The SweatBox Yoga — Local services in Seattle

I have been going here off and on since 2015, and no matter how many other studios I have tried via Groupon, I always come back to this community. Manzi and Chelsi are my faves and I would recommend any class they offer.

Things I appreciate: -the diversity of the staff. I appreciate the perspectives of people from different cultures than mine and the readings, personal philosophy, belifs and different lifestyles across instructors forces me to see yoga from perspectives other than my own. -community support: for example: promotions to donate to a local legal group supporting women and immigrants, a group supporting trans persons, and Chelsea supporting a specific Palestinian family. All these things speak to a staff who cares for the people of Seattle and the world. Them offering scholarships to BIPOC persons during the yoga teacher training and a free class monthly for BIPOC persons shows to me that their values override profits. The yoga community can be so white, but they stand by this being a community for everyone. Additionally, the have limited spots for cleaners who clean to get free yoga, to allow those without means to practice without worrying about money. -compassion and support - whether it’s accommodating my requests for alternate poses during an injury (Manzi geeks out on this stuff!) or gentle support when I can’t handle the heat when I rest, the staff is great. I never feel pushed beyond my limits, and they are great about offering alternatives if they see people with limitations or if they can see someone would want a more advanced pose to try. -other yogis - some yoga studios can almost feel like people are trying to show off and I sometimes feel like I have to push myself because people are watching. Here I feel like I can come as I am, and I can be vulnerable. I think that comes from the community they foster that appreciates diverse bodies, all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. You don’t need to be a size 0 in a full set of lululemon to fit in here. Come as you are and you will...

I was harassed at this place by an instructor, and later victim-blamed and shamed by the manager/owner.

Here's the story: Signed up recently; went for a 1 hour class; class goes beyond the allotted time (by quite a lot); 5 minutes after the scheduled end I pack up my things and try to leave quietly; the instructor comes running after me and starts harassing me, telling me I can't leave; I'm confused at this behavior and point it out to them that it's way past the scheduled end; the instructor gets angry for some reason and keeps up the harassment.

Later I email the studio telling them about the harassment, and gently requesting them to refund my beginner's pass, Here's what I expected: I simple acknowledgment of the instructor's inexplicable and unreasonable behavior, and my refund.

But here is what I got instead: blaming me for 'distracting' the class and violating the 'yoga etiquette' (since of course the victim of harassment is guilty of distracting students by trying to leave a room in peace 5 minutes after the scheduled end)...and a flat out refusal for a refund.

My simple request to the owner of this place: It's OK that you have a few of my dollars that you have taken from me in addition to giving me the special gift of your brand of harassment. BUT, at least for the sake of community lipservice that you engage in, try not to blame and shame victims of harassment that has taken place at...

This is an excellent studio and an example of a small business owner working hard to maintain a solid yoga community in tough times.

Different teachers offer a variety of styles and some unique flows in addition to more traditional Bikram. All of them are focused on cultivating a yoga practice that goes beyond a physical workout - perhaps that’s a turn off for some, but I’d argue it’s a major virtue here.

But honestly what I find most impressive is the commitment to community health - at the start of the pandemic, the owner installed a fancy new air circulation and disinfection system (its UV I think). Plus they’re really clear and communicative about vaccine requirements, contact tracing, and masking - it’s also why teachers are working from the back of the room and avoiding physical contact at the moment. Im as frustrated as anyone that we’re still stuck in a pandemic, but here we are. I’m just grateful that this studio is actively working to provide a safe community environment because I honestly don’t think I would feel comfortable returning to...