I have been going to 12 South Yoga for nearly 10 years off and on now, and it is by far my favorite yoga studio in town. That said, Iyengar yoga is a very different style of yoga and may not appeal to those who like more active styles or flow routines. At 12 South, you hold poses for longer and focus on form rather than speeding through a series. This is great for people who either already have or are prone to injury, since props can be used to achieve the full pose. But don't be fooled by the slower pace; this is definitely a workout. The lower level classes do not emphasize the breathing or chanting that is often associated with yoga, so if that is something that you dislike, this is the place to try. Instructors are attentive, classes are generally small and the facility is terrific -- very clean, with quality props, easy parking and a small selection of yoga apparel and accessories for purchase. I need to sign up for another session. :) read more

If you are looking for attentive, knowledgeable, instruction in Iyengar yoga, you should look no further than 12 South (unless you live East, in which case, you should look at their sister location 11 South). Both locations offer superb instruction, a truly supportive and nurturing atmosphere that allows for fully experiencing the intensity and relaxation of Iyengar yoga. I have attended class by several instructors, and every one offers me new insights into poses, new techniques to maximize the effectiveness, and useful guidance to ensure I am doing poses properly. And that is the key difference here- proper position and technique. Poses are carefully and repeatedly taken, in order to really learn each one, rather than flowing through them sloppily. You will really "feel it" after these classes, as intensely as a more aerobic work out. The quads, glutes and hips are really involved in every pose, and I leave feeling both relaxed and stronger. Even the beginner courses get you involved in shoulder stands and inverted poses, and the use of equipment was mind-blowing for me. Again, it is all about proper form, and the brilliant use of props really allows you to set your body into poses that you would never have thought possible. The rooms are large, well appointed and clean. All equipment was in good repair and clean as well. I highly recommend 12 South Yoga. read more

I began my yoga journey in earnest at 12 South Yoga about a year ago. Came in search of a distraction / depression-warder-offer while my husband was away all summer. Got hooked. I would agree with other reviewers that the style is a little different, but I can assure you the results are the same. I am not exaggerating when I say I noticed changes in my flexibility, body composition and even digestion / sleeping patterns after a month or two taking twice a week. This is also a great place to come if you want to learn how to "do it right" in terms of form and technique. They break down each move very carefully and offer personal attention to the students. Class sizes are small and the prices are quite reasonable compared to other studios around town. Paige is my regular teacher on Sundays. She is an absolutely delightful human being with such a genuine kind heart and the patience of a saint. I've also taken classes with Rachel (GREAT sense of humor) and Aretha (owns the studio - very inspiring little lady!) Gary (super knowledgeable and precise) and Becky (calm and soothing). So glad I found this little haven for my time in Nashville. Namaste! read more

Love this place and its twin studio on South 11th St. in East Nashville. I began yoga here nearly 4 years ago and have loved it from the beginning. The studios are both beautiful, roomy, and well equipped. Many of the instructors are Iyengar certified, which is very impressive; all instructors are wonderful and those who are not yet certified are working toward certification. Classes are 5-25 or so students, and instructors are seriously good and at the same time friendly and non-intimidating. Atmosphere is warm and welcoming. There are special workshops from time to time led by senior level Iyengar teachers (Dean Lerner, Lois Steinberg, Mary Obendorfer to name 3). I feel so lucky to have this in my city! read more

I had never even tried yoga before this morning, and now I can hardly wait to do it again!! I went with a friend who is also a beginner and it was in fact the beginners class that we took I believe, and I love it that they have classes for different levels of experience! Natasha was our instructor and she was fantastic! She was so informative and helpful! Before I could ever say that something was difficult for me to do or ask if I was doing it right, she would see and immediately help or correct me. She was very attentive and made my first experience in a yoga studio fun, relaxing, constructive, and mind cleansing. The space itself is awesome! It has a great vibe and is very clean and tidy. They also provide EVERYTHING! So no worries of you want to try yoga and dont own a mat, they've got plenty! I highly recommend this place! read more

I dropped in to a 'Gentle Yoga' class with Rachel Mathenia one evening because I felt like I needed to wake my body up. I used to do yoga three times a week in high school, then I went to college and my habit went to doing yoga a few times a year. It's totally dumb because I love yoga and I always forget what I feel like during yoga and after yoga both physically and emotionally. Why do I wait so long in between!? No excuses! I don't know a lot about the different types of yoga, but this studio is focused on Inyengar which really is ideal for those with injuries or those who are new to the yoga practice. It focuses on the pose itself and how to maximize it's benefits by getting in to the pose properly and maintaining it properly. It allows for adjustments and the use of props so that you can get the most out of how a pose will benefit your body without pushing too hard and hurting yourself. Rachel's gentle class was true Inyengar. I have to say, her knowledge of the human body and the practice made the class one of the better I've ever taken and I usually am a vinyasa person. I like vinyasa because of the flow and connecting with breath but that may be because I've got a lot of yoga experience under my belt. If you're looking for a class with a LOT of teacher client one on one and talking during class and after, Rachel's gentle class might be the one for you. If you don't mind long gaps in between poses so that you can observe how the next posture should be done properly, this class might be for you. I really needed to slow my brain down and focusing on even the most subtle changes in a posture allowed my my mind to reconnect with my body, something I value very highly. I personally feel like you can benefit from taking Inyengar and Vinyasa simultaneously, especially if you are a seasoned yoga person but not a hard core yogi. It's good to revisit basic postures and really explore how they are all meant to be done. Your body will make a memory and when you're in another more fast paced or advanced class it will call on those memories, or at least that's my experience. If you're new to yoga I suggest an Inyengar class and then experimentation with other yoga classes once your body becomes familiar yoga. That's just my opinion, you never know until you try! The studio has it's own parking lot on 12th which is great because we all know how annoying it is to park down there. It's cozy and they provide props and mats at no cost. The drop in fee is $20, so it's definitely a good idea to consider buying classes in bulk. I'm still exploring my yoga options in Nashville but I definitely liked Rachel's energy, sense of humor, and patience. I would highly recommend her classes. read more

For the past couple of years that I've lived in San Francisco, I've searched for a yoga teacher/studio where I would feel comfortable, where there weren't 30+ people in a teeny tiny room all ujaya breathing heavily into your personal space, lots of personal attention and emphasis on form, beautiful studio, parking (haha), and unpretentious classes where you weren't paying half of your salary to attend. Who knew that I would have to travel on hiatus to Nashville to find that! But all joking aside, this place is fantastic. The current owner is an excellent teacher. She isn't cheesy at all, VERY thorough, very personal, she really pays attention to your form and helps build your confidence....even with a person like me whose hamstrings might as well be stiff bricks, rather than yogic rubberbands. The classes are Iyengar style (the best if you ask me...but i'm no expert) and well suited to any level yogi, any age, any body condition. I've only had experience with two teachers here but they are both excellent and displayed thorough knowledge of the poses. The studio is really nice and spacious with two rope walls and lots of props and bolsters. With a studio like this, I know there will be a day when I'll bid sayanara to those pesky 'ole stiffy hamstrings. read more

I have been practicing at this studio for the last thirteen years. All the teachers are wonderful. I've practiced regularly over the years with Rachel Mathenia, Aretha, and Paige, and all are caring, attentive and care about their students. I started practicing due to back pain, and thanks to Iyengar yoga and the spectacular teachers at 12S Yoga, I've been able to take care of my back and build the strength and flexibility needed to avoid injury. If you want to really learn the asanas and be able to practice safely at home, I would highly recommend Iyengar and this studio. They will also help you adapt poses so that this really is yoga for any body. read more

I have tried a number of yoga studios in Nashville over the past two years and this one is by far the best for people who ant to really learn yoga. read more

I love 12 South so much. It is a certified Iyengar studio, meaning it follows a teaching tradition that emphasizes form and refinement in poses, and often uses props to ensure that newer students, or people with specific needs, are able to receive the benefit of each pose. I love this style, and personally feel it's ideal for the beginner. Every teacher I've had here has been great, but I usually take with either Aretha Blevins or Rachel Mitchell, and they're both fabulous. 12 South may be my most favorite Nashville business! read more

This studio is thoughtful and educational. With all of the knowledge that the teachers have and share, I find that they maintain a very down to earth feel and are not egoic in their style. The focus is about the teachings, and helping people to not get injured in their practice. Attention to pain and mindfulness around pain left me feeling well taken care of. read more

This is a great yoga studio! I recommend it to anybody and everybody. Not only is the studio itself very nice, but also the teachers are very well-educated, intelligent instructors who are truly devoted to yoga as well as to helping others. It is excellent. read more

I love 12 South Yoga. I have been taking yoga here since 1997. The teachers at both 12 South and South 11th are all well trained in the B.K.S. Iyengar approach to yoga and yoga philosophy. This means that the teachers all have a deep understanding of the anatomy of the human body and are able to guide the student into each pose without threat of injury. My commitment to the Iyengar method was enhanced when I experienced a seriously painful a low back injury and now, due to proper guidance from these teachers along with my physical therapy program, my back pain is rarely a problem. In addition, the environment is not intimidating and the people are down to earth. I highly recommend these 2 studios for anyone interested in yoga whether bodily limitations exist or not. read more

I always go to the South 11 yoga location now. Rachel is a wonderful and patient teacher!!!! I've had many challenges over the last year and she has been definitely one of the main reasons I am better and getting better every day. read more