Took Adam's class today. It was probably the best yoga class I've taken in Texas. I'm really sad I live all the way in San Antonio. I definitely want to return to take his class. His dry sense of humor provided just enough levity through the hot heated room, but I think I was the only person laughing. I loved the intention behind each pose, as I was able to find my way to the peak pose in a way I hadn't before. I also appreciated the strength building in the legs and the poses that promoted hip stability. Super important! I'm glad it wasn't just the regular old flow that everyone else teaches. I was also glad there wasn't music. read more

The office/front end (?) staff is unprofessional, cliquey, and over the top rude if you're not "one of them." The only reason I've ever even ventured so far out of Austin proper to this place is for 2 sound bath events that a beloved practitioner was hosting. I've had horrible interactions with their check in people both times and heard similarly from others who aren't "regulars" here. This is not a knock on the general people in this part of Austin as the folks I've had the opportunity to experience/get to know in class on both occasions have been lovely. It's a review based on the unnecessarily bad interactions with staff in this studio during the check in process for after hrs classes. Tonight, I walked in and waited directly next to a woman (who look most like the pic for "Liz D" who I never met before 8/8) who was clearly responsible as "the one checking people in with a manual sheet of names that she's confirming payment for before allowing entry into the room next door." As I'm waiting, she acts like I'm wearing an invisible cape and makes a big show of happily greeting 4 people who walk in after me and tells them to go ahead to the sound bath room w/o doing any checklist scratch off things (these peeps, btw aren't on "the list" which I can clearly see standing 5" to her side on the right). I interject into her happy greeting of another clique member to say I need to check in as I've paid for class. She asks my name and then points to someone named Anteylou (sp?) as the only "Ann" she sees. I repeat that my name is "Ann" not what she's pointing to and she proceeds to tell me I'm not on the list and starts to walk away. As she's departing I more loudly state I clearly see my name in the first column and spell it out for her. She turns around, glares at me, rolls her eyes, looks back at her clique, and gives me her best/worst valley girl impersonation of an obnoxious "Oh that's so great, thanks for letting me know!!! Have a great time!!!!!" And then smirks looking back at her clique encouraging them to giggle. WTF?! I will never be back to this location as the front end staff (or at least the women who worked the last 2 events on 8/8 and 7/21) have such awful demeanors that vomit an unexpected bad vibe on you when all you're trying to figure out is who the person is to "check in with because you paid for a spot in the room" that you have to focus on releasing and transmuting that ick before you can actually start enjoying class. :( Not sure if these women doing the check ins for special sound bath classes that begin at 8 pm are frustrated with having to work after hours and the manual task of and scratching out names of paid guests who aren't part of their clique on a handwritten list or they have other difficult personal matters going on in life in general, but goodness, ya'll don't need to take it out on the guests who've signed up and paid for a class! If you're paid and/or volunteered to check people into a class/session it's pretty easy to just confirm names and say WELCOME and move along. If that's frustrating for you, don't agree to do it. Problem solved! If you're an adult, I don't recommend anyone trying this place. So MANY other kind places in Austin that are a better way to spend your time and $$. read more

Alright -- I confess. I am HOOKED. I totally get IT. I have been to Yoga Vida 3x's this past week..and each time I have had a strange "coming to Jesus" moment after each class...and I am not religious...so it is very weird for me. The first time...I thought "huh? what's this I'm feeling?" The second time "um? hmm..that feelings back again" the third time "okay, wow, this is it, I get it and I'm accepting it." It's the most enlightened feeling I've ever had. I never understood it until I came here. I mean I've taken other yoga classes. Mostly the ones that are offered by the gym. Which are very distracting, hearing runners on the treadmill, people chattering, seeing TV's in the reflection of the glass and music blaring in the background. This place is NOT that. It's very serene, focused, and non-pretentious. The teachers at this place really send a message in a very unforced spiritual way, and not in the "I'm going to pressure you to come every Sunday" type of way. The classes are heated, so be prepared to come out of it dripping in sweat. I have to say yes, it's gross but my skin has never felt better! AND I've never appreciated showers as much as I do after class. I come out of it refreshed mentally, spiritually, and physically. Dean is amazing, I enjoy his ability to joke during class and really make it fun and not stressful. He really brings me into focus on my breathing and laughter. I LOVE YOGA VIDA. Thank you for making me feel incredible!!!!!!!!! read more

It's hot in there. Sure, that's the point. But it is damned hot. My friend Sally brought me to Yoga Vida specifically to meet Dean, the instructor. True, he was an amazing teacher. I am a yoga novice, but he made me feel welcome and helped to calm my manic mind. Dean is able to guide you through difficult yoga poses while entertaining you with motivational stories and even a little singing! Beginners can have a full week at Yoga Vida for only fifteen bucks. The reason I didn't give five stars is that the yoga studio is carpeted. Years of sweat has left a musty smell. Plus, I have a strong aversion to carpet...especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere I work out. read more

This place is hands down my favorite Yoga place. Andrea was my first and only instructor at Yoga Vita and I fell in love with her! I am not opposed to going to other classes but I won't be missing any of hers! She gives off this vibe that simply makes you feel like such a peaceful, good hearted person. Hard to explain but easy to experience. The studio is extremely hot, in a good way. Hot yoga is definitely my thing. $5 for a drop in, can't beat it-especially with a great instructor. I leave this class hot and sweaty(which I love) feeling rejuvenated and completely at peace. If you're questioning it, go and you can thank me later. Seriously, GO! read more

I've done yoga all over the world, y'all. Not one studio has EVER come close to the consistently amazing classes at Yoga Vida. Every instructor has their own unique style, from laughing out loud and meditating to sweating and collapsing into shavansana. If you want a tough class, maybe check out Scott or Kayla. For a beautiful, spiritual class, check out Dean. You won't regret it. read more

My favorite way to wind down a week of work: Sweating buckets and leaving looking a mess (but feeling totally rejuvenated) after heated yoga at Yoga Vida's $5 Happy Hour yoga. The fact that I will even trek across town to Westlake says a whole lot. The studio space is quaint and accessible, and is enriched with natural light. For such an affordable class, the class size is still reasonable. Best thing of all? The people. Vic, especially, is very friendly, and the effects of his warm personality are felt from the minute you walk into the door. As an instructor, he's obviously experienced and knowledgeable, and still incorporates humor in a way that doesn't diminish the challenge! I am especially fond of his class after doing one that was about 50%twists - twist poses I didn't even know existed. So, so good on the back and hips after sitting at a desk for too long! read more

With the recent changes in my life, I've been searching for anything and everything to bring me back to life and let me be who I lost along the way in the past year or so...Even though I've tried yoga in the past, it has never been what I experienced at Yoga Vida...it was incredible. I took my first Yoga Vida class yesterday evening with a couple of my closest girlfriends, one of whom was nervous because she had never ever taken a yoga class before. The location is in the perfect spot...once you are actually able to find it. It's set on the very end of a strip of stores on Bee Cave Road, so it's not super easy to see, but the location is ideal for the class (I'll explain why later). We got there a few minutes after 4:30 and were so worried that we'd be irritatedly greeted, however, that was not the case. Kaley met us at the front desk with an inviting smile and supportive demeanor. Luckily class had not started yet, and because we were all three first timers at Yoga Vida, she allowed us to go in right away after informing us of the orientation of the studio itself ($$ note: $20 for first-time Yoga Vida visitors will get you 1 week of unlimited classes. After 1 week, the pricing is pretty reasonable). Quick change in the pseudo-locker room and in we go! None of us really knew what to expect...and boy were we surprised when we walked into the studio and the heat of the room hit us with our first step in...hot yoga!! I was so happy, but my girlfriend that had never done yoga before was like, "Am I SUPPOSED to start with hot yoga??" Either way, she hopped in with a great attitude. The class size was small, maybe 12-15 people, leaving lots of room for us to do our thing without getting in each other's way. There were blocks and straps available for us all. We took our place towards the back of the studio. In front of us (and location steps in!) was a wall of glass that looked out into a heavily wooded forest scene. It was perfect for setting the mood of class. The music seemed to be a more contemporary type of yoga music that had more percussion, which I had never experienced before. The only thing that threw me off every now and then was that the right side of the studio faced out towards the parking lot and people walking around served for a distraction. Kaley started the class off calmly and then led into the flow with challenging poses and encourgement all the way. There are definitely things that I cannot do in yoga just yet, but she was always encouraging and provided a modification if necessary. She demonstrated what was needed based on the different levels of students in the room. She walked around and coached both verbally and physically when needed. Her voice is very soothing and instills confidence in you that you CAN do what she is guiding you to do. As the class wound down to the floor exercises, the lights dimmed down and everyones breaths calmed. Towards the end, Kaley read a very encouraging reading about how our most profound revalations occur when we feel like or have failed the most....that brought the class to a completely satisfying level that I've never had before. Kaley's invitation at the beginning of class had been this: letting ourselves to spend the 90 minutes of class for only ourselves and the purpose we have chosen...this fully came to life for me. Never have I ever completely let go in class and just let myself FEEL the flow and keep my running brain out of it...I got to do it here. By the end of class, I was completely at peace...zen, if you will...and absolutely satisfied. It was the kind of "workout" I have been searching for...both mind, body, and spirit. I absolutely love this place! It is a great place for beginners, experts, and everyone in between. It's a great work out as well as an amazing experience for your mind and soul...and, yes, that sounds super hippie, but it's true and you have to experience it yourself to understand it. Woo hoo Yoga Vida!!! See you next time!! :o) read more

I have to revise my review of this yoga studio. I've had run ins with one of the owners Vic. And it was so awkward that I didn't go back for months. I still have or had 10 lessons I prepaid on the books and so I worked up my courage after nearly a year of back and forth to DC due to deaths yes deaths in the family. The other owner Dean was nice enough I wrote to him and told him I lost my sister and my mom who'd been very ill. I came back to Austin and this winter went back. I had to deal with a very difficult young woman her name began with a b - Beckah? Bella? She was argumentative and hostile. We finally found my account. My full name is Deika Elmi Abdulle, and I often go by Dea Elmi. Anyhow my 10 prepaid lessones were suddenly 7. I had not used any, I simply paid $140 for a 10 lesson packet, it's all honor system as in they track and it's my word against theirs. All simply too exhausting. This woman was a terrible teacher, her approach very athletic and fast paced. i coudn't relax in the class. I don't have the energy to get them to correct their error. Vic was and is difficult as was this beligerent young woman. So I will give up. I've been ripped off by several other businesses in this town, barns, gyms. BE VERY CAREFUL WHO YOU GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD TO. KEEP CLOSE TRACK AND GET THEM TO INITIAL SOMETHING EVERY TIME YOU GO TO CLASS. DO NOT TRUST AUSTIN BUSINESSES. GIVEN A CHANCE THEY WILL ROB YOU. So by my count, since I bought the 10 class packet I should have 9 lessons, by theirs and the rude young lady was very insistent it was so I had 7 and when I went to class it went down to 6. I am so distraught by all of this that I will simply leave the classes on the books. Lesson learned. Always pay by check, make them initial and keep a vigilant eye on everything. The vibe is very anglo, not diverse and I did not feel welcome and when I had a problem, mistakes on their part I was argued with. The very worst of Austin, pretentious, not friendly towards people of color and less than ethical business practices. Never again. read more

I'm hooked. I have wanted to try yoga for a long time but felt a little intimidated because I knew nothing about yoga. The classes have people with all different levels of experience and I didn't feel uncomfortable even in the first class I attended. All of the instructors I've had have been great, they make you feel welcome...it's just all good. 4 stars instead of 5 because I wish they had an earlier morning class and more classes on the weekends, but otherwise I've got zero complaints! read more

I didn't realize how much I was missing my yoga practice and especially Vic's class! Went to the 6:30pm class this evening which was just what I needed after work. Vic is a wonderful teacher. Welcoming and calm, he consistently leads his classes with clear and helpful instruction, wonderful flow and a great selection of musical pairings. If you haven't yet been to Yoga Vida or it has been awhile, consider checking out a class for the New Year! read more

Yoga Vida has changes my world. I was a on and off yoga student for 3 years before I found them. I feel worked out, open , and amazing after every class and there is no instructor I wouldn't want to be with(although my fav. is Dean) All of there classes are Vintasa Flow classes, so If you are into that, I highly reccommend this studio. They know what they are doing. read more

I had 0 Yoga experience and went to the Friday happy hour. Wow. For so long I thought the idea of yoga was really lame, but after the first 5 minutes I realized how challenging it is! The class was great, I felt amazing (and tired) afterward, the studio was clean, everything about it was soothing, and the instructor was awesome. I'll for sure go back to this place. read more

I've been an athlete my entire life and never thought I could actually get a good work out from yoga. Well, I've only been to a few classes but I get my butt kicked every time and sweat more than I ever have in my entire life. It's an amazing studio filled with great teachers and the owner Dean makes you feel really welcome. And guys, you need to try Kaley's (saturday 9:30 am) class - - she's drop dead gorgeous, she'll kick your butt, and it's always a packed, fun class...(she's in amazing shape too). All in all this is the best studio in town with a cool group of students, a great staff, and a really good location. read more

I am a Teacher at this studio now but was a practitioner here long before. This place is like home. The studio is heated to about 95 degrees which makes for a great sweaty detox. The community is wonderful with the greatest and loving Teachers. I love this place so much. The style is vinyasa flow which gets me to my happy place every time. I'm so grateful for my practice and Yoga Vida. read more

3 words - yoga happy hour . . . it's free, no seriously, it really is free . . . i've recently dabbled in some hot yoga classes and while i'm a novice and don't really have a lot to compare to in terms of curriculum/intensity - i can still talk about the overall experience and facilities - this place is wonderful! tis clean and spotless, great! even though i go on the free hot yoga nights (6:30 on fridays) i don't feel any kind of pressure or sales pitch's to go to the regular classes from the instructors. the instructors are extremely friendly, and they try to remember your name even though the retention rate on free fridays is a little lower and the clientele is a little more varied and sporadic. dean is really great - from the time you walk in the door his greeting is even calming and inviting. he pushes you in the classes even though they are beginner classes but he doesn't make you feel bad if u might not be as limber as the pros around you - like the first night i was there he made us do king pigeon and make a half moon and reach for the sky - i can't even touch my toes . . . . but then he ends the class with really calming, relaxing sayings like - 'now pretend you top eyelid is kissing your bottom eyelid and just rest, ahhhhh' - i think its great haha. the place tends to get packed, well bc, who doesn't like free stuff? so get there by 6, and bring your own mat so you can get a spot and stretch. seriously, you've got nothing to lose, there are people of all skill levels and ages there - like one time i had a dude with long careless hair, a beard, and the body of an olympic athlete in tiny spandex shorts doing everything we were doing but harder on my left, and then i had a gray haired older lady, using a block for extra support on every pose we did - everyone is welcome. as for me i'm gonna go let me top eyelid kiss my bottom eyelid *thanks* read more

It's always a good day for downward facing dog. Toughest workout I've had since rowing in college.

I really like the classes here, especially with Andrea. However, just 8 months ago classes were $5. Then 10, 15, now 17. Raising the prices so rapidly in such a short period of time has been a huge turn off. Going to continue my practice at home or find a new studio. Thanks for everything yoga vida it was fun while it lasted. read more

When I moved to Austin, I had given up on finding a hot studio that would replace my beloved Boston location. I walked out of a New Years Day session at another studio when the ended with people sharing resolutions, hugging, and some even crying. I tried Bikram and did not like the repetition or rigidity (I was scorned for drinking water at the "wrong" time). Then, I made it to Yoga Vida and knew I was home when Dean played Donna Summer. Finally a place that combines fitness and mental health with a dash of humor. The staff are down to earth and the work outs are vigorous but no one batts an eye if you modify or time out. I am a fan! My only wish is that they would replace the carpet with hardwood floors in the studio! read more

I have been going to yoga vida for 6 months and I am addicted. It is a great experience physically and spiritually. Give it a try for free on Friday night! read more

Locally owned and operated. Yoga Vida offers premier Yoga classes for beginners to advance. World class instructors provide a nurturing environment for growth, strength and ease. read more

Yoga Vida is not only a great yoga studio with awesome teachers, it is also a wonderful community. When you walk in, you feel welcome. Most of the teachers are certified with Baron Baptiste. Great yoga! read more

I moved to Austin in August, knowing nobody, but loving yoga. I had practice Power and Bikram for several years in Seattle and have missed my yoga practice for almost nine years after leaving Seattle and until now! From my first class, I felt at "home" for the first time in a very long time, even though I was living in a new city I had never visited, practicing yoga with people I had never met. I LOVE THIS PLACE! The people are wonderful and the classes offer consistent, yet varied classes...each will offer a great experience with enough heat to guide your body and mind into a deeper state of practice, yet not so hot that you panic or feel claustrophobic. I enjoyed Bikram for years and still support this practice, but for me, the variety, style and culture of Yoga Vida is just what I need and want and need in my life now. I have laughed and even become emotional during classes as all of my class teachers have offered both yoga and life lessons they bring into the classes. I highly recommend Yoga Vida to newcomers to Austin, newcomers to yoga, and to those experienced Yogi's who are ready to step outside of their routine yoga practice and experience variety, wisdom, and fun in a beautiful setting that has some good karma lingering around. Namaste! read more