Shiva Yoga — Local services in West Hollywood

I have this studio several chances despite something always feeling a bit off. My experience today put all the pieces together for me and I won’t be coming back. I encourage you not to support this business either.

Safety and injury prevention are not a priority at this studio.

When Sabrina was next to me I quietly asked “where should I feel the stretch so I know I’m doing it correctly?” And she put her hand up and said “I don’t have time to talk about that.” As if I was trying to shoot the breeze in class. There’s 7 people in the class, she could have easily pointed where on the body and continued queuing. I was stunned at the unprofessionalism and the lack of care. She then proceeded to go help someone else. She loves to talk to the men in the class. I was so appalled I left.

When I left the owner was in the lobby and asked why I left. I calmly explained that I asked an easy-to-answer question about alignment—which should be a teacher’s greatest priority and he proceeded to say

“Some teachers and students don’t mesh”

No sir, this isn’t a personality conflict. Your instructor was more concerned with her live streaming performance than to prevent injury in the room. He made me feel like it was my fault.

I’ve taken yoga classes all around the world for a decade and I’ve never had an instructor say they wouldn’t answer my question about alignment. It’s simple injury prevention.

There’s a lot of red flags about this place, like the ego radiating from the photos of the owner at historic ruins around the world, but if we’re keeping it objective, not prioritizing safety and defending the employee over the customer are the last straw.

I know he will respond and apologize but if you’re reading this, remember that actions speak louder than PR...

This is the best yoga studio I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot in my fourteen years of practicing yoga. The teachers are genuine, grounded and knowledgeable. They practice what they teach and they have the tools necessary to help someone progress from a beginner to whatever level they want to achieve.

Garth’s training in yoga is very deep. He understands what he teaches and brings clarity and simplicity to everything he teaches. Nick, Sabrina and the other teachers also bring a depth of understanding to their teaching that shows how earnestly and diligently they have explored their own practice.

Shiva is selective in allowing teachers to teach at their school and will require a mentorship period for teachers who obtained their certification at other schools before they start teaching. This policy means there are no dud classes or teachers at the studio.

I love how much effort Garth and the staff put into building community in the middle of Los Angeles. There is always something happening at the studio, potlucks, hikes, retreats, philosophy discussions, and weekend seminars.

Every time you show up at the studio whether you’ve been there every day for the last month or haven’t shown up in two months or if you are feeling super fit in a handstand class or don’t want to get out of child’s pose, you are greeted with the same welcoming presence and respect of the teachers and staff and given space to work on your practice.

It’s the kind of studio that makes you want to rearrange your living situation so you can be closer to the studio. I’m...

If you are looking for a yoga studio that will connect you to your spirituality, inspiring teachers, and a kind community, look no further than Shiva. All of the teachers are great- I find myself consistently taking classes taught by Elias, Rebecca, and Sabrina. Each class starts with a dharma talk and starts/ends with the class chanting “om” which creates nice consistency between teachers. There are no mirrors or music which I really appreciate- their studio is really about removing distractions and going inward. And I still get a great workout! The people at the front desk are always kind and helpful- Garth is always eager to meet new people and learn their names.

There are two spaces for classes- a large upper studio and a smaller studio on the level of the check-in desk. When you arrive, you can park across from the studio in a free lot (on Fairfax). Then you cross the street, enter the studio door, and climb the stairs to get to check-in. At the top of the stairs, everyone removes shoes before approaching the check-in desk.

This studio always has community events- potluck meals, hikes, sound baths, and classes to deeper your understanding of the body/mind. They also have teacher training, massage, access to nutritionists, and a sauna.

Looking forward to...