Testimonials

My dedication to Yoga Tree is well deserved.  Darren, Sean and the whole crew have kept me coming back.  I will continue.

I've lost 48#s since I started an intensive nutrition and exercise program on November 8, 2012, which includes my yoga practice.  I was 268#s and 8 weeks post-op from a C5/C6 disk fusion going into my first restorative class with Darren Main.  I quickly grew into Hatha Flow with Darren and have dropped to 220#s as of Tuesday, January 8, 2013.

I've been on a year-long sabbatical; taking care of my father, traveling the world, having a much needed neck surgery and regaining control of my life and my weight.  Yoga Tree has been an integral part of my life change.

Now, I am returning to work and will try my best to stay in Sean's 8 p.m. classes.  While I cannot attribute 100% of my weight loss to Yoga Tree, it has been a vital part of my recovery from morbid obesity (actually changed in my medical file from morbid obesity to moderately overweight).

"This place is the mecca of yoga studios in the city. The studio itself is very spacious with high ceilings, but it can fill up pretty quick with popular teachers such as Janet Stone. So go a few mintes early if you can. The waiting area is small but the staff is great in keeping things moving. Go prepared to do group chants, listen to pop music (yes this is the Castro and we love it) and even though it's crowded there is an amazing group energy that can't be beat. They have good deals for new clients so I highly recommend giving them a try."

"Although I consider myself athletic, I find that yoga is extremely difficult. I know my body is flexible but not quite when I am doing all the stretches, my body is sore right now. I recommend yo try it."

"This is for a review of Jane Austin's pre-natal class. I have really enjoyed her class throughout my pregnancy. She is knowledgeable, well trained and its actually a workout. I have loved beinwith other pregnant woman and rearranged my work schedule so that I could be at her class at least one day a week."

"You have to come to yoga tree with an open mind. Usually the practice starts with basic meditation. The instructors usually help along with talking to help you with the meditation. I know some peple might be weirded out by the "holistic hippy talk." It usually then has some quick chanting of "Om." The crowd is also very accepting, so don't feel like you need to show off or feel self-conscious because you can't do the advance poses or you fall over. The teachers say that falling over or making mistakes is part of the practice. We all come from different backgrounds and practices, so don't feel like you need to know everything in your first class."

"I just took Pete's class (fr 9am). LOVE IT! with all these new and gigantic yoga studios with over 50 ppl in a room, you get totally lost in the crowd and teacher dont even check on you. At Yoga ee, instead, classes are smaller and teacher and assistant take the time to correct you. It was very helpfull, even more when you're a beginner like I am =) I'm def. coming back for Pete's class."

"Lauren Slater is the best thing about this Yoga Tree and arguably one of the best things about San Francisco. Her classes are super challenging and NEVER boring. I've taken at least ten of her classes and can honestly say she really never repeats a sequence. She is so skilled in how she talks the class in and out of every pose, which means you're always working and not one muscle is left to lazy...and your mind is always there on the mat trying to get it right. She really seems to care and keeps her eyes on her students, always looking to help and improve their practice. Plus she has such an amazing, joyful energy you just can't argue...yoga...yep, it really works."