Yoga In the Park With Carl Brown

This is for real. I just showed up on a Monday morning. Greeted by Carl, asked how I heard about it. Encouraged me to work at my pace and explained how he leads the session. I do interval training 3 – 4 days per week at home, so I thought I might be okay to get thru this 1−½ hour session. I was challenged but mostly because I’ve only done yoga a few times and my balance is horrible and as with yoga, you push yourself so you can continue to challenge yourself. It was a great workout, peaceful and calm and I felt wonderful all day. I’ll definitely be going back the rest of this week while we’re here on vacation and then when we’re back at Christmas.
It is free. You can make a donation but any donations are given to charity, Himalayan Children. It is actually held 7 days per week. Carl does 4 days and another gal does the other days. It says rain or shine. But since it is sunny and 70 360 days a year in Laguna Beach, I don’t know if it really happens in the rain. Maybe the local folks like a rain shower every now and then. There were 14 people there all lined up on the sidewalk. I brought my travel Manduka, but it wouldn’t have been thick enough so Carl has extra moving blankets as base and extra mats.
If I hadn’t read these reviews I would not have known where it is at. Treasure Island Park is a city park, while you think you’re at the Montage. Locals would know how to get to it. We parked on the subdivision street behind the CVS parking lot across the street from The Montage on PCH in Laguna Beach since there are signs all over, «no beach parking.» While we weren’t technically at the beach, we easily could park free on the street behind the shopping center. There is also meter parking on the street, but it’s pretty silly to pay for parking when PCH and the parking lot across the street are deserted that early in the morning. Walk across PCH and down the path on the north side of The Montage. When you dead end at the fence, take a good deep breath and enjoy the view. Then go to the right (north) on the path and it is in the park on the left, near the gazebo.

Great way to start your day doing yoga with a beautiful view of the ocean. Carl leads a challenging and energizing yoga class that leaves you refreshed. I am happy to have found this class and will continue…

This is the first time I’ve done yoga in the park. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Carl more than exceeded my expectations! modifications and challenges were offered all through the class and allowed me to truly take my practice to the edge. The setting was spectacular. Parking was a little challenging. you have to park in CVS and then walk down the hill but so worth the walk. I would recommend bringing a heavy blanket to put under your yoga mat. you don’t have to be on the lawn and everyone lines up on the sidewalk which is really nice. I could have brought my good mat. I might even recommend preparing yourself for a walk afterwards there’s a beautiful walkway that runs all along the cliffs. I can’t wait to go back again.

Beautiful spot for some challenging flow. Carl provided concise and quick instruction for a really good work out. The location is in a grassy park area towards the private residential area of the Montage resort. The best place to park is on the side of the street right before the entrance of the hotel if coming from Laguna. Follow the stair case all the way down towards the ocean and then turn right on the pathway. Bring a thicker blanket or something to place under your mat as we all practiced on the concrete. Loved it and would go again and tell all my friends about it! Thanks Carl!

Great class. Carl has the ability to balance a challenging flow while still incorporating alignment principles. This class is well suited to a beginner as well as an athlete. The location is spectacular, you don’t want to miss this class with Carl!

Excellent yoga class! Carl is an outstanding teacher… challenging workout overlooking a spectacular beach… what could be better than starting the day in one of the most beautiful places in the country and feeling refreshed after pushing yourself to your edge. I highly recommend this class and Carl!

My friend in I who were visiting from out of town decided to give this class a try. It was fantastic. Carl provided a vigorous and energizing asana class. It was definitely a fast moving class and may not be best suited to the newer yogi. However, there were all types of people of all types of ages, skills and abilities present. A very open environment to practice, no matter what your level, without judgement. The class was in a beautiful location (just behind the Montage hotel) which made for a pretty awesome Savasana.

Effective class. I love the challenge, pace, and environment.

There is nothing more amazing that a challenging vinyasa flow class outside with this spectacular view. Carl is a great teacher who provides this wonderful community service. You will start your day feeling energized yet relaxed and grounded! Come try it out!!!

Since I’ve been coming to Yoga In The Park my flexibility, balance and strength have greatly improved and I’m hooked. Carl is a extremely disciplined leader an inspiration to me and probably all that attend the 8 – 9:30a.m class at the north end of Treasure Island Park. Carl has a no nonsense approach that keeps me focused, OK I occasionally get distracted by the pelicans and dolphin going by. Ms. Josh Nolan

I have been attending Carl’s class for the last 2 years and it is the best in Laguna by far! It is so peaceful doing yoga out in the morning sun with the sound of waves crashing on the rocks below. Carl is a phenomenal teacher. My balance and strength have increased greatly since I started the class. You really get a good workout… one might call it power yoga=)

Amazing classes, amazing surroundings, amazing teacher.
I have tried other yoga classes in LB, and nothing comes even close. My life definitely improved since I started. This classes will push you to the limits, but the flow of poses is so carefully designed that it leaves you feeling great at the end. Your muscles might hurt, but you will feel great :-).
Carl is truly amazing. He is there every day, rain or shine, taking you through hour and a half of yoga with his steady voice. He explains every pose in great detail, so even if you never have done yoga before you will be able to follow.
I highly recommend these classes. come out.it’s beautiful out here:-).

I absolutely love this class — it is the best kept secret in Laguna Beach by far. It is not an easy class but that is why I come– you feel so much better physically and mentally; not to mention the instructor Carl is the best! He does the entire class with you and pushes you to make sure you are in correct position thus getting the best possible work out. I will also add that unlike other yoga instructors, whom may be flabby and out of shape while calling out moves Carl is the most disciplined person I know and in great shape, to say the least. Most importantly, he is a phenomenal person in every way and I truly aspire to be like him. Classes are free during the week and donation based on Saturdays. I have been to yogaworks in LB a couple times when Carl was on vacay and this class blows it away. Who wants to be packed in a can of sweaty sardines at a studio when you can enjoy the beautiful view and fresh air right in front of the Pacific. I encourage all ages and levels to give this class a try. I schedule just about everything around this class, it is M-​Th and Sat 8 – 9:30, rain or shine.

On your first visit to Yoga In the Park, you may be most impressed by your surroundings. Rather than a stuffy studio, these classes are held outdoors, currently at the Montage Resort park area, over the ocean. Down dog while listening to the surf crash. Warrior with the sun on your face. I’ve even seen a pod of dolphins on my walk to class.
But no matter how refreshing the morning air, after a few visits, you’ll realize that the most impressive thing here is the instructor. It doesn’t matter how early I get to class, Carl is there, preparing. He has a passion for yoga that is infectious. He makes a point of introducing himself to new faces and giving each an idea of what to expect (WORK!). But once the clock hits 8AM, class begins; it ends on time, as well. You can count on it. He is as reliable and disciplined as they come. A gentleman of strong character – he’ll earn your respect in short time. Okay, I ‘m sure the man has flaws but I’ve yet to find any. I digress.
As for the class, it’s an hour and a half of stretching and intense power yoga. I’m talking serious stuff. So when you finish, you feel as if you’ve accomplished something. The next day, you’re certain of it! And you’re hooked. But don’t get the wrong idea; the class attracts regulars from age 16 – 90. We all do the best we can with the goal of improving. This is so much more than a class. It’s a lifestyle.