Samyama Yoga Center

Just took my 2^nd yoga class in my life at Samyama. It was one of the worst experiences ever. I had visited the center earlier in the week and explained to the front desk that I was 50 years old, not in great shape and trying to get into good shape. I also explained that I knew absolutely nothing about yoga and was looking for a drop dead beginners class. They told me that there were several options, including the «Intro to Vinyasa.» Why on earth the woman recommended this is beyond me. This was not a beginners course at all. It was sooooooo humiliating. I had to leave after 20 minutes. I simply couldn’t do the exercises and/​or poses as a middle aged person, not in great shape, with no experience. The staff should be much better at giving potential clients accurate information. I am afraid I won’t be taking any yoga ever again. Totally traumatized.
After this horrible experience, my observation is that to do yoga, you have to physically be able to do push ups (upper body strength), be able to easily touch your toes and flexible (otherwise impossible to do the downward facing dog and other poses), and be able to hold your body up on your stomach or on your back for at least 3 minutes. If you don’t have this basic level of strength and flexibility, I can’t see how you can do yoga, with the exception of «child’s pose,» which I was quite proficient at.
If you already do yoga, this is a pretty studio and the instructor seemed quite nice. There is also parking, which is a huge plus. However, I don’t have enough experience to opine on how good the classes are for real yogis.
Back to exercising in my home where nobody is looking.

This yoga studio is one of my happy places. So much in fact that I signed up for their teacher training this autumn. It was the one program that I found in the area that felt less like a fitness instructor program and more of a deeper, holistic approach to what yoga is all about. What attracted me to this place is the quality of yoga that’s on offer. I spend quite a lot of time taking yoga classes around the different studios and health clubs in the area and I always bump into the teachers at this place. It’s great, because the person next to you, who probably did their teacher training years ago, is demonstrating the posture perfectly while you are listening to the verbal cues of the teacher, who adjusts you in a way that takes your own practice to the next level. The most senior instructor lived yoga from a young age in India and I love taking his class. It actually gives you a bit of a work out as well as access to postures you don’t normally get to review in your general yoga classes. I have further particularly enjoyed Amy Rogg’s classes. They are very playful and innovative. I love how they break free from the mat and how you are encouraged to improvise during certain times, which gives you a chance to actually work on some of the postures you have been meaning to master for a while with the input of a talented teacher. Louis is another amazing teacher that I enjoy. If you are looking to perfect your alignment and harmonious sequencing, look no further. Can’t say enough positive things about this place and I didn’t even get to the architecture yet, which in it’s self is a reason for visiting :-) You simply have to try it out for yourself!

Maybe my expectations were too high going in, but can you blame me? They have a 5 star average with 40+ reviews.
What I really liked about Samyama was the facility itself — it is true, the building is gorgeous and your first reaction will be that it reminds you of the Equinox, except that it’s solely a yoga facility. They offer free pellegrino, Tazo tea bags, filtered water systems, and they sell high-​end yoga accessories by the front desk. Staff is also very friendly. It’s all very impressive the first time you take a look around.
However, for all that jazz, you’d think they would offer a better variety of classes; more one-​hour classes and such. I think the building should have two studios instead of just one (I mean, it’s a 2 floor building and the entire building is Samyama’s), with more classes offered.
Also, I was disappointed by the quality of the teaching (granted I only attended the 5:45p classes) and how poorly she utilized the studio’s features. For instance, the room in which we practiced yoga, was always eerily quiet. It’s very pristine and white — almost ethereal, except something is missing. Sometimes the natural light filters in, making the room pretty hot. (Temperature control?) But I felt like to balance all that «white» and quiet, she should have played some music or adjusted the lighting to make everything seem less… sterile. I almost felt like I was practicing in a hospital because there was something that kept the room from feeling warm and peaceful. It didn’t feel comfortable.
And the quality of teaching — not to say the instructor was bad, but she definitely wasn’t the quality I was expecting given all the bells and whistles of the facility. You would think that to keep up with the image that Samyama tries to portray, that the level of teaching would match.
I have to believe that I am not the only one who feels this way, or they’d attract more customers and their classes would be more full.

This yoga studio is amazing! Not only is it ultra futuristic the people who work there are very warm, friendly and knowledgable. Amy and Devin taught a particularly wonderful class that incorporated movement, characters and sound healing. It was one of the most unique and enjoyable yoga experiencing that I’ve ever been a part of. The class that we took on Tuesday 9÷8÷15 was the first one of its kind and I really feel that it fills a void that exists here in the bay area. It was a very cutting edge blend of movement, meditation, sound healing, and yoga. Major props to Amy and Devin for the work they are doing!!!

I went to Samyama last night for the first time and WOW was I blown away. The event I attended was called «Late Night Yoga» and the class was from 8:30 — 10pm. For starters I LOVE this time-​slot. Hardly any studios feature classes after 7 so this is huge!
Secondly the class was mind blowing. Instructor Amy Rogg created a safe and playful space to not only practice yoga but to connect, communicate and FLOW. We were led through a non-​traditional practice that involved forms of ecstatic dance, animal improv and group interaction. This is again filling a huge void in the yoga community where many classes people shuffle in and shuffle out without saying a word to anyone else in the room. The bond the class shared was wonderful and truly connective.
After the transformative dance/​yoga/​flow session we quietly made our way into one of the most blissful Savasanas I’ve ever experienced ~ thanks to the work of music shaman Devin Begley. Devin played crystal bowls, gongs and chimes, creating a deep meditative experience. While the music was going on we were treated with essential oils, head massages and gongs played on our belly’s! Talk about going above and beyond!
In addition to everything the venue is clean, beautifully decorated and has a fabulous sound system (really important in my book). This was my first time at Samyama and I’ll certainly be back for many more to come.

I’ve taken three asanas with Shastri since start of 2015. The first was a talk about Kabir with a practice, the other two his Friday evening class at Samyama Yoga Center (a beautiful space).
He has tapped into his gifts and shares. There’s a musicality to his tone which replaces playlists found in most classes. Even with all of the movement there’s stillness. With the sounds of his voice, group laughter and practitioner’s breath there’s silence. Check your ego at the door… he will correct you directly AND encourage you as well. The closer you are to his mat the more he will adjust you.

In my experience he is a balance of gentle/​firm, playful/​strict, youthful/​experienced, wonder/​wisdom. I appreciate his teaching, humor and simplicity. Thank you!

Samyama gets many things right. It is thoughtfully designed, carefully maintained, and immaculately clean (but with out feeling antiseptic). They attract a community of yogis that are compassionate and inclusive. You will feel welcome from your very first visit.
Samyama’s faculty also includes a true master teacher, Anirudh Shastri. Shastri’s dedication to yoga and his students is palpable. He creates a space where everyone feels welcome. He is a teacher for both teachers and beginners alike as he can teach and appropriately challenge any level of student.
His Wednesday class is the best option for beginners. In this class he takes you though traditional Indian calisthenics to build strength and flexibility. These exercises are physically and mentally challenging and can provide the foundation of an eventual kick-​ass asana practice. Before my first visit to this Wednesday class he warned me: «so it is an intense practice whereby you will have an interesting conversation with your body and mind tomorrow.» Lets just say that was an honest and fair assessment.
His Monday and Friday classes are more appropriate for students who already have been practicing for awhile. He offers traditional sequencing with intelligent modifications and reach poses that are not typically taught in the Western repertoire.
My recommendation is to go in with a beginners mind and no specific expectations. You will be impressed with what you experience and find.

Beautiful building located right next to winterlodge in midtown Palo Alto.
Friendly staff and the entire experience feels serene modern, clean and refreshing.

Visiting from NYC and looking for a great outlet for renewal. Look nowhere else fellow yogis. This is the nicest studio I’ve seen and I have seen so many. The instructors and staff were so welcoming. I’ll remember this as such a special experience in Palo Alto! Thank you!

Samyama Yoga Center is the best yoga I’ve ever experienced. I have been to several classes at this establishment and each teacher has a wealth of Yogic experience and wisdom they gift during their classes. While the classes range from challenging and dynamic, «work-​up a sweat» kind of class, to more gentle deeper stretching kind of Yin classes, each leaves you feeling lighter, refreshed, satisfied, and energized.
I have never participated in a yoga class that has facilitated such renewal as any one of the classes I have experienced at Samyama.
Also, my experience when I first walked into the studio at Samyama was like I had stepped through a door into Heaven. The white studio holds such a peaceful energy that is carried through the whole infrastructure of Samyama’s dynamics.
The staff at Samyama is always warm and friendly greeting you by your name, asking you about your day.
After practicing in a place like this it’s unlikely you will have a better experience anywhere else

Shastri’s class at Samyama is one of my favorite ways to spend the evening. I’ve been attending his classes at the studio for some time now and cherish the way I feel after each session. Shastri’s class is challenging and tests your endurance even if you are a regular yoga practitioner. I’m a yoga instructor and come here to deepen my practice with a more traditional teaching style. You don’t need music in the class because the energy in the room just keeps you going. The all white beautiful room with a rain drop relief wall and changing color lights add fun to the experience. Shastri is very patient, calm and attentive encouraging every student to explore their practice and take it to a deeper level. I’m very happy to have found Shastri through my friend and mentor because my practice has gotten much better!

I always walk away from here feeling so refreshed and zen. Bendy too. Bonus points.
It’s a beautiful studio, large, clean, and modern. There is a whole back room of props such as bolsters, blocks, blankets, etc to aide in your practice.
They also have a nice box of teas you can help yourself to after class.
I brought my friend here and her first class was free.

This is buy far the most amazing studio I’ve ever practiced in. I feel like i’m on the star ship enterprise. The décor of the place is outstanding, you will be blown away no, corners cut here. Most yoga studios are just a whole in the wall. This place is super fancy, You definitely need to check this studio out ounce in your life time. The white walls and light show is out of this world.
I’ve only been to Shastri and Louis class and have to say they are by far the best teachers around on the peninsula. Shastri has been teaching for a long time and his classes are super challenging. Louis studied under Shastri and has developed his own style and is a master. The classes are two hours which is how long a yoga class should be in my experience. Im also a yoga teacher so I’m kinda a yoga snob and if i have to pay for a yoga class the teacher better be a master. Both Shastri and louis masters. I’ve been practicing yoga for 20 years and highly recommend there classes they live and breath yoga. I’ve met the owner John Berg and he’s a very loving and giving man. I was invited to a dinner that he made for his teacher training students. Im so grateful thank you John.
Aloha
Alika

I love this practice! Everyone is so kind and welcoming! The building itself is very beautiful which means a lot to me as I need certain aesthetics to feel centered. Thank you to the moon and back for such an amazing gem! Highly recommend! :)

Probably one of the most gorgeous yoga studios I have ever seen. It’s like a high
–end ultra lounge, spa, & yoga studio had a god-​like hybrid child and named it Samyama. Absolutely stunning venue!
I still need to participate in some more classes to give a full review, but so far I am highly impressed with all aspects of this establishment!

After coming here and taking Shastri’s class, I can say I am a devout yogi to this center and teacher. Samyama Yoga center is incomparable to any other studio it its structure, beauty, and quiescence. Shastri’s teachings have made the utmost impact on my personal yoga practice, meditation, and yogic lifestyle.
I value the traditional essence of his teaching. He does not use music, is simple in his instruction, light hearted and compassionate in his character, and has over 30 years of experience teaching. I find that a rarity to witness in the US.
I drive an hour to take his Friday class because I get what I need from his one class that would probably normally take 3 classes to get similar value (groundedness, peace of the mind, and opening of the heart and body).
What I also appreciate is that the students in his class are very dedicated to this practice. It is inspiring to practice next to fellow yoga teachers.
Shastri’s class is always challenging, adventure into new terrain, and beautiful in its entirety.

Deeper Realms with John and Shastri. Attended John’s last week and Shastri’s earlier this week. Despite the late hour (8:30 –10:00 PM) it works very well as a close to the day.
Safe to say the music is eclectic. U2 and Pink Floyd (possibly Led Zeppelin?) to Ravi Shankar’s sitar concerto.
Believe John and Shastri are leading a joint session tomorrow, thursday, Aug. 28^th.

This studio is absolutely amazing… It’s more than just a studio. It’s a center for relaxation and mindfulness and is beautifully designed.
Wonderful teachers and staff. Absolutely recommended.

This review is for Annika Williams’ classes, (M/​W/​F @ 9.30a and Saturday 10.30a). I have to say that every hour and a half spent in her class is a treat as a yogi and human being. Annika’s vinyasa flows are grounding, challenging, revitalizing and spiritual. I always walk away a little sore, bursting with joy, much more centered and feeling capable, strong and connected. Annika has a knack for making seemingly impossible poses accessible and safe — there is always a period of «lila,» or divine play, where one or multiple poses and their variations are slowly demonstrated, broken down anatomically, then offered to try with support and safety (and a healthy sense of humor). Everyone leaves surprised at what they are capable of, without fail! (Eka pada urdvha dhanurasana, anyone?)
Her teaching style is inimitable in weaving in alignment, awareness and spirituality with heart and love for miles, and the energy I leave with is something I treasure and take with me off the mat into the world every time. If you want a well-​rounded, joyful class to work you out in new ways, deepen your practice and boost your mood, Annika’s vinyasa flow — never the same experience twice — is absolutely worth checking out.

The studio is gorgeous, like nothing I’ve seen in the Bay Area, but I go to Samayama for Shastri’s class. Two years ago, I started taking his class when he taught in the East Bay/​San Ramon area, and nothing else matches the level of intensity and focus you find in the two hours with him. The way he instructs thoroughly wrings you out and clears your mind … it’s not a feeling (or, admittedly, a soreness) I can find in any other class. Plus, he’s got a great sense of humor. Even when you can’t quite «get» the pose he’s demonstrating, he encourages you through it and tells you to smile.
Due to the distance, he stopped coming to the San Ramon, and so I did some research to find where he was teaching. Though Samyama is over an hour’s commute away on a Friday night, this class is worth it. I bought a package and try to make it out once a month or so — I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t think so highly of his class, because there are plenty of great classes around where I live. He just seems to be on a different level entirely.
I’m just starting out teaching yoga at various places in the Bay, and it’s truly inspiring to see someone so passionate about yoga and philosophy. He’s a teacher’s teacher — but then, a teacher for everyone in between, too — and so nice!
The space itself is fabulous — modern, spacious, and clean. The front desk is welcoming and informative. While the prices for classes and packages are a bit more high end, it’s worth it for the quality of studio and teaching you get. Highly recommend — without wanting to sound trite, going here feels like an heightened experience, not just another class.