Looking for a great place to practice Ashtanga yoga in LA? Check out Yoga Shala West... Run by two very skilled, kind and accommodating teachers. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon Pranidhi Varshney's teaching at YMCA, and she has worked with me through an injury, ensuring my safety and supporting my practice all along. The studio is a beautiful little gem and operates from a place of financial trust; those new to Ashtanga get first two weeks free, and from there you can choose your monthly contribution amount within a range. read more

Yoga Shala West is a true sanctuary to practice Ashtanga Yoga. The shala fosters a tight-knit community of people passionate to the practice and has been very welcoming to newcomers like myself. Pranidhi and Meredith have a vast wealth of knowledge and experience behind their teaching and their advice has helped me prevent many potential injuries in practicing primary series for the first time. Committing to the Ashtanga practice has had an immensely positive impact on my physical and mental health and Yoga Shala West has been the perfect environment for me to continue to explore it. read more

The best yoga studio on the Westside! This was my first exposure to the Mysore style and I loved it. Even though I was a beginner I felt comfortable and learned easily. I came during the afternoon sessions led by Nina. She is very knowledgeable and sweet. The studio is small in size but space wasn't a problem. It is very quiet inside the room, and outside there are books, teas, and occasionally fellow yogis will bring goodies for everyone to enjoy. It's a wonderful community. Parking and pricing is also better here compared to other studios. It is located in the Chase plaza and parking is very easy to find. They are willing to work with your financial situation and your work schedule too. Definitely a great investment of time and money. I've since relocated from the area but this studio remains as one of my favorites. read more

Joining Yoga Shala West helped me fall in love with my practice all over again. This is where I've discovered that ashtanga can be enjoyable and sustainable even as I get older. It's also very nice to see newer students develop under Pranidhi's compassionate guidance. Another lovely thing about Yoga Shala West is it feels like an oasis in the heart of busy West LA. It's a wonderful place to start the day. read more

Yoga Shala West is a special shala. Pranidhi has created a really unique environment for serious Ashtanga practitioners as well people new to the system. You are pushed when you want it and not pushed when you don't, and all is done with kindness and generosity. read more

This place is a truly sacred space in Los Angeles. I have practiced yoga at many other studios and Yoga Shala West is one of a kind. The depth of Presence, the kindness, the sincerity, the humility, the grace and the joy. Oh, my! It is just such an encouraging place to practice Ashtanga Yoga. I highly recommend this gem. read more

I live in New York and have been taking an Ashtanga zoom class on Friday with Pranidhi at Yoga Shala West since the beginning of the pandemic. This traditional but welcoming class has become a staple of my week. In July, I had the privilege of visiting YSW in person while in LA for a wedding. The beautiful studio went above and beyond my expectations, and the class, a led Primary Series, was beyond perfect. I hope to have the opportunity to return to the studio and its dedicated Ashtanga community in the future. read more

I just discovered Yoga Shala West in November and am hooked. It's not like a regular yoga "class." Here, everyone works at their own pace, under the watchful and loving guidance of Pranidhi. It's a place where your mat is your place of respite. There is no competition or pressure -- this is a place for growth, practice and self-love. When I miss a few days due to childcare issues or work obligations, my spirit craves a return to this place. When I do return, I'm overcome with a sense of peace and gratitude. I'm eternally grateful I found Yoga Shala West. read more

I typically don't leave reviews on yelp but Pranidhi has been the most inspiring and supportive teacher. I have attended many yoga studios throughout the years and this is the first studio that genuinely feels like home. Pranidhi is an incredible educator and activist. She has helped me understand myself more deeply and motivated me to explore how I can bring yoga beyond the classroom into my every day life. Thank you for Pranidhi for your guidance, teaching and wisdom- I am grateful :) read more

I've been practicing ashtanga here for almost 2 months, after 5+ years of regular "mainstream" studio bikram & hatha. My practice at the shala is the first time I've felt I am doing actual yoga and not a competitive, vapid workout. The energy shifts and positive effects have been felt in every area of my life. Pranidhi is an exceptional guide and the space and community she has cultivated is sacred, accepting and supportive. I am so grateful I started my ashtanga journey with YSW and recommend it to anyone looking to do the same. read more

This place is an amazing and sacred space, where you come to learn what yoga really is, and get your life changed from the inside out. No craziness or mumbo jumbo, just genuine Ashtanga the way it was meant to be taught. Regardless of your physical ability or lack of, this is the place. The Ashtanga saying "practice and all is coming" is real and you can see the personal transformation yourself. There is nothing but love, kindness, audible breaths, and occasional laughter during Mysore. It has changed my life!!!!! :-) read more

A friend at the Shala wrote this after the first retreat, and I can't think of any better words to share how it feels to practice at the Shala... "This mat is my kingdom. It has become a place of new possibilities, a place of new dreams, a place of new beginnings every morning, a place to build upon, a place to laugh off the pains and aches of my poor body and to celebrate the beauty of my breath. In the sacred space of the mat I came to realize that my breath alone is enough to justify my existence. Thank you all for sharing space, light, food, laughter, tears, stories, ginger and lemon." I know of no other place where you are so genuinely given the space to cultivate your practice. And for that, I'm incredibly grateful to Pranidhi and everyone At the Shala. Thank you :) read more

I have never written a Yelp review. Nothing so far has really blown me away or quite the opposite to compel me to feel the need to participate in writing reviews. Except Yoga Shala West. I am a home-grown yogi, and always expected myself to remain that, until a few weeks ago. Pranidhi replied to my initial email within a few hours, and let me know the opening for a new student. Excited yet nervous, I went in. She helped me every step of the way, she is so knowledgeable about ashtanga and you can tell that passion by the way she teaches. I have NEVER had a more welcoming, loving, or communal yoga experience until here. It is such a special place. So much so that I have decided to stick with the shala long-term rather than continue at home. If you are on the fence about reaching out to Pranidhi and Yoga Shala West, take my word for it and do it. read more

Yes, location DOES matter. How far is it? Is there parking? Is the studio clean? Where can I put my stuff? Etc etc... Those questions are important. However what matters most (second to your relationship to your yoga practice of course) is who your teacher is. I once heard someone say, "You get the teacher you deserve", so if you're interested in delving a little deeper within your asana then by all means please read on... I've had the pleasure of practicing mysore-style Ashtanga with both Nina Collins and Pranidhi Varshney and may I say that the quality of their teaching is simple, direct, patiently kind, and quietly strong. For those of you who understand those four aspects, you comprehend the power that it holds. In this case their content unquestionably matches form. They are devoted students of the Ashtanga lineage, yet maintain a humor and an understanding of mental flexibility. No need to be so rigid, after all it's just yoga and showing up can sometimes be enough :-) Come down, check it out and experience the practice and the place. If you're new or returning after a long hiatus then start where you are. Don't be so hard on yourself, and you will see that these two teachers will give you back just as much loving energy as you put into it. I hope soon I'll have the pleasure of practicing next to you, and thank you for taking the time to read my review! (Incidentally, the location is an easy drive central to all West Los Angelenos, yes there's parking, lots of cubby holes to hold your lovelies, and the studio is a very clean little jewel of a place with kick ass cork floors! Hah!) read more

I look forward to slipping quietly through the door of the studio's main entrance. Just around the bend there are plenty of slots in open cupboards to place your bag, benches to put your shoes under and a curtained off area in the corner to change clothes. If you're participating in morning class (7:30-10:30) you'll learn from Pranidhi. For evening class (4:30-6:30) Nina will be your guide. There isn't a hard start time, these are time slots in which the studio is open for you to come in and start your practice at your own pace with a group of students at various levels. The studio only takes one new student a week for either the morning or evening class. Once you've scheduled your first day, come in, meet your teacher and find a spot on the cork floor. They'll teach you your first flow and then your second and so forth guiding you through it until you've memorized it. The space is very small which allows for more intimate practice and one-on-one help to deepen your pose or a spot when you're practicing inversions. This studio aligns with the rhythm of the natural world so they rest on new and full moon days. Learn more about the studio on their website before coming in. I really enjoy coming to this space and sharing practice with everyone. I hope you will too. Bring a towel, you'll be sweating lots! read more

I am excited every morning to wake up and practice at Yoga Shala West and I couldn't agree more that it's a special place. Although I usually feel quite tentative about becoming part of a community, practicing at the Shala and getting to know Pranidhi and my fellow yogis has brought me so much (unexpected!) happiness. I'm inexpressibly grateful to have found somewhere that asks so little, but makes me want to give so much. On a more practical note - this is a very well-cared-for, clean studio and the cork floors are a revelation! read more

If you live in the area, and looking to practice Ashtanga yoga - Mysore style, this is the place! Not only are Nina and Pranidhi great teachers, but they are building a community true to the spirit of yoga. Pranidhi gave a talk a few months ago on how she believes in growing a business that values more than just profit, and this is even more reason to support and be involved with Yoga Shala West. Check it out, it will win you over. read more

I have followed pranidhi to 3 studios and this is far the best. Pranidhi and Nina are both great teachers - 2 of my favorite. I have been doing yoga off and on for over 25 years. The Classes are flexible for most people schedule. This is a comfortable studio without attitude. read more

Yoga the way it's meant to be, down to earth and focused on the spirit. Beautiful space and energy.

A marvelous place to practice Ashtanga yoga - supportive, peaceful, and lovely. The community at Yoga Shala West is so very welcoming. A true gem! read more

Yoga Shala West is welcoming, supportive and absolutely wonderful. Pranidhi approaches Ashtanga with joy, warmth and incredible knowledge. She goes above and beyond to check in with students, connect and support their practice both on and off the mat. She helps both new and experienced practitioners alike feel seen, motivated and excited about the practice. I haven't met Nina yet but have heard only wonderful things and look forward to also practicing with her. If you have always wanted to begin an Ashtanga practice, Yoga Shala West is the perfect place to begin your journey or if you've been away for it's a beautiful place to re-start or continue your path. It is especially uplifting to support a studio that runs on trust, openness, inclusivity and community. Checkout their payment structure to understand more and know that whoever you are, you will 100% be welcome in this space. read more

Yoga Shala West truly is a special place. I worked mostly with Nina there - who was so welcoming and supportive. The studio space, the teachers there and the members practicing are all incredibly down to earth and focused on the spirit. The practice and experience there in particular is grounding and real. read more

Yoga Shala West is AMAZING. From the first day I set foot in the door, I have felt welcomed and accepted. I had been wanting to try ashtanga yoga for a few years, but was too intimidated to try until finding Yoga Shala West's website. I'm so glad I sent that email and decided to start. I learned from Pranidhi, and she shared her knowledge with generosity and humor. And I've always felt comfortable asking any questions along the way. I've found this practice to be incredibly grounding and coming to the shala is not only a great experience when I'm there, but I find it also centers me to go through my day with a different perspective. I'm so thankful I found this gem. read more

This place is the best!!! I've been going here for over 2 years now. My experience here at Yoga Shala west has been life changing.

YSW is truly a wonderful space with 2 amazing teachers!! From the minute you walk in, you are greeted with love and instantly feel right at home. Nina and Pranidhi are extremely knowledgeable, their adjustments are amazing and the space is impeccable. If you haven't visited yet, do yourself the favor and go! These ladies embody the true essence of yoga and we are lucky to have this great shala as part of our spiritual journey :) read more

There are no words for how fantastic yoga shala west is. I drive from the valley, in traffic, on the 405 every morning to come practice here. It's clean, the price is right, there is parking, the teachers are incredible and know how to work with injuries and motivate their students. Brilliant. Oh and the space is BEAUTIFUL. read more

a wonderful intimate place to practice mysore, I always look forward to being there.

I've been practicing at Yoga Shala West for a few months now and could not be happier with it. It's a bright, clean space that's impeccably well-cared for, which matters to me a lot. Pranidhi is warm, welcoming and encouraging, helping me move my practice forward without putting any pressure on me. Everyone who comes to the shala is kind and respectful. All of these elements make it easier to show up for a session that's entirely self-motivated (though made much easier with guidance and support). I always feel great leaving the shala, even though I sometimes struggle to wake up for morning yoga. It's my top recommendation for practicing ashtanga on the west side, and definitely the place I'd recommend to anyone looking to start their practice. The energy is great, not snobby or achievement-focused, and I personally prefer that it's a more feminine vibe than masculine one. read more