I have been going to Ann West's class at Prana Yoga on and off for a few years and consistently this past year and a half. I studied yoga in Thailand, Bali, Los Angeles and New York and find myself looking for quality teachers. I absolutely LOVE Ann's class! She's the first teacher that has given me insight on correcting my low back pain and also making me aware of my imbalance in my right shoulder versus left... meaning, I overuse and over compensate all my weight into my right, especially in downward dog. I wasn't aware of this and the beauty is that she gave me tools and guidance in correcting this so that I find more balance in my posture. Ann is the real deal. She's extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about challenging the status quo in integrating knowledge from all parts and integrates it into her yoga classes. Not only do I learn more awareness and alignment in yoga postures, but I also learn about how to be methodical and intelligent in functional movement which is imperative in day to day. Her class allows me to practice thoughtfully in vinyasa classes which I take a lot and most importantly, at home! She uses props that are accessible to us such as chairs, blankets and I'm able to practice yoga anywhere! Simple and effective movement on the chair which I can at work to reset. I learn so much (I seriously can go on and on) and it's a huge reason why I plan my work schedule to ensure I'm there in her Monday class! My work week feels much better when I attend class. I always walk away with so much knowledge. If you're looking for a class to get you more aware of your body/mind connection ... this is a great class! It's not always a restorative class and I definitely get a good workout targeting specific parts of the body! Her class gives you insight on strengths and limitations to your body and how to move your body most intelligently for you. I love this class as a stand alone and also a class to take in addition to other more physically demanding classes. Trust me, this class helped save me from future injuries by knowing how to get in and out of postures and what the postures feel for MY body. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! read more

I have had the great privilege of working with Ann for the last few months. Ann worked with me as a Life coach. She is insightful, specific and extremely effective. By using small, achievable goals I was able to loose weight and improve my sense of well-being. As a post-menopausal woman I had unique challenges and I feel like I am now on the path to better overall health. read more

I have had the opportunity to study with Ann since May 2014 ( almost 5 years). I have regularly attended her Iyengar Yoga and Healthy Back classes. She also guided me and modified my poses during my pregnancy in 2016. When I take her classes, I feel completely safe and comfortable and I know that I am in excellent hands. Ann is extremely knowledgeable in the subject of Hatha yoga, Yoga therapeutics, and human anatomy and physiology. She has this unique ability to explain complex human anatomy and physiology associated with the Asanas in layman terms so that all of her students can understand and put it into practice. I highly recommend her classes, workshops, and therapeutic sessions. read more

I've had the privilege of learning from Ann West since 2017 when I took my 200-hr yoga teacher training at Prana Yoga Center and discovered her Happy Back Yoga class. To say her class is unique is an understatement. Even those familiar with the Iyengar yoga style will quickly realize that Ann is so much more than just an Iyengar yoga teacher. It is clear from the moment she walks into the classroom with her meticulously filled-in notebook, that she is knowledgeable not only about Iyengar yoga, but restorative yoga, yoga philosophy, pranayama, anatomy, and body mechanics. And that she is constantly keeping herself updated on the latest findings in the field(s). If you are new to her class, she will make sure to introduce herself, find out your name (and believe me, she'll remember it!), and if you have any injuries. She will oftentimes write them in her notebook and makes sure to offer modifications throughout class to suit each individual's needs--which is very impressive, especially when her class has 15 or more people in it! I love that her class can sometimes become more of a workshop-style where she explains the concepts and the 'why' behind each pose or exercise and allows for questions. Anne helps you look at your body on a more subtle level and activate deep muscles that don't necessarily get mindful attention in our everyday lives. I always walk out of Ann's classes feeling good in both body and mind. While I haven't had any major injuries, I've had a private with Ann at East West Yoga to help with a sore shoulder due to sitting posture and repetitive computer work. Before we started, she asked me questions about my shoulder as well as my lifestyle and work habits so she could properly asses it. The exercises we did together helped me get more in touch with what exactly was happening in my shoulder region and, unsurprisingly, my shoulder started feeling better later that day! I have continued to do the exercises and have felt a great improvement since then. Ann is mindful and respectful in how she interacts with her students and in her teaching yet also has a sense of humor, which makes for a very comfortable, safe, and enjoyable environment. She is humble and, despite her vast knowledge in her field, you can tell she is still as happy to be the student as she is the teacher. So whether you have suffered an injury or are hoping to prevent injury and posture issues as you age, I highly recommend Ann West both for her privates and group classes. read more

I have been taking yoga classes with Ann for several years. She is a fantastic teacher that quickly can assess each students needs and makes sure during each session that each student is safely doing each move properly or demonstrates an alternative position. She would get 10 stars from me if possible! read more

I've been practicing yoga for almost three decades. About 15 years ago I stumbled across an Iyengar yoga class with Ann West, and never looked back. Through her deep knowledge of yoga and the body, and with compassion and patience, Ann makes sure that each student has a safe, educational and nurturing experience. I've seen this many times over and have experienced it firsthand. The practice of Iyengar yoga and the Healthy Back Classes I have taken with Ann West have transformed my overall health. Anyone who is looking for a similar experience should do themselves a favor and try her classes out. read more

I am writing this review to caution fellow Yoga enthusiasts about Ann West Yoga, also known as East West Yoga in La Jolla. Yoga is an important part of my life, which is why I WARN fellow enthusiasts to stay away from East West Yoga Studio and its owner Ann West. My experience includes; poor customer service, false representation and overt negligence by Ann West. After a brief description of my injuries and past experience to Ms. West, she chose to ignore my needs and assured me that her methods would help improve my back injury. When asked to stop pushing, she became aggressive, and as one of my fellow students called her, an "evil elf" with a myopic perspective in her need to do what she wants. Yoga, as with all physical practices needs to be handled with personal consideration and sensitivity which Ann West just doesn't have. I am an intermediate practitioner of the Iyengar yoga method and no stranger to its ways. This posting is to remind all to take great caution when selecting a yoga studio, and for my money, Ann West and East West Yoga is a dangerous choice. Namaste read more

I have been a student in Ann Wests yoga class for 9 years, She is the most knowledgeable yoga teacher I have ever met-I and I have been in two countries so have net a number of yoga teachers She assesses each new student to find out if they have specific problems and modifies the poses to accommodate each person's needs, Her knowledge of muscles tendons. ligaments and bones is totally amazing and gives me a feeling of total confidence in her classes, She is always concerned about each students ccomfort and safety read more

Ann is a very talented practitioner with incredible knowledge of anatomy and it's relationship to Yoga and everyday movement and functioning. She has helped me with chronic back and neck issues in a short period of time. She is a wonderful practitioner and an excellent teacher. Every class is a new learning experience! read more

How fortunate I was to take Ann's class, randomly, one day. In a world filled with yoga studios sprouting like plants and yoga teachers pouring out of TT's, it is wonderful to take classes from someone as knowledgeable, articulate and skilled as Ann. She is a master and I am her student for life read more