Namaste Yoga & Wellness

Beautiful space but all 3 classes I tried were overcrowded and offered no more than a physical experience. So if you do yoga strictly for fitness because you want to lose weight or get a workout in, Namaste is your place. If you are like me though and practice yoga to feel more connected to yourself, more grounded, and more whole (after all, this is essentially what the term yoga means), look elsewhere. Or try this place and let me know if you find a class that offers any semblance of mindfulness practice or inner experience (and no, the tibetan prayer flags in do not count). Here are the classes I tried:
1. Restorative with Megan: I am not sure what part of this class was supposed to be yoga because the only instruction we received was how to get into 5 poses (over 1.5 hours) and lie in that pose for what felt like forever. Even the yoga nidra classes I have taken offer some guidance so that you are receiving the benefits of rest but in more of a meditation than actual sleeping. If you want to feel restored, you are better off watching a meditation video on youtube at home and saving your money.
2. Vinyasa 1 – 3 with Whitney: The physical poses in this class were technically yoga but the instruction was similar to that I receive from my personal trainer at the gym. The teacher was friendly and funny but every bit of instruction she gave was related to alignment and her class offered about as much soul as a spin class at 24 hour fitness.
3. Mindful Vinyasa 1 – 3 with Ashley: This was the most disappointing as I practice mindful meditation and was really looking forward to finding a class that incorporated the principles of mindfulness into an asana practice. I was so excited that I didn’t even mind the fact that the class was so crowded that the person in front of me was kicking my head with his foot for most of the class. The teacher spent about ten minutes just trying to find a spot for everyone and lamenting about how she had told the front desk to cap the class at a certain number numerous times. Not a good start but I decided to stay present with this guy’s smelly foot on my head as a part of my mindfulness practice. When we finally got flowing, the teacher instructed us through a challenging series of poses through which she offered numerous jokes. I appreciated the good workout and funny sense of humor but there was absolutely zero aspects of mindfulness woven into the class. Again, if you are into yoga for fitness this class would be fine but if you seek something deeper, I recommend looking elsewhere.

This review is specifically for Shelly Ross’s NIA class which has become my primary source of pleasure and fun each week. Shelly creates an atmosphere that is stimulating and supportive and encourages each of us to be as expressive as we want or need to be. I always leave with a smile on my face.
She puts great effort into each class which is always unique and which provides a full body workout. The music is wonderful and somehow takes us away for a journey of an hour. Each routine is seamlessly coordinated with the music, and allows us to warm up and then put as much energy into it as we can.
We are all at different levels, ages and abilities. But Shelly makes each of us feel welcome, not the least bit self conscious, and able to adapt a routine to whatever our own abilities or history of injuries might allow. I have felt clumsy in other classes; never in this one.
It is lovely to see the exuberance on people’s faces and share the pleasure we all feel.
I can’t recommend this class enough!

I’ve been taking the Nia dance class at Namaste with Shelly Ross for about six months now, and I have to say it is changed my life. The positive energy that is in the room has given me more joy and allowed me to find my inner spirit than any other exercise class I have ever taken. Shelley has a wonderful way about her and chairs wonderful music, inspiring dance routines, and leaves room for your own personal space and expression. It’s a diverse group of students in the room, and that helps make me feel more comfortable and free to express myself. I encourage you to check it out on Monday or Wednesday mornings and see for yourself.

the best part of this studio is Shelly Ross’ NIA classes on Monday’s and Wednesdays at 8:45 am. I LOVE this class and Shelly’s incredible teaching style. I came to this class with lots of injuries – messed up feet and a torn rotator cuff. Four months later my feet are almost completely healed, my shoulder range of movement has improved dramatically AND I lost 10 pounds! Shelly makes the classes fun, accessible, joyful and empowering.

Best studios in the East Bay area. I absolutely liked all the classes I’ve taken here.
The instructors are wonderful: each one brings their own unique experience, teaching style, knowledge and passion for yoga into their classes. I appreciate the diversity of styles and the beauty of the studio space in all three studios (Berkeley, Rockridge, Grand Lake).
Loved to take the one week restorative training with Vickie Bell at Namaste Berkeley!
The Nia classes area also a wonderful complement to yoga and front desk staff is always super friendly.

Shelly Ross and her NIA Dance (Wednesday morning) class are the only way to start the mid-​week work day. Her energy and dedication to her craft make her classes a place where you can be yourself and have an hour exercise fun. There is no judgment on skill level by either Shelly or the community of dancers in the room. Her routines are the right combination of push yourself a little harder and creative movement. Her music selections are different every week and are perfect for the variety of NIA dance routines she brings to our class. I look forward to my class every week.

Wonderful selection of classes and great teachers. I am especially grateful for the Nia classes. Beautiful studios.

What do I love about Namaste??? Everything!!! Great teachers and beautiful, clean studios. Staff is friendly and I’ve been impressed that some of them actually remember my name when I walk in the door! That’s a big plus!

Love Namaste! Spent New Years Day at Kameko and Hannah’s workshop and it was a wonderful way to start the year.

Great prices and noon classes. I love the teachers (especially Siri at noon at Rockridge)!

If you are looking for a fun and challenging aerobic workout that also balances and tones, or if you just love to dance, you should try Shelly Ross’ NIA class at Namaste. Shelly teaches NIA classes on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8:45 on College Ave. Over the 13+ years I’ve been dancing with Shelly, she’s consistently offered vigorous, fun and multi-​dimensional workouts in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. And all with great music! Everyone works at their own level; everyone is encouraged to experiment and explore. The choreography is loose and adaptable – not your cardio-​funk class where half the effort is remembering the steps. Shelly has so much depth as a teacher, with many years teaching NIA as well as yoga and personal training and a spirituality that she offers with a light touch. Overall a great class with a masterful teacher!

Fantastic. Just came from Siri’s prenatal yoga class and was super impressed. She’s very thorough, down to earth, funny and knowledgeable. I definitely feel as though I got a workout! I’m a newbie and she helped me out without making me feel self-​conscious in the least. Though I had a rough start at the Berkeley outpost (tried to attend Rosie’s prenatal yoga class, but she didn’t show up and it took a half hour for us to learn that the class was cancelled), I’m hooked and will be back!

Having moved farther away from my primary yoga studio than I was willing to commute, I was pleased to discover another studio walking distance from my apartment. Generally, my preferred practice is vinyasa flow, and my previous experience was mainly with one hour classes.
Namaste offers a variety of yoga and many hour and a half long classes. I have found several instructors who have completely shifted my understanding of my body, my practice, and yoga, for the better. As someone who has been practicing for 7 years now, I do not say this lightly. The quality of the instruction, the warmth of the teachers and front desk staff, and the opportunities to try new things make Namaste an excellent studio, definitely worth a visit. Even my husband, a man who has sworn he is not a yogi, has asked to return with me to Vicki’s Hatha class.

This is a review for Rosie Schlussel’s prenatal yoga class. I attended her class through most of my pregnancy, from about week 14 until week 38 (because my baby arrived earlier than expected… when I awoke on a Sunday morning with spotting, I was still thinking I’d still be going to her class the following day! My son had a different idea).
I didn’t go to Rosie’s class to learn any tips and tricks for labor, but rather to continue my regular yoga practice in an environment that was supportive to my changing body. I’d thought I could continue doing my regular vinyasa practice with some modifications, but the dizziness I experienced in my first trimester nixed that pretty quickly. I work on the weekends and most east bay prenatal yoga classes are only offered in the evenings or weekends, so finding Namaste and Rosie’s weekday class was truly a blessing. The Rockridge location meant I didn’t have to deal with traffic or difficulty finding parking like the Berkeley or Lakeshore locations, both which can easily undo the benefits of a yoga class.
Rosie’s class made me feel strong and flexible while being mindful of the relaxin hormone and not overdoing anything. Tuning in to our babies at the beginning of class was extra sweet, and the pelvic floor strengthening must have been really helpful, as my baby came out so quickly, nobody caught him!
The doctor and nurses at my delivery told my husband that they’d never seen a mother having a natural birth be so calm and present… though I didn’t feel that way at the time, I credit that to Rosie and her class. Thanks, Rosie!

Love Namaste! Would highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in yoga.

I love the Nia classes at Namaste. I come 3 times per week to Rockridge and sometimes attend the weekend classes in Berkeley. The teachers are superb! Shelly and Alexis help me start my day with a workout which brings both vitality and peace. Inner connection and connection with body are part of the practice, and the connection with the amazing community of dancers is a bonus!
I heart Namaste!

Namaste has some of the best teachers anywhere — special shoutout’s to Hannah Franco, Naushon Kabat-​Zinn, Ashley West-​Roberts, Kameko Shibata, Jillian Schiavi, Judy Rukat, Dominic Wegesin, and Ava Roy.
Before starting yoga a little more than two years ago, I was recovering from a bulging disk in my back. Yoga at Namaste has truly changed my life, so much for the better. My back is wonderful now, and so many other positive changes.
Love,
Mike N

I’ve gone to Namaste for over 10 years and I really like many of the teachers –especially Nashon Kabbat-​Zinn, Sparkle Thornton and Ashley Sharp, who’s one of the most fun, upbeat, sweet and knowledgeable-​but-​non-​doctrinaire instructors I’ve had during 20 years of practice — but my positive in-​class experience has been severely undercut by my encounters with the studio’s owner, Kimberly.
First off, a disclaimer: I wholly admit that I have had a problem arriving to class before, or at, the class start time (more so during the destabilizing periods of crisis, outside of my control, that I’ve encountered since moving to the Bay a decade ago), but have always gotten to the studio within the so-​called 10-​minute grace period. I have apologized to Ashley whenever late, but she has always said «you’re here now, don’t worry about it,» as have the other students with whom I’ve become friends. Whenever someone else comes into class within the first 10 minutes (of an hour and a half class), I simply make room for them and don’t think twice about it.
I realize that some people might feel differently and find it disruptive of their focus. Apparently Kimberly is among them. Years ago, as I was signing in and didn’t even know her to be the owner, she snipped, «Come on time!» When I apologized and explained that my then-​toddler son had followed me into the car and my husband had to wrest him back to the house, she cut me off and snarled, «We all have something.» I’ve been polite in greeting her when I see her, though it has rarely been reciprocated. I’ve often had the unsettling feeling I’m being monitored by her (while paying a pretty penny for the privilege).
This morning I was up early enough to return to Ashley’s great 8 a.m. Saturday class, which I hadn’t been able to attend for the last six months because I was out of town cleaning out the house of my deceased mother. I was happy to finally return to my beloved teacher and practice. To my surprise, the gal at the front desk came out to suggest I not even bother putting money in the meter because Kimberley had instructed her to never let me into a class if I arrive even one minute late. While this is I was taken aback, since I’ve been going for so long and was never told, until today, that the so-​called grace period has a limit on its applicability and might expire without notice (or better yet a conversation).
I’ve found that my experience of a business generally filters from the top down. I’ve found the front desk people to be lovely in demeanor, but any operational circumstance that has involved their conferral with, or my direct interaction with, the owner, has been off-​putting, to say the least. My understanding, gleaned from various teachers, is that yoga aims to foster patience, acceptance, generosity, clarity and directness through the mindful avoidance of presupposition, judgment and harm. The Namaste web site pays lip service to these values: «We strive to [honor and embrace each individual as they come through our doors]…with love, grace, compassion and respect.» In actuality, my personal experience of the owner’s business practices and personal interactions have not just failed to embody these ideals but been antithetical to them. The incongruency is finally too great for me.

The classes I went to a Namaste were good, the ambiance pleasant. I had an experience that rubbed me the wrong way though. I signed up for the new student special, three classes for $ 30. I was clear with the person working that day that I would be out of town for the month and would not be back to the studio within the time limit allowed to use all three classes. She assured me that it would be ok, and I would be able to use all three classes even if I missed the time window. She said she would make sure my three classes were honored. I trusted her and paid the $ 30.
When I came back to the studio, the woman I had spoken to was no longer there. The new counter person, after consulting with the manager of the studio, had me pay full price for my second class. So basically I paid $ 30 for the first class and $ 20 for my second class, which was actually MORE than if I had never purchased the new student special. I ended up feeling ripped off and have not been back to this studio since. I was disappointed because I wanted to feel good after practicing yoga there and I just felt taken advantage of. :(

My review is based on 2 visits in last month. I took advantage of their 3 for $ 30 special that is offered to clients. With that being said, since I’m not a devout yogi I can’t say how pricing compares.
Convenient location in heart of Rockridge and neighborhood parking seems to be plentiful.
In both classes the instructors were very hands on walking around he studio correcting peoples poses and demonstrating poses. The classes were pretty full esp the 9:30 class on Saturday but they manage to squeeze everyone in.
Mats are available for a $ 1 to rent and they have lots of unique merch in the front of the store.
Both classes offered a great workout and I would definitely sign up for more.