VITA has changed my life! I started out only going to "VITA on the go" outings (hikes, meditations), and then I started going to classes. I also did health coaching with the owner, Katy, and went to a talk offered by one of the Barre teachers. With these offerings, VITA has changed my relationship with my body for the better. I appreciate the holistic approach to health/exercise and the sweet community VITA has created. Every community needs a VITA in it. I'm so grateful that mine does! read more

No one warned us that it was power barre! But somehow we survived. Perhaps it was that promise of cheese and wine at the end of the line. 6 of us friends attended Katy's "barre, wine & cheese" night at vita and enjoyed ourselves. It's always a plus when you can combine torture with pleasure. I love one-off workshop type events vs regularly scheduled programming so when I saw this event on the newsletter, I recruited my friends and off we went. Payment online is a little confusing as is finding and paying for the special events Vs the scheduled on their website. These are under the "soul" category. We did not have to bring anything to class, but towel and water were optional. The sticky mats were provided along with weights and stretching bands. There's even a water dispenser on the wall like they have in airports. The unisex restroom in the back is large and clean. It sits opposite of a daycare room. Parking is street parking or you can park at or take the BART and walk up a few blocks. I had been to vita when they first opened 6+ years ago for a Pilates/yoga/barre class. I remember it being hard, so katy, the owner, who teaches the power classes must have been teaching, and I hadn't been back until now! Make sure to wear your tank top because the room is heated and only gets steamier with the huffing bodies. Otherwise the studio is bright and clean. There is a little merchandise to buy at the front and cubbies for your stuff. We all wiped down our mats after class with the wipes provided. The acoustics are terrible so when the music is on, and people are talking before, and after it gets very that you have to shout. After the 45 minute class, a foldout table was set up in the middle of the room with cubes of cheese, bread, crackers, salami and cups of wine. There was plenty of wine and some nonalcoholic, but the food was wiped clean. The tasting was educational and Katy is as passionate about her cheese pairings as she is about her exercise. read more

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Vita offers not only excellent workout classes, but also a welcoming and thriving community! So grateful for this amazing studio. Highly recommend!! read more

My friend and I were super excited to attend the yoga boot camp class here, which consists largely of HIIT workouts/strength training, but were unfortunately super disappointed by the condescending and aggressive instructor, Catrina. Because of traffic/parking, we arrived to class 10 minutes late, which was definitely our fault. However, when we got there, Catrina threw open the previously locked(???) door, completely ignored our apologies, and very aggressively told us to just go to a mat. We then spent the entire class being the only ones without weights, out of Catrina's spite, I presume. During the class, she had to regularly reference her notes and messed up on the exercise we were meant to be doing several times. Afterwards, she loudly made backhanded comments in front of everyone present to another instructor about how she can't believe some people have the audacity to arrive late and expect to be let in. When we checked in with her after, she proceeded to tell us that the door is "locked for a reason" and that next time we shouldn't be expected to be let in. Again, while arriving late was obviously our faults, we didn't realize this class that we paid for was going to be adhering to a schedule as strict as if we're in the army. There will most definitely not be a "next time" - there are so many other yoga places nearby to go take an incredibly subpar class, and I've never experienced a workout instructor as condescending and uptight as I did today. read more

Vita is an excellent yoga studio in the Rockridge/Elmwood area. I'm a newbie to yoga and was brought here by a more seasoned friend, as I was looking to both increase my flexibility and strength. It's in a convenient location that's super walkable (if you're not local to the neighborhood, it's about a block from Bart and there are multiple bus lines nearby). The studio is bright and clean with a modern and inviting atmosphere. The studio is on the smaller side, though, but that's common with boutique and locally owned studios (if looking for a bigger work out area, it's probably better to go to the bigger chain gyms/studios). The classes are challenging for both newbies and advanced yoginis. My first class was a power vinyasa class (probably a bit too advanced for me haha, as I felt the pain and gain the next day haha). I have also taken a meditative yoga class and a candlelit yoga class, both of which were great workouts for unwinding and distressing. Also the instructors here are awesome! It's locally owned and they have challenging classes, but they also take time to explain things or help if you're new. I also really like that they have some free mats that you can use during your class (so, whether your a beginner or advanced student, you don't have to lug one around for a class there. Or if you forget your mat at home or are in a rush, you could use theirs as a back-up.) After your class, there are wipes you can use to clean the mats. It's also wonderful studio for parents since they usually have childcare available. Overall, a great locally owned yoga/Pilates studios that I'll continue taking classes at. read more

Attended my first barre class here, at this particular studio. It was a good class...pretty intense....a bit more 'cardio' than I'm accustomed to, vs barre classes I've attended, elsewhere. I suppose what also made it a bit intense for me was that the studio got quite warm from all the body heat...and there didn't appear to be any fans running. So I had to pause a number of times, to ensure that I wasn't overheating. The space is very nice. I also saw what appeared to be a small 'playroom' perhaps, for people who may have young children that they need to bring along, while they are attending a class here. read more

This welcoming Rockridge studio is where you'll find me on Sunday mornings. I am a faithful devotee of Alexis Read's fluid barre class, which is a hybrid workout that brings together the best of barre and yoga. I leave sweaty, stretched out and happier than when I walked in. I wish I could take this class every day! Alexis's musical selections are excellent, she's incredibly encouraging and her cueing is flawless. Katy, Vita's owner, is kind and friendly and has built a place that's got a great community vibe. My only nits? Sometimes the plants get in your face at the barre (love the plants, just wish they didn't tickle my face), and hooks above the cubbies would make it much easier to hang bags and coats. read more

Beautiful studio!! I have never tried deep flow yoga before. In fact, I actually thought I was going in for an easy Hatha or vinyasa flow. I absolutely LOVED deep flow. The instructor was a younger woman but she was very experienced and it was an overall great class. Deep flow gets you in all the right places but it still is very gentle in its own way. The teacher assures you to go at your own pace so you don't push yourself. There was about 10 or less people in the class altogether. It's not a huGe studio which I actually really enjoYed. I don't like bigger classes! The lights and music were a great addition to the workout as well. I was a little hesitant trying a toga class in Oakland because I'm from Sonoma county and I know some parts of Oakland are a little dnangerous. This studio is located in a wonderful part of Oakland! Rock ridge is so beautiful and very safe. Great location. Great class! read more

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Love the classes and instruction from the teachers. The monthly membership is worth it.

Vita was pretty good for a barre class and I may return in the future! The instructor I had was welcoming and really nice- she was affirming and asked permission before touching people to do corrections- which I really appreciate. Her class was fairly challenging and fast paced. The studio is super cute- think instagrammable cafe. My only complaint is that there doesn't seem to be A/C or it wasn't on, so you sweat extra and it's a bit uncomfortable. read more

This studio is lovely! I have taken yoga classes with Jenny, Rose & Shayna & they are all phenomenal instructors! The classes are a challenge but you are highly encouraged to go at your own pace and listen to your body. A great way to push yourself but also you are free to chill in Child's Pose if need be. No judgement! The owner Katy is very warm and makes you feel very welcomed to her studio. Try it out! :) read more

My favorite yoga studio in Berkeley/Oakland!! I've been coming here since last Spring and have yet to have a negative experience. While I've only taken classes with 2-3 instructors, I've had a consistently good practice each time. PROS: - mats provided for free (Manduka) - owner is really friendly and welcoming - instructors always try to get to know each student - studio is always clean and doesn't get smelly - they are on Class Pass! CONS: - classes are pricey if you're not using Class Pass read more

I just went to my second yoga class (prenatal) at Vita today. I love the warm reception, inviting space and the two yoga teachers I've worked with so far have been great. As a new(ish) mom herself, the instructor for the prenatal yoga class today did a great job of sharing which poses would be helpful in early labor and while breastfeeding and was great about offering up modifications for the positions my body no longer will go into. Looking forward to making my yoga practice at Vita a regular part of my routine! read more

I had a great experience at Vita. I am just getting into yoga after playing football in college ~10yrs ago. Other places have made me feel unwelcome as a guy/athlete where I didn't get any instruction and just tried to follow along what everyone else was doing. The instructor paid attention to everyone and helped me with some poses. Atmosphere was great, really clean in there and a nice open space. Wasn't crammed at all. I had plenty of room for my 6'4" frame!! I did a week during their opening and will definitely be joining full time. My wife loved their Pilates class. The owner is super nice and accommodating. read more

I've been taking classes at Vita since May and love the teachers, classes and studio! I just moved to the area from Los Angeles and was looking for a good barre class when I found Vita. The owner is so welcoming and the space is bright, modern, clean and private. It's also nice that all equipment (including mats) are provided. Since becoming a monthly member, I've been taking barre, Pilates and Trilogy weekly. I've been recovering from a foot surgery but it's been easy to modify classes as needed and still see/feel results quickly. Trilogy is intense but an AMAZING cardio workout. Pro tip: bring a towel for this class because you'll get super sweaty. ;-) read more

This is my favorite studio in the Oakland/Berkeley area. The studio is clean and spacious with a lovely vibe. I really love the plants wall. The classes are top notch with great instructors. I love that they have yoga, barre, and pilates with a couple of their own signature class styles. read more

Dropped by on a Friday to take a Power Yoga class at Vita while they were offering an opening week special The space is bright, clean, and comfortable. They offer FREE super thick Manduka rental mats if you're there to take a class which is awesome (other studios will charge you a buck or so). The front desk staff was welcoming and knowledgeable about the classes. I took Rose's Friday evening class. The class itself was a lot of fun! Lot's of fun yet challenging sequences. The class also offered a variety of options throughout that cater to people of all fitness levels. Classes are small so far, which is a nice departure from other crowded studios. I will definitely be coming back for another class at Vita! read more

Really great studio with a range of classes from beginning to advanced. + Clean, spacious, friendly atmosphere, mats provided, childcare. - Only knock is that the studio desperately needs airflow or some way to maintain temperature. Classes can get quite crowded and it gets steamy and smelly. (One woman brings her own personal fan and fortunately for her, there are plugs) read more

Love Vita and the wonderful community the owner, Katy, has created! Vita offers a variety of classes at various levels, literally something for everyone, and each class/instructor is welcoming and knowledgeable. The studio itself is super centrally located, clean, and a really chill vibe. Highly recommend! read more

This place is awesome! The owner Katy treats everyone like family. As an owner, she explains all the classes and pricing options. It's obvious she really cares about fitness and making people feel welcome. As an instructor, she's fantastic - her Power Pilates class is awesome. It's one of the few classes I've taken where I wasn't watching the clock the whole time. Great mix of core work, traditional pilates movements, cardio, and strength. She also provides just the right amount of guidance and encouragement throughout the class. Further, the studio is really nice. Big, clean and spacious, nice bathroom, free rental mats, etc. I am so happy this studio opened in Rockridge - can't wait to try the Trilogy class! read more

I tried Trilogy class for this first time this morning, and wow! What an intense class. I loved the combination of pilates, yoga moves, barre, and cardio! Instructor Katy talks quickly, and it was a tiny challenge to follow along as the poses and moves change so fast, but I'm sure with another class I'll get the hang of it. It's clear that the instructor gets to know the regulars, and there was a nice conversational tone. Studio is beautiful and clean, a little warm, but that really brings the sweat on! Cute plants and fairy lights. Definitely a minimalist/trendy vibe, but I loved it! Class was small with about 6 people, and mats are provided. Plenty of space of space to spread out for the moves. Bring a towel or two! Try this class for a fun challenge at a really cute studio. I'm excited to go back next week! read more

Started taking classes here a few weeks ago and have been blown away by the caliber of the classes and instructors, the beauty and simplicity of the studio, the warm and welcoming team, and the lovely owner Katy. Every class is a great workout that also is focused on alignment and strengthening the body, so I never feel I am getting injured. I love Power Pilates, trilogy, and power yoga. All amazing workouts at really great, flexible times, and with wonderful instructors. Have had nothing but great experience in every class! Highly recommend. read more

I recently moved out of CA and I already miss this studio! Katy's Power Pilates class is hands down the best class I've ever taken. Not one minute is wasted and you'll feel yourself getting stronger after just one class. Prices are great and the workouts are phenomenal!! read more

I'm obsessed with Vita's Trilogy class!! Challenging class that's a perfect mix of strength and cardio. The studio is also beautiful with great quality equipment. Great way to start a Saturday! read more

I have been attending weekly classes here for almost a year. This is a pretty new studio, but they have a super diverse class offering and many levels of practice. The studio focuses on Barre and pilates, but combine yoga with cardio and strengthening with their trilogy class. Katy, the owner, is very welcoming and sweet. I recommend you try it out, there is something for everyone. read more

Walked by this new studio last week, stopped, turned around and walked in. Vita has been open for a little over one week and is a bright, welcoming space. Katy, owner and one of the instructors, has assembled a wonderful roster of instructors and classes. So far I've taken fluid barre, gentle yoga, power pilates mat, trilogy and meditation. They have all been well-designed, set at a good pace and the instructors are caring and are well-versed in their disciplines. They'll help you to work around any physical limitations or aches and pains you might have - no judgment. If I didn't have to work I'd be there all the time! They offer mats for you to use free of charge which is really nice. I signed up for the unlimited classes package - love it. Will be back in fluid barre on Sunday! read more

I have really enjoyed attending the yoga classes at Vita. Their instructors are great, especially Kate, and the plants and lighting create a zen atmosphere. They make it super convenient by supplying no charge yoga mats and sanitizing wipes and non- expiring yoga credits so you can drop in whenever it is convenient. read more