I found Purusha when I began looking for a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program in the bay area. I'd been going to Yoga Tree for years, but I wasn't sold on their YTT program. Somehow in all my years in the city, I'd never heard of Purusha, but it had 5 stars on Yelp, so I talked to the owner, Joy, went to the YTT info session, and...I just graduated from Purusha's YTT and am so happy I found Purusha. Going through their YTT has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I always knew there was more to yoga than the physical components, but as a lover of Vinyasa Flow classes, that's really all I knew. Now I understand that there is SO much more, and it's deepened my practice so much, and in all aspects of my life from what I eat to how I treat others to how I look at the world. The power of yoga is incredible and I just wish I had known about Purusha and their YTT program sooner. There are a thousand yoga studios in the bay, so why Purusha? - The Purusha teachers do such a good job teaching all eight lumbs of yoga. You will walk out of there with a toned body AND a calm mind. The focus on breathing and letting go and being in the present is awesome, and your body and mind will thank you for it. - They offer a variety of classes - your typical Hatha and Vinyasa, but also Restorative, Yin Yoga, Zumba, Ballet Body, Yoga Dance, Pilates, etc. So much awesome-ness to choose from! There are some really, really mellow classes, so if you want a faster paced, more challenging class, be sure to pick one of the Vinyasa 2/3 classes. The Yoga Dance class is a great workout too; mostly yoga poses done quickly and kind of choreographed - it's awesome. Oh and they offer kids classes too! - Community. There's no attitude at Purusha, and if you want to be part of a community, this is the spot for you. Everyone is so welcoming and there are so many fun ways to get involved. - Obviously I'm biased, but the teacher training is awesome. I always felt like I'd left a weekend yoga retreat when I walked out of there. Joy, the owner and primary YTT teacher, knows so much about yoga, the 8 limbs, the ancient texts, anatomy, and is just someone with a positive attitude who you want to get to know better after the first time you meet her. And if you want to teach there, Joy only hires teachers who have gone through her YTT program. So if you want to teach, this is a great place to start because so many other studios make you go through an "audition" and it's ridiculously competitive. - There is always plenty of street parking, or if you're on MUNI, the 31 goes right by the studio, and the 38 and 5 let you out within a couple of blocks. It's so convenient. So if you're looking for a new studio without any attitude and a variety of classes to choose from, definitely check out Purusha! read more

I took Carmen's class today and it was really lovely and I feel great! She's a great teacher and the studio is beautiful. Highly recommend! read more

There is a lot of yoga in this city, but Purusha Yoga has something special and unique to offer. I chose to do deepen my relationship with yoga by taking Joy's 200 hr. teacher training. I researched a lot of different trainings across the city and realized that Purusha Yoga has it right. It has been an amazing experience and I couldn't recommend it more. Joy has an vast understanding and wealth of knowledge and experience in yoga, the body, health, fitness, yoga philosophy, teaching yoga (including modifications, class structure, the business aspect, etc), nutrition, and more. Joy also incorporates a great network of teachers, yogis and educators into her trainings. It is a great way to meet other people and learn their style and area of specialty. Purusha Yoga has a wonderful community full of loving and warm-spirited people. I have made a lot of really great friends that I will have for life. Yoga is often made to feel like a competition or has an elitist feel, which goes directly against the true spirit of yoga. The Purusha style is true to the non-competitive ways and offers students a place to meet their bodies and minds where they are in that moment. Another big plus that attracted me to Purusha's 200 hr program is the smaller class size. All the other 200 hour classes I was looking at had around 25 people in their class. The smaller class sizes at Purusha allow students to make a deeper connection with Joy and their peers, in addition to getting more one-on-one instruction. read more

I just want to say YAY for a yoga studio out where I live. I can walk, which somehow seems so much more appropriate for me than getting in and out of a car and risking road rage after spending that quality, centering time with the great teachers at Purusha. Every class has been a pleasure, some are quite challenging and you feel strong and empowered when you leave and others will give you some of the best restorative time with guided meditation and quality individual attention. They have a beautiful space, all the props and mats and a great vibe. read more

I have found my happy place, and it is Purusha Yoga! I absolutely love this studio and look forward to these classes weekly. I also live in the neighborhood, so it's very convenient for me to roll out of bed and get to morning class. The teachers are so warm, inviting, and create a safe environment for spiritual and physical growth. At the start of class I may enter with funky energy from daily stress, but I ALWAYS leave class feeling energized, free flowing, and happy. Can't beat that! Thank you Purusha Yoga for being amazing! :) read more

To say the least, taking yoga teacher training (YTT) at Purusha Yoga has made a big difference in my yoga practice and in my everyday life. The primary instructors Joy, Eric, Barbora and Laxman are extremely dedicated and versed in yoga teaching and how yoga can be applied to your everyday life. This is why I have loved doing YTT here: --intimate setting (great teacher to student ratio) --comprehensive understanding of yoga (8 limbs of yoga) --emphasis on meditation --kind, supportive group setting --comfortable, spiritual studio All in all, doing yoga teacher training at Purusha is one of the best decisions I've made so far! read more

Bored with Yoga? Try Lillian's SOfit class. It's choreographed dance yoga to some beat heavy music. You flow through poses like goddess, warrior, low lunge, high lunge, triangle and loop back around to do them on the opposite side. Lillian makes the class engaging and fun and I found myself smiling through most of the moves. This class is challenging and the 75 minutes fly by! read more

I love this Yoga Studio. It's near home and the classes are awesome. Prices are fair and they offer a whole bunch of classes. Love the fact they have 6 am classes for early birds like me. I totally recomend read more

Purusha - Going In - Yoga Near Me - San Francisco, California

Purusha Yoga has created a warm and thriving yoga community in the Outer Richmond. This includes a wider vision of support for the world and the gift of being welcomed and a sense of belonging at the studio. They take great pride in their physical space which is beautiful and it is continually enhanced with improvements. When I started coming several years ago I would get attached to my "favorite" teacher, and then if the schedule changed, I never thought I would like the next one as well. It has been a delightful surprise to discover how many "favorites" I have now experienced! They have all been outstanding. Need I say more?! Thanks, Purusha! Darla Wolgast Romano read more

I am here visiting my daughter who just gave birth to my first grand child and discovered this amazing studio with owners from Boston that have created an array of talented instructors and yoga offerings that have me coming 2 times a day! At 66 it's a gift from god that I am blessed with being welcomed into toga practices with Eric, Joy and the gifted community of yogis who join them on daily learning and growing together read more

Since writing my review, I've signed up for Purusha Yoga's 200 hour teacher training. So far it has been an amazing, eye-opening experience. I've learned a lot from Joy, Alyssa, Lillian, Laxman, Whitney, Barbora, and Carly about meditation, teaching methods, anatomy, and developing flows and class structure - and we will continue to learn more. The sense of community in this place has been so wonderful. Thank you, Purusha! read more

There's nothing I appreciate more than customer service. The owner was very apologetic when I went to Zumba for the second time. She comped me a few classes and said that the gal was new...again- loved Taina and the Zumba class...I bought the yelp deal and can't wait to try yoga too... read more

This is such a wonderful studio. The teachers are great and the owners too, Joy and Adnan (also awesome teachers). I love the variety - candle light chill really does feel like a mini-spa treatment, the kundalini class is really neat and then I like the tougher classes too - like the purusha core. Looking forward to trying the fusion class. Also like the community feel of the people there. My only not-really-a-complaint-it's-probably-just-me comment is the wall color in the main room kind of bums me out. In foggy richmond I could use some bright warm colors like they have in the lobby/waiting area and in the room upstairs. But love all the cool art on the walls and everything else about the place! I do the 10-class pass, good deal, and parking has never been an issue around there. read more

I absolutely LOVE Purusha Yoga and all of the teachers. It's a bit far from where I live but I don't mind making the trek to the Outer Richmond for the great atmosphere at Purusha. The teachers work hard to ensure everyone is practicing at their level and that we are minding our bodies. I am constantly amazed by how knowledgeable the teachers are and I cannot wait to work out my schedule so that I can enroll in their yoga teacher training. read more

I heart JOY RAVELLI- the owner of Purusha Yoga Studio, who's Gentle Hatha Yoga class I took last Friday morning & left the studio feeling renewed & re-energized. This was my 1st Yoga class at Purusha and I was amazed. Joy is the most real & dynamic instructor I've ever known. The flow of her class was perfect for me, with plenty of reminders about the breath, and not taking it too seriously, doing what my body could do in that moment (which wasn't a whole lot on a Friday morning!) And her laugh! It's about enough to uplift the spirits of a small country when you hear it. I loved how her class was not just about the physical postures, but that she shares about the connection to nature and spirit, and why Yoga was created in the first place--so important to me because then I felt like I could take that with me when I left the class. I liked how she incorporated Chi Gong type moves and encouraged us in the Kali pose to "stomp out the bullshit" of the ego mind. She talks A LOT during the class, (in between laughter & smiles) and constantly directs us into being more mindful, gently reminding us to breathe and it feels like part Yoga class, part lecture & part recess! I totally recommend this class to both beginners or people like me who have a strong Bikram practice but need some restorative stuff too. This class will change your life. I am so ready to return this Friday for more renewal & laughter. And stomping out that bullshit ego mind. =) Thank you Joy Ravelli & Purusha Yoga Studio. read more

I was just house sitting in Outer Richmond for 2 weeks. As soon as I got into town, I looked up the nearest yoga studio. Purusha was the closest and my friends, who's house I was at, told me the owners lived across the street and that the studio was great. So I signed up for a couple weeks and went every day for 9 days. Every staff member I encountered was so kind and welcoming. The classes were so great. They were challenging but there was always a modification offered for anything that was too much for me. The teachers were supportive, encouraging and helped me with my form. And they were all very knowledgeable about the history of yoga. For the short time I was there, I began to feel like part of the family and I would definitely go here regularly if I lived in town. I can't recommend this studio enough. read more

I love, love, love this place for a number of reasons. I originally started coming here to try Yoga as pretty much a total beginner. I had tried at other studios and found them a little harsh and the just didn't fit my style. The weekend Hatha yoga classes with Barbara I've enjoyed very much and I feel like I'm learning, and also enjoying myself. After coming here a few times for yoga, I thought I'd try the zumba classes and I LOVE it. So fun and a great workout. And, they have zumba every evening so I know if I can't make it one day they I can come the next. The one thing I wish they offered in addition to yoga, and zumba would be pilates classes... i know it's not a pilates studio but, I used to go to Elevation Studios (down the street) for pilates mat and bar classes but that studio barely offers anything anymore and has really gone down hill:-( so, no pilates in The Richmond for now. If somehow there could be a few Pilates classes every week perhaps upstairs in that room during the evening then I would never go anywhere else to workout. As it is, Purusha Yoga is awesome! read more

I waited until few classes to write this review. I had been to many yoga studios in SF and the Bay Area but this studio gives me a warm feeling. The Vinyasa and Hatha by Elizabeth McKinnly is my favorite but all the teachers are great. My only wish is for them to have more Astangha in the evening. The ones at 6am are hard for me to go to since I am leaving home to work at that time. They have private classes starts at $100, not bad compare to other studios. read more

I've been attending yoga classes at Purusha for about 6 months or so now. One of the things I love the most about this place is that everyone is friendly, from the other students to the instructors. I don't feel that sense of yoga competition that you sometimes get at other yoga studios - the lack of judgement is refreshing. I usually take classes with Amal - she's very warm and encouraging. I feel that I've come along, not only with my postures but also with my ability to simply let go, under Amal's watchful eye. If you want a friendly but challenging yoga workout, Purusha is your place! read more

I visited for an embodied movement workshop by an excellent instructor I know, Lucia Grace. The space was quite calming. Staff was very responsive and friendly. They also provide free tea that felt soothing and helped me settle in. read more

I am so grateful to have stumbled across this unique gem! A truly welcoming and compassionate space with creative decor and a spirited staff to match! If you're looking for a warm, community based studio in the outer Richmond, this is your match! As a yoga instructor myself, I'm constantly seeking inspiration from various teachers within the SF area. I've been impressed with a number of teachers at this studio, especially Eric Sparks and PJ Church. Eric Sparks teaches a genuinely powerful and creative vinyasa class that always makes me leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and grounded. He is a fabulous instructor who brings a great variety of humor, energy, knowledge, and moments of thoughtful contemplation. He gives great adjustments, and does an excellent job of making students feel both challenged and supported. He is a very friendly individual who makes you feel welcomed and appreciated within the space. PJ Church has also been a wonderful inspiration for me. I've taken both his Chakra yoga class in addition to his Hatha/Raja class. I've walked away each time feeling deeply satisfied from both, and have appreciated the unique and spiritual nature of his teachings. PJ's energy is very warm, grounding, and down to earth.. all qualities that have made me feel at ease. I applaud his ability to connect with students and be present on their level. PJ offers a nourishing mix of lightness and depth to his teaching style.. A great balance. I always look forward to taking class at Purusha each time, and have felt such a positive and healing energy from this space. The community truly walks in alignment with the studio's founding name, and their teachers have been rich in knowledge and inspiration for me. Love to you Purusha Yoga! read more

Lovely people, beautiful space, variety of fun, relaxing and creative classes. I love Purusha, my home away from home!

OMMMMMM Good vibes, lots of love, freedom to be yourself. Authentic teachers, great location, fun colorful studio and welcoming atmosphere. Purusha Rocks! read more

As Yelp's five star rating suggests, Purusha Yoga really is "as good as it gets." I've been procrastinating on writing a review forever 'cos there simply aren't words to express how amazing a place Purusha is. I don't dole out my Yelp stars liberally and would happily give this review ten stars if I could. Before beginning to take classes at Purusha six months ago no one could've ever convinced me that a small yoga studio nestled away on Balboa St. in the Outer Richmond is one of the best in the city (if not the best in the city!). Don't let location and looks throw off your judgement; I've been to some of the most notable studios in San Francisco and Purusha beats them all...hands down. Whether you're a seasoned and fearless veteran or brand new to yoga, feeling weary or intimidated, Purusha is a welcoming space that accommodates a variety of levels and tastes. Integrating yoga into my life was something I'd wanted to do for many years and I feel so fortunate to have found a place like Purusha to initiate what is now destined to be a lifelong practice. Purusha has so many incredible instructors that it's impossible to list them all in this review. I tend to take the more active yoga classes, such as Hatha and Vinyasa, and there are several teachers that consistently leave me in awe: -Lucia Young -Valerie Starr -Allie Chapman -Alexandra Muz -Ali Cellini -Kathleen Lefstad Take a class from any of these six women and you'll know exactly what I mean. Speaking of the teachers, if you're reading this review while searching for a yoga teacher training program, although I can't vouch for Purusha's program as a participant, I can tell you that every teacher at the studio is a graduate of (at least) the 200 Hour YTT Training and are all equally outstanding. I've taken classes with instructors at numerous other yoga studios and my teachers at Purusha outshine them all. I think it's safe to assume this must have something to do with their training. Lastly, Purusha isn't just one the best yoga studios in SF, it's also one of the most affordable. Their rates are quite possibly the lowest in the city and they are the ONLY studio that I have ever been to that offers free yoga mats for anyone to use. Also, while some studios only have a few classes scattered randomly throughout the day, the Purusha schedule offers a medley of classes from early in the morning till late at night. So...if you live in the neighborhood, count Purusha Yoga as one of your blessings. And if you're not so close, well...there's no better excuse for a trip to the western edge of the city. read more

I can't say enough good thing about Purusha. After an injury several years ago, I've had trouble finding the joy in movement. Yoga here goes so far beyond exercise and into full human peace and wellness. Joy, Eric, Kathleen, John, and all of the other instructors are wonderful people on a wonderful mission. Not only do they help neighborhood folks like me, but they reach out to vets and kids and other communities in need through their nonprofit, the Seva Project. If you haven't already, check out Purusha!! read more

I love this place. I'm new to yoga, and these ladies made my feel comfortable. Beautiful place and great teachers.

Everything about Purusha Yoga is Fantastic!! The instructors are so welcoming and friendly and make it a point to learn your name. The classes are great - the instructors suggest and demonstrate moves for different levels, and help you with the poses if you are kinda lost. They also make the class fun and spiritual. AND the variety of classes is a huge plus as well. so is the price. and the atmosphere. i could go on and on! I really look forward to going to Purusha's yoga classes and leave with a huge smile on my face :) read more

Yoga at Purusha has been such an impactful experience in my life-- as an avid Brian Kest follower in LA, I thought Power Yoga was the only yoga I could handle-- until I started coming here. Since then, I have participated in almost every kind of class and even started learning yogic history; I'm hooked! The meditation and restorative yoga have taught me about my body, and Zumba has taught me how to laugh and have fun with dance. All of the instructors and the students are friendly, welcoming and good natured. I always feel better after visiting this studio. A second plus? The gorgeous artwork in the studio-- if only I were making the big bucks, I'd buy it all :) read more

I came in for a restorative yoga and massage session with my mom hoping to relieve some tension. Pros: - welcoming, friendly staff - clean, comfortable studio - well stocked with props (blankets, pillows, mats, and weights) - sweet and calming instructor - good value (Yelp deal of $100 for $75 and $109/10 classes, which came out to $8.40/class) - strong community environment with a spiritual emphasis Cons: - fewer sequences than I would have preferred (About 5 poses, but keep in mind that this was restorative yoga with massage. With around 15 students and only 1 instructor, she was stretched a little thin trying to reach everyone personally.) - a distracting soft buzz from the overhead lights (but I'm assuming that will be fixed soon) Our instructor really emphasized the ideas of surrender, purposefulness, and focusing on the present. That was exactly what I needed to be reminded of in the moment. So, overall, it was a good experience, and I ended it very happy. :) read more

Used to love this place but now the classes are huge and they cram in more people than feels safe. A lot of unintended jostling and getting kicked by your neighbors. Not relaxing not joyous. Please limit your class sizes. 5 star instructors but 1 star experience. read more

Purusha Yoga is low-key, welcoming, relaxed, supportive, and extremely health-enhancing. The teacher I experienced in my first visit, Sherry, was great. I was particularly impressed with how she noticed when I or another student needed help and provided a tip or a prop, hardly breaking the flow of the group. Everyone was very friendly. I felt completely accepted where I am (inflexible body, low energy from slow flu recovery, etc.) and able to progress at my own rate. The person who checked me in initially was also positive and helpful. What a wonderful resource! read more

A couple of weeks ago, my co worker brought me to the studio. I was a little hesitant since I'm new to yoga. PJ our instructor was amazing and I think it doesn't matter what level you're at, he made the class fun and comfortable for everyone. Thank you for a great experience. read more

Great community. Some great teachers for me (lots of variety and yoga is so individual it can be hard to find what works for you.. I totally found what works for me!) Year long membership available that (if you can do that) keeps costs way down and interest in commitment (if you can) way up. Also good workshops and a typical offerings like trips (wish I could!) and teacher training. Near enough to me. Obviously location is not for everyone, as its located in the outer Richmond District. But works great for any Richmond or Sunset District folks! Free 2 hour street parking nearby. Where do you find that?! ;) read more

I took a Yin class for the first time with Suzanne and had one of the best classes of a 13 year practice. The Purusha Studio is a super inviting space and I really enjoyed practicing under the skylights, which was a playful sensory experience during such a meditative style. Suzanne is an excellent facilitator of long, surrendering postures. She is attentive, gentle and supportive with props and modifications along the way. Her hands-on alignments were subtle and inviting in long postures as well. I truly appreciated Suzanne's sensitivity as an instructor and supporter of personal place and practice. read more

Great studio that gives back to the community. Teachers and classes are great! They cap the classes too, so there is always sufficient space. read more

I am a regular at the morning yin yoga classes and I love them. Purusha has a great community feel with a firm spiritual grounding. I've also met more of my neighbors here than I have anywhere else in the neighborhood! read more

What can I say- just the best classes, the best studio, the best people. Totally creative. Easy to park, walk out after class and fill your lungs with clean ocean air 10 blocks from the beach. Love Purusha and thank you. read more

I just came from my first class here but my girlfriend has been to several. We both love the warmth and creativity of the instructors we have met so far. She is very new to yoga and although I have been taking classes for a year I am one of those who does the easiest variation of every pose. I can safely say this is a wonderful group to start with if you are just beginning. Its also a great space and they have a wide range of classes. read more

I've been going to this studio for 2 years and I love everything about it. Every teacher I've had has been amazing, the studio is beautiful, and there's an overall positive energy every time I'm there. read more

I was looking for a way to incorporate more physical activity into my life. I live by Purusha and I've walked by so many times. I was a little hesitant to try yoga because I've always been intimidated by the athletically built/slender people walking around in tight yoga pants. Oh dear, the last time I was in any kind of pretzel like pose I was in utero. I expressed interest in yoga to my boyfriend and he surprised me with a hatha class, just to try it out. Our first class with Elizabeth was great! I felt very welcomed, and the pacing was just right for a couple beginners. I told her about lower back pains I've been having lately and she catered the class to lower back stretches. After class, my back felt better than it had in a long time. My boyfriend and I bought a month of classes and we plan on going back for long time. read more