Michelle is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and an all around excellent yoga instructor! She has…read morean obvious deep love and respect for the practice of iyengar yoga and she is incredibly welcoming and understanding. The studio is spacious and well decorated. There are plenty of yoga props/supplies to utilize and help accommodate different mobility levels. In-person and online classes are available which really helps as a busy mom!

Michelle is a game changer!! She is one of the bestest yoga teachers in the Bay Area. Very…read moreknowledgeable and a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher who goes way out to help get into the poses that help us get into that "tranquil". She is the best period!!

Hayward, we have a Pilates studio. ACT ACCORDINGLY…read more I was driving down Foothill and I saw it. A new studio. Clean branding. Something I hadn't clocked before. And I did what any reasonable person with a long-standing Pilates intention and zero follow-through does: I went home, found the website, signed up for the intro mat class, and did not allow myself to talk myself out of it. (The website by the way is intuitive and easy and takes about 4 minutes to sign up.) Here is what I need you to understand about Hayward and Pilates: there wasn't one. Not here. People have been driving to other cities, making it a whole production, giving their dollars to other neighborhoods. And then Kora Pilates opened on Foothill. Latina-owned, independently run, and built with a level of care and intention that frankly puts a lot of bigger studios to shame. I walked in a few minutes early. The woman at the front desk (I'm sorry I didn't catch her name) welcomed me, checked me in, and when I mentioned it was my first time, she gave me a full tour. The reformer room. The mat room downstairs. The cafecito lounge! The lockers. The bathroom. And the refresh stations, which are these lovely little mirror-and-product setups so you can go from "I just sweat through a 45-minute class" to "I am a human person who exists in public" without having to go home first. THIS IS A DETAIL. Someone thought about this. My instructor was Nadia, and she was excellent: specific, encouraging, giving real feedback about what parts of my body should be activating when, which, as a beginner, is exactly what I needed, because Pilates looks gentle from the outside and then twenty minutes in, you are shaking in places you didn't know could shake. The 45 minutes flew by. I was sweating. I was humbled. I felt genuinely worked out in the best possible way. And the whole design of this place (I have to say it because it matters) is cohesive and considered and cool in a way that tells you the person behind it has taste and gives a damn. Light neutrals, clean lines, every detail in conversation with every other detail. This is what happens when a business is built by someone with a real vision, not assembled from a template. Here's my thing about places like this: we have to show up for them. Hayward does not have an abundance of independently owned, thoughtfully designed, locally run wellness spaces built by people who actually care. When we find one, we don't just leave a five star review and move on. We go back. We bring our friends. We vote with our dollar like our neighborhood's character depends on it. Because it kind of does! I don't want to see Kora Pilates leave. I want to see it thrive so hard it has a waitlist. Go take a class! Hayward deserves this. And so do you!

Wendy is THAT girl! I have taken so many classes throughout the Bay Area, and quickly noticed that…read moreshe has such an approachable personality that I specifically try to take her class whenever my schedule allows. Her mat classes are so fun and engaging. I love her style of teaching because her instructions are clear and she alternates between using pilates equipment (I've used the pilates ball and ring) which keeps it fun. Her workouts feels deceiving (LOL in the best way) because I never think I'm going to sweat and feel my muscles activate as much as I do! I leave with the right amount of "good" sore. So, for her alone, I would say an easy 5 stars. I always encourage my friends to try her class even if that means her classes will be in more demand making me unable to take her class lol jk! I have taken another class with an another instructor here (unfortunately cannot remember her name, but will update this when I do). While she was wonderful in her own right, I think she is well suited can handle a different style of intensity (think HIIT). I recall her deciding at the last minute that our class was capable of using two hand weights. They were not light in my opinion so I struggled and we did A LOT of lunges that session. With that said, I did appreciate that she mentioned we could modify if it was too hard. While I had a great experience nonetheless, I think the description to her classes can state the level of intensity or something to provide a bit more clarity. For example, some places do levels (mat sculpt level 1, level 2, etc.) App + Website They have an app and website that is intuitive to use. I have used both options and I like the app. My only gripe is that there are some grammatical mistakes on the website. I know it's totally a "non-important" issue but I want to edit the mistakes so badly! I am also confused as to why the email address has an added 'h' in the name so think Khora. That to me feels confusing and inconsistent to the brand. Location & Parking As others have mentioned, this is the only pilates studio offered in Hayward. Kora Pilates is situated on a Main Street, but you must park in the lot behind the business. I have not had an issue with parking so far. This is also where you enter. It's usually easy to find the door because there's typically balloons placed outside. Inside There are two levels. You enter the check-in, and if you walk further, this is where the reformers are. If you go down the stairs to your left, then it takes you to the matcha bar, and lastly, the mat pilates room. The mat pilates room is very warm and neutral. There are tiny lockers in the room so you can put fit your shoes and bag in there. There are some things that you may notice if you look close enough like, some unfinished painted areas or a wallpaper border (it feels sort've random), but I can assure you it's a soothing space to be in. Below the mirror is a warm light that really makes the mat room cozy. Staff & Students The staff has been incredibly warm. I have yet to have a negative encounter. I am grateful for even the students a as they have made each visit feel so welcoming! Sometimes, I chat with my neighbor, sometimes, I don't, but no bad vibes. Looking forward to my next return.

I'm so glad I took the leap and decided to join Moxie! I was previously a member when it was D's…read moreFitness, and after being away from the gym for quite a while, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I love most is that Moxie is a women-only gym. Even when it's busy, it never feels overcrowded or overwhelming. The gym has lots of updated machines and equipment, and it's always clean and well-maintained. The staff are incredibly friendly, welcoming, and make you feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. A special shoutout to Cassandra! She seems to know everyone by name, which really speaks to how dedicated and personable she is. She always takes the time to greet members and genuinely helps create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thank you, Moxie, for making it such a positive place to get a work out in. I'm so happy to be back!

It's an ok gym, pretty clean for the most part with a variety of equipment but weights are not well…read moreorganized and the equipment there is visibly outdated. It would be great to see some newer equipment and additions like a Smith machine or hip thrust machine. My sister and I had an uncomfortable experience when we visited together. A trainer asked us to swipe in separately, assuming we were trying to share a membership. The way we were approached didn't feel very welcoming or respectful. It's also frustrating to see the owners opening a new Pilates studio while this location still needs updates. And honestly, for a women's-only gym, it's surprising there's no childcare option. I think that would make a big difference for many members. I prepaid for an annual membership and honestly unsure if I will renew when the time comes.

RockSalt in Castro Valley is fairly new and had their grand opening two months ago. As a first time…read moreclient, I was very impressed by the lovely ambience, cleanliness and good vibes. We were a large group and the instructor, Celine, was very kind and patient. As the class is very fast paced and intense, she checked in a few times to show and how to correct the form or movements. Every so often, with the breaks in between, water breaks to stay hydrated. Definitely had a good work out that left me feeling sore. As it does get hot and even hotter during the summer, would recommend more fans to keep cool. Overall, lovely studio, wonderful atmosphere and great instructor.

I've had a wonderful experience here, and a big part of that is thanks to Abe. He is incredibly…read moreresponsive, professional, and truly goes above and beyond to make sure clients feel taken care of. From answering questions to helping with membership options, he's been patient, understanding, and very accommodating. You can tell he genuinely cares about creating a positive experience for everyone, and that level of customer service really makes a difference. It's not something you find everywhere. The studio itself is also fantastic--clean, welcoming, and led by great instructors--but Abe's support and attention to detail really stood out to me. Highly recommend this place, especially because of the excellent management and service.

Great place. Group meditation and discussion every Sunday morning. Very down to earth and welcoming.read more

Elika is the most beautiful person, and exactly who you want to help prepare you to bring a life…read moreinto this world. I went to Blissful Bodies pregnant with my third child, in hopes of finding the strength to give birth naturally. When I attended my first prenatal yoga class is was simply blissful. I walked in with the usual aches and pains of pregnancy. I had been sleeping poorly, and had a overall crankiness that comes with the third trimester. Elika guided us into positions that gave my body and soul relief. I found myself eagerly looking forward to that hour of connection. Connecting with my body, relaxing my mind, and enjoying the little person growing inside. It was also a wonderful community of moms. I also hired Elika as our birth coach. She came to our house and gave us private lessons. My husband learned a number of positions to help support me during labor. I'm pretty sure we used all of them! I was able to deliver my son without having a epidural (nothing against drugs, I had a epidural for the first two). Elika is an amazing person, so if you are considering hirring her as your dula, or attending her classes, do it! You will be so thankful you did.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! I'm a mom, licensed physician and longtime resident of…read moreOakland. One of the ways I've been taking care of myself during the quarantine is by taking zoom movement classes. I highly recommend Elika Aird of blissfulbodiesyoga.com, who has been my yoga teacher since I was pregnant 7 years ago. She is a wonderful resource, full of positivity and attuned to her internal wisdom. I highly recommend her yoga classes and workshops, including prenatal and postnatal offerings. She has been an amazing support for me and other mothers.

A class with Corey provides the perfect balance: playful yet serious, challenging yet accepting,…read moredemanding (if you choose) yet nurturing, strengthening and stretching (with a little balance thrown in) ... yin and yang. With an emphasis on breathing (with frequent reminders), as well as safe alignment, Corey provides options for extra challenges for seasoned yogis, while at the same time offering modifications for injuries or newcomers to the practice. There is something for everyone. Each class is different, with some underlying consistent themes. I am never bored with the class flow, since it changes from session to session. Corey's choice of vocabulary and analogies makes it enjoyable to listen while at the same time learning. He explains things concisely and clearly. What stands out most is Corey's kindness. He is thoughtful, caring, warm and welcoming to each and every student.

Corey is, bar none, the best yoga teacher I have ever had. The atmosphere he creates in his…read moreclassroom is incredibly warm and welcoming--I breathe a sigh of relief the moment I walk in! He always provides options and demos for all different levels, so I am comfortable pushing myself on one day and taking it easy on another. He can teach some wild arm balances--and some super relaxing shivasana. poses. He is calm, relaxed, and exudes positive energy; in each class he creates a sense of community. Beyond that, he is hilarious! I can't recommend him more--take his classes!

Breathing Room Yoga is such a beautiful, calming space. From the moment you walk in, you can feel…read morethe grounding energy. The plants, the natural light, and the thoughtful studio design create an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and inspiring. My absolute favorite class is Intentional Flow on Thursdays with Aviva. It is the perfect balance of movement, breath, and presence. I always leave feeling stronger, clearer, and completely reset. I honestly wish they offered this class more than once a week because it is that good. The overall experience, from the warm welcome to the flow of the class itself, feels intentional and uplifting. It is a space that truly supports both body and mind. Highly recommend if you are looking for a studio with beautiful energy and meaningful classes

The energy of the studio is sweet and lovely. Aviva is an…read moreamazing instructor and the focus is on healing.