I recently took Elina's 'Curvy Girls & Big Guys Do Yoga' class at Piedmont Yoga. Loved it. I'm recovering from knee/foot surgeries from a year or so back and I'm just now feel able (balance & strength) to get active again. Recovery has been long and during all of this I picked up extra weight as well. Elina was very inviting and took extra care to learn of any physical limitations I might have before starting class. The other participants in the class were open and great to work alongside. I didn't feel self-conscious about my ability or size. I'll be back for more classes. read more

I have had very mixed experiences at Piedmont Yoga. I have attended the restorative class with JoAnn Lyons on Saturdays and absolutely loved It. On Wednesday mornings there is a Gentle flow class at 8a, which i was excited about as it would fit nicely with my work schedule that day. The first time I attended the class Melina Mesa was subbing and she was amazing. She assisted me in making adjustments to the poses to support my medical issues and actually changed her plan for the class to focus on my needs since I was the only one in attendance. However, I attended the same class a couple weeks later and was very disappointed. The teacher arrived 20+ minutes late, which I was told by other yogis there is typical. Also, it was a gentle flow class, which, in my experience, means that teachers pay attention to the students' physical limitations and offer ways to adapt the poses. Not only did she not do this, but when long time students mentioned their long term limitations, she seemed shocked. Also, gentle yoga is typically a slow flow, the speed in which she guided our breathing a movements, made me anxious, to the point i just began ignoring her direction and going at my own slower pace. I would recommend Piedmont yoga as a whole, but will never attend this class again unless there is a sub. read more

I attended Piedmont Studio for an Intro to Yoga 4-week workshop with Raven. I thought it was the greatest thing in the world, as she was the best teacher -- nice, supportive, knowledgeable, instructive. I also liked the format - 4 weeks of the basics, geared toward someone brand-new to yoga. The studio itself has nice large spaces. Beyond the specific workshop I took, which I think was mostly so wonderful due to the instructor, I was impressed that this studio has so many different types of classes, for every different type of person imaginable (people with back problems, disabled people, pregnant people, fat people, old people, etc., etc.). I also once attended a Yoga Basics class here on the weekend, with Raleigh. It was easy-ish yoga and had a bunch of people recovering from injuries. The instructor freaked me out though -- it was the end of class relaxation time, and he kept saying something to me that I couldn't hear, so I lifted and turned my head toward him to try to understand, and he came over and pushed my face down. I didn't like that he touched my face, that felt very intrusive and violating, as there was zero reason for it. I would never go to his class again. The other downside to this studio is that it is not "staffed." The only way to tell if you're in the right place is to wander around to the three different studio spaces and look on the schedule on the door to see if you're at the right one. read more

What a beautiful space. Lots of natural light and sun peeking in through all the sky windows. The windows to one side were opened to some sort of courtyard with vines and trees crisp and green, letting in the smells of spring. I wish this place was closer...because the energy and vibe is magnetic.. I purchased an introductory pack (three classes for $25), but haven't had the chance to make it back around...yet. Super friendly and down-to-earth front desk staff as well as a couple of the teachers I have met. One of the owners Richard Rosen, taught a workshop in the teacher training program I was in over in Palo Alto. He's been engulfed in yoga, meditation and breath work (pranayama) for over 20 years. What a soothing voice and teaching style; he is what drew me to Piedmont Yoga. The other teacher I experienced (Vickie Russell Bell) had a very similar style to Richard. I popped into the Hatha Yoga class at noon and it was a very basic (almost like a beginner's class) with a heavy focus on calming, cooling and de-stressing with lots of props and innovative movements. I loved the way we were led through savansa (final pose) with a racy, spring inspired poem at the end of class. Hope to return to this lovely place, so many more teachers and classes and workshops to experience! read more

I never felt comfortable at this place, but it was close by so I tried for a while. There is one totally worthwhile class on the schedule: Community Yoga w/ Sandra. She's great, and it's the only affordable class they offer. Piedmont Yoga is filled with "disciples" of specific instructors wearing designer yoga wear and competing with each other to be the one who stretches the farthest, holds a pose the longest, says their OMs the best. It's a slightly older, more homogeneous crowd, mostly women in their lates 30s through 50s, and it definitely feels like a "wealthy" studio. There's a cliquish atmosphere, and many of the instructors I had were not particularly helpful or pleasant. It is exactly the kind of yoga studio that Yoga to the People is rebelling against (go read their manifesto for a description of PYS). The classes are overpriced and very slow-paced, which doesn't hold my attention. However, it's a good place to go for an intro to yoga if you want to be sure you're doing it right because the instructors tend to be very cautious about alignment, and that can help avoid injuries. read more

I could blame the class or the sub but that would mean the one class I went to was an exception. I don't think it was. I have always found the staff to be very cold and uninviting--not very yogic, so I have never followed up with more classes. Taking a class from legendary Rodney Yee is kind of a joke, he travels constantly and I think his sub for the classes that have his name, is really the permanent teacher. Say his name to a serious practitioner or popular teacher and you can see anger develop in their eyes. From his endorsing just about any product that's out there to rumblings about fraternization with the staff are all sources of that anger. Not the place I will be going to let my inner light shine. read more

I had a great experience in Richard Rosen's late Saturday morning class. I found the front desk staff to be very welcoming. I signed a waiver and was directed to the upstairs studio. I set up my mat and noticed Richard introducing himself to each person one at a time. He shook my hand and asked if I had any special considerations. The class was full (but not really crowded, the space is quite large) so I was pretty impressed that Richard took the time to speak with each person and get a feel for the needs and limitations of the group. In addition, there were three or four students observing the class and helping with adjustments, and they were all very respectful. The studio is beautiful- big, bright and stocked with very well maintained equipment. The bathroom is clean. There are plenty of cubbies for your shoes and other items. I found the class to be challenging but not overwhelmingly so. I found Richard's instruction enormously helpful and even had one or two "breakthroughs" during class. The atmosphere was relaxed and there was none of the stuffiness that sometimes turns me off to yoga classes. Nothing about the class felt rushed, but it was also very active and I got a bit of a sweat going! I can't wait to go back to the studio to try some of the other classes and teachers. read more

not good. The vibe is so icky. It is impersonal, cold and every time I've gone, people barely even say hi or look at eachother. The classes I've taken there have SUCKED. In one class I practically fell asleep. In another one, I so severely injured my back that I could barely walk for two months. There has been so much political infighting in this place that it just oozes out of the walls. I've had teachers talk about how upset they are with the studio IN THEIR CLASSES. The parking is bad. The energy in this place is so off, I just hate it. If you want to go to classes with some of the good teachers like Baxter Bell or Raven Nemeroff, go to Namaste Rockridge instead. read more

Affordable yoga classes aren't always easy to find, so I'm really glad I discovered Sarah Jenness's 12:30 class on Fridays. I was a little skeptical, having never attended an hour-long class before, but she does a great job of giving the hour structure and variety without making the whole practice seem rushed or incomplete. She's great at communicating with with the class as a whole as well as with the individual students, so I always feel like I'm getting a lot out of that one hour. This is the only class I've been to at Piedmont Yoga Studio, but I would highly recommend it for beginners as well as for those who have been out of practice for awhile or who just want a moderate class to supplement their weekly practice. The facility itself is clean and simple. I really wish I could give extra stars for props that don't smell like other people's feet. Trust me, it's an unpleasant surprise when they do, but luckily PYS provides clean props that leave you free to focus on your breath and not on where that blanket or block might have been before you used it. read more

This place has great classes and some of the best teachers in the bay area. Every class I have taken has been taught by a very friendly and knowledgeable instructor who really seems to care about the students. Richard Rosen's Saturday class is my favorite and he is fantastic! I felt really great after class! read more

the prices keep going up! also, there's no confirmation when you check in at the front desk, so if you've pre-purchased a series of classes, you have no idea if they're crediting your account accurately. I've been signed into the wrong classes (which affects how the instructors get paid), and signed in twice (so I lost a class credit). They fixed it after emailing them, but I only noticed the fix after checking my account. I never got any acknowledgement of the error. I love Erin and Cheryl so much, although I haven't had great experiences with other instructors. If Erin and/or Cheryl weren't teaching at PYS, I'd practice elsewhere or at home. I haven't felt particularly welcome or listened to by other instructors regarding my limitations. Erin gets 5 (or a million) stars for her gentle and beginner classes. the studios themselves are pretty nice, with all the equipment you'd need, although sometimes the floors are kind of dusty/hairy/in need of a broom. occasionally cigarette smoke wafts in from outside the building, and sometimes people wear too perfume. i want to love you again, PYS. please stop going downhill. read more

I bought an introductory 10-class pass for Piedmont Yoga and I have been so pleasantly surprised. I usually attend Yoko Yoshikawa's tuesday evening class which is packed. She is a very knowledgeable teacher - I remember one cold, winter evening when all of us were shivering in our yoga clothes...she made us do Suryanamaskars that had us warmed up enought to take off the extra layers. I have also attended classes by Caryn Dickman and Karen Schneider, who have different styles and techniques. I was also able to use my pass to attend a 3-hour workshop on 'Yoga and Emotional Well-being' by Nina Zolotow which was very enlightening. My biggest regret of moving from the East bay is about being unable to attend their evening classes but I will attend drop-in sessions when I visit the area. read more

I was a total beginner when I came to Piedmont Yoga Studio. I had been really intimidated about getting started, but thanks to the supportive instructors, after just a couple of intro classes I really felt like I was getting somewhere. Four months later I'm going once or twice a week, and always enjoying it. I've been learning from two instructors, both of whom are excellent: Raleigh Wills and Karen Schneider. Both of them are kind, attentive, and patient teachers. I'm someone who feels awkward about physical activity, especially around other people, but I've never felt uncomfortable in their classes. Raleigh's Sunday morning class is a great way to rejuvenate for the week ahead; it's become an essential part of the "actual relaxation" (as opposed to "party hard") part of my weekends. Karen's Wednesday evening class is a real treat; at the moment it's quite small (2 or 3 students) that there's a lot of opportunity for individual hands-on attention. It's a great way to re-center in the middle of a stressful week. I'd encourage any beginner who's on the fence to come by PYS and check out one of the intro courses; it's been tremendously rewarding for me. read more

I've taken classes from a few instructors here, but none come close to Vickie Russell Bell. She has an amazing knowledge of physiology, gives helpful verbal cues and she infuses her classes with a relaxing and thoughtful vibe. She truly cares about her students and is passionate about teaching yoga. (Some instructors seem more passionate about contorting their bodies into pretzels, not really focusing on instructing much.) I'm a beginner and have sampled a variety of classes at PYS, Namaste and other studios. None come close! read more

As a graduate of the Piedmont Yoga Deep Yoga program and a continuing student there, I don't have enough good things to say about the studio. It might take some time to find the right teacher (and for some the lack of a front desk or a friendly face to show you the ropes can be off-putting) but there are so many talented and caring teachers at Piedmont that it's worth the time and $$ to explore the classes here. I study regularly with Yoko Yoshikawa, and can't recommend her classes highly enough; the workshops at Piedmont are also worth keeping tabs on, and are usually reasonably priced. At Piedmont you'll find people of all ages practicing yoga together. This studio, more than most others in the bay area, is not about the yoga stereotype...but about the essence of yoga. read more

Just a heads up, this yoga studio, PYS, is now a studio "without walls". It isn't physically located in this space at all. There is however an awesome new yoga studio in this space called "You and the Mat", and some great teachers like Richard Rosen and Yoko are teaching there. On another note, I don't believe the PYS folks have made good on some of the 10 class passes bought before they "restructured". read more

Lately as I'm trying to save money, I'm not willing to spend $16 to $18 for a yoga class. As looked in line, I found a great place yoga studio that offers almost free classes. Monday and Friday, also Sunday evening class for $5. I've been here before many times but first time to the community classes. They're taught by recent yoga graduates and are still just as good as their other classes. Conveniently located and clean peaceful enviroment. Namaste.. read more

I had two days to spend up in Oakland while my daughter was having surgery at the nearby Kaiser hospital. On an earlier visit to the hospital, I noticed Piedmont yoga and grabbed a schedule to see if I could take a class or two while waiting for my daughter. I was pleased to see a very complete schedule and 2 classes at times that would work really well for me, however....... Went to Ann Dyer's 9:30 am Hatha class. Instructor arrived right at 9:30 am and spent several minutes at the beginning of the class trying to recruit folks for a singing something or other. The class was slow moving and not very challenging even though the schedule stated that it was for advanced begginer to intermediate students. When i arrived there was a student who had been waiting for the 8:30 am class which no instructor had showed up for. There was a sign on the front door stating that that particular class was cancelled but it was easy to miss. The cancellation wasn't on the web site. The next morning I tried to attend the 6:30 am Iyengar class. The front door was locked and I waited until 6:40 am and no instructor showed up. Again no cancellation was listed on their web site and there was no sign taped to the front door to notify of the cancellation. read more

Awesone environment! They offer free classes on Tuesday and Friday for the community ( look at the schedule for the time frames ). I have been there a handful of times, and always a different instructor on free nights, which is nice since every Yogi has their own style. I encourage people to try it out! read more

So, yeah. It's famous and all...but really. I always sense the Yogacompetition here. I'm just not flexible enough to call myself a yogamaven and I certainly don't need to feel inadaquate for $16. read more

I took the 9:00am on Saturday with R. Rosen. I am little disappointed ...... The teacher was a little rude and he even was condescending of my pranayama breathing and prior learnings. read more

I have been to quite a few studios over the years, SF, Berkeley, Oakland and from Richmond VA to Chicago, Grand Rapids Michigan to India. Piedmont yoga is my favorite. I have learned so much from Susanne, the community class on Wednesday at noon teacher and now from Clare Finn, Vickie Bell, Leslie Howard and of course Richard Rossen. I LOVE this studio. Why? I have become so much more flexible, in touch with my body, toned and generally healthier, all without injury, because they really know what they are doing. I feel happier after class then before. I value their experience and maturity, the wide age range of the students and the relaxed environment, beautiful studios and great props. I plan to try classes with more of their teachers, I imagine that they are all great. read more

I only took a few classes here hoping to cross paths with the legendary Rodney Yee, but no such luck. The spaces reminded me of a forgotten basement gymnasium, though I am sure they are not that at all. read more

I have mixed feelings about PYS. Sandra's Sunday afternoon community class is great -- very full, but actually affordable, well-taught, fun, and welcoming (see my review of Oakland Yoga Studio for more on her). I was a regular for Zach's classes about two years ago, but he moved out of state. The time didn't work for me, but Clare is also great and gives the best adjustments! The other teachers/classes have been okay but either uninspiring or way too macho/competitive. Plus the workshops at PYS seem expensive even in comparison to other good studios) -- a real turn-off. On one poster I did see a policy about not turning people away for lack of funds, but it wasn't clear if that was specific to the class or to the studio -- something worth making more visible if the goal is to truly make yoga an option for more people. read more

When we lived off Piedmont, I convinced my husband to do an introductory course with me. The teacher wasn't fabulous. This studio is know for offering classes by Rodney Yee. read more

I like this studio. I am taking prenatal yoga and this studio offers the best schedule for people with "regular" jobs. I am not the least bit flexible, but there are women in the class who regularly practice yoga and so are much more advanced than I am. The instructor (Cynthea Denise) isn't hard on me at all and she offers advice/instruction for people of all degrees of flexibility. When I leave I feel better than if I've had a massage! read more

I am male and 67 and decided to try Yoga for the first time at PIedmont Yoga. What a great experience. The website was very easy to use to make schedule a class. The person working the front desk was outgoing and friendly directing me upstairs. The teacher came up to me and called me by name and welcomed me to the Sunday morning class. The class was for beginners and was well timed. And thoughtfully well done. Yes, I am a fan. read more

Not warm and welcoming. I only had one class with Richard, which seemed slow for Hatha, and I thought the use of a folding chair was unnecessary and restrictive in a way that yoga is supposed to allow for free movement. Icky feeling. read more

I came here for a walk-in class once while visiting SF. The place is a little chilly but comfortable. The teacher is friendly and helpful and the class itself was not expensive at all. I enjoyed it a lot! read more

This is a gem of a studio. Centrally located, clean, spacious, friendly welcoming and thoughtful instruction. They have two community classes that they offer through out the week for free (with student teachers) and a donation based class on Wednesdays. I also love their early morning Vinyasa and Hatha classes. Whether or not you are new to yoga or advanced, there is something here for you. There are also several immersion workshops and specialized classes, which I find terrific. I love this space and practice here often! Thank You PYS! read more

I took a evening class today. The 7:30 restorative class. First time and I like it. It was very relaxing and they had the essential oils going.... I'm definitely coming back! read more

I truly enjoy this studio, and feel thankful to have found it, especially after first suffering through many classes at Namaste after moving to Rockridge. I highly recommend Vickie Russel Bell, Claire Finn and Raven Nemeroff. Alan Leon and Jill Woolums are also great for a gentler practice. Ironically, I did not enjoy the owner, Richard Rosen's class in the least, in fact I was extremely turned off by his attitude and teaching style. I left the class in pain, and can see how many students may be left demoralized. I'm glad this wasn't the first class I sampled, or I might not have chosen to venture back to this studio. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. I was surprised about the many reviews that noted a competitive/unwelcoming vibe among students. I personally haven't felt this vibe, but I'm usually in and out of class without much conversation. Definitely worth a try! I recommend the 10-class pass so you can sample various instructors and decide who is best for your practice. read more

Being new to the East Bay (yes, another SF transplant!), I looked at turning to yoga again. I'm retired now from full time work but manage to nanny for about 20 hours a week. The babies really wear me out on some days, so yoga is a good thing to keep me healthy and strong. I've done Urban Zen and now Baxter Bell's back class at Piedmont Yoga -- both excellent and full classes. The staff is wonderful too, their website very modern, and signing up on line is terrific. The facilities are beautiful and roomy. I highly recommend Piedmont Yoga!! read more

I started doing yoga regularly about 9 months ago. As a runner I need all kinds of stretching. I've tried a number of the teachers at PYS and liked them all. The studio has great props, is clean and serene. It's the kind of place you can go when you're struggling with some issue-physical or in your head and come out feeling all clear. Cheryl, Kath and Raven are terrific. Give it a try. Ommmmm... read more

I like the studio, and it's teachers. I love Yoko, she is a gifted teacher. I also take Kath's yoga for conditioning class. She is a dancer and brings that special knowledge to a session. My only complaint about the studio is that the classes really heat up in summer, and there aren't enough windows to cool the room properly. Fans or air conditioning are needed. If I wanted to do Bikram I would, but I don't. read more

I took my first class at Piedmont Yoga Studio ten months ago and have studied with over a dozen teachers there, and I can recommend them all. Piedmont's yoga instructors teach asanas (poses) with patience and attention to detail, offering adjustments when needed. I've noticed that it's common for the teachers to linger after class to answer students' questions about particular asasnas, or offer suggestions for at-home yoga practice, etc. I cannot single out a particular teacher because they've all been great, seriously. If you're new to yoga don't worry, the studio has classes for beginners as well as those at intermediate and advanced levels. And the studio frequently hosts workshops. Since I began I've attended weekend workshops with Judith Lasater, François Raoult, Mark Singleton, Nicolai Bachman, Mary Paffard, and most recently, Peter Sterios. What other yoga studio, in the Bay Area or elsewhere, presents a lineup of visiting teachers of this caliber? The place has been under new management since January and has a new tuition system. Instead of paying an individual teacher for a drop-in or a series of classes, you now purchase a drop-in or a series that can be used with any and all teachers, from the receptionist or on-line at the website. Let me mention the facilities. During the daytime natural light illuminates the two large and well-ventilated studio rooms, and at night the artificial light can be dimmed. Employees keep the floors clean and everything in order. Many of the classes (but not all) are Iyengar-based, and so props like blocks, straps, bolsters, thick blankets, etc., are used, and these are on-hand for the students' use. And there are mats as well, so you can show up without yours and get to it. What a gift it is to have this yoga studio here in Oakland! read more

As a new yoga practitioner, I am so lucky to have found Piedmont Yoga Studio in Oakland. The owner of the studio, Zubin, and all the teachers I have met, are not only deeply versed in the physical and philosophical beauty of yoga, they are genuinely warm, friendly, and concerned about sharing yoga with the community. Yoga is about balance and stretch, about the simplicity of relaxation and the complexity of holding together paradox. At PYS, I have found a quiet and enervating environment, which values the art and eternal spirit of yoga. It is a place to feel like a real student of something aesthetic and practical. I am currently in a class with Yoko who is fabulously intricate and knowledgeable. I haven't tried all the offerings at this studio, but I highly recommend those who are new or who have many years of experience to give it a try. Whether in breathing, meditation, chanting, or asana, this place exudes sublime quality. read more

PYS always has the best instructors with loads of training and experience. Every class I have ever taken here (in 10 years) has been fabulous. The rooms are spacious and the hardwood floors are heated, and everyone is always very friendly. read more

This studio is beautiful, airy and peaceful. The instructors are excellent. This is my ideal yoga studio.

I recently attended the Saturday Level 3-4 class taught by Richard. I have been practicing yoga off and on for the last 6 years, so I expected this class to be potentially challenging, but feasible. I approached Richard before class and introduced myself, and explained that I have had some hip and knee injuries and that as a result I have to modify certain poses. As we moved into the class, the poses, to a one, were extremely hip-intensive, and it became obvious I was having difficulty. When I spoke up and asked how to modify a pose, he told me to just do the previous pose. When I asked again a few poses later, he told me to just sit down. I gradually realized that everything in his demeanor to me indicated that he would rather I wasn't in his class at all, and I decided to leave. This was after almost an hour of class --- plenty of time for him to come over to help (This class had less than 10 people in it), to check in, etcetera. Never once did Richard come over to offer assistance, never once did he even look my way. I may as well have not been in the class. I slowly gathered up my things, to give him a chance to come over to check in (I didn't want to interrupt the class, but it seemed rude to walk out without talking to him, so I hoped he would come over so I could explain.) He looked over, saw I was leaving, and turned and walked away. So, I walked up to him, and whispered I was sorry to leave but that I felt the class was hurting my hips, and that I was going to go stretch out elsewhere. He said, "yep" and turned away and completely ignored me. I walked out of the class extremely upset and went home. On the website, 3 is defined as advanced beginner and 4 is defined as intermediate. I fall into this range. If this is NOT the level of the class, change the website. If my doctors recommend yoga and other yoga teachers seem capable of helping me to not be in pain but still do the poses, I'm unclear what was so irritating about having me in the class. If a teacher knows in advance a class will not be appropriate for some with certain injuries, they should say so prior to the class so the student is not forced to fail. If a teacher is uninterested in new students, they should indicate as such. He absolutely had time to come over to help me, and chose not to. If he didn't want me in the class, he should have offered to refund my SIXTEEN dollars or given me a free class pass for another class. Instead, he was rude and unhelpful, hurt my feelings, and failed to teach me or help me heal. I don't expect a private yoga class, and for the most part am capable of modifying poses on my own as necessary --- but I have never once take such an unpleasant yoga class, nor felt such negative energy from a teacher. I don't have a lot of money. Taking a morning yoga class is a special gift to myself, because I think it's important and necessary. Needless to say, leaving a class feeling sad and like I failed and can't overcome my injuries achieves the opposite of what I'd like to. This class ruined my morning. I hope my experience was an exception to the norm at Piedmont Yoga. read more