The Green Yogi

I love this place. Great teachers, lovely atmosphere, convenient location. I just wish the classes were offered at more convenient times. A 7am or 12pm weekday class would be so great.

We’ve been going here two or three times a week for four months as our first experience with yoga, and it’s really working well for us. Clean, spacious studio, friendly folks and a variety of good instructors — try them all and you’ll find the ones that match what you want to do. We started with the milder Relaxation classes, and then shifted to the Power Vinyasas and we’re slowly getting better. Laid-​back atmosphere, not too much crystal rubbing stuff. Recommended!

This is such a great space to practice Vinyasa yoga. I’d never tried Vinyasa before December, and came into Green Yogi completely, well, green. Took a couple of the Yin classes, which are wonderful, but then Mary offered a Vinyasa 101 class which was the clincher for me; the the powerhouse work-​outs are the Vinyasa classes, and I love it! The various instructors all have their own styles, and each is its own unique experience with different music, tempo, overall intention. The studio is clean, nicely lit, and a really comfortable space. Unlike others, I haven’t notice scents that are troublesome, and I’m fairly sensitive. Nothing feels competitive or hardcore, though the sessions can be incredibly intense. The instructors are all very encouraging and take care to make everyone feel okay going at their own pace. I’m sure there are other great studios out there, but this one is great for me. Mary has also added later evening classes, and although my work schedule is flexible and can usually make the earlier classes, it’s nice to have this option.

After attending classes at Green Yogi for two weeks I can honestly say this is my all time favorite spot for yoga classes. Each teacher was unique and able to guide me into body and spirit awareness like no yoga class I had taken before. It was equally powerful for my body, mind and spirit.

I’m very sensitive to fragrances and this studio is too harsh. The level of smell reminds me of walking past Abercrombie and Fitch at the mall. I wish that it was a fragrance-​free safe zone so all can enter safely.

I visited this studio yesterday for the first time — and really loved the teacher, Mikeala, the space was beautiful, and the prices made sense.
The only down side that actually impacts my health — and probably others’ as well — are the scented candles. They smell great but since I’m treating an autoimmune disorder and need to stay away from synthetic fragrance — even when «natural» — I’m saddened that it will impact me becoming a member here. Those fragrances are toxic and I will likely go talk with someone there to see what can be done. I imagine that those with chemical sensitives will not be able to enjoy this beautiful studio. Bummer — it’s hard to relax when we’re all breathing toxins.

I discovered the Green Yogi through Class Pass and I love it so much that I drive to Berkeley from Oakland even though there are many great places to practice by my house. The studio itself is beautiful and clean, and it really feels like peaceful sanctuary. I used to practice in New York and DC, where it seemed like many studios endeavored to create a clean, good-​smelling, relaxing space for yoga practice, but I haven’t experienced that much in the Bay Area aside from the Green Yogi, and maybe Laughing Lotus and Nandi, but GY definitely takes it to the next level with scented oils and ginger candies. Both Naushon and Reba offer invigorating classes, and I’m looking forward trying more of their teachers as well.

This is such a wonderful spot! We just moved to the area and I always try to find a great studio to call «home»… And I think I’ve found it. I’ve taken 2 vinyasas and 2 yins, both have been what I needed, when it was needed. I do wish they offered more of a variety of classes (like hatha or nia or kundalini) but what they offer is top notch. The space is clean, smells nice and feels homey. I have seen a few creepy crawlers running on the floors in the back of the room, but nothing that could not be removed with a paper and cup (humanely) and I actually am glad they don’t use harsh chemicals to clean or remove insects, would just hate for something to run across me in savasana ;) overall, happy to have this spot in our new ‘hood!

This yoga studio is a haven from the hustle of everyday life.
The room feels open, welcoming, calm, and relaxing and I feel instantly more at ease once I roll out my mat in the studio.
I have been a member since they first opened and have never previously done yoga. I have now incorporated it into my weekly schedule and have not regretted it. Every time I finish a class I am noticeably happier. EVERY TIME! :D it’s amazing.
All of the instructors are wonderful and have a slightly different style that you will find genuine and fun whether it is a more music pumping class you enjoy or a soothing calm yin yoga class where you feel so relaxed you may fall asleep.
I will continue to go to the green yogi because everyone I have met there truly believes in yoga. They are beautiful, genuine people and I feel lucky to be part of such a great community :).

Love this place! Beautiful spot/​setting for yoga — open, airy and clean in a way that seems surprisingly hard for many studios to master; fabulous, knowledgable instructors; and very friendly staff and clientele all around. The Sunday 6pm yin yoga class is my favorite — so relaxing and restoring, a wonderful treat to start the week off right and guarantee a great night’s sleep.

BEAUTIFUL studio. A must try if you’re in Berkeley

Short version: Kari’s Yin Yoga class is an incredible, beautiful rare gem. I can’t imagine anything more valuable I could have done with my Wednesday evening.
Long version: I was in the market to switch yoga studios. I used to practice at Groove Yoga, but I wanted to try something new. I couldn’t be happier that I did. This studio, first of all, is BEAUTIFUL. Every little sign, decoration, and detail looks like someone put their heart into it. I could feel the love when I first stepped in the door. It’s got a cozy, boutique-​y feel, with a big dose of positive vibes. The girl working the front desk was so kind and helpful for my first time there. I was astounded at the deals they have for their yoga students– by checking in on Unilocal,my first three classes are $ 10. Total. You heard me, that’s less than $ 5 a yoga class. And they never expire. Once they do, they offer deals on your first package of classes. I like.
Second of all, the studio and everyone in it radiated warmth. I sensed a true yoga community. Kari, the teacher, came up to me and introduced herself right away. She was so nice to talk to. At the end, the girl next to me offered to take my blocks back to the shelf. I’ve been practicing yoga for 6+ years, and I’ve never had someone I didn’t know offer to do that before at the end of class. The class itself: a beautiful, moving meditation. I loved that Kari said to stay in a pose longer if it felt right, and offered ways of customizing class to my individual body. I could breathe and truly relax where I was because I was told there was no «wrong» pose. I drifted in and out of relaxation bliss the entire time.
I will be back very, very soon.

This is my first review. I am taking the time to write it because I truly love this business. I am a yoga nomad. I will travel around for inspiring teachers or special spaces but have never landed on one studio. When The Green Yogi opened in January, in my neighborhood, I was thrilled. The space is beautiful and inviting, making you feel better as soon as you walk in the front door. There is a deep sense of community there. Friends to be made and lessons to be learned. The Green Yogi is a great place to stretch yourself in a nurturing, supportive and yet challenging enviroment.
I get really excited each time I get to go. This nomad has found a home. Maybe it’s yours too.

I love the Green Yogi! The studio has become a sanctuary for me. The space is beautifully simple, with cute decorative accents. I always feel just a little more peaceful just by stepping in the door. I have had the privilege to take classes from most of the instructors, and have enjoyed each of their unique styles.
I love Megan’s classes for their strength building and variety. She always kicks my butt with her challenging flows, but simultaneously motivates me with her insane knowledge of anatomy and her playful use of vocab; saying phrases like, «emancipate your rib cage from your hips». I also thoroughly enjoy Christy’s classes. Her bright smile and joyful energy are always a pick-​me up after a long workday. Christy regularly checks in with students needs and is creative in incorporating them. Mary’s Saturday morning classes have become my favorite way to start off the weekend. They always leave me feeling grounded and rejuvenated. This class is an especially popular one, so get there early if you are someone who likes to stake out a spot on the edge. I also have liked going to the Yin classes, where I have gained a new understanding of the power of breath.
They have good package deals and a great student discount. I sincerely recommend the Green Yogi to yogis of any level! I am so grateful for this studio and to the people who work there. Enjoy!

Love this place, love the people.
Green Yogi is small enough to feel like family (and be called by name) but big enough to host a diversity of great teachers and feel like you’re part of a community. Favorite teachers Megan, Mary, Nashon, all of them have a great range to push you when you need it and let up when you need that too.
I love the origin story, too… how it all began. I won’t spoil it for you, ask Mary!

The Green Yogi is, hands down, my favorite yoga studio in the East Bay. I started my yoga journey at the first location, in Manhattan Beach, where I fell in love with vinyasa yoga and the laid-​back community vibe of the studio. I was a grad student at the time, and was easily able to afford the classes.
When I moved up to the Bay last summer, I searched everywhere for a studio that could compare, but was always disappointed by the rigor of the classes or the vibe of the studio. Yeah — I’m a spoiled yogini. So, I felt so lucky when Mary decided to open her second location in Berkeley! I’ve been going regularly since they opened their doors in January. :)
The studio itself is beautiful and serene — always filled with fresh flowers and yummy-​smelling candles. The classes are all-​level, and Green Yogi teachers are always happy to accommodate yogis of all levels. You’ll feel yourself improve your practice and get stronger — Green Yogi vinyasa classes are an awesome workout — plus you’ll always leave relaxed. You’ll get to know your teachers and fellow classmates.
I can’t recommend this studio enough!

I feel like being apart of The Green Yogi has made me such a happier person. I stumbled across them this past January as Mary and Donnie were still putting the place together. I live so close to the studio that I knew I would be going back. At that time I needed my yoga practice back in my life. I had taken the winter off and felt very unbalanced and not as peaceful as I wanted to be. I have been going to the Green Yogi since their opening in January 2014.
I enjoy everything about it! Let me list some things for you to think about; very sweet and attentive owner, friendly staff, (we all call each other by name:) warm and comfortable environment, simple/​calming style, crazy-​wonderful yoga instructors, very professional/​knowledgeable, yummy candle scents, clean floors/​surfaces and props, the room is usually around 80 degrees, they open a window if need be, water and tea always present, you can rent mat’s, they are welcoming to everyone, good prices, man I feel like I have said so much.
The Green Yogi helps me gain balance, peace, happiness, de-​stress, pushing my limits. (when I want to) I am amazed with the poses I can do. The instructors are good with beginners and make the practice work for intermediate-​advanced all at the same time. I feel that this has to do a lot with how they don’t force or make you do anything you don’t want to but are making suggestions for your practice so that you are able to decide what you are wanting. The environment is fun, creative and carefree. It seems that people can be really serious with yoga but here they remind you to smile while your moving! In a nut shell, The Green Yogi is super rad!
I think the readers best bet is to just try it out for yourself and see what you think!

I’ve been going to this studio for a little over a month and I can’t even describe what a special, beautiful place it is. Mary, the founder, is an angel who truly cares about every body and soul that walks through the door. Come often enough and she’ll be asking you about something obscure that came up in conversation 2 weeks ago because she just cares. Most of the other teachers are this way as well and I haven’t had a bad experience at this studio.
There’s just the right balance of cultivating a self-​awareness resulting in attention to detail and attention to technique as there is instruction. Everyone leads by example, bringing with them the realness of this world and a surreal calm that makes you feel calm.
The energy of this place, combined with it’s warm, wood-​paneled walls, beautiful smell, lovely color palette and caring staff made my experience excellent. I didn’t have a problem trying to find a way to pay for more classes and the upcoming Yoga challenge because I see such a noticeable improvement in my person. It’s changed me in the best possible way, making more aware, present and conscious of my surrounding and my own body’s needs.
Love this studio, I hope I don’t have to ever leave.

High ceiling, an abundance of space, brand new equipment and furniture, this yoga studio is high class. It was hard to believe that I was still in Berkeley. Though I will say, I felt like a spoiled little brat because of the open space, limited moaning of people you commonly find from Yoga to the People, and the attention and feedback from Mary Strong. BTW, that woman is amazing in the way she facilitates. She is clear and speaks with intention. You can hear her voice radiate throughout the studio. Not an exaggeration.
I usually don’t attend 90 minute yoga sessions and I wish that I knew ahead of time though to prepare. The style of yoga «power vinyasa» is damn intense for an infrequent yoga (er) yoger? It’s a real word to me, whatev! It seemed like forever when I was in each pose. I had thoughts in my head, of course behind the bullets of sweat, «Mary you can slow down time, too?» It’s been like at least 5 minutes in this pose. But in spite of the intensity and the 90 minute sesh, the whole experience was beautiful and worthwhile even in 75 degree weather. She opened the window and the cool breeze from outside carried the lavender scent to help me have a very very VERY short moment of bliss. I’m so glad that I checked out this studio. By far one of the most memorable AND challenging yoga experiences. Thanks, Mary. You make me strong (har har har).

We Berkeley yogis are TRULY blessed. Just when you think there are enough amazing studios in our city, another one pops up! A friend I have practiced with emailed me a couple of days ago to let me know about this new studio in North Berkeley. A brilliant marketing ploy that Green Yogi has employed is to offer free yoga for their first two weeks in January. I’m a dedicated attendee at Groove Yoga but I’m always up for trying out new yoga studios — especially pro bono!
I went on Day Four (yesterday) after their official opening on January 18, 2014. Christy Evans (formerly an instructor at the Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach) came from San Jose to teach. She was so warm and friendly and taught an intermediate flow class suited for all levels. I decided to go back the following day to take a class from the founder, Mary Strong. She’s a former sportscaster and pro beach volleyball player (awesome!) — turned yogi — and I wanted to check out her teaching style. Boy was I impressed. Her Power Vinyasa class was challenging and left me dripping with sweat (and the room is not heated). Her instruction style is clear and smooth and she has a very soothing, calm voice.
What blew my socks off (metaphorically speaking) was her candlelight yin yoga class, which I took directly after the Power Vinyasa class. I’ve never taken a Yin Yoga class before. I learned that Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to the dynamic and muscular (yang) styles of yoga. The poses are held longer to help restore and relax the body. Yin yoga is known to calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, also known as stress hormones. I’d had a rough day and it was the best medicine I could have asked for. Ahhhh… or should I say «Ommmm» :)
The studio is clean and tastefully decorated (Mary is heavily into eco-​consciousness — Green Yogi only uses sustainable products and some of the frameworks are from reclaimed furnishings). There is water and ginger tea available but BYOT (Bring Your Own Towel). They have blocks and bolsters (long narrow cushions) available. LOVED the bolsters! The studio has a very calming environment and the music they used in their 75-​minute classes was incredible. They have some products (yoga mats, t-​shirts, towels, etc.) on sale — including some neat OM candles ($ 14) whose proceeds are donated to the numerous charities they support. Did I mention how COOL they are? Nice website too.
You really need to take advantage of this trial period! They are also giving a 10% discount off your first 5,10, or 20 class package. Their prices are comparable with other studios in the area. Parking has been easy on MLK Street.
I give a warm welcome to Berkeley’s newest yoga studio! Namaste :)