Six or seven years ago, I embarked on my yoga journey by way of Bikram, and was hooked. Although my…read morecurrent home studio isn't a Bikram studio, I've had the good fortune of practicing at studios from the East to the West coasts with many excellent instructors and varying degrees of studio amenities. I don't mind a stripped-down space, sweat-perfumed carpet, or a hot room, and was happy on a recent conference visit to discover that the best-looking yoga studio in Corvallis just happened to be a Bikram studio. Classes are offered at standard times during the week (a couple in the morning and a couple at night, with a modified weekend schedule). The room itself is larger than others I've practiced in, with nicely marked lines and plenty of mirror space. The instructor sits elevated, the better to see you! There is a small changing room with a bathroom and (I think) just one shower stall, so efficiency is key before and after class. The instructor was quite friendly on my check-in...but once class started, things switched up a little, in a way that left me with a slightly negative impression (at least of this particular instructor in this particular class). I've always heard stories of Bikram instructors who encourage students to work to the point of pain (not simply discomfort, but actual pain in sensitive places like the lower back, the neck, the knees, and the hamstrings), but I'd been fortunate to never encounter one in all my years of practice. Until now. This instructor shouted to "Lock your knees!" and "Feel the pain!" more times than I can count, and publicly questioned people who were making modifications that their body might have required. As a more experienced yogi, I know that instructors should challenge their students to work hard and push boundaries, so I'm open to tough love (and I did work hard!). But at the same time, as someone who has experienced knee/hamstring/lower back injuries over the years, I've educated myself enough on physiology to know that some asanas are not mindful nor respectful of the body given certain conditions. Not once did I hear any mention, as part of the dialogue, for people to listen to their bodies and modify if needed. That, to me, is problematic as it's a recipe for injury for students who are either new, or worried about defying the barked commands of an instructor, or both. Since I don't know the studio well, the instructor may have been encouraging, in their own way, students they were familiar with. But there were at least two new students in the class, and it concerns me that there wasn't therefore more attention to mindfulness instead of to full expressions of poses. Hopefully this is idiosyncratic to the particular instructor, and not a part of the studio's general ethos, as it's a nice spot and I'm glad to see a Bikram studio thriving in a town that doesn't really have any other hot yoga options. Go, but listen to your body first, and only then listen to the instructor.

Sweat your balls off in a good way…read more I dig this little Bikram yoga joint in Corvallis. As a general newcomer to Bikram's ( I dabbled in hatha in college) I am always a little awkward and sweating an ass ton at Bikram's. Nobody seemed to care in this studio and the instructor was firm yet encouraging in helping me figure out the poses. Best believe I wanted to get my savasana on for like 8 hours after class. I was sore, sore, sore. But did I feel better than everyone else as I hit the cookies for a second round? You betcha. Place smells a little funny. Demographic is blend of hard bodied 20 somethings and lesser caring 50 somethings. It's a fun place to be if you can handle the heat and the kind of militant yoga instruction.

I had never taken a barre class before and I felt so welcomed! All of the instructors were so sweet…read moreand wanted me to feel the burn and love the workout all in one. I will definitely be back because it was so much fun and welcoming, I can't stress how welcoming they were!

Karlie is amazing- she is great at encouraging you when it's needed most and making sure exercises…read moreare done properly and safely to protect your body. The room is spacious, has a great atmosphere, and I've always felt very welcome in class.

I am one of Susannah's distance clients and have recently employed her services to help me get my…read moremeals back on track. I like to cook, but recently haven't been making the time to do so. We would then find ourselves hungry and without food in the fridge . . . which means we would eat out more than we should. I wanted to break this cycle, and Susannah was the perfect person to help me! Susannah worked with me to create a simple and realistic plan that will fit into my life. She helped me to realize that my "ideals" were too time-consuming and would ultimately be discouraging. She instead gave me lots of ideas for simple meals that are versatile, nutritious and affordable, and helped me to set goals that are achievable and sustainable. Susannah is: - supportive - realistic - understanding - motivating - caring - non-judgemental - fun! She is excited to help, and her positive energy is contageous. After my sessions with her, I feel like I come away with a plan that I'm actually excited to carry out. Thanks, Susannah!

Been working with Susannah for about seven months with my partner and we feel great! She's not only…read moregetting us in shape for our wedding, but teaching us how to be more health conscious food-wise. We do a range of strength and cardio with her during our sessions then she gives us "homework" workouts bookended with yoga and walking for the rest of the week. It's actually quite fun and she makes sure you're using the proper technique. She's a responsible trainer who will not push you to the breaking point that will potentially put you in danger of injury. Finally, she's very good with communication throughout the week to see how we are feeling, if we are sore, if we liked the new routines, etc.

Jenna is a Superstar! She is very experienced and knowledgeable about many different workout…read moreregimines. Her ab workouts are fire!! I really love that while offering amazingly challenging workouts, she will also jump in and quickly help you modify when needed if you are nursing an injury or ailment! Jenna truly cares and cleary loves for everyone in her classes to get in a great workout! She is such a professional, kind, tough, and caring instructor! Love her and taking classes from her! Did I mention she has traveled across the world to train abroad and hone her skills!? Beginner or advanced, I highly recommend you invest in yourself and your well-being today by getting into one or more of Jenna's classes! Jenna is the BEST!!

Jenna is a GURU and incredibly KIND! She knows her stuff. Her instructions are clear which has…read morealways been difficult for me when it comes to yoga and a huge reason I never took classes. Jenna is just that GOOD. You should run to get in!!!!! She will change your life. LOVE HER

Amy is a fantastic fitness instructor! She offers a variety of classes as well as boot camps that…read moretake place in evenings and mornings and her Punch Card system allows you to drop in to classes whenever it's convenient for you. Amy is very encouraging and motivates you to push yourself but is not over bearing or pushy. Sometimes the morning classes run a little past the 6:30am end point but she is totally understanding if you have to get going. I only wish I would have found this earlier on!

Great gym, close community, friendly staff! Pete and Cindy are one of a kind and if you're trying…read moreto get into shape or find a community of lifters, this is the place to go

Best gym I have ever been to! If you are interested in learning how to weight lift with good form…read morethis is the place to go, the staff will always help spot you and their trainers are world class weight lifters. Since starting at this gym I actually look forward to working out.

F45 has been a total game changer for me. The studio offers multiple classes per day, with each…read moreday's workout focused on resistance training, cardio, or a hybrid of both. The equipment and space are really well-cared for and clean; equipment is cleaned in between each class. The coaching staff is fantastic and the community there is incredibly welcoming and encouraging with lots of camaraderie. The workouts are challenging; I would never push myself this hard on my own in a standard gym. The movements are all scalable to be as easy or as difficult as you want, and coaches will always check in during the guided warm up to see how you're doing; you can ask for modifications before class, during that check in, and often coaches will share modifications preemptively during the demonstration before class begins. The location is really accessible, sitting near the intersection of North Albany Rd and Hwy 20. Can't recommend enough!

Absolutely love this gym! The price is perfect for what I need. Open 24/7 and has a dry sauna!read more

The staff is great and treat you like family. I'm pretty much a permanent fixture at this gym so I…read morelove it. The only person you really gotta watch out for is Tracy Beaver ....... From time to time she makes a brief appearance, but you're safe because she's a great person..... I just like to give her crap when I can.