Pura Vida Yoga

This studio is amazing. I tried the introductory 30 day unlimited trial membership and got to try out a ton of the classes. The classes are challenging and leave you feeling refreshed both physically and mentally. The teachers are phenomenal and cultivate a very positive, welcoming community.

Exploring yoga studios while traveling is one of my favorite things to do, and finding Pura Vida via Unilocal is definitely something that I’m thankful for…
Pura Vida is a wonderful studio located in the Gaslamp area. I’ve been on a couple of occasions now, during two separate trips, and the classes have been very good. I can tell that it’s more than a yoga studio; it seems to be a place that brings the community together.
The studio itself is clean and offers yoga mats for visitors to borrow. The staff are friendly and helpful, although it’s worth noting that for the early morning classes, they open their doors just a few minutes before class starts. I found myself waiting outside during both visits, as I like to arrive closer to 10 or 15 minutes early to be safe and not be late.
As a side note, I happened to have studied abroad in Costa Rica years ago… that’s where I learned the expression «Pura Vida,» which is Spanish for «pure life.» In Costa Rica, it is used as a greeting and a synonym for «excellent,» which is fitting for how you’ll feel after taking a yoga class at this studio. If you’re close by and have time to practice, there’s no reason not to go get your yoga on at Pura Vida!

Great little studio located in the Gaslamp. I was visiting the area and popped in for two morning yoga classes. I purchased their 30 days for $ 30 which is an amazing rate in any city! I wish my schedule had allowed for me to take more classes. The studio is small and heated, but it’s completely comfortable when you compare it to a Bikram studio. Love that you don’t have to pay to use their yoga mats. Staff is super friendly and helpful. I think this is a great studio especially if you’re a beginner because you won’t feel intimidated or out of place with insane advanced yogis. Plus there are no mirrors so you hang in the back and not worry about anyone seeing you go into childs pose for a good 10 minutes. Make sure you get to class early because they do close the doors promptly which is another thing that I like. Namaste friends!

This is a great space in San Diego for yoga if you’re looking for a regular studio to practice in, or if you’re just staying downtown and need some movement and or grounding during your visit.
I really enjoyed the variety of classes and different instructors that I took. I do have to say that Jennifer and Morissa were my favorites with the Vinyasa and Grounding Flow classes. Both sequences not only left me feeling challenged, but gave me a good sweat and stretch in the process.
Better yet, they offer a $ 30 for 30 day intro rate if you’re trying to feel out what you like. Though I wish I could use the studio more, I’ll for sure be back to do some drop in classes the next time I’m in the area! Mat rentals are free and you can rent a towel for $ 2 if you need it.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, I definitely recommend you check them out!

Great space… great studio within walking distance of everything… and classes going on all day. The teacher all have different unique styles and special classes monthly.

Came to lvl 1 vinyasa for the first time with my elderly mom who wanted to try yoga to prevent falls. Front desk staff were extremely rude. This experience was way outside my mom’s comfort zone, and the staff crushed her attempt with HS grade side eye. Won’t be returning. Unfortunately, this is the closest yoga studio to Barrio Logan. I can’t recommend to my community and we definitely need more health and exercise options. Sad.

Yup, this place is as good as it gets. The people are nice, the environment is a great stress reliever. They have a lot of really interesting activities that are outside of the normal class schedule.
If you work in front of a desk for most of your time and need a good stretch or maybe you just need to clear your mind, this place has plenty of classes that fit those needs. I also go for the extra exercise I get with the Vinyesa classes, good workout.
I initially started when I saw their introductory offer. I thought, «I could use it and there’s nothing to lose.» After you go for the first week you’ll realize it’s just what you needed. Now I go almost once per day.
If you live in the Gaslamp it is a walking distance from you, I highly recommend a 30 day session and you can go from there.

I recently completed my 30 days for $ 30 program at pura vida. It was wonderful. Lovely low key studio. Excellent instructors. Xenia and her staff very professional and patient. I recently moved to S.D. and Pura Vida is a great fit for me.
Kevin

I really like this studio. I signed up for the 30 days for $ 30. I am not a beginner to yoga but I’m definitely not an expert so the Vinyasa level 1 class is perfect for me. The only thing is that it’s a hot yoga class and they don’t necessarily tell you that. Be sure to wear light clothing because it does get super hot! The classes are great though and the teachers are all very helpful and patient. I will definitely continue coming for my 30 days and possibly continue to a membership!

I started doing Yin yoga when they first opened and have explored with Pura Vida’s help to include Vinyasa (over three years ago I think) and just recently ashtanga. Xenia offers classes for beginners through advanced. Very professionally and friendly. I highly recommend to everyone.

Welcome to Pura Vida Yoga. Let go of insecurities, lay down ego, respect humility, focus on breathing, connect with your body, explore your heart, release the painful past, embrace peace, rest, be kind, walk tall, love your self, love your neighbor, love everyone. Incorporate self discipline, teach others what you have been taught and have taught yourself. Be transparent in order to help others. Be thankful for all you have inside you. Be grateful for all tou do have on a daily basis. Smile. Repeat.

Fabulous class with Morissa who made me feel very welcome while visiting on vacation from Australia. Good class schedule and price, handy location in lovely Gas Lamp area. Yoga mats and merchandise also available. Great instructor who catered for basic as well as more challenging options. Thanks for the experience. Can’t fault it, five stars. Thanks Morissa.

I was looking for a yoga studio that had Yin Yoga, and Unilocal lead me to Pura Vida Yoga. Located in the gaslamp, Pura Vida Yoga is easily accessible by the trolley and walking. Parking might be a tad difficult/​pricy. There is one yoga studio that feels big with no one in it, but as soon as you pack 12 people into it for a class with all the blocks and blankets and bolsters needed for a yin class, it becomes, well, packed. I bought the $ 30 for 30 days package online for first time members. It’s such a great deal. Drop in rates are $ 17 for a class, so at least two classes in one month more than pays for the intro special. My first time there I arrived early because like a good student I wanted to make sure I was on time. I was warmly greeted by the class instructor and made to feel welcome. Sunday yin classes are a bit shorter than Thursday yin classes (1 hour vs. 1 hour 15 minutes). I have taken yin classes at other studios, and find Pura Vida’s classes to be relaxing yet challenging. My last studio did mostly seated or lying down positions during yin classes. Pura Vida Yoga’s had some more movement and standing positions than I was used to, but that wasn’t necessarily bad.

The studio has outstanding teachers and a wide variety of classes. They host a number of community events: book club, trips abroad and programs for a healthy lifestyle.

Hands down, the best yoga studio (and qualified instructors) in San Diego – perhaps on the West Coast. The location is absolutely perfect for tourists staying in the Gas Lamp, as well as locals wanting to find a zen-​like atmosphere downtown. The drop-​in rates are extremely reasonable for what you get – awesome instructors, a great detoxifying «work-​out», and advanced knowledge pertaining to the yoga practice, the yoga sutras, applying yoga to everyday life.
I’ve been a student of yoga for nearly 10 years and can easily say that this studio, its location, and the instructors from which we learn, are undoubtedly among the best in the West. If you haven’t already tried one of Xenia’s classes, you’re missing out!
Namaste.

This was a great studio. I’m from out of town and just dropped in for a Saturday class. They were very welcoming and the class was great!

I really love the energy of Pura Vida. The location, hours, teachers, and fellow yogis and yoginis have me returning to class here.
While in San Diego for work, I typically stay at the Gaslamp Westin, which is walking distance to Pura Vida (no more than ten minutes). My walk is glorious and I pass by several fun, hip restaurants and cafes. When I arrive at the studio, I am greeted by a welcoming Pura Vida employee and relaxed atmosphere.
I would agree with others that the lack of mirrors is a positive aspect of the studio. I prefer focusing inward rather than outward during yoga, so the design of the studio is conducive to that. The studio room has a hip, laid-​back feel.
The classes are wonderful. The teachers know what they are talking about, and they are hands on! They actively help you achieve an inner state of bliss and ensure that you leave feeling far more zen and flexible than when I walked in.
The two week introductory special for $ 20 is so awesome! What a great deal :)

I am
In love with this studio and I love the different instructors. each one challenges me in different ways and I am so excited to continue my journey and practice. I started with the two week unlimited pass for 20 dollars and withing a week and a half I signed up for the 1 year unlimited for 77 dollars a month. They automatically deduct it from your bank account so it’s super easy and they have really cute comfy yoga clothes for sale. everyone is super friendly and welcoming and this place is nice and clean. I am under the weather and have not been to class in a couple days and I can not wait to get back. Highly recommend this place to beginners or more advanced yogis!

I have practiced intermittently for about ten years but am not what I would consider «serious» about a yoga practice. I do it for a workout, and I don’t like to do the same workout all the time, I get bored easily. So I love the idea of access to different classes and teachers. i chose Pura Vida because i live nearby and can walk to the studio.
Five stars because it is always clean, every instructor I have met has been pleasant, if not downright warm and friendly, and they offer a good variety of classes at different times of day. I work a schedule with some «on-​call» and can’t always cancel a class with 24 hours notice and I appreciate that there is no penalty if I get called in and can’t make a class that I’m scheduled for.
If you have an injury or issue with a specific joint/​extremity/​body system and let the instruct know ahead of time, they will either help you with adjustments or allow you to modify, without hurting yourself. Example: I have had multiple shoulder surgeries and head/​handstands are really uncomfortable. No pressure from the instructors. They are encouraging but not pushy.
Caveats: the studio is warm. Bring water and a towel. There is often noise from traffic outside, and some of the instructors are soft-​spoken and somewhat difficult to hear. If you are not familiar with their classes, go to the front. Seriously, there is no judgment in this studio, no competition, yogis of all levels.

I was in town for a job interview/​apt. hunting and my stress level was through the freaking roof. I have done yoga before, but it has been 4 – 5 years since I’ve done a class but I had been wanting to try it again and I desperately needed to decompress so I figured, no better time than now. I signed up for an early morning class with Vivian and it was exactly what I needed.
My only complaint is that I didn’t realize until I was there filling in the paperwork that the studio was heated to 80 degrees. I can’t say I enjoyed the hot aspect of it, but the universe apparently decided that’s what I needed and it was good to give it a try.
Other than that, Vivian was great. I am terrible at yoga, but I didn’t feel terrible about myself while there and she really only corrected me once, which frankly I appreciated. The tone she set for our practice was perfect and I left feeling fantastic!

I was in San Diego for work and thought I would start off the week with a great yoga class. What a lovely and calming experience to be in this studio with the amazing instructor who’s name escapes me but it was Monday at 8:30am! Absolutely loved the flow & setting the intention at the beginning of the class that tied into my entire work meeting. The other people in the class were too kind and very welcoming, great energy and I wish I could be there everyday!