So...This place has a lot of filtered reviews. Yes, yes, that means that the owner has been pumping up their rating with nothing but five-star reviews (the hound!), right? Well, no. This place really is that good, all because of Melonie. I find it difficult to express in positive terms something which, by its very nature, is so extraordinarily painful that the day after I come here I wake up howling to an uncaring sky that my body is about to fall apart yet again. "How could she do this to me?" I whine. "I thought yoga was supposed to be restful, relaxing, good for the body and soul!" runs through my head as I tried to drag myself to a hot shower to recover. Seriously, all of you women 30 years older than I am who do this with every outward appearance of pleasure and relaxation, I hate you. I got dragged here by a friend who told me "this is the most painful thing that you could ever do," and then laughed at me when I scoffed at him. I, in turn, brought a young lady to whom I told the same thing. She then laughed at me as she had a wonderful time and it didn't hurt her at all. For her part, the instructor also laughs at me as she rams the iron jackboot of relentless health down my spine. I sense a pattern here. I refuse to buy a block of lessons (even though it's cheaper) primarily because it's hard enough for me to convince myself or anyone else that I'm willing to pay somebody to do this to me on a semiweekly basis, and the thought of trying to explain to somebody, "I pay a woman to beat the living crap out of me every Wednesday morning on a schedule" is going a little bit too far for me. She has other services; she does massage, nutritional counseling, and something called "prenatal yoga" which in my mind is probably one of the funniest mental images ever. I'm about as qualified to comment on any of these things as I am to explain what, exactly, the difference between styles (styles?) of yoga are. Personally, I wonder if yoga masters ever get in conflict over whose yoga is the more relaxing yoga and face each other in yoga-offs. Somebody asked me if this was "hot yoga" and apparently my response of "I'm plenty hot by the end of it" was not correct. Anyway, two thumbs up for this place, and if she has her way probably several other appendages as well. At the same time. While balancing on one foot. read more

I'm the friend that Al M. refers to his review. I started taking yoga classes last January. After the first class I thought this woman, Melonie, had a completely backwards business model. All she would need to do is put on some thigh high black leather boots, wear a corset and carry a whip. Then men would pay her 200 plus per hour to do exactly the same thing: torture them. Their are times during class when I f_ing hate yoga. The strange thing is that I somehow always feel better afterwards. Since I was 25 years old I have had a recurring problem pain in the left side of my neck. I could not turn my head to the left. A doctor diagnosed the problem as an inflamed muscle. I would get it 2-5 times per year and it lasted about 3-44 days. I used to have to treat it with Aleve and ice packs. No longer. Since I started taking yoga classes once a week I have had zero neck pain. That's about as good of an endorsement as I can give. Thanks Melonie. read more

Melonie is the main teacher at the yoga center. Her classes are challenging, inspiring, and affordable. There are individual classes for every comfort level, ability and day of the week. The style is Anusara, a hatha based system. You can read more about it here: www.anusara.com. read more

I'm new to the area and got referred to this yoga studio downtown. I've been twice and can't wait to go back tomorrow! My first practice was led by Marcus. It was a $5 community class but only 5 gals were there. Come on people $5 yoga and the money is donated to yoga for inmates, the ruin should be packed! This morning Yoga2 was taught by Katie. This level is good for anyone with experience on yoga positions. I've been away from my consistent practice for a few months and I'm looking forward to regaining strength and balance and to work my way back into level3. They offer a great new customer offer $29 for 2 weeks unlimited! I highly suggest everyone try yoga and with this deal everyone can! I'll be trying out all the studios I can find in the area as I'm used to a very challenging practice of Vinyassa flow or Ashtanga, but I do like the vibe here-good music, om, nice people, comfy room, great location. read more

Vancouver Yoga Center - Yoga Army Men! - Yoga Near Me

I attended my second class yesterday and I am so thrilled to have found a place that brings me such peace and comfort, and I live just up the street... score! Both instructors allowed for a comfortable and engaging space. Both had their own style and from what I've heard all classes offer something different. A positive and new experience every time. I am looking forward to my next class! read more

I just completed my first class at Vancouver Yoga Center with Chante and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience! There were so many beautiful people at all different levels of practice. The meditation was excellent and so we're the posture corrections. This was all around an incredible Yoga experience in my very first class. And much easier on my joints then previous yoga I've been doing. Thanks again to the Vancouver Yoga Team for all that you do. See you soon, Namaste... read more

Just started coming here and really enjoying it. The instructors have been great. It is very Zen like in the studio, but doesn't have the vibe of some PDX studios where everyone is ripped and flexing in mirrors. It's a good mix of ages, abilities and body types. The 3 instructors I've taken classes from have all been very knowledgeable and open to suggestions or areas people would like to work on. It's relaxing and makes me feel lighter and sore all at the same time :) read more

I've thoroughly enjoyed getting my yoga on at Vancouver Yoga Center. My favorite classes are with Melonie, who seems to really enjoy teaching (and getting us a great workout.) I've had to take a bit of a break, and I just can't wait to get back to the studio! read more

I started seeing Melonie 10 months ago due to a severe shoulder problem, chronic pain and very limited range of motion. I had been to a number doctors and chiropractors, with little improvement, and had been advised that I may need surgery. My sessions included therapeutic massage and structural yoga. The first session was unforgettable. Melonie explained what was going on underneath the surface (joint, muscles, nerves , fascia) She penetrated deeply and my shoulder was in SHOCK. I needed ice packs and and Epsom salt baths to recover. Yet each successive massage was easier to recover from and brought relief from pain and increasing range of motion. In the yoga sessions, she looked at my alignment and habitual ways of moving, and pinpointed the source of the problem. I now understand what led to the injury. I've learned how to use my shoulder differently, with lower back muscles engaged to prevent strain. I've also learned how to adapt my yoga postures so as to stretch and strengthen. I now have nearly full use of my right arm and shoulder. Thank you Melonie! read more

I recently attended a Yoga class taught by Marcus and I recommend going to his classes. It was truly an amazing experience for my mind body and soul. I will be going back for every class because I truly loved the workout and stretching of the body, you can go at your own pace and really feel your body getting the exercise that it needs. For only $5 a class you are getting far more than what you are paying for. After a great stretching of the body it is followed by a relaxing treatment of essential oils to breathe in (if you chose) and let your body relax while listening to peaceful music in a dimmed light setting. I recommend this to anyone who loves yoga or even wants to try it for the first time. No need to bring any equipment it is all provided, just show up with an open mind and have the best yoga experience offered. His next classes are Thursday the 19th at 6pm and January 30th at 6pm. read more

i first sought out the Vancouver Yoga Center/Melonie to get an Ayurvedic Nutritional Consultation. i am ever exploring different systems/philosophies in the quest for Well-being. i had a brief encounter with Melonie and was struck by her bearing and countenance. i don't think one could have a better reference for the validity of one's health counseling than if they themselves are the picture of health & beauty... the consultation was fantastic....6 months later i am still processing and shaping my eating habits to more match the wisdom that Melonie imparted to me....i believe her knowledge is deep, true & transformative....and no i don't think that these changes take place overnight and i think the mark of their impact on me is i am still pursuing and meditating on the guidance Melonie provided.... this is a total nutshell of the Ayurvedic Nutritional Counseling that she offered and i sought but is not actually the main reason i came to write the review.... because this was a birthday present to myself i thought i would tack on a massage from Melonie as a great way to end our session together... Now first off i have to state.....when it comes to massage evaluation i don't think you are going to run into too many people that are more picky than i am...i actually think the trait can be a bit of a curse!....i am a massage therapist for years now professionally and was an amateur for about 15 years before i decided to go professional....so someone really has to have some knowledge and skill for me to be Impressed.... i was Wowed....Melonie was/is now one of my top 5 therapists i have had the honor/privilege/rapture to receive body work from...and this is an Elite list i am talking about..... not only was it an Above & Beyond experience from a purely qualitative/aesthetic standpoint....once again this womyn has Knowledge... i have a problem hip.....and for Years lying on my stomach on the massage table was not always a pleasant experience....Melonie showed me this trick with a bolster which turned my Massage Receiving World Upside Down.... as she herself says....i am a body freak!....from her knowledge of the workings of the body through her yoga studies, her immense grasp of Ayurvedic Nutritional Principles to guide one to a superior way of nourishing one's self to her ability to physically manipulate our body/energy field to induce a profound state of wellness..... i think that i have rarely if ever run across a person so fully knowledgeable/experienced to provide you with a multi-faceted path to Wellness.... and as i said before....if her Beauty, Bearing, Grace, Composure & Centeredness aren't the best Reference for her skill & knowledge, well i don't know what would be..... seek this womyn out! read more

Been going here for more than 10 years. Melonie Nielsen is a fabulous teacher who can teach to any level of experience, accommodating injuries and helping her students heal. She's very knowledgeable about the body (she's also a wonderful massage therapist) and is always seeking to expand her knowledge. Even after all these years, I'm still learning lots from her and have frequent "aha!" moments because she's just explained something familiar in a new or deeper way. The community here is warm & welcoming, the faces change but many people keep coming back year after year. And it's a good deal - you're getting a great teacher at a very reasonable price. read more

I have been getting therapeutic massage by Melonie Nielsen for over 3 years now. I have to say I have had several other massage therapist's in the past, and Melonie is by far the best I have ever had. If you are looking for a regular massage therapist or just a one time relaxing massage, Melonie comes with a five star rating! You will leave with all your muscles relaxed and feel amazing! read more