Love Story Yoga - Valencia — Local services in San Francisco

I really wanted to love this studio. Unfortunately I can't.

It is in some ways wonderful. The teachers are some of the best. The front desk staff are super friendly, helpful, and efficient. The overall design of the place is simple, minimalist in a way, but very thoughtful. There are showers downstairs! And lockers with codes for anyyone can use. Even deodorant and body lotion. Everything is clean and well taken care of. The location is 2 blocks from the 16th street mission BART, so easily accessible.

It makes me sad how expensive classes and even packages are. I get it, the rent, showers, upkeep... I wonder if more could have been done to make yoga more accessible to the community. Cheaper classes at odd times? Less expensive membership?

Speaking of odd times, there's a missed opportunity to offer really early morning classes, starting 6-6.30. The schedule is pretty much the same as any other studio around.

Another issue, nearly a deal breaker for me, is how loud the studio is. Even before a busy class, if there are several conversations going on, the sound bounces off bare walls and low ceiling, and amplifies the chit chat noise to almost intolerable level. If a teacher plays music and instructs over that, that's also loud. Tonight I went there for a Kirtan. Again, really wanted to love it: heard half the band before, heard great things about the rest of it. It was for a good cause, too. I had to leave half way through, because it was unpleasantly and probably dangerously loud. Took a while for my hearing to recover. One last touch, hand dryers in the bathrooms, while eco and all (thoughtful) sound like jet engines. I've been wiping my hands on my shirt and avoiding other hand washers a lot.

I'll still pay close to $20 per class to study with one great teacher there who doesn't play music in classes, and maybe will bring earplugs to wear before the class, but can't love the place as much as I wished I would or recommend it to anyone...

An Exhilarating Journey of Mind and Body with Paxtyn Montes at Love Story Yoga

Stepping into Paxtyn Montes’s class at Love Story Yoga was nothing short of transformative. The 75-minute practice in the heart of Valencia/Mission District, San Francisco, was an exceptional blend of heat, rhythm, and soulful yoga.

Paxtyn started us off with a harmonium-accompanied dharma talk and chant, setting a tone of introspection and community. The class then seamlessly transitioned into a warm-up, coupled with focused breathing exercises. But it was the long, single-side standing sequences that truly set the stage for a challenging yet rewarding experience. Paxtyn’s guidance through these sequences was a masterclass in itself - her unique instruction and variations brought a fresh perspective to poses I thought I knew well.

The studio’s warmth intensified the experience, turning my yoga mat into an island amidst a sea of sweat, symbolizing the release of all that was weighing me down. Paxtyn’s class was more than just physical exertion; it was an energetic liberation, expelling bothersome thoughts and aligning me with the present moment.

A word of advice for those who might struggle with background music - grab a spot towards the front to catch every word of Paxtyn’s clear instructions. And let’s not forget her singing - a voice so captivating it blends seamlessly into the class, enhancing the experience without overwhelming it. The music selection was spot-on, present yet unobtrusive, adding layers to our practice without stealing the spotlight.

In short, a session with Paxtyn at Love Story Yoga is a must. It’s a journey of self-discovery, physical challenge, and mental release. I left feeling rejuvenated, and I’m already planning my next visit. Paxtyn Montes, you’ve earned a...

This review is for instructor Stephanie Snyder.

After class, I mustered up the courage to introduce myself and offer feedback on the pronunciations of some of the words, specifically Om. I told the instructor that I felt uneasy during the class because her incorrect pronunciation took away my focus and took away from the proper harness of energy that benefits the class. Her incorrect words are being taught to large classes (approx 60 at a time), that are then mindlessly repeating it.

Her response was broken into three parts “My instructor taught me it that way.” “Sorry you feel uneasy.” “I feel sorry for you.” “Don’t let it take away from your night.” They were delivered snarky and rude.

Her response didn’t offer any acknowledgement or gratitude for the feedback. It came from a place of defense rather than openness to learning and listening. This feels antithetical to the practice of yoga.

Her response made me feel really uneasy, as I was the only Hindu (that I could visibly) see. To negate my experience and culture is wrong.

More than that, the instructor chooses gentrified songs in her playlist and sings “Jai Mata” on her harmonium in the most absurd way possible. It’s like the most opera way to call God.

I also kindly let the instructor know that she was doing many things right but perhaps her song choice could be better. Again, her response was rude.

As a person of color, I will never come back to this studio again after my horrible experience with this instructor.

Also Stephanie, maybe practice what you preach, and bring some positive energy to your life...