I have been attending the Puget Sound Zen Center, both on Vashon and more recently in West Seattle,…read morefor about three years. It is a wonderfully open, cheerful, and thoughtful community, both for experienced practitioners and for those coming for the first time. There are great tips for first-timers here: https://pszc.org/new-to-zen/. I would add two quick things if you are coming for the first time. First, it is a good idea to arrive 15-20 minutes early, regardless of which meditation you attend. It is helpful to get a few pointers on where to sit and what to expect. People will be glad to offer suggestions, and there is always someone assigned specifically to help newcomers. Just ask for "the Shoji." Second, if you do not need wheelchair access, the entrance is right up the steps in the front of the building. The front is the side that looks out on the driveway where you drove in. Like Zen itself, the place has many doors. Like Zen itself, this can be a little confusing. If you need a more accessible entrance, the double doors will be on your right. If they are not open, just knock and someone will no doubt let you in. There is also a satellite Zen Center in West Seattle that meets on Monday nights at Fauntleroy UCC. You can find the schedule and other information for both Zen Centers here: https://pszc.org/.

Warm, supportive community dedicated to learning and applying Zen principles. The practice is…read morerooted in a centuries-old tradition (Rinzai Zen), which feels strong, something I can lean into. When you first start, it might feel foreign, very different, but don't let that dissuade you; the practice, here, is to be true to the discipline while also learning how to teach & apply it in our culture. I also love that there are so many ways to be involved -- from working in the meditation garden, or working in the food garden (food is donated to the food bank), the Racial Healing group - or sitting in meditation on Zoom (every day there's at least one sit). But the thing I appreciate the most is the feeling I get that everyone is sincere, not judgmental or self-righteous. Really just learning how to practice no-self and, from within, transform greed, hatred and ignorance (the vows we say at every sit).

I only began Yoga 7 months ago but am blown away by the experience which I incorporated into my…read morepretty heavy cardio/weight resistance workout. I'm 62 but although initially it was a bit daunting as I am kind of competitive !, it has helped me with balance and flexibility, however now I have more goals and the staff/teachers are all super and supportI've. the facility in Gig Harbor is very convenient, modern and immaculate. I could easily go to classes in Tacoma or Lakewood but haven't felt the need. plenty of classes for me after work and on weekends with no pressure to do more than I'm ready. I would encourage men ( and women of course ) to give it a try as it was not something I thought was a "guy" thing and I lost years of practice so go and take some classes , you won't regret it.

As a beginner to yoga... I was looking for a studio to continue practicing yoga while home for the…read moreholidays. I'm originally from the Bay Area and I was very pleased to learn there was a yoga studio near my parents' home (at least one that didn't require bridge toll or a 30+ min drive). So I booked classes for the days I was staying in Gig Harbor and absolutely loved this yoga studio. LOGISTICS The yoga studio itself is very beautiful and airy. The high ceilings and lighting make it a great space for practicing yoga. Also very clean! They provide yoga mats, blocks, and straps to borrow... but you're free to bring your own. I also like that they provide the yoga mat cleaner spray, which is a great reminder to use after class. I booked all my classes online so the process was very easy. I had a few issue when I accidentally booked a same day class and couldn't cancel, but they were quick to returning my desperate email+calls to let me know they took me off the roster and would honor my class credits for a future class. The customer service communication has been a very good experience for me. There was an error in pricing for a pair of yoga pants I purchased through them, but we were able to resolve it over email without me needing to come in. Currently they require masks in the studio, however they make an exception if you email or show them your vaccine cards. You're still required to wear a mask when off your mat, but during the class itself you can remove it. It makes it so much easier to practice breathing this way. Parking is super easy since it's located in the Uptown shopping area next to the movie theater and HomeGoods. CLASSES The studio offers a very wide variety of class formats at different times of the day. Since I'm fairly new to yoga and could really only do morning classes... I've only done "Vinyasa Flow: Level 1 & 2" and "Hatha Strength and Stretch". Both are good for beginners and even if you're starting out, you can always go at your own pace / make adjustments as needed. Or rest in child's pose. The website will advise the experience level required for each class when you sign up, and the instructors are happy to provide extra instructions to complete newbies (at least from observation). Pacing can be slow or moderate in these classes - it depends a little on the instructor. I had one sub that did a faster pace for a Level 1 & 2 class, but it was quite fun to keep up with. It's really important to pay attention to what the instructor is saying in terms of cues when switching poses. And if you're very new... I'd recommend being in the middle row so you can not only see the instructor but also observe what others are doing. I enjoyed the classes and they were a fairly good workout (I did sweat in a few of them). I also never felt any judgement or pressure on how I was doing my poses. Plus the classes were all a little different in terms of poses used and the flow. After class, I always felt refreshed and relaxed after stretching out my body and working some muscles. INSTRUCTORS I really like the instructors at this studio - very clear cues and instructions, and they offer options depending on your fitness level. They've all been very friendly and unlike other yoga corporate studios I've been to, they actually try to focus on the spiritual aspect of it (without being too preachy). VALUE Coming from the Bay Area... unless I'm committing to a class package/membership, I'm used to paying $30 for one drop in class. Here, a drop in class is only $20 and the price gets lower as you do a class package or membership. $20 a drop in class is a really good deal ESPECIALLY when you're allowed to take more than one class in a day with your drop in class. They offer specials for new clients, like a 30 day trial at an extremely discounted rate. If you're in the area I'd highly recommend it so you can try all the different classes. They also offer discounts for military, which is thoughtful of them. Really though, the value is there for a yoga studio of this quality. OVERALL This dedicated yoga studio is a great addition to Gig Harbor. There's a sense of community and relaxation afterwards, which is something you won't usually get out of "gym" yoga classes. I'm a little jealous that my hometown has a yoga studio like this, but I'll look forward to stopping by to keep up my practice whenever I'm in town.

I wish I would have known about this place when I moved to Gig Harbor two years ago. My hot vinyasa…read moreclass was great. Rachel gave excellent cues, cracked some jokes and made the practice very enjoyable. She's a lady with a big heart and I love the way she instructs. Lots of parking, easy to get in and out of, very convenient, and I'm glad I saw the signage from the interstate. What a great find and so far, the community are pretty friendly as well. Rachel was very welcoming and made me feel very welcome in her space. It's so great to practice in a space, without judgement, and fully supported. I highly recommend this studio if you love the heat, enjoy sweating and yoga. There are non heated classes as well.

Gig Harbor is so fortunate to have Asha Yoga and Wellness! One of the co-owners Rachel is such a…read moreamazing, kind & passionate yoga teacher! She taught Hot26 with such great dialogue, demonstrating postures & modifications. Their F5 Studio is very spacious & the view from the studio is absolutely amazing! Highly recommend checking out Asha Yoga and Wellness!

I took classes about being an empath and energy work here a few years ago and loved it! Highly…read morerecommend for all empaths!

This institution has changed my life entirely in a positive way. I was riddled with constant…read moreanxiety and paranoia which has caused chronic insomnia and disrupted my overall quality of life. Then, I found this place as I was trying to learn how to meditate properly. Madeline and Sarah are extremely gifted teachers and I am forever indebted. They pinpointed the challenges in my life and how to solve them. My whole perspective about the world has changed and now I can manifest what I want in life. This is worth more than years and years of therapy and I highly recommend attending one of their free meditation classes on Sunday!

Massage, cupping. She really cares about her patients. I feel good afterwards and I go home take a…read moreshower then a bath with E- salt. Private residence. When arrive wait on the porch. Please take off your shoes when entering the front door. make sure to drink plenty of water after your session.

Cara is an amazing massage therapist! I have been seeing her for years. My work is very physical…read moreand she always gets me back in shape after a long week. She is friendly, straightforward and listens well. Cara knows lots of different techniques and can adapt really easily to your changing needs. She's always practicing something new, continuing to challenge herself. Cara could crack a 300lb man in half, but I'd also trust her with my grandmother. ;) Check her out. She knows bodies.

I knew nothing about hypnotherapy when I made my first appointment. All of my preconceived ideas…read moreabout hypnosis were wrong. Melody has a special way of helping me relax and tune-in to my subconscious & work on issues that I didn't know were impacting my thoughts.Over the past year I have met with her several times and have discovered a new spring in my step! The exercises that we do really help me understand myself, my expectations in life and and how to change things that are not working! She is a miracle worker, so insightful! The best part, she is non-judgmental!

From the owner: *Grief, Loss, Trauma, Addiction, Energy Balancing, Soul Loss and Spiritual attachments, and all…read moreareas of life improvement.* For those who have secret pain they feel no one can understand, Melody Litton has the empathy, compassion, and skills to guide you back toward healing and joy. In addition to private sessions, Healing for Life offers a vast array of online courses for health and healing, as well as several books written by Melody. She offers group meditations, home and office spiritual cleansing, and will help facilitate your healing retreats using music, meditation, hypnosis, and yoga. Call today and begin your personal healing journey!

What a beautiful experience... Lauren has a presence and gift that brings calmness peace and…read moreacceptance with so much love and care... Thank you Lauren for Sharing your knowledge and gift with me today it truly was a blessing Tara P

Lauren is an incredibly sweet soul, very talented energy worker, and the kind of person who lives…read morein her truth and shows up authentically wherever she goes. Her events are heart-crafted and her drive to support others is clear. I'd highly recommend working with Lauren in any capacity!