I've lived in the area for years, but never tried the Yoga Gallery, a friend raved about it after trying yoga at all the gyms as finally "a real yoga studio." The $20 first-timer fee is a true bargain. The check-in process was easy and quick, the receptionist seemed to know most people as they came in. I went on a holiday, so it was crowded, but without prompting, folk moved their mats to create more space (a compliment to the community they've created). The Vinyasa was great - not a cookie cutter practice, which I liked, and I'm a bit sore the next day; in an I-got-a-good-workout kind of way. Despite the crowded class, the instructor made a point to assist each person at least once, and had a purposeful "theme" for the breathing focus, which is more than you get at a lot of places.
They lose two stars because there was music during the practice, which, although unusual, would have been fine except it included Katy Perry's "Fireworks" which throws off your chi, ya know? Also, the window of the main studio faces the street and was loosely covered with a curtain that didn't quite fit so sometimes pedestrians would stop and stare at you.
Cons: parking can be scarce, you have to walk around to the back of the building to enter.
Pros: right next to the farmer's market, so if you time it right, you can eat some super fresh fruit after your session!
Overall, this place "gets it" and is a real yoga studio with skilled instructors. I would rank the quality of the yoga up with studios in a larger city, and it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood. They just have a few loose ends to sort out before becoming a top-notch, exemplary business. read more
