I only have the kindest words to say about Shafa Yoga. I found out about Shafa Yoga through Groupon, and on the first day I stepped into this studio, Newsha welcomed me with open arms. She mentioned at my first class with her that those that practice yoga with her at Shafa Yoga are like her family, and she takes care of her family. This mindset is shown throughout her practice with those that show up to her classes. Every class, she asks what we want to work on. This could be restorative, stretching, working out your core, or focusing on a specific body part that's been in pain. Newsha is welcoming and accommodating. Every class is different because she has new flows to share. There is purpose behind every stretch, and I love that she is able to provide more of a scientific / anatomy background, which is different than any yoga studio I've ever been to. I recently attended the Candlelight Restorative Yoga with Aromatherapy Facial Mini-Massage Workshop, and I learned so much. I felt so relaxed and restored afterwards. Newsha is always open to feedback and comments after her class. I love that she also uses her own home made, natural, and organic oils during class. They smell amazing and are so good that you can eat it. Shafa Yoga is completely unique, and I'm so happy to have met Newsha and practice yoga with her! Definitely give Shafa Yoga a try and have your entire yoga perspective changed for the better! read more

I have always wanted to try yoga, i finally bought a groupon deal and attended Shafa Yoga for 6 sessions. I love how close Shafa Yoga it is to my house and that it's right next to Stater Brothers. After the yoga session, i can conveniently do my grocery shopping. The yoga classes were great! I love how small the classes are. There would be times when it's just me and one other student; it really made me feel like I signed up for a private lesson -- it was awesome! I like that I can sign up for classes online through their website. Throughout my 6 courses, I have signed up with Michele as my instructor. I think she is great. Very patient and helpful -- she has a very nice soothing voice too! I definitely recommend Shafa Yoga. Being said that this is my first time doing yoga, I don't have any comparison with other yoga places, but from what I've gone through, i really like Shafa Yoga and enjoyed every yoga session I had! read more

I found this studio on Groupon and am absolutely in love! I have tried many different kinds of yoga classes and instructors and Newsha blows them all out of the water. This is healing, therapeutic yoga - which very few are qualified to teach. Every class is different and you always feel like you're getting a private class. read more

I am so delighted to write a review on Shafa Yoga!!! Newsha, the owner of the place, an authentic human being that combines within herself the knowledge and the open heart. I feel safe and confident in her classes. There is always something new you can learn from her. Regardless of how I feel when you start the class, I always end it feeling wonderful, light and at ease. Thank you, Newsha! read more

I'm in the process of shopping for yoga studios and this one is making it hard for me to decide. The studio is relatively small, but what's great is that is accommodates a smaller class size which means more personalized attention from the instructors. I feel when it comes to yoga, you can go into it for a variety of reasons: stress relief, tranquility, enhanced flexibility or a good workout. While I don't consider this studio an intense workout compared to others, I truly end each class feeling very peaceful and at ease. It's a great way to end a working week. What I also like is the classes have a supportive atmosphere. You don't have any of those Level 4 show offs taking a Level 1 class intimidating new people. I think it's ideal for people recovering from injuries or new to yoga. The supportive, peaceful, and intimate environment makes a great difference. Newsha is a great instructor as is Michelle. I've mainly attended with Newsha and she is very patient and encouraging. I also love that she doesn't teach the same sequences every time. I really enjoy the classes where we use the walls to practice against. The lacrosse and tennis ball massages were also wonderful techniques that I learned. My only challenge is scheduling. I work really long hours during the week and occasionally I want to find something really early in the weekday before I head to work. I hope they expand soon and add more classes to the schedule. Additionally, pricing. There is another studio I am testing out and they have the same pricing except, the competing studio has triple the amount of classes, full locker rooms, showers, and complimentary amenities, I can even earn points by checking in. Its making it hard for me to decide. I'll most likely stick with both studios but do shorter packages with both so I can continue to enjoy the benefits and have greater flexibility. I really want this studio to thrive so that they can hire more instructors and expand their schedule. It will really make a difference for me. read more

Newsha is not only beautiful on the outside, but the most knowledgeable yoga instructor that I have ever met. She uses a personalized method of teaching that was acquired through many years of practicing herself. If you're wanting a yoga class that doesn't require self-growth, effort or little beads of sweat on your forehead...this class isn't for you. Her classes will actually promote inner and physical healing, building strength and gaining flexibility. I will never go back to the "traditional yoga" that never made me take a look at myself and realize I needed to improve my health. She can personalize a plan for you no matter what your physical limitations are. Her program is for EVERYONE. read more

I did a google search for a yoga studio in my in-laws' neighborhood so I could go to classes there while visiting them during the holidays. Shafa yoga came up as highly recommended, and now I know why: it is a fantastic place! The teachers provide individual attention to all the students and there are several classes offered each day, in the morning and the evening. There is plenty of parking because it's in a shopping center (Stater Bros). When I first walked in I was a little surprised to see how small it is. The front desk is right there when you walk in, and there are cubbies for belongings and the floor where you practice is all in that same room. They do a good job of separating the space, though, so it was nice and open and decorated sparsely with earth tones (painted walls, no mirrors). They lock the doors when class starts, so they mean it when they say to arrive early. I got the punch pass card, which is definitely the way to go. I went three days in a row and each practice was entirely different, which was great because I worked different muscles each day. They emphasize that if you feel sharp pains you should come out of the pose. They want you to push yourself but not so far that it's bad - I really like that. Newsha and Michele were great! Very calming and reassuring voices. read more

I would definitely recommend taking a class from SHAFA YOGA. Newsha, the owner and a very good friend of mine, cares deeply for each and every one of her students. I am a virgin when it came to Yoga and she made sure that i was comfortable and still pushed my limits. There were plenty of classes to choose from and each one brings a different experience. I have never felt so sore after one fat burning class. I have spent hours on the gym trying to count the calories go down but the real gain is when you wake up the next morning and feel the soreness on every muscle. Although Yoga is more than an excercise routine it is a life changing and stress free way to understand your own body. I am thankful that Newsha has introduced me to the beginning of my Yoga journey which is a spiritual and body awakening experience. Namaste. read more

Old guy. Bad back. Never done yoga. Finds a Groupon for Shafa and says - it's about time I tried it. I've been meaning to for ages. My first class was a Sunday morning, and it was pretty full - by Shafa standards. There were ten practitioners and two instructors guiding us. Actually, they would be hard pressed to get another body in, as the studio is cozy. Having heard of yoga classes with 20 to 30 practitioners or more, I like this aspect of Shafa Yoga. Most classes have fewer than ten practitioners, so there is plenty of room and individualized attention as needed. Newsha, the owner and lead instructor, has a medical background which I believe provides her with an advantage that most yoga instructors don't possess. When new students are in the class Newsha advises us of the therapeutic emphasis of Shafa Yoga classes. Even when moving from one asana to another, it is done with therapeutic intent . I say this because I've read reviews of other studios that had even beginners moving rapidly from pose to pose, with some reviewers claiming injury as a result. That is not what I wanted to get out of a yoga class. Never having experienced yoga before, I wanted to try out some of the other instructors as well. My Groupon deal was for six classes. I ended up taking four classes with Newsha, and tried two other instructors also. I enjoyed each class, and more importantly, benefited by each session. I just took my last Groupon class this afternoon. I told Newsha that I figured that I'd go with the Groupon deal and just try other yoga Groupons until I found a studio that I liked. Then I told her that I have no need to try any other studio now that I've experienced Shafa Yoga. I rarely give five star reviews but Newsha and Shafa Yoga deserve each of them. read more

I was devastated when the old location closed 2 1/2 years ago, although I completely supported the reason why. I tried some other yoga studios, but I couldn't find consistent classes that I liked. No other class gave me the same amazing feeling of being perfectly worked out from head to toe without aggravating my injuries and leaving me in pain for days afterwards. I was overjoyed when the studio reopened and so close to the old location! New location, same excellent instruction. Newsha is incredibly knowledgeable, this is not your average yoga instructor. Whether you want to be challenged, just need to try to undo the damage your desk job is doing to your body, or have injuries that you are trying to rehab, this is the yoga studio for you! read more

I love the yoga and location. It was great experience. But class hours just will not work for my schedule. I love to do yoga early in the morning and there is no class offered before 9am. read more

It was only an okay experience for me. Location was convenient, the studio is cozy and intimate but as a new, potential client, I expected a little more in terms of customer service. It seemed as soon as I walked in, and I told the teacher I was there for class, she tried to discourage me from taking it because in her mind, she had assumed that maybe it was too advanced for me. And I write this because she didn't ask me any questions to find out more about my prior yoga experience until she realized I wasn't going to be persuaded otherwise. Guess they're doing well enough that they don't need more clients. Not sure if that was her intention but it made me feel less enthusiastic. The yoga style itself was okay for me too but every studio and teacher is different. I'm kinda bummed this just didn't click for me because the location is so convenient. read more

If you want a deeper understanding of yoga and small, tailored classes, this place is for you. Newsha is incredibly knowledgeable! Shafa Yoga offers a deeper understanding of yoga itself, a more spiritual connection! The specialty workshops are fantastic which include aromatherapy, hot stone, etc... big fan!!! read more

The instructor only showed up a few minutes before class which for someone new to the studio is kind of awkward. The studio is small but reminded me of one I went to back in my home town. I liked the size & type of class I took. It was not crowded & everything seemed clean and nicely kept up. I'm guessing it's fairly new. The class was gentle yoga which is perfect for me as I have an injury right now. She asked about areas where we needed attention & scripted the class based on our suggestions it seemed which I liked. I learned a new technique to roll on a tennis ball to loosen muscles which was great & I'm using almost daily now. I found out they don't accept credit cards at the studio, which was strange, so I had to drive back home & get a check to pay for a package. You can now purchase online with a card though. All & all it's a cute studio & I'll definitely return to see what other instructors are like. Also: Don't lose your punch card or you will be charged $10 for a replacement. Ouch! read more

I've had an excellent experience at Shafa Yoga. I did classes with both Newsha and Michelle, and I enjoyed every single one of them. The instructors are very accommodating, and groups are typically small, so they have chance to provide bits of individual instruction to those who need it most. The studio is nice and cozy, it's air conditioned and never gets hot. I never got in a situation where there was not enough space. I also like the selection of music played during classes. Highly recommended. read more

Awesome place and awesome instructors. Just finished my first 20 sessions and signed up for more. I'm feeling great and fit both physically and spiritually. Thanks to Newsha, Kelly, and Susan. read more

I discovered this yoga studio as it's several storefronts down from the 24 hour fitness right off the Rancho Penasquitos exit off 56. I was delighted to find a morning yoga class as 24 Hr Fitness and many other gyms don't offer morning yoga. It's the perfect way to start your day (capitalize on your prana) and still get to work on time. This hidden gem is a diamond in the rough! Newsha was very welcoming and runs a very clean, calm, and restorative studio. The class was great - it's been awhile since I've done yoga but she was great in correcting my poses and allowed us to work according to our own ability. I loved the meditative music, the incense, the challenge it offered and the variety of classes offered throughout the day. The class rates are very reasonable and as a new student you can get a weeks pass for $30 or 10% off any of the multi-use class cards which I opted to get as I will be back! read more

I just finished the Shafa Yoga 200-hour Yoga Therapeutic Training and I received very comprehensive training from a very competent instructor. Newsha Mobin holds every yoga certification available. She has a strong background in Western and Eastern medicine and has been practicing and teaching yoga for over a decade. The coursework included the history and philosphy of yoga, a review of over 200 asanas, chakra therapy, yoga nidra, anatomy nd physiology, meditation, breathing techniques and nutrition. The Shafa Yoga certification is a therapeutic certification and we did 12 case studies which included designing yoga classes for people who had a variety of illnesses and injuries. We also observed yoga classes, assisted with classes and taught donation yoga classes under Newsha's guidance.The course was not easy, but I am now confient about pursuing a career teaching yoga. read more

This review is on Shafa Yoga's 200 hour Teacher Training Program. So, after about 4 months of yoga, I decided to attend Shafa Yoga's Teacher Training Program. Shafa Yoga is a yoga school that is recognized by Yoga Alliance as a Hatha Yoga Therapy School. The only one in San Diego, as far as I know. The classes are well planned, based on the texts of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. We cover the history of yoga, chakras, yoga nidra, meditation, pranayama, the benefits and contraindications of asanas and more. We also discuss the yoga industry, share personal experiences and have the opportunity to teach. All of this, with unlimited yoga...so awesome. If you have attended one of Newsha's classes you can see for yourself her teaching methodology. You can sense the positive energy she shares, experience the well roundedness of her classes, and feel the encouragement and support she has for her students. You can know for yourself that she is an admiral mentor. Since teacher training, I have been teaching for 6 months and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to study and teach at Shafa Yoga. This is an excellent program for anyone who wants to learn more about yoga. BTW the Yumeiho body work is excellent. read more

This is not your typical group class where the instructor just walks around without paying attention to you. Newsha pays attention to every single move every attendee makes and corrects them. She is the best. I've been struggling with back pain and after a few months of her classes I'm almost pain free. I feel stronger and toned. She is very knowledgeable and very aware of everyone's injuries. Her classes are like having a private session in a group setting. read more

I first started my yoga practice at Shafa Yoga about five months ago. I was lucky enough to catch a groupon deal and I continued to attend classes right before I moved away. This yoga studio has definitely set the highest standard for me. If you're a beginner and are a little apprehensive or are feeling intimidated, I definitely recommend taking a class here. Yoga studios in general deliver such an amazing experience that can't be replicated in a gym. Shafa is on the smaller and more intimate side which I love. Everything is kept extremely clean and who doesn't love clean?? I've only taken classes with Lori and she's great if you're starting yoga for the first time. She was so helpful, encouraging, and had such positive energy. I really hope to take a class when I'm back home in San Diego. read more

My reason for this review isn't to trash Shafa Yoga and Newsha My concern is for anyone looking to begin a yoga practice, seeing all the great reviews here and thinking they will get a safe, quality yoga experience. Reading these posts, I can see that many of them were created by new yogis who may have no idea that they are being taught poorly. Asana practice is great but done incorrectly, can cause acute or repetitive motion injury. I've attended a number of classes at Shafa, hoping the mistakes I was seeing were only occasional. Newsha seems like a lovely person but unfortunately, she isn't well-trained in alignment, technique and form for risk reduction. Asana starts in the feet and moves up the body. Incorrect alignment can cause injury. Incorrect technique can as well. Some examples: Her form for even simple poses such as Cobra is incorrect. She makes no mention of foot and hip position adjustment when moving from Warrior I to II. She tells the students to do push-ups and abdominal work in ways that are very risky to the shoulders and back. She encourages students to position their necks chin to chest, not safe at all. I also attended class with Michele who made many of the same types of mistakes. As she is a graduate of YTT from Shafa, she learned these errors from Newsha. Be very careful and listen to your body. If what the teacher says seems wrong for you, don't do it. read more

My experience at Shafa Yoga was very pleasant. The studio is very nice and intimate, the instructors accommodating and made everyone feel at home. read more

Have tried yoga only a couple of times throughout the years and was always a bit intimidated by the class and participants. Shafa yoga has such a relaxing and supportive environment. It is challenging in just the right way. The instructor gives guidance for all levels in an encouraging manner. I will definitely be back. read more

Five stars across the board. The studio is clean, nicely decorated, centrally located, provides ample parking, and the schedule offers something for everyone. Newsha (the owner) is a very experienced instructor and makes students of all levels feel comfortable regardless of their skill, flexibility, or body type. She's very patient with beginners and gives very good instruction throughout the class. I was a little hesitant about starting yoga and she put me at ease from the very start. The class sizes are small (8 people max) so it's an intimate setting and works well for her hands-on approach. Michele also teaches a gentle yoga class on Friday nights and Sunday mornings which I think are outstanding as well. Highly recommend this studio and the quality instructors. read more

I have gone to 3 classes now and am amazed at how much my body, and mind have already changed. I have always wanted to take yoga, but not liked the "commercial" yoga offered at many studios. This studio gives you yoga as it is intended to be. Not only to bring your body to good health, but to heal your spirit and find calmness and your path of mind. You are never hurried through the class either. Before you know it, more than an hour has gone by....Newsha is a master, highly knowledgeable and takes care of each individual in her class. You will never feel more included and cared for.... I recommend this to anyone that wants to enrich their life....namaste. read more

Michelle Good is wonderful at what she does! Awesome yoga studio.

I've been attending class at Shafa Yoga for a year and half now. I love this yoga center and the owner Newshah is awesome, can call her perfect Guru.She is very knowledgeable and very kind compassionate person I have met till today.I would recommend any one perusing yoga to take a class here. Newshah teach's every posture with great detail and patience so that it is done in right way . It is a great experience learning and would continue to do that. Thank You , Newshah. read more

I have been attending yoga classes for almost a year and my ability has increased dramatically. Through careful instruction on the various poses I have increased strength, balance and flexibility. If you are unfamiliar with a pose the instructor will help you do it correctly; they are very concerned with proper form and avoiding injury. The classes are small which allows for individual attention. They have classes at all levels from the beginner to advanced. read more

I love this studio. I got into yoga by attending Shafa Yoga - I love that the studio is small, and they really focus on each student. I began with Newsha and most recently have been attending classes with Alex and both are excellent. It's very close to my house too which is a plus. If you go for the first time, know that they don't open the doors until about 10 minutes before class, and purchase classes/sign up for classes online. read more

Newsha is an amazing teacher! My practice and love for yoga has grown stronger since I started practicing with Newsha at Shafa many months ago. I continue to learn weekly so much about yoga and myself. I strongly recommend this studio if you are looking for a great place to practice, learn and grow. read more

Loved Shafa. Just tried it for the first time and it was great. Michelle, the instructor, was gentle but challenging. I was in a class of two, the setting was intimate. The yoga involved strength training and meditation, which was perfect! Definitely going back. :) read more

I started at Shafa Yoga a year and a half ago and it is the BEST gift I could have given to myself. Newsha is an amazing person and an amazing yoga instructor. The energy at this studio is so positive and inviting and I really feel Newsha's style and encouragement has made an amazingly positive change in my life. read more