Garth Hewitt

Garth was the first person to introduce me to yoga in 2010. I don’ think I could have had a better instructor for a first timer. Although the class was pretty advanced, he was always there to tell me I could take it easy and go at my own pace. As I progressed, he helped me step it up to a higher level of training. Learning yoga was a major turning point for me in terms of the type of training and conditioning I do to prepare for my extreme sports activities. After 5 years of practicing with Garth, my balance and stability has greatly improved.

This guy really know his stuff. Anatomy, history, and therapy: everything. Truly someone who lives the yoga practice every day. It’s been a pleasure to know him.

Simply put, Garth is a Master instructor of yoga. I have not experienced another instructor’s class that is as fulfilling and complete. His classes completely engage one’s body, spirit and mind. I am grateful to have been introduced to his classes.

Although I am not new to Yoga, today was my first time to Garth’s class — it was so awesome! He has a very unique style and approach which was refreshing and challenging — it was a great workout and I will become a regular to his class at Equinox WV!
Thanks!

I have taken many yoga classes throughout the years but never have made it to the same class/​teacher more than a hand full of times. I have been a regular to Garth’s classes for a little over 6 months now. Being a Massage Therapist I know how important taking care of your body is, as well as making time for yourself, so I committed to at least one day every week, and more if my schedule allows.
Garth has a great flow, which is something I look for in a yoga teacher. To me, this makes it more than a «work out», but also helps my mind get into a meditative state.
Don’t get me wrong when I say «work out», because you will sweat. (It is just that to me yoga is more than a good workout, that’s all: D)
I think the thing that really got me hooked on Garth’s class, was the fact that I could actually start doing some of those crazy poses I’ve always wanted to accomplish. To take full binds and be able to hold them longer than a second. He takes the time to open your body and get it ready for the epic poses at the end.
If you have the opportunity to learn from Garth — do it. You won’t regret it.

Garth is a tried and true professional.
He’s a fantastic yoga instructor and a dedicated practitioner.
If you have the chance to check out his classes at Equinox,
You will absolutely LOVE it!
Namaste!

I’ve been a fan of Garth’s since my earlier fitness days, taking his classes at the various Westside Equinox clubs over the last decade. Today, I’m still a fan, and have even committed to having him teach at the club whose classes I manage (Encino).
To me, he’s what I consider «the real deal» and our members at Equinox Encino agree. They come to his class in droves week after week.
I bet he’s also great with 1-​on-​1, can’t speak to it just because I haven’t tried it. 5 stars, all around.

The journey with Garth has been immensely beneficial to my body and mind. He is extremely dedicated and confident to tech what he loves.
First, I’ve never seen anyone move better than Garth, amazing physical skills. Another great quality of Garth is his energy, his presence commands attention and makes you feel welcome. He has the ability to push outside of our comfort zone, mentally and physically; the students know that his watching and paying attention and he is in class to help your practice by adjusting our poses. He has a few well-​timed jokes in a class that can help everyone to relax with his natural sense of humor. In general, his classes making you a more efficient practitioner, taking your practice to another level.
I am so grateful for Garth and highly recommend him!

I am a yoga teacher at a studio chain. When I take yoga classes for myself, Garth is on my A list. He is simply a top notch instructor for a variety of reasons.
Garth is knowledgeable in the physical and spiritual practice of Yoga but most importantly he can communicate this to his students in such a way that is practical and free of «dogma» This really makes his classes feel authentic and more than just a «workout»
Another important aspect of Garth’s teaching style is that he can effectively teach mixed levels of students in the same class. There is an art to this style of teaching and Garth has certainly mastered it. His alignment cues are effective for all levels and this is where his knowledge of body mechanics shows. He can make the class challenging but accessible to all levels.
Finally, Garth cares about his students. I know plenty of yoga teachers who are nice but never remember your name or what peak postures you are looking to improve upon. Garth interacts with his students in such as way that makes one feel welcome to his classes.
Overall, I highly recommend that LA yogis and yoginis take a class from him.

I just want to say, How incredibly lucky LA is to have Garth Hewitt! He is an amazing instructor! Making the beginner feel comfortable and the advanced feel challenged, Garth’s classes are inspirational and empowering! I am forever grateful to have such a kind hearted, conscience teacher as a part of my yoga journey. Garth makes it a priority to know each individual in his class and is always mindful of the ability of each student. He very graciously challenges each and every student to be fully present, challenging the individual to do what is right for them personally at that moment. He is precise with alignment and will help you grow/​advance in perfect form. No matter what your physical ability is and how much Yoga you have or have not done, Garth will provide clear instructions making your class with him absolutely perfect!!!
Aside from the Yoga Class, Garth brings creativity and community to the fellow yogis. From teaching yoga class in the park, coordinating incredible yoga retreats, answering emails and providing advice for personal ailments, etc, to stopping in the store and asking how you are; Garth has a warmth and a personal attentiveness that makes him a friend as well as a teacher you look forward to seeing and learning more from.
Namaste

An Authentic Yoga Experience
With so many yoga options it’s hard to find a class that’s not only well planned but is also taught well.
Garth is knowledge, dedicated and creative! His classes are filled with regulars and his style is consistent and uniquely him.
Luckily for Angelenos his classes range in location! Enjoy a strong flow and a well earned «Namaste»

If you take Yoga with Garth, you know you are in good hands. He teaches Yoga properly. His classes are safe and intelligent. Garth knows his stuff. You can clearly see his commitment and dedication to this ancient practice and on top of that he is honest, loving and fun individual to be around. I recommend his classes to all of my friends.

Garth is an incredible instructor! His upbeat attitude and detailed yoga knowledge make his classes stand out! Be sure and arrive early, if you have a favorite spot, his popular classes are often crowded

Warm & wonderful teacher. GREAT instruction for Beginners & Advanced yogis alike with a focus on correct alignment. Garth has applied many years studying with the best yoga masters in the country & brings all this experience & compassion to his students. His classes are fun, joyful & meant to challenge your abilities — wherever you are at in your practice. He not only offers classes all over town but also offers individual private instruction. Just let him know what your yoga goals are & Garth will offer you excellent instruction in getting there. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Love Garth!
He just gets it. He’s a great for new yogis, skilled yogis and all in between. Garth emphasizes on correcting form while connecting with your light within.
Garth is one of the best in town!

I’ve been taking classes with Garth pretty consistently at Equinox over the last few years. I have also taken a few of his classes at yogis anonymous which have been great as well.
What has kept me returning to Garth’s classes is that I learn something new every week. He really takes the time to teach his students. This seems simple but hasn’t been the case for me with all teachers.
I would say that his classes are pretty challenging! But he breaks it down, piece by piece so that you can build on the pieces and it’s also approachable for different levels. This makes it easy to grow with him!
In a class with Garth, you’ll work on your physical self and your emotional and mental. You’ll learn to take your yoga practice off the mat and apply it to your every day life. There are also tons of physical benefits.
I would highly recommend to take one of Garth’s classes if you have the opportunity to do so!

What can I possibly say about Garth that hasn’t already been shared?
He’s wonderful…
I have been a practicing Movement Specialist and Pilates Instructor for over half a decade — I am on the Faculty for Balanced Body Pilates and a Mentor for Polestar Pilates Education, and have been doing some sort of movement or sport (yoga, Pilates, weight training, spin, snowboarding, etc) for as long as I can remember. — but enough about me establishing my credibility…
Back to Garth…
Yoga is a practice — it does not matter if it’s your first class, or your 5000^th. It is always a challenge — it is always different — it is never perfection, but it can be an amazing journey if you let it.
There is a fine balance between ease and effort that results in grace that is the space that all truly efficient movement lives. Mobility with strength — integrity of movement is the goal. Garth not only has an amazing self practice that embodies this grace, but encourages this in all his students — regardless of the level.
Granted, yoga is not for the faint of heart — and neither is Garth. He will challenge you physically as well as emotionally — and remind you constantly that it is your choice on how to honor yourself best in that moment.
Yes, you will get stronger and more flexible in your physical body if you practice with Garth. However, what I appreciate more is the strength and flexibility that he cultivates in the rest of ones being — the mental and emotional bodies, to be precise. Garth encourages you to grow as a whole being. He nurtures the willingness to go within, to know oneself and to accept what is there — to acknowledge where one is in the NOW — one’s abilities and limitations, to recognize the need for challenge and also the important need of surrender.
But back to some technical things — His cues are clear and direct. His rhythm and voice quality is both soothing, and steadying but yet easy to pay attention to and follow. His flow is a good mix of the basics, and a few challenging poses (with modifications for every type of body in the room). He works on isometric strength as well as fluidity, coordination and balance, overall alignment and integrity of movement. He oftentimes has a theme — and although he sticks to that theme throughout the class, does not leave out the rest of the body’s needs and always brings it back to the whole mind-​body connection experience.
So what can I say about Garth? All I can truly say is that I’m blessed to have his light in my journey.

Garth is simply the best. I actually started my yoga practice with Garth and was dropped in the deep end quickly. Garth had patience with me as I learned the fundamental skills of yoga, and then took them oh so far beyond.
Garth has such a beautiful practice himself it’s hard not to be inspired by him, and to aspire to be like him. I’ve since moved out of California, but visit him every time I go back. As I’ve told him I feel that though I haven’t found another teacher quite like him I feel that his teachings stay with me and help me have my best practice no matter where I go.
I certainly miss Garth’s classes, and if I were anywhere near them now you would find me a regular attendee. I highly recommend Garth and his amazing yoga classes!

I’ve studied yoga in many different cities for almost 10 years now, and I have never once encountered another instructor like Garth.
Prior to working with Garth, as a relatively strong athletic male, I had always found myself treating yoga as more of a «warmup» than an actual workout. Garth is the only instructor I’ve ever had who can challenge me in such a way that my yoga practice is most definitely my workout for the day.
What makes Garth such a great instructor is how he accomplishes creating a challenging class: by giving incredibly specific verbal cues (using surprisingly few words), Garth enables me to challenge myself in my practice… by taking myself as far into the fire as my mind and body are willing/​capable of going.
In other words: Garth is not an instructor who creates a challenging class simply by getting up in front of the group and doing seemingly-​impossible poses and then telling us we should try them.
He creates a challenging class by teaching his students how to build the peak poses part-​by-​part (progressing at your own pace) by first mastering the foundations of the pose, and gradually challenging yourself to grow from there… all the while, listening intently to your body… letting the ego fall out of your practice by not making your practice about how well you «should» be doing, but instead simply accepting your practice for where it is right now, and honoring your body for that.
Then, when the time is right, he encourages you to take the leap of faith (handstands, anyone?), trust in all the work you’ve done foundationally, keep your focus, and *poof* usually surprise yourself with how quickly you developed from Child’s Pose to Downward Dog to Plank to Crane to Tripod Headstands to Handstands against the wall (this is where I’m at in my practice)… to one day just popping up into a Handstand (almost there, my arm balance is coming along).
Bottom line: if you’re looking for an instructor who will challenge you to challenge yourself in your practice, you can’t find anyone better. Garth will teach you how to master the basics and then how to safely progress your practice from there… applying that very mastery of the fundamentals.
NBA basketball players are very very good at the fundamentals of the game, and when we watch them perform at their peak level, we are watching the result of hours and hours of practice on the fundamentals… plus a few challenging modifiers added in. And that’s exactly what Garth’s training is about. Master the fundamentals, practice those fundamentals in every breath of every pose, and then allow yourself to grow and expand in your practice from there.
Garth’s class is most accessible to Strong Beginner, All Intermediate and All Advanced yogis. Brand-​New-​Beginners can learn a lot from Garth as well, but they must be aware that if they’ve never experienced yoga before, it can be discouraging when you get into a Vinyasa Flow class for the first time and find everyone moving/​flowing through poses you’ve never even experienced before. So make sure you check your ego at the door and remind yourself throughout class: we were all beginners at one point, and every one of us in class is always learning something new. That’s why they call it yoga practice :)

I wandered into one of Garth’s classes at the Equinox near me, trying a yoga class for the first time, without much of an idea as to what I was doing. I hoped for, at best, a new workout and marginal improvements in flexibility, and entered with a heavy dose of skepticism towards the practice of which I knew nothing about. I look at that class as one of the first days of a newly awakened life.
I felt comfortable and welcomed as a complete beginner, and as I’ve progressed over the last few years, his classes continues to be a foundation of my practice and will always be important to me.
I could speak volumes of the way his teachings have helped me in terms of the directly physical things I felt (improving my functional strength, improved flexibility, reduced anxiety) as well as the other benefits I never would have imagined, such as feeling more connected to myself, everyone else in the class and generally feeling significantly more calm and mellow pretty much all of the time.
I even later attended his retreat in Costa Rica in 2013, and had an incredible experience. On this retreat, I felt incredibly connected to the practice, to the fellow attendees, to myself, and the universe in general.
I now have a yoga teacher training of my own coming up soon, and I never would have imagined going down this road if I hadn’t wandered into Garth’s class so many years ago.