I have been studying yoga for almost 20 years (I'm 65) so have experienced a lot of teachers. Even though I now live in Baltimore, I have not found any local studio that approaches the quality of Sweetbay Yoga, so I drive to Bethesda at 6 a.m. every Saturday to get the best out of a yoga class. I have some limitations due to arthritis, but Laurel is so knowledgeable that she suggests props or alternative poses, depending on the pain level that day. I discovered her about 5 years ago, and "migrated" to Sweetbay as soon as it opened. The breadth of her knowledge and creativity is impressive, often enlightening, and easily remembered for home practice. Laurel is engaging and the studio is welcoming and well-equipped. Whether you are totally new to Iyengar yoga, or a veteran, you will always find new insights with Laurel. I have also taken a few classes there with Roya Hedari - she has a different approach, but is also a real talent. read more

Sweetbay yoga is the best yoga around. Laurel Goeke, an Iyengar trained teacher, has been teaching yoga for 20 years. She knows what she is doing. She hired other well-trained teachers to teach the other courses. Roya, in particular, is an excellent instructor. This year Sweetbay has expanded beyond her usual special events and book club to include a three-day retreat and a year-long program for program devoted to yoga, wellness and holistic ways to deal with our changing lives and bodies. She has the Be Yummy program for teens and another program working with developmentally delayed children and teens. If you want classes that are full of supportive and friendly people taught by excellent instructors, this is the place to come. read more

Sweetbay Yoga is truly a special place. The warm and welcoming community of dedicated practitioners, superb quality of instruction, and beautiful space in which to practice make it unique. When I moved to the area I was afraid that I wouldn't find a studio to fit me: I wanted knowledgeable Iyengar instruction in a warm atmosphere. Laurel brings it, and more! She's kind, and funny, and helpful. And while I can't usually attend the array of community events that she hosts at the studio, they all sound fun and engaging. I, myself, stumbled upon this gem when I moved into the neighborhood. I have since recommended Sweetbay to a number of friends, none of whom have been disappointed. read more

Sweetbay yoga offers quality yoga and a great sense of community. If you want classes taught by experienced and well trained teachers, this is the place to come. I've been doing yoga more than 10 years & have tried it all -- Sweetbay is where I know I'll always have a good class taught by someone who knows what she is doing. Not only are the classes high quality, this is more than a yoga studio -- it is an open and accepting community of people. There are many events from book clubs to music and meditation. Laurel has created something truly special and is open to all and all ideas. There's always something new going on. Along with some really good yoga. read more

I found yoga several years ago - its an amazing stretch and strength builder. When I moved to Bethesda, I looked everywhere for a yoga studio where I would feel comfortable. Hot yoga is not my thing. I can't contort my body in crazy shapes. And I still can't quiet my mind to meditate on a Saturday morning. I am so lucky to have found SweetBay Yoga! Its Iyengar yoga at its best! I feel amazing after class. Its a warm community open to all ages and genders. I never feel uncomfortable or out of place (even in my oldest workout clothes!) Thank you Laurel and the entire SweetBay community for welcoming me. I can't recommend the studio highly enough!! read more

I found yoga several years ago - its an amazing stretch and strength builder. When I moved to Bethesda, I looked everywhere for a yoga studio where I would feel comfortable. Hot yoga is not my thing. I can't contort my body in crazy shapes. And I still can't quiet my mind to meditate on a Saturday morning. I am so lucky to have found SweetBay Yoga! Its Iyengar yoga at its best! I feel amazing after class. Its a warm community open to all ages and genders. I never feel uncomfortable or out of place (even in my oldest workout clothes!) Thank you Laurel and the entire SweetBay community for welcoming me. I can't recommend the studio highly enough!! read more

I love this place. Often as a man it's uncomfortable going into a studio to do yoga. But this place has a lot of guys, and Laurel has an extensive background teaching yoga for men, so I fit right in. In any case, it's good to push the body a bit more than I'm used to - and Laurel certainly does a great job at that. Heck - I'm even going to a yoga retreat with the Sweetbay community - never thought I'd do that!! BTW - one other bonus is the location. You have everything you could possibly ever want at the Westwood shopping center - banks, barber, pet food, Giant, Starbucks, toy store, drug store, eye glasses ... oh and yea, a liquor store. read more

I am so happy that I found Sweetbay Yoga! After taking about 8 years off, having yoga back in my life has benefitted me greatly - both physically and mentally. I am always looking forward to my next visit to Sweetbay. I love the calm feeling that I have as I am walking out of the studio after a class there. Laurel - the owner and also an amazing teacher - has done a wonderful job of creating a warm and welcoming community that is like no other. The studio is beautiful, and all the teachers are very knowledgable, helpful and welcoming no matter what your level is. read more

This is my fave yoga studio in Bethesda. The yoga is concise and insightful; the community is warm and supportive. It means something that at the beginning of class you're encouraged to know the name of the person sitting next to you. You can be known as much, or as little, as you'd like to in this community. Besides fabulous yoga, there's book discussions, film viewings, karaoke nights - and many of the events are inclusive of all the groups welcomed at Sweetbay, included adults, teens & youth, and special needs. Sweetbay truly is a hidden gem of a studio. read more

This is my favorite yoga studio. I'm not a big fan of yoga classes that feel like solely a workout class in spirit-- I appreciate the holistic, mind-body approach here at Sweetbay. Laurel has done a wonderful job of building a supportive community, with events such as book club meetings and documentary screenings in addition to the yoga classes. As a teacher, Laurel is talented at meeting you where you are and offering modifications so every student can be engaged regardless of experience level. I am always recommending her classes to friends! read more

After being commanded by my doctor to do more bone-strengthening exercise, I decided to try Sweetbay yoga, having heard that Iyengar yoga could be a good method. Wow! What I thought would be a do-it- because-it's-good-for-you activity turns out to be something I look forward to each week. The studio is beautifully arranged, the community is warm and welcoming and Laurel is an incredibly talented teacher. I leave class stronger in body, mind and spirit. Can't say enough good things about this wonderful studio. read more

I can't say enough great things about Sweetbay and Laurel Goeke! This is a great place for yoga no matter what level you are. There are classes for all ages and levels, including one designed for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is also a strong teen program in general. The instructors at Sweetbay are experienced and helpful. Laurel provides individual attention when needed and genuinely cares about her customers needs whether they have specific goals or just want to come to class. read more

Sweet Bay has changed my life at age 57! Laurel and her teachers are part of our community. They actually care about each person that comes into the studio. I was hesitant to commit once a week as a first timer but they made it warm and nurturing while challenging me at the same time. Now I know how to breath and how to relax. I also brought my 4 nieces in for a class and they all loved it and will be back in the summer. Try it now and see if you can learn to relax and work out in the same venue. read more

I have been doing yoga for over 40 years and Sweetbay Yoga is truly a special yoga studio. Most classes are alignment based, or Iyengar style yoga, which take into consideration differing abilities and body types. There are plenty of clean and well-cared for props and truly talented teachers. Best of all, an emphasis is placed on community and kindness as exemplified by the owner, Laurel, who goes out of her way to welcome all of us. read more

Whether you're looking for a yoga community, or just looking to drop in to a class here and there, Sweetbay Yoga offer all types of yoga with certified teachers-- even Iyengar! Super teachers, beautiful spacious studio, welcoming energy! I travel a lot for work and having the freedom to buy passes for 3 or 6 months fits into my schedule. This place has truly become a community for me when I'm in DC and I can't get enough! read more

I love Sweetbay so much! I moved to the area about a year ago and one of my favorite things about my new neighborhood is Sweetbay yoga! All the teachers have been wonderful. Each has their own personality of course but I've liked all of them. I'm a huge fan of the founder of Sweetbay, Laurel. The room where classes are held is fun and warm, and there's a real community spirit among the folks who go there. read more

This a fantastic studio. The space is warm and charming. Laurel's teaching is outstanding. She is clear, thoughtful, and helpful. She listens to her clients. She has a strong sense of community and offers additional events such as movie night, book discussions, and retreats. The business is very well run. A 90 minute class with Laurel on a Saturday morning will change your whole weekend. For the better! read more

I'd been working at a particular pose for years, but it wasn't until I came to Sweetbay that I got the guidance and confidence to fully commit to it. I can now hold salamba sirsasana (headstand) for over a minute, which I never thought would be possible. Thanks to Laurel's patient and understanding nature, I've come to learn that some things are worth trying over and over. Namaste! read more

Sweetbay Yoga is such a gem in Bethesda. I have been taking classes from Laurel for years. She is without a doubt the best fitness teacher I have ever taken a class from. I had tried yoga many times but it wasn't for me until I experienced the Iyengar method and met Laurel! Her studio is warm and inviting and the community she has built is supportive and fun. read more