Yoga Oasis — Local services in Tucson

I was very disappointed. I attended the Introduction to Yoga class, expecting it to be for beginners, as it was advertised. The woman running the class offered no instruction. She told me just watch what everyone does. It turned out that everyone else in the class had been going regularly, in some cases for several years. So, all of the transitions from pose to pose were called out in rapid-fire succession. Instead of being for beginners, this class was obviously being run for people who were experienced in yoga. I wondered why those experienced in yoga would attend an "Introduction to Yoga" class regularly. Then it became apparent. This class is the least expensive one that they offer, so people kept attending it to be cheap. So, it is kind of a scam.

I'm sure it was a decent class for those who were experienced, but was a rip-off for a beginner, because there was no instruction whatsoever. I expected more than, "just watch what everyone else is doing" as instruction. She was really impressed with her own knowledge, but seemed as if she was more interested in impressing us with her knowledge than sharing it in a constructive way. At one point, I was so frustrated that I struck one of the poses in such an incorrect way that it should have been obvious to anyone who really was interested in teaching - hoping that she would at least take the opportunity to show me how to do it correctly. Never happened. It felt like a scene from a Chevy Chase movie.

Not just poor instruction, I also think that it was irresponsible. Any exercise that includes bearing of body weight, and stretching of muscles can be physically damaging if it is not done correctly. An instructor-led class for beginners should concentrate on technique and form to make sure that people don't...

Tried a yoga class with my daughter and her boyfriend. He had never done yoga before and genuinely tried his best. The instructor was unfriendly from the time we walked in and told her this was our first class even though the website said "beginners welcome". She said she would show modifications for us. She stood the entire class and did not show any modifications. She then proceeded to make a joke about "the dude in the class". After class she continued to mock his form without offering anything constructive. If the class does not welcome beginners they should correct the website. She could have even recommended a more appropriate class for him but she did not, she just told him "his stance was just weird" as she imitated it in a mocking way and laughed. I do not recommend this particular instructor. I wish I knew her name but I don't remember it. She teaches the Wednesday night yoga hour. This is not the class to take unless being made fun of for trying helps you...

I'm pretty new to the Tucson yoga scene, and was worried about finding a studio where a beginner would fit in. My first visit to Yoga Oasis was pretty easygoing...the gal signing people in at the front desk made sure the instructor knew I was new to the studio, and was very helpful with questions. I've taken classes from at least 3 different instructors (all female so far) and they all have very different styles. No one's been bad, just different :) Happy to have found a friendly, non-pretentious place so close...