YogaHop

Love love love yogahop! This definitely not traditional or zen yoga. It is more of a moderate workout incorporating yoga poses and loud music. The instructors are all really friendly and encouraging. You’ll leave sweaty and energized.
I particularly like the Pump class, where you use light weights, and do push-​ups, burpees, etc. I already have Classpass and another regular gym, so I’m not sure how often Yogahop will fit into my budget, but I definitely hope to be back!

This place catalyzed my passion for yoga in a new, invigorating way. The studio is an interesting setup, with two open rooms (east and west) for the same class to be taught by one instructor. The music gets going and that’s the cue to get ready for some fun. I like how precise my instructors have been with their words over the speaker system, since you don’t have a point of reference to look at like other yoga classes. The music probably serves as the selling point for me because it makes the yoga flows so much more fun to do. They keep the playlists current, which I appreciate. Pricing is a little steep, but worth it if you keep up with your yoga practice. People are very friendly.

Excellent ! Been coming for years and love it. Its a hard practice but uplifting and positive for body and mind.

I thought I would like YogaHop since I’m not into the spiritual side of yoga, I mostly want a great workout. So the description appealed to me.
In practice, though, it’s not great. There’s no instructor at the front, they just wear a wireless microphone (so you can hear them over the music) and walk around. The studio is split into 2 rooms, and often the same class is in both rooms, so the instructor is walking between them. Most classes I went to (I did 10 classes) were packed, which was fine.
The atmosphere is like no yoga studio I’ve been to. I read in other reviews that people would have their phones out at their mats and that was a normal thing, but I didn’t believe it. Well, it’s true. People occasionally pick up their phones and text or whatever. So weird.
PRO:
— Groupon makes it easily affordable
— It’s a good workout (I tried all 3 of their classes, YogaHop, YogaHop Plus, and YogaHop Pump).
— Street and lot parking is usually easy.
— The instructors and staff are all friendly (this is really a low bar and shouldn’t need to be listed under «pro,» but I thought this section was looking a bit sad).
CON:
— The instructors are WAY too chatty mid-​class. When I’m holding a pose, the last thing I want is some dude to walk up to me and ask me how I’m liking yogahop. Especially THREE TIMES during my first class. And it wasn’t just me, I saw Matt Reyes & others cutting the mic to chat with people all the time. I really really disliked that. Give me some space, man! I’m doing yoga over here!
— The music is too loud. I’m 29, not 50, and I like loud music. But this is just stupidly loud. Sometimes you can’t hear what the instructor says even with the microphone.
— On that note, the music is about ½ terrible, ¼ decent and ¼ tolerable. Oh my god, they kept playing this AWFUL remix of Adele’s Hello which was in like double or triple time. What are they thinking?! They play pretty much the same music every class, regardless of instructor, and the music isn’t related to what you’re doing (e.g. you’re holding crow pose for 2 minutes and it’s still rapidly thumping).
— There is no instruction as to alignment etc. This means people do harmful things, like letting their knees go past their ankles in warrior poses for example, and no one is there to correct them.
— YogaHop Pump is supposed to include high intensity interval training. It’s really just pretty normal yoga with some bicep curls/​rows while your legs are in various yoga positions. Nothing high intensity, no intervals.
— I get covered in other people’s hair every time I practice here. Wtf? Sweep the damn floors between classes!
— I’ve noticed this happens in other studios as well, but is it really so hard to start on time? I’m so sick of arriving 2 mins early and waiting 10 mins on my mat for class to start. And people come in 15 mins late and everyone who was there on time has to stop their practice to make room.
I’m giving it 2 stars because it wasn’t so bad that I was willing to forfeit my groupon by not going. But I would not recommend it at all.

LOVE this place. I never dread going (like a typical workout class) and you leave drenched in sweat (it’s toasty in that room) feeling zen and revived. Shout out to Matthew who is so welcoming to first-​timers and veterans of his classes. Probably the least judgmental/​uptight studio on the westside. Get the 10 classes for $ 45 groupon — best deal ever!

I like this place. It’s good for a first time yogi and for someone that doesn’t really like yoga. It has top 40 music so u move fast and it’s not boring. The instructors are really nice.

Attention everyone: if you are looking for an ass-​kicking, come here. There’s even a Groupon for it.
This place is full of energy with its bright sunlight and loud music, usually top hits from today’s pop/​dance/​hiphop charts. The pace is quick and intended for people who know the basic yoga poses such as warrior ½/​3, how to do a vinyasa, twisted half moon, etc. The instructors may come around and do adjustments to your posture, but they won’t take any time to explain what most of the poses are. They do occasionally teach how to do less familiar poses, like I learned to do side crow (sorta) for the first time!
Just be prepared to sweat. OMG, I don’t think I’ve ever sweat so much in my life. This is not heated yoga… just a warm room from the sun and the bodies. I find myself having to towel off really frequently during class. Fortunately I have a yoga towel on my mat to absorb the drippings :(Last time, there was a muscular, athletic dude in front of me, and he didn’t have a yoga towel — his mat had an actual huge PUDDLE on it by the end! And his shorts were dripping. Yes, it’s kind of gross, but I think it’s really amazing that you get such an intense workout while being in such a small physical space.
I’ve enjoyed Kourtney’s classes, as she has a nice relaxed vibe and has taught me some new poses. Matthew is great as well, and I really like that he comes around to say hi and thank you for coming — many of the regulars seemed to know him well. I depend A LOT on external motivation for exercising, and having an instructor give me personal encouragement really helps! Sara was my least favorite instructor as she sounds like a pre-​recorded tape that just recites poses and doesn’t really say anything else, and her intonation sounds very rehearsed/​poised and not relaxed. However, I have to give her props for an excellent shoulder massage at the end of class.
These classes seem to focus more on fitness and energy, and they’re definitely effective workouts, and I feel great afterwards. However, I miss the vibe at my main studio (Red Diamond Yoga — check them out too!) where there is some time spent on breathing and the philosophy behind yoga, which I find really relaxing and rejuvenating. But I like having the variety of these upbeat classes and I think I’ll be back to have my ass handed to me again after my Groupon runs out!

Yogahop is a great concept, when I first started I loved it because it is a great workout and a fun atmosphere. I was a regular but after a while I started to get increasingly frustrated with the entire studio. Here is why:
1. Overcrowded. Many times they pack the entire studio so full there is literally an inch between each mat. Last time I was there (2 weeks ago), I saw one girl walk out and another get kicked in the face. Seriously, kicked in the face from the girl in front of her. Although it made me giggle, get it together. No one likes to be in another persons space while sweating profusely in half moon pose. Staff should limit the number of people in each room. I almost find in offensive they prefer to smash more bodies in a very small space rather then pleasing their clients.
2. Water. They only have room temperature bottles of water for $ 1. They don’t aim to be convenient, that’s for sure. I don’t want your shitty room temp bottled water and I like the environment, lets save some plastic here. Sack up and get a water cooler so I can fill my nice ass water bottle.
3.Teachers. Jennifer kills it, she is the only reason I stayed for so long. Her music is awesome and her classes are different each time. She explains technique, poses and breathing. She takes the time to know every students name and is just all around GREAT! Jonathan doesn’t teach at the SM location often but he is also a boss of a yoga teacher. Hard classes, great workout, feel awesome after. All the other teachers are pretty good but a few major flaws. Some of them do the same thing every class, seriously I could recite in my head what they were going to say next. Some of them have no explanations of poses or breathing at all. They won’t even correct you if you are doing something wrong. Others go way too fast, if no one can keep up, maybe you should slow down a bit.
4. Dirty floors. I get that you stack classes one after another but I could have caught ringworm from touching the sticky, sweat soaked floors. I would suggest after each class someone quickly run a swifter through there. its really foul to put your hand down and wonder, how many layers of sweat and filth are down there.
I am going with 3 stars because when I first started, I really loved this place and it made me enjoy yoga. Overtime, I got fed up by paying a lot of money for so many inconveniences– it starts to add up and I’d rather go to another studio that will offer more to their clients.

Pricey, but worth it.
They have this class called Candlelight. OMG. 8PM, hard, sweaty yoga with loud music in a hot room with low light.
My new favorite spot.
I love the candlelight class. I’m used to quiet, soft classes, and this is not that. I was skeptical the first time I went, and just recently bought a 20-​class pass. Converted me.
It’s hard, it’s so energizing and focusing– the low lights and loud music helps you forget that you’re working so hard!
I’m hooked. Try it with a Groupon if you’re not sure. But if you’re like me, you’ll be «in» after just a few classes.
One funny side note. It’s upstairs, so make sure to use the handrails when you leave class… those quad muscles had a workout, and might forget how to handle stairs after one of their classes! ;-)

Wish I could give it 2 ½ stars because I LOVE the concept and currently just don’t care for their execution.
I love the idea of this studio. It could be my favorite place in the city for yoga. The loud music is the absolute best way for me to meditate. It blocks out all the voices in my head. However, if you want to be a regular, expect that the base routine is exactly the same in every class.
Not just day to day but week to week/​month to month. It’s one thing if all of the instructors created one new class and taught it all week, changing it up the following week but it’s the same class month after month. They all teach the SAME base moves.
I’m perfectly happy to accept that it’s not a typical yoga class but for goodness sake, why are all of the classes exactly the same? If you go twice a week and even see a different instructor you might likely even hear the same music.
It’s really a shame there’s no staying power. I think that’s why they keep rerunning the groupon because they can’t get many repeat long term customers.
I really want it to be my the studio I go to 2−3x a week but to be honest, I’ve been to the same class 20x in the last three months and it gets old.

Entire staff is amazing such a good energy!
Love the music and energy in the room some like quiet relaxing and I like that as well but I find their upbeat music empowering and helps me pull through and push myself! Which in turn clears my mind and I feel so refreshed and energized after a class here.
Only reason they don’t get the 5^th star from me is difficulty finding parking which I guess isn’t their fault, and their popularity. It seems like you HAVE to show up 15– 20 minutes early to get a spot. it’s worth the little hassles though. I wish they could expand or move to bigger studio but I also don’t pay their bills, so I’ll try not to complain :)

This place embodies everything I dislike about LA: mainstream urban westside yuppies.
First: the groupon, its amazing, get it. If you have any intention of taking classes here, it works out to be 4 $. Kudos to the staff for offering it. Otherwise the classes are something outrageous like 21 $ A CLASS. I know this is Santa Monica, but still! They are clearly shooting for the upper income 30+ bracket so if you’re not that, strike one.
Second: the actual studio. Unbelievably cramped, and hot. The studio must have been converted from an old apartment or something as it clearly does not lend itself to a yoga class. But whats worse, the studio will make every effort to JAM as many people as possible into the rooms. I honestly dont think they would pass fire safety codes if they were inspected at random during a class. Your mat will be within three inches of someone elses, on every side. Frankly, I think this is just not safe, but like all good business owners, more is always better! Sacrifice the experience of all for a few more! There have even been people squeezed into their entry hall (which is also quite tiny).
And with so many people, it gets HOT – well above 90 degrees, with very high humidity. This should be a cause of concern to people who are unaccustomed to hot yoga, because despite this not being advertised as such, the temperature is probably quite within hot yoga ranges. It seems however, that the patrons here like that and I would suggest its the fad of sweating so as to show you had a great workout. Newsflash: there is no evidence (that I am aware of) that shows a relationship between how much you sweat and the quality/​detoxifying (whatever the heck that means) effect of your workout. Yet people here gladly get on the toasty room train.
As for the music: unbearable. Its so intense and kitchy and mainstream. I’m not into new age stuff at all, but yoga is not meant for top 40 music. Maybe some people think its uplifting, but to me it was horrendously distracting as you try to focus inward on your progress.
The instructor: Mr. Reyes is ok. He does a fabulous job of connecting with his clientele but is honestly not very technically good. He does not really explain poses, or offer many adjustments/​alterations for body types/​levels/​etc. He is fairly mechanical and uncreative in coming up with poses. He is incredibly nice and encouraging and clearly very interested in his work, but fairly detached (as he is speaking in a microphone between two classes).
On my first class, it was crowded, hot, and loud. Over 50% of women were wearing earnings and makeup, and I was the only guy with a shirt on. Two girls next to me were taking selfies and people were actually on their cell phones during class. Before it finished about a third of the class left, all of which I find immensely rude and ridiculous.
The problem is that I think this is very indicative of the culture here. This place just fits too perfectly with the LA stereotypes so if you’re a person who either subconsciously or not aligns to that, I think you will really love Yogahop. If not, I really don’t think you will like it at all.
Obviously part of my review is personal style/​preferences and part is the studio. Take what you want with a grain of salt. I used to take classes at a studio for dancers and it was incredible – honestly the exact opposite of here – but check it out – the groupon makes it totally worth it. Then decide for yourself.

If are looking for a peaceful, spiritual or zen yoga spot– this is not the place. It’s a bit faux yoga. Today, the girl next to me was texting on her cell phone throughout class, and the teacher said that it was fine. I’m used to really warm, friendly environments in general, and especially at yoga studios. I can say that this is honestly the least warm or friendly environment that I know of in LA. The staff of course are nice, but the members in general– no one really smiles at each other — the vibe is very stuck-​up and cold. As soon as class is over, everyone is on there phones. Even during savasana, a phone was ringing. This is a great yoga workout with the absence of any spirituality, deep breathing, or good vibes.
So if you are ok with all of this, then it’s a great great workout where you burn calories, sweat a lot and get great stretching in in the process. It’s great for the body. And you’ll feel great.

I am addicted to this yoga studio! I started by getting a Groupon but got an unlimited monthly because the studio is so much fun and has done wonders for my body.
I’m on my 3^rd month and try to go 4 – 5 times a week. I’m more flexible now than when I did gymnastics at 13. I’m 30 now — oh my goodness, did I just tell the world my age?
YogaHop BC, I was an avid runner/​kickboxer… I thought yoga was a snooze feast. Boy was I wrong. My first class kicked my butt! I came out of there dripping sweat — no, it’s not Bikram (shocker). It’s Vinyasa flow and the first 45 – 55 min of class is all strength training. What’s even better? Flow and jam to upbeat tunes. It’s the perfect way to start your morning/​end your day. Trust me, you’ll sleep better. I always feel 110% after class, more centered, at peace and glowing with energy.
My favorite teachers: Kourtney and Matt. I also really like Jennifer’s classes. If you get a chance to get have Jonathan as a sub, go! If you want to improve your form or try other crazy poses that the people in the class are doing, stay after class and ask the instructors for tips. I really wanted to do an arm balance and after a week of practicing and with Kourtney’s and Jonathan’s help I am now able to do Eka Pada Koundinyasana and Galavasana — just for a few seconds for now but pretty exciting!
Tips:
Come a little early, classes tend to get full.
Parking is available in the back.
Bring a towel unless you have a super sticky mat otherwise you’ll be slip sliding all over. Be prepared to sweat.
Hop your way to warrior 3s, Katarangas and halfmoons. Namaste.

I’ve been coming here for years and have always had a positive, happy experience each and every visit! When i first came to YogaHop, i was a beginner to yoga and i was able to learn a little more and strengthen my practice every class as Matthew is always very helpful and willing to give pointers. Matthew, the other instructors, and staff are very welcoming setting a warm inviting tone for the whole studio. YogaHop is definitely a treasure to the community. This is a place that you can go to for an amazing thorough workout (super sweaty), fun uplifting tunes, a place to clear your head and find peace, and certainly a wonderful way to start or end your day. I could go on and on… Thank you for everything YogaHop!

This review has been long overdue. Yoga Hop is one of few things I miss about Santa Monica. The vibe, the people in it, and Matthew. I used to go religiously when I lived in Santa Monica and I can’t say enough how much I miss this spot and how this practice is hard to find anywhere else, trust me, I LOOKED. The studio is tiny but so clean — there are two studios and the instructor goes back and forth between the two but their voice resembles God’s voice, where in IT IS everywhere, you never feel like they left to begin with.
The music, the people, the vibe, the instructors (esp Matthew R) are what makes the place a gem.

I recently started going to YogaHop with a group of friends on Saturday mornings at 8:15am. What an incredible workout. It is high energy yoga that will really push you to your limits. And Matthew Reyes gives neck messages!!!

I really enjoyed my class with Jennifer. Just so you know, they split the space up between the East and West wing. Both sides are used for the class and the instructor wears a mic and walks from wing to wing. It’s a small space, but they use it well!
I used to do a lot of yoga but I really fell out of it. I really enjoyed Jennifer’s class because there was a lot of dynamic movements so it gets your heart rate going a bit. Also, they play Top 40 music during the class, but it’s nice when you’re in the mood for a more upbeat practice rather than a more meditative one.
The class does have a good mixture of advanced and beginning students, but I felt like I could still keep up with the pace. Plus! It’s really neat to see what some of the advanced students can do.
Highly suggest it!

Don’t buy a Groupon for YogaHop if you’ve even been to 1 class — EVER. Isn’t the point of a Groupon to get new customers or customers who have tried your service but didn’t become a regular to try or re-​try it? I bought the Groupon and they wouldn’t honor it because it’d been to maybe 3 classes over a year ago when I didn’t live in LA permanently. I went with my cousin to this class so I ended up having to pay the full price which is $ 19. This class, in no way, is worth $ 19. They cram so many people into their tiny studio space and they do not focus on alignment. So you have a bunch of people (some who think they’re yoga experts but really have no idea what they’re doing) falling all over you. I will never be coming back to YogaHop after this experience.

This yoga place seems very popular, from a fully packed two rooms on Sunday, you can tell how much people love it. They take phone reservation, so if you are not reserved, and rooms are packed, you have to wait. Usually you can be squeezed in, since yoga doesn’t take much space.
The workout is sweat! I guess people really love the feeling of drenched. They also keep the door closed which raises up the temperature in the room. After an hour practice, you are drenched with no exception.
It took me a while to get used to their style. I mean their practice is different from traditional yoga. They play loud pop music for the strength workout! It blew my mind the first time I took the class. To me, this is less yoga, you just do those moves and sweat. It’s okay if you don’t mind, and enjoy the hot room and a drenched body. I have to accept, even I don’t think this is real yoga, I like this exercise.
Btw, the teacher, Mathew is really good!