Ra Yoga Long Beach — Attraction in Long Beach

I'm a busy mom with two kiddos and wanted to make myself a priority and have done some yoga in the past mostly via youtube videos during shutdown and know the basic moves. However, I've just really started my yoga journey after being a couch potato/gaining 20lbs so I started at negative in the fitness range. So far, I've done about 22 classes at Ra Yoga and am finally not feeling like death after completing a class - 6 weeks or so into it. I just want to say that there are very few instructors who cater to anyone that is a beginner in their yoga journey. Fabian is one who modifies; however, there is one instructor in particular who is simply showing off or is under the impression she's training the class as members for cirque de soleil vs. you know, trying to work on my basic balance and not break my hip in the shower. And the name of the classes do not help. Yogalates can VARY greatly depending on the instructor. There should be more ways to tell a LEVEL of a class and way more introductory classes on the schedule. For instance on Tuesday for example, there are 5 Ra Vinyasa level 2 (& intro to level 2) classes and only 1 Level one class... what? And I simply do not understand why they do not have any weekday classes between 7:30-9AM. There's a huge mommy gap that could really use a beginner class then. There is a Ra Store class, but it's only a couple days a week. I do want to say this place is clean and professional and I love the app that allows you to book classes in advance. Note: this is hot yoga class: bring a yoga mat, a yoga matt towel, a personal small towel and water bottle. You will sweat! They do have a locker changing area with shampoo & conditioner. For some reason the Newport location does not have hooks by the shower which is kinda basic. The Newport location has some really hard-core inspirational instructors and is slightly nicer than long beach... haven't tried...

First of all, the instructors are fantastic at RA. And the front desk people are warm, and welcoming and amazing. There are times when they even have childcare which is a huge perk for Moms and even as someone who doesn’t need that, I love that they do this. There is a pretty nice vibe of community here; it’s a place I look forward to going to, and after all these years, it feels like home.

And these are the reasons I put of with the way they book classes and the fact that the studio is completely oversold. Each spot in the room has a number, when you make your reservations on the app, you pick a spot; sometimes for extra fun you will pick a spot at the exact same time as someone else and NOT get the spot and then return to find the class sold out. The more you pay in your membership, the earlier you can make your reservations meaning you will be more likely to get the spot you like, and get into the class at all. If you’re like me, and you’ve been a member for a long time, your membership gets less and less valuable and you make your reservations later and later, often times running into waitlists. As if this isn’t enough, they run promos like “30 classes in 30 days” which packs the classes even earlier. So, if you’re a NEW member, the pricing/reservation scheme really benefits you, but once you’ve been a member for a year or more, you too will find the pricing/reservation scheme doesn’t serve you as well, of course you always have the chance to increase your membership by like 40% or more. It’s almost like they’re punishing people for being long term members. It’s bananas. So come for the people, stay for the people, but understand the people in the office aren’t concerned about long...

I'm bummed I'm giving this rating and review, but here it goes. I have really been enjoying the classes that I've been taking recently at Ra. My most recent experience was terrible. For some reason, there is a spot #34 (assigned mat spaces here) which is located directly in front of a door that swings into it. I also think there should be enough room to comfortably preform whatever series is being practiced not everyone practically on top of each other. There is a 5 minute grace period here, which I can appreciate, but not when it means I'm getting trampled on by people trying to get into a class which they are delaying. My mat and my legs continued to take a beating even after late comers because at least 5 people left this class early. The final insult was someone trying to forcefully barge into the room and hit me during our final shavasana. I will not be returning to this company and would advice anyone to think twice before booking a class. Also, I did not appreciate being sweat on by someone other than myself (the instructor standing because they gave their spot away in class) or the way the class interactions took place-this location seems to have a select few favorite regulars who they cater to and call out during class. If you're not one of those regulars, don't expect feedback. The front desk staff are nice and the amenities are clean, parking is a pain. That being said, are much nicer, less cramped studios in Long Beach and South Bay who won’t put you in front of a door to get trampled on and have your...