FRIDAY FIVE
In the 1960s, people all over the country flocked to San Francisco in search of something different. Some desired a spiritual awakening— others a counterculture movement that was free from violence and war. Along with that search, the practices of meditation and yoga became popular rituals. Today yoga is not only reserved for the hippies; instead it is a mainstream fitness regimen that has taken over nearly every major city. And as you know, there’s no shortage of yoga studios in San Francisco.
However, this surplus of studios can make finding the right one, as in the most peaceful and tranquil one, quite challenging. Crowded classes and an intense focus on “getting a workout” don’t always make for a Zen yoga class. Here is our list of our favorite yoga studios, which embrace a less corporate, more spiritual style.
1. Laughing Lotus Yoga
Laughing Lotus is a gem of a yoga studio. The complimentary tea and smell of burning sage give yogis the warmest of welcomes upon entering this sanctuary. The cheerful studio got started in San Francisco in 2007 but originated in New York City. Despite its popularity throughout the years, Laughing Lotus has never felt inauthentic or like a commercialized space. The studio has maintained its charm and glow throughout the years for those who have who have practiced various vinyasa flows behind their whimsical orange doors.
TBI tip: Attend a Friday Night Live class, where you can flow and dance to a live band — instead of dancing it up at a bar.
http://sf.laughinglotus.com/, 3271 16th Street (Mission District)
2. The Center SF
The Center in Hayes Valley has a lot of spiritual and community-oriented events to offer San Francisco, such as tantra speed dating and new-moon ceremonies. It is also a tea house and a collective (yes, people live there!), but their vinyasa and restorative yoga classes are at the top of our list. The studio has a very tranquil vibe to it. You can sit on pillows outside the studio as you wait for your class to begin. If you want to totally bliss out and feel truly relaxed after a yoga class, the Center will deliver. Bonus: you’ll likely leave with a new friend. Everyone at the Center is very welcoming and friendly.
TBI tip: Obviously, you have to stay for tea at the tea house, which you can’t miss. It’s right in the lobby.
http://www.thecentersf.com/, 548 Fillmore Street (Hayes Valley)
3. Bend Yoga Studio
If you’re looking for no-frills, feel-good classes that feel both small and safe, Bend Yoga is your spot. This literal hole-in-the-wall studio can be found tucked away on Hayes Street in NOPA. While there are usually only three classes a day, with the exception of Sundays, you’ll never feel like one of the many sardines packed in a yoga class at Bend. The studio has been in the city since 2007 and has been able to successfully maintain its small-studio feel.
TBI tip: Attend a restorative with massage class. 💆
http://bendsf.com/, 1935 Hayes Street (NOPA)
4. Purusha Yoga
Located in the Outer Richmond, Purusha Yoga also has a small-studio vibe to it that reflects its mission: to empower and unite community through yoga. Purusha is a special place, much in part to the people who own it. Founder Joy Ravelli is an icon in the San Francisco yoga scene on account of her dedication to making yoga accessible to everyone. The studio also runs a nonprofit, the Purusha Seva Project, and they teach free yoga to those who cannot afford to go to the studio or those in at-risk populations (such as veterans and those who are incarcerated).
TBI tip: Check out their donation-based class in Golden Gate Park on Saturdays.
https://www.purushayoga.org/, 3729 Balboa Street (Outer Richmond)
5. Home Sweet Om
This new studio, which opened this year, is a breath of fresh air in the city. It offers all donation-based classes (read: you never have to pay $20 for a class—it’s whatever you can give!) in the NOPA district. It’s new, and its schedule is limited, but a class at this adorable studio is worth taking an extended lunch for. The space is small and can make you feel like you’re doing yoga in your apartment, but not in a claustrophobic way. The teachers are very welcoming and are there to help you relax and enjoy your practice. Classes range from slow vinyasa flows to yin yoga.
TBI tip: Check out an aromatherapy yoga class.
https://www.homesweetomsf.com, 1808 McAllister Street (NOPA)
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Hunter Walk, investor and former head of product at YouTube. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
