Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga

I got a membership at Pilgrimage when I first moved to North Park. For $ 75 per month, this is the best deal in San Diego. The instructors are nice and my favorite is Meghan. I believe she is the manager of this branch and I try to go to her classes when I can.
I remember seeing old reviews saying how some classes are not challenging enough. I think they listened to the reviewers and I have attended some classes where they gave options for doing arm balances and/​or inversions.
If you are new to Pilgrimage then you should get the 2 weeks for $ 25 deal. You can also use it to take classes at their Normal Heights studio and you also get a free meal at Jyoti. Their 2 week unlimited yoga will be a good way to check out what classes will work for you.
I no longer have a membership but I still go here from time to time and recently attended a yoga class. I mentioned an injury to the instructor at the beginning of class. When it was time to start our practice, all the poses we did were bad for my injury. Why did you even ask about injuries?! She didn’t even really give instructions for modifications. This put me off and I have never in my life not complete a yoga class but for the first time ever, I wanted to walk out of class. I decided to just stick with it and complete the class but I wasn’t in the mood anymore and just wanted to finish the class for the sake of it. Finally it was time for Savasana and I lay for a few minutes but was just basically over and done with the class. I rolled my mat quickly. I should have just left earlier. I felt like this was such a waste of time. (This was my only bad experience with Pilgrimage)
I am still giving Pilgrimage 4 stars but I will avoid the class (and instructor) for now. I honestly liked the instructors they had before compared to their newer instructors. What I like about this studio though is that the classes are always different so you don’t do the same flow everytime.

I’ve tried out a few different San Diego studios, and I have to say this studio has been my least favorite so far. The first class I attended was a «yoga II» class on a Monday night, I don’t remember the instructor’s name but she started class talking about some book she was reading about Jesus. Call me crazy, but I thought yoga came from India and had roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. Why is this woman talking about Jesus? Maybe this is just my own personal preference (hi I’m an atheist AND I PRACTICE YOGA, nice to meet you), but I get really frustrated when yoga instructors get super new agey and try to turn class into a preaching session. Some people do yoga as a spiritual practice and that’s great for them… but there are plenty of yoga students who come to class and feel alienated by preachy teachers. Anyway, I almost walked out, but I stuck through it because I wanted to give this studio the benefit of the doubt.
This could just be a different style of yoga than I’m used to (although I’ve taken plenty of Hatha classes and the website said this was a Hatha class), but the instructor kept interrupting the flow of things to talk at length about the poses. I love descriptive instruction, but I come to yoga to shut my brain off. This is hard to do with someone who is non-​stop chattering and interrupting sequences to explain what is going on. And talking about Jesus. A lot.
I came to a second class for acro yoga with my boyfriend. This one definitely was more fun and the instructor was more engaging, but again with the new age «mercury’s in retrograde, cycles of the moon» stuff! Look I’m a certified yoga instructor, I know a lot of the stuff in the yoga alliance curriculum is super out there, but I’ve been to many classes at many studios where the instructors guide instead of preaching. If a student is interested in Jesus, or astrology, or Ayurveda, I’m sure they’ll seek out literature or instruction on the subject. In my asana yoga class (meaning a class focused on the physical postures of a yoga practice), I want to spend 1 hour in my physical body practicing yoga postures.
If you’re into the spiritual, astrological, let’s go eat mushrooms and look at the moon side of yoga, this place may be for you. Sadly, I did not feel that these classes were for me.

I recently joined this yoga studio after scouting the neighborhood for a good fit for my yoga needs. I have been there a few times now and the classes are excellent, incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help participants of any experience level.

Great yoga here. All types are provided. Late night classes are typically canker yoga that allows for more of a meditative state. This is perfect right before bed. The instructors are helpful and nice and always provide the best tips and help! They truly seem to care about the yoga practice and it’s contagious to be around!

I was introduced to Pilgrimage by a friend and the intro deal was great, (it included a meal at the local vegetarian restaurant that we frequent and love) so that was a bonus! I immediately fell in love with the place and the instructors. I then tried another studio that was able to meet my childcare needs and what a shock it was in comparison to what I was used to. I couldn’t wait for that groupon to end so I could get back to Pilgrimage! I craved the mindfulness and overall serenity that the yogis at Pilgrimage are able to provide. I do not enjoy strictly «exercise yoga» and I do not want to look at myself in a mirror during my practice. The whole point of yoga is to turn inward, focus on the breath. That is a little hard to do when you can hear your toddler running down the hall to the bathroom, or are reminded you are still wearing last night’s shirt. I highly recommend this place to everyone who wants a yoga experience that is a reflection of the ideals that yoga was originally intended to be.

I adore this place. It’s not fancy, doesn’t feel like a gym, and they keep it unreasonably positive in there. The teachers are kind, caring, will adjust you if you need it without missing a beat for the rest of us holding plank for quite a few breaths.
They open with a message and somehow it’s original for each class, yet they still manage to keep the classes light and often even entertaining. It’s a feel good experience all around. It might be a bit heavy on the spiritual/​history of the movements and yoga in general, but it certainly grounds you and serves to give the classes purpose.
Their shop has a gigantic selection of yoga mats that you can squeeze and lift and know what you’re getting. I got my first mat online, so I’m really appreciating the opportunity to choose based on more than composition, rating, and price. Also, if you forget your mat, or haven’t yet committed to one, they have mats to use for only $ 3.
Scheduling is made easier by the mindbody connect app, which allows you to select classes from both studios in North Parks and Normal Heights and register for them from anywhere. It’ll also link to your calendar.
I’ve not been so happy to commit to a place for exercise and personal enrichment for a while.

I love this place! I’ve been going here for 8 months and every class I have taken is amazing. The teachers are so caring and it really makes the experience that much more special. It doesn’t hurt that their rates are the best in the area, and with 2 locations and a huge variety of classes how could you lose? I tell everyone I know to go here if they want to try yoga for the first time, deepen their practice, or are just looking for a new place to practice in this city. Check out their online schedule for great descriptions to help you pick your classes and you will NOT be disappointed.

I highly recommend Pilgrimage! They have a wide variety of class options, ranging from gentle and restorative to challenging flows. They also focus on the spiritual aspects of yoga and how they relate to the asanas– I always feel physically and mentally rejuvenated after a class there! All of the teachers are amazing, and the atmosphere is always welcoming and friendly.
They offer some heated classes– they are not always as intense as some other studios that focus on hot yoga, but you will still get a great workout. There are also several teachers that will spend class time teaching inversions and other challenging poses to deepen your practice. Every class feels like a new experience, which is something I enjoy and look for in a yoga studio.
Finally, the membership is only $ 75 a month, which is such a great deal– it includes unlimited classes at both studios, guest passes for friends, and workshops.
Parking at both studios can be challenging, so be sure to give yourself a few extra minutes when heading to class.

Let me first start by saying that Pilgrimage Of the Heart is the best deal in yoga! For $ 75 a month you get unlimited access to 2 studios, each with 2 rooms! So you can potentially choose between 4 classes in a given time frame.
There are many talented teachers there but unfortunately many of them are teaching level 1 classes. Most classes seem to be level 1 and not all levels like most studios I’m used to. After practicing for a few years I’m looking for more of challenge and to deepen my practice and these level 1 classes don’t cut it for me. Another thing i don’t like about it is most classes are only an hour long instead of an hour and 15 minutes, i know 15 minutes doesn’t seem like much but 15 minutes is 25% longer and I don’t feel like I can stretch enough to properly get into some of the more advanced poses in that time frame. That being said, some of my friends who practice here have a very high level of practice, so in the end, it’s what you make of it.
After all yoga is a business and there are always more beginners than advanced practitioners, so they have to cater to the masses with more beginner classes and they can offer more classes if each class is only an hour.
Pilgrimage has the largest collection of yoga mats around, if you’re in the market for a yoga mat, they probably have it here, Manduka, Jade, Prana, Hugger Mugger, Kulae. and even ones that you’ve never even heard of or seen before. I even saw this mat that looked like someone made in their back yard, seriously. They have everything from cheap to high end mats. They also have a decent collection of yoga clothing and accessories, mat bags, mat cleaners, ect. They sometimes have good sales on the retail items too.
If you become a member, they also have some workshops that are free! Like i said best deal in yoga! They do have a new student special, $ 25 for 2 weeks unlimited plus a free meal at Jyoti-​Bihanga, a vegetarian restaurant by the same owner. Another option for checking this studio out is Perkville, you can get 3 weeks unlimited for $ 39. Either deal you decide on i highly suggest you sign up for perkville before going to Pilgrimage. You accumulate points every time you attend a class, workshop, or refer a friend. After you accumulate enough points you get a $ 25 gift certificate to use toward a retail purchase.
Parking has never been an issue, just have to be willing to walk 2 or 3 blocks, maybe more if you decide to take a class when the bars and restaurants are busy.
There seems to be a real sense of community here as many people know each other as well as the people working the front desk.
It really is a great studio for your first year of practice, it’s just not the place for me.
Pros:
Cheapest unlimited month around for access to 2 studios
Free workshops included with membership
Great selection of yoga mats if you want to compare them all in one place
Perkville rewards
Free guided meditation (sun, mon, and tue)
Cons:
Classes are only an hour long
Most classes are level 1 and students complain if they make them too hard
Parking can be difficult depending on which class you take.
I’ve been wanting meaning to try the free meditation.

I was relatively new to yoga when I tried their 2-​week unlimited pass. I really loved the wide variety of classes they offered and the instructors were all very friendly. I became pregnant shortly after I joined Pilgrimage and practiced yoga at this studio and the Normal Heights studio up until 40 weeks pregnant. It saved me and introduced me to a great group of pregnant women! In addition to the wonderful prenatal class, I felt welcome at every other class I attended. The instructors always were happy to see me and helped me with modifications for pregnancy. I highly recommend both this studio and the Normal Heights studio.

I was traveling and while in town needed a place to practice. I went to this location and the one on Adams. Both were awesome, clean, and the people were friendly! I felt right at home there and would definitely go back if in SD again.

Unbelievably friendly staff and instructors. I especially value the meditation classes and they are free!

I have gone to many different yoga studios in San Diego and beyond, and this is without a doubt my favorite. The instructors are fully present and treat each class as its own. There are no mirrors, which is excellent. You teach your body what correct form feels like, not looks like. There is no judgement in this yoga studio, and in most classes there is such a diverse range of yoga abilities… yogi-​allstars — 80 year old woman. At POTH you learn yoga from the heart to the body, whereas many other yoga studios teach from the body to the heart.

This place deserves an update from me!
Pilgrimage Yoga has greatly improved my practice since starting here as a beginner over a year ago. I actually prefer the North Park studio over Normal Heights because most of my favorite teachers teach here (although you can’t go wrong with either one). The only problems with this studio (compared to Normal Heights) are that there are fewer classes, the studio space is slightly smaller, and parking is worse than Normal Heights, especially right after 5pm and the weekends (I’ve had to park as far as 5 blocks away when it gets super busy). That and many of my favorite classes have been shortened to 15 minutes. Bummer.
Although I still consider Pilgrimage more of a «beginner» studio, all levels can benefit from their classes. If you are just learning yoga, you can’t do wrong with any of the Gentle or level 1 Yoga classes. Flowing Yoga I may be more appropriate for athletic beginners or those who wish to progress to a Level II class. I would not recommend this course if you do not have a rudimentary understanding of yoga because it may go a little too fast.
If you wish to advance in your practice, I highly recommend taking classes from Jen Peters. Her classes have a strong dance element to them with Ashtanga-​inspired transitions and postures. She also weaves in an inspirational theme to her Sunday classes, which is particularly and spiritually delightful. Nikole Fortier’s class is good for anyone who wants to deepen their yoga alignment cues (it’s much more slower-​paced that Jen Peters’ class, but it’s not easy) and Rachel Lubich’s classes are entertaining and challenging for the intermediate-​advanced yogi/​yogini.
Everyone I’ve met in Pilgrimage have been wonderful and supportive of my practice. It’s one of the very few studios I’ve been to that has such a nurturing environment, and I’ve made a lot of friends here. Plus, their monthly rates are one of the cheapest in the San Diego area (only $ 75 monthly).
I tell everyone that I know to try out this studio, especially if they’re brand new to yoga and want to start the practice. Go ahead and try them out. They have a great intro special for 2 weeks for $ 25; you have nothing to lose. :)

I came here for their second anniversary celebration. For 3 days they had a special of $ 2 drop-​in classes. I went to a heated yoga class. The instructor, I never got her name, was terrific. It is nice that the floors are marked so people are properly spaced out; however, if it was a full class the proximity of your neighbor would be very close.
The studio is clean and very spacious. The front of the studio has a lot of space for people to wait for the next class as well as a little area to do some shopping. The staff and instructor are very nice and patient considering the influx of new yogis due to the special going on.
The location is great but I can only imagine a difficult parking situation due to the neighboring businesses. There seems to be a parking structure but I am not sure if for a particular amount of time it’s free and charges will incur thereafter. I went to a morning class and there was plenty of 2-​hour free parking spots.
It is a great studio and I would love to come back here and there for a class. The monthly price is great, I would practice here more often if I lived much closer. They have a great deal for new students. For those who are interested in this studio I would definitely recommend it. Not to mention with a membership you have access to two studios. I hope there are more specially priced classes in the near future.

Pilgrimage of the Heart in North Park has two Beautiful modern rooms within their studio. With 36 classes per week plus workshops you will find a mirad of classes to suit your desires.
What I really love about this studio though is the feeling of being taken care of as a whole person. This studio isn’t just about doing yoga to look good, they address body, mind, and spirit. So many studios these days shy away from talking about our human spirit and energy, but not pilgrimage of the heart! The instructors really encourage you to be centered in the moment so that you can get in touch with yourself.

Like her big sister in Normal Heights, this studio has a great set of classes and awesome teachers. If you really want to get into the practice of Yoga this is an excellent studio.
The North Park facility has smaller rooms than NH so it’s a little more intimate. It also has changing rooms, plenty of space to store your gear, and a cute shop in front.
It’s great to have 2 close enough studios so I can usually find the right class to match my schedule and mood :)

I loved this place! Very friendly and informed staff, and great atmosphsoere! I only tried it for a temporary student membership because I can’t afford to become a full time member, but I enjoyed my brief stay! Both locations are really great! :) Here are the instructors I tried… Rachel: friendly great vibe, taught a gentle class.
Sarah: personally met everyone in the class, I thought that was a nice personal touch. She was also really informative, and taught cool inversions in a yoga 1 class.
Carolina: Taught hot flowing 2, focused on chakras. I thought she was great! All classes were challenging but amazing, I loved this studio!

As a yoga beginner, this was my first experience practicing any kind of yoga or meditation. I have only attended the Gentle Yoga class here, so my review may not be entirely fair.
I took advantage of their two weeks UNLIMITED for $ 25 deal. My first class was Gentle Yoga with Sarah. I was thrilled after the class to attend again. The class was small, and she was very attentive. It was a great first start.
My second class was not what I was expecting. I attended Gentle Yoga with Rebecca. She had a much more relaxed approach to her class that I wasn’t expecting after Sarah’s class. It wasn’t a bad experience, just different. Next time I think I will try Yoga I. Gentle Yoga may be a bit TOO gentle for me.
Sadly, I only was able to attend those two classes during my two week test run, due to schedule conflicts and a nasty cold that took me to bed for a few days.
After both experiences I would definitely recommend this place to someone, like me, who wants to try Yoga for the first time. The staff and instructors are amazingly friendly.

Being a Registered Yoga Teacher myself I am very picky when it comes to my yoga classes and teachers. I am new to San Diego so am working my way through studios. I signed up for the $ 25 unlimited 2 week special. Not to mention which comes with a free meal (appetizer, drink, entrée, dessert) card at the nearby vegetarian restaurant. I went and the meal was EXCELLENT. But I digress…
I was trained under an Anusara certified teacher so I like my asana classes to have meaning. A theme weaved through my practice, I am all for adjustments, setting intention and getting into poses very deep. The first class I tried was a Yoga 2 class with an amazing instructor (Maral Hadidi). The class was packed but whats nice about the studio is they set tape on the floor to perfectly space mats out so that you aren’t one on top of another. Since that first class I have taken a Yoga 1 class, hot yoga 2, hot yoga 1. I have enjoyed all of the classes the instructors are very good. This is not a corporate type studio as others have mentioned and their special $ 65 each month for 6 months sign up period is actually quite good for a yoga studio.
The people at the studio are very welcoming, I love the aroma and atmosphere every time I enter. They offer free meditation and yoga 101 type classes weekly.
The only thing I wish they had was a bit more of a variety with classes. I would like to take a Kundalini class, or maybe an Astanga class every once in a while. They do have a lot of options for classes throughout the day though which is nice.