Just...Wow... What a journey. What an honor to learn from Laura and Danilo, who put their heart and soul in yoga and their students. They take their teaching seriously, but with a lot of fun and gentleness that cater towards everyone in the class, regardless of experience and level. What really impressed me was their continuous dedication to spread the pursuit of enlightent living: calmness, positivity, and joy even in the hardest period of life. I randomly walked in the studio little less than two months ago with pretty much no experience under my belt. I was a little intimidated knowing that this studio practices "traditional Hatha" with "no heat, no background music". I was worried that my ADD mind will be bored within 10 seconds. In fact, I was introduced to yoga many times in my life and I was always so bored within 1 min I couldn't keep going. (to be continued...will keep adding to this review to share my experience with this studio. in short, it's life changing.) read more

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During these trying times it is such a relief to still be able to take classes via Zoom. The clear instruction guides you through the 1.5hr long session, which leaves me feeling more relaxed and chilled. I am always guaranteed a better nights sleep after some gentle yoga. read more

This is a great organization! I have taken their Reiki Certification Level I and Level II courses, and I have learned so much from the experiences. Not only do I feel informed and ready to practice reiki, but the entire process has transformed my life positively in ways I had not anticipated. I'm eating better, I'm drinking less alcohol, and I find myself wanting to meditate more, so that I can feel the reiki energy. Plus Nilo and Laura are both so kind and warm! They really want to help you achieve your goals, and are very sincere and thoughtful. I have not gotten around to taking their yoga classes yet, but if they're anything like the reiki courses, then I bet they're great. Thank you for your service Excelsior Yoga! read more

I've been practicing yoga here for ver 4 years. Totally down to earth, REAL yoga. Nilo and Laura are the sole owners and teachers. They are very knowledgable and incredibly kind. If I haven't been to class in a while, they drop me a little email to check in and make sure I'm okay, and just to let me know they are thinking of me. They adapt the classes for all levels, and class sizes are small for a personal feel and individual attention. I also enjoy the lack of retail (which to me, cheapens a yoga studio by subconsciously pressuring you to wear cooler clothes, have a better mat, etc), and no music so you can focus on your breathing and get energy from fellow practitioners' breath too. Such positive energy in this place! My only wish is that they had more class times to chose from, but because it's a small studio with only 2 instructors, it's probably unrealistic. It's such a great place though and close to my home, that I make it work. read more

So much better than doing random yoga on youtube! Highly recommend the regular Hatha yoga classes from Excelsior Yoga, currently via zoom. Class is structured with a great balance of breathing techniques, a wide variety of challenging postures, and detailed instructions throughout, all culminating in extreme relaxation. The instructors are professional and experienced, but also warm and friendly. No matter how I feel when I begin class, I always feel better afterward. read more

Thank you excelsior yoga! The welcoming studio is uplifting, clean natural and has a fluid feeling to it. I wish to put many more stars up here which Excelsior Yoga deserves; the teachers the environment and the people who take the classes Sparkle! Definitely something special is happening there! The women's defense workshop which was extremely and intentionally taught by a master, thank you Sensei Niello. It was practical and useful with information which was well-planned and exercised. Along with the other people in the class it was fun and rewarding. Very professional. Also the yoga classes are wonderfully taught. With sincerity there teaching is from their knowledge and being. It is definitely helping me with breathing, calming and strengthening my life and direction. It took me months to make the decision to take the classes, now that I started I am grateful I did! Go for it, those who are reading this, take the classes they're definitely worth it and Enjoy! read more

Nilo and Laura are incredible yoga teachers. I decided to do my yoga teacher training here and it was a great experience. I learned much more about yoga than I expected and evolved spiritually. I highly recommend going to this studio for your teacher training and/or for the yoga classes. The classes are very relaxing and great for all levels! read more

I really love this place. Not only is it the only yoga studio I know if in the Exelsior, but Nilo and Laura are awesome instructors. I came in with absolutely no yoga experience and they took me in with open arms...can't say enough about how cool they are. It is great how the class has people with a wide range of skills, but no one seems to be competing against each other and I'm under no pressure to do anything I'm not capable of handling. read more

I have been passing this place for years and finally checked out their website a few weeks ago - I am so happy that I did! I originally was looking into yoga certification, but while on the site, saw that reiki training is also offered; I have been interested in energy work for a while now and decided to take the course. It was a great decision. The instructors, Laura and Nilo, are just the type of people I love spending time with. The class was informative, offered a positive perspective, interactive, and fun and done in a calm space. Last weekend's sessions have left me feeling balanced, joyful, and overall excited about all that life has in store for me. read more

I've already been to two classes and loved every minute of it. Danilo and Laura are top notch teachers. Real patient and nurturing. The facility is very clean and inviting. I highly recommend giving it a shot and trying it for yourself. I give this place an A++ read more

Finally! a yoga studio in the excelsior! Danilo and Laura are great. The place is nice and clean and everyone is super friendly! classes are for all levels! Gotta try it! read more

First day doing Yoga and I love the atmosphere and the pace of the instructor was perfect for a beginner like myself.

I had never taken a yoga class in my life. I tried Excelsior Yoga looking to improve my flexibility, but what I got was so much more. My practice with Excelsior has helped my tennis, running, weight lifting, even playing guitar. Plus I just feel physically great all day, a thousand little daily movements are easier and I'm not only more flexible but also more balanced, focused, and calm... dare I say younger? As a beginner I take the Gentle Yoga class, first in the studio and now (writing during the pandemic) online. Nilo does a good job of keeping things moving while also taking the time to explain when necessary. He is at once a tranquil and inspiring presence. If you've never tried yoga before, this is a great place and now is a great time to start. read more

I attended several yoga classes and one jiu-jitsu class over a two-week period when I was in San Francisco. Both instructors were excellent. The studio itself is very calm and clean. Classes are not over-crowded. Highly recommended. read more

Accessible and friendly yoga. Exactly what it's meant to be. Danilo and Laura are easy going and great teachers. Start your new year off right with one of their yoga classes. read more

Where to begin.. where to begin.. I started practicing here around the new year (2017) as a way to reconnect with yoga and myself. I didn't know what I was getting into, but I was happily surprised by Nilo and Laura (the owners and teachers), the location, and environment of studio. First, the location is right in my neighborhood, making walking a breeze. There are also bus stops nearby for those who live a little further (and metered+residential parking). The studio itself is quaint, clean, and peaceful. It is not overly done and has just what you need to succeed: blanket, blocks, belts, hot/cold/room temp water, clean restroom, 'locker' rooms with cubbies for belongings, and towels. The classes bring you into complete yoga mode - breathing techniques, asanas, etc. It is not a 'flow' class or 'hot' yoga, but rather a simple yoga class that works your body and mind. Laura and Nilo keep yoga traditional and effective. Their classes are accessible and challenging enough to keep me coming back for more. Not to mention the yoga community Excelsior Yoga has created - the clients here are AWESOME, kind, and down to Earth. After getting to know Laura, Nilo and the studio, I decided to pull the trigger on their 200 hour yoga teacher training. I've been wanting to do it for so long and knew Excelsior Yoga was just the place to do it. They made signing up and preparing for it super easy, and having just completed the course, I feel prepared to go out and explore the yoga world even deeper. Every lecture and practice surpassed my expectations and I learned more than I imaged I would. My only wish is that they also offered a 300 hour training!! I would love to explore even deeper with these two; they are excellent and kind teachers that want their students to succeed and create their own practice by offering all the knowledge they can. If you're contemplating the YTT, do it! Excelsior Yoga will feel like your 2nd home, where you can explore yoga in a safe and nurturing environment! Thanks Excelsior Yoga! :) read more

Laura was an incredibly kind and patient teacher, and the Hatha class was both challenging and fun. Also a lovely and peaceful studio. Couldn't ask for more! read more

My whole family loves Excelsior Yoga! This is a great studio in our neighborhood. Every class is a little different, and you can practice to your level. You should also check out the Kapale self defense class and Jujitsu on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They make self defense fun. We don't live in the safest city, do yourself a favor, learn some self defense and get a great work out at the same time. Laura and Danilo have really helped me work toward my health goals. I'm stronger and more flexible than when I started. read more

Just took a KUPALE self defense class for Women at Excelsior Yoga with my two teen daughters. It was very informative and my girls and I came out prepared to defend ourselves in any situation. Thank you so much for your extensive knowledge and kindness. I would highly recommend this class. read more

I love this place. Both Laura and Danilo are great teachers, the studio is simple and clean, and the practice is focused and honest. No irritating music mixes and each class is different enough that I always learn something new. I really like the mix of people that take classes here, too: different ages and sizes and abilities. Yoga has become so trendy and upscale, so it's great to find a place like this - - and in the Ex! read more

This is, hands down, my favorite yoga studio ever. The teachers are phenomenal, and the practice that happens here feels grounded, challenging, and very real and spiritual. It reminds me of the yoga I did on a meditation retreat many years ago in Thailand. It's truly about the practice--and you can feel it in the room. read more

Excellent studio! I literally signed up for Yelp so that I could review Excelsior Yoga. Laura and Nilo are amazing people and instructors. I go to yoga multiple times per week now and love it. I always get a really good work-out and really feel like I'm building strength. I also just attended my first Kupale self defense class with 7 of my good friends. Nilo and Laura worked with us to make sure we could all sign up together. It was really empowering and just super fun. read more

What a great gem to find in Excelsior. I just had my first no-nonsense thorough class with Danilo. Best class I've ever taken. A very intense workout without any macho BS or pepped up gym stuff. AND a very welcomed focus on relaxation, controlled breathing, anxiety reduction et al without the overdose of new-wave/touchy-feely sentiment. Very down to earth. I'm not against that level of belief or passion for healing, but it's been hard for my midwestern male archetype to get comfortable with that. This was the best of all worlds. Don't hesitate to go in there. Your mind and body will thank you. read more

I have struggled to find a yoga class that is serious but not grim, adaptable but challenging. This is it! Nilo is an excellent caring teacher with great skill in conveying how and why to do the poses and how they fit together. . the classes include sun salutation flows, individual poses, and a guided deep relaxation that are all excellent. He pays attention and is calm and attentive. To me, this feels like "real" yoga. Not competitive, but contemplative. You work really hard, but feel very good at the end. This is an excellent professional yoga studio - brand new and sparkling clean, convenient for those of us who don't live in the yoga studio- heavy parts of town. Try it! They have a trial pass where you can go as many times as you want within 2 weeks for $30. read more

Had my first class there today. Very friendly. An levels class. Roomy inside with separate changing rooms for men and women. Lockers available if you feel the need. 90 minute classes. I'll be going back. I'm used to bikram so this is a nice change up. Gotta keep the body from being bored. Current fixed pricing but they will be coming up with some package prices soon. read more

EXCELSIOR YOGA is a somewhat hidden GEM at Mission and Onandaga streets where parking is not a problem at about 6 p.m. when I arrive at this small, lovely, quiet studio to attend the excellent classes there all led by NILO. His classes are rigorous but paced so that we can each work at the level each participant is prepared for. Teacher Nilo is the KEY; I've tried many studios in SF and this is the best for me. Nilo is serious about the practice of yoga in a most inviting way. During the hour and a half class he takes us through poses, stretching, balancing and challenging; as well as focusing on calm and centered breathing, and always closing with a period of resting meditation which feels very good. I am stronger and more flexible because of this class. read more

First time to this studio today. I saw online that they want new students to show up 15 minutes prior to the class starting, so I did. Danilo helped me out, and was very friendly. The facility is clean and spacious. The session was challenging to both my body and mind. I was able to purchase a new attendee special- $35 for 2 weeks. I look forward to using it! read more

I love love love this studio. Danilo and Laura are awesome teachers. Its the first yoga studio that I've been to that challenges me to new and harder poses rather than the standard asanas . They really are helping me get to the next level. They offer great coaching and are all around awesome! read more

Amazing yoga teacher program. The course was perfectly structured, organized and always entertaining. This program truly changed my life and the way I see the world. The program consisted of completing 200 hours, the schedule during the day was very well stretched out, the lectures were very insightful and intellectual, they challenged me to have a bigger understanding of yoga, the universe and myself. Beautiful course. Both Nilo and Laura were incredible instructors during the yoga classes and the lectures and mentors in general. Amazing people and amazing studio. read more

Like the other review said, theory is being explained while doing the techniques, very educational, in my opinion, it gives you a better understanding of what yoga is really about, theory and practice being implemented at the same time. I am a beginner, this is my first time ever to try yoga. I was skeptical at first since the class here is for all levels, but i said i would give it a try so i purchased the new student pass. The class is not as hard as i thought , a bit challenging, yes, for a beginner. However, because in every style/pose, Danilo (instructor) explains what it does to your body , it guides you better and eventually achieved the result. Not a spoon fed class but not advanced nor too advanced for beginners, you do it on your own pace/comfort but with the assistance/guidance of the instructor if needed. I go in the evening class, and being a small class, instructor tracks your progress, meaning he knows when to introduce new style/pose. I attended one saturday, bigger class but not too crowded. I always walk out from the studio feeling peaceful inside. Both Laura and Danilo are friendly, warm and accommodating, you'd feel like a family here. The students are the same, i was not intimidated at all esp during my first class. I guess the positive energy here is that strong :) The studio is decent size and is very clean, the whole place is, you can walk barefoot in the bathroom. Very quiet inside. Lockers are provided, there's dressing room. Near bus stop, and plenty of parking (metered and non). My new student pass is about to end (2 wk pass and i go 3x a week), and i will definitely continue my class here. I feel a lot better now, in mind and body, since i started their class. Yes, you will find some other lower cost around, but their class fee is worth purchasing . If you are in search of a peaceful place to practice yoga, good/positive energy ambiance, or want to learn more , then you would want to check this place out. Highly recommended esp for beginners. read more

Its about time the excelsior got a yoga studio. The place is brand new and super chill. Both Nello and Laura are fantastic teachers, the all level classes offer something for everyone. I hope locals from the neighborhood will support this zen oasis in the "E". read more

My favorite yoga studio! Both Laura and Danilo are amazing teachers and the Hathaway style of yoga is very restoring, yet challenging. I always leave feeling better than when I entered. Thank you! read more

Yoga in the Excelsior what a breath of fresh air!!! And Danilo and Laura the husband and wife yoga teachers and studio owners are just super. They have done a really terrific job of changing a store front space into a yoga studio. The space feels really clean and inviting. I have had two classes so far, both with Danilo. He is a very good teacher, very focused, and has a very good ability to adjust the class to each individual's needs. The classes are 90 minutes. They start with breath practice, then proceed to vinyasas, standing poses, seated poses, inversions and then guided meditation. It is so lovely to walk to a yoga class in the Excelsior. A big thank you to Danilo and Laura for bringing this energy into the neighborhood. I encourage anyone in the neighborhood to check out this new studio and help them succeed. read more

Friend and I tried to attend yoga class today but were denied entrance b/c as new students we didn't arrive a full 15 minutes before class. Have been attending yoga classes since early 80s and have never encountered such strict and absurd rules. Will never patronize this business again. read more

I went for my first yoga class at Excelsior Yoga today and it was great! The yoga instructors are super friendly and the space is lovely. The teacher was really supportive of individual students abilities (which is important for me because I can feel intimidated by classes/instructors due to my limited flexibility related to medical issues). So, having someone who can help me modify the class is important. With that being said, the class was also challenging, too. It was an hour and thirty minutes, which felt like the perfect length of time. The yoga teacher was very thorough and not only walked you through the poses, but gave you background information about how certain postures and breathing techniques have an impact on your mind and body. I love this type of yoga class - where I walk away feeling that I've not only learned the correct postures, but I'm learning the theory behind the move so that I can get as much from it as possible. All in all, great class! Definitely going back next week. Wish they had a 5 classes for $50 deal, or something similar. Hooray for yoga in my neighborhood! read more

I love coming here! Laura is so friendly and knowledgeable and patient. The place is super clean and smells great. I'm glad this place is open right in my neighborhood. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do Yoga. read more

I'm new to Yoga, and I am so grateful that I happened upon Excelsior Yoga. The studio is clean and intimate, and the instructors are wonderful! The sessions are so nurturing for the mind, body and spirit...Namaste read more

Chiming in to say that I love this place as well. I leave class feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually stronger. Both teachers are invested in ensuring that all students have a rewarding experience. Its hard to explain fully, you should just try a class. read more

I am grateful to Laura and Danilo for opening up the Yoga studio in the neighborhood. Both the instructors are very friendly, encouraging, and patient. It is a very welcoming environment . Upon entering the studio, you will be greeted either by Laura or Danilo by name. The studio is very clean. i always feel rejuvenated after each practice. read more

I am SO disappointed!! I recently moved three blocks from this place. I was SO excited to have a neighborhood yoga studio (presumably locally owned as well). Went to take a class this morning at 10:30. Was there a solid five minutes before that. Was greeted by who I assume to be Danilo who informed me of their "first timer must be there 15 minutes before class." He said because I have to fill out a form (not even a page, would take me two seconds to fill out) and pay (I told him i had exact change in cash) he would have to deny me entry. I am a certified yoga teacher and have been practicing for 15+ years and never experienced such rudeness and such a strict policy like this. I was so shocked he would not let me in. I'm an east coaster so i appreciate rules and policies, etc, but this one was pretty crazy. It's YOGA! Come on. And you would think they could not afford to turn away business. Also I skipped my favorite 10:30 class at Flow Yoga (at Ocean - great studio that I guess will now be my only studio) so now no yoga. Most importantly, if you're going to have such a strict policy, PUT IT PROMINENTLY ON YOUR WEBSITE. I went back and could not find this policy on their website anywhere. I will never go back. What an un-yogic like practice and attitude. read more