OlyYoga

Oly Yoga… You reeled me in, but couldn’t keep me hooked. I was completely new to yoga and was looking around online for beginners options and came across Oly Yoga. I was confused of the way it worked on the computer so I called just to ask. I talked to the nicest gentleman ever (seriously, probably the best customer service ever) he ended up convincing me to try the 8 week beginners course but didn’t pressure me. He even said I could make payments on it if I couldn’t pay for it all at once. Awesome! I was super stoked until I actually got into the place… They had recently relocated and I’m not not sure why. Now they are located right on 4^th ave (that is usually quite noisy) and it is inside a small house. You are literally doing yoga in a small living room. I’m kind of claustrophobic so this was a huge problem for me. I could not focus or relax at all. So that right there was a deal breaker for me. But then the instructor, this wasn’t the same fellow I got the honor of talking to previously but a different woman. She was not friendly at all, actually quite intimidating and seemed bothered most of the time. I’m sorry Oly yoga but I had to find somewhere else bigger and more relaxing. I really do appreciate the leeway with the payments and information I was given over the phone!

It’s been almost 4 year since I started practicing yoga. As a triathlete, it’s provided needed attention to flexibility. As a working mom, I honestly believe it regulates my moods and helps me to manage stress. As a 44 year old committed to keeping my body ready for as long a life as God gives me, it keeps me balanced and strong!
Oly yoga has classes for all levels. Even so, the teachers strive to accomodate individual needs & preferences. If I’m feeling maxed, they show me how to listen to my body and take it easy. When I need a challenge, yoga pushes me like none other.
I love the look and vibe of the studio. Even though I could take yoga for free through my gym membership, I always have an «8 class card» from Oly Yoga in my wallet.

Oly Yoga obviously has its adherents. I tried a couple of classes from three instructors. In my limited experience, the instructors were: too vague, too strict, and too easy (matching the description to the teacher is left as an exercise for the reader). None were my thing for where I am right now, but the classes are well-​attended and there are a lot of them, so that is a plus.
One of my visits did net a catchphrase, «That’s not Happy Baby!» …so that’s something.

As I worked my way through a yoga class at Gold’s Gym in Oakland last night, my mind and body kept looking back in time to my days at Oly Yoga. I know things have changed since I attended, but I think they are moving in the right direction, with good intention.
Anyway, I feel I must write this review to dedicate to Ray Grace. He is the best Yoga teacher I’ve had. Compared to Ray, most teachers just pale in comparison. He has been a Yogi since the 70’s. He started out in NYC, and moved west to open his own studio. The richness of experience and diversity of yogic techniques and poses in one class-​genius!
I really appreciate that the foundation of my practice was built on focusing my energy on breath and holding postures for longer than average periods of time, to really get alignment correct.
These two things are why I would sometimes feel a natural high after class!
Your body as well as your mind retain memories, and my body and mind will always remember the Olympia Yoga Center fondly and with gratitude.
Best wishes to Ray and Sabrina.