Namaste Berkeley

The space is great;the staff very welcoming and the parking is heaven! Wish I lived closer!

My favorite yoga studio in Berkeley with an excellent collection of teachers and fine staff.

For the past two years, I’ve had the great pleasure of practicing yoga with Andrea Manitsas. Andrea is everything you’d hope to find in a yoga teacher. She’s sincerely devoted to helping students achieve the most out of their practice. Her thoughtful vinyasa routines provide an excellent workout as well as a fun, grounding, and energizing experience. Her classes are suitable for students at all levels because she’s very skilled at providing options for students to settle into a given pose or take it to the next level. In addition, Andrea is one of the kindest people I’ve met and her music playlists are phenomenal! She’s truly a gem — I give her my highest recommendation! She teaches at Namaste on Tuesdays (5:30pm — 6:55pm).

The only way I could be happier here is if there were more days in the week so that I could take more classes. I think there’s something here for everybody, from restorative yoga that is completely relaxing to flow classes that are very strenuous. I’m a cautious person by nature, and when I started yoga a few months ago, I talked to Clara, the assistant manager at the Berkeley studio, and told her that I wanted to ease into yoga with some accessible, non-​intimidating classes that wouldn’t scare me off right away. She really took the time to identify some good instructors and good classes for me, and to help me develop a plan that was right for me. Her recommendations were spot-​on, and I have worked my way up from hardly being able to do anything to feeling comfortable and confident on the mat and developing a surprising amount of strength and flexibility. Now I have a core group of teachers who I feel I can really trust to guide me through my practice and learning about alignment and respecting and pushing my limits, including Cherie Carson, Baxter Bell, Vickie Russell-​Bell, Ken Breniman, and Kimber Simpkins. And now I’m strong and confident enough to branch out and explore other teachers. I’ve also made a surprising number of friends at all three Namaste studios — I think it’s a testament to the management and leadership team who have created an environment that engenders and attracts respect and openness. Finally, Namaste also offers a lot of special workshops to help you deepen your practice and give you opportunities for self-​care and learning. I couldn’t recommend this studio — in all three of its locations — more highly.

My weekends have seriously improved since discovering Ava Roy’s Sunday morning Ashtanga yoga class at Namaste. On my first visit, I arrived with enough time to enjoy a cup of tea in the comfortable lounge. Sometimes I come early on purpose, just so I can have this quiet time before practice.
Ava’s class covers the primary series and she switches up the difficulty level of the class depending how many of her longtime regulars are present. But it’s Ashtanga, so it’s always challenging (and that’s why I like it!). I dig Ava’s kind and welcoming energy. She gives helpful modifications and is very hands on with her adjustments (so important!).
This is the Ashtanga class I’ve been searching for since I moved back to the Bay Area from London in 2012. I’m so happy to have found it!

I went specifically for prenatal and bought 3 classes for $ 30. My first class was good. It was difficult to find another time to return as they don’t have prenatal every day even with 3 locations. But I returned for a 5:30 class. Well, we all sat there…8 pregnant women waiting in a stuffy hot room. 10 minutes…15 minutes… 30 minutes! Finally someone went to see what was up. The kind girl at the front desk said she didn’t realize there was no teacher although I have no idea how that happens. She also said we’d be comped a class. I would hope so. I guess I was just not meant to practice here. Then I discovered Barefoot yoga has UNLIMITED prenatal for $ 45 and they have it EVERYDAY. I don’t know why I wasted my time at Namaste. Prenatal is just not a priority there.

I highly recommend the pre– and post-​natal classes at this studio. I attended them to support both pregnancies and felt strong and healthy throughout.
The studio is mellow and casual and lacks many fashion yoga types. Classes have real people of all ages and body types, led by caring teachers.

Nia with Carrie was both extremely fun and a really good shirt-​soaked-​with-​sweat workout. I may have been the only Nia-​beginner there, but Carrie was wonderful about demo’ing the steps so I could always follow along without feeling left behind. She brought a great positive energy and terrific sound effects too. (I have been to barefoot-​dancing classes where the instructor seems bossy and overbearing — none of that here.)
As a guy, I was in a minority of one; that had the potential to be awkward, but I always felt included and welcome.
I’ll definitely be returning next week — thanks, Carrie!

I will focus on Whitney Walsh’s classes.
Knowing that she is teaching (or subbing) is always exciting, because I know I’ll always learn something new in her class. She has the gift of a teacher, not just an instructor. An instructor shows you the poses, but Whitney tells you why you do the poses and how they affect your mind and body.
You can tell that she takes great pride in her craft because she is always researching new information about that art form. Then she brings her findings to the mat and shares it with the class. She brings an incredible intellectual side to the yoga mat that none of the other instructors there do. I appreciate this because I always leave her class knowing not only that my body got a workout, but that my knowledge of yoga was deepened. I find security in knowing that she fervently studies her passion.
Another quality that makes Whitney an outstanding instructor is her ability to give sequence direction at an understandable speed. Say we are in downward dog. She will have told us the next two sequences just so we can take our time and move with our own breath. Many times in some other classes the instructor will say «now exhale» and tell us a pose but wait way to long to tell us the next pose by which time we’ve already inhaled and broken our flow. She has this timing and technique down, and I’m so thankful for that.
Last but not least, Whitney is simply inspirational. Translation … Whitney is a beast at yoga. Her core is rock solid! She’s very graceful and strong. When she demonstrates challenging poses with ease (or even when she acknowledges her own weaknesses) it inspires me to want to continue to push my own body beyond what my mind thinks it can handle.
If you want to experience a class that will work your core and alignment, where you will sweat but won’t be swimming in a puddle of sweat on your mat, where you’re knowledge of yoga will be improved, where you’ll be challenged to be very aware of what your body is saying and where you’ll definitely smile and enjoy yourself … then hit up Whitney’s classes.

Lots of free parking. Spacious building with rooms that fit the practice. Staff at desk are informative and gracious. They call you by your name after a first meeting. Lovely sitting room. Now, here is the point: teachers are very dedicated to their individual practice (s) and life style (s). I practice with 4 – 5 different yoga teachers, all of whom are stellar, who give individual attention if asked, and are aware of class levels of practice. Go on line and look at the weekly schedule.
Namaste Berkelely has also added classes such as NIA which is one of my favorites; also Qi Gong, and numerous others with special focus introduced by the regular teachers.
I use my Wellness membership every week as my body and mind want and need
more or less. I can adapt easily because of the variety of classes and level of experienced teachers. Last week I focused on restorative as I wanted to put less pressure on my R. knee, while keeping stability, and opening up the shoulders. This week, I will increase my level of energy, Teachers are always sensitive to these personal changes.
P. S. Do arrange for a massage. YUM.

I work right next to this place and came here for some yoga classes while I was pregnant. Some normal yoga classes and some prenatal yoga classes. I really liked the calibre of teachers in this studio. The whole experience is relaxing. The place smells wonderful. There is a clean bathroom and changing room. There is a slight shortage of wall space if the class gets crowded in the front most room.
As to prenatal yoga, our instructor always asked questions and gave some suggestions for modification. Everyone was in a slightly different stage of pregnancy and dependent on your size and your stage in pregnancy you may have different issues. Our teacher was really aware. Also I went to a midday class which was really inspiring. The students all did a crow pose or a version of crow which was like a crazy breakdancing move! It looked so awesome! Alas I was pregnant and not doing any crow. She also brought a musical instrument and brought some inspirational quotes which I thought were really refreshing during lunchtime.

I’ve taken classes at Namaste Oakland and Berkeley, and I definitely prefer the Berkeley location. There’s tons of parking in a private lot, the studio is super spacious, and the vibe is a lot more low-​key and less frantic.
Classes are fabulous at both locations, and with such a wide variety of teachers and class styles, you’re sure to find something that fits your groove. Each class can accommodate various levels, giving students different options for difficulty.
I really like the lunchtime yoga classes because they’re 1-​hour (instead of their usual 1.5 hour classes) and really help me get over the mid-​day hump with a relaxing stretch and a reminder to breathe (so easy to forget).
Curious yogis, Namaste is worth a visit!

So awesome to do yoga here!
Namaste and love this place so much!

okay. They get one star for hosting amazing guest teachers for some workshops.
–4 stars for the following:
the place is freezing… bathrooms are about 35° hallways freezing too
you can hear the loud noisy nia class next-​door from the workshop classroom,
here’s the clincher the workshops are way oversold and there too too too many students in a classroom, are you reading this Berkeley fire department :-)?
flashbacks of the yoga Journal conference at the SF Hyatt in the early 2000’s when they were packed packed packed with yoga students, visualize about 3 inches between Mats.
it’s hidden and the front desk does not tell you it’s behind Berkeley Mills furniture in a warehouse, they only say look for a tiny orange sign or something like that.
Very grateful I only signed up for one day because I would’ve not wanted to come back the next

Sadly, my experience here was not nearly as great as my experience at the rockridge studio. I signed up for an intro 3 class pass to Namaste and was hoping to find 3 good classes I could count on to come back to and pay full price for. My first two classes at Rockridge were wonderful, the first was Vinyasa flow class and the second was an ashtanga class with Ava Roy — different styles, but both great, experienced instructors.
The third class I signed up for was Hatha 1 – 3 at Berkeley and out of all my years of various styles of yoga in various studios across the country and in Berkeley, this was by far the most disappointing class. The class is described as appropriate for levels 1 – 3, and while I’ve taken Hatha classes before and am fully aware that it is a far less intensive practice, this class was taught entirely catered to the 50+ crowd. I was maybe one of two or three students in a class of 20+ who was under the age of 50. It seemed to be a group that the instructor was familiar with, probably a regular class for most of the students. As such, the instructor catered exclusively to this age group, meaning I didn’t do much beyond sitting around yawning and waiting for this group of people to adjust all their props, including chairs, etc. to get into the most basic poses and stretches. The class moved at snail’s pace and I’ve never stared at the clock more in a yoga class (if ever) waiting for this to end. The class felt clumsy and uncomfortable, and there were so many breaks and ‘chats’ in between poses, that the whole 1.5 hours felt like a disjointed mess. I almost considered leaving early because I felt like it was such a waste of time.
This is NOT a reflection of the instructor who seemed very nice and well trained, but I think she was absolutely obligated to cater to the majority group who was there. Kudos to that age group for doing yoga, I hope I’m in a class like that someday! But man, it was a bad experience for me now.
I got in touch with the manager (or someone in charge at Namaste?) Fiana Andersen, to let her know that I think this particular class might do well to be described more appropriately as a beginner level yoga class, and to ask if I could get one class credit back so that I might try another class but she refused the request and then told me that everyone in that class was a seasoned yogi, essentially implying that I was lying or terribly unobservant. To not grant an additional class is completely her call, but to then indicate that a client is making things up is insulting, and I told her as much.
As we all know yoga isn’t cheap, and it’s such a bummer to waste a class like that. I’m loyal to studios I love and beyond good instructors, good customer service and friendly people go a very long way to establishing bonds that bring you back to buy expensive yoga packages again and again. Sadly, I’m quite turned off my this experience and although I’ll probably take a few classes at Rockridge now and again, I don’t feel compelled to invest in or start a relationship with Namaste.
*** since writing this review I have NOT returned at namaste. Go to yoga tree on telegraph instead!

Wow, a yoga studio with a yogi-​unfriendly vibe!
I purchased a voucher that expired. It states clearly on the voucher that the paid value never expires — that it is always redeemable for the amount paid — so when I neglected to use it before the promotional value expired, I did not feel any urgency to use it, thinking that I had a $ 50 credit.
I tried to use it and the managers will not honor it. They say that since they merged with 7^th Heaven Yoga, they do not have to honor it and are choosing not to. I say that when you acquire or merge with a business, you acquire both the assets and liabilities.
But more important, why would they take that negative stance? It creates a bad feeling, and would cost them little to encourage a new member. I will never go there now; I practice yoga regularly; and I do talk to my circle of influence.
A business pays more to acquire new customers than it would have cost them to honor the $ 50 worth of classes (about 3 classes — very low cost for them as it is just allowing me to attend already scheduled classes).
All that despite how they portray the Vision of themselves on their site. **Namaste indeed!!**

This review is for Emily Dillof’s Jivamukti yoga classes. I’ve been attending Emily’s classes for over a year now and absolutely love her teaching style. She starts every class with some chanting and an intention which makes me happy. It’s not just a work out for your body but for the mind and spirit as well. (That’s my hippie tendencies coming out!) She paces the classes well and I always feel refreshed (and sore in a good way) afterwards! I like that she reminds us to breathe deeply as that is something I forget, especially with more difficult poses. She’s also great with adjustments and gently challenging us to try different variations and poses. I’m excited for the new location (much closer to my home and the space is roomy and comfortable.) Thank you Emily!

Love Namaste — the mini membership is a good deal for a yoga class a week and I’ve been well pleased with pre-​natal classes taught by Deborah Saliby over the last couple of months.
Fingers crossed for the best birth possible in the best of all possible worlds!
In any case, the pre-​natal yoga has certainly kept me feeling a bit better about myself and my body as I journey towards orcha status.
I’ve done regular-​folk yoga classes here, too, back when it was 7^th heaven and find the location, staff and layout ultra convenient.
What would make me give it five stars? Maybe better dressing rooms. They’re the weakest link.

I resisted coming here for a while because I dread getting on 80; lately, though, I discovered on Sunday AM, it only takes me 12 minutes door to door (from Lakeshore).
As I usually take Danielle’s Nia class at Rockridge (see detailed review), Danielle’s Sunday Nia class in Berkeley was a treat — more room to spread out (room 3x as large as the Rockridge space) and do high kicks while moving in a circle.
Prior to the Nia class, Ava Roy’s Ashtanga Vinyasa class was smooth, good pacing and her hands on adjustments absolutely fantastic — enough pressure to make a difference but not too much pressure. She plays NO music and I felt in tune with my breath as I moved through the sun salutations. I like her counting in Sanskrit — versus most teachers saying Adho Mukha Svanasana at least 20 times in class. I am usually not a fan of ashtanga — but I will take Ava’s class. She has a watchful eye on alignment. I take her class at Rockridge and Lakeshore.
Prior to the Ashtanga Vinyasa class, Deborah’s Level 2 – 3 Iyengar class was challenging. She had us doing camel pose (which I have resisted for many months because my lower back feels awful afterwards) against the wall and it surprisingly didn’t hurt my lower back. We also did shoulder stand using a chair (again, this is another pose I have resisted doing since it hurts my neck) and with the extra level of support (not jamming my neck), I was actually able to relax in it. Her class inspired me to go to Jin Sung’s class at Oakland Yoga (see other review). Deborah has a good sense of humor and gives careful adjustments.
This is the largest Namaste studio and the parking lot is enormous. I notice more dust here, particularly in the larger yoga rooms, but not enough to notify management. Front desk friendly.

The restorative yoga class on Friday is the perfect way to end a stressful work week. The studio is a clean, calm and relaxing environment. The props are in great condition and I want a Hugger Mugger bolster for home — high quality and comfortable. Bethany is a wonderful teacher with a loving and kind spirit. The studio sells some props and clothes. Tons of parking in a private lot.