Yoga Sol

So I’ve been looking for a yoga studio in Concord since I moved here. I stumbled across a groupon for this place. It has mixed reviews but I decided since it’s close by to me, I’ll try it out!
My first class was with Marlena. This class was completely different than I expected, not because it was «advanced,» but because it felt more of a workout without the mind and body connection I usually get with yoga. So I love yoga because of the whole mind and body connection. Some people don’t care for all that mind and body stuff, they just want the moves and workout. I thought it was maybe just that instructor.
So as I started taking more classes here, I noticed Tara’s classes are intense and a strict workout. She is funny but she will also aggressively fix and correct your form. She’ll definitely come up to you and help you out and when she sees the form out of place, she demonstrates. She definitely pushes you hard. If you take any hot classes, you must bring a towel. Tara will remind you and if you don’t, then you’ll have to rent one from the front.
CJ’s classes are pretty decent too. He reminds me of what I think of yoga but I’ve only taken his beginner classes.
By far, my favorite instructor is Nick. Nick encompasses what I would like in a yoga instructor. He definitely understands the mind and body connection. We get the opportunity to meditate in our poses and really come out of the class feeling great (not just sweaty and tired). That’s exactly what I am looking for in a yoga class. You want to walk out feeling amazing.
I feel like overall this is like a workout place. They are welcoming to all sizes, no judgement. If you don’t like all that meditation, mind/​body connection talk, then this is the place for you. People don’t seem to like to Om here. I have noticed but Omming is such a great meditative practice. This place isn’t what I am looking for in a yoga practice, so I don’t plan on coming back.
The space here is definitely different. They have the black mats (similar flooring you see in a commerical gym with equipment) on the ground instead of the floorwood base. It doesn’t have the same feel I get from other yoga studios. It’s a very large space though, it can fit lots of people.
I love it when instructors walk you through the entire practice and walk you through the shavasana and guide you to come up and end the practice with them. Here, I find that majority of them just let you rest in shavasana and then they just do their thing and leave. It’s weird for me but some people might like it.
Parking here is easy because there’s a parking structure nearby and there’s some street parking as well.

Well I did give them a 5 star review until I was just turned away from an advanced vinyasa class because I hadn’t been practicing for over 6 months with Marlena. This coming right after Tara asked me if I was going to buy a membership with them. Yeah that’ll be a NO. I have taken Marlenas basic vinyasa class twice and it was a snooze fest. I took two years of hot yoga in Orinda, extremely fast paced head stands and inversions but apparently since I haven’t taken 6 months of Marlenas classes I can’t take her advanced class. Wasted my time rushing home from work to make it to this class. Nor did she have the decency to ask me if maybe I wanted to watch the class. Nor she did have the professionalism to pull me out of the yoga class and say can I speak to u outside. I am not even returning to finish my 30 day pass. Yoga is supposed to be relaxing not infuriating. I rather pay double in walnut creek and Orinda and at least deal with a professional and encouraging environment.

Great customer service by Tara. Would give them 5 stars. They care about their customers.

I have practiced yoga at several different studios so I feel I have a pretty good basis for comparison. The space is nice although the locker area is a super small, awkward hallway. My sister and I bought the Groupon deal which got you a month of unlimited yoga. The classes are not well thought out, disjointed, and lack the typical flow of a yoga class. The owner, Tara, was the only instructor we happened to take classes from because of the time of day we were going so I can’t comment on the other instructors and how they lead their classes. Tara is abrasive and makes comments or pose corrections loudly which I feel is very disruptive to others. When a yoga student comes to class to practice yoga, their practice is their OWN. In my opinion, unless someone is doing something visibly unsafe, they should be left alone. If I’m in downdog and everyone else is doing side plank, so be it. We gave her a few chances and on our final visit we took a hot yoga class. My sister, who had never taken hot yoga before, started to get a little overheated. She quietly stepped out of the room. Tara loudly stomped through the studio behind her and embarrassed her for leaving and told her she could not go in and out of the room. Finally she let her PAY for water (didn’t even offer her any) and allowed her back into the class. After that we just let our Groupon run out. In the vicinity, I would highly recommend Yoga Works or the yoga classes at Diablo Rock Gym. They are less expensive and WAY better. I wish I had something nice to say about Yoga Sol, but I was not a fan.

First time doing Hot Yoga and Marlena was very helpful. She helped me get into the positions correctly.

I love Yoga Sol. Everything about it. The instructors are wonderful and very easy to follow. There are 2 rooms within Yoga Sol, one bigger than the other, & they offer classes every day of the week from early until fairly late in the evening. They provide lockers (bring your own lock), bathrooms are always clean, they sell everything from water to mats to books to incense at the check in desk, friendly staff, there’s always plenty of props for everyone, and they offer all kinds of pricing options. Parking can be tricky but there’s two public parking options within less than a block of the studio. I always leave here feeling better than when I arrived… inside and out.

Another awful, horrid, saddening experience with the owner — what a rude, miserable person! I was so excited about finally making time to go to a yoga class and this person completely ruined my vibe. All I needed was 3 minutes to decide I’ll never come back. I left before the class even started. The mistreatment starts as you are filling out the forms. I don’t care about driving or even paying a little more to support someone else’s studio. I’m surprised she’s in the business altogether. Boycott.

I’ve followed the owner of this studio through 3 moves and Tara was the one who taught me yoga 7 years ago. This location is the farthest from my work and because of the distance I cannot be there as much as I would like to during the work week. I attend classes most weekends (both days) and I LOOK FORWARD to taking any class that Tara (owner) teaches. All of her instructors are wonderful and unique and at least 2 of them were fellow yogis that I attended classes with. Aside from Tara’s classes, I especially love Jenny, CJ, Carolyn and Marlena’s classes. Each of these ladies is extremely experienced and brings something unique to their teaching. Tara is extremely knowledgeable, educated (she graduated from CAL), energetic, and funny! She makes a 60 minute class feel short and I never feel like watching the clock when I am in one of her classes because she switches it up and always has great music. I’ve read some of the reviews and I recognize some of the people who have posted. Tara’s classes (power, advanced vinyasa, hot flow) are not for beginners and she only warns people so that they are protected against injury. She is a business owner, and a savy one at that, who has to protect liability. If someone gets hurt, they will likely sue her. Aside from that reason, it’s also her responsibility as a teacher to give constructive criticism so that we all learn correctly to do the poses. I’ve never heard her in 7 years be outwardly aggressive or a bully to anyone. If you cannot take constructive criticism in front of others, take a private lesson instead. This studio is the BEST in the area and Tara listens to the requests for class schedule each year. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

I am a beginner at Yoga and so far I really love this studio. I have the $ 30 intro special and I’ve found that I can easily attend the evening classes after work. Love that they offer weekend classes too! I have taken classes with CJ, Jenny and Tara and they’ve all been great!
I’m really focused on improving my overall health both physical and mental, and also my confidence. I’m working towards a complete lifestyle change. The classes here already have helped me. After class I feel really great and refocused on my goals. Honestly my first class was difficult because I’m so new to yoga, but CJ made me feel comfortable as a beginner. I tried super hard in Tara’s Bikram style Hot Yoga class and it was such a good workout! And Jenny’s class, her enthusiasm was awesome as well.
At the studio there are 2 large bathrooms that are always clean, along with the shower room. They provide lockers but you need to bring your own lock. (Sometimes it can be crowded in the locker area so I suggest getting there early enough.)
For all of the people complaining about certain instructors, how about just don’t take their classes if you are not happy with the way they teach? Not every instructor will be a good match for you, regardless if you’re at yoga or at any gym. Also, for people complaining about teachers not demonstrating the postures in class, I’ve read online that in certain yoga classes and styles, such as Bikram, the instructors are specifically trained to safely instruct you through the sequences instead of demonstrating. Please do research before criticizing the instructors and lashing out on Unilocal.I’ve learned there are so many different types of Yoga, and there are reasons for everything the instructors say/​do.
Anyways, I’ve always felt welcome here even though I know very little about Yoga. I’m excited to progress in my practice and see where it takes me. I encourage those who are nervous of getting out of their comfort zone to come and try this studio. If I can do it so can you!

This is solely to review Tara, the owner of Yoga Sol. Tara was completely disrespectful when I came literally 12 minutes late to an hour and a half hot yoga class (I even called to tell her I was going to be late beforehand due to traffic). When I got to the class, I crept into the back of the room without a peep, and she straight up YELLED at me, which caused a huge disruption to the class. She also came up to me after the class and singled me out in front of everyone, again saying that coming in late was «distracting».
Word of advice: Don’t yell at your customers and embarrass them in front of the class. Also, instead of barking orders at people and sitting on your butt in the back of the classroom, why don’t you actually do the poses with us so we have some guidance?
In addition, the locker area is super cluttered and it’s always really crowded whenever you get your belongings after class. I also think that there have been thefts from the lockers when people are in class because they give you a pad lock when you check in, which is pretty shady.
Other than that, I think Nick and Carolyn are excellent instructors, so kudos to them!
Overall, I would NOT recommend Yoga Sol because of the rude owner Tara.

I got a Groupon for this place and I finally tried it today. I was sooo excited because I usually drive all the way to Berkeley to do hot yoga and I was hoping to find something closer (I live in Concord)
ANYWAYS!!! I did hot yoga at 8:30 this morning with Tara and it was the most horrible experience in my life. She is mean, she is rude and she is a disgrace to everything that yoga represents. Yoga is a practice in which breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of body position takes place. Yoga’s purpose is to strength the body and help to let go of negative thoughts and to find harmony. Tara’s class is so stressful. She yells and talks about how easy it is and she stretches you to do the pose perfectly. I have to point out I’ve have been to multiple yoga studios in the Bay Area, Vegas and LA. I’ve been practicing Yoga for almost 6 years now and I’ve never experienced a class like this one. She mocks people who can do it as like they were babies. She walked by me several times and stretched me on my position to go farther. I am very in tune with my body and I know how far I can go in certain positions because my back is sensitive and now I have bad pain on my neck after this class. I think I will try a different class with a different instructor and I’ll see how it goes BUT PLEASE!!! DO NOT TAKE HER CLASS!!! My friend warned me about her because last time there was a pregnant lady apparently and she forced her to stretch and do positions she couldn’t. She doesn’t do the class with you and she just walks around or seats in the back yelling and complaining how it kills her the way everyone does it.
I really hope people read my review and avoid her class

My wife purchased a groupon and signed up for a month of yoga. She took 2 classes taught by Grace, which she really enjoyed. Shortly thereafter she threw out her back. She’s been in a lot of pain and missed over a month of work. It will probably be another few weeks before she can start exercising again. Anyway, she contacted yoga sol by email and the manager Joseph offered to extend her groupon and the month of classes so she doesn’t miss out. What amazing and caring customer service!!! Thank you

My daughter and I went to Yoga Sol a couple of weeks ago to check out their classes. Joseph, at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. We signed up for the introductory special. We took the Vinyasa Basics and really liked the class. We have had Tara, Marlena, and CJ. All are excellent instructors — each different and unique. No one has ever been rude, in fact just the opposite! I was wary of taking Yoga and I have felt so encouraged there I just signed up for a year of classes. I agree with some of the other posts — Yoga is life changing!

It’s a bit pricey but the introductory special is pretty good. I never liked yoga before, I tried getting into it in college but it just wasn’t my cup of tea but since I’ve been in a bad mood after work (humans are not made to work in a cubicle for 40 hrs a week), I decided to take yoga. OMG!!! Life changing. The ambiance as soon as you walk in and the instructors are so nice. I love Tara! Don’t mind the negative reviews because in all honesty, you need to try it for yourself! Life changing, I’m telling you.

I was super excited to start at Yoga Sola and get back in the practice of yoga. I attended the Vinyasa Basics with Marlena, Vinyasa Basics with Grace, and the 90 minute Hot Yoga class with Jenny. They were all absolutely wonderful and if I could solely do a review on them as instructors they would get 5 stars. The girl at the front desk is wonderful too and is highly professional. But this 1 star review sparked because of my terrible experience this morning.
I came in this morning excited to try Power Yoga, which clearly states on the website and schedule that the course requires Vinyasa BASICS before taking the course. Tara made a comment about if I will be able to «survive» the course and saying «we’ll see» when seeing my profile of the classes I had taken prior to her class. I didn’t understand why she made that comment because I had already taken the prerequisite, twice.
When I walked in the studio, I met with my friend (who had taken the same courses as me) and asked her if Tara gave her a hard time about only having Vinyasa Basics. She said no. So why did I get snarky remarks? Then she tells us to start rolling out our backs. I start using one of the balls to roll out my back and she see’s that and comes up to me and tells me to use 2 balls. Ok, fine. She then starts to rip into me loudly in front of everyone in the class saying «You DO KNOW that you need to have Vinyasa flow before you take this class, DON’T YOU?» so I told her how the website clearly states that we need to take Vinyasa basics only and she responds with «AND VINYASA FLOW». At the point, the energy in the studio has changed. I feel bad for everyone, including myself, who took time out of there day to relax, clear their minds and diminish stress (as their website states) by taking this class. She then starts scolding me like I am in third grade about chewing gum and demands me to go spit it out. I didn’t argue with her but at that point, I am done dealing with her and her bullying. I make the decision to be the bigger person and leave before I lose my cool. Then she comes up to me as I’m rolling up my mat and tells me to spit my gum out again. I tell her that I’m leaving and she says «WHY BECAUSE YOU WOULD RATHER CHEW YOUR GUM THE PARTICIPATE IN CLASS!» and I said «No because of YOUR DEMEANOR». She replies to me with an «Oh» and walks away. That’s it, just Oh? No I’m sorry, no trying to better the situation, no professionalism, only dramatics and giving the class a show. It seems that she picks her victims, singles them out and goes into attack mode. I was clearly not the only one in that room who hadn’t taken Vinyasa Flow, so why was I bullied about it?
It’s hard to believe that Tara is the owner of Yoga Sol. She literally defies everything that Yoga stands for. I refuse to expose myself to someone like her and will not be returning to Yoga Sol nor will be recommending Yoga Sol to others.
Here are some quotes from the website that she should really update because they obviously aren’t true:
«All classes are beginner friendly unless specified as an advanced Level class.»
«Power Yoga-​Vinyasa format with a high emphasis on core strengthening. Incorporates weights. Vinyasa Basics is a required pre-​requisite.»

The groupon for this studio is probably what led you to Unilocal this studio. Post-​Groupon, the studio is overpriced for what it is ($ 160/​month). Oh and if you forget the mat, expect to shell out $ 4 for a mat rental (more on that). The owner is a greedy, generally unpleasant person.
Oh… and the classes. So: Groupon is what lures in a bunch of other people, myself included. Classes are extremely full (at least the lunchtime ones I go to).
Therein lies the problem.
I went to a lot of Tuesday and Thursday classes. The first few were good, since I had never been to yoga (I would have left a 4 star review back in the day). But as you keep going, you’ll notice more and more new faces. There will be one or two that stick it out — but it’s mostly churn, churn, churn from the Groupon. And because of the churn (and the fact that the age range tends to skew older), you’ll learn the same thing over and over again. The instructor, Wes, is awesome and attentive though.
Then there’s Tara (the owner). What the zen. She really enjoys scolding and talking down to people. I’m not surprised by the number of Unilocal reviews complaining about her, but am somewhat taken aback by the number of ones that like her.
My yoga mat didn’t cut it — she deemed it not sticky enough so she told me I wasn’t allowed to bring it to class. After that, I rented a yoga mat at $ 2/​session a few times. Soon after, I was informed I needed to also rent a mandatory towel (for sanitary conditions) for another $ 2/​session, bringing the total to $ 4/​session. The towel made me slip on the yoga mat and was generally unnecessary… it’s just pure greed driving that decision.
There’s a lot of other stuff I can say about the owner — I’ve interacted her a few times and none of them have left me with a pleasant feeling, even though I was trying to joke and get along.
Oh also — if you’re anything like me and was looking into yoga for shoulder/​back pains… you actually should be looking into pilates instead. It’s typically a problem of developing a weak core from sitting all day and pilates is a lot more effective.

Best Yoga Studio in the East Bay. Great teachers, great staff, you can learn a whole lot just by showing up and trying your best here. I would recommend for anyone trying to stay healthy.

I enjoy my classes at Yoga Sol when I visit my brother in Concord. Most of the teachers are kind, patient, welcoming and provide excellent instruction. However, I attended one instructors vinyasa class where there was a clearly new inexperienced yogi. All through class the instructor belittled and commented on the students lack of experience. The flow of the class was fine, but the sarcasm was not funny, extreme off-​putting and not a good way to get a repeat student for any class.. Sensitivity training is needed! Very Un yogi like.

I first purchased the Groupon and have since come back for a 1 month @ $ 30. That price really can’t be beat. Some of the instructors are really great (I LOVE CJ’s energy and Tara’s humor) and others leave considerable room for improvement (Marlena is a total Yoga Nazi– her huge ego and constant bossing is pretty disruptive to the reasons why I come to yoga in the first place). It looks like Ross/​TJ Maxx home goods threw up all over this place— Buddha heads in every corner!– This space, especially the main entrance room, needs to be minimized and DE-​CLUTTERED! I am also not a fan of their schedule– It is not really friendly towards people who work 9 – 5 with many of their classes during the day and on the weekends, classes only go to about 3:30pm. Also, their schedule is repetitive… If Wednesday nights are best for me, it would be nice to see different classes that evening and not the same intro class every single week. Mix up the schedule each week already please!
Bottom line– Buy the Groupon, it is definitely worth it. Experience Yoga Sol and venture out to see what other studios have to offer.

After a few years of very uncomfortable sciatic nerve pain and neuropathy that extended down to my toes I had decided to join a corporate yoga studio in downtown Walnut Creek. I had quickly felt the benefits of practicing yoga, less back pain and less stress; however the studio was quite far from home and I would often make excuses about how I «couldn’t» make it to yoga.
Then, I had come across a Groupon for a studio much closer to my home and decided to try out Yoga Sol. It’s been a year since I joined Yoga Sol and I feel so lucky and fortunate to be a part of this wonderful yoga studio. Owner, Tara, has created an environment and ambiance that makes all feel welcome no matter ones shape, size, or experience. The instructors are experienced, motivating, and avail themselves if one has questions. Yoga Sol also offers an abundance of classes, which allows most people the time to dedicate to their practice. From the Yoga Sol website (under schedules) I can conveniently add classes directly to my google calendar so that I can incorporate yoga into my schedule.
Thank you Yoga Sol for allowing me to explore and challenge my body, for motivating me, and for continuing to make me stronger mentally and physically. I hope to continue my yoga journey with Yoga Sol for many years to come!