The Ashram Yoga

A few years back I was broke and floundering and could not afford Hot Yoga. Gary let me Karma yogi (clean etc) in exchange for free yoga for several months. I really appreciated that, It is very hard to ask for help and practicing yoga is just what I needed to keep my head up. Things going much better in my life now and it was great to have the help when I really needed it. Great studio. Thank Ashram!

Ashram is hands down the best method of yoga out there (and I’ve tried a lot, worldwide). I’ll admit, at first I was a little skeptical of their method of simultaneous class flow, consistent sequence, and ultra hot room. But I have come to love Ashram and appreciate the total transformation of body and mind their classes offer. ALL the instructors are amazing, but I especially love practicing with Gary, Claudia, Davin, and Shannon.

I’ll start my review with a disclaimer: The Ashram is the first studio where i began my Yoga practice, so I may lack depth in comparing to other studios and may formed an objective opinion of this place since this is where it all started for me.
Having said that, The Ashram has become my place to destress from all the stimuli in my work and life. It has become my mental sanctuary, and it got to that level because of the teachers and the yogis that practice there.
People are respectful, quiet when they enter the room, and you can tell they are all dedicated to their practice. This helps in ensuring you are getting your money’s worth as every practice is challenging and will test you mentally and physically.
The heat is not a problem for me (but yes, it can be too hot for some people to handle… however, I don’t think this is something that should disqualify a studio), and teachers are good about reading the room and seeing if people are getting worn out (they’ll open the doors to let cooler air in).
Most importantly, I feel like I’m learning quality Yoga. My body is stronger, a bit more flexible, and I’m able to maintain my focus.
If you want a no-​frills Yoga experience that focuses on bringing out your best practice then I recommend Ashram. If you are looking for a more «hip», relaxed Yoga practice that feels more like a work out class than actual Yoga, then this is probably not the right place for you. Either way, I recommend giving it a try– your mind will thank you for it.

Just finished an incredible power yoga class at the Ashram and felt the need to share my experience with anyone who is interested in starting a yoga practice or looking for a change.
The Ashram Yoga is unlike any other yoga facility I’ve ever experienced. The instruction that is provided is unparalleled. Although it is a group class, it is amazing how much individualized instruction and posture correction each of us students receive. Gary Olson, the owner, encourages us to push ourselves to our own limits but emphasizes that it is not a competition with others in the room. This helps foster a very unified and positive energy that permeates the yoga room.
The Ashram is more than just a yoga studio; it is a community in which both instructors and students alike support and genuinely care about each other’s well-​being. It is very much an inclusive environment and I’ve always felt welcomed. I have created some meaningful and wonderful friendships.
As a physician, I appreciate the fact that Gary focuses on and emphasizes the importance of «doing no harm» as our bodies feel and act differently every single day. He also stresses the importance of hydration, especially in a hot room.
Bottom line if you want to find a yoga environment that fosters a sense of community, encourages physical strength and mental fortitude, then the Ashram is the place to go, hands down!
Sana Isa-​Pratt, M.D.

Ashram Yoga is a top professional yoga studio with high standards! I have taken several classes at Ashram Yoga and other yoga studios. Ashram Yoga is my favorite by far! From the minute you walk in the door, everyone is so friendly. The instructors are very professional and pay close attention to their students. They are encouraging, supportive and well trained. I am always impressed with the calmness of Ashrams’ environment. I especially enjoy Julie’s classes. She is very encouraging and inspiring. I love the heat in the room too, it is perfect!!! I recommend Ashram Yoga!!!

I have been going to Ashram for two years now. The teachers are phenomenal and I have gained so much benefit from the Hot Power classes. I love and crave the intense heat along with enjoying the internal focus needed to improve in ones practice. I no longer have carpal tunnel issues, have been able to maintain toned muscles and even increased my flexibility. As an entrepreneur, I have gained more inner peace and better coping skills to every day life stresses. I find myself tapping into the many mantras shared by the skilled Ashram yogis. I like not having music and simply focus on breath and the voice of my teacher that day. Not only do the instructors really care but the support and development of special friends have made Ashram a mandatory part of my week. The Art of the Art is to Show No Struggle.
Namaste!

There is something very special going on at Ashram Yoga.
Both teachers and students are extremely serious about the pursuit of true yoga. It’s not a place where people are just looking for a workout (although you will see many inspiring hard-​bodied 60 year old women who look like 25 year olds). You could say the studio attracts «die-​hard» yogis — people who train and honor both their bodies and minds and who are exceptionally self-​aware.
I feel privileged to practice with such advanced yoga practitioners guided by class A instructors. Sometimes half the class are Ashram-​trained yoga teachers themselves.
It’s hot, I’ll admit I used to have a harder time with that (I’m particularly sensitive to heat), but I have learned to keep my body hydrated, so that I can handle it. Drinking more water has transformed my practice, so I don’t have to lie down as often.
But it’s fine to lie down at any time in this studio and you’re encouraged to do so. As long as you do a resting pose with presence, it is still correct practice.
It is in an extremely convenient location, and when you’re inside there is a wonderful feeling of being at home, and a sense of community.
The place is thoroughly and regularly cleaned, and everyone takes good care of the place as if it were their own. People really are dedicated in their practice and to the studio. It is a trusting, supportive environment.
I was surprised to see a couple low reviews, but the «complaints» seem pretty minor; splitting hairs over a $ 40 Groupon which is already an amazing bargain, or giving up after one class with a pushy instructor and chatty classmates (which is rare at the Ashram, btw). That would annoy me too and it has only occurred once out of 100+ times I’ve been there.
As for the heat, my advice to anyone new who is struggling is to up your water intake – keep a bottle by your desk and sip water all day every day. It’s a different experience to practice hydrated. Also try out a few other teachers to find the ones that have the most compatible style with your taste. Then see how you feel after a couple of weeks. Definitely don’t miss Gary’s class.
I’m grateful I found this place. It’s not easy but it is extremely rewarding.

I visited the Ashram Yoga studio today. I was a little nervous since I hadn’t done yoga for about 7 years, but my experience was…
WONDERFUL!!! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or more advanced, the sequences of poses flow seamlessly, are thoughtfully designed, and are as challenging as you want them to be. Luba (the instructor) was clear and soothing and obviously very knowledgeable. Loved her.
I left feeling revived (and drenched). Even though I lift regularly and do extensive cardio almost every day, I was more than a little exhausted from the awesome full-​body workout.
Make sure to hydrate beforehand because it gets hot.
Go try it. Seriously, like right now.

I have been doing hot yoga for one year now (5 days per week), in my college town and figured I’d find a new studio when I came back home from school. I could not have been more disappointed with this one. Firstly, The room is way too hot. I typically practice in 110 degree rooms and only take breaks during designated times. However, during this class I kept having to stop to cool down. It was impossible to get in the zone and even enjoy myself. I usually lay in corpse pose for several minutes after class is over but I had to rush out due to the ridiculous heat. The floor is literally burning hot and it smells absolutely terrible.
Secondly, I did not enjoy the way the instructor led class. She was so pushy with everyone doing the same thing at the exact same time. Yoga is all about doing what is right for your body and following your breath. The instructor also NEVER SHUT UP. Another reason why it was impossible to get in the zone and meditate. The class was so boring, especially with no music and her constant talking. All I could think about was how much I wanted this hour of my life to end.
Thirdly, before class began several people were talking in the hot room. People were having full on conversations even though it is supposed to be quiet. I can understand saying something short and brief if it was really important but chatting about this and that before class is incredibly rude when others around you are trying to meditate. I couldn’t stand the atmosphere here. So many fellow «yogis» had so little respect for those around them.
Lastly, the flow of the class was horrible. She poorly transitioned from pose to pose and rushed through several difficult balancing postures. Worst 20 bucks I’ve spent in a while.

Ashram has been a great help to my personal development and health. Since joining my flexibility has greatly increased and my day to day pain has subsided! The quality is far above other classes I’ve taken at other studios and everyone is great about answering any questions or concerns! Highly recommend Ashram for anyone from beginners to advanced yogis!

I have been practicing for the last few years, and in that time tried quite a few studios until I found my yoga home. In the time I was groupon hopping, I tried this studio because it’s walking distance from my house. I had high hopes because the location was convenient, but after trying a few classes I have zero interest in returning. The facility itself is nice and the girls at the front and the teachers were actually pretty great, but I just do not enjoy practicing here.
First reason: It’s WAY TO HOT IN THERE. I have been practicing hot yoga for a long time and can even hang in a 112 degree room doing a hard power class, but the dry heat at Ashram makes my nose hurt and gives me head aches. The floor literally burns your feet when you walk into the room and set up your mat. I catch myself thinking about how hot it is the whole time and having to take breaks often instead of enjoying some Zen time with a clear head and a good workout.
Second: I think that the groupons Gary puts out have ridiculously short expiration terms. When I compare the groupons at Ashram with all the other studios in the area. even if you purchase the 10 or 20 class option you only have a month or two to use them. Most studios will give you up to 6 months to use 20 classes. So when I purchased a 20 class pass and only came twice, I believe I wasted my money. CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATES IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A GROUPON.
Third: Terrible customer service. When I emailed the studio to see if they would be willing to honor the 20 classes I purchased, they told me they would give me one free class to make up for it. I may have been able to hang and acclimate to the intense heat if I had 20 classes to do so, but after bad customer service and the insane heat, I decided to move on. I have now found a studio that I’m enamored with and hope you find one that you love to. Hope this review helps for people considering this studio.
Check out Bala or Get Zen. Those are two studios I fell in love with. And no, I am not a teacher or owner at either, just want to help people find their happy yoga home, too.

I have been doing yoga for about 7 years and have tried pretty much all the studios in Seattle. This is one of my last ones so I bought a month unlimited groupoun. I wanted to like this place, it’s a great location, nice studio, nice staff, and I love the yin class I tried. It wasn’t until last Thursday when I tried the power class I felt inclined to give people a warning. …this isn’t just hot yoga, it’s a burning hot room. I’m talking BOILING and BURNING in the studio. It must have been at least 120. Even the floor was burning. I literally felt like everything in my body was burning… and the worst part is the teacher wouldn’t let me out to build «mental strength» mental strength my ass I was stinging all over my body.

The Ashram Yoga Studio has transformed my life in such a positive way — I am so thankful to be a part of the studio family!
I had practiced yoga for about 10yrs on and off, with no real focus on a consistent practice. And then one day I had my 1^st class at the Ashram Yoga Studio. It immediately felt like home — with the grounded energy, a community of teachers and students that care (which makes me care more too), the yoga classes that teach proper aligment, and of course Gary Olsen, an amazing teacher with much wisdom to share and he encourages me to find my edge in every class. Just a few months in, I heard about the Raja Yoga weekend — to learn a meditation practice that could change one’s life. I signed up right away and started practicing a daily meditation — and have continued on a regular basis. It not only changed my yoga practice by making it a deeper and a more profound experience, but is so powerful that it has changed my everyday life. Only a few months later, I signed up for the Ashram 200hr Teacher Training in 2013, with the intention to develop my practice. Little did I know that I would begin teaching right away! My life has gone through an amazing transformation in the last few years, with the Ashram Yoga Studio and Gary as a huge part of it.
I am so thankful to have found the Ashram. It is a home, a sanctuary, and a place I love to be at on a regular basis.
I have more joy, I am less stressed, I am more grounded, I am healther, and I have more compassion for others, I am happier!

The best hot yoga studio in the Northwest hands down! From the moment you enter the lobby, your greeted always by a friendly smile :-) Every teacher is extremely knowledgeable in creating an experience that will leave you refreshed, focused and energized. Always amazed how the yogis have such great studio ethics and respect for the teachers.
This was my first hot yoga studio I ever went to and at the end of my first power class, I knew from that moment this was going to become my second home.
Found myself improving not just physically but mentally and over all life style. What can i say… oh yeah, i was just happier and I know you would be also. So give a try!
The different styles of class offered at the ashram will keep your body balanced, focused or even upside down (in the Yang class ;-)) I love learning new things about my breath, body and mind as each teacher knows just the right thing to say or touch to get me to where I need to be.
In end, my whole life changed for all for best and who knew all it took was 1 step through the doors of The Ashrams. I highly recommend this place to anyone new or experienced to come by and get your yoga on :-) see you there!

I had a really terrible experience at this Yoga studio which I want to share with others and especially warn beginners as Hot Yoga can be dangerous when the Yoga teachers are not careful.
I love Yoga. I think it is not only good for the body but is excellent for the mind and helps develop spiritual thoughts. However, I am a yoga beginner and have not been consistently physically active. I am not a huge fan of hot yoga but I thought I would give it a try in the Ashram Yoga anyway.
I found that the room was too hot and stuffy with too many people. However, I was there to give my best and I did so in the practice. Towards the end of the 90 min class, I felt a strong tingling sensation in my hands and feet. I desperately needed fresh air — however the teacher waived me to lie down in the hot class itself. I could feel that my breathing was getting harder and harder and tried calling her again — instead of paying attention to me the teacher tried to shush me down so that I dont disturb the rest of the class. My condition kept getting worse and I was still keeping my trust that the teacher knew best. I felt that my hands and feet were cramping out of control and I called the teacher again. However, the teacher still behaved like I was over reacting and asked me to keep breathing while returning to directing the class again. I knew something was terribly wrong when she put some water in my hands and I couldnt feel them — at last some other students came to help me and I couldnt even stand straight. 2 – 3 students picked me out of the class and laid me on the floor outside. By now my whole body chest down was totally cramped beyond my control and I had to focus my whole life on trying to breathe. I will not lie when I say that I felt I was done for. I am really grateful for the couple of students who came out to help me and kept asking me to breathe — there was one lady who asked me my name and I realised I had trouble even speaking. After what seemed an eternity I could sit down and gulp some water. All this while the teacher, kept behaving as if this is not big deal with not one kind word to me and kept returning to the class so that the class was not disturbed! In the end she kept repeating that it was dehydration, happens often, etc.
The fact is that it might be dehydration, but it is a hot yoga class, I was a newcomer and I was crying for her attention. I dont know whether it was carelessness, inexperience, or just a lack of kindness that led the teacher to behave that way — however it was a horrible experience for me and I would STRONGLY encourage beginners to think twice before going for a hot yoga here. If you do, remember that you cant trust the teacher to take care of you.
I want to add that some of the other teachers here especially those at the YIN class are very kind. However, I am still giving 1 star so that other newcomers can know of my experience

Love this studio! I have now been to a number of their classes and couldn’t be happier that I gave this studio a try. The teachers are all so nice and incredibly helpful. They have different varieties and lengths so you can work all levels of your practice.

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I have NEVER had a yoga instructor yell at me for stopping to drink water, until I came here. This is hot yoga! It’s 120 degrees in the studio and isn’t yoga about listening to YOUR OWN body? All the power classes follow the same series of positions every time and it gets incredibly boring. I have gone to quite a few yoga studios and this is one I will never go to again. The dressing room never felt very clean either, which is something that bothers me when I have to walk around bare foot. My worst experience there was during a class when a ceiling fan fell on a student!!! He was fine but still, a little maintenance would be a very good thing!!! I am actually shocked there are not more negative reviews.

The Ashram is a great yoga studio. I’ve been attending for a year and a half and can honestly attribute the instruction and vibe at the Ashram for motivating me to regularly practice yoga. I have dabbled in yoga in the past but didn’t find the right mix– I often fell asleep in dead pose (no joke).
One of the unique (and great) things about the Ashram is the type of instruction that Gary has created and instilled with his teachers. They can manage to different levels of experience and athleticism in the class, which is great for making everyone see the benefit of practicing yoga.
I have referred several friends to the Ashram and will continue to do so. My niece & nephew even had a blast at the kid yoga class!

Left me in the cold!
I drove 40 minutes from Seattle to Kirkland at the recommendation of a friend to join her at the Ashrams hot yoga. Of course, the traffic was horrific and I got to the studio late. Knowing I was going to be late due to traffic I started calling about 10 minutes prior to the start of class to find out the studio’s policy — no one answered the 4 phone calls, and the generic voice mail only says the Ashram and does not inform the caller about the studio at all.
Finally arriving 10 minutes late (at the door) — in the oddest, poorly lite strip mall ever — there was no one in the lobby and the door was locked. Mind you it was only 5:10pm. I knocked on the door to see if the receptionist was around the corner when an older man with a grey hair ponytail in shorts comes to the door. He opened the door and only stuck his head out, leaving me standing on the cold, black sidewalk of this strip mall. He informed me that I was too late for the class and would not even let me into the lobby. (nice) I had only driven 40 minutes and needed to pee… but no… I was late.
I attend hot yoga on Queen Anne where I live and they not only answer the phone all the time, they allow attendees who have signed up to be 7 minutes late. My big bitch is not that I was late, class, started, etc. It was that I was left on the dank, cold sidewalk, treated like scum after driving 40 minutes.
Gary did introduce himself and asked me to come back, saying I would really like it.
I think not!
I would also like to add, I grew up in a commune and we all lived in «Ashrams». Each Ashram was into their trip of yoga and welcoming anyone who walked through the door, Gary does a poor job of representing what a true Ashram is about.

I have already recognized that yoga is not my thing, especially in a hot hundred-​and-​something degree room. Stretching however is amazing and something I need to be doing more of! My friend introduced me to Yin Yoga that is a «deep stretching yoga in a meditative environment», its 90 minutes and in a warm (not hot) room. I am now obsessed with this class and the instructor, Mel is amazing. He has a calm soothing voice that helps you focus. This class is perfect for me, the temperature is comfortable and the yoga stretches are just enough yoga for me not to hate it.
This facility is very clean and calm. The changing area for women is decent sized but does get crowded. There are cubbies available for your stuff and showers. They also have yoga mats and towels available for use.
(My ¹⁄₃₀ for November)