Pete's Lighting the Path training is life changing and prepares and dares you to teach with so much love.

The Bay Area is awash in yoga instructors and yoga styles, and I sometimes feel like I've tried them all. I've stumbled into classes that are too fast or too slow, too spiritual or too mindless, too repetitive or too unpredictable, too cult-like or too impersonal, too intimidating or too approachable... you get the point. It's shockingly hard to find a practice that is grounded and well-rounded. I think I've found a good home in Pete's classes. Sequences are moderately paced in all the right ways: he's not a slave to the sun salutation, but gets a good flow going while still giving you a chance to hold poses and work on alignment. He's also good about hitting the "pause" button to demonstrate more challenging poses, and he does a great job moving throughout the room and giving adjustments where needed. Expect to work on your arm balancing! There are plenty of good teachers out there, but Pete is quickly turning into one of my favorites. read more

Let me just start out by saying that after my first class with Pete, I enrolled in one of his retreats. After his EPIC retreat in Tuolumne Meadows, I instantly enrolled in Pete's teacher training program. He's just that good! If you've been looking for a yoga class that is challenging, inspiring, welcoming, and just all around enjoyable, come to Pete's classes. You won't be disappointed. If his teaching skills, mastery of sequencing, and all around expertise in Forrest/Vinyasa yoga don't bring you back to his class after your first one, his genuine friendliness and playfulness will. I would recommend Pete's classes to first-timers, beginners, and seasoned yogis alike in a heartbeat ! read more

Pete is an amazing teacher and inspiration to me. Even in large classes, he has a wonderful knack for making individual contact with each and every student that makes me feel so welcome and at home in his classes. Pete has studied with my teacher, Ana Forrest, and has assisted her at major workshops and teacher trainings (and helped give me the encouragement to do a Forrest Yoga training myself). You can see the Forrest-influence in Pete's creative vinyasa classes. Pete blends a wonderful mix of strength and compassion in his classes. You'll work up a sweat but his great sense of humor and helpful adjustments will have you feeling supported and guided in the process. A big treat has been spending two different Thanksgiving mornings in Pete's Thanksgiving practices. With some gratitude-themed music and deep sequences to open the heart, both of these memorable classes got me joyful and centered and ready to meet the holiday madness with a little more serenity. Pete teaches a number of classes in both the east bay and SF which gives you lots of chances to get to benefit from his great teaching no matter what side of the bay you frequent. read more

I have been blessed to find yoga (or did yoga find me?) and more specifically, I have been blessed to find Pete. Yoga is a journey inward first, then outward into all the universe has to offer. And the first step is finding a teacher you connect with to help guide you on that path. Pete is this person. The physical is challenging, no doubt... but because of that, you will find yourself on an equally challenging and rewarding path of joy, discovery, healing and happiness. Pete has the physical know-how to pull you in and keep you safe, the emotional delicacy to help you connect and the spiritual intellect to guide you further. Add a little (ok, a lot) of humor to keep in real, and well, it's an intergalactic party of epic proportion. To the yogi's who've been around the block, take one class and you'll understand. To the newbie's who are nervous and don't know where to start, Pete is *exactly* the person to show you just how amazing this practice can be... no matter who you are or what you want out of it. I just can't say enough good things, but you're just gonna have to find out for yourself. Today is the first day of the rest of your life... now go on... make it count. read more

I spent the entire hour doing yoga composing my Yelp review about Peter. Just kidding, that would have been wrong. Not wrong but not mindful. In any case I loved Peter, who I encountered randomly at a class. He has a great sense of humor and had a nice "intro" routine that made me really enjoy the yoga. I would definitely seek him out but hopefully the universe will bring him close to me again. read more

Not only does Pete show compassion and love to all of his students, he teaches in gentle yet energetic way allowing you to delve deeper into your practice, releasing and activating whenever and wherever it is needed. His lighthearted, calming aura fill the room and make you feel so welcome and comfortable! Pete's light shines onto all who encounter him - leading his students to a place where one can create more then just a little sweat during their practice - He is an absolute treasure! read more

I knew spending 4 days with Pete at his New Year's Eve Retreat at Land of the Medicine Buddha (LoMB) would be beneficial for my physical strength, but what I did NOT expect was the increased mental /emotional strength that arose from simple but potent writing exercises. [Truth be told, I would rather do Pete's precisely instructed (and carefully observed) abdominal routine than delve into my psyche.] The experience: serene redwoods, sweaty yoga, delicious organic food, 6 months' worth of therapy condensed into 3 nights, hiking, singing, baby elephant seals (Ano Nuevo) & much laughter. The agenda: 6 classes in a heated room in a redwood forest with community gatherings at night. Night 1 post dinner kicked off with a Native American ceremony--Pete lighting sage, then calling to the 4 winds while we sit in a circle of 30+ people. We sing Native American chants and shake plastic "eggs" (with seeds in them for sound) and Pete beats on a custom-made drum gifted to him by Stephanie. This is "Opening Circle". After singing, each one of us discloses our name, biggest lesson of 2013, biggest intention for 2014. Note: "Closing Circle" also happened on New Year's Day after class and each participant shared what s/he was thankful for (many praises heaped upon Pete & Stephanie, who certainly deserved it and more). Other introspective exercises (based on Ana Forrest's "Fierce Medicine") included the following: 1. Write a list of what you want to change in your life. Also, think about the support systems that can be implemented to help you change. 2. Forgiveness: write a list of people to forgive. Forgiveness is not about the other person - it is the release of attention pulling you out of alignment. 3. Using Chakras as a way to assess life decisions. 4. From a TED talk - positive psychology - focus on what we have (gratitude): write a letter to a person who has profoundly influenced your life but you have never openly thanked - read it to the person within 30 days. What did this person do that made a difference in your life? Did this person do more than one thing? Does it still make you feel good? Keep a blessing/gratitude journal. 5. Write a list of things to "Let Go Of" of on a piece of paper. [The paper was then burned around 10:30p on New Year's Eve at LoMB's main meditation hall.] On NYE, we each made a vision board & occasionally danced while munching on chocolate & sparkling cider. The attendees: diverse crowd age-wise from 20's on up. There were a number of yoga teachers, healers, a masseuse, 4 couples, 6 men total. Our leaders: Pete & Stephanie - incredible individually and as a couple --the love, respect, playfulness they share is inspiring to witness. They created a welcoming, warm, organized space on and off the mat. The classes: What I love about Pete's class at Yoga Tree is his thoughtful sequencing involving sun salutations, shoulder openers, multiple twists, inversions, arm balancing while invigorating us with his humor and 80's music choices. Pete does the BEST ab exercises I have yet to experience from any other yoga teacher. Most importantly, he constantly observes the class & makes individual & group corrections. He brought all that to LoMB and more. During the retreat, I learned how to best support person in handstand (stand in front, not to the side) and I made progress in arm balancing poses that had heretofore eluded me. Also, Pete made me aware that my shoulders were too far forward in upward dog so i began slowing down & focused on opening up my chest more to get my shoulders back. Day 3-- I did wheel twice & afterwards, Pete gave me an awesome shoulder/neck massage. There were some folks (like J) who were fairly new to vinyasa yoga - Pete kept an eye on them & corrected alignment as needed. Pete remembered people's specific injuries and would caution them to observe their body in doing certain poses. Stephanie (Pete's lovely wife who is also a teacher) also walked all around the room and gave amazing adjustments - she gave me an adjustment while I was in twisting awkward and for the first time, I didn't want to get out after 10 seconds. Stephanie also taught a beginner class and explained some basic Forrest principles like "active feet" and gave advice on squeezing gluteal muscles and tightening abs before coming up into Cobra pose. During one class, she put a gentle knee into J's back and pulled his shoulders back to get his spine straight while he was sitting. Yay. The last class: Halfway through, Pete played MJ's "Man in the Mirror" and we all started dancing on our mats. Then, during savasana, he played Journey's "Don't Stop (Believing)" and we all sang (while lying down) and Pete did air guitar in the middle of the room. The result: after 4 days with Pete & Stephanie, I left with a strong body, strong mind and peaceful soul. read more

Pete Guinosso Yoga - NYE Retreat at Land of The Medicine Buddha - Jan 1, 2014 - group pic after the last class - Yoga Near Me

i've been on three retreats with pete over the past few years ... joshua tree, grass valley new year and yosemite most recently. frequent his SF Yoga Tree classes as often as i can. He is challenging, curious playful, soulful and isn't ashamed to play music we forty-somethings listened to in high school. yoga for me is as spiritual as it is emotional as it is physical and pete strikes the balance i seek with a sense of humor. i mean let's face it. downward dog is pretty silly if you think about it long enough. read more

Pete's classes combine tough workouts with spiritual gentleness. Pete is a truly inspirational teacher! If you're a newbie looking to give yoga a try, check out one of his Yoga 101 classes at Yoga Tree. If you're an experienced yogi looking to get your "asana kicked" check out one of his level 2-3 classes. Either way, you won't be disappointed! read more

Ommm.... Pete is a wonderful gift to the yoga community. His classes are always inviting and happy while including an intense focus on body, alignment, and any special needs requested by students. I always leave class feeling inspired and strong! read more

Pete Guinosso is an amazing teacher. Even with the abundance of excellent yoga instructors we're blessed to have in San Francisco, he stands out. Every class he teaches is different, so boredom is never an issue. He responds to students' requests and concerns, then lays out his general plan, yet any given class also develops organically as it goes. He will always challenge you, support you in what you want to achieve or work toward, and -- perhaps best of all -- make you laugh. While taking the spiritual work of yoga seriously, Pete brings a lightness to the effort. His compassion for his students is so apparent --- it never feels fake or forced. In addition to the sweet tone he sets in class, he uses music deftly -- both to uplift (sometimes even to make you dance or sing!) and to bring you inside yourself, to face what's there. He often ends classes with inspiring quotes that are never trite or tired. In Pete's classes, I've learned to understand particular poses better as well as found the courage to try ones that scare me. I've grown as a yogi, and maybe best or most important of all in our difficult, stressful world, I've had so much fun! I'm very grateful to him for that. read more

Pete teaches with a beautiful balance of attention to every student and education. His knowledge of the body and true spirit of yoga is illustrated through his words, cueing (both tactile and verbal), and the tone of his voice in class. Quite simply, his classes leave your body and mind feeling rejuvenated, cleansed, and strong. His energy and music always rock and are a guaranteed awesome way to spend 90 minutes! read more

Pete creates a class that has a unique blend of humor, deep wisdom and oh yes amazing deep lengthening and strengthening yoga classes that I didn't even know I was seeking! I renewed my commitment to a long-ignored yoga practice almost a year ago, after about a 15 year hiatus. I now regularly attend his Forrest Yoga classes at Mill Valley Yogaworks and participated in his recent Yoga/Hiking Yosemite retreat. Each well-cued class builds from simple stretches, to intense (and usually even fun) abs... evolving into a "little bit different" class every time. Each class has a certain focus or theme--- be it hip-opening back bends or twists. I feel complete in my experience after savasana--challenged, sweaty and centered. And I always go for the hugs and smiles too! read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Pete to do him justice! As a former competitive athlete, Pete's classes meet my need for a good workout and at the same time have guided me towards a healthier relationship with my body. Through practicing with Pete I have become a stronger and wiser athlete as well as all around happier and calmer. Pete has a great sense of humor and does a great job melding the physical practice of yoga with the spiritual one. I could go on and on- you should probably just go to one of his classes- I bet you wont be disappointed... read more

If you've been looking for a yoga class to help you stretch body, mind and spirit, look no further than Pete G. Pete's playful energy, teaching skill and sense of humor will actually have you looking forward to doing his kick-ass ab exercises (and yes, they work!) I also attended Pete's yoga retreat in Joshua Tree and would rate that experience 10 stars! Pete has a fabulous gift for attracting great people into his world so you show up not knowing a soul and leave with a room full of friends. I just wish he taught more classes in Marin so I could get my Pete fix more often... read more

Pete is the instructor who taught me to love yoga. I had tried it before and found the whole experience too off in the clouds for me. Then a friend dragged me to Pete's class and I was hooked. He is an excellent teacher, patient, kind, funny, and he somehow manages to make sure everyone gets the personal attention s/he needs. Even better, he works hard to make the experience enjoyable for all his students, starting with the warm welcome all the way through to the end. If you are looking for an awesome yoga experience, take a class from Pete. read more

Pete is the BEST. I've been going to his classes for several months now; after my first class I was hooked. There are a lot of amazing yoga teachers out there, but Pete has a presence, attention, compassion and clear intention like no other. I recently went into class on a day when I was experiencing some of the most intense feelings I've ever felt. Somehow Pete could tell! I don't know what kind of Jedi mind power he has, but he totally tuned into my energy and intuited that something was definitely up with me (or perhaps it was my pathetic flailing around that clued him in, although I doubt that as that's my MO). He then took this and ran with it for the rest of the class; he talked about emotions and strategies for finding peace and I soaked it all up. It felt as if Pete made it his priority to help me get through whatever I was feeling, and it worked like a charm. At the end of class he read words from Hopi elders and it spoke directly to what I needed to do in order to find my peace again. Then, as if that wasn't enough, he played a song (Just Breathe by Pearl Jam) that also spoke to me and my current life situation. I cried and cried and when I left that room at the end of class I left behind all those negative feelings and took with me gratitude, acceptance, and a complete sense of peace. The next day I took it to work with me and could feel the love emanating from me to my students. What a beautiful gift. I'd give Pete 100 stars if I could. I give him credit for guiding me through one of the most important transitions I've had to make. He kinda saved my life!... Oh yeah, and he's delightfully funny too! read more

This guy is the best! I used to feel somewhat uncomfortable in yoga classes, as i am still a beginner, and as a result, I didn't go to a class for many years...luckily, I recently discovered Pete's class at Yoga Tree. Not only is he funny, cute, warm and well educated, but he also makes you feel like you are the best yogi in the room - not saying that I'm not - no matter what your level. Thanks Pete, you have made me excited about yoga again, yea! read more

Im tentative to tell you how much I love Pete's classes because then you will come and make it hotter in there.

Pete is the whole package. As a teacher I go to his classes to learn and grow. Sweet soul! Sweet classes!

Pete is a doll. I have yet to find someone with as big a heart as this man. Whether on the mat or off, Pete challenges you to dig deep and find your truest self, all the while offering deep compassion. He's all aces as far as I'm concerned, and his teaching has truly transformed my life for the better. Do yourself a favor and take a class, sign up for a workshop, or go on a retreat with him. If I had the money to hire him for private sessions every day you'd better believe I would! :) read more

Pete has been one of my favorite instructors of the Yoga Tree family since I began to deepen my relationship with the studios. He brings fun, feisty energy to his classes and is an AB MASTER! I love doing core-specific moves and adore feeling it the next day. This is always the case with taking a Pete G class, my abs are wonderfully sore the day after, the sign of some good mat work in my book. Infusing each class with humor, good tunes, and loving assists - Pete G never fails to give a well-rounded experience in his classes. Highly recommended to any student looking for a good sweat, a smile, and sense of accomplishment. read more

I've been taking classes from Pete for a little over two years, been on one of his retreats, and done the 40 Days of Yoga intensive, so I've gotten to know him quite well as a teacher. Pete has a great sense of humor and brings tremendous enthusiasm to his teaching, and he's just about the only teacher who can genuinely make me laugh in the middle of an otherwise-excruciating set of abdominal exercises. He also has a real knack for encouraging people to attain poses that they might otherwise believe they could never reach. Pete has been an invaluable part of of my yoga practice, and I readily recommend him to students of all levels. read more

Pete's class at Aha Yoga is delicious, sweaty, challenging, blissful and uplifting. Loving vibes, big smiles, music, poetry and a killer physical and mental workout await you! read more

When looking for a yoga class I admit to being picky. I want it all; a physical and emotional workout, with a knowledgeable and supportive teacher. Lucky for me Pete is that type of teacher. His classes are joyous! Yes I said Joyous, even while in the middle of holding a difficult pose I am smiling. That type of energy allows me to laugh at myself, let go my ego and dive deeper in to my practice. I consistently leave a class with Pete full of light! read more

Pete is the man. I love his classes and his attitude - helpful, goofy, light, attentive and at times deep and spiritual. He knows all my injuries and weak spots and gives me alternative poses when I need them. I went on a 5 day yoga retreat with him a Joshua Tree and the good people that constellate around him are evidence of the depth of his personal practice and the immense gifts he so freely shares. read more

Pete is a wonderful teacher. I am crap at yoga, I am like the woman you see in comedies - the only reason I keep going back is because it is so good to my body and I can feel and see improvements. In spite of this Pete is so patient. He breaks things down and really helps you learn about your body. He is also very disarming and non-judgmental as a result you can go further in your practice. He is also fun, none of that chanting weird voodoo rubbish it is straight up yoga. He does throw in inspirational quotes; but that is what all good coaches do. I think Pete is also suitable for beginners and those who are very advanced. The advantage of being a beginner in his class is you get good practice at the hard stuff which makes the other classes a breeze. read more

Pete is AWESOME! If you really want to be challenged in a loving/true way, his Flow/Forrest Yoga classes at Aha Yoga are not to be missed. Pete's spark, sense of humor, and gratitude make me a fan. His Ab sequence is killer! I love his quotes at the end of class too. Check it out but don't say I didn't warn you when ya get hooked. Namaste read more

Pete is the total package. Complete support and compassion combined with an indepth knowlege of alignment and a damn challenging class!!! He has the magic that makes you go deeper in both your postures and yourself. Humour, realism and joy are what he brings to the table. I take his classes at Aha on Union street mostly but I'd probably follow him anywhere in the world. read more

Pete was one of the first yoga teachers I discovered when starting my yoga practice earlier this year, and not only did he quickly go to to the top of my shortlist of favorite teachers but it is no exaggeration to say that yoga is changing my life largely because of Pete's instruction, encouragement and beautiful outlook on life. The physically challenging, spiritually life-affirming style of his classes makes it well worth seeking him out at any of the various yoga studios lucky enough to have him on their staff. Pete is an unusually caring person and this is obvious in the way he relates to all his students, be they absolute beginners or advanced practitioners. I wish I could give him ten stars! read more

Pete G is a true yogi! He taught me how to "gravity surf" in my arm balances, it was so much fun. I think that's a Ana Forrest thing. Love his sweaty classes... read more

Pete is knowledgeable, spiritual, caring, funny with a hint of self-deprecation, and he caters to all levels. It's hard to find that perfect mesh but Pete has it. As other reviewers have mentioned, we have a plethora of yoga teachers to choose from. I have a slew of studios within walking distance but I go to Berkeley from Oakland for Pete's classes. He's got that "it" factor! read more

Pete is such a beautiful, soft soul and infuses so much healing love and energy into his classes. I've been doing yoga for 12 years and have practiced in many different studios with many different instructors, and he is a special one. his emphasis on "no pain" and really taking care of your body while simultaneously "kicking your assana" makes for a delicious class. I am a new mommy and this once a week ritual leaves me feeling rejuvenated, glowing, grounded, and of course sore in the best way ;) Combined with Yoga Tree Telegraph's blissful peacock room, you won't regret this experience!!! read more

Pete is amazing. His classes are challenging yet there is a sense of calmness through the way he teaches. Love his classes!!

Peter is my favorite yoga teacher. I met him about seven months ago in a workshop and I haven't stop going to his classes ever since. His classes are fun and physically challenging. He follows a very thoughtful sequence of poses, including inversions and balancing poses (which I love), that will satisfy any student level. He will constantly remind you of the healing properties of the breath, which has made my practice more present and compassionate. On a more personal level, I have become more aware of my body and because of the style of yoga that he teaches I've learn to breathe and release my emotions with zero judgments attached to them, which for me is a very liberating experience. He ends his classes with a inspiring quote that makes you reflect upon your own life experiences and reminds you that each moment (on and off the matt) is unique and worth living. Bring a bottle with water and a towel... you'll need it! read more

Pete has been a friend & mentor to me for many years now. His classes are down to earth, no-scene, and just good yoga. He teaches from the heart & keeps it real - love it! read more

I just did a weekend yoga retreat with Pete; and it was great! We did two yoga classes a day, each class was different, creative and well enjoyable! Thanks a lot for a great weekend; I can't wait for the next one! read more

I first came to Pete's yoga class after reading a couple reviews right here on Yelp, and WOW. There are those small decisions you look back on that fundamentally change your life...this was one of them. Stepping into Pete's class is as close to being in Cheers, where everyone knows your name, with the added bonus of a gifted spiritual guide and make-you-sweat yogi...In the year and a half that I've gone to his classes, I've begun planning my life around getting into the studio, signed up for a teacher training, gone on a couple retreats...but mostly I've found a teacher who I respect, who challenges me to live fully present in my body, who walks the walk and talks the talk. He is compassionate, goofy, and an amazingly intuitive healer. Pete also has an uncanny ability to build amazing community (I've met best friends and a boyfriend in his classes), and to create a spirit of heart-opening all around. Seriously, if you've just felt like something is missing from your other classes, go here. It'll only take 5 minutes to know. read more

I can't wait to go to Petes next class, he's a great instructor and even showed us how to start the crow (working on it). I love this class and the setting, the students, its great. Maybe I'll head over the bay to his forest vinyasa class. read more