SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga

Recommends

Kelsey Hulse

Joined 3 years ago

Good, warm, approachable yoga. This is what I call WARM yoga - Bikram/Hot yoga runs around 104 degrees, whereas this is around 88 degrees and really very comfortable. Shakti does a great job of accommodating both the new and the experienced yogi. My recommendation for new students in this or any other studio is to speak up! Ask the person at the desk if the teacher is available and introduce yourself as a first time student. Shakti offers an 8-class intro series which, in addition to giving you an in-depth look at the Baptiste method is also a great value. Check their website for a class calendar and note that the classes are divided into level 1.5, 2 and 2-3 (the intro series is considered to be level 1). Also, note their special events, as yoga rock stars like Seane Corn, Anna Forrest and Shiva Rea often include Shakti on their tours. If you're new to this method, give yourself time, approach it with trust and remember to breathe. You'll be glad you did.

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HighandDry

Joined 4 years ago

A great place. I started yoga because of my wife. She started yoga and would always tell me what a great experience it was. Being the typical male, I would just smile and nod my head.

For an anniversary present, she bought me an intro series package. I was surprised at how difficult the poses were and that it was actually a very good cardio and strength workout. I started going on a more regular basis, since it was much more stimulating then running on a treadmill or pushing weights around.

As I have been going more, I find myself going more for my soul then my body. I use to think that the ohms at the start of class and at the end of class were kind of hokey. However, the more I went to yoga, the more it calmed me.

I have really enjoyed my time at Shakti and find the instructors to really care about your personal progress. I would highly recommend the studio if you are thinking of yoga.

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owlsinsomnia

Joined 4 years ago

Beautiful studio, amazing instructors, nurturing community. 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.

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Onhay

Joined 5 years ago

Best Yoga Studio - Ever - Really!. 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!

Doesn't Recommend

cosmickarrot

Joined 5 years ago

Unbearable Class Sizes!. 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.

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mandybanks

Joined 7 years ago

Great Workout. Get there a little early Saturday mornings as the class fills up quickly. It's a great workout and you can customize your moves based on any level that you're at. The instructor was very friendly and helpful as well.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Ballard yoga studio specializes in power Vinyasa classes taught at a variety of levels.