is the best!!!! Really... All in all, I lost 25 pounds and many inches so far. My first issue in working on my health was motivation. I was at a point where I knew I wanted to work on myself, but I was "resisting". Nick took a multi-phase approach to working together, and this has been my most enjoyable journey back to health! Phase 1 (1-2 months/ -5 pounds): One-on-one coaching. This consisted of meeting once a week in my favorite cafe and talking about life stressors. Each week, Nick would coach me into committing to escalating commitments. One week I committed to drinking more water, the next - eat more protein... and then, my biggest challenge - I promised to only check my email twice a day. Once I realized I could make such a vast behavioral change, I caved to something I never thought I would say, and I said, "Well, I guess I could try to eat better." And then bam! .... Phase 2 (2-3 months/ -10+ pounds): Taking pictures of everything I ate. I committed to letting go of carbs and dairy. Nick and I assessed what was in my refrigerator and cleaned out my cabinets. We went to the grocery store, and I proceeded to send pictures of everything I ate to Nick everyday. Phase 3 (3 months + ongoing/ -10+ pounds): I started training with Nick 1:1 once a week. He then worked with me to share the session with a great partner so that I could get the benefits of training twice a week. The training generally focuses on strength training, and I have also now committed to running in addition to our sessions. I am confident Nick and I will continue to work together and press forward on my path to being healthier. He helps to make sure we work within my budget and needs. His holistic approach meaningfully impacted my entire life - from work to fitness and relationships, and I am very grateful! read more

Nick is awesome. I'm addicted to the yoga athlete class. It's the right combination of "kick your ass" and "calm." I consider myself an athlete, so I need a challenge and that class leaves my body buzzing with exertion. I've taken a few friends to the class who have never liked yoga, because they think yoga its either too slow or too easy as a person who regularly does marathons and cross fit workouts, they all have come out challenged and wanting more. That's what I look for in a teacher and that is what Nick offers. read more

Nick's online course is a great way to incorporate meditation into your life and reduce your stress. The weekly lessons are perfectly put together to be meaningful while being manageable for busy people. The concepts are simultaneously simple and profound. Nick also uses an excellent mix of video and written materials. He uses each to its full effect, with video as more experiential and written as time efficient and easy to revisit. He also offers a very welcoming, accepting environment. read more

My wife and I wanted to learn techniques to lower our stress and the basics of yoga so Nick had everything we were looking for. With stress coaching he helped us to become more aware and taught us techniques to reduce stress and get out of the fight or flight response. During our private yoga sessions he was able to read our energy and adjust the session to give us exactly what both of us needed. Nick is genuine, patient, flexible, and humble. I highly recommend Nick for any service he offers now or in the future. read more

Nick is a wonderful trainer who brings much more to the table than just the ability to tell his clients to pick up heavy things and then do burpees until they barf (though he can definitely do that too.) He is patient and very motivating, and the tools he teaches you to apply to your workouts can be applied to all aspects of your life. The other day during an exam I was feeling particularly stressed and powerless, and automatically I found myself imagining that I was the eye of a storm and doing the power breathing technique he taught me. As my heart rate started to come down and my head began to clear, I thought to myself "damn, that freakishly tall yogi got to me." Since I began working with Nick, I have greatly improved my fitness (which was my goal in working with him) and I have also improved my relationship with stressful energy (which is an unexpected bonus!) No matter what your goals are, he can help you achieve them and have a good time doing it. read more

My husband and I have been lucky enough to work with Nick for the past several months. We were brand new to learning yoga and Nick was patient, positive and all around inspirational. We have gained such a strong foundation in yoga, breathing and meditation. Nick always begins our lessons by asking us how we are feeling and then tailors our class to fit exactly what we need. We have learned so much more than just yoga poses from Nick. He has given us wise advice and frameworks on how to manage stress in our daily lives. My husband and I have both seen a huge improvement with how we manage stressful situations and tackle challenges. We highly recommend Nick for yoga lessons, personal training and stress management! read more

About a year ago I decided that it was time to focus on my health and fitness. Knowing that I needed a motivator to get me into the gym, I was lucky enough to get paired up with Nick. Working with Nick has been great because he focuses on making sure the time we spend together yield the maximum results. More importantly though, he provides guidance around the factors that impact ones health and fitness outside the gym. This has been invaluable in achieving my goals. In the gym the workouts are different, challenging, but always fun. I'd be lying if I didn't say I breathe a sign of relief when the workouts are over, but feel energized the rest of the day. read more

I have been working with Nick since January 2017 and he is amazing. He is motivating, kind and knows what he's doing. I feel great, I've lost weight and gained a lot of strength. Can't say enough positive things about The Big Yogi! read more

I enjoy Yoga now because of The Big Yogi. From his calming presence, to the confidence he instills in me, my body has changed dramatically. My flexibility and core strength is the best it's ever been and that has everything to do with my sessions with him. I highly recommend The Big Yogi (Nick), he is great at what he does. read more

Outstanding. Highly recommend. Incredibly knowledgeable and consciousness. Will help you get into a better state of health.

looking for a personal trainer to get your ass in shape? look no further. nick aka the big yogi is awesome. he is a great balance of pushing you to your limits but not being mean about it, motivating you, and looking out for your all-around health including stress level, diet (my most hated part of trying to get healthy), and physical/cardio-vascular strength. he has a diverse skill set with the yoga plus physical training plus stress coaching so you can get a lot out of your sessions. he is really flexible with your needs and will come to your house for those who have home gyms or a good set-up for working out at your house. perfect for harried always-working yuppies with a stressful day job and not enough time for work-outs. read more

Nick is a great yoga teacher! I took his class at Wheelhouse and loved it. Im a little hesitant when taking a class from a new teacher but I had fun and it was a great workout. Im hooked! I was sore (but in a good way) all the next day. Nick is very attentive to his class. He asked us what areas we wanted to target in the beginning of class (for me it was hip openers!) and he made sure to cater the class to what we wanted. My hips were definitely open after all those pigeons poses lol. Anyway, he's a great teacher and I will definitely keep taking his classes! Namaste Nick! read more

I've worked with Nick in several different ways for nearly two years and without a doubt the work I've done with Nick has completely shifted my approach to life. Our paths crossed at a time when stress from work had me one string away from needing to take a complete break from any and all things on my professional path. At the same time I was fighting multiple injuries and despite everything I tried, I just couldn't get back on track with where I wanted to be physically, mentally or emotionally. And I was exhausted on all fronts. Within weeks of starting one-on-one coaching with Nick, I was able to significantly shift my perspective and realized just how much influence I had over the stressful situations in day-to-day life. Nick started by coaching me through making simple shifts to increase the things that brought me joy/energy (e.g. drinking more water, taking time to breathe) and decreasing those things that brought me stress (e.g. forgetting to eat because work was "too busy"). Over time, those small things became bigger things (like focusing on leaving work after 8 hours instead of 12hrs, or not checking my email on vacation). These might seem like small shifts for some, but for me, even the idea of changing these things left me paralyzed with fear. As Nick coached me through small, sustainable changes, my stress level had reached a point that I never thought was possible. Nick's ability to always meet you where you are, while offering a judgment free, safe space to discover and create those things you really want in life is a truly incredible gift. I've also had the chance to workout and practice yoga with Nick which has continued to offer even more personal growth. He's a great trainer and makes working out fun and challenging. Since working with Nick, I'm the healthiest I've ever been. I am more aware of the things I can do to shift my stress before it gets the best of me. I no longer judge myself or my body for what it can or cannot do at any given moment and have remained injury-free for over a year. Nick has helped me to take ownership over my daily perspective and the tools, insights, and strength I've gained from the work will continue to serve me for life. We've shared lots of laughs, a few tears (on my part) and a heck of a lot of fun and growth along the way. read more

Its always great when the Yoga instructor takes a personal interest in your fitness. If your like me I need help in order to stay accountable and thats exactly what The Big Yogi provides. read more