This yoga studio is a gift to our world. Dari is everything you'd want in a yoga teacher -- she is highly skilled, intelligent, empathic, and attentive. I'm so glad she's chosen this path. My life is better because of Loka Yoga. read more

Loka Yoga saved my sanity and body during the height of the pandemic in 2020. When Loka Yoga offered online classes, I was able to move my body and create a sense of community while in my home staying safe. The classes are gentle enough to not injure myself and challenging enough to keep me fit and strong. read more

Loka Yoga is an amazing community led by the fabulous Dari Silva. It is truly a welcoming and inclusive space for all levels, body types, and ages. I have been beyond impressed with their adaptation to this pandemic. Currently Loka offers a large selection of classes almost all of which have a choice of live (distanced and vaccinated) or on line. This studio has been an essential part of my family's well being for many years and they just keep getting better and better! read more

I'd heard about Dari's studio from a friend. I showed up today and it was exactly what I needed. The instructor Ashlei was super patient and explained the moves with ease and comfort. I got the unlimited 30 day special. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to get an instructor who was so patient. Downward Dog is my favorite pose. Thanks again for a great paced class. See you next time Namaste ‍ read more

For starters I am a total newb at yoga. That said I just finished my first lesson with Dari. She made me feel comfortable and confident that I now plan to keep learning. Thank you for being so kind and creating a friendly learning environment. I will be looking forward to the next lesson. read more

A lovely studio with a very calming, open, minimalist vibe. Very grateful for this place.

Loka Yoga is a terrific yoga studio and community resource. Dari Silva, the owner, is a superb, intelligent and empathetic teacher, tailoring each class around practitioners' needs. She never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge and creativity. Laxman Panthi, who is of Nepalese origin but whose family has lived in Burma (Myanmar) for many years, brings his long-term yoga wisdom to his classes and provides a whole body workout that makes me feel rejuvenated each time I come. The friendly, warm atmosphere is also a big plus. The teachers at Loka make everyone feel welcome, nurtured, and supported. read more

I have been coming to Loka for over 5 years now and I just have to say how transformative this oasis of zen is in a world of chaos! Soooooooooooooo grateful it is just around the block from my hood! read more

Loka feels like home to me. I've been taking classes here for several years and have always has good experiences. I've definitely grown in my practice and enjoyed the journey! Dari, the owner, is kind, thoughtful, and takes the time to work with her students to further their practice. She also plays great music in her classes. I attend Laxman's 9am Sunday class regularly. He has such a natural fluid style and a great manner in the studio. Laxman has been a yoga student since he was very young and living in Nepal. He is a great teacher and regularly has the classes laughing at his jokes and breaks up challenging sequences with playful releases. Both Dari and Laxman are funny and keep the mood light in their classes. Classes are reasonably priced, the studio is clean, welcoming, and has everything you would need for a great yoga experience. read more

Okay, so this was only my second time ever attempting yoga and I'll tell ya - this was a much different experience than the first! Looks pretty funky from the outside and trust me, I got a good look as I went round and round, trying to find parking. The Bay Area just isn't friendly to us "less than environmentally green" types who continue to drive paid-in-full SUV's! I digress..... So I stepped into the studio to the scent of eucalyptus, rosemary, ylang-ylang and bergamot - you get my drift. This place was an herbal haven. The receptionist was friendly enough as she ran to get the assistant to guide me - the newbie - on how things worked around there. After a strict tongue lashing of "no shoes in the studio", Amber pointed me to a storage cubby and then in the direction of the restroom. Behind the curtain was a big opened space with two rows of mats and people, sitting in their "asanas" (yoga translation = ready position!); anxiously awaiting the guru. I was a little nervous to walk into the restroom barefoot, but to my surprise it was astonishingly clean. Walking back to the studio I was able to get a wide-eyed view of the clientele. Let's just say that in this "hood" of East Oakland's Dimond District, I was THE minority in this joint! Excitedly for me, my cousin appeared just before we started the chant, "Loka Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu"..........WHAT?!?!?!?!?! Remembering that this practice was about connecting through mind, body and spirit, I began to get into a rhythm of the routine; paying close attention to my breathing pattern and state of being. I tried to suppress the occasional giggle of the flashbacks that I kept having of stretching before my high school track meets! Alice, body-wrapped in tattoo art, choreographed us through a full hour and a half dance, slowly introducing the next "step" before completing an entire routine; ending in a dark, candlelit room. WOW! This was nothing like the 24hr. Fitness introduction that I previously had. I can't wait to drag my cousin back for at least two more sessions. Newbies are granted an introductory rate: 3 classes for a $15 advance payment. I suggest this place for all ages, gender, shapes and sizes. No debit cards here though, so don't forget to bring your cash! read more

I have been going to Loka Yoga for three weeks now. After reading other reviews, I made sure to arrive only 5 minutes early my first time. However, since then I have arrived even earlier, and there has always been someone there. The first time, I told them I was nervous because it was the first time I ever did yoga. I couldn't go during any of the times they offered beginning class, so I had settled for one with levels 1-2. They went out of their way to explain everything and make me feel comfortable. I quickly decided this would be a regular thing for me. Since then I have been to several classes, even one with levels 1-3. They always find a way to meet everyone's needs, whether they are experienced or not. My favorite is Tuesday morning with Christie, who has this amazing intuition about how to help people be stronger students. I also love that when you buy five class passes, you not only get a discount, but they are cut from random recycled postcards! So If you like the idea of class that both relaxes you and strengthens you, it's a great place for you! read more

I've only had one class at Loka and I liked the place very much. It's low key, clean, and the instructor (Scott) was quite good - quality corrections, easy manner, challenging and thoughtful class. The place also does v. interesting programs outside the regular schedule. The 5th star lacks for a couple of things - I arrived a bit early, the door was locked for safety so I had to sit in my car until the instructor showed about 5 minutes before class. No big whoop, but a little annoying for a first timer. Also I decided to try the place sort of at the last minute - on the day of the class. I emailed to try and get more info about the classes offered (since the website/blog doesn't have that info), but never heard back. Because I have some experience with yoga, I took an educated guess - also no big deal, but another customer service demerit. It's a bummer there's not first time deal to allow you to try a few different classes. Yoga's just so dang expensive (this is a general observation), even with the frequent user card (in this case $11 per class), if you want to go twice a week, it's still more expensive than the fancy downtown gym with all the weight equipment, pool, aerobics and quality yoga classes. I wish I understood the pricing structure of these studios in this scenario - I know it's a volume "thing". I want to support the neighborhood independent vision, but it just doesn't pencil out. I'm glad for them that there are enough folks who find $15 reasonable. So if you're one of them, go here, and as a first timer just be open to a situation that is a studio that is not full-time. The classes and atmosphere are definitely worth it. read more

Everyone should take Dari's yoga class! My partner and I are very much new to the world of yoga but felt welcome and accepted (regardless of skill level) by everyone there. The studio is incredibly cozy and provides yoga mats, blankets, pillows, and blocks if you don't have your own. Dari is awesome and provides a judgment free environment for her students- we will defiantly be coming back! read more

What a gem of a studio! I have been taking Sunday morning Hatha Vinyasa with Laxman for several months and have reignited my love for yoga. He is deeply knowledgeable about yoga- both the physical practice and also all the philosophical underpinnings. He manages to make classes quite challenging but also very spiritually nurturing. The studio is lovely. Simple decor, spotlessly clean, sweet touches like real China water cups and handmade eye beanbags. Easy parking and inclusive community. Students are all levels, shapes, sizes, ages and colors. No judgement and very welcoming. I can't recommend this studio highly enough for high quality yoga, inclusive community and pleasantly warm and low-key vibe. Just what this busy working mom needs to recharge my physical and spiritual battery each weekend! read more

I relocated to Oakland from Seattle one week ago today and am on the search for a neighborhood yoga studio. While visiting Oakland a couple of weeks ago I drove by Loka and intuitively felt drawn to the studio. Today I was lucky enough to attend my first class and can say that I have found the place where I want to continue cultivating my yoga practice. Alice (the founder of Loka) was the teacher and she was amazing. It is clear that she has and continues to create a sense of community in her classes. This not only emanates from her but from her students. Alice's class was challenging but in a positive and loving atmosphere. I have been practicing yoga for three years and definitely felt pushed in this class. Additionally, Alice doesn't just teach asana she also threads philosophy and chanting into the practice. I'm looking forward to going back to Loka and encourage you to visit! read more

Dari is the best yoga teacher I've ever had! And she has a really nice sense of humor :-)

Loka Yoga is awesome. I love their studio, but most of all the instructors. Allison does a great Saturday class especially if you're rehabbing an injury. I really like Dari's classes. She plays awesome music and mixes it up. I've been going for 10 months so far and it's the best decision I made. My back hasn't gone out once since I started. I highly recommend it. read more

Loka Yoga is the perfect community yoga studio; great, caring teachers allowing students to practice yoga at their own level and safely. It is so very different from the chain yoga studios. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Dari made sure we were able to practice via Zoom and it was almost as good as being in the studio. read more

The studio is a large space with a very friendly neighborhood feel. I went for the gentle vinyasa class which was great. More yoga studies should have gentle vinyasa classes. There was a separate changing room and a clean bathroom. read more

Oh my god, I love this place so very much! I have found my dream yoga class... 6:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Brittany! She is so sweet and guides the class to suit the individuals in the room. Her energy is so nurturing and it flows through her practice with sincerity. Her class is not the same sun salutations over and over. It's like a tuning for the whole body to start your day, no matter what level. (I'm vinyasa 1 1/2. ) I wish I could take this class every day. (Pssst!! It's not a crowded class and parking is a cinch at 6:30 am!) read more

I love the Zoom classes during COVID-19 shelter-in-place. I already loved the in-person classes, and now I can do them from the comfort of my home. It's nice to still have the feeling of a group class but without worrying about falling on anyone, anyone sweating on me (this never happened before but still kind of a weird fear I always have), and less temptation to compare myself to other more flexible people. I hope they keep doing the Zoom classes once shelter-in-place is over so I can do my favorite Sunday 9am class with Laxman when I am out of town! read more

I HEART Loka Yoga! Alice, and all the teachers, are friendly and welcoming and really give the studio an easy going, relaxed vibe. Loka is the antidote to those snobby-$200 yoga outfit-egomaniac yogini-studios you've been to that turned you off yoga! I love this place because people of all races, ages, shapes, genders and sexual orientations come here. And I love Alice because she is a fabulous teacher, but she doesn't take herself too seriously and has fun while at the same time getting you to stretch beyond where you thought your body (or mind) could go. I've seen a marked improvement in my yoga practice since coming to Loka, and it's really just a joy to come here. I always leave feeling refreshed and ready for my day! read more

Sigh. The review here is limited, folks, but important. The website is not updated with the most recent class schedule and the "substitute instructor schedule" available online does not explicitly provide that where there are substitute teachers, there might also be a class cancelled or bumped to later in the day. i tried to go to a 7am class this morning, waited... waited... nothing. no one. ever. came. 7:00 came and went and i was bummed out rather than blissed out as i drove home around 7:20. i went home and rechecked everything -- mind/body online, the website, the yelp page, the facebook, the googles.... i saw that although the "sub schedule" said alice was out of town, there was no clear notation that this would mean that there would be *no* 7am class :( I've read all the reviews of this place and was super excited to find that sunday class with an instructor who has gotten such resounding praise from the yelpers out there. it sounds like the studio is awesome and has a great vibe, and it looked really nice from the outside -- clean, unpretentious, etc, so i'm giving it 2 stars. which is a lot considering i didn't get to do yoga there :/ so, loka yoga, please update your website to reflect the most recent class schedule! i wanna do some sun salutations with you guys! read more

If I could give Loka one MILLION stars, I would. I liked what another yelper said about Alice: she is indeed what makes the place work. She is warm, real and funny; no weird yogi vibe here, like you get at Piedmont or Namaste. And she remembers EVERYONE. Her energy is light, open-hearted and accepting which makes every class that much more enjoyable. Plus, she plays cool music! It is challenging, but centered at the same time. We are so fortunate to have Loka in the sea of mediocre, ego-driven studios in the east bay. read more

Loka Yoga is one of he best hidden secret in the Laurel district area . The location is adorable and friendly.Had the pleasure of my work team and I enjoyed a restorative candlelight yoga taught by Amina . She made us first timers feel at ease her calming and soothing voice truly relaxed as an helped me connect with my breathing . I'll be back read more

I really like this place but I had to write this because this morning was the second time I've tried to go to the class and the teacher no showed. I'm just sitting outside in my car at 6:30 am waiting. There's nothing more annoying than getting yourself out of bed pumped to go to a class and the teacher doesn't come and nobody is there to even great you . read more

I have to agree with Anita's review below. My wife and I double checked the schedule the night before and the morning of. Woke up extra early and drove to Loka only to find the teacher is a no show. Two other people standing outside waiting as well. Very disrespectful to others and extremely unprofessional. We thought we found our yoga spot, but must keep looking. read more

I've been going to Loka for a year and a half and have enjoyed every class and every teacher. The instructors are all great, highly experienced --and unique. They all make you feel very welcome and supported. The cost is very affordable especially for the Bay Area so you can go more regularly. Loka is more than a workout type of yoga-you build strength of body and mind through the poses, breathwork and meditation. I leave each class feeling like I had a healing experience especially in Dari's classes. If you want a power yoga type class Rondy's classes will definitely test your limits! Laxman too brings his own spin. You have to experience it for yourself to see what I mean. Take a chance and check it out! read more

I just got back from my first Loka Yoga class and am very pleased! Alice was everything you would want a yoga instructor to be: attentive, confident, grounding, intensive...and funny! I really appreciated her humor throughout the class and the various ways in which she pushed the class. The space and vibe are great and parking is easy. I have been in search of a yoga instructor I could follow in the East Bay for several years and do believe the search is over. Horray! read more

I've been going to Loka Yoga for well over a year now, some months more frequently than others. I have never been disappointed. When my schedule permits an earlier daytime class, I enjoy going to Alice's classes. They tend to be difficult, fun, and warm. Light but hard if that makes sense. When I am at work later in the day and can still get myself to go work out at 6pm, I love going to Dana's Monday classes. I have to admit, the first time I attended Dana's class, close to two years ago, I had been used to a more sweat-intensive yoga class that made me do a lot of strength training. At first I was undecided on Dana's class. I am a convert! She is a dance instructor and dancer as well and knows the body so well. I love how she works anatomy into her classes so you know what you are doing and why alignment is so important. Even if I don't always sweat buckets in her classes, I am usually sore the next day from using muscles that my fallback alignment allows me to usually ignore. She also always offers several variations so beginners needn't feel shy and people who are more experienced in yoga can count on a great experience. I always look forward to attending Dana's class! I have taken a few classes from other instructors too at Loka and enjoyed them. Besides great teachers, I love the space at Loka. The studio has beautiful wood floors, lovely decor, and is very warm feeling. There are community mats as well as mats for sale. There are many clean, beautiful community accessories such as bands, eye pillows, tennis balls, blocks, etc. I highly recommend checking Loka out, I think the first class may even be free! read more

Beautiful studio space, fantastic instructors, reasonable prices and an extra star because this is the one and only studio that I have been to in the East Bay that really does feel like a yoga community and not just a class. The other students were friendly and very welcoming. read more

This is a split review. 5 stars for Dana (Alignment classes on Monday evenings) because she is a true yoga teacher. Mindful, humorous, warm, and inviting. Notice how she touches base with her students before class? Or personally introduces herself to new folks? That's the mark of a leader building a community. During class, Dana teaches how each body part is to interact with other parts in poses. It's a holistic approach intended to promote sustainable and healthy habits. Not that "looking cool for a Yoga FB photo or gif" BS. Dana's masterful instruction allowed me, a former faux bro who only lifted, to heal and strengthen my ankles, knees, and back. I'm grateful to have practiced with Dana. You will be too. 3 stars for the studio. It's a loud location, though safe (Don't let prejudiced heuristics govern your Oakland experience). The studio will leak during rainstorms. Also, the other reviews are correct that some instructors (not Dana!) will cancel without giving proper notice or a providing a sub. This is a very instructor-specific studio. read more

Loka is a wonderful little locally owned yoga studio nestled between the Dimond and Laurel districts of Oakland on MacArthur Blvd. I have been going here for 4 years now and have never had a class or teacher I didn't like. Everyone is friendly and low-key and it is a great place for beginners as well as more experienced folks. There are both morning and evening classes every weekday and several classes on the weekend as well. No mat rental fees or other hidden costs, and lots of payment options (class passes, beginner's specials, online payment, etc.). I feel lucky to have this gem in my neighborhood. read more

I am new to Loka Yoga, but I really like it. First of all they have a wonderful new student package, 3 classes for $15. You can't beat that. Ongoing class prices are reasonable too for $15/class. The studio has a wonderful energy to it...warm, inviting, clean, free mats and props, welcoming staff and teachers, parking is pretty easy, class times are convenient...etc...Alice is a wonderful teacher...it works for beginners and people who are looking for a challenge as far as strengthening goes. I highly recommend this place to anyone...new to yoga or been practicing for a while. :) read more

I'm fickle when it comes to rating a place of business w/ 5 stars, b/c there's always room for improvement. After 10 visits to Loka Yoga in Oakland, it deserves 5 stars, shame on me for not reviewing it after my 1st yoga class. I am cultured with a different experience each and every class I join. I discovered this place as I transitioned my move from Berkeley to Oak. As a long-time resident of Oakland, I would not have believed this place to even exist, without driving by it. Loka Yoga feels like a welcome house, randomly nestled in the middle of macarthur b/w diamond dist and Laurel dist. There are no issues w/ street parking and the area is pretty quiet whether I join the sunday morning meditation/yoga class (all levels vinyasa) or the Friday eve class (6:30-8). I have rushed in there w/ overwhelming energy that quickly lifts off me as soon as I walk through their doors. It's tough reviewing a yoga class, how do you review a yogi teacher? Most of them are nice, and not so hard on you whether novice to a yoga connoisseur. Yoga classes should be given fair game when it is reviewed based on how welcome the yogi teacher is and the cleanliness of the studio. There are lots of organic studios where you can still sense the left over energies from the classes before. I truly believe that reviews of yogi teachers or classes lead to judgment and competition and I'm not here to review best practices of the yogi teachers. I would prefer a super-basic yoga studio with amazing yogi teachers than an upscale looking yoga studio that have teachers that generalize their practices and not available for questions before/after class. I love how Loka yogi teachers actually show different practices in their weekly classes. All levels vinyasa was intimidating for me at first, because I am used to bikram practices and of course if you can get through bikram you can get through any yoga class, right? --so wrong! I broke into a sweat several times with Loka with both Laxmi and Dari Love. It's their way of teaching that moves you in all effort as you grace into each pose that pushes you to give each pose your all. Believe me, both Yogi's teach the practice differently. I give much praise to both teachers, however I think it has a lot to do with the way the yoga studio is so welcoming and supportive the yogi teachers are. They always ask if anyone has any injuries at each class. All ages and walks of life attend, genders and good spirits.There are not enough studios like Loka, which is why I extend my review with 2 thumbs up times 10! I hope my review has inspired you, after attending 12 classes, each experience has enriched me to learn so much more from Loka Yoga Oakland! note: To register for a class online, log onto lokayogaoakland.com, new clients are $30 for 3 classes ($10 per class). You can also purchase a card in the studio which does NOT have an expiration date. I learned that afterwards when I purchased my card for 20 classes on (mindbodyonline) that expires in 1 year from the day it was purchased. See you at Loka Yoga!! read more

Thanks Laxman, for understanding my trouble hearing you, the adjustments, and excellent advice after class!

Loka Yoga is a hidden gem in the Dimond District of Oakland! Alice has been teaching for years in the Bay Area. She is a great and hires amazing teachers. Right now my schedule only allows me to go on Tuesday nights when there is a detox flow class with Dari Sylvia. I find the class a perfect end to my day as it is both challenging at times, but also very relaxing. I also like the intention of detoxing my body at the end of the day from all things that do not serve me. I have been taking yoga classes for years but my body is not one that is flexible by nature. Dari is great about providing props to assist me in going deeper into poses in a totally supportive and non-judgmental way. She also challenges more advanced people in the class with alternate poses. Check out Loka! read more

Loka Yoga was just what I needed; I've been stressed out to the max, and my normal form of clearing my head (running) has been on hold due to shin splints. I did the intro yoga class and it was great. Alice is a good instructor, and it's a really laid back vibe. Lovely music, nice setting, friendly people. My only complaint is that $15 a class is a little much; if I want to do this twice a week, it costs $120 a month. Joining a gym with included yoga classes is half that. They do have discounts for buying a bunch of classes in advance, but it's still expensive. So I'm not sure if I'll be going back often, but it is a really wonderful studio with great people. read more

Anna Parker, a recent Central Valley/SoCal transplant, began teaching at Loka this fall. I've taken 3 of her classes on Thurs 9:30a and in all 3, her poses challenged me without putting me in pain. Her class is UNIQUE among the Oakland/Berkeley vinyasa flow/bhakti/power/hatha/iyengar/ashtanga classes I've taken. There is a dominant focus on alignment, more strength poses and less movement (not many sun salutes) and longer holds. More flow than iyengar, and longer holds than vinyasa. Alignment is emphasized FIRST and foremost. I pay more attention to my core, ribs, shoulders, hips than in ANY yoga class. I didn't sweat but I was SHAKING during some poses - that's how hard my muscles were working. Two classes, we began with deep breathing while lying down (ahhh). One class, Anna walked around giving gentle neck massages and adjusting feet/shoulders (double ahhhh). An example of how Anna's class is unique is her version of Standing Hand to Big Toe Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana). In every yoga class I've taken, we always go holding big toe in front to moving leg to side. Anna tells me to keep leg in front while rotating from the hip to turn my foot to the right and then try to move my leg to the side. This makes the pose 300% harder. Anna notices when the knee of my extended leg in Warrior 2 is bending. She notices how my feet are turned in Cobra. The challenges I face in her class (or in general when doing yoga now) are as follows: 1. Stop myself from going to my full range of flexibility which includes saying "no" to some poses, even those that seem innocuous. While my core is fairly strong (thanks to a daily regimen of core exercises from my PT and Pilates teacher), my lumbar still prefers neutral and shifting from extension to flexion and back again will give me nerve pain after class. 2. Getting out of some poses early. Anna tends to hold poses for a while. I need to let go of my ego and accept my body's signals of "I'm done now." Anna hails from an iyengar/ashtanga background and studied under Annie Carpenter (who also moved from LA and is now teaching in Oakland & SF). She has 9+ years of teaching experience, a gentle touch (good hands on adjustments), a sense of humor and a watchful eye. No talking about the hindu gods and goddesses, no chanting, you will work in her class start to finish. HIGHLY recommend Anna's class, especially for people who are accustomed to fast-paced, vigorous flow classes. It's mentally more challenging to slow down and think about alignment vs. doing 50 sun salutes. As for physically challenging, as mentioned before, I was SHAKING in some poses - that's how hard I was working. Dari Love Sylvia is the new owner of Loka. She is a good fit. The peaceful, introspective vibe is still present because Dari herself is mellow and patient. She's made a few changes. The front of the room is now what was once the back of the room (thus making it seem larger) and the props are now at opposite ends. There are dressing rooms now. Dari has added class times and teachers and donation classes, plus Loka now uses Mind Body Online. Check out the events page: http://www.icontact-archive.com/mQaopJsF__zI8GwqvmZAvxAijPdbuX9i?w=2 Dari herself is a fun, mellow vinyasa teacher. I look forward to taking more classes at Loka as my back improves. read more

This place has the cleanest floors of all the yoga studios I've been to. NOTICEABLY CLEANER FLOORS. You know this is a good studio. Classes are never over crowded, good air circulation so it's not smelly and stuffy, people are super friendly, diverse students, reasonably priced, what's not to like! read more