Funky Door Yoga - San Francisco — Local services in San Francisco

Update: let me be explicitly clear that my review was for a singular teacher at this studio. The owner, their wife, the space, and the studio are all inviting, friendly, and caring. Due to my experience, they reached out to me and did their best to resolve the situation by offering free classes as well as having multiple internal discussions about the teacher and how to improve the environment moving forward. While I don't want to harm their business and know there are plenty of kind hearted people at Funky Door, I do not feel good about removing the review altogether in case someone else experiences what I did. For that reason, I am leaving my original review up as a warning to others who may not want to risk that type of class environment with that particular instructor. I am confident other classes are much more enjoyable and less authoritative. I wish them well as a community and appreciate their consideration and dedication to understanding my experience. Onward.

As others have mentioned on their Berkeley page, Jeff made me never want to return to this place.

I was thrilled to try out this studio and walked in wide eyed and bushy tailed. I met the instructor and shook his hand. I chose my spot by the mirror as I am double jointed and have issues with over extension. I was ready!

I will skip to when the uncomfortable feeling began. The instructor singled out multiple people for their poses using phrases like 'what the heck are you doing?' 'what is that?' and 'wow you've really screwed the pooch' ... tone is important here and it was hardly jovial remarks. Each time he walked over to the person and loudly called out their posture. There is a way to give direct feedback on form in yoga that is constructive but still helpful and compassionate. Jeff's style is clearly to call attention and embarrass. Noted.

I started to feel more self conscious as he made his rounds across the room. As he got closer to me he started staring and noticed I was doing an 'eagle hug' with my arms, crossing them across my chest instead of the traditional eagles arms. He called this out, and asked why I was doing that. I said that was what works for me because the other pose hurt my wrists. He ordered me to do it. I did, and he said 'see' and then rolled his eyes to another student as he walked away. It was then that I stopped being able to focus on my practice and started feeling the embarrassment set in.

Jeff then told everyone to leave their mat (which for the record is a huge no-no in traditional bikram, a sharp juxtaposition and hypocritical jump from his focus on 'rules') telling us to take our (sweaty) towel and put it on the mirror and push into the pose. I did not want to put my personal sweaty towel on the mirror as we still had 60 minutes left and I didn't want it to be soiled with whatever was on the mirror. Jeff did not like this. He marched over, called me out, didn't like my polite request to stay on my mat and focus on the traditional pose, and said he would bring me one of his towels. For the record, I also didn't want to 'push' against the mirror because I didn't think it would be helpful in my practice and balance. Any diversion was viewed as an 'insult' to the instructor who took them personally. Each time someone modified, it was met with criticism and singling out. My mat is one of the only places that still feels 'safe'. Not here.

Final straw was when I started into my triangle pose with a reduced stance. I saw the mirror close by but I didn't move because I was conscious of mine moving blocking the view of others. He then said 'You will do what I say' in a tone that was chilling. He was clearly angry and his authoritative tone had no place in a yoga studio. I said I was leaving and he stood there holding the door open until I did. I left in tears, ashamed, and...

Funky Door is AMAZING! This place has changed my life and how I feel about myself.

In a number of months, it has helped me to truly transform the relationship I have with myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I started attending in July 2024, and within the first month, I saw noticeable results. This kept me coming back for Side note: I’ve always struggled with maintaining a consistent workout routine Yet, the changes I experienced in my energy levels and mood gave me the motivation to stick with it.

At first, I committed to attending 2-3 times a week and made a commitment to hit that goal no matter what. Over time, I increased my attendance and built up stamina and strength, which has made the workouts even more rewarding.

The first few classes were the most challenging. And the staff and group moral picked me up.

During the holiday months (October through December), they offer a “Hot Room Challenge,” and I’ve committed to attending five classes a week.

I love this challenge because it helps me stay focused during a time that can often be stressful.

It keeps me from worrying about things like:

• Did I exercise enough today? • Will this extra serving of mashed potatoes affect my progress? • Will I have enough energy for weekend plans?

I’m incredibly grateful for the staff and the structure that Funky Door provides.

If you’re thinking about yoga, Pilates, etc, I highly recommend giving it a couple of weeks—you just might find it changes your life, too!

Thank you...

Best hot yoga in sf 🥵💕

Distinguishes itself from other studios through:

1. the teachers — technical know-how, they emphasize the posture’s intended impact/improvements to the body. It’s also nice to see them attend each other’s classes and practice among students. They also really go out of their way (carl, Janis, jeff, murel, ry — I haven’t been to the others’ classes yet but I’m sure they’re fabulous) to make sure everyone is well set up before class (towel, props, take off your socks, etc). So if you’re new, you won’t be abandoned and awkward in your first classes ☺️
2. the culture — it’s intense and hardcore, but also funny and gentle. Nonjudgmental, friendly, and open minded
3. clean changing rooms with shower
4. big practice space — ample natural light, hot temp, non slip floor (as opposed to hardwood or rubber mesh or carpet)
5. friendly and warm staff who make you feel seen!
6. consistent scheduling of 90 and 60 min bikram, with Pilates and other hot yoga also
7. cute dogs sometimes
8. bangin playlists in the lobby when you enter and exit 🙌
9. the funky art!!!!

Guaranteed to improve mobility, humility/self love, mental & physical strength 🫶 it will also challenge your ego and need for control, and help embrace discomfort.

Having moved to SF 6 months ago, this place is a big part of my...