Located in a small strip plaza off El Camino, there is plenty of parking here. I came here on a Friday evening and was one of only 2 people who had signed up for class. They have 1 studio here which is nice and spacious with plenty of props for you to use. I noticed that they even have yoga mats that you can rent for free, unlike having to pay a rental cost like at the majority of other yoga studios. Their waiting area is also big, filled with comfortable futons for you to lounge around in. While they don't have dedicated changing rooms, they have two bathrooms in the back for your use. I just wish they had some hooks or something in there to make changing easier. While I wanted to give this studio a try, it's probably a little too far for me to incorporate into my normal routine at this time but I would recommend others checking it out. read more

Lovely center for yoga with a conscious philosophy. There're classes, workshops and events about yoga, meditation, and Veganism. This is an eco-friendly urban senctuary to your body and sole. My favorite part about Prajna center is that people care about each other here. They greet you when you come in and say goodbye when you leave. Letting go of the chatter in your head, connect to your breath, strengthen your muscles and increase your flexibility-this is why I come here. The prices are reasonable, the environment is homy. Yelitza Staley, the owner, is responsible for making Prajna center into welcoming, warm, compassionate, peaceful and happy place! Also, lots of parking is available next to the center. My favorite class is Hatha yoga and meditation. There are also Vinyasa and gentle yoga classes available. Every now and then there is healing by sound meditation fir a full restoration. Try it out, they are amazingly good! read more

Prajna is a great place to take classes if you are in Belmont. They have a really great staff of yoga teachers. Yiwen is an amazing teacher. She has such a bright spirit that makes you want to succeed in your health goals. I also love that her classes are challenging and offer something for every level of student. Cristina has a lovely restorative class that is worth taking on your most stressful days. She'll make your problems melt away with her calm voice. It has a lovely alter to meditate in if you are early for class and plenty of seating. Prajna also has plenty of places to keep your valuables while you practice in the large main room. I love that this studio has two large bathrooms and even a shower, if you need it. read more

I used to live in Redwood City and LOVED Studio Rincon so when I moved to Foster City and had to find another studio, I was scared...but I heard Prajna had a good vibe so I wanted to check it out. They had a deal for ten classes for $45, which is pretty amazing! It's a very peaceful studio, which I like. I checked out a few classes and I really like Christine Salah's basic Hatha Yoga class on Monday afternoons. I also tried the Tuesday evening Kundalini yoga but it wasn't my style of yoga, though the instructor is very sweet! I also tried the Thursday night Ashtanga-Vinyasa class. The studio is near the train tracks so especially at night, the train is loud but during the daytime classes, it isn't a big deal. Overall, it's a nice, relaxing, and clean studio but my only real issue with Prajna is the timing of their evening classes. As a teacher, I wanna go to yoga right after school so I can come back home for cooking and grading. Prajna's evening classes are at 6pm and 7:30pm, which are both really late for me. These timings may work great for others but not for me, sadly, which is why I was only able to go three classes before my ten class deal expired. So I'm still looking for another yoga studio but if I do venture back to Prajna, I'll be sure to check out Nicole's Thursday morning classes; she's amazing at Rincon and I'm sure she's amazing at Prajna as well ;) Thank you, Prajna! read more

I took my first yoga class here 5 months ago, after a 2 year yoga hiatus and a long distance move from east to west coast. Although I vividly remember struggling through the first class because of my fitness level (or the lack of) at the time. The studio's accepting positivity and Yely's patience reminded me of what yoga is all about: accepting my body and mind's limits while always striving to extend it just a little further. And that feeling stuck with me as I stuck with yoga and gradually got stronger. Yely is sweet, funny and an excellent yoga teacher who knows exactly how to motivate yogis and yoginis to do more and come away feeling good about their practice. The studio itself is beautiful and quaint, centrally located in a plaza on El Camino with plenty of parking. I come here on Sunday mornings to restore the balance in my mind, get a little stronger, and welcome the new week with a renewed positive spirit. read more

Very low key, friendly and peaceful. The studio is very clean and bright. They have a comfortable lobby area and offer water and tea at the end of class. It's easy to find parking in the lot in front of the building. Instructors are helpful and warm. A perfect place to enjoy your yoga practice to unwind and unclutter your mind from a busy life. read more

It's such a peaceful place with plenty of parking. What more can one ask for? I came for a 10:30am Yoga class and it was pretty full but the room is pretty big and the instructors are really good about organizing people and telling people to stagger, and make room. I really like that. A lot of other places just let students awkwardly find their own space. While I was hoping for a more fast paced yoga class, this one was more meditative and slow but it still felt really good. Everyone in the class was also very friendly which I thought reflected well on the studio itself. It attracts the right kind of community. The only con was during class when a large truck drove by, it sounded like it was right outside. Really takes you out of your peaceful place. read more

I've started out at Prajna in search of the most affordable, best quality yoga classes around. They have a 5 classes for $45 deal going on for new students. I can honestly say that all five classes I attended here were awesome in their own special way! Every teacher seems to have an awareness and complete understanding of what exactly he or she is teaching to the students. The yoga room is very clean, quiet and peaceful. Be warned no matter what the temperature is outside, it stays on the warm side inside. When I wore pants vs. shorts it started to feel close to Bikram yoga (temperature wise.) There are tons of parking spaces available in the private lot at Prajna. Every class I attended, anytime of day or night, always had ample space for more participants. I really love the instructors and the whole positive vibe about this place. I think we have a winner! read more

Yely smoothly picked us from Yiwen - Prajna continues to rock. Check it out. read more

Spiritual Alignment - prajna - Yoga Near Me - Downieville, California

What an amazing place! I recently discovered Prajna after numerous attempts of trying to find the right yoga studio, finding the right teacher to guide me deeper in my practice. After many unsuccessful tries at finding the right studio, I did find a couple of teachers at two different studios. The only problem? Location and the number of days that the yoga teachers teach. I turned to Yelp and found that Pranja was not only in my city but also 5-star reviews. I quickly made my way to the studio. Upon arriving to purchase my classes and check in, I knew there was something special about this place. Perhaps it was the unpretentious atmosphere, and the lack of "ego" that other studios seem to have (both patrons and studio owners). It is truly a haven where the stresses of the day literally melt away. Yiwen is an amazing teacher. Her classes are well-paced, filled with self-expression and self-exploration sequences. Her class was wonderful, and challenged me. Though, I have only gone once (I do plan on returning!), one can tell that if you commit to both the practice and your teacher, who gets to know one and ones practice intimately--this offers an extraordinary value to your overall practice, especially if you are looking to deepen your practice. There is easy parking, the studio is clean, calming, attentive teachers, and friendly community. I'm so happy that I found this place! read more

UPDATE: Took a few classes with Yiwen this week, and they are definitely challenging in a different way. They're pretty intense, because they require you to be very focused and committed to "learning the language" of yoga. She is super thorough in explaining the mechanics of each yoga pose, and goes around to help you try and achieve to your potential. She is also vocal about letting you know what your strengths are. Her motto is not to "outdo" yourself, which is something I agree with. There are usually only around 10-12 people per class, so it's definitely an intimate environment in which you can feel comfortable practicing. I tend to hop around to different yoga studios, but I foresee myself continuing on with a membership here, so I can continue to study under Yiwen's guidance. She really knows her stuff -- her classes are true practice sessions, where you will easily lose track of time. (The classes usually tend to run over an hour and fifteen minutes.) This is a no-frills, practice-focused yoga studio... excellent for beginners or those who aren't confident about their form. I always leave Yiwen's classes feeling enlightened, either about the practice of yoga or a thought to meditate on. Highly recommend! -------------------------------- This is definitely more of a meditation/restorative pose focused yoga studio. If you're looking for something more physically challenging, then this is not your studio. I haven't really seen any "hardcore yogis" in the classes I've taken so far. Some +'s: clean, calm, and relaxed. Ample parking. Come here to relax your mind and focus on your breath, as well as to cultivate mind-body awareness. read more

A fantastic yoga studio. There is fun, hip and refreshingly intellectual vibe in the studio that other studios in the area really miss out on. Yoga without the intellectual, philosophical and mindful attention is just a workout. Either way, it's 90 minutes of your life so why not challenge yourself? The teachers here deliver classes in a fun and sweaty way. I've tried several of their classes at each level and the teachers are all about the students working within their personal limits. If you're new to yoga or seasoned, you'll find a place here. I'm putting it out there that a true yoga community will develop in this studio in the next few years. Disclosure: Fast foward four + months from writing this and I am now teaching the Friday 6pm Flow class. I'm so happy to be a part of this community. read more

I love going to Prajna. The yoga classes are great! I enjoyed Ben and Yiwen's classes very much. The teachers are very experienced, nice, and helpful. Every time I came out of the classes, I felt very blissful, relaxed, and energized. Time seemed to move slower too since I started going to yoga here, as I became more aware of the moment and recharged to finish all I need to do for the day. The teachers also give very good instructions on how to improve poses and breathing. I was not flexible at all when I started. Yiwen showed me how to modify my posture to slowly build up the strength. This is my greatest find on yelp :-) So happy I found Prajna. read more

I have always dabbled in a yoga class here and there, but have never actually "practiced" yoga on an ongoing basis. I decided to give it a real effort this time around and embarked on a 30 day yoga challenge (take a yoga class everyday or self practice at home for 30 days). I only made it to 15 days, but as a result I found this studio and that was all I needed. In the two weeks that I practiced, I explored different yoga styles and studios, but of all of them, Prajna was my favorite. I've been going here for a couple months now. Yiwen is a Gem! Her classes are challenging and she offers variations on poses depending on what level you are at. I always get a good work out and feel energized with a sense of calmness after class (does that make sense?). Love this place! read more

One of the things I look for in a yoga center is attention to personal development - the mental, spiritual and ethical aspects of yoga plus body mechanics (how not to hurt yourself) in addition to physical body asana practice. And I look for classes with substance - not like those popular in gyms and commercial studios now, that are little better than aerobics for weightloss. Prajna's batting a home run on both counts. The instructors present a rich blend of aspects in each class & you have the feeling they really care about your personal progress. It's obvious the true spirit of yoga permeates behind the scenes as well. The owner, Yiwen, is both knowledgeable and accommodating. I noticed she spends a fair amount of time answering beginning student's questions - even simple ones that I've seen commercial yoga center teachers refuse with a dismissive "look it up online". Giving personal time and not rushing a student faster than their capability is in keeping with the original spirit of yoga, and a rarity that you don't find in the more commercialized chain studios and gyms. And it's one of the reasons I will always patronize independent centers like this. There is a wide selection of classes, from Ashtanga and Yoga Basics to Teen Yoga, Family Yoga & Yin (another favorite of mine). The facilities are clean, bright and welcoming. A large ante-room allows students space for meditation, catching up on yoga reading or socializing before and after class as well as additional room for other activities. Prajna is new, but I look forward to supporting this center as it grows. read more

I love coming here. It's always a much needed time to physically and mentally connect with myself. All the classes I've taken here have been great and I can only say good things about the instructors. I do mostly attend classes taught by Yiwen, but all the instructors have their own special qualities and they're all really great. Each class is tailored to everyone's needs. The "all levels" classes can be more difficult depending on who is in the class - the instructors will make sure everyone is taken care of. I've practiced yoga since I was in high school but it was mostly self-taught. Prajna is the first studio where I've actually taken classes regularly and I've never felt better. It's such a great community to be a part of. HIghly recommend. read more

This center is truly a healing sanctuary. Upon arriving you can just feel the amazing energy and you can tell a lot of love, intention, and attention went into creating this space. Everything about this place exudes a welcoming presence for practitioners of all backgrounds. I can't say enough about Yiwen, the owner, who is a one of a kind person who gives her heart and soul to the space, to the teachers, and to the students who take classes here. She embodies what YOGA is... you will feel the same way once you meet her! I feel so blessed to know such a person of her integrity and kindness! I have taken classes here and the teachers are top notch! You can tell that they really care and are completely there for the students in their classes. I love that they are interested in getting to know YOU -- you don't feel like you're just another face for the 90 mins that you're there. I also love that the center offers classes to teens at such a discounted rate. I hope that teens take advantage of this!! It's also great to see a yoga studio that offers more than yoga classes. There's so much more than just yoga going on here. There is so much life here and there is something for everyone here -- a true community gem! read more

I attend classes in Prajna Center since September last year. I can tell you that this is my second favorite yoga studio :) First one was butterfly yoga in Foster City - but they had to move out from the building. So, now Prajna is #1 The studio is light and very spacy, has a lot of props. Classes are usually not crowded and a teacher can pay a lot of attention to how students do asanas. The staff is very friendly - I have never experienced any problems. The place certainly has the atmosphere of a good yoga studio. I recommend everyone! read more

Prajna is great for beginners! I had never tried yoga before, and I'm over 60. So I cautiously looked at some local yoga studios and fortunately found Prajna and Susan, who teaches the beginners' class on Saturday mornings. (If you can attend on Thursday morning, I also recommend Aska's class.) This isn't like a gym class, where the entire goal is to exercise and sweat. Instead, the instructors are constantly working to help us pay close attention to how our body feels, to our breathing, and to our state of mind while practicing. They also intervene gently to help us position ourselves correctly, especially useful for those of us who are beginners and want to form good habits. I see that the other reviewers are always commenting on how warm, caring, and judgment-free this studio is; they're totally right! A wonderful place to learn yoga in the context of being mindful of your body. I recommend it completely. read more

I really love this place! Clean! Teachers Rock! My favourite is Edwina's mixed flow. She is amazing! Her flows are sensual and energizing. She is so in touch with every part of her amazing body, such an inspiration. Also customize for beginners, but challenging for the more advance. The other teachers don't make me sweat as much. However, they are great for making sure I'm correctly aligned in each position (Which is just as important as to avoid injury and to learn how to internalise the moment, strengthen and lift). read more

OMG you guys this place is the best thing ever. I was a super noob when it comes to yoga but Yely made it all make sense to me and I got really in touch with my inner "balance." I really think I cleared out some negative energy in a relatively short period of time in the class. I also think it makes a big difference what your intentions are going into the class, but I felt I got a lot out of it and I'll be back. If you have chaos in your life (let's be honest, we all do), you might find it beneficial to cut out a chunk of time and just shut off all the noise for a change. read more

I have been practicing and around yoga since 1967. This Yoga studio has wonderful teachers that have beautiful, mindful hearts, and excellent teaching skills offered with compassion and understanding. The classes that offer "all levels" are truly supported to be so....wonderful for beginning students, and long time practitioners as well...I highly recommend exploring this wonderful environment. r. read more

Be mindful that they don't honor a Groupon even though the expiration is a month after I came into the yoga studio

While the founder of this studio has moved on I enjoyed the new space created by Yeli! Also, the sequencing was FUN as she gives us different ways to get to each pose. THIS IS DEFINITELY my happy place when in the Bay Area! read more

Love it here!! The class schedules are so convenient and there are so many options, you have no excuse not to go to a class. The classes themselves are perfect for beginners and intermediate practitioners alike, with many modifications offered in each pose. Its so exciting to see yourself progress and share the joys of yoga with the wonderful teachers and kind souls practicing along side you. There are yogis of all types ages, and everyone fits in perfectly. I took classes mostly from Karin and Yiwen. They both are really focused on the alignment of your knees and back (and more!), which is so important to avoid injury; I really appreciated that. Core work is also a staple in their classes; they'll get you a flat stomach in no time! Karin is a wonderful person and teacher. She's very sweet and pushes you to your edge, while leaving different pose variations to back off if needed; you can trust she will keep you safe. I like how she takes the time to warm up before getting into a very energetic (get ready to sweat!) practice. Her class has this natural flow and progression. You'll leave feeling happily and peacefully tired, and in need of a good shower! Her classes are also at a very convenient time, 6:00 pm on Mondays and Fridays. Perfect beginning and end to your work week. Yiwen of course is an excellent teacher. She emphasizes the correct posture for all poses. These little adjustments make a huge difference; you'll find yourself working muscles you didn't even know you had. Her classes are a little longer than others, so she has some more time to get you into good form and meditate more. She's so kind and you can tell she really does care about the health of her students. If you want to develop into a strong, happy, and centered yogi, I definitely recommend Prajna!! read more

Small intimate studio with friendly energy. Classes are smaller in size and they offer a variety of different styles.

Prajna has been our "go-to" yoga studio since it opened. It is also not just a Yoga studio! Yiwen has worked hard to create a community of like-minded and spirited people and a place where we can escape from the stresses of work and the world in general. The energy is always positive and you will definitely break a sweat! The workshops and other gatherings are always amazing. I always come away with a little more light in my eyes and soul. read more

If you are going to invest and commit yourself to something, do it right; get the most out of it. Yoga is not just making shapes with your body. From a purely physical perspective, it's working the muscles, skeletal system, and mind to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. While there are multitudes of yoga studios closer to my home, I go to Prajna Yoga & Healing Arts to get the most out of my yoga practice. I've practiced yoga regularly for over 15 years, studying with many teachers. A year ago, I started practicing at Prajna, particularly with Yiwen Chang. What a difference! Yiwen corrected how I did many basic poses, most notably chaturanga and warrior 2. In almost every class, I learn something new. There are times during class that I think 'this is an incredible learning experience; I'm so fortunate to practice with this yoga master'. Time flies by in the typical 1.5 hour class. You get so focused, absorbing and practicing what Yiwen has explained and demonstrated read more

I purchased the Groupon deal here and have enjoyed every class I've taken so far. The studio is peaceful and quiet and the teachers are knowledgable. read more

Yoga Heaven. Small classes, great teachers and a beautiful studio. LOVE IT. Try a yoga bodywork with Yiwen..........your body will thank you! read more

Personally, the best place for me to unwind myself. Yiwen molds each one of us through her intricate instructions and she doesn't mind repeating it until we get it right. In fact , I have taken classes under almost all the instructors and everybody are great!! They have a variety of classes from basic to advanced that you can pick from. The timings are kind of spread out throughout the day which gives me the flexibility to take classes even when I am busy. The studio is very neat and clean, giving a soothing feeling while practicing yoga! I see myself growing with my practice and I should really thank Yiwen for that! Namaste! read more

Prajna is a wonderful yoga studio, with something for everyone. I love the variety of instructors, the calm, airy, light-filled space, and the community of yogis both experienced and novice - most everyone is friendly and the vibe is very community oriented. My favorite classes are with Yely (vinyasa flow on Weds/Fri and the Slow Flow on Sunday are both wonderful and always so well sequenced) and Nicole (Thursday morning Hatha, she always pushes you to your edge but in a good way) ... But I have enjoyed each class I have tried in a different way. Some yoga studios are pretentious in their "spirituality" while others don't take the meditative aspects of yoga seriously. For me, Prajna strikes the perfect balance of serious yoga (both physical and mental practice) without the pretentiousness or posturing. Give them a try! For those wondering about the hours - they are opened only when there are classes in session. Their website is informative and always up-to-date with schedule changes and subs, and you can use the "MindBody" ap for super easy scheduling. read more

Very nice studio. What I love is there's a lot of space! Some classes are more popular but they don't try to overcram the class. The people are very nice and I've really liked the instructors. I also took a workshop that was very informative and in-depth. This studio was a nice find after a terrible experience elsewhere. Prajna understands that Groupon users can turn into lasting long-time clients if you treat them right! :) read more

Great place! But It's little bit crowded after work hours. Yiwen is really good instructor. She was helping me with the poses.

First off, I love Prajna. I truly enjoy coming here, but it gets so hot and uncomfortable in that room it's like I've unknowingly signed up for a Bikram yoga class. Can someone crack a window or work on getting the air conditioning to work? If you walk in after a class has finished, it's like walking into a sauna. I'm all for working up a sweat, but this makes what could be a great yoga class into an uncomfortable one. read more

I bought a Groupon and attended my first class last night. The teacher Ben was very good. I like that he gave varaitions of the poses for people like me who were just starting out we were able to keep up and not get injured. I found the studio to be clean and very peaceful. I can't wait to try more classes. The sound of the train was a bit distracting at forst but as I relaxed and got into the class it became less noticeable. So happy I discovered this place!! read more

I've moved to another state so I don't attend classes here any more, but compared to any other studio I have been to, this is an amazing, wonderful place. The instructors take the time to explain how the pose should be done correctly and help you experience it to the fullest. This is something really lacking at other studios. They just go through the poses, but don't explain the mechanics or tell you the goal. I loved this studio. And there are many course offerings and their hours are terrific. read more

I have been taking Yin Yoga for the past year. It has changed my life. I am a very "Type A" person and have tried all sorts of things in the hope of becoming more quiet inside. Yin is the only thing that has done the trick. Now I can't live without it. I have been taking Yin Yoga from a great teacher in Palo Alto, but I live in Belmont. I was thrilled to find Beth's Yin Yoga class at Prajna. Her class is moving to Tuesday nights and my class in Palo Alto is on Mondays, so I may take both. If you are looking for something to still your reeling mind from the rush we live in here in the Bay Area. Try Yin Yoga and in particular try Beth's class. You will be a better person and the world will be a better place. read more

I've tried classes from quite a few yoga studios and this is no doubt the best. The classes here are not just for you to stretch or work out doing various posses, but instead it provides a holistic view for me to practice yoga for the benefits of my whole mind and body. I especially like the classes from Yiwen. She is just another level. She can make a group class very personal. She remembers your name only after a couple of classes and gives overall guidance for all as well as tailored advice and individual attention for each student. The group lessons feel like a private lessons and one can learn so much from each class. Her dedication to yoga and her students is very touching and inspiring. Other instructors such as Serena, Yelly, and Katherine etc are also very sweet and helpful. I've finally found my yoga studio to go to for a long long time to come. read more

I have been going to Prajna for 1 year now, and it has been an eye-opening journey. My body and energy feel different from a year ago when I started. When I joined the studio, I thought I was practicing yoga for a while, but when I met Yiwen, I realized I was just making shapes all these years. Yiwen is absolutely an amazing teacher who has taught me the science of yoga and body mechanics. I love her very meticulous and thorough instructions to guide us to safely challenge ourselves. The community of yogis at Prajna is very supportive and motivating, and many of them have been with the studio for many years. I highly recommend this studio for those who want to commit to inviting more balance and integrity into their lives through yoga. read more