Black Dog Yoga

Love Black Dog Yoga. It’s the kind of place I can show up just having brushed my teeth and (sort of) combed my hair. I’ve been to several different classes, and I love the different teachers. This is yoga for real people of all ages in one room!

The best Yoga Studio around…
Check out Sigrid’s classes… she understands how to work with issues and my back has actually gotten better working with her… She’s one of a kind!

BDY is a more traditional yoga studio than Corepower or some of the newer trendy studios popping up across the valley. They offer hour-​long vinyasa, quick 55 minute classes, as well as 75 and 90-​minute classes which include some chanting, but also «play time» for students to get help working on handstands, headstands and other inversions.
I was always a fan of their lunchtime 60-​minute intermediate flow class (Feel Great for 8 — now $ 10 Lunch Flow), it left me drenched in sweat even though it is not heated. It is evident that the instructors at this studio are very well-​versed in anatomy and know how to lead a class to generate great internal heat without the use of a heating system or humidifier.
The new student special was $ 30 for the first month when I gave it a shot and they offer plenty of class times and various instructors, workshops and special events (sound baths, wine nights). I never went back after a bad experience with an instructor, but the owners were very friendly and understanding when I mentioned my concerns. For new students I would recommend Rachel or Jahmelia’s noon classes, they are very kind and welcoming.
I highly recommend trying out Black Dog if you are a fan of traditional yoga, want to learn basics or if you are a very skilled practitioner looking for knowledgeable instructors who will take your practice further than just basic warrior poses.

Black Dog changed ownership this past year and I’ve since noticed a few changes — higher prices, shortened class times and some teachers no longer there.
You can still find deals with the Unilocal check-​in and they sometimes have specials around the holidays. The more you buy — the better the price per class.
I enjoy the variety of classes and love that you can find a class pretty much any time of day any day of the week.
Only downside is the bathroom at the studio is down a separate outside hallway. Lot’s of parking.

Black Dog Yoga is such a wonderful place to practice yoga. Unpretentious, friendly, affordable — the new owners, Amy, Larry and Sigrid have really worked to create a beautiful and welcoming space for everyone. It’s not one of those places in LA where you feel like you have to put on airs or «be» anything in particular, everyone is accepted.
The teachers are wonderful and Anne Marie who runs the office is a gem!
I will never go any where else for yoga in LA, and I have been to a lot of studios out here.
They have a great new student special too, so you can try yoga unlimited for either 2 weeks or a month for a great price… you won’t regret it! Best money you can spend on yourself.

This a bit late… really liked the classes and teachers but Black Dog has a huge problem with their receptionist, who has received other bad reviews here and actually turns business away, but surprisingly Black Dog management seem to be ignoring the problem.
I bought their 30 day introductory classes which offered a 10% discount towards purchasing a package. I got sick shortly after starting classes and had to stop. A few weeks later I was ready to go back. My 30 day package had expired so I arrived 15 minutes before the class to buy a 25 class package. It was the morning of a Monday Holiday and there was no one else there, the receptionist did not acknowledge me when I walked in and did not turn around to face the door, ignored my greeting. I had to wait for a bit before she turned around. She gave me an angry look that made me regret having walked in, as though saying «get out you are disrupting my nap!» She could not comprehend what I was asking for and seemed to have a hangover, was angry, and in a daze. To add insult to injury she then rudely asked: Who are you? Are you new? I had to repeat my request to use my new student discount to purchase a package four times; and each time I was told I could not buy another introductory offer and that I had already done that, followed by an angry lecture in a condescending manner. My repeated explanations that I was not asking to buy another introductory offer and wanted to use my 10% discount, which was confirmed in an email on my phone which I offered to show her, fell on deaf ears. She was getting more angry, and my class was about to start, I suggested I leave my ID and credit card with her while I took my class and she could complete my purchase after the class. She became more aggressive and said «absolutely not, you can’t take a class until you finish paying.» The Black Dog receptionist was rude, confrontational, in a foul mood, not cooperative in any way shape or form, and not willing to provide a modicum of customer service and courtesy. So I left.
It is unprofessional that Black Dog management does not pay attention to how their customers are treated at their studio. It is sad for them to lose their local business and sad for me to have to drive a distance to use another yoga studio instead of Black Dog, which is near my home.

Took my first class at Black Dog Yoga with Chappell Westlake. Such a pleasant experience! Parking is easy and the studio is clean. Chappell plays great music. The practice feels more like exercise and stretching, rather than being spiritual, which is what I am looking for. Chappell makes a great effort to get to know you, so new students feel welcome. I liked her Mindful Body Sculpt class so much that I stayed for her Basics class afterward. I took 2 classes on my first day of my monthly unlimited! I’m really going to get my money’s worth at this rate.

I love Black Dog Yoga! I just started taking classes here, and it’s truly a blessing. The instructors and their classes are inspirational, the staff is friendly, always courteous, and totally professional, and the asana rooms are beautiful. Highly recommended.

The first time I came to Black Dog was in March 2014 for a Master Class with Noah Maze. The class was great and the space was really nice. Months later after Amy S., Larry, S. & Sigrid M. took over ownership they brought me on board and I’ve been having a blast working here in this awesome space! The newly remodeled lobby is so inviting and I feel right at home working here. I love all the classes I get to attend and the community feeling is wonderful! Anyway I should probably get back to work now… and then to class after… See you all on the mat!

I’ve been coming here for over 15 years! Great studio, variety of classes and instructors. Inspiring environment, they even offer classes to become an instructor! Highly recommended!

I love this place. I’ve been going to one instructor on and off for 3 years. I don’t see myself going anywhere else that will beat black dog yoga.
One small thing though… I really wish they would open the doors or clean the floors a bit more often. Sometimes the odors are a tad strong by the end of the week.
Also, I wish the basics class ROOM on Friday mornings was larger. This is the only reason I started coming off and on. Everytime I try to go to the basics class it’s overly crowded to point where people are on my mat mid position and/​or I can’t really stretch by then it’s pretty much like what’s the point of coming in but other than this I truly love this place.

I have been going to Black Dog Yoga for almost 4 years. It is has some of the best teachers I have had the pleasure of participating in their classes. They not only have a wide variety of classes for every Yogi, but also learning the Yoga Sutra’s, and positive psychology. There is so much more to Yoga than just the poses. Great teachers, Misha, Joy, Barbara and Sigrid.
Looking forward to Vino and Vinyasa once a month on Friday evenings

This is a fantastic refuge! I have been coming here for over two years. Even when I moved to Glendale I continued taking classes at Black Dog Yoga. There is something here for everyone: the beginner, the expert, people into flow, people looking for more meditative yoga, and people looking for a workout.
The instructors here are extremely knowledgeable and take amazing care of you in every class. I take the more gentle classes because I want to wind down from work and working out, and I love them! I’ve taken a few flow classes, and they’re great too.
This yoga studio is definitely worth trying out if you can conveniently get to Sherman Oaks, or even if it’s not that convenient – trust me, it will be worth it.

My second home! I love this place! Great vibrant space where I come to unwind and tone up. Really helpful people, the lady in the front helped me extend my class package that was suppose to expire end of may Till end of June since I had some health issues. I especially love Santosh and her kundalini lessons, an overall peaceful and healthy enviorment. Thanks guys :-)

wonderful people run, operate and maintain this studio. Sigrid Matthews is an absolute saint. Numerous options for classes daily, they offer $ 10 community classes and even donation based classes. good vibes, every instructor is approachable and willing to help you. They offer a wide range of different types of classes, from very beginner, to strong flow to restorative. they also have monthly events like sound baths and meditation workshops. Not to mention, 30 days for $ 30 what a steal!
Black dog will open your heart!

Like many others, I used the fantastic introductory deal to sample a wide range of classes over the first thirty days. It was a great bargain, and helped me choose the teachers I liked without having to pay full price while exploring.
The front desk staff has always been friendly to me. The space is beautiful. Several large rooms, named for their wall colors. The rooms are clean, and the overall mood is relaxed. There can be a hippy dippy cosmic foo foo approach to yoga at times, but there are some teachers who manage to keep that sort of thing to a minimum.
With such a full schedule, they offer a nice variety in the classes. Some are beginner, some are advanced, some use music, others use props. It won’t take long to establish your preferences. (For what it’s worth, I like the mixed level classes, which offer the teacher the chance to make adjustments. John Sahakian’s slow flow class is my favorite so far. He has a calm presence and soothing voice.)
One of the great things about this studio is the website. You can schedule a class at the very last minute, as I usually do. So if you are not the kind of person who loves to plan out your week in red ink, then you will enjoy the flexibility. If you are that kind of person, you can do that online as well.

New student specials are always a plus!
Community classes for $ 10.
Big studios, a number of good instructors. I like Grace and Rachel. But something about this studio doesn’t give me the incredibly OHMmmm relaxing yoga feeling.

So first I should mention that I’m a rookie when it comes to real yoga. The extent of my yoga was provided at 24 hour fitness and the gym at work. The issue with that practice is that you get more of a yoga lite and the progression in the practice is slow if any.
At Black Dog, in a matter of one month, I was able to touch my toes again when I was barely able to go past my knees in the forward fold. The teachers are really friendly and everyone is really encouraging. I am very much a fan of Grace, Anne, and Rachel. I feel that they push me to go deeper than I thought I could and they are a huge part in my progress.
The rooms tend to be very warm, so bring a towel or else you’ll find yourself sliding all over the place. If you aren’t bashful, practicing without a shirt isn’t frown upon. I just haven’t gone pass that hurdle yet.
The best thing is they have a new student deal which is unlimited classes for 1 month for $ 30. I went hog wild over the holidays taking sometimes 2 classes a day. I was thoroughly impressed that I just decided to sign up for the unlimited monthly classes.
I think Black Dog is amazing, but the only drawback is sometimes the class moves really fast and I’m constantly finding myself to be about 5 poses behind. That and if you’re looking for something traditional, you’ll probably be annoyed when you hear classic rock playing in the background.

Fingers crossed, but I think I’ve finally found my home studio!
Took the beginner’s class (subbed by Mischa) today and loved every minute of it! The instructor was so great, she set the perfect atmosphere — allowing for the session to be both psychically informative and spiritually fulfilling.
Mischa took the time to really explain the fundamental elements of the poses and was mindful of each student’s positioning without drawing attention away from the class’ meditation.
Bought the new student 30 days for $ 30 deal and I can’t wait to try out more classes here!

I am so happy that I started taking classes at Black Dog Yoga, it’s a terrific studio. Everyone is kind and there is a good vibe throughout.
My favorite class is Mindful Body Sculpting taught by Chappell Westlake. I have been taking it 2 – 3 times a week for four months now and I have never, ever felt better. I feel stronger and I am able to move differently than I did before+ I am much more flexible. I always look forward to Chappell’s class because she keeps it fun with her witty sense of humor and by constantly changing the routine.