Inspired by my experience as a mother, informed by my in-depth studies, and proven by my tested methods, I support women in reclaiming their bodies through embodiment technologies and help them feel empowered with knowledge. When we reconnect with our most radiant self, we develop the confidence to live a life of passion and purpose.
I'm a believer in love, freedom, delicious food and that we are all connected to each other. I'm here to support you on your health and well being, preconception, throughout your pregnancy into new motherhood. Yoga with Vanessa has been my saving grace during pregnancy. I've been working with her since the early days of my pregnancy and have had zero back pain.
I'm a believer in love, freedom, delicious food and that we are all connected to each other. I'm here to support you on your health and well being, preconception, throughout your pregnancy into new motherhood. Yoga with Vanessa has been my saving grace during pregnancy. I've been working with her since the early days of my pregnancy and have had zero back pain.
Services
My prenatal yoga program is designed to support your changing prenatal body and to help you meet the demands of labor and motherhood. We will focus on aligning your body and mind. My goal is to help you to drop deeper into your body, to stay fully present is discomfort arises, and to create a loving bond between you and your baby.
Reviews (20)
Sophie M.
Oct 22, 2020
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Vanessa's Yoga style is the perfect mix of strength building, stretching and mindfulness. I have been going to Vanessa's classes for two years now and she is my favorite teacher by far! In every single class she manages to introduce one or two new elements of movement that remind you of the endless gifts Yoga has to offer.
I always joke that after one of her classes, my whole body feels like I did maintenance on it. While I miss in person classes, her care and devotion to student well-being and healing is just as present in the online classes. I am so grateful for her!!!
I always joke that after one of her classes, my whole body feels like I did maintenance on it. While I miss in person classes, her care and devotion to student well-being and healing is just as present in the online classes. I am so grateful for her!!!
Erika W.
Jul 31, 2019
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I was referred to Vanessa by CJ Blackman (a great HIIT trainer if you want that!). After my wedding I was stressed, overworking and trying to find something to help me cure my physical and mental burnout. I wanted to continue exercising but I needed to discover new techniques to help rebuild by mind-body connection - I was sick, deeply sick with unhealthy body, mind and soul. It was affecting my work, my balance, my mood swings and my food/drink habits.
I choose Vanessa because of her holistic approach to yoga, breathe-work, mindfulness and meditation practices. She's deeply studied but
I choose Vanessa because of her holistic approach to yoga, breathe-work, mindfulness and meditation practices. She's deeply studied but
Darlene F.
Feb 26, 2019
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I have been practicing yoga for 10 years and Vanessa is my biggest influence to secure the dedication of my practice. For the first 5 of those years, I was emotionally kicking and screaming upon every arrival to the mat. Then I came to Vanessa's class and I've been a weekly client of hers for the past 5 years. She is deeply knowledgeable, passionate, warm, and a true healer. She has helped me mend aching joints as well as emotional states. Vanessa's classes have deeply impacted my life. She is a true gem of the bay area yoga world.
Kathi O.
Nov 14, 2018
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Vaza has been one of my favorite Yoga Garden instructors for five plus years and she has always championed my determination to do her level II classes despite my 60-something exterior. So when I ended up recently with fractured ribs and compression spine fractures from an awful car accident I vowed to learn a moderate practice with her guidance knowing she gave private lessons for clients with injuries or limitations. She gave me a one hour session in my living room and went through A to Z in a typical yoga class, but with gentle versions of each asana. She explained my T12/L1 fracture in detail
Tness S.
Jan 18, 2018
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I'm very fortunate to have found Vaza! I met her a few years ago when I took one of her inversion workshops and LOVED it. Fast forward a few years later and life brought on new developments, one of them being pregnant. I had to change studios and find a new community of fellow students and teachers and I was lucky to find Yoga Garden and Vaza! When I told Vaza I was expecting, she held space- a combination of excitement, understanding, encouragement and warmth. While I have yet to take a prenatal class, I have continued to take my normal schedule of yoga classes and Vaza provides safe
Rosie F.
Dec 07, 2017
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VaZa is the Heidi Klum of yoga. Her looks and sweet German demeanor are so attractive that it's impossible to hate her even when she's making you do a series of knee to elbow/knee to shoulder routines that are basically kicking your core into those yoga bodies you see on the internet.
Her classes are great. She's one of my usual suspects at the yoga garden and I miss her when my schedule changes.
Her classes are great. She's one of my usual suspects at the yoga garden and I miss her when my schedule changes.
Erin C.
Aug 05, 2017
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One of the best yoga teachers in San Francisco! Great energy and an amazing person. Always a nice balance of strengthening and stretching in Vaza's classes. I've been going to her classes at Yoga Garden for a few years and have progressed from not being able to do one push-up to being able to do headstand, arm balances, etc. But beyond the asanas, it's about the journey and Vaza's classes will always leave you filling positive.
Stephanie D.
May 10, 2017
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I met Vanessa 4 years ago at Yoga Garden. I immediately appreciated the individual attention she gave to each student in her classes and her contagious energy.
I had to get surgery due to a broken elbow and had a very limited range of motion. I immediately knew I wanted Vanessa to be my yoga teacher to help me heal.
Vanessa came to my house when it was convenient for me and made the healing process of getting back into yoga very easy. Not only did she help me physically but suggested holistic remedies such as essential oils. With her help, I gained 20+ degrees with my range of motion and am
I had to get surgery due to a broken elbow and had a very limited range of motion. I immediately knew I wanted Vanessa to be my yoga teacher to help me heal.
Vanessa came to my house when it was convenient for me and made the healing process of getting back into yoga very easy. Not only did she help me physically but suggested holistic remedies such as essential oils. With her help, I gained 20+ degrees with my range of motion and am
Rebecca W.
May 03, 2017
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I love VaZa's yoga classes! I've probably gone to 50 or so classes she's taught and each one has been different, stretching, and fun.
Her Vinyasa classes at Yoga Garden have a great, easy-to-follow structure to them, usually building up to a more challenging pose, but always with a fun, sweat-inducing flow. She changes it up every time, so no two classes are the same, but you'll usually get a good mix of flow, arm balances and inversions. She cares a lot about injuries and really loves working with people who have them, so definitely tell her in advance if you're struggling
Her Vinyasa classes at Yoga Garden have a great, easy-to-follow structure to them, usually building up to a more challenging pose, but always with a fun, sweat-inducing flow. She changes it up every time, so no two classes are the same, but you'll usually get a good mix of flow, arm balances and inversions. She cares a lot about injuries and really loves working with people who have them, so definitely tell her in advance if you're struggling
Jennifer K.
Feb 18, 2016
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Vanessa's yoga classes are exactly what I am looking for in a class. Her class gives me an opportunity to challenge myself without ever feeling I get pushed too far. Her class nourishes body and soul. Her verbal cues are on point and make evident that she has a great anatomical knowledge. During her classes, I can feel that Vanessa loves sharing yoga with her students and is dedicated to her own study of yoga.
Vanessa engages fully with each student individually. Vanessa brings a playful energy to the room and brightens the room with her warm presence.
Vanessa engages fully with each student individually. Vanessa brings a playful energy to the room and brightens the room with her warm presence.
Celeste L.
Dec 15, 2015
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I have taken 4 of Vaza's classes now and I feel inspired to review her because she has quickly become one of my favorite go to teachers in San Francisco. I seem to especially appreciate the teachers who have good verbal coaching technique in class and will also assist you on an individual level to make sure that your poses are correct and also to let you know if you need to alter something due to injury or inability to be flexible (like me!). Also, great grounding sessions in all her classes - RECOMMENDED!!!!
John W.
Mar 10, 2015
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I first attended Vanessa's class by chance in January after years of sporadic practice. I was immediately taken by her beauty and warm spirit - the best was yet to come. Her class was physically challenging but her enthusiasm, clear direction and individualized attention helped me achieve things I would have thought not possible. It was quite the workout! But more than that, Vanessa challenged me to practice mindfully and with intention. It was equally rigorous for my mind and spirit. The class that day inspired me so and I have had a steady, strong practice since. I attend class with Vanessa
Ella K.
Feb 24, 2015
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I have been practicing yoga for over a decade and Vanessa is one of my favorite instructors to come back to. From being a ballerina and playing sports, I unfortunately have a fair amount of body abuse injuries that I have to work through. Vanessa pays a keen attention to form and does an amazing job coaching through regressions and progressions so I feel like I get the most out of every class. I also like that she explains the rationale of the physiology behind the movements so you understand why things need to be work a certain way. Amazing spirit and seriously just one of the nicest people you
Sasha Y.
Feb 13, 2015
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I took Vanessa's prenatal yoga class a few times when she was a substitute for another instructor and I truly can't wait to try one of her higher impact classes after I give birth.
She has a great understanding on what the pregnant body needs and pushes you just enough to feel amazing after class but I never felt pressured to go deeper then was safe. Being a midwife myself, I was pleasantly surprised at Vanessa's level of knowledge and ability to make adjustments for various stages of pregnancy.
I have taken Jane Austin's famous prenatal yoga classes, and enjoyed them as
She has a great understanding on what the pregnant body needs and pushes you just enough to feel amazing after class but I never felt pressured to go deeper then was safe. Being a midwife myself, I was pleasantly surprised at Vanessa's level of knowledge and ability to make adjustments for various stages of pregnancy.
I have taken Jane Austin's famous prenatal yoga classes, and enjoyed them as
Elena P.
Feb 13, 2015
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It is not easy to stand out as a yoga instructor in San Francisco, but Vanessa has managed to do so. She is by far my favorite instructor in the city. Her vinyasa classes are dynamic, focused and diverse. She always surprises us with new poses. Vanessa is incredibly knowledgeable and knows how far to push us. Her presence fills up the room. It is a real pleasure to practice under her guidance. She is a true teacher.
Bryan G.
Feb 13, 2015
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Vanessa is a great teacher and her classes leave you feeling energized and accomplished, no matter your experience level. In any given class you will go through a range of poses, from challenging to relaxing, and everything in between. She teaches with humor and humility and is careful to adapt poses to varying body types and capabilities. Even when I feel like becoming one with my couch on a Monday night, this class motivates me because I know how good I'll feel afterwards. Definitely recommend Vanessa's classes!
Check out a recent article on her:
http://hoodline.com/2015/02/meet
Check out a recent article on her:
http://hoodline.com/2015/02/meet
Cathy L.
Feb 12, 2015
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Tommaso T.
Feb 07, 2015
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Vanessa R.
Feb 02, 2015
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I have been practicing yoga for 14 years and Vanessa is one of the best instructors I've ever had. After taking her class, I feel energized and walk away with a sense of mental clarity and direction. As a teacher, she embodies everything that yoga stands for! She has a strong commitment to her personal practice and to her students. I really don't know what I would do without her!
Tiffanie P.
Jan 28, 2015
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Whether it's Hatha, Vinyasa or Restorative Yoga you're practicing with Vanessa, you'll love her for her positive energy and her precise instructions! Yes, Vanessa is one of those teachers who cares for her students and will correct their postures so they can get the maximum of each class and their selves!
