Radiance Yoga Studio

I’ve tried a couple different studios in the northern Virginia area and this one has by far been my favorite. Management and instructors clearly make an effort to get to know the clients and always try to greet you by name when possible. For beginner students, this makes it so much easier to feel welcomed in the yoga community, which I remember once being a very intimidating experience. Classes can range from very slow and meditative to very active and core strength focused, making it a great place for people of all walks of life and intentions to come together. I haven’t been going for more than a couple weeks and I’ve already seen so many interesting workshops and activities on the event calendar. I’m looking forward to staying involved with radiance in the future!

This place is absolutely amazing. I agree with the other reviewer who said Radiance «is a little piece of heaven.»
I have never had a sub-​par instructor or class. I have attended many different classes, but I regularly attend the gentle and beginner classes, so I can really only report on those. All of the instructors are so different but stellar in their own ways.
Danica puts so much thought into every class and has such a pleasant voice and demeanor. Each class has such a positive and unique message that I reap physical and emotional benefits and often leave enlightened about something new. Michelle teaches a very popular Sunday night class. She is training to be a PT, so she knows a great deal about the body, which is really helpful, especially for those getting over injuries. She is also laid back and very likable. Crissy teaches a Tuesday night beginner class, which is great for personal attention and perfecting asanas.
Every other class I have been to is also top notch. I’m consistently pleased/​amazed at the perfection.
Helpful tips:
*Register online as some classes fill up. BUT. if it is full, you should go anyway, as most of the time, someone doesn’t show.
*There is no reason to pay for parking. There is plenty of free parking on Columbus or Duke.
*Enjoy the first $ 30 month!
*After that month… if you’re a beginner, you should definitely take advantage of the beginner series. It’s a great deal with 6 weeks of free classes plus your once a week personalized beginner class for $ 129.
*There are 2 comfortable changing rooms.

I love Radiance Yoga. I joined this studio by enrolling in the 7-​week beginner class and from the very first day I have consistently had great experiences. The teachers and staff are friendly and welcoming. The studio is clean, spacious, and has a truly relaxing ambiance. If that’s not good enough, tea and cookies are available at every class session. I recently moved out of the Alexandria area and I’ve been so spoiled by practicing yoga at Radiance that honestly no other studio really compares in my mind. I enjoyed Radiance so much that I sometimes make the trek from Maryland back to Alexandria just because I prefer this studio over any other in the DC area. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Wonderful instructor and a wide variety of classes!

I recently took the early morning class while visiting a friend in Alexandria. The instructor was very welcoming and attentive to her students. After a 13+ hour flight this class was a great way to recover. I plan to return every time I’m in town!

5 stars! My husband and I tried it out for the first time and it was a great class. The instructor was lovely and very knowledgeable. The desk staff is also friendly. You could tell she knew the regulars by name and was nice to everyone. We will be returning for sure! I just wish we hadn’t moved away so we can go more often! The studio was very clean, nice changing areas, plenty of bathrooms. Very classy studio

Radiance Yoga Studio = a little piece of heaven!
Radiance Yoga Studio emits a positive, calming, and inviting energy which is what initially drew me to this studio. Another draw is that Radiance offers an amazing and extremely generous intro deal of $ 29 for 30 days of unlimited yoga! Who could pass that up?!! Note: I would not suggest getting this package if there is a 30-​day challenge occurring at the same time since classes will be crowded.
Vibe & Space
Just being at Radiance feels amazing! I would oftentimes arrive 30 minutes early just to relax on the comfy cushions while enjoying a cup of complimentary chamomile or jasmine tea. This alone was very restorative for me. There is a reliance on candlelight and dim overhead lighting which adds to the already calming vibe. When the shades are open, the view of the trees is spectacular (love trees!). Most of the classes make use of cozy blankets (sometimes up to four per person), blocks, straps, and comfy bolster pillows. Many times at the end of class, people would be enveloped in a pile of blankets, relaxing away. Note: I suggest you bring a towel or t-​shirt for resting your face on blankets or bolsters since these are shared amenities.
Classes
There are so many class offerings that you are bound to find a class that resonates with you. There is also a mix of relaxing classes and more physically challenging classes. The great thing about this is that you could potentially attend a yoga class every day without having to skip a day from being overexerted or sore. The environment is non-​pushy, non-​competitive, and go-​at-​your-​own-​pace. Come as you are!
Some of my favorite classes are:
Yin Yoga with Danica Binkley (she was a substitute for this class UNFORTUNATELY) — Yin Yoga helps with the connective tissue and releasing unprocessed trauma and emotions. Danica’s nurturing nature is so perfect for this class. Love her!
Gentle/​Restorative Yoga with Allison Davis — this class could potentially be considered a class in advanced napping but it seriously does a body good!
Flow with either Mike Hazzard or Jess Purtell — their classes are more sporty and upbeat and I found both of their teaching styles and music choices to be exhilarating and fun!
Core Stretch & Strength with Brigitte O’Ryan Pollio is no joke! My abs burned for at least a week!
Dress:
Wear whatever you want. There is no «clothing judgment» here like I have witnessed at gym yoga classes.
Registration:
The registration process was extremely easy as was registering for individual classes. The staff was always welcoming and check-​in never took more than 10 seconds. Management is also easy to communicate with and is open to suggestions.
Amenities:
There are two dressing rooms and three restrooms (no showers). The restrooms are well stocked with anything you could possibly need, including pony tail holders (yay!)
Parking:
Metered parking is very easy to find ($ 1.75 per hour) or a few blocks down on Columbus St, Duke St, Patrick St, etc there is free two hour parking. There is also a garage 5 blocks away under the Courthouse at the intersection of Fairfax and King St ($ 4 all day on weekends).
Other Notes:
Watch out for the stinky berries at the corner of Columbus St and Prince St. They will make your shoes smell horrible.
Cookies are available at Radiance if you need a quick snack. As an alternative, Society Fair, on the corner, has apples, pears, salads etc,

I love this studio! So many good things to say about it.
I have been taking Kundalini Yoga on Wednesday’s and really enjoying the different experience this type of yoga brings. The teacher makes the class very interesting and each day there is a different focus. It took me a class or two to get used to the chanting and I have come to really like it. I feel amazing and very grounded after each class!
The staff is always super friendly and they have an amazing book selection.
I have tried out several of the studios in old town and this one is by far my favorite.

Radiance yoga is where my inner yogi comes to dance and play. This is a darling studio in Old Town parallel to King St., so you get a little break from the hustle and bustle. There is plenty of metered parking directly in front of the studio, and free 2 – 3 hour parking if you have a few extra minutes to walk an additional block or two. When you first walk in, your senses are greeted with warmth and light. Radiance yoga just has this warm inviting feeling to it. There are cubbies for your shoes, and a coat rack to hang your jackets. The front desk staff are friendly, and take the time to make sure you’re all squared away. Two restrooms and I believe a changing room as well are on your left, and the tea and cookie station are a nice treat waiting for you after practice. There is a large circular table with plush ottoman for lounging and getting to know your neighbors as well before heading into one of the two studio spaces.
Oh those studios. Since Radiance recently moved into the space, everything is fresh, new, and clean! Beautiful hardwoods greet your toesies, and all the props are in great condition. There are ample cubbies for your belongings, and plenty of space to spread out. I like that you can see how many people are registered for the class online. Even with 23 people in a class, you have more than enough room, and your mats aren’t on top of each other. And the schedule boasts a wide variety of classes all day, and we’ll into the night. The instruction is brilliant at Radiance. I truly get this sense of calm listening to the instructor’s cuing while facing the large glass windows overlooking King St. and the lush trees popping into view. I didn’t have one teacher I didn’t like, and I tried five or so on the schedule. Stevie will make you work it, Michelle will have you own it (whatever that may be), and Mellissa just brings light and love to her classes.
Yeah, I’m a fan, and it’s only fitting this is my 200^th review :)

I just finished up the 8 week beginners series — I cant recommend it more! It was the perfect way to ease into yoga and truly understand why you’re doing what you’re doing in a calm and inviting atmosphere. The instructor, Allison, was fantastic!
Since the beginners series, I have taken a few «beginners flow» classes and love them as well. I really appreciate how much this place caters to people of all skill levels. The instructors make it clear, it’s not about doing a headstand in the first class, it’s about doing what comfortable and right for your body on that given day.
I look forward to practice every week!

You will immediately feel a sense of good energy and calm when coming into this beautiful studio. It is very expansive with a lot of natural light. I have been attending Radiance for 3 years because the teachers and staff are so professional and welcoming. There is something for everyone at Radiance and I like to get a pass so that I can try them all, I’m always glad after that I made the time for yoga practice!

Let me just say — I was kind of a hater of yoga. I have tried it many times and just never felt like I was doing it right or got any benefit out of it. However, it had been awhile since my last attempt, and I wanted to give it another try. I signed up for Radiance’s beginner yoga series, which I think they offer pretty regularly. It is an 8-​week series for $ 129. My class was taught by Allison.
First of all, the studio is so so so lovely. I wanted to go in early every week so that I could just have some zen time to myself in the studio room. I have taken yoga classes at gyms and classes at other studios — each with very different atmospheres. This is definitely a zen, low-​key, very relaxing place. Candles, low light, incense, huge windows, wooden floors. Clean. Calm. Peaceful. There is also tea and cookies available.
Aesthetics aside, Allison was an extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and skilled instructor. She knows how the body works and can explain it in terms that are easy to understand. She is very encouraging and as a «beginner,» I was grateful for her sensitivity of not knowing how to do everything perfectly. She was very positive and offered a very uplifting yet not-​too-​cliché way of approaching each class. I really appreciated it.
I am basically a yoga convert now. I love it! I would definitely recommend this studio and the series with Allison to anyone new to yoga.

First of all, let me say this is the most beautiful yoga studio I’ve been to. I’ve attended mid-​morning classes, and the sunlight in the rooms at this time is gorgeous. The space is modern and clean, but not sterile. Complimentary tea, filtered water, small snacks, and a central table for people to congregate before classes make the vibe feel welcoming. The front desk attendant is always cheerful. People in the classes are friendly to one another. This is not where the stuck up yogis of old town come. I normally dislike yoga, but the one teacher I’ve had, Masuda, makes the class fun, joyful, and relaxing.

Absolutely wonderful yoga studio! I have been practicing yoga for probably 15 years now, and Radiance Yoga has been by far my best experience. Great teachers, beautiful (new!) studio, and just a great overall experience. My only regret is that I didn’t find this place earlier — and absolutely nobody has paid me to write this review or say that. It’s just simply a great community of people who should be recognized for their great work and contribution to the yoga world.

Just moved to Old Town with my boyfriend about a month ago and was looking for a Yoga studio to help get back in shape, improve flexibility and ease stress. After three weeks I’m already loosing weight, my core strength has improved, and stress levels are down! I signed up for the New Student 50 $ unlimited class package. After shopping around the area, trying different studios this one definitely had the biggest impact on me. Plus, you really can’t beat 50 $ for unlimited classes in the first month, if the studio is good they will get you to come back.
I’ve found two really great teachers that I enjoy Stephanie and Bridget. I have yet to try the Kundalini Meditation class, but the Flow classes are great. Most classes have regulars and everyone at the studio seems to be warm and inviting. Plus it’s only a 6 block bike ride from my house :) I’ll definitely be coming back after the month is up! Thanks Radiance.

I am a yoga novice and found Radiance yoga to be a really good fit for my level of experience. As others have said, the class I attended focused on flowing from one pose to another. I was really able to improve my form. The atmosphere was bright and very relaxing! In other yoga studios, I have found the staff to be condescending and brusque. Radiance was just the opposite :) Everyone was extremely friendly and helpful.
The one drawback is the parking situation. Parking anywhere in old town Alexandria can be challenging, but if you keep circling you’ll be fine. Just allow yourself a few extra minutes!

Great experience. I like yoga, but I’m not a yoga person. I can’t name more than three poses, which at Radiance, is fine. No snotty quadruple jointed women saying «Ooooh you don’t know what downward flying leap frog is?!» Parking is dicey, but circle the block a few times and you will find a space.

Went to a Kundalini class here with my mom and had one of the best experiences at any yoga studio I’ve ever been to in a while!
Walking into this clean, bright place there was a generally great vibe from everyone inside. The lady at the front desk was super sweet and the class was Awesome!
Everyone seemed so down to earth and friendly… a departure from what I’ve grown used to at many studios. It was refreshing to say the least… Too bad I was just visiting for the day!

For more than 5 years (okay, maybe 10) I tried to figure out what all the brouhaha about YOGA was about.
I’d found myself in classes and studios throughout the DC metro region where I felt «less than» and where I felt even a teeny bit bullied or silly because I didn’t know what the heck was going on. I never stayed anywhere long enough to know why yoga made a difference.
Now I know. Radiance opened nearly 3 years ago and I’ve been a regular since nearly the beginning.
Not once in my early days did I feel silly or out of place — for not knowing what Warrior 1 was (and how many more there may be!) and every time I go I find a new way to stretch body and mind.
The studio focuses on lots of Kundalini and flow style classes and has added some really deeply moving and spiritual Jivamukti classes as well.
I highly recommend making your way around the studio — trying as many styles and instructors as you can — a great way to do that is with the 50.00 new student 30 day pass!
(oh, and there is a kids and teens camp in the summer as well as Prenatal classes if you’re in need of either of those!)

The best Yoga studio I have been to. Very calming and gentle atmosphere and you get some great stretching.