Whether you're looking to get fit, de-stress, become more mindful of the way you use your body, or rehab from an injury - I would highly recommend Liz. She brings a high sensitivity and intuitive understanding of how your body needs to move mechanically in order for you to move with ease, fluidity, and strength. I went to Liz with excruciating lower back pain and nerve pain down into my toes (I had been injured by a chiropractor). She got me walking and moving again. Best of all, I am pain free (unless I do something stupid to re-injure myself...but that is increasingly less often). I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. She helped me develop a much deeper awareness of my body so I could learn to consciously make micro-changes in my body movements and develop the muscle memory that ensures I remain pain-free over time. Just as important: Liz creates a warm, inviting, and safe environment that's free of distraction and technology so that you can connect in with yourself at deep levels. read more

Update: Elizabeth's class on 1/8/17 was actually pretty well lead. The first 2/5 and last 1/5 of the class had really good flow which felt very different then how it's been in the few other classes I've been too. It started with a reading which I usually mentally and probably sometimes physically roll my eyes at. Of course it was about "mindfulness" -- but it actually was read with a surprisingly (to me) non-passive aggressive tone and gave a good perspective. I have terrible awareness of body and body movements so I might not be the best judge on yoga practice but this practice felt way more thought out then I had received the other ones. Maybe there was something different about the presentation or the better explanations of movements. I was energized after because I took a Lyft home and got a lot of work done after. Not going to lie, I was very surprised. ---- Elizabeth could afford to check her privilege at the door IMHO. She teaches at Great Western Power and pretty much annoys me every time before class starts with her cell phone policy that she enforces without asking why or actually thinking of anything but herself by asking I turn it off before class for her. The first time she didn't even ask me, she actually touched my phone. It's not like I was talking loud on the phone so I don't know why she can't manage to mind her own business what I do in my corner or have my phone face up. Her class is right after work and I'm sorry if I need to check in before I go into yoga so I don't get fired even if that ruins her mood. It's a very short time frame between work, getting to class, getting changed, and starting class for me to wrap things up. I also remember a time when my dad had dementia before he died and I would check in with my mom after work who goes to visit him every day around dinner. What a privilege it must be to have simple wishes that no one uses their phone in her presence. If I had a wish, it would that my dad never got dementia or got on a bus one day and got lost for days due to his dementia. Cell phones can be annoying, but's also a communication tool for work and family and checking in or wrapping up for the day gives me peace of mind to start yoga. I complained to Great Western Power about it already. In my opinion, she comes off entitled and I do not care for it. I have two jobs and it would be nice to not have someone pushed their ways onto me and let me unwind how I need to and let me do what I need to do before my practice. I tried to follow the rule once and put my phone away before class started and I forgot to even turn it off and of course it was my boss or a vendor I didn't get to wrap things up with. I have my procedure of how I like things also and it really throws me off not getting in texts and emails and wrapping things up before starting a long yoga class. I also don't think the instructions are that great but that opinion could be tainted by her seemingly selfish demands that I not have my phone out in her presence. It bothered me and now that I have time to think about it, it bothers me because she never asks or took other people's situations into consideration it seems to me. It's unfortunately her classes are at such convenient times and I'll probably go again until they replace her still. If she continues to be her annoying self, I really have no problem calling her out on it in front of everyone now that I place my finger on what annoys me about her -- a sense of entitlement to dictate what others need and do. I don't need people off their phone, I need people to mind their own business and talk to me in a non-passive aggressive way. I actually quite look forward to discussing this to her directly. read more

Can't say enough about Liz's class! I've been blessed to have Anasa Yoga studio literally 2 blocks from my front door. I was going through a pretty stressful time in my life and when I would walk into Anasa, and through those drapes and settle into class with Liz, for at least that 90 min. Was able to disconnect, and have the space to just be! With her soothing voice and gentle movements this mindfulness class is just what I needed. Now during this very stressful time we are all experiencing, again I find taking Liz's class everyday in the morning gives me a calm, and strength to get through another day. For me in these troubling times her class can benefit all of us to remind us to be mindful and try and find calm in this space we are ALL living. thank you Liz read more

I have been taking Raven's hatha yoga classes at Piedmont Yoga Studio for over 2 years and she is a skilled and patient teacher. She has been teaching for many years and combines knowledge, respect for the traditions and humility that is sometimes hard to find in yoga teachers. The classes are relatively small so there is plenty of space to enjoy the tranquility of the studio. Students are 30-60 somethings and classes are reasonably priced at $15 for drop in and $12 in a series for 1 1/2 class. Plenty of individual attention from a favorite teacher. Lots of other teachers at Piedmont Yoga Studio if Raven's times don;t work for you. Her website is http://www.ravenyoga.com for Oct classes for new students to yoga. Karen Hester, Oakland read more

Raven's Hatha Yoga class is the perfect class to begin a yoga practice and the perfect class to evolve a yoga practice. I have been taking Raven's class at Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland for about a year and a half. The most important thing this class has done is helped to banish my chronic low back pain and for that I am eternally grateful. Raven's genuine love for life, yoga, and health makes her class a locus of peace for me. She is particularly adept at noticing where a gentle touch will transform a pose and though subtle, make all the difference. She has a great understanding of anatomy and will always suggest modifications if there is an injury. She will also encourage you to challenge yourself if you feel up to it. And tho I am not a morning person by nature her class always does me better than extra sleep (it begins at 9 AM.- not very early for most.) Gotta add- as of 12/16/09 . Raven is very professional. And from what I have observed, there is nothing lazy about her teaching methods. She is in tune with the energy of her class and will slow things down if she notices that our bodies are guiding her to do so. Remember it is a level 1 class- (Piedmont Yoga Tues/Thurs that is) read more

Raven was teaching at my first ever yoga experience three years ago. I've tried many other instructors and modalities in the meantime, and I always come back to Raven! I had a spinal injury a couple of years ago and she provided excellent modifications to each practice for me to try. She actually talked me out of coming back to yoga for several weeks until I healed properly which was the right decision. Her style is slow but flowing, and deeply meaningful. Her focus is on the breath and meditation at the end to take time to really sit still and let the practice soak into the mind and body. Although I don't even sweat during some classes, I feel gloriously stretched and often sore (the good kind) the day after. She also makes a noticeable effort to learn everyone's name. Her instructions are clear. Often I close my eyes to help focus and I can still understand the next pose. Instead of demonstrating each pose, she instructs as she walks around and makes gentle adjustments. For this reason she is great for beginners. However for those who are more advanced, she offers opportunities to do more challenging poses or more frequent vinyasas. Whether you're a beginner or advanced yogi, out of shape or a fitness nut, Raven's classes have something for everyone. read more

The best yoga teacher in the world is Raven. Ok, technically, I have not tried all yoga teachers in the world and am unqualified to make this statement. However, having experienced 7 other yoga teachers who all pale in comparison to Raven, I feel fairly confident in my assertion! Raven's classes are comfortable to attend. I'm pretty shy and notice these things. She introduces herself to faces she doesn't recognize, asks everyone if they have injuries or issues she should know about, and encourages everyone to wave her over if having a question/problem and to make modifications as needed. In fact, Raven is the only teacher I've encountered who is really fine with students making modifications; most say they are but then push students to go further with poses. She might ask if you're modifying or gently suggest an adjustment, but she doesn't bug people. I never feel like I'll get called out or "in trouble" for doing something a little different or taking a rest. Not that other teachers yell at you or anything (though I had one that did!), but sometimes they create an atmosphere of do exactly as I say, and Raven isn't like that. Raven isn't on a power trip or all hyper annoying about yoga, spouting a bunch of touchy feely crap. If she talks about yoga and the meditation or other not pose-specific aspects, it's real and meaningful and enriches the practice. She's authentic and seems to be able to live the yoga lifestyle and not use the class for her own emotional needs. The class content is probably more on the relaxing end of the spectrum, though I personally find it challenging and that I am able to really focus all of myself on adjusting and tweaking and working on being in each pose in the best way for me, rather than trying to figure out what the heck I'm supposed to be doing. I would characterize the poses themselves as basic and beginner-friendly, and I have noticed that Raven adjusts based on the levels present in the class, frequently suggesting different ways to do the same pose. Every class is different, sometimes seeming strong and challenging, and others more relaxing, but there are common themes and Raven certainly has favorite poses to lead in class (e.g., lots of hip openers like Pigeon Pose, which I theoretically like but my foot always falls asleep right away when I do it). She also mixes it up now and then, like the week we did inversions because someone had requested it (cool!). Only downside is her only evening classes are at 6pm, which means I have to scramble to leave work early to get there in time. Wish it were 7 or 7:30! read more

I have only recently started doing yoga since a current injury prevents me from running and bouldering. I've sampled at least seven different classes/instructors and Raven is my favorite. I have probably attended about five or six of her classes now (not a huge sampling, but I'm already impressed) at Great Western Power Company and Berkeley Ironworks climbing gyms. This review was done on my own accord (not prompted by Raven). STRENGTHS: 1. Her knowledge of poses: To say that she has a deep understanding of asanas would be an understatement. I feel that many yoga instructors will explain where/what you are supposed to feel in the pose if you are doing it correctly but Raven takes the additional step and is able to articulate how to make subtle, often overlooked adjustments in the pose in order to execute it more correctly. I appreciate her attention to this detail. I feel that I learn more about poses than in other classes I have recently taken. She is also incredibly knowledgeable about adjusting poses to accommodate a person's injury. 2. Her personality: Raven is incredibly kind and approachable. Somehow her poised and relaxed persona evident by her voice and mannerisms is contagious and helps me to unwind at the end of a long day. 3. Suitable for all levels: This class is definitely suitable for beginners, but also for stronger more athletic types. I consider myself to be a strong, athletic individual and I still feel that this class is suitable for me and that I am strengthening my body. Although some will say her class is too easy, I find that the more I learn about the asanas the harder it becomes because I am able to hold my abdominals tight, my legs strong and contracted, etc when the pose calls for it. In essence I feel that the class, in some ways, is as hard or easy as I make it. 4. Slow and Steady: It seems that in her class strength is developed by holding poses and breathing through the difficulty (what a great metaphor for life) rather than moving quickly through difficult poses as I have found in the Ashtanga classes I have taken recently. Although the same part of me that likes bouldering and running appreciates Ashtanga, my life seems to have more balance with Raven's class for all of the other reasons mentioned above. Although I have tried to get into yoga in the past because I knew it would be good for my mind and body, I haven't been able to make it a regular part of my life. Now that I have found Raven's class, I intend to continue practicing yoga even after I return to running and bouldering. read more

The good: - Raven's classes that I have been to have involved slow movements that really stretch you out. It has been a good class after a long work day. - She lets you modify, and can tell you how, if you need help working around injuries or tightness. - Her classes are fairly cheap. The not-so-good: - She gets lazy. Relaxing yoga classes are fine, but after a couple classes where we were on our backs rolling our heads back and forth for way too long, I started to wonder if she didn't have any other poses planned out. After a while, I got bored with her standard class routine. There just wasn't a lot of creativity. - She isn't the friendliest person. There were some classes where she was very bubbly and talkative, and others where it was clear that she wanted to leave and has no interest in taking 5 minutes to work you through a pose or talk before or after class. - She stepped on my clothing! I started the class with a long-sleeve shirt over my tank top because it was cold, and eventually took the long-sleeve shirt off and put it beside my mat next to the wall. It was not obstructing anyone, and no one else was next to the wall. We get into triangle pose and she leaves the front of the room, walks around my mat, and stands on my shirt! I though, well, maybe she didn't see it, and she moves off to the other side of the room. But she came back and stepped on it again. She had the entire length of the wall (at least 20feet), with the exception of the 1 foot of space that my shirt and water bottle took up, and she had to have that space. I come out of my pose, moved my shirt, and she has the gall to say, "Oh, that's OK." No apology, no asking me to move the shirt before she stepped on it; why would a yoga teacher do that? Does she not have any common sense? - I didn't find her to be a very enthusiastic teacher. And I've had some amazing yoga teachers - many of whom were volunteers; one was even 7 months pregnant and she still kicked butt! - but Raven just isn't one of them. - There have been several occasions where she ended class early (and started early without advance notice). Maybe I got unlucky on the days I showed up, but that was annoying. - Oh, and she asks for good yelp reviews in class. Not very ethical in my book. But the lack of reviews so far is telling. read more

If you want a yoga experience that melds spiritual to physical, try one of Liz Raven's amazing classes. I first encountered Liz at the unique Anasa Yoga studio in the Laurel district. During my first class with her, she explored the neurology of pain and ways we can manage it by attending to the messages our bodies give us. Her intuitive sense of the mind-body connection has helped me to heal an old neck and shoulder injury and I've learned to embrace bodily sensations as well as redefining my perceptions. Now, no matter with whom I'm practicing yoga, I hear Liz's voice suggesting subtle shifts in postures and her hear her gentle encouragement. I love the guided meditations at both the beginning and end of class. I leave relaxed and open to the world! read more

I have taken yoga classes with many different teachers, and Raven is one of my favorites, ever. Her class is very whole, integrating meditation and mindfulness with strengthening and solid attention to the body, She is friendly, helpful and very grounded. A good yoga teacher is a good guide, one who assists you as you deepen and explore your own experience. read more

Raven saved my trip. Was in Europe when I pulled something. I did a series of moves that she does in class from time to time and in 3 days, the pain went away and I was fine. Good teacher, good approach read more

Full disclosure, Raven is a long time friend, whose classes I have been taking off and on for years. Mostly on, maybe for 6 years. Or 8? Who knows, doesnt matter. Ive been going thru BIW/GWPC (I think this is a great way to do it, I try to yoga 3 times/wk and can have different instructors for different experiences - but Raven on Thursday is a must for me). I feel she continues to change, develop, and learn, because her practice has evolved and changed with her. It always feels new, challenging, interesting, and engaging. I am inspired to write this review after all this time because her latest round of classes has been absolutely wonderful. I'd been having really tender shoulders for about a year, and the last month and a half has really helped me strengthen and stabilize that area, results I might only hope for had I been doing intensive physical therapy in a clinical setting. read more

I highly recommend Raven's Tue/Thurs 9 am classes at Piedmont Yoga Studio. I think they are wonderful and a fabulous part of my weekly routine. I always come out feeling more centered, settled and strong in my body. I began taking yoga classes about 12 years ago when living overseas. I had the privilege to work with some amazingly skilled teachers there. On moving to the Bay Area about 5 years ago, I've attended lots of classes, looking for a teacher that was technically proficient as well as focused on the meditative aspect of yoga. Finding this combination has not been easy. I've been to lots of beginner's classes where teachers give virtually no instructions on alignment and it's all about pushing your body beyond it's limits. I think the fact that I've stuck with Raven's classes say a lot about how good she is. She has a thorough knowledge of adjustments and ways to get into different parts of the body to suit people's individual issues. I've learned great new poses from her and new insights and adjustments to more conventional poses. She gives options to people, depending on whether they want a rigorous or more mellow practice. If you go to yoga because you want to pour with sweat for an hour (and strain muscles/tear a rotator cuff in the process) then her Piedmont classes are probably not for you. But if you want to practice yoga as it should be practiced (meditative, explorative, accepting of one's self) then I highly recommend her classes. read more

I always feel great when I leave Raven's class! I have been practicing yoga for about 7 years, and have been taking Raven's classes at the Touchstone climbing gyms for a few years. She is the real deal, and she embodies the full yoga practice. Her classes take different forms - some days will be a strong practice and others will be more fluid. For me, a "challenging" class is one in which you hold poses for a long time, rather than one that just moves quickly through "hard" poses - in this way, I often find Raven's classes challenging, in that I am asked to stay in a pose and just be with it. I also love how she will often build up to one pose -- like we will do a series of poses to open up the back, all leading up to full back bend. Everything is intentional, though you might not realize it at the time, and then when you do that finishing pose, it all comes together in a beautiful way. I have learned a lot from Raven over the years about yoga and my own, personal yoga practice. She has taken time before and after class to work with me on poses, and she has helped me get through some tough patches in my life. read more

There is much to Rave about Raven!! I have been taking her class at Berkeley Iron Works, and most recently at the new Great Western Power Co. for over 2 years and I highly recommend her. When I first began practicing, I really appreciated her keen ability to verbally breakdown the poses so that if felt like I could follow and know that I was doing it correctly. Sometimes yoga classes can feel very intimidating when you are first learning and Raven's style encourages you to explore your own personal strengths and challenges in the practice bringing you in touch with what is going on in your mind, body, and spirit. Raven's gifts of her calm, gentle, intentional teaching offers a unique opportunity to those who practice with her to encourage balance and harmony in the class and in their daily life. I always leave Raven's class with a smile, and appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about myself through the beautiful practice of yoga. Thank you Raven!!! read more

I've practiced yoga for 20 years now and Liz is at the top of my list of favorite instructors. When in her class I feel that she has given every single move thought and nothing is wasted. I completely trust her to lead me and my body on a journey that is safe, interesting and enriching. At the end of class I feel as though I've had a full body massage. But even better, the next day I feel the good kind of muscle soreness that tells me I've had a great workout as well. While some may find her class deceptively easy, you really get out of it what you put in. If you listen to her clear instructions, you will be able to go to a deep level and access muscles that build strength. It may take time to get there but it is so worth it. I like that I always learn new things in her class and my practice continues to deepen as I go. I always look forward to attending her class. It never feels like a chore, rather it is a must for me and I feel "out of sorts" when I can't attend. Her classes are the main reason I continue my membership at Berkeley Ironworks. I've even started going to Great Western because she teaches more classes there. I feel I will follow her wherever she goes if possible. read more

Raven is a gentle, conscientious, and caring teacher. She provides lots of individual attention, and allows each student to progress at his/her own rate. I come out of each class feeling relaxed, invigorated, calm and joyful. Thank you, Raven! read more

Raven is a fabulous yoga teacher! I highly recommend her classes. The atmosphere in her classes is welcoming, and she is very encouraging. Raven has extensive knowledge of yoga and the body. read more

I especially appreciate Raven's classes because she makes them challenging for the able and accessible for me when some body part is feeling "tweaky". She is sensitive to the needs of the class, responding to the need for hamstring stretches or neck and shoulder work, read more

Raven is a wonderfully grounded person that anticipates her student's needs and questions. She is very mindful in giving reminders of yoga's non-competitive nature which is very refreshing. I feel so lucky to have found her and continue to grow with her guidance. I would simply recommend Raven to anyone at any level. read more