The Castro Room — Local services in San Francisco

The Castro Room and Flow and Restore with Natalie Donnell: A Breath of Fresh Air in the Heart of San Francisco most vibrant neighborhood.

Stepping into the Castro Room is like finding a hidden oasis in the bustling city. This spacious, warm haven, nestled in the vibrant streets of San Francisco, is more than just a yoga studio – it’s a sanctuary. With room enough to comfortably fit a small army (100+ people, I would imagine!), the studio still manages to feel intimate and personal.

What really sets the Castro Room apart is its welcoming vibe. The staff are as friendly as your favorite barista, and the place is spotlessly clean. Forgot your mat or towel? No worries! They’ve got you covered with rentals, along with all the yoga props you could dream of – bolsters, blocks, blankets, and straps.

But the crown jewel of my experience was Natalie Donnell’s Flow and Restore class. Imagine a room softly lit by candlelight, inviting you to set an intention and let go of the day’s hustle. This class isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill yoga session. We began uniquely, with legs up the wall, and the flow of the class gently progressed, allowing for deep, intentional breaths at each pose – a true rarity in a world of fast-paced classes.

Natalie’s approach to yoga is a breath of fresh air (literally!). For someone like me, who prefers a more measured breathing pace, this class was a godsend. The slow flow allowed for a deeper connection with each asana, and I felt my body, especially my hips and lower back, open up in ways they hadn’t in other classes. If only this class were offered daily!

This studio is a gem, and it’s not just because of the physical space. It’s about the ethos they embody – a practice that embraces uncertainty, change, and the beauty of the present moment. Their philosophy resonates deeply with me: yoga isn’t just about chasing bliss or peace; it’s about making room for life as it is.

For those considering diving in, the membership is tempting at $150 per month for unlimited classes, especially considering the standard rates of $15-$30 per class. And if you’re just dipping your toes in, check out their ‘3 classes for $30’ special – it’s a steal!

The instructor roster is like the who’s who of the Bay Area yoga scene – Estee Fletter, Jason Bowman, Leila Swenson, Janet Stone, Molly Barber, Mike Richardson, Pete Guinosso, Regan Catanzaro, and Zeynep Urgun. Each brings a unique flavor and depth to their classes.

In conclusion, the Castro Room isn’t just a studio; it’s a community and a journey. It’s a place where you can start anew, focus your attention, and revel in the joy of togetherness and dedication. If you’re live or are visiting San Francisco and you want some yoga in your life, the Castro Room doesn’t disappoint.

See you there and...

What a gem this place is! I’ve been an on and off yoga practitioner for many years and have tried lots of SF studios, I did the online class thing for a while, and in recent years have really been underwhelmed by both the studios and classes that I’ve taken - there’s a corporate feeling to many of them that is hard to connect to.

The Castro Room is the exact opposite of this, from the moment you walk in, you can feel that there is a great deal of care that goes into both the studio and the community it serves. The space itself is absolutely beautiful, the room is huge and warmly bright - warm enough to stretch and sweat, but not so warm that you feel like you’re going to pass out! It’s tasteful and clean without being overdone. Mimi and the folks there have created a welcoming and genuine space in a seamless kind of way. There’s something about coming in from the hustle and bustle of the Castro and the outside world to this space that always feels so grounding and nurturing.

They have an amazing lineup of teachers. I’m currently really enjoying Sunny’s Tuesday/ Thursday morning classes. She is aptly named: there is such a brightness to her classes and I always feel uplifted afterward. They're super well rounded, well paced, a good workout and always unique; that feeling of tranquility and balance mixed with a really good sweat, like you’ve wrung out every part of your body.

Another great perk about this place? All classes before noon Monday - Friday are reduced or sliding scale. A rare find these days - making yoga affordable for most.

What can I say, it is just such an upper to go there - nothing...

Best yoga studio in San Francisco. It used to be Yoga Tree. I recommend Jason Bowman (exquisite, meditative, challenging, & detailed), Rebecca Rogers (extraordinarily astute as a teacher & with a beautiful singing voice), Nikita Mehta (incredible), Mike Richardson (experimental & therapeutic) Janet Stone (queen of yoga teachers.)

The Castro Room offers free classes, community classes, and their memberships are very reasonable.

They are cultivating new, young teachers. And they have a work trade program, too.

What that means is they are building an inclusive, diverse community.

This studio is owned by yoga teachers, not a corporation. It took them 3 years to get this wonderful yoga space back, as during the Pandemic Yoga Tree was bought by Yoga Works and they abandoned it and 6 other studios when their profits were threatened.

Come and practice with us! Save the planet by saving your mind &...