Nicole Stone is a fantastic teacher! I have never practiced yoga before but now I can't wait for her classes each week.

After 9 years of consistent practice, this is still my favorite studio and is even better now that one of the two rooms (there are two large lovely rooms) has been remodeled and "rope walls" added. Workshops and teacher training are outstanding. If you're frustrated by the "yoga industrial complex" and sad capitalist decline of informed, skilled teaching, note that this school/studio is not suffering such a fate. You need to pay the teacher directly; none of your fee is wasted on reception, "groupon" marketing, or shareholders. Try all the teachers who teach at times you are available. Each is wonderful in different ways. read more

I've taken a couple of classes here. They are very well-respected and several regular yoga instructors I work with were trained here. But I do feel like they cater to yoga instructors rather than "regular" students and it's a little cliquish. I often go to new yoga studios -- using the Prana Passport or some other coupon -- and most studios have friendly people greeting you and acclimating you to the studio. Not so at Yoga Room. You have to find your own way around the different rooms. read more

I guess I will the sole somewhat-dissenting view, but only on the basis of what I like out of a yoga class & instructor. Here are my thoughts: The class I attended was a level 1-3 (I'm probably a level 1.5). I could instantly tell that everyone in the room (the 9:15am Saturday class with Mary Lou Weprin) had been going to this particular class with this instructor for a very long time. One woman even told me she had been practicing w/ Mary Lou for 25 years! I think that says a lot. But for a new student... it just didn't pan out. As a new student to the class I didn't feel very welcome by the teacher (how am I to know that my bag isn't allowed on the floor in the corner?) The real difficulty with this was that the instructions were almost always along the lines of "Ok, now do your beginning stretch", or "Ok, now do this", without much explanation of what any of that means (i.e. what is "this"?) For an Iyengar class I expected more on alignment and proper form and explanations, but that was spotty, if existent at all. I nearly walked out ten minutes in out of frustration. But back to the positives: the studio is clean, the classmates are friendly, and the instructor clearly knows what she's doing as far as anatomy. But, maybe she knows too well what she's doing, and needs to remember that new people are being brave by showing up to a class in the first place, and that getting no instruction or barked at isn't a way to ensure that someone returns. read more

8 years ago I wandered into the Yoga Room at its old location at the Julia Morgan Theatre complex. I was curious about, ignorant and totally new to yoga. I randomly chose a teacher, Gay White. Her calm voice, soothing like a lullaby at times, guided me and at least 15 other students, through a series of foundation poses of Iyengar yoga. I later learned that Iyengar yoga is perhaps the most accessible, anatomically correct and ethical yoga method. What this meant is that if one couldnt touch the floor in a pose, one could use a prop to do the pose. Moreover, Iyengar Yoga didn't seem to have any mystical agenda. The yoga taught at the Yoga Room is the "real deal"- the yoga is what matters. Long story short, I walked out of that first class feeling an incredibly powerful afterglow. A cross between a morphine drip and a runner's high. I tried a lot of other studios in the bay area but they didn't measure up to the quality of instruction at the Yoga Room. I also noticed that just about every other studio had a teacher who had been through the Yoga Room Advanced Studies Program. If they hadnt, they usually listed members of the Yoga Room faculty as influences. I was very lucky I found The Yoga Room first. If you want to learn yoga from world class experts like Donald Moyer, Mary Lou Weperin, Herta Weinstein, Gay White and Ada Lusardi, don't bother going anywhere else than The Yoga Room Berkeley (at it's spacious and serene new location on San Pablo Ave, Berkeley near Good Vibrations). You won't have to deal with any trendy scene and you are not going to find a better studio. read more

I am a graduate of the Advanced Studies Program at The Yoga Room. I was sent to the studio by my teacher in New York City, Witold Fitz-Simon. My education was beyond anything I could have hoped for, and most helpfully insisted on a self practice that more than a year later continues to develop, greatly helped by the initial teaching of the importance of practicing at home, and not relying on a teacher. I am continually inspired by the co-students that I take class next to, who run the gamut age-wise, and are fearless (and savvily smart) in their inversions, backbends, and forward bends. It's an education to simply be in the class alongside so many longtime practitioners. I have studied with Ada Lusardi, Mary Lou Weprin, Gay White, and many others, and feel lucky to be welcomed into this space so generously. Intro classes will be great for new students (I will begin an Introduction to Yoga 1/5/17) and advanced students will have a place to call home. read more

So far, so good! I recently signed up for intro to yoga, yup, I am a newbie, for the most part. I was delighted with my first class. The class size was small, the atmosphere mellow and the instructor (Ben Flowers) was polite and helpful. This is only the beginning of my journey, but I have high hopes about what it can do for me; balancing my other workout routines and my overall mental and physical well-being. Shout-out to their instructor Jim Stockton for advising me and recommending Ben's intro class. THANKS!!! read more

I have to agree with the person about Mary Lou. I hesitate to share any negativity, but I have a very similar experience. I could fee that the material was fantastic (Iyengar) and that Mary Lou is very well versed in it; however she was very, very touchy - irritable that I arrived late; never smiled, got annoyed when I asked about the bathroom. I am surprised that after all these years of yoga she does not embody more of the emotional equanimity that yoga is meant to bring a person. I'll go back to the class because of the physical benefits, but I'd go elsewhere if I could find a more kind teacher. read more

For such a yoga town, Berkeley has a real dearth of Iyengar classes, but this gap is neatly filled by The Yoga Room. The Yoga Room offers an all Iyengar curriculum in a quiet space with white washed walls, raftered ceilings and broad skylights. The instruction is classic Iyengar - hyper-detailed, alignment heavy with ample usage of props. Come here for a respite from your usual fast-paced sweaty Vinyasa flow or for a restorative that's not going to put you to sleep. A session of Iyengar can sometimes be better than five with a chiropractor, and you'll discover parts of your body you'll be convinced can't possibly exist. Gay White's classes are sweet and nourishing and Ada Lusardi somehow manages to keep you smiling even as you enter your 20th inhale in Warrior Two. read more

I love it here! I've only experienced one instructor, who's been teaching here for a good while and graduated from their program. She is amazing. I take a beginner level Iyengar style class, and the class is wonderful for the following reasons. This has been my experience for the last 9 months: - Classes never feel crowded because the room is large - They provide all equipment, but I chose to bring my own mat. I'm grateful for everything else they have: foam and cork blocks, wonderful thick wool blankets, etc - The class is very reasonable cost when you buy in sets of 8 classes - Instructor was warm and welcoming on my first day, and she always is - Instructor walks around to every single person to do additional stretches to your body, like a massage. It feels AWESOME. - Instructor has accurate, very helpful knowledge of anatomy; I really appreciate being told/taught this technical part about yoga - The classes are structured to build on top of each other...so it's like you're taking a long course with classmates. But, don't worry, even if you miss a week or two or three (I've done all of that), you will totally be able to keep up with the pace and work being done. - They DO NOT play distracting background music during class - I actually really dislike background music during yoga. Here, we just listen to the wind outside, or birds, or sometimes cars honking. Whatever! - My classmates happen to be much older (women), and I really enjoy being surrounded by awesome women role models, who just have great, happy attitudes. I can tell they don't sweat the small crap that young people (40 and younger) tend to worry about, and I appreciate that. Because I'm taking a beginner level class, it's a bit slower, but this is precisely as I like it. The instructor provides detailed suggestions if you want to take it a step further. She's quick to notice anyone who needs help, and is so so kind. In my 9 months of practice, I feel my body is stronger, with better posture. The benefits are awesome! I also like the 1.5 hour classes. My long story short: this place is gentle, educational, and transformative. Try them out! Oh, one tip: always bring your belongings into the classroom with you. There's been petty theft along this area on San Pablo, and the thieves are so brazen they will walk into the Yoga Room and steal shoes, wallets, etc left out in the hallway, or unsupervised rooms! read more

Very nice and careful instructor, really care about students and their bodies. It is not the traditional yoga class I've used to, it's more therapy/core restore kind of studio. Jim was awesome! read more

Nice studio, fabulous teachers- shout out to Ada Lusardi, she is an amazing teacher

Excellent teaching and facilities. The only yoga studio in the area that I know of that has a ropes wall -- for those who know, this is important. More generally, The Yoga Room had been in Berkeley for decades -- used to be on College. Many of the yoga teachers in the area and elsewhere trained here. They are seriously expert. But open to and caring of students at all levels. It's actually more important to have an expert teacher when you're a beginner, because yoga is not just a matter of copying poses. A good teacher can explain which muscles you use and how. Beginners need more instruction than experienced students. Highly recommended. read more

Beautiful space, beautiful practice. Gay White is as good as it gets when it comes to leading a group through poses. Simple, pure, serene and lovely are the words that come to mind when I think about my experiences at the Yoga Room. read more

My therapist, who has been long Iyengar trained, recommended and she's right, the instructor I tried is very experienced. I like the space, nice and big, never too packed and older crowds. The teaching is very hands-on which is well needed for my specific body issues. They don't aggressively advertise or try to put you on the email list and ask for feedback, etc, either. read more

Yoga room is such a nice place to practice. I am going to Deborah Salibys prenatal classes on mondays at 6:00 pm. The classes are great, she is really committed in taking the best of us and to help us enjoy our pregnancy. read more

The Yoga Room has kept me sane and in shape for 12 years now--since I moved here. They offer Iyengar technique with lots of personal attention as well as special offerings for a wide range of needs, from prenatal yoga with Deborah Saliby to restorative yoga with Bonnie Maeda, yoga movement with Gay White, and yoga for 55+ with Herta Weinstein. The studios are beautiful and well equipped with high ceilings, natural light, and heated wood floors. Art exhibits, changed regularly, line the walls. It's a lovely space for relaxation and replenishment with a real sense of community. read more

Exceptional yoga teachers in an exceptionally lovely space. My particular favorite: Sarah Means' Tuesday evening class: 6 to 7:30. Sarah is a gifted, experienced teacher. read more

I signed up for a Saturday workshop called Props and Variations. Apparently, not too many participants signed up so they decided to cancel the workshop, which is understandable. However, they neglected to notify the students who registered in advance regarding the cancellations. Myself and 3 other people were waiting outside of the studios. This was unacceptable. I managed to get a hold of Gail White and all she said was oops. I wasted my time and money coming from San Francisco on BART. There are way too many yoga studios these days and this will not make me want to attend a class here ever again no matter how wonderful the teacher is. read more

Beautiful space in an old Julia Morgan building (the Julia Morgan Center, actually).