Monkey Yoga Shala

I came here without having much of yoga experience and tried Tim’s class IMY. I walked out of my first class with this wow– feeling and till now I’ve been taking his classes regularly (I’m sad I have to leave town and miss out on my sacred Wednesday hour yoga with this inspiring instructor!)
Tim’s way of teaching yoga includes so much more than what I before considered yoga and to me that’s definitely positive. While holding postures Tim talks a lot and the talk is interesting, always causing someone to either laugh or make an input. Also what he’s saying can’t make you surmise otherwise than he’s very knowledgeable. I always leave class with a feeling of being a bit wiser. Thanks to Tim.
Speaking of the athletic part there’s no doubt Tim makes you push yourself a little harder, to step out of your comfort zone. At the same time his talktive nature helps you to see the pain as your friend, reminding yourself why you should keep holding that posture that otherwise only would seem to be unnecessary intense. Throughout class he also makes individual adjustments to make anyone no matter fitness level a chance to improvement.
Finding another studio with same quality will be difficult. This place feels unique. I will miss this class and I will miss Tim.

I love this place! I bought the groupon deal for the 10 classes, and as a groupon hopper I must say that this is the best studio I’ve tried. Tim pushes you, and he’s great. I read some of the reviews about him being mean, but he isn’t at all. This class isn’t for the thin skinned and close minded. Tim is a talker and this kept the class way more interesting. He pushed me to do my best, but was fine when I had to sit out during a pose. He really allows people to practice at their own pace.

I used to go to this yoga studio a lot. I learned a lot and enjoyed being pushed. I finally had to quit and vowed never to go back. Tim can be really good at pushing you, but has some personal issues (I suspect an eating disorder) and other stuff that keep him from being a generous and patient soul. If you are really fit, want to be pushed, and have a thick skin, this could be a great experience. If you are looking for a compassionate yoga teacher, go to Flying Yoga.

I just finished an 8 week mommy and me class with Cynthea Denise and it was truly the prefect type of yoga for me. I’m more into good stretching and taking care of my body with relaxation, breathing and yoga poses that are good for the female body and a post-​natal body. I have read other reviews on Unilocal and it is true that Cynetha is passionate and shares advice in the class and time is taken for sharing and there can be less yoga but I find that there are great knowledge to gain about babies and motherhood, sharing stories, asking questions and hearing Cynetha with an open heart. It is true that it isn’t easy at times, we all have different thoughts, opinions and things we feel work for us. Even I was a bit sensitive at first and I too sometimes didn’t agree with Cynetha or may have thought a statement may have been a judgement but felt that there were many tips and teachings that worked for me. We all have our way of doing things yet I try to have room to try new things. I loved the baby massage and wished we did more. I feel it’s important to keep open communication and clear the air with people to have a better understanding and working relationship then walk away. I share where I’m coming from and what works for me and that way both parties can grow. I loved the yoga we did one on one and feel that working with her one on one may be a more positive experience for a new mom. It’s hard to delve into a class with scattered energy and focus sometimes and I loved how she would help with feeding needs and give you time to take care of your baby. I feel feedback helps Cynetha to tailor classes and interactions overall to fit a mother’s needs. The location of Monkey Shala, does have stairs and I’m not sure if that is listed on the web site, it is also true that you do conduct registration with her in the class but if you can carve extra time before and after it is totally worth it! It’s a fair trade, I did read someone mentioned on Unilocal that she was late to start classes, which is true but she is very understanding when you are running late and as a mom I can understand being late. In other words, it’s a give and take of understanding, communicating and connecting. I try to listen with an open ear, take in and find what works and discard what doesn’t. I love how relaxed I feel after class and my son is very happy during the class, especially the one on one because it’s so wonderfully filled with a calming energy that we can just tap into ourselves and where else will you get a great aroma spray with your yoga and an occasional piece of chocolate now and then. I look forward to continuing my yoga journey with Cynetha and I hope this feedback of taking her class helps other mothers to look into doing mommy and me yoga, either in group or one on one. Cynetha, thank you for helping me connect to myself and my son.

It’s been a real luxury taking Tim’s classes on a regular basis and to be able to afford to do so while I put the pieces of life together. His classes have really helped me keep my sanity. I love that he’s always in a good mood and I can tell that he really enjoy what he does, which is why he does it so well! When I think about having to possibly leave the area, I think about how much I would miss his classes. Tim encourages you to do more and makes it fun. I’ve learned a lot from him and really appreciate what he does.

Great Yoga that will encourage you to find your limits, discovering unknown potential and an inspired state of being.

Tim sure knows how to tell a good story while melting the fat off your flubby ass and sharpening your lazy «I’ll do it later» mind.
His presence alone will motivate you to reach a little higher, push a little further, and go that much harder.
There is something about this studio that inspires me and reminds me of the potential greatness that is within me.

This is not your average yoga studio…
Though I’ve only taken a few classes with Tim, they have been more than fantastic. I went in with a sore back and muscles (any other person would have gone to a chiropractor) and after a few classes, it was so much better.
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to attend after some of the things I’ve read here, but I loved the class. Does Tim focus solely on yoga postures and breathing, no. The best way I can describe it is to say that it’s an athletes class. You’re encouraged, and coached, to be a better version of yourself and Tim understands that other types of body lifting (push ups, pull ups, abdominal exercises, etc.) will improve your abilities in yoga as well. Will Tim come adjust an arm or a leg here or there? Yes. But, if you’ve ever played a sport than you understand that sometimes trying to explain what needs to be changed is more difficult than assisting and it also doesn’t disrupt the class as much.
You work alongside experienced and brand new members and are able to push yourself as far, or as little, as you want to because of this. It allows people to feel comfortable if you can’t do a pose quite as well, but you have an example next to you of what you can do and it encourages you to challenge yourself.
Definitely a place to visit if you want a full body workout out of your yoga class.

This place makes Oakland great.
Tim Thompson knows yoga, his stories show you, and overall, you get better being here.
Easily understandable why this place wins «best in the bay» for yoga, every single year. They’re like the Boston Celtics in the 60s for best yoga in the bay, this place is off the hook and they deserve to be.

Tim’s Isometric Monkey Yoga class is my favorite in the whole Bay Area.
Here is why:
I have been coming to his classes on and off for about 2 years now. I am DEFINITELY not a flexible person, but I am aware of the excellent benefits of yoga and I have been looking for the right teacher all over the Bay Area. I also have to mention that I have some muscular trauma in my lower back and though is much better now it still refrains me from reaching certain yoga postures.
Before I hurt my back I used to do kick boxing 3 times a week (religiously) for about 3 years. I have to admit that I was never attracted to yoga, but my physical condition «forced» me to start practicing. I try several studios and techniques but in the end I felt like I was always dragging my body, I was bored or I was simply not good enough for the practice.
Of course everything changed when I came to Monkey Yoga Shala and tried IMY
— The flow of the class is genius ! It helps you warm up in a way that the next posture will be easier and will make sense for your body. My body loves the Monkey flow
— Yes Tim will come and help you with posture BUT his is really respectful and professional. You can tell that all he cares about is helping you with your flexibility.
— The class can seem intense for most first timers, but Tim always tells you to take your time and not to push your body too hard.
–Yes! Tim’s talks a lot in class but most of the time I find his topics really amusing, funny and even helpful. Specially when he talks about yoga. Often times, I have really frustrating thoughts about my body and how stiff it can be with certain positions, or I just get upset with myself for not having balance. It is really comforting AND inspiring to hear Tim talking about patience and self love when it comes to doing yoga postures. He is constantly coaching mind and body to be compassionate as I do my work out. Sometimes he talks about politics or random stories and though they can be distracting, I use the opportunity to just remain neutral.
— The venue is really clean and parking is convenient.
Tim and his Isometric Monkey Yoga are a real treasure.

I didn’t «click» with yoga until attending Tim’s class in 2011. I began by doing the 2 weeks for $ 20 (now $ 25) and getting the most out of it possible. It launched me into a yoga practice and I got pretty flexible quickly! I don’t live in Oakland anymore but whenever I’m in town, Isometric Monkey Yoga is high on the to-​do list. Thanks Tim! You rock: D
About the previous post… Yes, sometimes Tim talks about wolves and politics. He also knows about all sorts of other topics. and keeps it pretty real in his classes. Great to have such a well-​versed teacher.

I’ve been coming to Tim’s class for years now and while it can definitely be intimidating first starting out, I would certainly recommend the class if you want a good work out as well as a really instructive, hands-​on class. The vibe is unique from other yoga classes — it’s more of a work-​out/​yoga class as opposed to slow-​paced, meditative, more common classes but I like getting a sweat on from yoga and it really whips you into shape if you stick with it.
After reading other peoples reviews, I see that a lot of the complaints have to do with not clicking with only Tim’s class– try some of the other teachers! They’re all amazing; Ray is the most thorough and humble yogi I’ve met. Joe is great too.
Yes, it’s different and no one is holding your hand when you’re a beginner; but you will learn to push yourself and get a lot out of it.

I was really excited about coming to monkey yoga shala after reading some of the reviews… the repositioning/​instructions were fine, and helpful… but the class really disappointed.
I attempted to remain open to the class… but it was really difficult after hearing the instructor, Tim lecturing about politics and bear attacks… for a large part of the class. I’ve never been in a yoga class wondering what time it is and when I will get to leave…
The general vibe from the instructor felt condescending… that’s not a vibe I like in yoga class. I got a two week class pass, but I am not going back to Tim’s class. Boop. I’ll hold hope for the others, though!

This is a great studio!
I’ve been taking classes with Ray for a while now. I love the way he leads the class. He has such a great way of encouraging the class to push ourselves and still stay mindful of our limits. It’s also really nice to have the different options for each pose, to make it a bit easier or a lot harder, depending on how I feel that day. It’s only heated a bit. I thought Bikram was WAY too hot. The heat here is just enough to add an extra bit of warmth to go a little deeper.
The «new student’ deal is pretty great too. It’s like $ 20 for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga. That way you can check out different instructors and see who’s class you dig most.

I’ve been to several different teachers at Monkey Yoga Shala to find the right instructor. I am not at all a fan of Tim Thompson. I didn’t particularly like his instruction, it was really hard to follow and I could never get into the session because I had to keep looking up to understand what he was saying. Also, he doesn’t allow you to hold the poses long enough for you to feel the stretch.
I loved Terry Alvord and Ray Joichi! Terry has a great class, but it’s on Thursday mornings (workday for most of us) when it’s hard to attend. Ray, however, he was excellent! His class is on Saturdays and he plays very gently music that allows you to get into the session and become one with your breath and body. He also explains the poses really well, while demonstrating them, and allows you to hold the stretches long enough for full effect. My abs also hurt the day after his class, which is a great indication that he does a full body workout class! Absolutely loved Ray Joichi’s class!

Tim is one of the best teachers in the Bay Area. He’s done a fabulous job of taking the intelligence, safety and attention to detail of Iyengar Yoga, and applying it to a modified version of Ashtanga Yoga’s standing and primary series. To that he’s mixed in his own focus on isometrics, strength training and an encyclopedic knowledge of human anatomy and Vedic mythology.
Some newbies to yoga think that yoga asana is always practiced with dim lights, a soft-​voiced instructor, and an emphasis on relaxation and calming the mind. That just simply isn’t true. That is one approach, and it has its place. Tim offers a different, and in many ways, more traditional approach to yoga asana. Come regularly and you will see results. You’ll grow stronger in body, will and mind. Tim expects a lot from his students, so you will sweat and you will be challenged.
One thing that I particularly enjoy about Tim’s class is knowing that in every class I’ll have an opportunity to practice more advanced poses that I’m working on. Specifically, handstand, forearm balance, full backbend, forward splits and the full pigeon where you take the hands to the foot behind you. Tim’s class is the only class that gives me the chance to practice some of those more challenging poses regularly. Of course he also gives modified versions of each for beginners.
Tim gives physical adjustments in the Ashtanga/​Iyengar tradition, which means they can be strong, physical adjustments. This is how he was trained and he’s good at it. If you’re not comfortable with adjustments just talk to him before class. He’s very friendly and approachable.
Thanks Tim! The Bay Area is lucky to have a yoga teacher as experienced, accessible and affordable as you.

I’ve been thinking about what I might write in this review for the past year. I don’t think I have the words to describe how I feel about Tim and his studio. However, I think it’s time I give it a shot.
Tim is one of my favorite people. He is the perfect combination of ballet instructor, gymnastics coach, yoga teacher. I never thought I could do half the things I’ve been able to do with Tim’s guidance and faith. Regardless if I miss class for a month or two days, he always gives me a warm smile and pushes me to be my best. He has incredible training and his adjustments are always appropriate for me. His sense of humor helps me when I feel like I want to give up and crawl into child’s pose. Sometimes a smile really helps me push through. My fellow yoga students inspire me with their elegance and strength. When I leave this place, I feel electric. This isn’t a typical yoga class, for that I am truly grateful.
You may hate it, but you may LOVE it. I never thought I’d love a yoga class as much as I do and I hope you fall in love too!

How to reconcile all the great reviews here with the bad ones? How to make sense of the fact that it gets voted best yoga studio and Tim gets voted best teacher and yet some people have gawdawful experiences? Simple: it’s a cult.
I went to one class here. I walked in and, being new, I asked how it worked (there was no sign-​in desk or instructions). Tim struts over and says «You put money in that basket and then I’m your friend.» Oh-​kay. .. that’s a little weird but whatever.
As class gets going he sort of mumbles instructions to the floor, and the regulars kind of know what he’s getting at but as a newcomer I’m lost. He doesn’t tell you what pose or what side. He’ll be like «put your hand on the floor» and you have to figure it out. In the middle of class he pointed out to everyone the sweat patterns on my shirt and how they looked like a phoenix — I didn’t really appreciate that. At one point, as I’m trying for a bind, he comes over and wrenches my arms together so they clasp. This actually happened.
Here’s the best part: in the middle of class, for about 10 minutes, TIM LED A DISCUSSION ON THE BEST WAY TO KILL SOMEONE WITHOUT LEAVING A MARK. This is not a joke. We had this discussion, as a group, while practicing «yoga.»
While this is the closest yoga studio to my house I will not be going back. That being said, the regulars were in great shape. So if you like supporting one man’s cult of personality while working out (it’s not yoga) go for it. I’ll be elsewhere.

Three months practicing at Monkey Yoga and I’ve experienced nothing like it. Tim doesn’t play background music. He doesn’t speak all ethereal and soft-​like. He doesn’t spoon feed you the practice.
He does make adjustments — and I implicitly trust him with my safety– that have shown me my body’s potential. He answers your questions, as long as you’re willing and humble enough to ask them. When the voice in your head saying «you can’t» gets a little too loud, he reminds you that you can. And he leaves the spirituality up to you.
The class is remarkably diverse: older folks and little kiddos (both are inspirations to me), big, hulking dudes and svelte ladies. Big hulking ladies and svelte dudes.
I wasn’t a beginner when I started practicing at Monkey, so I can’t speak to joining the class for the first time. But as long as you’re willing to learn, work hard, and have patience with yourself, Monkey’s a good place for you. It’s amazing how an open mind can lead to an open body, and vice versa.

I love this studio! It’s close to home and it’s unpretentious.
While I have never ‘studied’ at any specific studio, I have certainly attended several classes all over LA and the East Bay over the last 10 years in the hopes of finding a class that is a good fit for me. Finally, I am developing a consistent personal practice pretty much inspired by my experience at Monkey Yoga.
I have only taken classes from Tim. He is unlike any yoga teacher I have ever had which is what appeals to me. He creates a professional and playful environment and takes care to adjust those who need it. The personal attention in what can be crazy crowded classes (Sundays) is noteworthy. Monkey Yoga is an incredible blend of several styles.
I am grateful to have Monkey Yoga Shala in my neighborhood and Tim as a teacher.

It’s worth reading these reviews, folks. Many are hilarious.
I’ve been doing yoga for better than a dozen years. I travel extensively and frequently visit studios while traveling. I’ve been to at least a hundred studios and had the privilege to meet at least 150 highly qualified instructors. I’ve tried just about every kind of yoga I’ve encountered.
Tim is easily in my top 3.
I’ve tried the other instructors, but his class is best for me.
Some people think yoga is chanting and meditating, others think it’s the 26 poses of Bikram. Another person will tell you it’s only Hatha Flow, Powerflow, heated, hot …
Clearly yoga is all of these things, but not only this or that…
I started about 6 months ago at Tim’s studio and my practice has improved tremendously in the past half year. I am recovering from serious injuries acquired a decade ago, and I have gained a staggering amount of functionality from Tim’s Money Yoga.
It’s true, Tim’s class is extremely challenging if you want it to eat the whole buffet or you really can just check your ego at the door and take child’s pose when the need presents itself. Tim respects all levels.
There are some extremely dedicated people who do yoga, and some of them are physically suited to the practice. They are amazing to watch and learn from… some attend Tim’s class. I have benefited from their example and learned some humbleness in the process.
Some yoga classes are more of a support group where you can do no wrong. Tim’s athletic background includes dance. As a former dancer, his eye is drawn to inconsistency. I have benefited tremendously from his incredible expertise, and careful eye because he tells me when I am not doing something correctly. I have made minor adjustments to poses that I’ve done for a decade incorrectly… these minor adjustments let me reach the next level and more strength.
It is not a personal affront to my dignity to be corrected gently in class.
In some ways, Tim does act a bit like a coach, but he won’t kick you off the team or give you a hard time if you don’t take his advice.
That’s what some of these folks don’t realize.
The advice is free: take it or leave it. Just be grateful that someone cares enough to try and help you.
Thanks, Tim.
I’m grateful for your expertise.