First I want to respond to the previous rating: I've never heard of a yoga class at Yoga Sol where the instructor did not allow the student "to continue." Some of the Iyengar classes specify "for women" or "advanced," but I was even able to attend a class for women (having checked with the instructor--I'm a man).
Yoga Sol has a wide range of classes and instructors have different approaches, so it can be helpful to know something about yoga and or seek out information (Polly, the owner, is happy to help guide people). But just walking in is okay, too: I've seen many new students do that and the instructors have always been very welcoming.
The atmosphere at Yoga Sol is wonderful: the space is the best for yoga in town that I've found. The earlier review complains about not having mirrors, but that is intentional: the point is to listen to prompts rather than looking at yourself and other students. The instructors always offer extensive verbal prompts and will regularly come over to individual students to help adjust positions. The room is well-proportioned and designed specifically for yoga, rather than a cardio room adapted for yoga (as at Wilson's). The rope wall is integral to the Iyengar classes, but is also useful for the other approaches (non-mirrored yoga rooms are better suited for inversion practices) and the floor-to-ceiling windows open up in nice weather for a wonderful connection to nature.
The style of the classes range widely and the personalities of the instructors often reflect the disciplines.
*Netta is the Iyengar instructor, with a huge following. She is disciplined and rigorous, but incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
*Gretchen does a core-oriented flow class that is challenging and engaging (her classes are often pretty full)
*Leslie and Jill are skilled vinyasa flow teachers, both vigorous and thoughtful (and helpful for beginners).
*Megan does yin classes, with emphasis on slow, steady holds of positions.
*Polly is increasingly oriented toward Ashtanga, with a wealth of knowledge and a relaxed and laid-back manner.
*Sarah's class focuses on skill-building, leading up to more advanced arm-balances and inversions. There are aerial yoga classes, but I don't know anything about them.
*Sunday morning (11 am) classes are community classes where the fees are donated to a community organization (usually the farmers/artisan market nearby) and often have a range of students from grandmas to grade schoolers (my 9 year-old often comes with me or my wife: children under 12 can take classes for free). To me, that class is an expression of the welcoming and generous spirit of Yoga Sol. read more
