Asha Yoga

I really want to take away one star from the rating because Asha is not in Davis so that I can go there everyday. That said, the studio is truly a unique gem of the area, offering a space of peace and mindfulness. You practice asana at your own pace, with abundance of props to use as you need. Even in Dynamic classes, which has the most movements compared to other classes, you will not get bodily exhausted because «excessed effort manifests tension», as the owner and teacher Cori Martinez says.

Engaging in a practice at Asha yoga is helping me a lot. I was drawn to it for stress management, and I wish I’d done some pre– and post– stress logs because I swear this is a potent relaxation aid!
I began back in March with the 30 days for $ 30, and I’ve been attending regularly since then. I am new to yoga practice, and have really embraced the restorative classes at Asha. Yoga Nidra is a fascinating practice, and I relish the opportunity to do this as often as I can. The Mellow and Balanced classes offered by Dana (Sunday and Monday evenings) are equally fantastic. She is incredibly attuned to the needs of the people in the studio, and I love the short readings she shares during class. What a wonderful way to start the week. I feel so grateful to have come across a brilliant teacher.
For those anxious about checking out the studio, I encourage you to acknowledge how you’re feeling, and to not let the nerves prevent you from coming through the door. The instructors are very friendly and accommodating. I’ve yet to encounter any yoga competitiveness in the studio, I just don’t think it’s part of the culture at Asha.
Yoga is now part of my routine and I miss it when I don’t go. My body and mind are good reminders to keep going, and to maintain a steady practice for health benefits. I feel so happy to have discovered this little gem in my Midtown community.

Like some of you out there my yoga practice waxes and wanes, but for ⁴⁄₅ years now I have never set foot in Asha Yoga without feeling fully embraced as part of a inviting warm community. I have been practicing yoga off and on for close to 15 years, here in Sacramento and the Bay Area, and what stands out to me most about Asha is the instructors’ attention to the breath along with the correct/​personally accessible postures and form. At other studios I have sometimes felt like I was racing through High School gym class burpees as I bounce up and down off my mat at an unmanageable pace never finding my form at any point along the way. By focusing consistently on moving with the breath and individualized instruction for postures I feel like I am truly practicing yoga at Asha, and the benefits of a deep Yoga practice follow. Thanks Cori! see ya’ll soon.

I have been going to this studio for over 2 years now. It’s amazing. If you are new to yoga or think that you aren’t skinny or flexible enough to be a yogi you are welcome at this studio.

This is absolutely a great studio for every level and everyBODY. I was hesitant at first because the room was not a 100 degrees and was skeptical of how «hard» the work-​out was going to be. After the first class I was hooked and an epiphany occurred. How much I sweat did not measure the physicality of the work-​out, I was not competing with the heat and after a few sessions I felt more like a yogi than I had in years. With the combination of yogic positions, breath work and meditation… I realized I was truly energetic and more positive. Who knew breathing, moving slow and concentrating could actually make your muscles so SORE.
I love this place and recommend it to everyone. Thank you for staying open.

I am a beginner yogi and did asha’s 101 class and 30 day special. I have found my yogi home. I have taken most of the teachers’ classes and all the teachers are excellent. The customer service is great and bonus peeld juices are sold there. Love!

I have been a member for over a year. I love this place. My biggest complaint is the recent schedule change. Pretty sure East Sac location closing has an impact on this. I know that can’t be changed, I understand. Then the Wednesday schedule got shifted and now Yin class isn’t until 7:30. It was very convenient to have it at 6 pm. I don’t understand that change. I would love to have Yin back at 6pm. Another thing I noticed too with the schedule that on weekdays between the noon class and 4:30 there is a huge gap where there are no classes. That would be awesome to offer a 2:00 or 3:00 class on weekdays as well. Otherwise everything else is sweet. All the instructors are very inviting enthusiastic to help you out if you need it. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, the way it should be. I also noticed that there is no balanced yogi classes on Saturdays. Saturdays are days when I could sure use a balanced class! Hopefully the schedule can be re-​adjusted soon!

I was new to yoga, and I am a curvy lady, over 50, so I was nervous about stepping into a yoga studio. A yoga teacher friend had recommended Asha because I had asked her for a yoga studio that would augment my meditation practice. This studio is the perfect one for me. The moment I walked in I felt I was entering a quiet and sacred space, and I dropped all my internal «stuff» at the doorway.
There are two Asha studios, one at 36^th and McKinley, and one at 20^th and K. I will copy my review to both, as I attend classes at both (a bonus!). I started with a $ 30 for 30 days intro special, and I packed in the classes, I tried almost all of them. I even took the Yoga 101 class they offer once a month, and it was very helpful to me, as a beginner.
Yogis know it is not just the physical space that counts (and the physical space is beautifully simple and serene); what really counts is the teacher. I have experienced three teachers here extensively, and I believe that Cori Martinez, the owner, has put together a wonderful community of teachers and students.
The classes I attend regularly are:
Yoga Nidra (Sandra G and Sarah). This class is a long guided meditation, offered by two different teachers. It is excellent and is a good way to enhance an existing meditation practice, or to begin one. Both teachers have wonderful voices that make the experience even better. The classes start with some yin poses, or some breathing, which always helps me to be better grounded.
Dynamic Yoga I (Sandra G) This class is a vinyasa flow class, but she takes it slow and explains the movements, the alignments, and what is really important about a pose. It can kick your butt, especially if you are new, but it is not intimidating, and she is clear that it is not about what your mind wants to do it is about what your body can do. She is very accessible, and happy to answer questions, offer advice, help with modifications, or relieve concerns. She also has a beautiful voice and occasionally leads some chanting. Classes often start with some pranayama breathing, which is a good way to center .
Mellow Yoga (Kate) This is a restorative class, only 4 or 5 poses, each one something that you relax into, to work on connective tissue, or help calm the scattered mind, or open your heart, or just heal whatever needs healing. She has a gentle voice, and will sometimes provide a short healing touch while you are in a pose. There are lots of blankets and bolsters for propping, so even if you are not at all flexible, this class can be accessible to almost anyone. She also is quick to see if someone is struggling and will assist or modify any pose as needed.
There are workshops offered as well – in addition to Yoga 101, I have attended a 30 Days of Living Yoga program, and will continue to attend more workshops.
If you are looking for a yoga studio that is all about connecting your mind, your heart, and your body, this is the one.

I tried yoga for the first time this week at this studio. I’m already hooked!
As a n00b-​I was very concerned about the more difficult positions and being able to do everything the class required. As it turns out-​I had nothing to worry about.
The staff was incredibly welcoming from the second I walked through the door. They told me all I needed to know to get started.
I had instructors come by and correct my form and help me so I could reap the full benefits of every move. I couldn’t be more grateful for that.
I’ve already taken 4 classes with 4 different teachers. Every class is different and every teacher has been amazing.
I highly recommend this studio if you’re interested in a great work out with some really lovely people.

Peace and Blessings my fellow Unilocalers lend me your ears… or your eyes!
I want to tell you how AWESOME Asha Yoga Studio and the whole team has touched my life. First of all, the studio is so welcoming from the moment I hit the door I feel like I am visiting friends. Warm, candle lit room, I feel like I am on a date with myself. All of the instructors are wonderful! Cori has an uncanny ability to bring instructors together under one roof that no matter when I take a class I know it’s going to be with someone I like! So let me tell you about the newest instructor. He goes by the name of Reno, some call him Reno Dynamic! He looks like a person that could be from the Shire, but this dude is a Spiritual Giant!!! I leave his classes feeling that I probably could shed some light on the problems we are having in Washington!!! I am hooked!!! I am not as tired, and I haven’t taken any hostages since I started practicing. I am so glad I tried the offer of $ ³⁰⁄₃₀ days. Hopefully I will see you all there.

Asha Yoga is great if you are looking for a mellow, relaxing yoga practice. I signed up for Asha Yoga based on the description of the «Dynamic» yoga class. I found the class very slow moving, but once in a while it’s what a body needs. I wish they had more variety to throw a few more fast-​paced vinyasa flow classes in there for balance.

I went to one class and it was okay, but not as challenging as I was looking for, which would be no problem as classes vary. I wanted to try again, but can’t make it work with my 8 – 6 M-​F schedule. More evening classes would be good for me.

I love this studio and wish I could afford this on a regular basis. I just recently paid for an unlimited month. I loved the yin classes and found it deeply satisfying. I found the teachers kind and caring and the space clean and inviting. I enjoy the encouragement to use props and the individual attention provided by the teachers. I enjoyed the midtown and the East Sacramento sites. I would seriously love to continue this type of self care.

Awesome, awesome, awesome yoga studio with fantastic instructors! I’ve been coming here religiously for almost a month now. at least twice a day, about 5 days a week. Why so much? Because this place is positively addicting! I have so many great things to say but will try keep it detailed and short.
Studio ~ The studio is spacious, clean, dimmed and cozy. and more importantly, peaceful. They have an amazing alter and they light up candles during classes. When it’s cold, they turn on the heater (yay!!!). They also have a location in East Sacramento (corner of McKinley and 36^th).
Instructors ~ Wow! They have THE BEST instructors! All have their unique style and they change up their classes all the time so you’re always doing something new and different. The instructors are very informative, helpful and GREAT at what they do.
Classes ~ They offer various yogi such as dynamic, balanced, mellow, yoga nidra… During the week at lunch time, they offer a community class for $ 8.
Boutique ~ They offer various apparels for both women & men, books, equipment and more!
Location/​Parking ~ Located in the heart of Boulevard Park next to restaurants and walking distance to like. everything! Plenty of street parking (free and metered).
Prices ~ They offer different packages. The prices are reasonable and affordable.
***
ABOUT ME ~ I turned to yoga because I was told it would help me with balancing, strengthening and recovery for my injuries. I was shocked and amazed by how quickly I was able to see the changes and improvements. Yoga has been very therapeutic and I wish I discovered it many, many years ago.
P. S. ~ Although there are many yoga studios all over Sacramento, I believe it’s the people that makes the difference. You won’t regret coming here. =)

This summer (2012) I started attending yoga for the community classes at noon. I’ve tried different yoga studios but before Asha– I hadn’t found one that made me comfortable enough to keep going. I like practicing yoga but I’m a novice and don’t know all the poses or their names and walking into a studio with others way more advanced is kind of intimidating. So I judge yoga studios by their friendliness, welcoming staff, comfortable feeling when I walk in and the price.
Asha yoga downtown met all my expectations! I have had an enjoyable experience in every class I attended. Some instructors correct your poses but in a very respectful manner. I am so happy to have found Asha and can now say that I have a regular yoga studio!
Parking is pretty easy to find for the noon classes. Drop in is $ 8. You can rent a mat and they also sell yoga workout clothes.

This is exactly what the doc. ordered. I feel like this is very yoga, very Sacramento, very balanced. I signed up for the beginner’s special. I feel great about the people and the practice.
The noon class offered a gentle suggestion of coming back into center, and how to remind yourself of your self. Instructor Kate was warm, kind and permeated the room with a wish of well being for all of us.
A truly enjoyable space. And, my arms look great :)

This is one place in Sacramento where I have trouble finding anything wrong with it. Important stuff to know…
1) No heat, and the owner periodically polls students to check in with them to see if they want heat after all. But most of the students say they come to Asha because of no heat. I like how she asks us, though!
2) Like others have said, the teachers here feel very unique in Sacramento for how much they are open and care about students. On top of that, they all are really knowledgeable about modifications for poses depending on injuries, how you’re feeling that day, etc.
3) Parking… actually, there’s a ton of street parking that’s free now, especially since they recently removed the meters in front of the studio! If you’re going to a workshop that’s more than 2 hours, I recommend parking on 18^th street, between K and J (4-​hour meters) and walking the two blocks. I can always find a spot for my bike, too (though the MARRS building management should put more bike racks in those areas where they ripped out plants and put decomposed granite down – but that’s not really related to Asha…)
4) The instructors always set up their area with what kind of props you will need at a minimum so follow that – or grab more. Very helpful for beginning students!
5) I love how this studio’s teachers doesn’t try to push too much philosophy on you or too much physical stuff, either. If you don’t want to do the «om» at the end, no one is going to hold it against you (or even notice). If you do the «om,» there’s no pressure to have an insight or anything – I like it because it makes the inside of my chest buzzy. :)
6) The Living Yoga program not only is one of the best deals in town in terms of what you get for your $$, but it WILL change your life. Even just a little bit. You don’t have to end up a yogi for it to have some effect. Can’t recommend it enough!

I signed up with the beginner’s special. 10 days for $ 20. As soon as you walk into the place, you notice how serene and balanced the place is. All the instructors bring to you a sense of peace and they all have a way of bringing out something you didn’t know you were missing. I’m unable to express in words how awesome I felt after my yoga sessions.

What works for me is their noon yoga sessions. Very convenient and they change daily so you do not get bored.
For newbies: don’t be afraid to start.
Some other places I’ve been do are so centered on the actions and this places gives you opportunities to develop your body and mind. Do yourself a favor and at least try this place out — you won’t regret it.

During a visit out to Cali this past spring, I made sure to note a couple of local yoga studios close to where I was staying. Asha was the winner. Big winner indeed! I was lucky enough to share mat space with Robert’s noon community class (cost by donation). What an amazingly insightful class. Smooth vinyasa flow, with some short breathing breaks. I modified both on my own and with Robert’s help and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.
During the chant at the end of class, the collective om was the most harmonious, peaceful and warm I’ve ever heard – and felt. It was like the whole room hugged me. Sheer bliss.
After class, I spoke with Robert and the desk clerk (Juliet? I remember she was a teacher and also very sweet and smiley.) for a good 10 – 15 mins.; about travels & yoga mostly. His presence was so calm, mellow and grounded. He was even kind enough to take a photo with me.
I wound up purchasing a Asha brand tshirt that reads «dynamic yogi» and definitely felt like one after that class.
There aren’t any showers and only a small changing room, so come prepared to practice if you can. I did a quick change in the bathroom since I was in there to go anyway. There was cubby space for shoes/​little bags at the back of the studio and mats, blocks, etc right inside the studio for use. I think mats are rentals.
Should I find myself in the neighborhood again, this yoga studio will be my go to for sure!

This is a PEACEFUL, SERENE, & STRESS FREE Practice. I feel very honored to have practiced with the owner Cori and Deborah. I have attended the Balanced Yogi and Mellow Yogi. It honestly took me a few sessions to appreciate the practice but this is a practice well needed to clear your mind and focus on no other than yourself.
The studio is beautiful, welcoming, and feng shui. The staff are wonderful as well, so when needed a break from your busy and stressful life Asha is the place to go.
Parking can be difficult so carpool with a friend or park a few blocks down and enjoy the stroll through K street. Parking is free after 6pm, otherwise you’ll have to pay.
NAMASTE