We offer yoga classes taught in the Iyengar Tradition. We welcome students of all levels of learning; offering beginning, mixed, intermediate and advanced classes. We also offer specific workshops and Intensives to enhance the the students learning and depth of understanding of Yoga. Yoga classes are based on the teachings of B.K.S Iyengar, where alignment and integration of body, mind and breath are in harmony.
Many of our teachers have both taught and practiced Iyengar yoga for decades and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their classes. We ensure that each student is taught in a safe and progressive manner. We recommend you have a few props such as a mat, block, strap, bolster and a chair if possible.
Many of our teachers have both taught and practiced Iyengar yoga for decades and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their classes. We ensure that each student is taught in a safe and progressive manner. We recommend you have a few props such as a mat, block, strap, bolster and a chair if possible.
Services
If you are interested in the monthly Membership please send us a email to help sign you up. If you go out of town for longer than a month and want to freeze your membership we charge you 1/3 of the monthly membership. Bija Yoga is a dedicated Iyengar Yoga Center, offering group classes at all levels, as well as workshops and teacher training.
We offer this guide for new students coming to our space, we welcome you to your yoga journey and are here to help. The "Introduction to Yoga" course has been specifically designed for brand new students. We have gathered some tips and advice that might be useful before you come in for your first class.
We recommend that you keep noise to a minimum in the main studio, so that those who are moving into a quiet space before class, get the chance to do this. It is always a good idea to stay for the duration of the class, so that your body moves through the sequence that was intended, please talk with your teacher should you need to leave early.
Reviews (19)
Rita M.
Dec 22, 2019
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I signed up for a restorative yoga and sound healing with Amber and Jennifer. Lo and behold it was also Solstice which was a bonus. The studio is clean and comfortable and the two compliment each other very well. I am wishing I had purchased a CD from Jennifer. Her music was beautiful and her singing added a mystical quality. The yoga made a big difference in my well-being. Amber helped to adjust our poses and it made such a big difference in the ability to stretch especially my shoulders. They are a well stocked studio and there is no need to bring anything unless you like using your own
Stacy S.
Mar 03, 2019
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Kelsi S.
Feb 20, 2019
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I'm fairly new to SF and was looking for a good yoga studio in the area and came here due to the great Yelp reviews - they were very accurate! I had no idea this studio specialized in Iyengar yoga, nor had I ever practiced it so was slightly surprised - but in a good way.
The classes are a much slower pace than the vinyasa classes I was used to from back in LA, and each pose is held in a much more precise, mindful way that provides instant pain and stress relief. The studio itself is HUGE and clean, with tons of props and mats to use.
I scheduled myself for Larry's mixed class a few
The classes are a much slower pace than the vinyasa classes I was used to from back in LA, and each pose is held in a much more precise, mindful way that provides instant pain and stress relief. The studio itself is HUGE and clean, with tons of props and mats to use.
I scheduled myself for Larry's mixed class a few
Mike A.
Jul 31, 2018
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Robin A.
Oct 23, 2017
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Beth D.
Apr 09, 2017
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I'm about six months into beginner classes here. Group fitness isn't my favorite thing, but I've found the environment and instructors very welcoming and approachable, and happy to help with my specific needs. I don't have a point of comparison since I'm new to yoga, but the space is really nice: full of every prop you might want, great lighting, and very calming. The class passes are a deal, too. I enjoy coming here and am hoping to find time to fit more classes into my schedule. I'd absolutely recommend this studio to any other beginners.
Rinna S.
Nov 27, 2016
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About 6 months ago I took my first yoga class. To be honest I didn't understand why I need to do it and the purpose of it. But here I am 6 months later and I am addicted and loving it .For the most part it is due to the patient and professional instructors at the Bija yoga center. I am almost floating on air after leaving Megs restorative class on Wednesday evening, and loving the blend of physical and spiritual approach with a good dose of humor thrown in for good measure in Larrys class. And the best comment I can give is the fact that I no longer need to visit my chiropractor for some aches
Heather H.
Oct 01, 2015
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Intructer injured my arm today by twisting it even after I clearly was in pain and told him to stop. Lots of negativity and talking about age. 2 classes left on my pass and I won't go back, too bad he put a sour taste in my mouth
Also first 2 times I came to this studio the instructor didn't show up
Also first 2 times I came to this studio the instructor didn't show up
Alex L.
Jul 31, 2015
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I have practiced yoga and visited several studios in Los Angeles, and some in Washington State. I must confess that my one experience with Iyengar yoga in California was not positive; however, Larry Lopez changed my views on it. I *highly* recommend his classes. He is fun, gentle, patient, and supportive.
I wish I could live in that neighborhood--I would definitely study and practice with him. I am looking forward to my next summer vacation so I can take a couple of classes with him.
I wish I could live in that neighborhood--I would definitely study and practice with him. I am looking forward to my next summer vacation so I can take a couple of classes with him.
Deni R.
Jun 13, 2015
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The studio is fully equipped with every yoga prop and more. It is clean, welcoming and you can feel the Iyengar vibe throughout the studio. Larry Lopez all level class was excellent. It moved along at a perfect pace with detailed instruction linking from asana to asana. It was intelligent, challenging and light hearted. I felt great the whole day and look forward to returning the next time I visit San Fransisco.
Grace O.
Aug 29, 2014
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Cc K.
Mar 11, 2014
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Yoga has been on my to-do list for ages, and I came to Bija as a total beginner with absolutely no yoga experience. I am totally hooked.
I am a competitive athlete and do a lot of weight training and cardio work, but was starting to feel that my lack of flexibility might cause injury since I am not exactly getting any younger. Linda, the teacher for the beginner classes I attend, is so great about getting students to think about how to access different muscle groups in an effort to learn proper poses and maintain the balanced body that is really what I am trying to achieve. I can already feel
I am a competitive athlete and do a lot of weight training and cardio work, but was starting to feel that my lack of flexibility might cause injury since I am not exactly getting any younger. Linda, the teacher for the beginner classes I attend, is so great about getting students to think about how to access different muscle groups in an effort to learn proper poses and maintain the balanced body that is really what I am trying to achieve. I can already feel
Devon J.
Feb 09, 2014
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I've tried yoga DVDs and gym-yoga at various gyms, and I never really "got" it. I never really got that "stretch" feeling and also couldn't seem to get into half of the poses. I was usually told just to do "child's pose" on the floor until we got back around to something I could do. Lame.
This place is Iyengar Yoga, unlike the Vinyassa Flow stuff that most yoga studios do. It focuses on body alignment, standing poses, and shoulder stands (at least at the Intro Level, which is where I've been attending). I've gone to a few different classes
This place is Iyengar Yoga, unlike the Vinyassa Flow stuff that most yoga studios do. It focuses on body alignment, standing poses, and shoulder stands (at least at the Intro Level, which is where I've been attending). I've gone to a few different classes
Jennie S.
Dec 05, 2013
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This is the first place I've ever done yoga, so I don't have much to compare it to, other than what I've been told by people who have...
Anyway, I really like it. I've been going for about a month now to the introductory classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The instructor, Beth, is great--really friendly, really attentive and willing to help you get the pose exactly right so that you're working all the right muscles but not hurting yourself. The classes are small, which is really nice (I have no interest in being packed in like sardines in a can--plus, as a former schoolteacher
Anyway, I really like it. I've been going for about a month now to the introductory classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The instructor, Beth, is great--really friendly, really attentive and willing to help you get the pose exactly right so that you're working all the right muscles but not hurting yourself. The classes are small, which is really nice (I have no interest in being packed in like sardines in a can--plus, as a former schoolteacher
ZoZo M.
Oct 08, 2010
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I signed up online for the Sunday night "Restorative Yoga" class and arrived to the class 15-minutes early per the instructions on their website. After waiting 30 minutes outside along with a dozen other people, no teacher ever showed up for the class. The studio remains locked until a teacher shows up, so there was no way to contact anyone about the missing instructor. What a waste of time-- especially when it takes a good 10 minutes to find parking in the inner sunset neighborhood. I will NOT be going back to this studio!
I paid $20 for the class and still have not received my
I paid $20 for the class and still have not received my
Lindsay B.
Jun 21, 2010
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I wanted to like Bija, I really did. And maybe it's unfair to judge based on just one class, but that's what this review will be. When I walked in, a bit early for the weekday community class, the front desk person and the instructor were cleaning the studio. Clean = good in my book, so this was a plus. They were both friendly and said hello with a smile, and I felt welcomed to the studio.
Then why only two stars you ask? Well, maybe I just don't like Iyengar, but I did not feel that the class did anything for me other than stretching. The room was a bit chilly, not once did
Then why only two stars you ask? Well, maybe I just don't like Iyengar, but I did not feel that the class did anything for me other than stretching. The room was a bit chilly, not once did
Leah B.
Oct 30, 2009
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I love this place. I've been a yoga dilettante for many years, hopping from one studio to another. Almost without realizing it, I found I kept coming back here.
I agree with what others have already said. The class schedule is great. They offer classes at all hours of the day. And the facilities are spacious, clean, and well-equipped.
The instructors here teach in the Iyengar yoga method, which stresses a disciplined correctness of alignment, but they do it in a way that feels friendly and approachable.
A word of warning: the traditional Sanskrit names are used for yoga poses and instructors
I agree with what others have already said. The class schedule is great. They offer classes at all hours of the day. And the facilities are spacious, clean, and well-equipped.
The instructors here teach in the Iyengar yoga method, which stresses a disciplined correctness of alignment, but they do it in a way that feels friendly and approachable.
A word of warning: the traditional Sanskrit names are used for yoga poses and instructors
Shoshana D.
Oct 18, 2008
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I'm still basking in the post yoga buzz from this class. After a number of disappointing classes at my downtown (post-work) yoga spot this week (they didn't hold positions long enough... it's the worst when you feel like you barely did anything for your body in an hour long class), Bija's level 1 -2 Sat. 11:15 class was a breath of fresh air.
The teacher, Brian, helped me get into a hand stand and shoulder stand, both near firsts for me. And we did some other outstanding positions that I've never tried before. He was good about holding them long enough and usually repeating
The teacher, Brian, helped me get into a hand stand and shoulder stand, both near firsts for me. And we did some other outstanding positions that I've never tried before. He was good about holding them long enough and usually repeating
Sophie C.
Jun 15, 2008
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I love love love this place. After going to different yoga places, this place is outstanding. First, the classes are intimate and you never feel rushed or awkward. The size of the classes are small and the instructors will spend time with you so that you work on your form at your own pace.
There are many different props (toys as I fondly like to call them) that will help you "blossom" into your poses. My favorite class is with Brian on Saturday mornings because his classes are fun, interactive, and I always feel physically and mentally relaxed and happier afterwards. He is very sweet
There are many different props (toys as I fondly like to call them) that will help you "blossom" into your poses. My favorite class is with Brian on Saturday mornings because his classes are fun, interactive, and I always feel physically and mentally relaxed and happier afterwards. He is very sweet
