Tranquil Space

Tranquil Space is everything and more you could ever want in a yoga studio. I started going there this summer and now attend classes here 3 times a week. The instructors are lovely and there is a great component of mindfulness and intention setting, as well as challenging yoga practices. Could not recommend it more.

I have taken two classes at the Dupont location. I signed up because I was looking for a more «authentic» yoga experience. No, in fact, I do not enjoy sweating in 100 degree heat to feel the yoga burn and I don’t want to be in a stressful, competitive environment. If I wanted to do that, I’d go to Soul Cycle.
Location: Easy to find, right next to the Safeway (and a Capital Bike rack). Someone in another review claims this is in the boonies… given it is two blocks from Dupont, I am not sure we have the same definition of boonies.
Classes: They offer a wide range of times, and the most popular class seems to be the Yoga-​on-​the-​Go (which is a one hour class). I wish they had something in the mid-​morning for adults. However, this time-​frame seems to be for people doing yoga with toddlers — which I think is awesome. Beyond just yoga classes, they offer a fair number of prenatal, children, and restorative/​meditation yoga, and special workshops. During the day (pre-​5pm), only one studio is used at a time, but maybe that will change in the spring?
Make sure you arrive 10 – 15 minutes before class so you can secure a spot if you are in one of the more popular timeframes!
Studio Space: They have three floors of studios (3 total?). The largest is the Earth studio, which for a noon day class can be full but not feel like sardines. It will get a little hot when you’re doing your third sun salutation, so if you’re prone to slipping like I am… bring a towel. Cubbies in the classroom so you can keep your valuables with you.
Space Beyond the Mat: Zen spa-​like. From the bathrooms to the studio, everything is clean and bright, and thoughtful. There are showers, hairdryers, changing rooms, etc. for after class. If you pay $ 125/​month, you can also leave your mat there. There’s also a very nice sitting area for after class so you can cool off with some tea/​water and cookies.
Teachers: Amaaaazing teachers so far. Very soothing, smart, and attentive — which makes sense, because they do teacher training for yoga instructors on-​site. I knew I was hooked when the teachers referred to the poses by both the English translation (e.g. downward dog) and the sanskrit (don’t ask me what that is, of course). Sure, this makes me a snob, but I feel like if I am going to practice something that’s been around for 5,000 years, I should honor something of its history. In one class, they even had a teacher’s assistant to help with adjustments — something I need desperately!
Staff: Seem super friendly, very happy to help and make you feel comfortable.
Price: A little more expensive than other yoga studios in the area, but not outlandish given the amenities and with a much wider schedule. Once you navigate past the intro membership of $ 50 for unlimited classes for your first month, the basic monthly membership of ~$ 100 for unlimited classes is reasonable. My one qualm is that I wish they had a student/​nonprofit rate, considering their seeming involvement in community work.

Things I Love about Tranquil Space:
1) wonderful class variety and robust weekday/​weekend schedules,
2) several teachers with some of the most soothing voices I’ve ever heard (I’m looking at you, Carol Collins!),
3) lavender aromatherapy spray to conclude most classes, and
4) unlimited tea and cookies!
After several months of trying out yoga studios across the city, I think I’ve finally found the place for me. You will not regret joining this studio!

Didn’t really care for this place. I tried a couple of classes here and found them all to be uninspiring and way too easy. I also found the hands on assistance to be overbearing and unnecessary. I normally don’t mind being readjusted or helped into a pose but I really don’t need my shoulder blades pinched together while I’m holding warrior 2.
I did enjoy the free cookies and tea though.

Everyone affiliated with Tranquil Space is competent and friendly. The studio has a wonderful atmosphere. I’ve been attending classes with 3 different teachers and they are all good but a special shout out to Siobhan.
The studio is run very efficiently but kindly. I love being able to book and cancel classes on my phone. The atmosphere is very nurturing and my yoga skill, while still lacking, has significantly grown, thanks to the nurturing tutelage of the class teachers.

The prenatal yoga classes are excellent. I also tried prenatal yoga classes at two different location with Yoga District, and was disappointed in the handful of times I went… I actually won’t even use up the pass I bought with YD because it was not worth going back. I would highly recommend going to the prenatal classes at Tranquil Space instead of YD.

Tranquil Space hands down amazing…
I just wanted to write and day thank you to everyone at Tranquil Space. You are all amazing. I signed up for the monthly newbie special I am new to DC and having just moved to a new city and infact country I was at times a bit of a mess in the head.
I have really enjoyed all the classes I took at Tranquil Space and they have all helped with that Monkey Mind. No matter which class I took I would walk out feeling 100 times better. I had not done yoga in about eight years and I have realized how much I love it and how good for you it really is.
To all the reception girls thank you for being so friendly and welcoming. To all the teachers whose classes I took thank you so much your help guidance and care means a lot. You are all wonderful
So thank you from the bottom of my heart as I have settled into a new city you guys have been a really important part of the journey.
Liz xx

I take lessons only from Carol Collins. She is so knowledgeable and talented that any studio that employs her deserves five stars. Also, I have been going several years and have had only positive interactions with the staff, especially Marlies, the location manager.

Would give this place more stars if it wasn’t for a very unfortunate interaction this morning, that really showed me the true nature of the studio. I have been a member for a year, paying the exorbitant monthly fee of $ 125, going to classes where yogis are packed in like sardines, and maybe going to four classes a month ($ 20 a class if paying by class) as I pay for the unlimited package. As part of your premium $ 125 membership, you are allowed 2 guest passes. So I decided to bring in my boyfriend this morning. The last time my boyfriend came with me was a year ago. We were told that he would have to pay the class fee because he had been there at some time before and they would make no exception. What is the point of paying $ 125 a month if you cannot use any of the benefits? This studio will try and get every penny out of you without giving a quality experience, doesn’t seem to be a very yoga like manner of doing business. I was willing to pay before, but not anymore. Bye tranquil space.

I went to my very first yoga class in DC this morning at Tranquil Space. First of all, the staff was very welcoming and the space was great! The teacher greeted me and made sure I felt comfortable both before and during the class (it was clear I was the only beginner). It was a crowded class but I was told that only a few of them are that jam packed (and the staff pointed me to some of the classes that would be less crowded in the future). Their «newby» unlimited class for 30 days at $ 49 seems very reasonable. Am looking forward to going back!

By and large, the instructors I had were great.
Classes are, in my opinion, pretty pricey ($ 20/​class is a lot). I probably would have gotten a membership anyway ($ 125/​month) because it’s super close to my apartment, and it was the first studio I tried in DC, but I had a negative experience with the management.
I bought a new student one-​month pass at a charity auction over the winter, knowing I was moving to DC at the beginning of the summer. Two days after I moved in, I signed up and started going. Less than a week later, my grandfather passed away. I talked to someone at the front desk about putting my pass on hold, and I took 12 days to go be with my family.
About a week after I got back (so 2.5 weeks after I asked), I got an email telling me that they wouldn’t extend my pass.
Judge for yourself whether you think they should have extended it, but when I responded expressing my irritation/​disappointment and explaining that I – unexpectedly — had to leave town and why, I got this response:
«I’m sorry to hear that you are unhappy with our policy but I want to be clear that the new student special is not a trial membership but rather an unlimited pass for 30 days from the date of first use. I apologize if you were mistakenly given the impression that the new student special functioned as a trial membership; I will work to ensure that our front desk staff correctly explains our options to new Tranquil Space clients from now on. I hope we see you at the studio again soon.»
No condolences? Just arguing with me about whether it’s a trial membership or not?
It’s not really the value (I mean, it kind of is), it’s also the way they handled it. I just wanted someone to say, «Oh, we’re so sorry to hear about your loss. Yes, of course you can put your pass on hold, and we look forward to having you back.»
Then I would be a member. Now I don’t go there at all. Hm.

My friend brought me to Tranquil Space last week for their open house. She’s been to Tranquil Space a few times when she is in the area.
I’m still kind of a newbie to yoga and looking for a place to practice, so when she took me to the open house I was intrigued and impressed by alot of their offerings.
What I like: they make registering for class simple with their online system. Studio is huge! Lots of classrooms on different levels, huge changing area with bathroom and shower in the «yoginis» room upstairs. They offer complementary lavendar bath salts which I thought was cute but laughed thinking about «zombies.» I loved their seasonal retreats and I was really digging their Yoga and Art in Paris this coming May! Please do that again.
Class was interesting. I think that was the first time I found a class that challenged me and made me sweat. Instructor had an assistant go around and help with poses. Chants at the end of the class a bit strange but hey if thats your mantra: learn it, live it, love it. I just stood self reflecting my self love and joined in on the long «OMMMM». Tea and cookies by the fire after class!
Smart to «franchise» your buisness and know your clientele… eco friendly, vegan conscious women that like to shop. I’m not into the overpriced yoga clothes, mats, vegan drinks blah blah and can wait to order what I want online but nice option to have I guess. There were discounts on store goods. I sampled alot of their vegan drinks and for $ 1 hey, I’ll take one. Also liked their effort to fundraise and create awareness for different charities and community outlook. Feel great, look great and help others is all very therapeutic.
Dislike: rental fees for towels .i mean $ 1 is miniscule but I’ve never paid $ 1 for a towel at a gym or fitness center but I guess it’s the least I can do for you to wash my sweaty sexy towel after I use it. Next time, I’ll be sure to pack one. Memberships are pretty expensive at $ 125/​month but classes are like $ 20 – 25 so if you go 5 or more times a month, it pretty much pays for itself but right now, I don’t have the extra money to spend on a studio that isn’t the most convenient proximity wise to where I live in Arlington and would be annoyed to transfer metro lines, and deal with dupont ish such as parking etc.
I liked the experience but not enough to feel the desire to commit and still searching for a yoga studio…

I walked in to experiment with a yoga studio close to my house and wound up at tranquil space. The staff was wonderful and helped me pick out a good package ($ 49 for the first month, no commitment).
The 75 minute flow yoga class was great. Kelly lead us through a warrior heavy set that tested my beginner-​intermediate yoga skills.
Not sure if I will stay there once I move to Columbia Heights next month, but til then I foresee a good time.
PS: free tea after class, bonus.

I’ve been coming here only for prenatal yoga, and I’m truly impressed. This is a well-​run business with a great web presence. The two instructors I’ve met, Anne and Angela, are amazing: they are extremely knowledgeable and they provide a great environment in which to experience yoga during pregnancy. Their classes have been warm and inviting but also challenging as well.

I’ve been to several yoga studios in various cities but hands down Tranquil Space is my all time favorite. With humble beginnings, Tranquil Space focuses on giving back to the community with their foundation and giving back to charities.
The teachers are great and the eco-​friendly studio is a great place to unwind after a long day at work. With the lavender aromatherapy to the tea and cookies after class, the studio is a perfect balance of intensity and serenity.
The only con is the classes are often jam packed and you find yourself getting cozy with your mat neighbor who is often in your personal space.
After exploring several studios and now residing in Hawaii, I am yet to find a studio that is comparable to Tranquil Space. Each time I am back in DC for a visit, I find myself back at the studio to get my TS fix and I also find myself constantly comparing every studio to this one.
They deserve ever bit of praise for their efforts in giving back to the community and staying true to their mantra.

I’ve been going to tranquil space for 5 years and the reason I’ve stayed loyal is because they make the whole experience just so easy. The online system is easy to schedule. Many of the teachers are fantastic. I particularly recommend Niya, Dave, Pari, and Diane. You can choose to just go to class or to hang out for tea and cookies and chat afterwards.
The only reason I am deducting a star is because at times the studio can feel a little corporate and their expansion into everything (they have their own foundation, boutique, range of products, travel excursions) strikes me as odd. I also don’t like the mantra at the end of class, I think mixing it up or just saying OM would be more appropriate. If you have been practicing yoga for a while, this studio can be a bit too basic, but if you are trying to build your practice, its great.

Um, so it wasn’t terrible — and the studio IS really nice. Probably one of the nicest studios I’ve been to. And it might be good depending on what you are trying to get out of your yoga practice, but definitely not what I was looking for mostly because of:
a) I’ve been doing yoga for a while and am pretty advanced… I went to their highest level classes and it was still very basic yoga and didn’t feel like I was being challenged or learning anything in my practice
b) The whole chanting thing that they do at the end I find strange and cult-​like. For those of you that haven’t been there, it’s not a normal yoga chant in Sanskrit but a ‘tranquil space’ mantra about loving our bodies. It made me feel strange.
But, if you’re ok with the mantra, and are not looking for something particularly challenging, it’s a very nice studio. I went to two classes with two different teachers and both were very good.

Through my extensive research on teacher training programs at DC yoga studios, I found the best fit to be with Tranquil Space. One of my friends had already finished their level 1 teacher training and raved about it. The four day level 1 training was so perfect for me because I had been in need of advancing my practice but still wasn’t confident enough to dedicate myself to the 200 hr course every weekend and spend $ 3,000. The program changed what yoga means to me and the joy of being surrounded by serious yogis and learning from each other was priceless. At the end of the program, my asanas got so much better but my mind was able to go back to a beginner’s mindset. They focus heavily on how to assist students and it enabled me to fix my own alignment and to understand the basic principles.
I started with their $ 50 new student deal to make sure that I liked the studio before my commitment. I totally fell in love with the studio, staff and teachers. Their changing room is probably the best in town as well. The level 1 teacher training was mainly taught by Kevin, Melissa and Siobhan, along with many other assistants. They are amazing teachers! So knowledgeable, patient and nurturing.
I believe they have one of the best vinyasa classes and most classes have student assistants trying to help you deepen your poses. I haven’t seen that much assistance from any other studios that I’ve been to. I am planning on taking their other training programs unless I find another studio that will offer me more than Tranquil Space.

I think the moment of truth when I realized that Tranquil Space was a great yoga studio but not quite right for me was when my petite and skinny female instructor told us to try touch our bellies to our thighs in a forward fold. Obviously, she has never had a hint of a belly before. I digress.
Tranquil Space has got the *professional* yoga studio thing down. There are rules to follow, but they provide you with quite a bit.
They start on time, they mist lavender over your face at the end of practice, provide eye masks (divine!), and they serve tea and cookies after class. There’s a boutique downstairs selling yogi stuff and a spa upstairs. You *will* line up your yoga mat with the stars on the studio floors. They also have one of the most extensive class schedules for a yoga studio *anywhere*. You will find a class that fits your schedule that you will like, no matter how busy you are.
PRICING
If only it wasn’t in the boonies of Dupont (17^th and R) and so expensive… Alas, when I lived in NW I did try their $ 50 unlimited newbie pass, which is an absolute steal since their drop in classes are $ 14 – 18. $ ¹⁵⁰⁄₁₀ classes isn’t bad either. Unlimited passes for a month go for $ 125, which gets you a personal cubby for your mat to store and some special discounts on gear. Here’s their pricing schedule:

PROS
The women’s changing room is roomy and extremely nice and organized. Plenty of space to hang your jackets and leave your boots. No shoes in the studio rooms!
My favorite instructor is Chuck. He’s not as spiritually focused and very alignment and form focused. Lots of attention even with filled-​to-​the-​brim classes. Tranquil Space also offer teacher training and a lot of workshops.
CONS
The only real cons (besides price and location for me) are that there are snooty show off yogis (not cool for those of us who are out of practice) who look down on those of us who can’t do scorpion pose or don’t wear lulumon 24 – 7.And the chanting of the mission statement… I just find it a little culty.
4.5 stars

It’s a really nice studio with great teachers. It also has a nice lobby area where people can gather while waiting for classes. It has a wonderful community and people seem to really know one another.
However, it’s one of the most expensive studios out there at $ 120/​month that’s like double a pretty nice gym. Also, the DC studio gets REALLY crowded and sometimes I have trouble getting into classes even when signing up online.