HOORAY! Finally! A yoga studio in Alameda that caters to diverse populations, diverse schedules, and diverse needs/interests! Before Leela opened, I literally could not find a studio in Alameda that suited my full-time work schedule as well as my desire to seriously deepen my practice. I used to have to drive through additional traffic AFTER driving across the damned Bay Bridge after work to get to my studio in Berkeley, which was just way too much, and I had eventually stopped going to yoga because of the sheer stress of it. Leela's Yoga Studio is just down the street from my apartment, and it has reinvigorated my yoga practice, plain and simple. It has saved my practice. I am very picky when it comes to picking a studio, because my practice is a key component to maintaining my own sanity and self-care as I charge through my extremely draining and stressful job. I look for a welcoming, peaceful, and unpretentious environment that celebrates the skill as well as spirituality that is inherent in yoga. Leela's clean, airy space definitely contributes to the feeling of just being SAFE, but the instructors also have a wonderful talent of perpetuating this feeling. Literally every instructor I've met has personally introduced themselves and asked for my name, which is a level of community- and relationship-building that not all studios are mindful of maintaining. I've gone to Liza, Beth, and Stacey's classes most often. I love Liza's Hatha class; it's like a treat at the end of the day (Manic Monday!), it helps me slow down and take the time to cherish my body, and with a gentle hand massage with lavender oil during shavasana to boot! Beth and Stacey are great teachers, helping their students to really take notice and take responsibility for their body, often giving teachings that I can take off the mat with me, and challenging me to test my limits (but of course not go beyond it). Right now, most of the classes are quite small. It's nice to have small classes, where I have the luxury of the teachers' attention, but I would love it even more if this studio acquired a strong community following. Come and check it out, PLEASE! So it can stay open and continue to do its good work! Odds n ends: -Free and easy street parking -They accept credit card, yay! -You can sign up for a class on their website, too. Or just drop in. -They offer community wellness workshops -Mats, mat cleaner, eye masks, bolsters, blocks, straps, blankets, tea and water all provided. -Changing room and bathroom Final thought: GO already! :D read more

I've been coming here on and off for a few years. Beth's Saturday morning class got me hooked. I've taken a few random classes when it fits into my schedule, but I always prefer Beth's class. All of the instructors as well as the students are friendly. The instructors will do hands-on adjustments during practice. The studio has mats for students to borrow. There is complimentary water and teas for everybody. The studio is a very clean space. There is plenty of street parking! Before Leela, I took yoga classes at school or at 24 hour fitness. NOTHING compares to the type of serenity and peace you feel after leaving a class here. I have taken one of the best naps ever after taking a class at Leela. This place will change your life. read more

The very day I wrote my original review, Beth (owner of Leela) contacted me to find out more about my concerns and apologize for my (not really all that terrible) experiences. She also made some suggestions for teachers/classes that might fit more of what I'm looking for. Most impressive is that Beth *privately* reminded me that 1) the time period over which I'd had so many substitute teachers was the holidays and many teachers took time for family; and 2) the business is only 6 months old and still getting settled. Gulp. Do I feel like an idiot or what? Many studios would have cancelled classes over the holidays, but they chose to get as many as possible covered. Beth had every right to share these observations in her public response; as a new small business, even so-so reviews hurt more than they help and I hope that my review didn't dissuade anyone from trying out Leela. (We can talk about my delusions of grandeur and immortal power later) I went back to the Sunday morning class when Sandy (regular teacher) was there. I really, really liked her class & decided that I would reserve judgment until I tried it a second time. Yep. Really, really, really like Sandy. She's thoughtful, observant & seems to "read" her room well. Both classes were a bit different in focus but felt very right for the day. Lots of people there (but not overcrowded), who appear to be Sandy Regulars. Starting in March, class times & offerings are adjusted a bit, based on updated survey results. Some of the ones I'd like to try remain too early for commuters, but obviously there are enough people who work locally/from home who will have better access with the new times. So, apologies once again. And see you next Sunday. read more

Can't say enough great things about Leela, my home away from home! All the teachers I've taken class with...Beth, Stacey, Sandy and Paola to name just a few, have been excellent. As a 500 hour trained yoga teacher myself it's important to find a home base studio and that's what this is! read more

I can't say enough positive things about Leela Yoga's prenatal classes or about Beth, the owner. Perfect for anyone at any stage of pregnancy, Beth's classes are warm and welcoming -- and you actually feel like you're getting a good workout of stretching and strengthening. It's great physical and mental preparation for childbirth and beyond. Beth taught us something new in every class and kept us laughing along the way. Beth's expertise when it comes to pregnancy and pelvic health is truly unique. She's an amazing resource here in Alameda. I'm looking forward to mom and baby classes as well as the pelvic health workshop! read more

My favorite part of practicing at this studio is the attentiveness of their instructors. I've been taking Beth's Mommy and Baby yoga for the past month and love how I feel when I leave. Beth takes the time to help us connect with the muscles that are so in need of attention after giving birth. She will take my sweet little one when she's being fussy and calms her with her sweet voice. So there's no distractions while I'm in the middle of stretching. The best part is my daughter and I get to have special bonding time during the hour! I highly recommend checking out this studio if you are a new mom! read more

Leela makes me happy. : ) It's my favorite yoga studio. This new yoga studio in Alameda is quite nice...the wooden floors, peaceful color palette and giant ceiling with skylights make you feel like you have room to breath, unlike many other cramped for space yoga places? I think it suits my personality best- not huge and intimidating but cozy and inviting, clean and serene. I never felt cramped or stifled by communal funk. What really sets it apart is the instructors. I've never had any instructor at other studios break down the movements or adjust my poses with as much precision and attention as Sabrina and the owner, Beth Z. It felt much more satisfying to hold or move through a pose when doing it properly instead of thinking I was. Most places will adjust you somewhat, but these ladies made it click. They were enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive, and I look forward to going back to try other instructors, too. Sabrina, is very spiritual, dedicated, she is amazing, gentle, knowledgeable, will make gentle adjustments and alignment. Sabrina made me feel warm and welcome after a long hiatus of not having yoga. I adore her, beautiful inside and out. I leave her Hatha class with my old body feeling like a 12 year old. She usually sets the class with a thought or lesson and really focuses on inward which ultimately helps outward! Beth, the owner, is gentle and kind, non-pretentious. She also runs a kids class that is great. She has classes and workshops for everyone, from kids to big girls and big men, fine -tuning She is the perfect hostess to her welcoming studio. Tia, is amazing too... She is very knowledgeable, intuitive, gentle....she is also a nutritionist and is studying physical therapy. I just love her. I highly recommend her. Props, eye-pads, mats, etc. are clean ,organized, and plentiful. Bathroom immaculate. There is distilled water in beautiful glass dispensers, a large assortment of organic teas complimentary and various spiritual and yoga books for sale, as well as kids books and yoga related . Om, shanti, give it a try! read more

I have been to three classes so far at Leela Yoga and I am loving it. Yin Yoga - something I'd never tried before, very effective and powerful gentle stretching of the fascia, Restorative Yoga which was restorative, as advertised, and Qi Gong, which was simple and powerful. Each teacher has been kind, welcoming, clear, and helped me with how to match the offering with my current physical ability. Fellow students are friendly. It feels like a community. The class spaces are light-filled, super clean and beautiful, the props are in good shape, and also nicely chosen for how they match the decor. I personally appreciate thoughtful details like that. read more

I purchased a new student special a couple of months ago and was oh-so pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome I received at this lovely studio. I first took Sandy's Sunday Hatha and it was challenging and wonderful and Stacey's Wed flow has felt perfect every time. They all really seem to love what they are doing and the vibe is so peaceful and relaxing...as it should be. read more

I signed up for a series of three classes back in Feb. The instructor didn't show up for the first class at all, but the woman signing us in finally decided to teach the class herself. And she said we'd all get credit for that class. When I came to the second class I was told that I had only one more remaining. I explained that the first one didn't count so I should have two more. She left a note for the person who could change it in the system. Same thing happened when I came to the third class and I was told I had no more. I explained all over again that I was supposedly given credit for the first one. She also left a note. Then I came for the fourth class and guess what, it still wasn't corrected in the system, but they did allow me to finish the class. I was told the owner would contact me. She didn't. I was in Alameda again in June and took a class thinking I'd sign up for a series of five classes. But once again I was hassled. The woman said she was sure the other women who left notes for the owner probably didn't do so but she would get through. I know it wasn't her fault, nor the other women signing people in before, but I was embarrased and humiliated to have to explain a fourth time, in front of other people there, what had happened. It was as if I were somehow cheating or dishonest, that the system showed that I "still owed" money. I was also angry at this point that the owner never fixed her system. Obviously, she didn't give a damn. So I paid for that one class, said I no longer wanted the five class option, and said I'm never going back. There are other yoga places that will get my business instead. read more

I take Naomi's gentle yoga class on Tuesday evenings. I originally heard about the studio when they wee offering a curvy yoga class. This class is the perfect mix of relaxing ama challenging for me. I always come out feeling like I've left all my stresses behind and also feeling much stronger and new limber. Naomi is a terrific teacher for folks who need asana modifications like myself. She offers a number of variations of the poses reminding students that we are the experts of our bodies. She's also encouraging of us to find our edge and that helps our practice grow. I love that I as a bigger girl can share space with love and respect with other students. So thank you Naomi ama Leela yoga for making this my Tuesday night yoga home. read more

I LOVE Leela Yoga! I totally agree with what another poster said about it catering to diverse schedules, populations, needs and practices. My own schedule, and my ability level, changes day-to-day, and Leela's always has a class that works for me. I've been to Beth's classes the most, and she always shares a new insight that blows me away, and has me paying (happy) attention to my body for days to come. I also like that she takes requests. :) My neck and shoulders are always a problem, and she knows heart-openers that I've never experienced before, and that have my whole upper body opened up, upright and painless. All my experiences there have been wonderful, with any teacher. It's funny, I used to live on top of a popular yoga studio in SF, and I still wasn't as interested in going as I am now. I just get more from these classes. Or let go of more...or both. Definitely both. :) read more

So in love with this place ! Everyone here is awesome and helpful . the classes are great ! I've also had a trainer at 24hr fitness , now that I've experience this level of quality i don't want to go back ! :) read more

So I just signed up for the three first classes for $25! I have done about maybe 10 sessions of yoga in my life which I know is not a lot, but I must say that this is by far the best yoga class I have ever been to. I wish I knew the name of my teacher so I could give her a shout out, but I forgot it. The class I took was called FOREST YOGA at 11:30 on Tuesday. The moves were simple enough for me as a beginner to do, but we were shown more complicated ways to do a pose if we felt we were ready. The instructor came around to make sure we were in the proper position which I really liked. I also liked that I didn't have to go into a fitness center to find a room in which the class was held. Also when my three months are up they have discounts for certain people. I'm in the military so it applies to me which is fantastic! In the beginning of class the instructor also made sure that anyone with an injury knew their limits, and stated that if a pose isn't for us then we can either simplify it or take a moment to feel our breath. Again let me say that I loved it, but my favorite thing was that I saw poses that I have not seen in other classes which was refreshing!! read more

I used to take classes here when it was AYS, and was hoping to continue when Leela took over. However, and it's a big however, the classes are all too short. One of the main benefits of the standard hour and a half class is the slow warm up that is conducive to staying injury free. A more advanced practitioner such as myself does strenuous poses and needs to be warmed up. I simply can't risk my health by taking the short classes. Bad precedent. I see that Sandy Blaine keeps to the standard length and even goes to an hour 45 minutes. That is because she is a smart cookie and is not willing to sacrifice her student's health. read more

I attended the mommy and baby yoga. The instructor (who is also the owner) is so sweet and very knowledgeable on post pregnancy. She will even play with your baby to give you a chance to do some moves. read more

I've been going there for over a year now and trying different classes. So far I've enjoyed all of them. The studio is neat and clean. The owner Beth seems very responsive to students and good at attracting good teachers. My favorite class now is the gentle yoga class on Wednesday nights with Missy. Each week she brings crystal bowls and provides a "sound bath" experience at the end of class. It's a great class to help me calm down at the end of the day. It's really worth checking out. read more

I love Leela Yoga! It's a beautiful studio with a lot of great teachers, the very best of whom is Sandy Blaine. Her Sunday morning classes - both the beginners class and the intermediate class - are the best. I've been going to one or the other of those classes since they started and I still learn something every time. Sandy's a genius at modifying poses as needed for any body, and at making her sequences accessible but still challenging and fun. read more

Sophia rocks the Vinyasa! Sunday evening 6pm. Perfect way to end the weekend.

Such a great studio! Friendly, welcoming, light filled, great teachers! Just discovered Monday noon community class which was super restorative and lovely! read more

I found this place when I was looking for prenatal classes. It's hard to find exercise classes for pregnant women. So I signed up and bought the ten pass package. I attended the classes until I gave birth. Beth the owner is really personable and supportive. I really enjoyed the positive energy from these classes and the women I met. I learned so much not just from the class but hearing stories from the women as well. I will definitely do this again if I'm pregnant again and highly recommend this class to future mommies! read more

I cannot begin to express how much I love Beth's prenatal yoga classes. She is indescribably wonderful: warm, welcoming, talkative, funny.. But best of all, she offers so many pose variations for different pregnancy issues (SI joint pain, carpal tunnel, etc) that I never leave her classes feeling sore, like I have in other prenatal yoga classes. She's so empowering, that it makes you feel brighter and stronger simply being in the same room. If you want THE best prenatal yoga experience, this is it! read more

I took their prenatal yoga class last spring/early summer. The instructors were Rebecca and two other ladies whose names I cannot recall. It is a beautiful clean studio, and the vibe was very welcoming and relaxed. The spacious back area was wel stocked with equipment and water. Parking was never an issue during the late Saturday mornings when I attended. I am looking forward to trying out their other classes. read more

Yoga Instructor Laura Malouf-Renning is excellent. I will be returning for sure. I feel great after taking her class. I highly recommend her she is really knowledgable and her energy is relaxing and positive. I am happy to have found this studio. read more

I love the natural light and open space of this studio! There is a wide variety of yoga styles to choose from and very skilled and kind teachers. If you are new to yoga this is a great place to start. If you are an experienced yogi you will be able to find a class that works for you. Also, prenatal and mama and baby/toddler classer! read more

I haven't actually taken a Yoga class at this place, but that is exactly what is prompting this review: About 3 weeks ago, I went to the Leela Yoga website to sign up for a class. There were many choices, so I had a few questions. Their web site provides a form for that, so I submitted my questions and incl. my email address and phone number asking them to please get back to me. More than 3 weeks later I have received neither phone call nor email response for this business, not even one to tell me that their classes are full. Dear Leela Yoga: I am happy for you that you have so much business that you don't seem to be interested in engaging new clients. However, to not have a decency to even respond to my request, one way other another, tells me that you are clueless about customer service. And that makes me glad that you didn't respond, because a minimum of customer service is what I expect of any business I engage with. read more

I've taken a handful of classes here and have been impressed each time. Warm, attentive, knowledgeable teachers and a beautiful space to practice in. The free street parking is great too :-) I'll be back for more - hopefully soon. read more

I've taken 2 classes with Laura, slow yoga. Enjoyed her classes a lot as it's calming and helps me to unwind and desires. A combo of stretches and slow gentle yoga poses. read more

I can't speak highly enough about Leela's prenatal and baby & mom yoga classes with Beth. The prenatal class helped me immensely with the physical pains of my pregnancy as well as being a stress reliever and a place to relate to other pregnant women. The breathing and relaxation we learned in class was also a real help during my labor and delivery. The mom and baby class is the highlight of my week and a great place to talk with other new moms and get real about the stresses of motherhood. Beth is very knowledgable about pregnancy and birth and postpartum recovery. read more

My class with Beth today was a joy. She encouraged us to push our limits without ever going too far, and had us laughing for much of class. I was particularly impressed by her knowledge of anatomy and her thoroughness and patience with teaching it to us. I also love how she wove yoga philosophy into the class and encouraged us to continue living it outside of class. I left class with a big grin on my face. I can't wait to go back! read more