The Pad is great for straightforward, honest, hardworking yoga. No fancy lights or trendy music or weights. In the midst of all the boutique yoga studios on Union St trying to offer something "different," it is so refreshing to visit a place that offers real YOGA! The studio is beautiful and instructors knowledgeable. If you're sick of core powered pilates masquerading as vinyasa, this is your spot. read more

I've had anxiety my whole life but this past December, it spiraled. I knew I needed an outlet, both physically and mentally. Vinyasa Yoga has served both of those purposes for me. In the month of January, I completed my 20 class goal challenge and am ready for February! If you are in the Bay area and are looking for am amazing studio, check out The Pad Studio and specifically, one of Lauren Cohen's classes. Your life will change! read more

My yoga home. I started looking for a good yoga studio almost a year ago- wanting something that would be a workout and would also help me de-stress. My search ended at my first stop- The Pad. The classes are all challenging in their own way- sometimes it's more cardio, other times its abs, or arms. All the teachers there are extremely well trained and their positive attitudes always help to capture the room. Seriously, in the past I've found that there are only certain teachers i like in a workout place, but here, I love them all. So any time of the day I can fit yoga in- i don't have to worry if they teacher is going to make it worth my time. The music they play is always fitting and fun too! A note- this place can be very expensive. However, they have specials every single month so as long as you by your packages with one of the promotions- it's not so bad :) Yoga has helped me so much mentally and physically and I have to thank The Pad for that! read more

I've been coming to The Pad Studios ever since March and it truly is my sanctuary. This is the first yoga studio that I've ever really committed to and it really was the best and healthiest decision I could have ever made for myself. Every month I renew my Fun-employment membership - unlimited yoga Monday-Friday from 6:30 am - 6 p.m. It's perfect if you live or work in the area and want to come here on your break or get an hour yoga session in before work. I've had the opportunity to take classes with 5 or so different instructors and I love how diverse all of their classes are. The morning classes are my favorite -- but that's just how i like to start my day. Nothing like a boost of energy and a calm mind before heading into an 8 hour work day. Just a fun note - I've become obsessed with the Lotus Flower. Drop by The Pad Studios for a class or two and find out why :) read more

I originally was skeptical about coming here, but I couldn't resist the Amazon Local deal which offered $35 for one month of unlimited yoga at The Pad. About the studio: It's a very nice and well-kept studio space, and they provide scented sprays that leave your mats and the room smelling fresh. The room is slightly heated to the low 80's and, no, it's not bikram, but it does get a little warm. About the classes: The classes themselves vary from just difficult to very intense. THIS IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE BEGINNER'S YOGA. I have been practicing yoga for almost 2 years consistently and have been to several studios, of which this is one of the most intense workouts I've had during yoga. Go figure, it says "Power Yoga", and they really mean POWER. If you're under 15 classes of yoga or are just starting again for the first time, you may very well find this place fairly difficult at first. They do welcome beginners, but I highly, highly recommend some previous experience prior to trying Power Yoga classes. About the instructors: They're all pretty much fantastic! To each his/her own preference of yoga instructor and style - I can say this place definitely has a pretty high consistency between instructors. If you're looking for a good workout/kick in the ass, try Megan Webster's class... but don't say I didn't warn you. Everything else: The only things they could improve on is having more classes available and having a better sense of community (like Urban Flow Yoga). Also, be aware that this studio is in Cow Hollow (and right by the Marina). That means your average yogi here will be pretty well decked out in Lululemon clothing and if you aren't a regular in these neighborhoods you might feel like you've left San Francisco for a little bit... read more

LOVE the Pad. Originally started going there back in 2012 when they had a Nutcracker music-themed flow class one night. I'm a sucker for anything Christmas and was intrigued (it was awesome if you are wondering-- The Pad, please do that again this year!) I keep going back because I absolutely love the studio, the teachers, the space, etc. Bonus is they are on ClassPass, which I use and love. ...but seriously please do the Nutcracker class again :) read more

I've been trying out different yoga studios over the past couple of years and was introduced to The Pad through a groupon special. I've been coming back here more frequently because I'm digging Leila Burrows and Brad Brockbank's teaching styles and flow sequences. I've been practicing for almost 10 years, and I'd put the class level at 1-2...just enough oomph so I'm challenged. For me, this is an 'easy in, easy out' studio, where I don't have to waste a lot of time planning ahead for parking (it's fairly easy) or getting there early to secure a spot on the studio floor (no problem). I will say the yoga room is a bit on the smaller side and - while not a problem now - if they reach maximum capacity in the room, it would be too cramped a space for me. The yoga room is also not as warm as I'd prefer, but they are working on that and I've noticed some changes already. Otherwise, The Pad is a clean, inviting place to get your OM on. read more

I've been going to the pad for the past 1-2 years. First, the place is soooo cute. What I love about it is that they have hardwood floors that always feel clean. You don't feel like you're doing yoga on 5 day old sweat and it smells nice! Theres an atmosphere you get at the Pad where I've never gotten at any reasonably priced yoga studio. I became a real fan of the studio when I realized one of my favorite instructors - Todd - from my old studio teaches at the Pad now. It's an amazing place with amazing teachers. Every class is a workout and I'm learning something new in each class. I definitely recommend taking classes from Todd and Erin if it fits in your schedule! read more

Amazing!!! Background: I finally moved to the city from the South Bay and cut my daily commute by 2 hours so decided to focus on losing the 15 pounds I gained since college... but the gym bores me and I know a bunch of super bangin' gals who live by yoga. So... My first shot with yoga was at Santosha, an Iyengar studio just up the hill. Unbelievably un-challenging (even for someone brand new to yoga) and boring, I quickly looked for a new studio. The Pad was the next closest to my apartment and offered an amazing 10 classes for $10. It just took one class with Josh and I was hooked. Now this is what everyone's talking about!!! Love love love. Tim was my favorite teacher, though he is no longer teaching at The Pad :( Now I am religious about vinyasa and really miss practicing if I don't go. I've also lost 2 pant sizes and am starting to see some serious tone in my arms. Whoot. The Pad is intimate (everyone knows your name) but spacious, and has such cute decor. Not to mention, it's sparkly clean and you feel absolutely comfortable walking around with bare feet, even in the bathroom (no joke). I did try Aha Yoga nearby and loved that studio, too. It's a toss up for me. The Pad is much more intimate, but Aha is a bit more challenging (totally kicks my ass). Highly recommend! read more

Great yoga studio, my review is for prenatal yoga only. Love the class time (4pm on Sundays) and wished I'd found this earlier in my pregnancy! Love the instructor (I am blanking on her name) but she is awesome. Will be taking yoga here once the little one is born and mommy needs a workout and a stress free time for herself! Clean, beautiful studios. read more

Oh city life... I'm in the process of moving out of the neighborhood and i'll no longer be just a hop away from The Pad. Really bumming me out. I switched over from pilates to yoga and The Pad really helped me become a believer in the practice. I'm not religious at all, but yoga is the closest thing to a religion i've ever felt. It's a fantastic way to tune in to yourself and feel connected at the same time... really healthy for a restless head like mine. I love getting my day started with 6:30am yoga. Leila's classes are my favorite and I always leave feeling really humbled, sweaty and wishing I had a recording of her on iTunes so I could take her kick-ass, soothing workouts with me on vacations and just on weekends. Really clean and fun studio. The teachers get to know you by name and are willing to help you get into a new pose if you're feeling a little curious. If you're unsure, just give their 3 classes for $20 a shot. And just keep coming back one class at a time. read more

I'm a die-hard devotee of Nicole Cronin and her Vinyasa classes at The Pad but I've also recently discovered the brilliant Emma Peck (Mondays and Fridays at 9.15am) and felt compelled to give this recommendation. Her tone, her direction, her technique and her energy are all completely aligned in the most wonderful of ways. Also - because this matters - I especially appreciate her taste in music because a great yoga teacher can be a great letdown with the wrong melodies, regardless of how ambient the tunes need to be during Shavasana. Emma's playlist knows what's up! Her classes not only have me leaving with an open heart and a wide smile but an enlightened sense of centeredness, ready to embrace whatever lays ahead in my day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! read more

This place is great! Wasn't really into yoga, but was dragged here by my girlfriend and go weekly now (that was a year ago!). Our favorite class is Saturday mornings with Courtney and her power Vinyasa session - wonderful way to start the morning and shake off the Friday night indulgences. Great for experienced and beginner levels a like. No judgement here, even if you're new to the practice (like I was!), but you can push yourself as much as you like. read more

....Mmmmmmmmm! That's how my muscles feel today after my yoga class with Todd. What a wonderful way to begin the week! Finding a good yoga teacher is almost more important than a hair stylist (and I don't say that lightly). My boyfriend and I have been going to Todds classes for years now and they just get better. The Pad is my favorite yoga space--it's sparkling clean, simple, elegant and very welcoming. The little fireplace is a wonderful touch and I always cozy my mat up to that on a brisk day. To Todd and The Pad--Thank you for making my yoga practice so fun and special! Namaste. read more

It's tough to know where to begin when it comes to The Pad. I'll begin by saying this isn't the average wellness studio. While you arrive ready to practice (and you will), there's a sense of "hip" as soon as you enter the door. The owners have skipped earthy hues in favor of energizing pinks and greens as well as delicious naturally lit lobby, which instantly puts you in a good mood. Also, the sounds throughout are ambient tunes that happen to compliment the decor. I was greeted by owners Leila & Lily, both of whom are absolute gems. They are both pleasant, welcoming and REAL--no fluff, just good people, that you want to hang with. My first visit to The Pad was for a private Pilate's session (which I highly recommend) with Lelia. Leila was awesome to work with. I got the sense that she really understood my strength as well as the mechanics of my body--she knew when to push me and instantly navigated my problem areas. Moreover she's really patient and easy to work with. My second visit came about two days later, where I rose early to meet Lily for 6:30am Power Yoga. What a way to start the day! If you can, get up and take this class. Lily employs a cool mix of music to guide you through the class and teaches by candlelight. She's really tuned into movement, which you can tell just by watching her. She too is about giving you an adequate workout, which, for me, is so refreshing. I could go on for days about this place, but I'm sure you get the idea. It's clean, it's fun and has the perfect energy for the hip yogi. read more

Pad is a really nice place. The owners are really sweet and they have great taste - it is a beautiful studio, and quite different from the usual incense/new agey feel that a lot of studios have. The $10 for 10 classes is awesome - it's a great idea to try out a bunch of classes, because the styles of the teachers vary a lot. I took classes from 4 different teachers, and they were all a bit different, which I like. I get bored easily. The teachers were all very nice, as is everyone who works there. The only thing that I didn't like were that the classes were all pretty challenging. Being challenged is good, I don't think it's a great place for a beginner. I have taken a million classes over the years, but I am a bit rusty, and I felt like I could barely keep up. Things seem more like pilates style yoga than plain old yoga, but I think Marina people are more competitive that what I am used to, so maybe it works out okay. I wish that they had a couple of designated beginner or restorative classes for those of us that aren't in hardcore shape. read more

This is such a lovely studio--sparkling clean, cozy atmosphere, and a non-overcrowded and not super sweaty yoga room! As I began to commute down to the peninsula last year, my once several-times-weekly yoga practice dwindled to a lucky-if-I-make-it-twice-a-week frequency. Although I had been to this studio when it first opened, I had not become a "regular" until recently. Recently, I began taking Miwa's classes at 7:30 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays. This is the PERFECT time for me because the sometimes-dreadful commute back to the city can take up to an hour and a half. And when the commute is traffic-ridden, there is no antidote quite like a great yoga class. And that is what I have discovered at Miwa's class at The Pad. It is truly a haven where the stresses of the day literally melt (or are sweated) away. Her classes are well-paced, filled with innovative sequences, and she has really good music! Another great thing about her class is that it is truly all levels, meaning beginners and advanced yogis have a challenging and satisfying class. And for those of us who like to "multi-task" and make sure we are using our time most efficiently: It is a jam-packed hour and 15 minutes. Workout. Stretching. Spirituality. Savasana. Check. Check. Check. Check. Yup, it's pretty much just awesome. Check out this great studio and this great teacher. read more

Get the new student special... Three classes for $20! Amazing. I did the 1hr 15 min class on Wednesday and it was honestly the first class I've ever sweat in during all my five years of practicing yoga. Hard but really satisfying! My second class was less of a thrill, with poor explanation, but still a workout. I wouldn't say this studio's yoga classes are suited to beginners, but if you're intermediate you'll love it! Also appreciate the free almonds and water in the lobby. Yum! read more

The Pad is great. I've taken yoga classes with several teachers and loved them all - super clear cues with lots of options to level up or down and good (but not overwhelming) background music. The studio is beautiful and it's generally pretty easy to get a spot in the yoga classes (though morning reformer pilates fill up faster). Would definitely recommend! read more

I've tried more yoga and pilates studios in the SF area than just about anyone. I find The Pad's power yoga classes better than anywhere else and love the relaxed yet challenging atmosphere they've created with their studio on union street. I LOVE Brad's power yoga/flow classes. He's an amazing instructor and creates a class that is always super challenging- pushing you just to your limit-- but also extremely relaxing and rewarding. It's unlike any class I've ever taken and I love that he takes the time to adjust and help each student in the class- he's great!! I've only tried one of the Pad's pilates reformer classes b/c the schedule doesn't work well for me, but did enjoy it and found it pretty challenging, which is often the problem with group reformer classes. I recommend The Pad to anyone looking for a great environment to take their yoga and/or pilates practice to the next level! read more

I was afraid it would take some time to find my 'home' studio when relocated from NYC to SF in March. After trying the introductory special at The Pad for a month in April 2013, it's been my go-to studio ever since. The studio is clean and the staff is extremely friendly. I love Becca because she makes an effort to learn each person's name that comes to her class. You're guaranteed a great workout with Courtney and Ellie, though Courtney's Tuesday/ Thursday evening classes are always packed. Also helps that the owners are very responsive when you email them... Last week, a shoulder issue prevented me from attending a workshop that I signed up and paid for, and they were kind enough to give me credit! read more

Ansley at The Pad has been my Pilates instructor for the past couple of months. I have been taking private classes from her and she is the best! She's very knowledgeable and always makes it a great workout. I developed an injury about a month ago and she was able to help me modify my exercise so that I could continue to get a good workout, even with the injury. She knows when to push you and when to back off. Her voice is calming and she makes you feel very comfortable! I definitely recommend scheduling a session with her! And the atmosphere at The Pad is great! The facility is clean and calming the minute you enter the door. The two owners are also awesome. I have also heard that the massage therapist, Tara, is amazing so I have scheduled a massage with her. Can't wait! read more

After 6 months of living in SF, desperately searching for a replacement masseuse, a few friends recommended I see Ashley at The Pad. Let's just say I owe each of them a dinner, at the very least. Like someone else mentioned, I was naively partial to male massueses before seeing Ashley...but that has all changed. She actively asks and listens to what you've been doing between visits, what's feeling off, and does an incredible job of tailoring that session to what your body needs...whether recovery after a race or just destressing after a string of late nights at the office. No one session has been the same, and all have been theraputic and left me walking away down Union Street with an obxnoxious smile and ridiculous hair (thanks to the final touch of a scalp massage). Ashley is very highly recommended. read more

The Pad has changed my life for the better. Nicole Cronin is a masterful teacher and an inspiration to me-- on and off the mat. So grateful for this establishment and all that it offers read more

Finally! This is the place I've been waiting for! The Pad is a little slice of heaven - so beautiful, so friendly, so awesome. And Mara is the pilates instructor I've been searching for! I started coming to the Pad because their yoga is the best in town. I used to take classes in L.A. with the owner, Leila, and as soon as she said she was moving up to S.F. to open her own studio I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. I knew that Leila would bring to S.F. the kind of yoga I'd been yearning for - hard, cardio, fast, and fun that gets you in shape, tones your muscles, makes you stronger, and leaves you feeling like you're floating on a cloud. Then I got engaged right after the Pad opened and it was time to kick it up a notch so I started doing private pilates with Mara. She designed my own private bridal bootcamp and it was worth every penny. Mara, first of all, has the pilates body we're all dying to achieve. Such great inspiration! In our first session she asked me what my goals were, what my dress looked like, what my fears were, everything! And then for 8 weeks she tortured me (in a good way) and I can't thank her enough. Our workouts were so much fun, the results were amazing (do I really have THAT muscle in my arm now?!), and Mara is the consummate professional - organized and focused but still fun and such a sweetheart. I go in for pilates twice a week with Mara and love to mix in a few yoga classes with Chelsea, Leila, and Brad (three top faves)... the Pad is the bomb! Their pricing is great - compared to what else is out there and especially once you experience what they offer - and the atmosphere cannot be beat! read more

This place is incredible. It's pretty tough to find a yoga studio that I love after this! If you live in the Marina or Cow Hollow, or anywhere close to Polk Street for that matter -- definitely give it a try! For the yogis at heart - give it a week or two to find the perfect instructor for you. Slow flow, or more upbeat -- emotionally connected or more of a workout, there is a teacher and a class for you. *Pro tip - get in a few minutes early and go to the back right corner by the mats if you want to feel like it's a smaller/private studio. read more

I love stumbling into The Pad in the morning and working up a sweat in the evenings. The teachers are solid and very different. For someone who is easily bored, this place is great since there is nothing routine about this routine. You can't go on autopilot. You just flow. The studio is clean and inviting. This is a truly an all-levels place to practice. The schedule is accommodating to people who work office jobs (classes before 7AM and after 6PM) as well as people who freelance. Dana and Courtney are my faves. :) read more

One of the best Yoga Studios in SF. Clean, modern, welcome and great teachers. I take Yoga here at least once a week. Danielle B, Lauren Cohen are all great teachers. I highly recommend it. Go to the morning Vinyasa class to start your day right! read more

Love the Pad! I'm so glad that they do not overheat their studio! I started going because I was diagnosed with Graves' disease and was told to not exercise. I decided to opt for low intensity exercise and the Pad was perfect! I mentioned the hyperthyroidism because I overheat easily... the Pad rooms are not blazing hot which is something I really appreciate! Everywhere yoga boutique seems to always be HOT. I don't like feeling dizzy and like I am going to faint from heat. The classes are also very good. I will continue to come to this studio even after I can return to intense exercise! read more

Clean, bright, and airy, this studio is a blast. There is a nice hangout area in the lobby with water and almonds, or an occasional juice tasting, and plenty of storage shelves for your stuff inside. The instructors are fun but the late evening class just wasn't doing it for me. read more

I just finished my first Power Yoga Basics class tonight, and wow, I didn't know yoga could kick my a** so much. I'm trying the newbie special, 3 classes for $20, and am so excited to try another class. I've taken Bikram a few times and tried yoga at my gym but had a hard time finding the right level, challenging enough to engage a beginner, but not so hard I was left gaping at the instructor and other students doing headstands. This struck just the right balance. The instructor explained positions clearly, at a manageable pace, and made corrections to poses. Halfway through class I had to look around and remind myself I was taking a basic yoga class, not dancing in a sweat lodge, as I wiped off my brow and made a note-to-self to bring a towel next time! The studio is cozy, with a cute, modern vintage decor and convenient location right on Union. The yoga room is very intimate, fitting a max of approximately 10-12 people, and is warmed by a quaint little stove. Music during the session was a nice touch and helped me zone out especially at the end of class, which is when my mind tends to start wandering. (In case you're wondering, the only reason I'm giving 4 stars is that I'm not totally devoted to yoga as my go-to workout. Oh, and the bathroom situation is a little crowded, meaning one unisex bathroom to change in.) read more

There is a lot to love about this place. The studios are always clean and welcoming, the classes are varied and challenging, and their schedule is perfect for those of us who can't make it to an early evening class. Best of all, the instructors are knowledgeable, engaging, and supportive; Libby, Lauren, and Leila are my favorites. I'm knocking one star off because the number of people packed into their classes is absolutely overwhelming at times. Under these circumstances, it's nearly impossible for instructors to correct you and provide personalized attention. Plus, there is nothing zen about accidentally kicking the person who is directly behind you or hitting the person next to you because you have no room to do your poses properly. read more

One of my favorite places in the city! I was a client long before I got my pilates certification. Now I get to teach here, a total dream come true! The space and the community here is so welcoming and I always leave feeling 10 times better than I walked in. We also had a fun Bumble BFF yoga event here. All of my friends loved it! read more

GREAT for an intermediate* I've been to about 10 classes and have thought each one was very well done. The last few times I've been the instructor was Ellie. One things she does really well is making each class fun and challenging in different ways, and not redundant. *Could also be good for other levels but since that's not me I don't know! read more

The group pilates class size is max 4 person so it is like having a semi private class for under $40 each class. That is perfect for any budget. You get the personal attention from the instructor and also the extra incentive from other participants. Sign up for the 3 class package and get a discount. read more

I LOVE NICOLE. She is one of the best yoga instructors I have ever had. We look forward to her class every week. She demonstrates the poses in a non-intimidating manner and makes things easy. Her voice and tone are great and she always knows what to say to make our adjustments to get the most out of the pose. She's always willing to help and listen to you after class. She listens to her students and accommodates them accordingly. As a litigation attorney, I love it when instructors are not talking out of their ego and speak thoughtfully where each word counts. Nicole's demonstrations and explanations are a perfect example of that! BF took his first class with Nicole and he really enjoys yoga now! Thank you Nicole! read more

I've attended a couple power yoga classes here so far and I really enjoy it! The studio is clean and spacious, and the instructors so far have been great! I have taken a class with both Julia and Nicole. Julia is a little more challenging and plays upbeat music whereas Nicole has a soothing voice and plays meditation-esque music. For me, I use yoga more for mental health than for physical exercise, so I really liked Nicole; but it really depends on you and why you practice yoga. I also definitely want to try The Pad's Pilates classes! read more

Great teachers, clean and relaxing environment. I have been going to The Pad for several years and have tried multiple other yoga studios throughout the city, but it still remains one of my favorite studios. The classes range from power vinyasa, restorative yoga, and everything in between. This place is a gem. read more

What a way to come back to pilates after at 4 year hiatus. I've been searching high and low for a decent pilates studio since I moved here in 2007. Some were okay but too far, others were too expensive, or not enough of a workout. Finally my sister found The Pad and I have been the happiest pilates devotee since. Nicole, is who we do our duettes with. She is patient, and works with you yet also pushes you to your limit. She also is constantly correcting your form/posture and making adjustments. While I know I'm not going to sweat buckets of water during a session here, I also know I am going to get a hard workout with alot of muscles burning throughout. The studio itself is clean, modern and welcoming and warm. They have water by the front door, a small selection of clothes for sale, and also yoga classes. My only minor complaint is that on reformers are pretty close together so sometimes we have some paths crossing as we work out. Also, I wish we were able to do some work on the cadillac, but there appears to only be one. Either way I am happy as can be with The Pad. read more

I have never been a huge fan of yoga, but since I started my new desk job I have wanted to make a conscious effort to focus more on my posture and flexibility. I have done yoga a few times in the past, but never fell in love with any of the classes. That all changed last night, when I took the Power Yoga class at The Pad studios. The class itself was excellent; the instructor was lovely & the postures were great for promoting flexibility. I feel as though some yoga studios have an 'attitude' or are stand-offish but I didn't feel this way at all at The Pad... the people who worked there were all friendly & welcoming. Great experience ! read more