California Yoga Company

Love it! I’ve been a regular for 1.5 years. While I’ve always been active and worked out, yoga was intimidating because I didn’t know if I was doing the poses correctly and helping or hurting myself.
At California Yoga Company, I appreciate the positive instruction and constructive adjustments that Brian and his team provide so I can really understand what I should be doing at my individual level and what I’m aiming for. I now feel like I’m safely working out and getting stronger and better aligned with each session. I’m really enjoying it!

I first visited Brian’s studio in October 2014 for a 14 day Groupon offer. I was excited to try out this studio as I had been visiting other stuidos in the area, but none of them seemed like a good fit. I could tell on my first day that Brian and his staff’s main focus is their clients personal health. During my initial offer I was only able to make it to 4 classes before my offer expired, and in this short period of time I was already finding noticeable changes in my physical and mental health. The changes that I noticed first were my posture/​spine feeling stronger, and I was beginning to see an increase in the amount of sleep I received.
This is a great studio with a staff who really cares.

I started this hot yoga class at California Yoga Company about a year ago. It’s not an easy class but I can now clearly see a difference in my body. I’ve lost more weight and become more tone. I love this hot yoga class because it is not too hot (I tried Bikram yoga before but the heat was unbearable). I’ve also worked out with a personal trainer at a commercial gym and did some hiking, but the results were not as noticeable and fast compared to hot yoga. I feel like I can control my weight now. Brian and other instructors are very knowledgeable. I’m so confident that I’ve extended my membership for five more years.

This is long overdue. Started out with a living social coupon and then I became a diamond member after the expiration date. It was the best decision I ever made because being a member forced me to go to yoga at least twice a week. I’ve been going to this wonderful yoga studio for more than 2 years. First of all, I want to say that all the teachers here are great! Although the poses are the same, they all have their different styles of teaching. And, somehow these teachers have the uncanny ability to remember your name! Brian, the owner is an excellent teacher. Others have commented that they don’t like their postures to be corrected by the teacher. Now come on, if you have taken a martial arts class, dance class, or any sport, wouldn’t you like to be corrected? Brian does have an eagle eye though. From across the room, he would call my name out to tell me to straighten out my back, or reach higher, or feet closer together. He would correct you if there were 10 students or 30 students in the class. That is something I appreciate, cause I don’t want to look dorky.
Also, if you have an injury or a particular pain in your body, Brian will modify the poses for you so you can get through the class in a safe way and still get a good work out! And, on top of all the seriousness of breathing and correct postures, Brian has a great sense of humor. Give this studio a try. You won’t regret it!
The pluses: Its hot, but not overbearingly hot! Great abs routine every class!
The minuses: class times are limited but if you want to make it to class, you’ll find the time. I hear more classes will be added soon.

Here is what this studio offers:
A solid foundation to a fitness goal. There will be resources and informative classes offered on nutrition, email support for questions, good humor and straight-​up ass-​kicking.
Do not come here if you are looking for a regular yoga class. (There is however a different class taught by Emiko based on Ana Forrest’s style.)
Your muscles will burn, your balance will improve, your strength will grow.
Everyone who attends the classes is pleasant and all the teachers are great.
Brian’s class is heavily Bikram influenced, with the heat and the poses, but it will incorporate an ab workout and have no over-​extensions to «lock» joints.
There is no music, no guided meditation, no Ohm, but definitely emphasis on breathing. You can arrive early and enjoy savasana before class. Then the butt kicking commences where Brian or Sarah will actively guide you through the poses. There is a lot of one-​on-​one interaction if needed to correct the poses and ensure you are doing them right.
There will also be pep talks like «I know you had a long day, and there will be a time where I will let you take it easy in class… but today’s not that day. Squat lower!»
There is humor, some f-​words but mostly serious work put in by all the students and a great sense of accomplishment at the end of each class.
Need to get your butt in shape and you like yoga? this could just the studio for you!

This yoga studio is a hidden gem in the neighborhood and I’m so happy that Brian has set up shop here. The studio is a clean, easy going but serious place to practice yoga that attracts a nice community of people all looking to get a great workout. Brian is fantastic and really cares about each individual. What I especially love about Brian’s method is that he has an amazing way of giving you an intense workout while infusing the class with humor and not taking himself too seriously. He provides serious one on one attention and you truly feel that you are getting a private lesson… he will adjust you until you are doing each pose correctly and trust me, you want that since doing the poses correctly makes all the difference with the results you get. He is motivating and will provide you with all the tools to get results… you just have to make the effort and take the first step. Overall, a great studio to get a killer workout!

and many many more stars.
I’ve been an on-​and-​off devotee at California Yoga Company for the past two years so this review is a long time in the making. Some of these one star reviews really got me chuckling, because this is NOT the place to go to if you want to sit in a dark room with incense and candles and work on your one-​ness or whatever. This class is really hard. It hurts and is uncomfortable and kicks your ass. But, it makes you stronger and more flexible than any other yoga class. And believe me, I’ve tried a lot of them.
Specifically, Brian is my all time fav. Below are some thoughts that often drift through my mind during one of Brian’s yoga classes:
«Is it, like, healthy to sweat this much?»
«Am I the only one sweating this much?»
«Nope. Not the only one.»
«Huh. I haven’t really looked at them this close before… but toes are kinda weird.»
«Like why do we have toes?»
«Is this an interpretive pretzel dance?»
«Mmm. Pretzels. Now I’m hungry.»
«Squat lower? Brian, can’t you see my legs are shaking?»
«Can’t you see how small and feeble I am?»
«I’m but a small child with wee quads, Brian. Take pity. Have mercy.»
«Ok fine, there’s no fooling you. I’ll squat lower. See? Happy?»
«It BURNS! It BURNS!»
«I’m meltingggggggggg.»
«Oh what a world, what a world…»
«…»
“Man I feel great! I gotta do this again tomorrow.“
Ok– but seriously, I’m one of those people that gets reeeeeeally bored with working out. In high school the only way I’d work out was through competitive sports. Since then I’ve had a really hard time finding something that keeps me engaged.
California Yoga Company is perfect. I’m competing with myself to stretch further and go deeper in each class. Because a lot of the poses are the same each time you an see how much you’ve improved, which is super motivating. It’s the only thing that makes me feel like I’ve gotten a killer workout, while learning a new skill. Since doing yoga I’ve relieved a ton of stress, slept better, and been an all around bubblier person. Brian’s attitude is great. He’s cheerful and fun, but he’s no sucker. He’s not about to let you slack off or hurt yourself by doing a pose incorrectly. He’s constantly moving around the studio, helping people work on their technique.
This place is the best. I’m so glad I found it!

I love this studio! All the instructors are very attentive and walk around the entire class to ensure you are doing the poses properly. Its like having your own personal instructor guiding you through the poses and pushing you to do your very best. Not only do the instructors help you with poses they tell you the purpose of each movement and how it is helping your body. I really do enjoy my time there and always feel so amazing afterwards.

This is just not what you want from a yoga studio. I’ve been practicing yoga in SF for nearly 6 years and I think there are just so many better studios out there than this. I was excited to try this spot since I recently moved in next door, but both the yoga style and the style of the instructor Brian are just not great at all. It’s not Vinyasa, it’s not Bikram, it’s not Yin, it’s not Hatha… it’s something entirely different that is just strange and not what comes to mind when I think of a quality yoga class.
Each class follows the same pattern, so there is no variety, and often you do the same set twice in a row. You start off with 2 sets of breathing exercises, then 2 sets of standing poses, then 2 sets of… etc. There’s an ab workout at the end, which I would say is ok at best. The class ends with savasana, but then the instructor leaves the room and tells everyone to leave quietly at their leisure once they’re ready. While this might sound like a good concept in theory, in practice you end up unable to relax during savasana as everyone is rolling up their mat and leaving.
The owner Brian curses during class and also doesn’t have great customer service, as other Unilocalers have echoed in other reviews. He is crass and abrasive in my opinion and not very welcoming. I did another class with the female instructor (her name escapes me) and she was actually head and shoulders better than Brian. If she taught more of the classes rather than Brian I would maybe go back.
All in all I would say don’t waste your time here and go to nearly anywhere else in the city instead.
–
Edit in response to the reply:
I actually didn’t mention our encounter in my review because my experience and review wasn’t based on our interaction at all. I did not get soured by one experience, but rather this review was based on the yoga style and teaching style solely, both of which I think are quite poor. I understand your late policy and that was actually not a problem and not the basis for my review, which was why I didn’t find it relevant to mention. I know that you would like to point to one encounter to explain why I didn’t care for your studio, but that actually wasn’t it.
Yoga style — 2 stars
Teaching style — 2 stars
Everything else — not relevant

I love this place! Brian is an amazing instructor and he constantly helps me correct my form throughout class, which is great if this is your first time doing bikram! After just a month, I already noticed the change in my strength and flexibility. They’ve also incorporated the forest method in some of the classes, which I think makes it more challenging but a pretty solid workout. I got this deal through groupon so it was pretty cheap for the first month.

My first Bikram studio and first time doing yoga. I love the setting of this studio. Clean and cute. Can’t beat that LOL… Good for beginner and instructor are great at showing the movement. =)
FYI: Bring water, yoga mat and also a towel. =)

The guy turned me down because I didn’t have a ‘goal’. He refunded my money saying I’m not a good fit. His words: ‘We really have culture of setting intention and helping our clients get to their health goals. Just doing yoga is not a goal it’s an action.’
Doing yoga is not a goal but an action! Really? One lives one learns.
This is my experience, judge for yourselves.
I’m not surprised his response bellow is the way it is. He’s the one who was arrogant and negative, not me. My ‘sin’ was telling him that I didn’t have a goal of losing weight but doing yoga on regular basis. I can only explain such behavior with some sort of substance abuse. May god help this poor guy and his business… and his clients too. Namaste! ;)

In the spring of 2006 I walked into Brian’s old studio on Russian Hill, a few months late in fulfilling a New Year’s resolution. Not only had I never tried yoga, but I’d never been very athletic at all. In fact, I was a wreck: overweight, out of shape and nursing multiple injuries – one of which I had just been told would probably require surgery.
Brian assured me that my injuries would be no obstacle, and that yoga would help them heal and perhaps even allow me to escape the surgery. He gave me a set of modifications to follow for nearly every pose. For a year or two my attendance was spotty: work schedule, an ailing father and injury flare-​ups all meant that it was a good week if I got to class at all. But that occasional class gave me great relief from stress, and was always followed by a few days of reduced pain.
Beginning in 2008 I was able to get to class 1 – 3 times a week, and immediately started to see increased benefits. I began losing weight and even graduated from a few modifications. I increased my practice to 3 – 5 times a week, have dropped over 50 pounds and all but a few modifications, and the injury for which I had a surgical consult hardly ever bothers me – no surgery required!
I really appreciate Brian’s teaching style: his calm-​but-​authoritative voice, his humor, and his knowledge. He has passed on that style and knowledge to the teachers he has trained – who now make up his support staff.
Another great thing about CYC is that Brian has really fostered a sense of community among his customers. Going into the studio, I am greeted by name by my fellow regulars. We cheer each other on and miss each other when we’re absent. It’s great to feel a part of a community of people who care about improving their health and happiness.
California Yoga Company has made a huge difference in my life and I highly recommend it.

I love this studio! I got a great deal here — 21 days of unlimited yoga for only $ 9. Wow! I wanted to make sure I had access to yoga while studying for the CA bar exam and I got everything I needed at California Yoga Company. I felt calm and healthy after class and my 3 week membership even came with a nutrition packet!
I am so impressed with this studio. Brian’s personal attention and care for his students truly sets this studio apart from others. I had never done this style of yoga before — I’ve done mostly Vinyasa and Hatha. I really like that we do mostly the same asanas each time so you know what to expect and can actually track your progress.
I love that the room is heated to about 90 – 95 degrees for safe stretching and a good sweat! This class is an intense workout and is really great for anyone who is a runner or athlete of any kind who wants to AVOID injuries! Brian is an expert and he will correct your postures and teach you how to do yoga the correct way! I’ve always hated when teachers don’t come around to give feedback — you won’t have to worry about that here! The teachers push you to your limit so that you can grow stronger.
I am sad that I had to move back down to San Diego temporarily and discontinue going to the studio — when I return to SF, I am definitely going to get a membership here! It’s so worth it!

It’s been a month since I’ve started and I’ve convinced my boyfriend to start too. Can’t say enough good things about this studio! Finally yoga is becoming a habit!

I spent about two months in San Francisco and during my time there I grew to love the California Yoga Company — I would honestly recommend it to anyone.
It’s a small hot yoga studio, clean, warmly lit and never overly crowded. This has the effect that the teachers can really focus on their students, adjust them when needed or give advice. I never experienced the teachers to be anything but supportive and respectful and really appreciated being able to work on my posture and positions in such a safe space.
I came here for about six weeks, 2 – 5 times a week and always left feeling wonderfully tired, yet elevated.
If you are still not sure about this studio, I’d advise you to check out their website, they often have a one-​month trial deal for cheap — I will definitely come back when I return to SF in winter!

I love this studio, I love Brian and how he is interested in helping you and correcting your posture. I’ve been Practicing yoga for so long and when I started coming to this studio I realized that half of the positions I have been doing them wrong, and who knows for how long! You see results soon and it’s encouraging when somebody is there to guide you.

This is sweaty, elevated heart rate yoga! The instructors WILL adjust you, but in a supportive and encouraging way. As a beginner, I really appreciate the correction because I want to learn the poses correctly.
Like most hot yoga or Bikram studios, there is no music, towels instead of mats, and bring your own water (or be prepared to buy it). I’m not sure why other reviewers were so surprised at this!

First off, I’ve written maybe three Unilocal reviews in my lifetime. So here’s why now:
I’m a 48 year old guy living in Russian Hill, dealing with various injuries and excess pounds accumulated over the years and I’ve tried it all. «All» here means in the last 5 years: Crunch, Fitness SF, World Gym, K-​1 martial arts, StudioMix, Pop Physique, Burn, Krav Maga, and more. Prior to that, 10 years of aikido and years of Brazilian jiujitsu, Krav Maga, rugby, and weights.
For various reasons I’ve enjoyed them all but now, due to a convergence of timing, location, CYC culture, and the style of yoga taught here, CYC is the place where I can see myself staying for a very, very long time — Big deal since I’ve not felt this way about a discipline or studio in a decade plus.
Why? Monnier knows who he is, what he’s about and has his method dialed-​in. There is no pandering, chanting or false guru bullshit. This is not a social club for lost souls looking for validation, comfort and a place to talk about whatever emotional damage is holding them back. You will be pushed. Guidance is firm, natural, honest and authentic. You will work, sweat and leave each class feeling far better than when you entered. You will know, in your bones, that if you stick with this, the benefits over time will pay off in your body and how you feel. It’s not for everyone — nothing is. But if this review resonates, you owe it to yourself to try it. Good luck.

I wanted to like this studio, I really did. Good deal, good location, good reviews, bad experience.
Brian, the owner, is brash and presumptuous. I called the studio to ask if classes other than beginner level would be offered as I was concerned about opportunities to grow my practice if I bought a membership. No one picked up the phone for a week and when I finally sent an email, he replied that «From the tone of your email, I don’t think that our studio may suit you». HOOOOOKAY. What kind of tone could you gather from an email? Rude before I even met the guy.
Thinking he may have had an off day, I went anyways. He happened to be teaching my class. 2 stars for the studio being well lit, modern and clean. As an instructor, he was attentive and felt unrehearsed.
I will not return however because:
1. NO MUSIC — he says it interferes with his teaching.
2. NO MATS — you only use a towel and his poses will often be off the towel which leads to #3…
3. CARPET — you tell us to get off the towel and then everyone sweats on the carpet. Then I have to smell/​touch carpet. Disgusting.