I get such a great workout in the hot Pilates classes. The instructors I've had are super fit and push you to challenge yourself. Few logistics on getting to this studio - they lock the door after class has started so you can't be late. I've learned my lesson rushing to the studio only to find I couldn't get in. There's a parking lot under the building and outside so give yourself extra time to park and get settled. Overall I'd highly recommend their Pilates classes. read more

I wanted to start the year with something different . I was SO nervous starting hot yoga after all the horror stories I had heard. But this place is amazing ! Yes the hot yoga is hard I am very out of shape and right now I am just focusing on staying in the room. What makes me keep coming back are the people ! They are so kind. My first day I met Steve who was the sweetest person he is a local coach ( I think I am meant to call him coach !! ) he talked me through the process of hydrating , electrolytes, chia treats and just how to position myself closer to the door. All his advice helped me so much he is an expert ! Then there is a true inspiration Anjana she reassured me that the first lesson feeling was expected and to continue to focus on staying in class then the moves. Honestly if it wasn't for these two I don't think I would have returned thinking there is no way I can get better. They are constant motivators every time I see them in class. The teachers are dedicated and kind , the studio always smells so good. The showers are clean and there is a water fountain. The only negative is the bathrooms are shared with the whole floor which gets very busy around the afternoon with the others but that's not the studios fault. I hope I can continue my practice but right now I love it and am so grateful to have found it ! read more

I loved first few classes I took here. Instructors are great. And a nice way to challenge you body to see how much it can do. Would recommend everyone to try it once read more

Love Lawrence's Inferno Piltates class on Friday Mornings at 8:15. Hot challenging and a great way to start the day!

I've been practicing at this studio for a fair amount of time, and have been more than satisfied with what they offer. My only complaint is the lack of consistency with the room temperature. Never have to worry about the room not being hot enough; it's those days when the room is beyond uncomfortable, which are many. I've heard numerous times, the instructor saying the goal should be to stay in the room for the duration of the practice, while beginners are struggling and in obvious discomfort. I've felt sorry for them and unsurprisingly, rarely see them return. However, today was my turn. I've only had it happen once, where I felt I was at a point of just fleeing the room - that was many months ago and I feel I'm at a point of being able to manage the heat now. I really have to focus though. However, today threw me for a loop - it was miserable (granted the pilates class ran late and the instructor didn't open windows or doors the 15 minutes we had between the classes). This was the first time I've ever left class, feeling like it was a waste of time. I was thinking how the goal should be to stay in the room, but I would much rather push myself 100+% with each posture, rather than lying down and only putting 50% into each posture in a room that is too hot. Wouldn't you rather have the students put more energy into each posture versus just staying in the room? When I see people laying down, that indicates to me that people are hot and don't have the energy to participate. I know there is a strong presence of experienced students, but you might want to be a little more sympathetic to those that find the heat a bit much. Thanks for any consideration! read more

Good Bikram focused yoga studio. Nadia, Ping, Estevan and others are great instructors. It also helps that the property makes it easy to park- there's a lot and covered garage. Namaste!! read more

I love this place ! I have been trying to start yoga for years but I never kept up with it and here with the hot yoga classes I really feel I found my place . I love the heat ( it's really not that bad ) and the teachers are great !! And the best thing about this place is that the studio is really big , so there always room and no need to sign in in advance . read more

What is cool about hot yoga - and Bikram's simple but challenging combination of 26 postures + 2 breathing exercises - is how perfectly it combines the alluring promise of enhanced self-discovery with the sustaining empowerment of collective performance, all packaged into the highly functional form of an easy-to-follow ritual. This very professional-looking and well-appointed San Mateo studio - 1 of 4 such BHYs in the greater Bay Area (SF, East Bay, Mid-Peninsula) - offers you an excellent entry point into the world of intense but relaxing exercise that awaits those with the grit and gravitas to unlock its many hidden secrets. The studio itself is well located on the second floor of a swank office building on El Camino Real, only a few blocks north of CA-92. The changing and shower rooms are elegant and functional, and the outer seating area is quite spacious and attractively organized. The yoga room itself is cavernous and wide, with only one support column in an otherwise uncluttered space lined on three sides with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and one exterior wall with large windows generally covered with gauzy white curtains, but which can be opened at the instructor's prerogative to infuse the space with fresh oxygen and cool air (there are very quiet ceiling fans, too). The heat inside is nicely maintained and consistent, and while you will notice it, that's the point. Part of the joy of the practice is having your body glistening with perspiration as you glide between postures in the "standing series" (great for balance, flexibility, and strength, esp. the legs) and then transition (after a blissful short rest period) to the "floor series," which if anything is even more aerobically intense than the first batch of postures, and which is great for arm strength and fine-tuning your upper torso. The 10-class trial period ($5 per 90-minute class, which generally seem longer, each led by a skilled and caring instructor), is something that everyone living mid-peninsula should consider trying, either solo or in a small cohort of friends, family, of significant others. It is probably easier to survive the first few classes with a backup or two, although there is nothing that should stop single would-be yogins from coming. Often, as was the case with the founder, Bikram C., one is drawn to the practice in order to recover from a serious injury or sickness of some sort, either physical or mental. Scars take time to heal, and the spiritual, inward-focused nature of hatha yoga provides a way not simply to "recover" from the past, but also in some significant senses to transcend that previous reality in favor of something more expansive, more enlightening, and more self-aware than that earlier, stasis-inducing status quo. I first started the practice in western Montana during a particularly nasty fire season (which made hiking outdoors unhealthy), and after a frightening fall while backcountry skiing solo on the Lewis and Clark trail near Lolo Pass that previous winter. Everyone in the room likely has a similar story to tell (if they weren't so busy trying to catch their breath from the second round of balancing stick). It's that inner drive that keeps people returning week in and week out. Even if you never find out exactly what motivates the others to come, you'll sense it in their quiet determination, their patience, and the energy that they bring to their practice. Strength, flexibility, and balance are the key benefits at the start, but dynamic healing, creative self-fashioning, and evolving personal awareness (becoming more "you") are part of the package as well, if you can handle the heat (you can), the soreness (you will), and the initial frustrations about "failing" to maintain the postures correctly. Just remember that there is no wrong way to do them, only varying degrees of right. To my mind (and currently aching body), this particular studio offers an excellent spot to begin, or to continue, a Bikram yoga practice. Whether it lasts 10 classes, 10 months, or 10 years, that's probably less important at the moment than showing up, mat and towel in hand, almost naked and utterly exposed (in a good way), ready to see what will happen next. The most inspiring yogins are often not the ones you might expect, and they come in all shapes, ages, and sizes. It isn't a gym or a cross fit center or aerobics class: the difference will be palpable if you attend class for the first time, and while there isn't any harm in those other places, a great deal of good can happen here. Perhaps you will find out for yourself, this season, or the next. It's really the only way to know. Hope you will make it to class one day soon! read more

See all

My favorite yoga studio in Peninsula. Not many studios have classes as early as 5:30 am, so it's a huge plus! I only go to morning classes so not sure about evening ones, but it's never been too crowded for me. One downside is that instructors seem to rotate every week, and they're not all my favorite... read more

I'm not going to lie...as I waited in the yoga room for the instructor to start class, I had to talk myself out of leaving before the class had even started. Bikram is soooooo hot! I have been trying to lose the post pregnancy weight that I've gained for the past 3 years. Since i'm not consistent with exercising or eating right, it's been tough. I After talking some sense into myself with the voices in my head, I stayed and since then have taken 2 classes so far. The instructors are nice and know what they are doing. They talk constantly throughout the poses and walk around the room to adjust you so you can get a better stretch. The facility itself is another story. Don't get me wrong, the lobby and changing area is nice. However, as soon as you walk in, there is a distinct toe jam mixed with sweat smell. The lobby is hardwood so I don't know why the smell would linger. The actual yoga room itself is carpet and that initially grossed me out. The room smells like BO and feet. There is a pose that requires you to stretch your arm out on the carpet. Needless to say, when class is over and you return to your car, you will smell a bit like feet. Stick your nose to your arm and you will really smell it. I understand that they deep clean the carpet but with that many classes rotating through and all that sweat, I can't imagine it being that clean. After all, if you can smell it.... read more

I was disappointed that the floor was carpeted.It stinks like I can't bear longer I have to leave the class in 30 mins.coz I was nauseated.I had hot yoga before in Burlingame ,Ca area and I was okay the whole session even though It was crowded all the time because they have a wooded floor.If it's a regulation I don't think it's fair dealing in a hot room and smelling bad and yes one comment was true that it did stay with you til you are in the car .Your sweat drops on your mat most of the time so I don't see the reason slipping might be a problem as I was told by the receptionist why its carpeted. As I was reading the other reviews,same problem was mentioned .I hope the owner is or doin something now coz other than the stinky carpeted yoga studio,the place is quite pretty.I had a Groupon ,I wish I had use YeLp first or visit the studio before purchasing. read more

I recently bought the Groupon for 10 Classes, and I attended my 1st class last Tuesday (2/2). The instructors were very welcoming & helpful. In my 1st class, I forgot to bring my water bottle, and the instructor gladly stepped out of the room to get water for me. They also encouraged me to stay in the room for the entire 90 minutes, so even while taking a break, I can observe the poses for the future. By my 3rd class, I didn't have to sit and made it through majority of the poses. I ended up coming 3 times last week(Tues, Thurs, & Sat), since it was recommended to feel the full benefits, and I feel AMAZING! :D I only took off 1 star because the lobby smells pretty sweaty when you 1st walk in, but it was still tolerable and didn't take away from my practice. read more

Pros: Great, patient, and motivating instructors! (Kerry, Matt, Sarah, Christian, and two others I forgot their name) If it's your first few times there, they make you feel welcome and not let you feel intimidated even though you feel like giving up after the first few poses! :) Shower room is provided with cubbies for your personal belongings. These shower rooms are stocked with shampoo, shower gel, q-tips, lotion, mouth wash, and a hair dryer. Cool motion-sensor-activated water bottle fountain. They let you drink water at certain times, unlike other bikhram studios. Cons: The floor is carpet and everyone is dripping in sweat. Even if they shampoo the carpet everyday, it seems gross stepping in other people's sweat throughout the day. You cannot be late or leave early. What if you have an appointment that you have to leave early for? Sorry, you can't leave. You have to stay the whole duration or else you'll be hated on. If you plan on going to the earliest morning class, make sure you ask about the door code the week and day before!!! I remember being stuck outside with a couple others because we all didnt know it; thankfully some stranger knew the code. If it wasn't for her, we would've been late (meaning we would've totally missed the whole yoga class, meaning we would've wasted our $ and time). There are no lockers to keep your stuff "safe". The cubbies are all you have. But so far, i haven't experienced anything getting stolen from me. There are only 4 showers and there can be a line to use them. I wish they played some tranquil music while doing the yoga, but i guess they don't do that for bikhram. read more

Great classes and instructors! Variety of class hours, facility is clean, items are for sale if you forget. I would recommend to any one.

I hate to give such a low review because I thought the instructor and the class itself was great, but I have to agree with the other reviewers on here - the smell is AWFUL! It made me very nervous that I was sweating like crazy (which is good), but I was having to wipe my face and mouth off with hands and arms that were touching that filthy smelling floor! When I walked into the studio, the smell just about knocked me over and I came THIS CLOSE to turning around and walking out, despite my free pass which I'd received from a regular patron of the place. I'm really sensitive to smells anyway, so I told myself to stop being a wimp and stay. Which I did. Again, the instructor and the class were top notch, but I just cannot subject myself to another hour and a half of that horrible odor. Even a long hot shower as soon as I got home couldn't dispense the smell from my sinuses! read more

I began going to bikram when I moved to the Bay Area and initial I liked it due to the fact it was challenging, however I will not be coming back to this studio, the instructor estevan was extremely rude and made a student in the class feel so uncomfortable she left when she couldn't do a pose. Once she packed her belongings he told her not to leave in the middle of a pose because it was "rude and distracting to the other students." What was more distracting was him calling her out in front of the whole class! Would not recommend someone to go here. read more

I've taken five classes so far here, four hot yoga and one pilates. All of my classes have been good, with a couple that have been excellent. The studio is clean and the locker room is nice with good amenities. The only reasons I gave four stars vs. five is that the feeling is that the bathroom is outside of the studio, down the hall shared with tenants in the office building. After a hot yoga class, that can be a bit awkward. read more

Love Bikram Yoga San Mateo!!! I tell the instructors before class that I am new to yoga and I am happy to say they are very helpful with modifications and correcting poses during class. I have had a few different teachers and they are all excellant. I can't wait to try their hot Pilates class. read more

I am still using my session from groupon. Unfortunately, I sliced my finger, so am on a unvoluntary break! I really enjoy this place! Overall, the instructors are awesome and understanding to the fact that not everyone adjusts to this style of workout as quickly. I did have a bad experience with the male instructor (I think his name is Brad?), but overall, it's a great studio! My only other issue is that, I love that they offer student discounts, but you don't all of a sudden have money just because you turn 25. Many students are over 25 if they're in graduate school, like myself, and graduate school is MORE expensive than undergraduate. Putting an age limit on education is frivilous. read more

I was able to purchase a new student unlimited 1 month pass for $40.00 and enjoyed every class I attended. The heat was hard to get use to in the beginning however it gets easier. I love that they have a 8:15pm class during the week which allowed me to attend 3-4 times a week due because it worked with my schedule. I like most of the instructors however Sylvana is my fav. My 30day trial period is now over and I definitely see a change in my body both mentally, physically and spiritually. Bikram Yoga does wonders!!! I am now planning to make this part of my life. I am looking into their membership rates right now... Looking forward to continuing this practice of meditation and health. Mary read more

Bikram San Mateo has improved my health to a new level! The instructors are great and it's a nice studio. I recommend this place to anyone looked to positively impact their life. read more

So I really wanted this bikram yoga studio to work out for me, so close to my house and less expensive than the one I normally go to. First of all it's super confusing to find, it's on the second floor of a shared office space building so if you decide to come here give yourself extra time to riddle out the correct door, and elevator and floor to take. To be fair the waiting room and bathrooms are nice. The actual yoga studio feels like an 80's dance studio slash loft. WITH CARPET. This is Bikram yoga folks. Guess what happens when people sweat on carpet. Multiple times a days, for months. Talk about a bad idea. The smell floored me. By 45 minutes in I was having a hard time not gagging. Forget about getting into my zone and getting through the poses. Lucky for me the girlfriend I came with was still getting over a cold she couldn't finish the class, I escaped with her. Side note she was sick and couldn't smell much. The instructor and her style wasn't to my liking but that wouldn't have stopped me from coming back if the studio didn't make me want to retch. She ran more of a boot camp routine than yoga class and was slightly rude at the sign up and when we tried to politely leave. If you can handle the funky smell from the bacteria and sweat, and don't mind fluorescent lighting and bare ceilings give it a go, and good luck! *Edit* I have since writing this review gone ahead and done a little rough online research. If the studio is an official Bikram Studio then indeed it must use carpet. My past experience was with two unofficial studio's both of which utilized hard flooring. My opinion stands, I simply can't take the pungent odor of old sweat, I guarantee that it was not cleaning solution that I smelled, however I do acknowledge the owner having no choice in the matter. In addition, I felt better stabilized balancing on the hard floors with my mat as the only cushion. read more

This hot yoga studio has all of the amenities I look for when finding the right place to practice Bikram yoga. From the location, available parking, safe and clean facility, friendly staff and the environment is all welcoming, calming and supportive for you to focus on your practice. The schedules are always posted and up to date online, and the online registration is makes it really easy to plan ahead or find a drop- in class. This is a great Bikram Yoga Studio, and I would highly recommend checking it out! read more

I do not recommend this place!!! First of all, when I came in the studio, the smell just made me wanna throw up!! Really !!( smell like dog pee and heat it up) The instructor is good and they push you a little bit, but when you wanna go out for a break( cuz the heat and smell), they would tell you to sit down.but just can't stand the smell!!! You will know what I am talking about when you go there. read more

Nasty place Needs mold removal Stinky Needs much needed cleaning Everything needs updated Nice people Good class if you keep your eyes closed read more

This place is still great, been increasing the frequency of my visits. I used to run quite a bit but my knees hurt with age and some of the more impact-intenstive exercises are starting to be replaced with increased visits to this studio. It also is amazing for hangovers!!! I was having the worst crash after a night of partying and I walked out a new man after one of these classes. I really really would like to see more classes in the middle of the day during lunch hour. Sure at first there may be fewer people but there are enough businesses locally to where people will eventually catch on to the idea of a lunch power hour Bikram situation. More noon classes please. UPDATE POSTED OCT 23 This place is still great, been increasing the frequency of my visits. I used to run quite a bit but my knees hurt with age and some of the more impact-intenstive exercises are starting to be replaced with increased visits to this studio. It also is amazing for hangovers!!! I was having the worst crash after a night of partying and I walked out a new man after one of these classes. I really really would like to see more classes in the middle of the day during lunch hour. Sure at first there may be fewer people but there are enough businesses locally to where people will eventually catch on to the idea of a lunch power hour Bikram situation. More noon classes please. read more

Absolutely love this place!! This was my first time doing hot yoga and I love how I feel so relaxed after the class is done. I bought the groupon offer but will be signing up for the monthly membership. read more

I have been going to this studio since January 2019. I love the Hot Pilates classes. I have been to many classes and Sylvana Carrara is an amazing instructor. She is the best! I get an amazing work out from her. I definitely recommend her classes. read more

Loved Bikram yoga. I bought a 30 day pass and made great use of it. Easy parking out back, conveniently timed classes, and within a month, I felt a difference. Unfortunately, due to my new work schedule, I've been working long hours and haven't made it back. Looking forward to returning soon. read more

San Mateo Bikram Yoga was awesome!! Great workout and Diana was so energetic and helped us get through it... one of our favorite teachers!!! The studio is easy to access as it's close to the freeway, it's well maintained, and has great temperature/humidity for a hot yoga studio. read more

Yoga here is great. If you are looking for a hot classroom this is the place. Woof. The prices are also competitive with other studios around the bay. Good deal overall. They do have lockers you can exchange your keys for while in class. Bikram is sweaty yoga by definition. Do you really expect to show up and not be sweaty or to be around sweaty people? Be prepared or go to one of those rich divorcee yoga classes that lasts 20 minutes and serves you chardonnay at the end. read more

Love the large classroom and generally nice warm temperature. Also enjoy the variety of classes for me to mix up my practices. Not a lot of showering facilities, but people are generally quite fast with cleaning up so it's not a big problem. read more

The instructors at Bikram Yoga San Mateo are the best. The dialogue is thorough and pertinent. I've been to many studios both in the Bay Area and in other states when I travel. By far, this studio is the best because of the people here. All the instructors are good but in particular, Sylvana, Robyn, Angelina, Dash & Michael are the BEST. Sylvana is amazing in helping people around her and give off very positive energy. I learn something new each time and discover different ways to improve my practice. Do plan ahead to arrive early & get settled in to have the best practice possible. I highly recommend this studio. read more

Had an excellent first Bikrsm yoga class. Teacher Sarah was fantastic. Pays attention to the details, helps attendees. I highly recommend it. Think I lost 4 pounds in that class! read more

Hot Yoga Plus - This was my first Bikram hot yoga class ever! Totally loved it. Sarah is a great teacher. I think I lost 4 pounds in the class! - Yoga Near Me - San Mateo, California

The vibe at San Mateo yoga is very friendly, positive, and low key. The atmosphere is inviting and conducive to both beginners and seasoned yogis of all walks of life. It is definitely the most welcoming studio in the area, it's not pretentious like some of the nearby studios. read more

*this review is solely for the instructor Lawrence* Want to be humiliated? Want to feel threaten? Want to be called names in front of a room full of strangers? This is the instructor for you! Lawrence is the most repulsive instructor I've ever met in my life. Between his multiple personalities and sarcastic remarks you will get nothing in this class, his workouts are labeled "inferno" but it's far from it. He literally teaches the worst classes and is the bottom of the barrel for teachers pick. I thought I was being too sensitive but when I over heard many complain about him I quickly realized it's not just me. I have spoken to 15 other students who cannot stand Lawrence. I don't understand why management keeps such a poor instructor around- SHAME ON MANAGEMENT- I DONT CARE IF LAWRENCE HAS SENIORITY HE NEEDS TO GO. I go to this location everyday expect Sundays and I throw up whenever I see this guy teaching, I avoid his classes like it's the Black Plague, it hurts seeing other getting picked on and hurts even more when its your turn. Even other instructors can't stand him and encourage students to speak up. I've already sent this location an email more than once but they choose to keep him teaching- I 10000% blame management at this point. On a happier note- all the other teachers here is amazing, kind, supportive and make you feel worthy! I will only encourage other students like myself to post reviews such as this one on Yelp, who have had similar issues with Lawrence, because management does NOTHING when you email them directly. GET IT TOGETHER MANAGEMENT THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT AND IGNORING STUDENT EMAILS DOESNT MAKE THE PROBLEM GO AWAY read more

I practiced Bikram Yoga in Sonoma County regularly for two years before moving to the Peninsula. I found a place in downtown Palo Alto close to work called Source Yoga where I was practicing in an small and overcrowded room to "Johnny's Style" of Hot Yoga (with no showers) for an uncomfortable 8 months until.... I found the Groupon online for "Bikram San Mateo". I did 30 days for $29. and now that that has ended I Im sold!!!! Great package pricing so I bought a 20 class card that got the price down to $8 a visit! This place is right on El Camino near 92. Its new, clean, efficient heating, great showers and changing area with consistent REAL Bikram instruction and friendly staff. Only downside is if you are showering and you have to use the toilet.....that is not possible. Bathrooms are in an entirely different area that is not close to the showers. However I still give it a Huge thumbs up all around. read more

Bikram Hot Yoga San Mateo is awesome! I went to my first class last night and had a great experience. Upon walking into the studio I immediatley felt a warm vibe from the low lighting and great color scheme. I was helped right away and even though it was busy, I was able to register and purchase a yoga mat quickly. Sylvana was working behind the counter and she made sure I had everything I would need for class. The studio is big and has full length mirrors on 3 of the 4 walls. The other wall has windows which let in natural light. This was the first time I had ever taken a bikram class and it was hard! Sylvana, the instructor, was amazing. She leads the class, walking around to check on newcomers and correct any posture errors. After class she even spoke to me about ways to enhance the benefits and things to do before class that will help. I am coming definitley coming back! read more

This studio is probably the nicest Bikram studio I've ever been to. It's super clean, the facilities are great and there is plenty of parking in the back. I've been here a handful of times, and I try to go at least once a week. I love that their schedule offers classes starting from 5:30am to 8:30pm. So convenient! Every time I come here, I know I'm going to get a great workout, but sometimes it seems that the instructors' level of experience varies from novice to master. read more

Victoria has such beautiful, grounding energy!! She is a real asset to the studio! I love how this location (Bikram San Mateo) keeps the heat consistently perfect Also, very clean and spacious. Nice showers and locker room. They make a big effort to provide parking and give clear guidance on where to park. Really enjoying my experience here at this studio. read more