I was looking for a class to take and found this studio on ClassPass. It has been a while since I've taken a yoga class, so I was excited to check this spot out. The studio is located on Union Street where there are many shops and restaurants. I arrived 15 min before class started and noticed how spacious it was in the waiting area. The studio didn't have the most pleasant smell and it was a bit stuffy right when I walked in. This was a 75 min Vinyasa Flow lead by Jenny, and we did a lot of breath and movement. It was relaxing but yet challenging at the same time. I felt very relaxed at the end of the class. I can say that this was one of the best yoga classes that I've taken. I can't wait to come back again to take one of her classes. Yoga has helped me destress and taught me to feel more present, especially with day to day life. read more

The Pad Studios - Yoga Near Me - San Francisco, California

When I moved to the area, I had a bad experience at a studio down the street and it really turned me off yoga all together. Came in for the Yin Yoga one evening and it was so relaxing and inclusive. I left feeling so wholesome. Returned with a friend the next week and have been trying their flow classes too. The Pad is friendly and welcoming to everyone. read more

Love this gorgeous studio. Incredible selection of teachers to learn from. Kind staff and great coffee shops around for a quick after yoga treat. read more

I was struggling to find the right yoga studio after moving to the Marina from a different neighborhood. There are a lot of options around here but they're mostly hot yoga places. This one is nice since they keep the room warm but not ridiculously so. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and I feel like it accommodates yogis of all levels. They have a fairly spacious room and only once was I kind of on top of the folks next to me. They also have a good new student special! read more

I practiced yoga regularly for 2 years. Now I practice once every few weeks. Yoga is a great way to stretch and use body weight to build strength. I tried my first class at Pad Studios during Bumble San Francisco's free BEE Mindful Yoga class in celebration of World Mental Health Day. There were healthy snacks from Urban Remedy and swag bags from Bumble. Leia Layus taught this part restorative, part meditative Vinyasa flow class. This was a night time candle lit class, too. (Hello mood lighting!) It began with very simple postures on the back to simulate what we'd be doing on our feet. Although not a heated class, the room warmed up quickly because of the full house. Leia was very good about walking about the room and adjusting people. However, because I've been spoiled at other studios before, I would've liked essential oils during shavasana. Throughout the practice we used one block and a strap. Because of my previous yoga experience, I didn't need the block much. It was simply nice to have around just in case. The strap was mostly used to help stretching toward the end. I loved the way Leia integrated sound in the practice. We started and ended with an "Ohm." There might have been a sound bowl or gong, but was at the very back of the classroom and couldn't tell which instrument. Overall, this was the perfect way to end the night. I got in a good workout that was also calming and restorative. read more

Still my go to after 5 years and a move out of the Marina! Leia, Emma, Lauren, Nicole are each amazing in their own ways.

Wonderful class with sound healing. Terrific space and vibe, easy parking. Friendly and well-tended.

Some of the best regular yoga classes I've ever taken in SF. Not crazy about the prenatal classes, which didn't feel informative and felt more like a guided nap read more

I hurt my back during a recent move and it was suggested to start doing Yoga. I tried the 30 day special and became hooked. I can't rave enough about this lovely space. Everyone here is so kind and helpful. I received a tremendous amount of encouragement and the hand's on instruction is extremely helpful for newer students. The facility is super clean. I have been surprised by how much my body has changed in such a short time. It's really the people that work here that make this a truly special place. read more

Every visit to The Pad is a magical one. The studio is always spotless. Classes are always dependable and on time. Instructors are always uplifting and unique, bringing something new or unexpected each time. I no longer live in the Marina, but I still make a point to visit and take class here whenever I can! read more

The Pad Studios - Yoga room - Yoga Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Pad has been my home away from home for the last 10 years. It has always been well kept, well ventilated, and well attended. The atmosphere manages to be zen and cheerful at the same time and class playlists are always on point--somehow both chill and trendy, not too woo-woo, and never overbearing. All of that aside, it's the quality of the teaching and the warmth of the teachers--every single one fo them--that has kept me coming back to The Pad for a decade. They each bring a special quality to their particular class, whether it's a good sweat, focus on the breath, proper alignment, or a deep sense of empathy and self-acceptance that draws us all to the principles of yoga. As we all try to stay sane during this difficult time of social distancing, I encourage everyone to support this very worthy small business and sign up for virtual live classes. And when it's all over, go down to the corner of Gough/Union and take a class in person. Thank you for listening to my Ted Talk. read more

I've been going to The Pad for about a year now and it's currently my go to yoga studio because I really like the space, the classes are rarely overly crowded, and I always get a good sweat going from their power yoga classes. There have only been a few times (eg beginning of the year) when the class was filled to the brim, but otherwise, I usually can find a spot no problem. The space is beautiful with high ceilings and lots of natural light, which makes it feel more open/less cramped than most yoga studios in the city. There are plenty of mats, blocks and towels for everyone to use (you have to rent the mats I think?). I bring my own mat and leave it in their mat storage area, which is nice so I don't have to carry it with me every time. The instructors are all really nice and knowledgeable as well. The studio has several spaces - one large main one for yoga (where I normally go for my power yoga classes), a smaller room off to the side also for yoga (usually more relaxing, stretching yoga), and some space for pilates as well. The only reason I give 4 instead of 5 stars is because the classes are usually pretty large (maybe around 30-40 people? it's a large room), you don't get as much personal instruction/attention as you would in a smaller class. I know most yoga studios are like this (large class), but I used to go to a class with 5 people and received a lot of personalized instruction, so that's where I'm coming from :) Overall, great studio! read more

Excellent Pilates teachers - excellent times for pilates for yoga classes, BEST atmosphere for a clean studio in SF. Seriously, I have tried many, and this is by far the one I want to go back to for a relaxing retreat/workout after work. Chelsea - excellent manager - always so helpful! They have a new yoga studio right next door separate from the pilates studio (reformers and mixed machines). Nice touch of complimentary raw almonds, tea and the almighty TOM necessities. Thank you The Pad! read more

I'm usually not a fan of doing things that force me out of my comfort zone and to face my weaknesses head-on. It hurts my ego too much. In the case of the reformer pilates clases at The Pad, it hurts both my ego and my body to struggle through the class and realize that I have a long ways to go to making every part of my body strong while staying lean. Jamie's Power Pilates- Mixed Machine classes on Tuesday nights aren't labeled as bootcamp classes, but they might as well be. I have never left her class without my hair and T-shirt drenched in sweat. And in pain, so much sweet pain, particularly in my glutes. I also took Christine's reformer pilates class last night (Monday), and my glutes are burning from being worked in every angle possible. And I had to wear a button-down shirt today because I couldn't lift my arms over my head. It'll be worth it soon, right? While I love the classes here, parking in the Marina can be a huge pain, and the reformer classes here are about $10 more than at non-Marina pilates studios. Minus one star since I'm not thrilled about the premium for a place that doesn't even offer a changing or locker room. read more

Bought a pack of ten Pilates reformer classes. Had three classes left when they closed doing Pilates classes completely. They refuse to refund me for the service that I paid for. Offering yoga classes in replacement for someone who doesn't do yoga is not helpful. The manager never got back to me and took me emailing again to get a response. Over $100 is a lot of money in this world and it is appalling customer service to even make it this difficult for me to get my money back for a service I paid for that you cannot uphold and provide. read more

I gave The Pad a few more chances and fell in love. After trying out other yoga studios in the city, I can say that The Pad is one of the cleanest, largest studios. The studio has wooden floors and plenty of natural lights gleaming from the windows. I'm not used to having no mirrors in the studio, but it actually helped me mentally focus on my practice. The front desk was very sweet and checking in was seamless. They have a small lounging area at the front for those who are waiting for the studio to open up for class. Nestled at the corner on Union and Gough, the studio is in a great location, next to shops and restaurants. Classes get packed during peak times. You can reserve your spot online to guarantee a spot. The studio gets warm once everyone starts flowing and sweating, so I'd suggest bringing a towel. Courtney Harris's evening classes are a great way to end my long work days! Classes are 75 minutes, giving you enough time to warm up and cool down with a soothing shavasana. She begins each class by introducing a theme or a peak pose that we'll be building up to. Throughout the class, she walks around and gently adjusts people. Her sequences flow well together and build enough heat and sweat to get your momentum going. Props to her for leading large classes while being pregnant! The only downside are the prices. This place is on the higher end with Yogis decked out in Lululemon. However, it's a great place to build your practice and be a part of a welcoming community. read more

Probably just took one of my all time favorite power yoga classes at the Pad this morning. Kate Manzo, who also does the OTG Outdoor Presidio yoga classes on Sundays, taught this AM's 630 class & prob saved my wrist from surgery. She showed me forearm crow & side plank with forearms & how to roll my towel to elevate & even out my wrists. I may be able to stop doing plank on knuckles now! Unpredictable & challenging new flow sequences were a huge plus! Great workout. Thank you Kate! Brett Larkin also introduced these new yoga jellies that are supposed to help ppl with carpal tunnel & other wrist issues. I tore my TFCC ligament last year & it has made exercise difficult for me, especially since I love hard power yoga! Libby, Courtney, Austin, Ellie, Lauren, there are so many great instructors here which is why the Pad remains my fav yoga studio in SF & I still haul all the way over here even though I live in Soma now. Pkg is never too crazy and their studio is clean, spacious, not religious, just a good, hard workout with great music, several options throughout the day. read more

Beginner friendly, I would say. No actually, to be exact, beginner who know the asnas and doesn't need any adjustment will be great in this studio. Not attacking them but adjustments are not expected here most of the time. Good or bad, depends. This place is mellow and students here are not competitive at all, everyone move together in the same flow. Inversion or any advance poses (any type of playtime) is rarely practiced here. Some instructors offer creative flow, some doesn't. But I tell you (a-gain) very minimum adjustment. The instructors are mainly staying in the front and showing the moves. A couple instructions I have taken classes with, they are somewhat into stars and horoscope and honestly, I cannot get into that stuff at all. It doesn't kill me literately to learn something and this may be a test for me to keep my mind open so, please express whatever they decide to share in the class, I'll sit through it for first 10 mins of starting of the class; as this part may be the most challenging for me. Clean facility. Only one bathroom without changing room. Temperature is kept comfortable, not heated; (room temperature). read more

I ended up at The Pad somewhat accidentally; I'd committed to making my one test of a yoga studio in SF be YogaFlow because they offered a 90-minute class at a convenient time for me, but when I tried reserving a session day-of, I wasn't able to get in. Yoga Pad was about as close by and offering a 75-minute power class starting at the same time, so I went there instead. I think I paid $19 or $20 for the class. The studio appears to offer free rental Jade mats (had I known, I might have ditched my lame travel Gaiam at home) and is set up with cork and wood blocks, blankets and straps. The class quickly filled up (maybe 30 people) and was a led by Becca. She made the rounds prior to class checking in with her favorite yogis, which gave my warm and fuzzy vibes from my own studio in Boston. Class itself was moderately heated and included typical elements I see in my astanga-based vinyasa practice. We started with Sun Cs, but shifted to Sun A, and much of her cuing was anatomically helpful. Class was a mix of warrior sequences, twists, revolved triangle and half moon, and even some options for chaturanga jumpbacks. Not sure if the other teachers offer more variety in their classes to help students who want to challenge themselves a bit in their practice, but this was a solid class and I wasn't sorry I came to get my yoga on in an new city. read more

Had my first mat pilates class yesterday with Shira, and I'm in so much pain, I feel every muscle in my body, and I LOVE IT! :) The staff was kind, attentive, and lovely. The place itself is extremely clean and organized. I have no doubt this will continue every time I go! Looking forward to seeing you all again :) read more

I've found my perfect yoga place! Honestly, my favorite place on earth right now. Friendly instructors who genuinely care about you and your yoga journey (but not in an overbearing/bossy/pushy way), a beautiful studio in a prime location, and lots of different classes and times to choose from. Classes leave you feeling renewed, grateful, and happy to be alive! This place saved me during a bad breakup and helped me refocus my life and recenter myself. I started here a self-conscious, timid girl in the back row and now I feel confident enough to rock a sports bra and go to the very front of the class! Never thought I would feel so comfortable and content in my own skin. Honestly, can't say enough good things about this studio- it's the best! Love Nicole's class on Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Great way to start your day with a positive attitude or wind down from a stressful work day. read more

The Pad is my favorite place in SF to practice yoga. I've checked lots of studios via ClassPass but I ended up loving The Pad so much that I got a monthly membership. The classes are challenging but not overwhelmingly so. Be prepared to break a sweat and feel great after. I love Courtney and Nicole's classes on Saturday mornings and Monday nights. The practice has a great and natural flow. It's a great way to sweat out a hard day or last nights cocktails. read more

I love this studio and I love when Leila teaches! It's nice and bright and there's always positive energy in here. And even though it's nestled in the marina, there's never any of that nasty vibe from the hood. They were one of the original places in that neighborhood to teach yoga and hoping they stay one of the longest. I know they are changing with the times and offering online classes now during Covid 19. I have had a lot of great teachers here over the years. read more

I absolutely love this studio! It's generally clean, very relaxed and always feels welcoming. So many of the instructors truly seem passionate about providing a great workout and supportive environment. They keep classes to a nice number (not too crowded like some yoga studios). Wish they had more classes simultaneously so I can try more and benefit from the great programming they offer! read more

This is hands down one of the best run studios in town! The front desk staff is so kind and welcoming, the studio is beautiful and spacious and the teachers all share powerful AND meaningful classes. Thank you Pad! read more

5 stars for the quality of instructors in both Pilates and Yoga classes and the aesthetic of the studio. It is a pristine and inspiring place to workout! Do your research on the classes before signing up so you know what type of workout to expect. All instructors are open to requests to personalize the workout - so don't be shy to speak up! Note that this is a *group fitness studio* with a ratio of one instructor to multiple students, so don't expect dedicated attention unless you are in a Beginners class. Non-beginner classes are ideal for Intermediate-skilled Pilates peeps or Yogis. read more

I love this place! I have been going through ClassPass for the last couple months. I usually do yoga every now and then, but this place has me coming back for more. I like the temperature of the room- hot enough to loosen you up and sweat, but not too much. I also really like the reformer classes but they do use a lot of credits (usually 14) and are not always available as there are only 6 or so reformers. read more

Amazing space with great vibes! I took power yoga and loved it. I felt rejuvenated and relaxed and also felt like I got a solid workout too. The class was done in all candle light, which created a wonderful atmosphere. The decor is really cute. They have essential oils in the lobby area, which is a major plus to add before class. Def coming back and bringing buddies to their yoga classes. read more

Best yoga class you can take in SF. Go to Gillian's 6:30 AM class! This morning there was only 5 people. It's the best

I went to The Pad on Tuesday 12/13 for a Pilates reformer class. 3 of 5 people had items stolen from the storage area. The owner said the door was supposed to be locked and she doesn't know what happened. They are not willing to pay anything towards having the lost items replaced. Do you want to take you business here? Update: This place did nothing to compensate for their mistake. Do not force people to leave their items where they can't see them, leave a door unlocked, and then do nothing when items are stolen. Not good customer service. read more

I've been going to this studio for almost 2 years now and love it. All the teachers are fantastic! For the first year I was only going to the group Pilates classes and have my favorite teachers. Definetly recommend Erin, Ashleigh and Damon for a good workout. The power yoga classes are a great workout too. Beware that Saturday mornings are the busiest and they will pack people in to the limit so if you are claustrophobic or don't like having an inch of room next to the next person may, avoid those classes. They offer a variety of times for both Pilates and yoga classes but the yoga studio is a seperate entrance from the Pilates studio. Yoga entrance is the first door, Pilates is the second. They offer great monthly specials online or a monthly membership or pay as you go. Prices listed online. My favorite studio in SF! read more

If you insist on maintaining a luxury image and upgrade your overall quality, check out the Mighty Pilates in Presideo Heights. They are far, far better than yours. Especially in the management side! The Pad Studio is just another overrated and mediocre yoga studio in Cow Hollow. We paid the hip opening workshop online for 2.5 hours and the length of time was stated clearly on both their website and in the confirmation email. Near the end of the workshop, suddenly we were told that the workshop was cut 30 minutes short because of an upcoming class? Who could possibly make such low-end mistake in scheduling and marketing? When the original length of time was announced officially, it not only impacted our decision to join the workshop, our private schedule got adjusted as well, and last but not least to get changing the dollars for quarters to feed the meter. You should sincerely refund our money automatically in the system for the portion of the workshop being cancelled. Or, donate to a charity upon our approval and email us with a trackable receipt. Time is Money and Cash is King! Bet no one has ever taught the instructor about that. When the instructor laughed and said that no one is gonna ask for partial refund anyway~ BEFORE any of us --- the participants expressed anything. Although this white-ish painted studio is my fav color, the instructor was "hiding" in a rectangle corner at this awkward L shaped room with only 1 small sided wall mirror. What do you expect the people on fourth/fifth row to see the correct poses? And the capacity of each row is 3 persons at maximum. If you concern about the students and do understand the physical restriction of the classroom, you should not admit more than 9 persons at a time. The instructor or the front desk staff should put down the curtain on those big windows when the afternoon sun was baking us all sweaty... Shouldn't they know the conditions of their facility already? Really, that was not a workshop but a beginner class. I don't need to learn from a slacker with a big fake smile on the face playing friendly and never push us to reach our limit. No way to enhance ourselves in a fading glamour sort of culture and atmosphere. Absolutely my precious time was wasted on that beautiful Saturday! Please get rid of that long hairy rug and sofa in lobby area unless those trendy decorations are being vacuumed timely and professionally. This is kind of a hygiene issue! Eww read more

I'm somewhat new to yoga (and definitely to vinyasa power yoga) and I've found myself completely addicted after just a month at The Pad. The instructors here are awesome and I love that I get a great workout and some stress relief all in the span of an hour! The classes are seriously challenging, but in a good way. It's a small place but always ultra clean and everyone is friendly. Minor rant: the small studio. On rare occasion there have been far too many people allowed in the room, which makes it difficult to not hit walls or neighbors during poses. I'd love the place even more if they limited class size. Still, they've some great instructors- especially Brad and Estee, Erin too- which is probably why the place is so popular. 3 classes for $20 for newcomers- a great deal! read more

I just got a newsletter from The Pad recommending that I write a review for a free Power Yoga class. Hey, I liked this studio a lot, so I'm down! Here's an excerpt from my blog, check out the full review at http://namasteorshouldigo.blogspot.com! (shameless self promotion) Walking into the Pad is a little like walking into a spa - a calm, quiet, wide open, well lit, sweet-smelling place. The yoga studio is a tiny wooden-floored room with a ballet bar, a small faux furnace, and a beautiful carved sculpture of the Buddha's face as the only décor. Our teacher, Rima, was the definitive Yoga Goddess. Tall, lean, strong, effortlessly graceful, she was the kind of yoga teacher who would make you feel a bit fat and slovenly if she wasn't so damn friendly and funny. Her class was difficult (at least for me) and moved quickly, but she offered plenty of advice and adjustments, did a few poses along with us to show how it's done, and often suggested modifications or "do this if it's part of your practice, otherwise do this" so that no one was pushed past their limits. After the hour long class I felt sweaty, stretched and centered. A great experience! read more

I've had anxiety my whole life but this past December, it spiraled. I knew I needed an outlet, both physically and mentally. Vinyasa Yoga has served both of those purposes for me. In the month of January, I completed my 20 class goal challenge and am ready for February! If you are in the Bay area and are looking for am amazing studio, check out The Pad Studio and specifically, one of Lauren Cohen's classes. Your life will change! read more

I feel exactly like Caitlin does - I have been waiting for a studio like this for almost 10 years! It's an amazing Pilates studio, with one of the best instructors I've ever had (more below). But it's more than that. They are quickly becoming a hub of holistic health, with yoga, meditation (finally - in the north part of town!!!), an upcoming detox program, and nutrition counseling. I've been doing reformer Pilates since 2003, and have tried at least 6 different studios. Until I started classes with Lily, I actually didn't even know what a workout Pilates could be. I mean, Reformer classes has always given me a nice workout, but in a calm kind of way. I come out of Lily's classes sweating like a pig. She is consistently innovative - her movements constantly evolve, building around the class's knowledge while challenging them. Sometimes, with other instructors - even those for "Intermediate/Advanced" level - I feel like they are reading off a script they learned in Pilates 101. Same movements. With Lily, it is clear that she knows her stuff. She seamlessly incorporates hand weights, balls, and that evil Circle thing into our workouts, while always being aware of each student's limits. Hand weights! It is awesome, multitasking Pilates, and The Pad has inspired me to be healthier and more fit. read more

The Pad is great for straightforward, honest, hardworking yoga. No fancy lights or trendy music or weights. In the midst of all the boutique yoga studios on Union St trying to offer something "different," it is so refreshing to visit a place that offers real YOGA! The studio is beautiful and instructors knowledgeable. If you're sick of core powered pilates masquerading as vinyasa, this is your spot. read more

I am amazed there are no reviews yet about Christine's pilates reformer classes! The workouts are tough, and she makes them so much fun due to her sunny demeanor. I swear her "oblique-of-the-week" is single-handedly responsible for me looking good in dresses. Her classes tend to book up in advance since she's such a great teacher, so plan ahead! Everyone at the studio is really friendly. Only three things I'd change: add more mirrors in the pilates area, move the reformers are a little farther apart, and use the chair more often in workouts. The monthly specials on packages are usually the best way to go to make the most of your money, and online scheduling is really simple. read more

As a diehard runner of 15 years, I didn't branch into the whole 'Mind Body' side of excercise until I was sidelined by an injury 3 years ago. Looking for something to make me sweat outside of a stationary bike at the gym, I stumbled upon pilates and then yoga. My entry into the world of yoga began with a Bikram class in summer 2008. I first came to The Pad this past spring when I realized that there were most likely some important muscle groups I was missing by only engaging in running, pilates, and Bikram yoga. I decided brancing out into other 'styles' of yoga might not be such a bad idea. I'd noticed The Pad a few times while walking down Union Street - the studio looked bright, fresh, and welcoming. Going outside my comfort zone, I decided to check out a 6:30 am class one Thursday morning with Leila. It was hard. And I was hooked. I've now branched out in my workout regime and try to get in at least three times a week to The Pad. So far I've had classes with Leila, Ellie, Courtney, Estee, and Brad. All the instructors have been fantastic and have each brought something different to the mix and all are great at cueing you into the various poses and making suggestions and corrections as appropriate. I consider myself to be a power/flow/vinyasa beginner and have yet to ever feel lost in a class here. So far my favorite classes are with Brad - I go to the final class on Friday evenings and find it's just the perfect way to end the day and work week. It's my own little personal happy hour (and fifteen minutes). The studio is just warm enough to get a few beads of sweat developing on your forehead only moments into class and the environment is very calm and soothing - not a lot to distract here. I really enjoy the incorporation of music into the class as well. The Pad staff - both front desk and teaching - are friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Classes can occasionally get crowded, but I've never felt intruded upon by the other students (perhaps I'm conditioned from numerous Bikram classes where I've walked out covered in not just my own sweat but probably a little bit of my neighbor's as well). The space issue seems to be present at numerous studios throughout the city given the popularity of yoga - especially when it's a good class/teacher - so it strikes me as something you just have to come to terms with in order to fully enjoy class and your practice. Overall, I can't say enough good things about the yoga at this studio. I'm happy to say Power/Flow yoga and multiple visits to the Pad on a weekly basis have now become a part of my routine and I've enjoyed both physical and mental benefits from the practice. read more

UPDATE: I just took the live DJ power flow class with Nicole Cronin and HOLY ISH. That class was the most incredible experience. Nicole is the ultimate teacher! I loved her hands-on adjustments, sequence, voice, cues, everything. Definitely recommend her! --- The Pad is one of the best yoga studios I've tried so far since moving to SF, and it's conveniently right by my apartment! If I weren't on ClassPass, I would definitely buy a class pack or membership (they offer three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum). It's totally my kind of studio and reminds me of some my favorite studios back in NYC. It was a nice contrast to Yoga Flow nearby, which I felt had a little less soul and catered more to people looking for an intense workout versus a peaceful yoga class. I love the space, class times, and thoughtful instruction. I took a Power Flow with Courtney Harris and Hatha Flow with Caitlin O'Shea and they were both wonderful. Classes were just as described. Power Flow was vigorous, sweaty, and challenging, and Hatha had us holding the poses longer but still moving through a couple of vinyasas. Both instructors had a great command of the room and excellent verbal alignment cues; the only suggestion I would make is to include more hands-on adjustments. Will definitely be back to try more teachers and classes! read more