I was welcomed by a well kept parking area in the back. The blue flowers were very pretty. Ray seemed to have a pretty deep knowledge of yoga, from the one class I attended. He had modifications for many of poses, as he could see my muscles are rather tight and I could not move as far as other people in the class. The heat was at a nice level--warm but not hot. This is not a studio for you if you are looking for hot (sweating) yoga or "power" yoga of any type. But if you are looking for a caring instructor with a lot of knowledge and experience, try Oly Yoga. read more

If I could give Oly Yoga zero stars, I would do it. Their sign advertised 'beginning yoga classes' starting in fall. I looked at their website, which clearly described classes 'to help the new student begin a yoga practice' and registered online for an 8 week series. When I arrived on the first day of the series, it was apparent that multiple people had been to this particular class before (which I found somewhat strange but, ok...). More importantly, the class instructor did not teach like it was a first class in a beginning series. He didn't introduce himself, he didn't explain the structure of the 8-week series nor how the studio is set up or works, and he didn't explain poses/sequences clearly there were multiple people who very obviously didn't know what was going on from his vague instructions and had to look around to see what others were doing. Thankfully, I'm not a complete beginner, otherwise I probably would have been even more uncomfortable than I already was - mentally and physically. There were no modifications offered or suggested for most poses, including difficult positions like bow pose, a pose that I"m surprised was included in what could/should have been someone's very first yoga class. The 'studio' is in a small room of an old house that smelled like it hadn't been aired out in decades. They set up mats ahead of time without enough room in between. There was no way to stretch your arms out to your sides or your legs back without hitting the person next to you or the wall. My knee was on something uncomfortable and I lifted up my mat to discover I was kneeling on an antique heating grate in the floor I contacted the studio to ask for a refund (offering to pay the dtop-in price for the one class I attended) because I specifically was looking for a true beginning yoga class. I was told that the classes weren't designed to be beginning classes but only scheduled for 8 weeks at a time to get people into the habit of going weekly. What!?!? Not what your website describes! Despite advertising something they didn't deliver; they snarkily refused to refund any money - only offering to switch me to a different class. No thank you. What a waste. You're better off practicing with free videos on YouTube than giving your hard earned money to Oly Yoga. UPDATE: The owner of Oly Yoga contacted me and acknowledged that the class could have been taught differently and offered to refund my money. After a bit of a delay (4-6 weeks), a check did arrive although with a request to take down my previous review. I don't think that's fair, as I relayed my actual experience, which was disappointing on a number of levels. I am posting this update to reflect the owner's attempt to rectify the situation, which I do appreciate. read more

OlyYoga has been an excellent choice for me. I have found every teacher (3) to be friendly, competent and patient. Great attributes for a beginning student like myself. I like the location. It's a little funky, but it has the warmth and ambiance of a place you like to be on a rainy NW evening. Certainly not gym like or soulless like a sheet rock box in a strip mall. Finally, I came to OlyYoga at a most stressful period of my life. I leave after each and every class feeling better and looking forward to returning. read more

Oly Yoga obviously has its adherents. I tried a couple of classes from three instructors. In my limited experience, the instructors were: too vague, too strict, and too easy (matching the description to the teacher is left as an exercise for the reader). None were my thing for where I am right now, but the classes are well-attended and there are a lot of them, so that is a plus. One of my visits did net a catchphrase, "That's not Happy Baby!" ...so that's something. read more

It's been almost 4 year since I started practicing yoga. As a triathlete, it's provided needed attention to flexibility. As a working mom, I honestly believe it regulates my moods and helps me to manage stress. As a 44 year old committed to keeping my body ready for as long a life as God gives me, it keeps me balanced and strong! Oly yoga has classes for all levels. Even so, the teachers strive to accomodate individual needs & preferences. If I'm feeling maxed, they show me how to listen to my body and take it easy. When I need a challenge, yoga pushes me like none other. I love the look and vibe of the studio. Even though I could take yoga for free through my gym membership, I always have an "8 class card" from Oly Yoga in my wallet. read more

As I worked my way through a yoga class at Gold's Gym in Oakland last night, my mind and body kept looking back in time to my days at Oly Yoga. I know things have changed since I attended, but I think they are moving in the right direction, with good intention. Anyway, I feel I must write this review to dedicate to Ray Grace. He is the best Yoga teacher I've had. Compared to Ray, most teachers just pale in comparison. He has been a Yogi since the 70's. He started out in NYC, and moved west to open his own studio. The richness of experience and diversity of yogic techniques and poses in one class-genius! I really appreciate that the foundation of my practice was built on focusing my energy on breath and holding postures for longer than average periods of time, to really get alignment correct. These two things are why I would sometimes feel a natural high after class! Your body as well as your mind retain memories, and my body and mind will always remember the Olympia Yoga Center fondly and with gratitude. Best wishes to Ray and Sabrina. read more

When I relocated to Olympia, I initially avoided trying to find a yoga studio that suited me because that process can be very time consuming. Luckily, I met a friend who goes to OlyYoga, so I thought I would try it out. It is very different than studios I had done yoga previously in. It is set in a very intimate setting-- has a very "homey" vibe. It was an adjustment since I previously practiced in more sterile, wide open studios that were surrounded by mirrors. There aren't many mirrors in this space, which does help focus my attention inward. The teaching style was certainly more relaxed and less focused on doing each pose perfectly. Which helped me in my own practice, I needed less rigidity as I am not all that advanced. I appreciated the way the classes are taught because I always find new areas to explore within my own body. The fluidity is something a value at OlyYoga as well as the spontaneity in class. I always leave class feeling renewed and a newfound groundedness. read more

I have tried several yoga studios in the Olympia area, but none compares to Oly Yoga. The owners, Sabrina and Ray, provide holistic teaching and yoga classes for people of all experience levels and body types. As a person with physical limitations, I am so grateful for my instructor, Sabrina, who has made yoga enjoyable for me. She and all of the teachers at Oly Yoga are sensitive to students' needs and provide modifications for poses that suit the students' physical abilties. The studio itself is beautiful and peaceful, and prices are very reasonable. If you're just beginning yoga or are an experienced yogi, you can be confident you will have a great practice at Oly Yoga. read more

I like this studio. They have good employees here and the classes are pretty decent. This is a good place to go if you're a regular or a beginner as they have all level of classes. Just ask questions and they are happy to help! read more

Oly Yoga... You reeled me in, but couldn't keep me hooked. I was completely new to yoga and was looking around online for beginners options and came across Oly Yoga. I was confused of the way it worked on the computer so I called just to ask. I talked to the nicest gentleman ever (seriously, probably the best customer service ever) he ended up convincing me to try the 8 week beginners course but didn't pressure me. He even said I could make payments on it if I couldn't pay for it all at once. Awesome! I was super stoked until I actually got into the place... They had recently relocated and I'm not not sure why. Now they are located right on 4th ave (that is usually quite noisy) and it is inside a small house. You are literally doing yoga in a small living room. I'm kind of claustrophobic so this was a huge problem for me. I could not focus or relax at all. So that right there was a deal breaker for me. But then the instructor, this wasn't the same fellow I got the honor of talking to previously but a different woman. She was not friendly at all, actually quite intimidating and seemed bothered most of the time. I'm sorry Oly yoga but I had to find somewhere else bigger and more relaxing. I really do appreciate the leeway with the payments and information I was given over the phone! read more

I just moved from San Francisco where I now realize I was spoiled by good yoga teachers. Had a class with Ray who seems like a nice guy but is not a good yoga teacher. Didn't once suggest any alternate poses for those of us who need them. Terrible transitions between poses. Couldn't describe poses, actually rephrased several times because he must have realized he was doing such a bad job describing it. What a disappointment, I hope some of the other oly yoga teachers are better. read more

What is so different about Oly yoga. People, of course. I lived in Oly for 2.5 years and I've heard a lot of good words about Oly yoga, but was intimidated by such great reputation and thought will not be able to afford to pay for classes. But 3 month ego my boss referred me to Oly yoga community classes - $6.00 for 1.5 h class. Who can pass it up? I couldn't. Ray's approach I'd call holistic - intuitive, resourceful, fun and nurturing. I love this combination. Every class has something new, however I've got the basic asanas combination that give me solid home routine, but I do keep coming back to class to recharge with great class energy and happy mood. I wish you could see eyes of all students after the class - it's a true transformation! I always leave happy with gratitude that I had a time for myself and Oly yoga had a place for me PS: if you are looking for step-by-step yoga, please, get a DVD or private teacher. I wouldn't of recommend a group class for that purpose. read more

I have been to a few yoga studios in both Alaska and Washington and I have to say that OlyYoga is one of my favorites. I have attended yoga classes here for several months now and the instructors have really helped me advance my practice. Plus, I absolutely love the space. I started yoga a few years ago as a way to de-stress and stretch out sore muscles but it has helped me in many other ways since then. I suffer from stomach/ digestive issues caused by food allergies (some of which I have yet to figure out) and I have found that yoga helps keep the symptoms at bay, as well as center and balance me. The difference I feel when I regularly attend classes and when I don't is HUGE and is now my main motivation for going. It is difficult to explain very thoroughly, but I leave class feeling as if the pain and discomfort has evaporated and my stomach feels healed and cared for. Yoga is consistently effective in helping me manage my symptoms. If you are interested in starting yoga or are already practicing I would strongly encourage you to look into its many benefits. read more