Welcome to Sweetbay Yoga: an inclusive, supportive, outgoing place to explore wellness on many levels. A yoga studio, an events space, a warm community gathering place. Our groups are easy to get to know & easy to be known in. Whether you participate solely in the classes, or find your way into all the activities, you are welcome here @ Sweetbay.
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All the classes at Sweetbay Yoga are taught by long-time yoga practitioners. Sweetbay's teaching is inspired by the many yoga and wellness paths we've followed, and all of us have years of Iyengar practice as the undercurrent to everything we've pursued. It's a common thread between all of our teachers.
Iyengar Yoga, developed by BKS Iyengar and his family in India, is an alignment-based practice that uses props to ensure students both get the full benefit of the asanas (poses) and also prevent injuries. Iyengar Yoga is accessible to all students, regardless of age and even many infirmities.
Iyengar-trained teachers work with each student in a class to ensure that they are getting the deepest possible benefit from the pose, and to ensure that they will not accidentally injure themselves by doing a pose incorrectly.The teaching and sequencing is systematic and precise, helping students achieve incredible physical benefits, such as greater flexibility, strength, and stamina, as well as a focus and quiet in their practice.
Iyengar-trained teachers work with each student in a class to ensure that they are getting the deepest possible benefit from the pose, and to ensure that they will not accidentally injure themselves by doing a pose incorrectly.The teaching and sequencing is systematic and precise, helping students achieve incredible physical benefits, such as greater flexibility, strength, and stamina, as well as a focus and quiet in their practice.
Or have you just heard about how great it was? Our September Retreat this year will be more of the same, and then some! You can look back at 2019's Retreat Details here and here, the brochure given out at arrival. And new this year: "How Sweetbay Are You?" You'll be answering several questions in the hopes of winning great prizes!
Yoga benefits everybody, and for this reason it continues to gain a following. Having a body that is strong and flexible, a deeper awareness of our energy and understanding the movements of the mind: all bring benefits both visible and less tangible. Today I want to focus on why I find it to be especially important for younger people.
Reviews (16)
Mary G.
Jan 15, 2019
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Suzanne V.
Jan 15, 2019
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Sweetbay is without a doubt the nicest yoga studio I have ever been to. Laurel is very knowledgeable about the technical aspects of yoga and explains the poses in a simple yet clear manner. But more so than just the poses she brings an intellectual depth to the practice of yoga. I would leave the class inspired and ready to take on the day.
I haven't attended any other teachers classes so can only write about laurel.
I now live in LA and often wish I had a Sweetbay here. If you have never tried yoga or if you have been practicing for years, I highly recommend this yoga studio.
I haven't attended any other teachers classes so can only write about laurel.
I now live in LA and often wish I had a Sweetbay here. If you have never tried yoga or if you have been practicing for years, I highly recommend this yoga studio.
Claire K.
Jan 15, 2019
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Hunter Schoenfeld
Dec 07, 2018
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Sweetbay Yoga is such a gem in Bethesda. I have been taking classes from Laurel for years. She is without a doubt the best fitness teacher I have ever taken a class from. I had tried yoga many times but it wasn't for me until I experienced the Iyengar method and met Laurel! Her studio is warm and inviting and the community she has built is supportive and fun.
Julie Barrie Buchanan
Nov 30, 2018
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Jbh
Nov 12, 2018
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I started going to Sweetbay Yoga about 2 years ago and immediately loved the vibe of the studio and the people that I met in various classes. Since then I have gone to some of the weekend workshops - and am excited about doing more. The teachers are great and the studio itself is inviting and peaceful.
Leah M.
Oct 03, 2018
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Sweetbay Yoga is truly a special place. The warm and welcoming community of dedicated practitioners, superb quality of instruction, and beautiful space in which to practice make it unique. When I moved to the area I was afraid that I wouldn’t find a studio to fit me: I wanted knowledgeable Iyengar instruction in a warm atmosphere. Laurel brings it, and more! She’s kind, and funny, and helpful. And while I can’t usually attend the array of community events that she hosts at the studio, they all sound fun and engaging. I, myself, stumbled upon this gem when I moved into the neighborhood. I
Marci Ruderman
Jun 23, 2018
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Sweetbay has a great mix of classes and serves all levels and ages. Besides Sweetbay’s classes for adults, it has a strong teen program as well as a class for teens and young adults with disabilities. The studio is bright and clean and the surrounding area is cozy, like a family room. There is a sense of community here, instilled by the down to earth owner, Laurel. Besides yoga, Laurel also shows documentaries of interest to clients at the studio and has social activities for teens sometimes. Great place all around!
M. S. P.
Jun 22, 2018
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Highly recommend this yoga studio! Current newcomer special is awesome!! Have taken classes from Laurel and Roya who are both fantastic - dedicated, eager, energetic, extremely knowledgeable, etc. Laurel (owner) hires only truly dedicated teachers who have studied and practiced yoga for years as opposed to teachers who have taken a quick certification class - huge difference, especially if you don't want to get injured! Classes of various levels are offered daily, 7 days a week. Studio size is perfect. All ages and fitness levels would benefit from these classes. My sons in their 20's
Leslie Saunders
Jun 09, 2018
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Sweetbay is the best Iyengar yoga studio in the DC metro area. Laurel Goeke, the director and owner of Sweetbay, studies yoga methodologies and continues to build her own practice and teaching programs. All the teachers at Sweetbay are well trained, intelligent, and artful instructors. Laurel also builds community and support for her students. There are many workshops, field trips, art events that bring our yoga community together. Sweetbay Yoga and Laurel have so enriched my life.
Carlota Vinals
Jun 06, 2018
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Tracy N.
Feb 16, 2018
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I found Sweetbay Yoga when I was looking for a family yoga class - something I could do with my 7 year-old daughter.
The studio is beautiful - clean, modern and peaceful. All of the essentials you need are there - blankets, straps, blocks, bolsters, extra mats and more. There is also a yoga rope wall and there are workshops focused on ropes. But the ropes are not just for the advanced, in my Level 1 class we use them for stretching and balancing sometimes.
The family yoga is great - a nice yoga workout and fun for the kids. There are also classes I haven't seen elsewhere - yoga for high
The studio is beautiful - clean, modern and peaceful. All of the essentials you need are there - blankets, straps, blocks, bolsters, extra mats and more. There is also a yoga rope wall and there are workshops focused on ropes. But the ropes are not just for the advanced, in my Level 1 class we use them for stretching and balancing sometimes.
The family yoga is great - a nice yoga workout and fun for the kids. There are also classes I haven't seen elsewhere - yoga for high
Chloe C.
Oct 10, 2017
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Sue Petito
Oct 10, 2017
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Sweetbay Yoga is a remarkable place and has had a significant impact on my life. Challenging and fun!
Laurel Goeke, owner and master teacher, connects easily with people and creates a warm and safe environment to expand awareness, try new things, and train the body. She and the other teachers are very sensitive to the specific goals and physical frailties of each student. Beginners and seasoned yogis, young and no-longer young, spiritual and scientific sorts, all mix in this vibrant community!
Laurel Goeke, owner and master teacher, connects easily with people and creates a warm and safe environment to expand awareness, try new things, and train the body. She and the other teachers are very sensitive to the specific goals and physical frailties of each student. Beginners and seasoned yogis, young and no-longer young, spiritual and scientific sorts, all mix in this vibrant community!
Sharon C.
Aug 12, 2017
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The yoga community at Sweetbay is fantastic. The teachers are supportive & knowledgeable. The students are friendly and non-judgmental. Everyone seems to work at their own pace and leave feeling great. I've tried many classes and find all the instructors easy to follow, offer many levels within the class and watch us to make sure we don't hurt ourselves. I highly recommend doing yourself a favor and coming to Sweetbay Yoga.
Chris D.
Jan 07, 2017
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Sweetbay is Laurel Goeke's studio for the practice of Iyengar yoga. Laurel is an outstanding teacher and coach for all levels of practice. She is certified and has been teaching at her home studio, a local country club and at Unity Woods for many years.
She opened her own studio near the Westbard Ave Giant and Starbuck's in 2016 and has built a great sense of community at that location. In addition to offering a large number of classes for multiple levels, she teaches classes for developmentally challenged youth, young women, and newcomers to yoga. Laurel has also used her studio
She opened her own studio near the Westbard Ave Giant and Starbuck's in 2016 and has built a great sense of community at that location. In addition to offering a large number of classes for multiple levels, she teaches classes for developmentally challenged youth, young women, and newcomers to yoga. Laurel has also used her studio
