I have dabbled in yoga over the years, attending classes a various studios and gyms and never quite connected with the practice until finding Vaza. I find Vaza's classes to truly capture the simple joy of yoga. Her soothing voice and gentle presents creates a welcoming spaces to truly connect in your body and move through postures at your own pace. I attend Vaza's classes at Breath and Oneness as well as for Beach Yoga And no two classes are alike as she create a unique class flow to meet each groups energy and needs. I'd highly recommend joining a class with Vaza- Her joy for life is infectious, her playlist is amazing and the daily quote she shares are inspiring! read more

I was referred to Vanessa by CJ Blackman (a great HIIT trainer if you want that!). After my wedding I was stressed, overworking and trying to find something to help me cure my physical and mental burnout. I wanted to continue exercising but I needed to discover new techniques to help rebuild by mind-body connection - I was sick, deeply sick with unhealthy body, mind and soul. It was affecting my work, my balance, my mood swings and my food/drink habits. I choose Vanessa because of her holistic approach to yoga, breathe-work, mindfulness and meditation practices. She's deeply studied but very approachable and does not complicate modalities - she makes the work incredibly accessible. Together we've stuck to a schedule of 3X a week for over 4-months and I have never felt better. I jump out of bed (instead of moan) to greet her at 7am house-calls, she's made me a happier morning person. Most importantly I have gained a better sense of wellness and since working with Vanessa I have reduced my stress, my work anxiety and I've gotten pregnant! I've literally kickstarted the best year of my life. I have a new job, new home, new baby on the way - I really could not have done this without implementing regular practice with Vanessa and allowing her to guide me on my own spiritual and physical journey. Trust your gut and if it says to try Vanessa you won't be disappointed. My best, Erika read more

VaZa is the Heidi Klum of yoga. Her looks and sweet German demeanor are so attractive that it's impossible to hate her even when she's making you do a series of knee to elbow/knee to shoulder routines that are basically kicking your core into those yoga bodies you see on the internet. Her classes are great. She's one of my usual suspects at the yoga garden and I miss her when my schedule changes. read more

Vanessa's Yoga style is the perfect mix of strength building, stretching and mindfulness. I have been going to Vanessa's classes for two years now and she is my favorite teacher by far! In every single class she manages to introduce one or two new elements of movement that remind you of the endless gifts Yoga has to offer. I always joke that after one of her classes, my whole body feels like I did maintenance on it. While I miss in person classes, her care and devotion to student well-being and healing is just as present in the online classes. I am so grateful for her!!! read more

I love VaZa's yoga classes! I've probably gone to 50 or so classes she's taught and each one has been different, stretching, and fun. Her Vinyasa classes at Yoga Garden have a great, easy-to-follow structure to them, usually building up to a more challenging pose, but always with a fun, sweat-inducing flow. She changes it up every time, so no two classes are the same, but you'll usually get a good mix of flow, arm balances and inversions. She cares a lot about injuries and really loves working with people who have them, so definitely tell her in advance if you're struggling with something as she'll cue you separately. I've had misaligned hips and a bad SI joint for many years, and through now 1+ year of practice with Vanessa I think she knows my body better than I do! She knows exactly what poses to recommend to me - and which to avoid - and is very attuned to what I personally need (versus what the flow of the class "requires" you to do). I've also taken her workshops outside of Yoga Garden and have loved all of them! Because of VaZa, I can now reliably do poses that used to be very challenging for me (crow, forearm stand) and only rarely struggle with lower back / SI pain. VaZa is as good as it gets! read more

I met Vanessa 4 years ago at Yoga Garden. I immediately appreciated the individual attention she gave to each student in her classes and her contagious energy. I had to get surgery due to a broken elbow and had a very limited range of motion. I immediately knew I wanted Vanessa to be my yoga teacher to help me heal. Vanessa came to my house when it was convenient for me and made the healing process of getting back into yoga very easy. Not only did she help me physically but suggested holistic remedies such as essential oils. With her help, I gained 20+ degrees with my range of motion and am able to touch my shoulder again. Through this experience, I have gained a special bond and friendship with her that I will always cherish. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to broaden their yoga skills or working through an injury, especially for private sessions. read more

Vaza (Vanessa) is just pure magic. She is THE MOST beautiful person inside and out. I am pretty sure I am her number 1 fan! :) I am completely obsessed with her classes. I probably take at her class at least 4 times a week. Her yoga classes are extremely thought-out, perfectly challenging and always unique. After each class, I walk away so feeling so amazing, so happy and so satisfied. I can honestly say she she has changed my life in the most incredible way. I thank my lucky stars that I found her :) read more

I took Vanessa's prenatal yoga class a few times when she was a substitute for another instructor and I truly can't wait to try one of her higher impact classes after I give birth. She has a great understanding on what the pregnant body needs and pushes you just enough to feel amazing after class but I never felt pressured to go deeper then was safe. Being a midwife myself, I was pleasantly surprised at Vanessa's level of knowledge and ability to make adjustments for various stages of pregnancy. I have taken Jane Austin's famous prenatal yoga classes, and enjoyed them as well, but didn't feel like I was challenged like I was in Vanessa's class. I also really enjoyed her sweet demeanor and comforting voice. Her classes really make my day and bring me back into balance. read more

I have been practicing yoga for 10 years and Vanessa is my biggest influence to secure the dedication of my practice. For the first 5 of those years, I was emotionally kicking and screaming upon every arrival to the mat. Then I came to Vanessa's class and I've been a weekly client of hers for the past 5 years. She is deeply knowledgeable, passionate, warm, and a true healer. She has helped me mend aching joints as well as emotional states. Vanessa's classes have deeply impacted my life. She is a true gem of the bay area yoga world. read more

One of the best yoga teachers in San Francisco! Great energy and an amazing person. Always a nice balance of strengthening and stretching in Vaza's classes. I've been going to her classes at Yoga Garden for a few years and have progressed from not being able to do one push-up to being able to do headstand, arm balances, etc. But beyond the asanas, it's about the journey and Vaza's classes will always leave you filling positive. read more

I have taken 4 of Vaza's classes now and I feel inspired to review her because she has quickly become one of my favorite go to teachers in San Francisco. I seem to especially appreciate the teachers who have good verbal coaching technique in class and will also assist you on an individual level to make sure that your poses are correct and also to let you know if you need to alter something due to injury or inability to be flexible (like me!). Also, great grounding sessions in all her classes - RECOMMENDED!!!! read more

I have been practicing yoga for 14 years and Vanessa is one of the best instructors I've ever had. After taking her class, I feel energized and walk away with a sense of mental clarity and direction. As a teacher, she embodies everything that yoga stands for! She has a strong commitment to her personal practice and to her students. I really don't know what I would do without her! read more

Vanessa is my absolute favorite yoga instructor. Her classes are challenging and fun but I always feel safe and well informed about how I should be postured. She's amazing and fun and I always look forward to her classes. read more

Vanessa's yoga classes are exactly what I am looking for in a class. Her class gives me an opportunity to challenge myself without ever feeling I get pushed too far. Her class nourishes body and soul. Her verbal cues are on point and make evident that she has a great anatomical knowledge. During her classes, I can feel that Vanessa loves sharing yoga with her students and is dedicated to her own study of yoga. Vanessa engages fully with each student individually. Vanessa brings a playful energy to the room and brightens the room with her warm presence. read more

Vanessa is a great teacher and her classes leave you feeling energized and accomplished, no matter your experience level. In any given class you will go through a range of poses, from challenging to relaxing, and everything in between. She teaches with humor and humility and is careful to adapt poses to varying body types and capabilities. Even when I feel like becoming one with my couch on a Monday night, this class motivates me because I know how good I'll feel afterwards. Definitely recommend Vanessa's classes! Check out a recent article on her: http://hoodline.com/2015/02/meet-vanessa-racinet-yoga-garden-instructor read more

Whether it's Hatha, Vinyasa or Restorative Yoga you're practicing with Vanessa, you'll love her for her positive energy and her precise instructions! Yes, Vanessa is one of those teachers who cares for her students and will correct their postures so they can get the maximum of each class and their selves! read more

Vaza has been one of my favorite Yoga Garden instructors for five plus years and she has always championed my determination to do her level II classes despite my 60-something exterior. So when I ended up recently with fractured ribs and compression spine fractures from an awful car accident I vowed to learn a moderate practice with her guidance knowing she gave private lessons for clients with injuries or limitations. She gave me a one hour session in my living room and went through A to Z in a typical yoga class, but with gentle versions of each asana. She explained my T12/L1 fracture in detail and how to lead with a straight spine. Together we made a cheat sheet of my poses and safe stretches and of course highlighted the need to breathe into all my sore spaces. The following night I went right to my candlelight yoga class and was thrilled to complete all the poses the group did but using the modifications Vaza taught me. I really had the confidence to just keep going and still take care of myself. Our private session was invaluable in my quest to get back to being "me". Deepest thanks to Vaza, she rocks as a teacher and a caring, talented therapist. read more

I'm very fortunate to have found Vaza! I met her a few years ago when I took one of her inversion workshops and LOVED it. Fast forward a few years later and life brought on new developments, one of them being pregnant. I had to change studios and find a new community of fellow students and teachers and I was lucky to find Yoga Garden and Vaza! When I told Vaza I was expecting, she held space- a combination of excitement, understanding, encouragement and warmth. While I have yet to take a prenatal class, I have continued to take my normal schedule of yoga classes and Vaza provides safe modifications for a pregnant mamas! She even emailed me a list of resources for expecting mothers which is extremely helpful! Every class I have taken have never been the same, they all hold the wonderful consistency that Vaza has to offer. You'll always leave one of her classes feeling better than before you came in. read more

Vanessa is an amazing yoga instructor. Her classes are consistently a highlight of my week. I am not the most flexible guy, but she pushes me in the right way to my own limit. It feels great, and we all need some good yoga. read more

It is not easy to stand out as a yoga instructor in San Francisco, but Vanessa has managed to do so. She is by far my favorite instructor in the city. Her vinyasa classes are dynamic, focused and diverse. She always surprises us with new poses. Vanessa is incredibly knowledgeable and knows how far to push us. Her presence fills up the room. It is a real pleasure to practice under her guidance. She is a true teacher. read more

I have been practicing yoga for over a decade and Vanessa is one of my favorite instructors to come back to. From being a ballerina and playing sports, I unfortunately have a fair amount of body abuse injuries that I have to work through. Vanessa pays a keen attention to form and does an amazing job coaching through regressions and progressions so I feel like I get the most out of every class. I also like that she explains the rationale of the physiology behind the movements so you understand why things need to be work a certain way. Amazing spirit and seriously just one of the nicest people you will meet. read more

I first attended Vanessa's class by chance in January after years of sporadic practice. I was immediately taken by her beauty and warm spirit - the best was yet to come. Her class was physically challenging but her enthusiasm, clear direction and individualized attention helped me achieve things I would have thought not possible. It was quite the workout! But more than that, Vanessa challenged me to practice mindfully and with intention. It was equally rigorous for my mind and spirit. The class that day inspired me so and I have had a steady, strong practice since. I attend class with Vanessa whenever possible. She constantly challenges me in every way and is always right there with me on my journey. I strongly recommend her class to anyone regardless of experience or ability. I am truly honored and grateful to call her teacher and friend. read more