The Ashram Yoga

10/09/2007 Posted by joeyb100

We are very fortunate to have a studio and group of classy instructors like this here in Seattle. Facilities are outstanding, but more than that the instruction is top notch. I've been to all the other studios in the area and they "set the standard". I actually commute past another studio just to go here every day - 'nuff said.

08/10/2007 Posted by lisal11

I went through three east side yoga studios before I found The Ashram. My chief complaints about other studios were inconsistant room temperatures from instructor to instructor, lots of substitute instructors and poor heating systems/ventilation. This is not the case at The Ashram! STUDIO- The heat is very consistant across instructors (yay!). The heating system and flooring is superior to other studios. The flooring is made of some kind of rubber that just holds the heat to the floor. Rubber is more hygienic than carpet, which makes me happy. There is good air exchange in the room too so you don't feel like it's suffocating in there. There are lots of mirrors so you can watch your pose and make sure you got it right. INSTRUCTORS- I haven't had a bad experience yet. I've been to classes with 3 different instructors now and they are all good, strong people. They keep the temperature perfect for Bikram classes (I mean truly hot, not 95-100 degrees like I've experienced in some places) so you will stretch! Try a class with Gary sometime and you will be sold, he's got a way of saying the right thing to get you through the rough spots during class. You will get a good workout. CHANGING ROOM- It's nice and sometimes there are things in the women's one like hair elastics and feminine hygiene products. Totally not necessary but a really nice touch. The room has cubbies, benches, two showers and two bathroom stalls. You can't lock up your stuff so leave valuables at home. The room is larger than most of the other studios I've been in. RATES/CUSTOMER SERVICE- The rates are comparable for the area and they won't take you for "a ride" financially. For instance, I recently had to have knee surgery and expected to keep paying my monthly membership (even though I would not be attending classes) but they let me suspend my membership for a bit while I recover. Totally realistic, totally nice people. Hands down, 5 stars for a good studio, good instructors and good customer service.

04/25/2007 Posted by kmb33

The Ashram is like the Cheers of yoga, you know, the place where "everybody knows your name". You are made to feel welcome even at your very first class. And if you make it through your first class, it won't be long before you see amazing results. Gary (instructor) will tell you that everyone in your life benefits from you taking this yoga class and he is so right - you will become fit and strong and focused (you might even be able to balance on one leg!) and feel so much better about yourself that you will even be easier to live with. I have never stuck with any form of exercise very long (I have EADD - exercise attention deficit disorder) but I have been at yoga now for almost 2 years because I see RESULTS.

Pros: studio ambiance and amenities, quality of instruction

04/16/2007 Posted by anapanasati

I too have practiced at other studios for many years and quickly realized that Gary understands, and is able to articulate the practice of yoga in a simple yet powerful teaching style. If you practice meditation, these classes will deepen mindfulness, concentration, and relaxation. The studio is wonderful and I doubt that there are any finer, however, it is the core teaching and practice that separate the Ashram from other studios. This is the real deal – compare it to most other yoga schools and you will see the difference.

Pros: learning what yoga is and what it's not

04/12/2007 Posted by parisbrat

I've been practicing yoga for over 10 years, moving from studio to studio, looking for that "something special". After one week at the Ashram I knew I’d found what I’d been looking for. I had 9 months remaining on a membership with another studio but never went back. The only diversity is in the students that come. The teaching is consistent, knowledgeable, aware and brilliantly orchestrated. The studio itself is terrific, well ventilated, well appointed, showers, ample parking and easy freeway access. Well done! (no pun intended).

Pros: Knowledgable & consistent teaching, terrific space.

04/12/2007 Posted by ksquared3

like others,I too have been to several other yoga studios, and none compare to this school that Gary has developed. It is one thing that I can look forward to all day, and I have met some incredible people that I continue to see and enjoy on a daily basis. Gary, Susie and the type of dedicated students that this studio attracts are what have helped me make yoga such a big part of my life. If you are looking for an easy yoga class then this is probably not for you, but I highly recommend giving it a try!

03/13/2007 Posted by jimnak

Prior to coming to the Ashram, I really didn't think Yoga was for me as I preferred doing sports like running, biking, playing hockey, martial arts -- real high energy type things and my experience with Yoga was limited to a couple of classes I've taken here and there. I had some friends who were telling me that "You have to do yoga" and since the Ashram was close by I thought I'd give yoga another shot. Fast forward 8 months and I go to yoga almost on a daily basis -- this will sound cliche but it's changed my life. I get a deep relaxation from doing yoga I didn't get from other sports, my flexibility is better which helps all of the other sports I do and my body just feel looser, better. The facility is great, I wouldn't say the change rooms are as big as other people have written, but they do have a shower and enough room even for a full class. The yoga room is top notch, the heat comes through this rubberized floor (no gross carpet) and the ventilation works really well. The whole facility is very clean. I've taken some friends who can make a comparison between other yoga places and this place and the Ashram is definitely one of the best. The style of yoga is athletic and healing and the environment is warm and friendly. Even if you think "yoga isn't for me" you should check this place out, you'll be surprised.

Pros: Athletic Power yoga, bikrams, motivating teachers, excellent facility, lots of classes, friendly staff

Cons: occasional lineup for the shower

03/05/2007 Posted by rsonnad

The Ashram which opened in April of '06 brings together both an fantastic studio envionrment and great instruction. The facility offers all the amenities you could want including: soft flooring, great lighting, showers, large changing rooms. But it is really the yoga that makes the ashram stand out. The quality of both students and teaching create an energy that is very condusive to excelling at yoga, whether you are a novice or veteran. Prices for monthly and annual memberships are also very reasonable.

Pros: Ambience, Teaching, Parking, Showers

Cons: Classes are popular and sometimes crowded

12/19/2006 Posted by yogiforlife

During the past couple of years I have been to about 30 different yoga studios in 5 different states, including some very well known studios in NY. In the greater Seattle area alone I have practiced in 14 different studios. Ashram is without a doubt the best I have experienced. Everything at the studio is brand new, and it has a state of the art heating and ventilation system, plus a special floor that retains heat which helps loosen the body. The locker rooms are enormous, and have showers. There is plenty of free parking, and access is great, right off of I-405. What really separates Ashram though is the staff. You will never find another instructor who cares about his students and motivates them as much as Gary does. Susie is the other primary instructor, she is very gifted also. I have had literally hundreds of instructors over the years, and at Ashram they are the absolute best. Having been intensely involved in athletics my entire life, I can honestly say that at age 50 I have never been in better shape. Gary's unique hot power vinyasa, coupled with Bikram, are the most complete and challenging workouts I've ever done. But the real benefit is not physical, rather it is mental. After class, with the prana circulating through your body, your mind is completely at ease, filled with contentment. A regular practice at Ashram will dramatically enhance your life, for the better. Just ask the person practicing next to you. Namaste.

12/19/2006 Posted by dluartes

I love Garys Power Yoga and Bikram Classes! Ive gone to several different yoga studios and I love the flow of theses classes and the energy is great! Whether your a beginner or have been practicing awhile , you will always feel welcomed!! You will be addicted!

Pros: plenty of parking ,casual enviroment