Facility: I've only used the hot studio, but overall the facility is great. There are days the room…read moreis too hot for me, but nothing above 105°F. This is minor, and rare, but when there are a few guys and we all want to change or shower, there is a wait as the men's changing room is for one person at a time compared to the women's.
The mats for purchase are great, but don't forget to bring your own unless you plan on buying a new one (which was $80.. or in that range). I understand not sharing equipment due to Covid, but they should carry a cheaper version in the event you do forget your mat.
Instructors: When I first started going, I did a two week pass and went nearly every day to get a feel for the different Vinyasa instructors. I settled on 2 who I think are the best. The others have varied backgrounds, teaching styles, and levels of knowledge. I felt some didn't have the same background as myself, and couldn't really offer anything for me. Some taught the classes more as cardio, and less mind/body connection, which is what I look for. I appreciate a strong balance of breath focus, mental calm, and physical endurance.
The two teachers I would recommend for Vinyasa in a heartbeat are Brandy Davis and Tana Aguas. They have great energy, and both appreciate the mindfulness of yoga as a practice, and not just a workout.
Brandy is my go-to instructor due to her balance with yoga being in the present moment and also leading a strong vinyasa flow. For the first few weeks I was still acclimating to practicing in a hot room, until I finally got to the point where I would take her flows and push myself harder on additional variations of poses--hand stands, standing splits, toe balances, etc. Brandy would actually sometimes add these to the flow as well. The other great thing is she reads the room and tries for accommodate everyone. Her hot flow class is not for beginners, but all are welcome to attend and take the flows at their own pace. Her flows change with a fair amount of frequency which keeps things exciting for regulars.
Tana reminds me of my first yoga instructor I ever had. She is certainly more on the spiritual side of yoga, and her classes tend to have a bit of variety from class to class. She also incorporates more artistic elements such as stylized asanas incorporating mudras. She will also challenge the class with various advanced poses when the class seems accepting of it.
If you're looking for a mindful and challenging practice, S.W.E.T is a great facility and both Brandy and Tana are wonderful. I hope when Covid clears that the class sizes stay the same, as the current 12-14 people per class is perfect. I did hear before Covid, the class sizes were larger, so my feedback may be less positive had the classes been more full. As it stands now though, I highly recommend it.