07/05/09

Beautiful studio, amazing instructors, nurturing community

by owlsinsomnia

I began practicing at Shakti in November 2008 and have missed very few days since walking in the door. The instruction I receive is skillful, appropriate to my level, individualized, and has exceeded my expectations on every level. At this studio, you will receive what you need if you engage in the classes with openness and curiosity--you'll get what you are ready to receive. I have never walked away from a class disappointed and it's hard to say that about much of anything in this world.

The studio space itself provides the perfect container for a grounded yoga practice. The room is heated appropriately, is kept clean and tidy, and has ample room to accommodate a great many students. A recent remodel added a second skylight in the studio and included a complete reconfiguration of the changing area, restrooms and shower.

A small but well-chosen selection of retail merchandise is helpful when in need of a new mat, clothes, books, or music.

Workshops are offered on a regular basis and local and national yogis facilitate technical workshops, creative workshops, and occasional music and/or art presentations.

A quick reply to consmickarrot's review. It's unfortunate that he/she was disappointed. I am surprised. And to clarify a couple of things: the intro series is recommended but not mandatory before practicing. If a person has a well-developed practice in a similar style of yoga, the intro series could be skipped. But someone new to yoga would benefit and be more likely to continue after taking the series. Also, the class sizes really never get up to 70. A VERY full regular class may reach 60, but that happens almost never. The intro classes have around 40 people in there and sometimes fewer. If you mind being close to other people, simply arrive a bit early and find a spot in the front row (which feels roomy) or next to a wall. I took the series and have dropped in on several occasions after that and never found it too crowded.

• Pros: Skilled instructors, top-notch studio space

11/13/08

Best Yoga Studio - Ever - Really!

by Onhay

I have never been to a better yoga studio than Shakti Vinyasa. The instructors are knowledgeable and the classes are amazing! I have been going to this studio for about 3 years and have taken classes from almost every instructor and have yet to find one that I didn't love taking classes from. This form of yoga has changed my life. After each session I feel cleansed (although dripping in sweat from the great workout), relaxed and invigorated all at the same time - you can't really ask for a better feeling. Oh, and contrary to a previous post, the staff is great and the classes aren't unbearable!!! Take it from someone who's been there more than once!

• Pros: Focus on modifications - everyone can do this!
• Cons: ???

10/09/08

Unbearable Class Sizes!

by cosmickarrot

Yes, I know this studio was voted one of the "Best" in Seattle, but after my recent experience I don't believe it deserves this title. I registered for the Intro series because it's required before taking any other classes. When I read the description of the class online I was under the impression that, although it "fills quickly" and the number of students will range from "25-40", the maximum number of students would be about 40. To my dismay, the class I attended had at least 70 people!! The class was unbearable!! No room to move, no abililty to see demonstrations of poses, etc. Plus, there were only 3 "teaching assistants" (qualifications debatable) so there was no way they could provide the type of guidance a beginner needs. When I called the next day to request a refund the "manager" informed me that they did not give refunds. I explained that the class was unbearable due to the number of people, etc. and the only response she gave me was that "this happens but usually by the next class the number of students will be down to around 25" and told me to try the class again. I explained that I was under the impression that they had a cap on the number of students per class. She replied that they do not have any limits for their classes. This is ridiculous - for obvious reasons! And apparently this is not the first time they have had this problem with people dropping out after the first class. One would think that they would realize that they need to monitor the number of people signing up. This is the first yoga studio I have attended that did not limit the number of students. No one can receive the kind of attention and guidance they need to properly learn yoga when the teacher-student ration is 20 to 1. Also, I never did see the lead teacher perform any yoga poses and a few of the assistants seemed to have their own problems properly performing the poses. So, save yourself some money and seek out a studio that emphasizes quality not quantity.

• Pros: Nicely Designed Studio
• Cons: Overly Crowded Classes, Average Instuctors, Parking