Seva Yoga

Esta has been my yoga teacher for the last 8 months or so, and is the best yoga teacher that I’ve had. Three reasons I like her class:
1. PEDIGREE. She is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, and has detailed knowledge of the system. If I’m not mistaken, she started in Iyengar about 30 years ago, tried a few other different systems, and came back to Iyengar — I bring this up to say that she is knowledgeable about other systems, and her belief in the Iyengar system is learned and experienced rather than dogmatic. Esta also stays in close touch with recent developments in the Iyengar world.
2. METICULOUSNESS. Esta personalizes postures and sequences to each individual. She does this by adjusting both the actual posture and the props that you’re using (chair, wall, belt, etc.) A lot of people talk about how yoga is about doing what’s best for you (the individual), but I haven’t found teachers that execute this as capably as Esta does.
3. PURE. No gimmicks in her class — no music, no heated room, etc. Just you.
Some context on me, in case it’s relevant: I’m 28, and have dabbled in yoga on and off, but have never gotten seriously into it until now. I’ve played lots of sports and have been otherwise physically active most of my life, but for the last few years have been a bit sedentary. I’m not super flexible.

Esta’s been my teacher for a few years. She teaches in a way that is welcoming and challenging at the same time because she’s sensitive to the student’s needs and capability. Esta teaches multi-​level classes with each student feeling like they get individual attention. The Zilker Park Studio is a quiet, picturesque, and expansive place for practice and Esta manages the class size. It’s so quiet during savasana on Monday evenings that we can hear the freight train whistle far off in the city– that takes me deeper into peaceful relaxation every time!

When I was in town for SXSW, I took a couple of classes with Esta. She has a wonderfully calm, thorough teaching style. Her Zilker Park Studio is beautiful, with hardwood floors and trees visible through the windows. I first started studying with Esta when I lived in Austin in 2004, and I still take her classes anytime I’m back in town. She’s an amazing teacher, and I always feel great after one of her classes.

This is a great studio with great teachers! The classes are not crowded and the teachers are knowledgeable. I love the personalized attention I get. I was intimidated to take the «Yoga for Athletes», but the instructor (Cris) made me feel very comfortable even beside another student who was clearly athletic. I will gladly keep giving $ 10+. for every class!

–Legit teachers that are knowledgeable yet don’t take themselves too seriously
–Quiet, clean studio space
–Props provided
–Very inexpensive
This is an excellent studio, I have been very impressed with every session I’ve done here. Every class I have been to had fewer than 5 students, which is incredible considering every other donation-​based studio is packed to the brim.
I have been to classes taught by Whitney and by Kelly. Both instructors are soft-​spoken but extremely knowledgeable in practicing. Likewise both made me giggle a little during the session, quick to poke fun at themselves about one of the poses etc.
I love this studio! I wish they had one up north as well, but I will definitely continue to make the trips south to practice here.

I took Lisa J’s beginners Hatha class on Friday and it competely transformed my practice and my mind. The class was basic and refreshing, a huge ego check (just what I needed!) and Lisa’s attention to detail was stellar. You could tell she cares personally for each student and their needs. Perfect

I really love Seva Yoga.
I’m new to yoga, and was visiting Austin from Minneapolis for a month. All of the teachers at Seva Yoga were so knowledgeable and helpful. I was able to receive so much personal attention, which was wonderful at this early stage in my practice. Each class was creatively constructed to cover different topics.
They have classes at all times of day, sure to suit your schedule. Plus, for a ten dollar donation, you certainly can’t beat the price!

I absolutely, positively love this studio. Yoga is totally new to me and every teacher I have had here has been so kind and knowledgeable. I was reaping benefits from yoga after the very first class. Everyone works you at your own pace, I have never felt «behind» in class. This is the only way I can afford classes on a student budget and am so thankful for this studio!

I took the Hatha Flow class with Seva (Esta) and hit the jackpot, getting a private lesson because no one else showed up. There had been six people the week before. Esta, who goes by the spiritual name Seva now, even though the calendar lists her as Esta — I assume to avoid confusion with the name of the studio — is a very sensitive teacher with broad and deep expertise. She was able to coach me in how to do various postures that would help strengthen and stabilize my knees without strain. It has been a long time since I’ve practiced, and she went slow and gently for all the kinks and catches I was encountering in my body. She was very generous and thoughtful in tailoring our private lesson to my needs. She has a grounded, calm, joyful energy which is contagious. I highly recommend her Tuesday night class, which I am told is about to start having a live musician participating rather than listening to a CD.

I LOVE Seva Yoga. Im sort of torn about leaving this review because I love having such small classes for only $ 10, and if I tell you how awesome this place is you’re all going to start going, but I’m going to sacrifice my little secret for the sake of Seva Yoga. I have loved all the teachers that I’ve met and because the classes are so small I get lots of special treatment and say in what we do during practice. Its really helped my practice to have such attentive teachers. I highly recommend Whitney Lacey and Kelly Myers. They are two of my favorites as a beginner and I’ve learned alot from them both! I’d say you’re going to have a great practice with whichever class you choose.

All is coming for Seva Yoga! This evening, I attended Sharon Avital’s Yoga Nidra class. I am used to doing a rather intensive vinyasa practice, but went to class with an open mind. I was the only student there, but Sharon warmly greeted me and led me to a small room where she explained the practice to me. She led me through a gentle, yet very effective asana practice using a variety of props that she helped me adjust as needed. Then she covered my body with a blanket and my eyes with a pillow and led me through a very methodical exercise of body awareness and a clearing of the mind before beginning a guided visualization. The end result was complete relaxation as well as a feeling of immense awareness. Wonderful!
The teachers that I have been to, Lauren and Sharon, personify yoga. They are generous, caring, patient and non-​judgmental. It is obvious that they teach because it is their calling and they love what they do.
Seva Yoga deserves much thanks for providing a lovely space to begin or grow a practice.

After two years on Unilocal,I’ve finally found something I feel the desire to write a review for! I went to my first yoga class ever here after learning about it from Sarah F. Having always wanted to do yoga, after hearing of a donation based studio on my side of town I had no more excuses not to go. My first class was a wonderful introduction into my practice. There were four students, including myself, as well as another yoga first-​timer. The teacher was very welcoming and nicely tailored the class so that all of us could work at our skill levels. After that class, I was hooked. All I can think about is when I can do yoga next!
(formerly
) is the site to go to for that. They have a wide range of times and teachers. Since this is a new endeavor, they seem to be in the process of working out the schedule so double check online before you go. I have seen some canceled classes posted on the door but it seems the kinks are being worked out as time goes along. There is an interesting mix of yoga styles, from the posture (asana) based classes to more of the breathing and meditation focused classes.
All the teachers I’ve been to have been very nice and accommodating. Even when I was the only student they were gracious enough to go through the class with me. One really awesome part about Seva yoga is that a portion of all the donations go to a charity chosen by the teacher so not only are you doing something good for yourself, you’re doing something good for children in and out of the states, wildlife, etc.
Do get try to get to class early, especially the evening classes. Seva yoga shares the parking lot with Alamo Drafthouse so the parking situation can get a bit hairy even though there are 3 – 5 yoga designated parking spots. Though, when class lets out at the same time as two movies I’m so blissed out that the hassle of getting out becomes a non-​issue.
So, long story short, if you’ve wanted to do yoga, but for whatever reason haven’t, check Seva yoga out, donate what you can, and save a spot for me!