I have been practicing Hatha and Ashtanga yoga for 20+ years. Knowing that Iyengar emphasizes body alignment, I sought out private Iyengar instruction with the goal of creating a daily home practice that would support my health goals as my body ages. I was so fortunate to find Esta! Esta and I had a private 1.5-hour session together and the entire experience was one I will treasure forever. Esta created an entire weekly Iyengar routine for me that was incredibly thoughtful and thorough. She spent great care understanding my health goals and my time / physical constraints as well. We then met together for our class where she asked clarifying questions and checked out my form and ability on several poses. I now have a day-by-day home routine, customized just for me, my body, and my goals! Esta typed it all up and included timings and photos as well! Esta gave me an incredible gift and I will certainly return to her as my practice evolves. I have never had such an incredible, personalized instructional experience before and I am truly grateful to Esta! Namaste, Esta! read more

I feel so lucky to have found Este! I've practiced yoga for many years with many different teachers, and Este is one of the most thoughtful and creative teachers I've had the pleasure to practice with. She makes even the most challenging poses accessible to all. Her deep understanding of the body and the practice of yoga comes through in her classes. I've learned so much from her - and look forward to learning more. I would highly recommend her classes to anyone! read more

I was managing the care of a yogi with a terminal, degenerative neurological disease. She had been practicing yoga for years & performed many complicated asanas with Esta before I met either of them. Though her physical abilities had declined when I met them both, Esta guided restorative yoga and spiritual connection, both incredibly important to maintain strength and flexibility while the disease progressed. As my client's body broke down, her spirit remained incredibly powerful, largely fed by Esta's ability to be completely present with guiding her body's breathing and deep relaxation. These skills were incredibly important for her comfort. I cannot speak words to convey the therapeutic and spiritual blessings Esta brought her. Namaste. read more

After two years on yelp, I've finally found something I feel the desire to write a review for! I went to my first yoga class ever here after learning about it from Sarah F. Having always wanted to do yoga, after hearing of a donation based studio on my side of town I had no more excuses not to go. My first class was a wonderful introduction into my practice. There were four students, including myself, as well as another yoga first-timer. The teacher was very welcoming and nicely tailored the class so that all of us could work at our skill levels. After that class, I was hooked. All I can think about is when I can do yoga next! www.sevayoga.com (formerly Oneyoga.us) is the site to go to for that. They have a wide range of times and teachers. Since this is a new endeavor, they seem to be in the process of working out the schedule so double check online before you go. I have seen some canceled classes posted on the door but it seems the kinks are being worked out as time goes along. There is an interesting mix of yoga styles, from the posture (asana) based classes to more of the breathing and meditation focused classes. All the teachers I've been to have been very nice and accommodating. Even when I was the only student they were gracious enough to go through the class with me. One really awesome part about Seva yoga is that a portion of all the donations go to a charity chosen by the teacher so not only are you doing something good for yourself, you're doing something good for children in and out of the states, wildlife, etc. Do get try to get to class early, especially the evening classes. Seva yoga shares the parking lot with Alamo Drafthouse so the parking situation can get a bit hairy even though there are 3-5 yoga designated parking spots. Though, when class lets out at the same time as two movies I'm so blissed out that the hassle of getting out becomes a non-issue. So, long story short, if you've wanted to do yoga, but for whatever reason haven't, check Seva yoga out, donate what you can, and save a spot for me! read more

All is coming for Seva Yoga! This evening, I attended Sharon Avital's Yoga Nidra class. I am used to doing a rather intensive vinyasa practice, but went to class with an open mind. I was the only student there, but Sharon warmly greeted me and led me to a small room where she explained the practice to me. She led me through a gentle, yet very effective asana practice using a variety of props that she helped me adjust as needed. Then she covered my body with a blanket and my eyes with a pillow and led me through a very methodical exercise of body awareness and a clearing of the mind before beginning a guided visualization. The end result was complete relaxation as well as a feeling of immense awareness. Wonderful! The teachers that I have been to, Lauren and Sharon, personify yoga. They are generous, caring, patient and non-judgmental. It is obvious that they teach because it is their calling and they love what they do. Seva Yoga deserves much thanks for providing a lovely space to begin or grow a practice. read more

For three years, Esta has led my yoga sessions in live and virtual formats, three to four times a week. Her mastery and precision are greatly appreciated and have proved meaningful and impactful for me personally. Her dedication and attention to student needs are superb. read more

-Legit teachers that are knowledgeable yet don't take themselves too seriously -Quiet, clean studio space -Props provided -Very inexpensive This is an excellent studio, I have been very impressed with every session I've done here. Every class I have been to had fewer than 5 students, which is incredible considering every other donation-based studio is packed to the brim. I have been to classes taught by Whitney and by Kelly. Both instructors are soft-spoken but extremely knowledgeable in practicing. Likewise both made me giggle a little during the session, quick to poke fun at themselves about one of the poses etc. I love this studio! I wish they had one up north as well, but I will definitely continue to make the trips south to practice here. read more

Esta has been my yoga teacher for the last 8 months or so, and is the best yoga teacher that I've had. Three reasons I like her class: 1. PEDIGREE. She is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, and has detailed knowledge of the system. If I'm not mistaken, she started in Iyengar about 30 years ago, tried a few other different systems, and came back to Iyengar -- I bring this up to say that she is knowledgeable about other systems, and her belief in the Iyengar system is learned and experienced rather than dogmatic. Esta also stays in close touch with recent developments in the Iyengar world. 2. METICULOUSNESS. Esta personalizes postures and sequences to each individual. She does this by adjusting both the actual posture and the props that you're using (chair, wall, belt, etc.) A lot of people talk about how yoga is about doing what's best for you (the individual), but I haven't found teachers that execute this as capably as Esta does. 3. PURE. No gimmicks in her class -- no music, no heated room, etc. Just you. Some context on me, in case it's relevant: I'm 28, and have dabbled in yoga on and off, but have never gotten seriously into it until now. I've played lots of sports and have been otherwise physically active most of my life, but for the last few years have been a bit sedentary. I'm not super flexible. read more

I really love Seva Yoga. I'm new to yoga, and was visiting Austin from Minneapolis for a month. All of the teachers at Seva Yoga were so knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to receive so much personal attention, which was wonderful at this early stage in my practice. Each class was creatively constructed to cover different topics. They have classes at all times of day, sure to suit your schedule. Plus, for a ten dollar donation, you certainly can't beat the price! read more

Esta is an amazing yoga instructor. I've been seeing her for 3 years now for restorative yoga instruction and she is always inspiring, affirming and helps me reach a place of physical and spiritual peace. I'm grateful to her for the work she does and being able to zoom together through Covid, we haven't skipped a beat. read more

I have had back pain due to a motorcycle accident and Esta showed me Yoga postures that resolved years of pain.

Esta is a truly gifted and special teacher. In every city I live, I seek out a yoga teacher and spiritual mentor. In Austin, Esta was that person. Her classes allowed me to find both a yoga community and a place of peace and healing. read more

Esta's been my teacher for a few years. She teaches in a way that is welcoming and challenging at the same time because she's sensitive to the student's needs and capability. Esta teaches multi-level classes with each student feeling like they get individual attention. The Zilker Park Studio is a quiet, picturesque, and expansive place for practice and Esta manages the class size. It's so quiet during savasana on Monday evenings that we can hear the freight train whistle far off in the city-- that takes me deeper into peaceful relaxation every time! read more

What a fantastic yoga studio! I've been going for more than six months and have had a consistent, positive experience with every class.

When I was in town for SXSW, I took a couple of classes with Esta. She has a wonderfully calm, thorough teaching style. Her Zilker Park Studio is beautiful, with hardwood floors and trees visible through the windows. I first started studying with Esta when I lived in Austin in 2004, and I still take her classes anytime I'm back in town. She's an amazing teacher, and I always feel great after one of her classes. read more