Yoga Nirvana

I can honestly say after nearly 20 years of yoga classes that this is the BEST I have ever attended. Jim is an amazing teacher. He really knows his stuff both from the physical aspect to the spiritual/​philosophical. His classes are so well balanced (pun intended) and — while challenging — can be modified for all levels. I am usually the oldest person in the room but I don’t feel judged, less than or not capable of doing the more strenuous poses. Jim provides modifications and assists his students in proper form, as needed. While his other instructors are really good too, a class with Jim Keegan is stellar!!!

Best yoga studio I have ever been to. It is comfortable, unlike some places that intimidate those of us who might be less «bendy». Jim is a phenomenal instructor. In the 5 weeks that I have been going, my chronic back pain is reduced by half. I honestly thought yoga would make it worse, but Jim asked if I had any limitations at my first class. Since that class he has helped me work around my limitations and get stronger. Come as you are!

Awesome yoga studios. Jim the owner, is the best instructor I’ve seen. Knowledgable, genuinely cares about where you are, and his classes are always peaceful while making you feel considerable with you are while pushing your own edge. Highly recommend it for beginners and advanced students!

This is the best yoga class I’ve had in a loooong time. Chelsea is a fantastic instructor, the flow was the best, and she guides you through the poses so eloquently (correcting alignment, breathing, etc).
She has a relaxing voice and overall an especially amazing class!
Can’t wait to come back to her class on my next visit.

Looking for good vibes? You WILL NOT find them here! Went in tonight for the 6pm flow 2 with Jim Keegan. Greeted at the front by a nice man, asked us to fill out a release– typical. He was friendly– informed us it was a level 2 class– I made a joke. He didn’t laugh but wasn’t rude either. I’m no pro at yoga, but I practice a couple times a week. Again, I knew this was a level 2 but it’s close to my house and I wanted to give the studio a shot. Went into the room with my cousin, found ourselves a spot and then realized it was the front, so we decided to move to the back right of the room and my cousins mat was close to a door. The instructor opened that door and it Hit my cousins mat. She didn’t mind but he made a face and shook his head like he was appalled that we had moved from the front to another space. Seemingly annoyed by us, he asked why we moved. Come on guy, it’s a small room, how are you so shocked that her mat is close to the door? It’s a full room. He had made a comment earlier to my cousin and at that point I’d had enough of him. I go to yoga to feel relaxed and at peace with where I’m at with my practice– not to feel judged and looked down upon. Jim, if you do not know how to display compassion and gratefulness to those newer to the practice than you, then I’d say you have a ton of learning to do. Get over yourself and learn to spread positivity.

«It’s not yoga if you’re not breathing.»
That’s a phrase my first yoga teacher always reiterated and has been a huge part of my practice ever since. Additionally, after a little bit of research this was a big reason why I decided to give Yoga Nirvana a try.
I travel a lot for work, so when I’m out of town I find myself trying to locate a yoga studio that practices true Vinyasa. I’ve visited a few studios in the Phoenix/​Tempe area on past business trips, but after discovering this spot I think I officially found my Phoenix/​Tempe yoga home.
Many times I’ve found myself disappointed at the fact that some studios end up being glorified cardio classes with no regard for breath or proper poses. Yoga Nirvana is far from that description.
I absolutely loved my practice here, specifically with Jim. He’s so warm and welcoming and completely understood what I was looking for in a studio. He helped me push myself in my practice and find my way into reaches I didn’t think I was capable of.
All in all, two thumbs up* and will definitely be coming back when I find myself out this way in the future.
*Note: My only complaint is that there are no early AM (i.e. 5:30/6:00am) classes! Regardless, love, love love

I’ve been practicing yoga for years and will admit I’ve been a «studio hopper.» I’d buy Groupons or pay the drop-​in rate to different studios all over the valley, depending on which location had the most convenient class time at the moment, and never felt compelled to stick with a specific studio. I realize now that many instructors simply talk you through a flow, tell you what your next move should be, without explanation, without SHOWING.
This is the first studio I’ve ever decided to obtain a package/​membership for. After every single class I attend here, I walk away having learned how to do a pose I never thought I could do. I learn how to get into a pose that I’d normally stay in down dog or child’s pose and watch others do, because I never thought I could do it.
Jim is educated, knowledgeable and passionate. He has a way of explaining everything in such a different and more precise way that it allows you to see it and understand it clearly. Your posture is constantly being adjusted for a safer and healthier practice, which is something that is so important and seems to be lacking immensely in many yoga classes. He pushes you to your limits safely and gently so that you’re not just going through the motions but you’re IMPROVING by getting out of your comfort zone. There is always a spiritual or life lesson to learn as well, and not just a quote or a simple, «Be kind to others and yourself, Namaste,» but an actual story to back it up, an explanation.
I’m absolutely thrilled to have found Yoga Nirvana.

I first discovered yoga from this studio nearly 6 years ago. Although, I do not currently live in Arizona anymore, I still think of the things I learned from my 2 years of dedicated practice there. Jim Keegan is incredible teacher who will guide you through more than just physical poses. He truly instills the 8 limbs of yoga into you and your practice. No matter where I live, I have never found a teacher more well-​rounded and inspiring as Jim. This studio is the best.

YES!!!
Finally found a studio with skilled and connected instructors, awesome posture-​correcting adjustments, and flows challenging me to intensify, deepen, and expand my practice.
Jim is kind, aware, genuine, knowledgable, and ultra-​passionate about his craft. I appreciate the way he integrates the spiritual and interconnected aspects of yoga into every class. It’s not just exercise, it’s a way of living life.
The other students are wonderful and the community that has been created here is exactly what I was looking for since recently moving to Tempe. So happy to have found Yoga Nirvana.

This was my first time doing kundalini yoga, and my first time at this studio. I was impressed. The experience was amazing. The studio itself is really nice from when you first walk in, and the people are super friendly! I immediately felt comfortable. The instructor was very welcoming, she gave off great energy. I am very happy to have come here, I will be back!

«Come as you are.»
As a novice, I have never once felt unwelcome, uncomfortable or judged. The instructors each do a wonderful job of offering modifications to poses which I cannot do, and adjustments to help progress my practice. Jim himself is a phenomenal coach and handles himself with the disposition of a true Yogi.
I highly recommend Yoga Nirvana to beginners and more advanced students alike.

I live in Berkeley California, a city known for starting the hippie movement and persistent progressive politics. People in Berkeley do yoga like they drink water– its part of the bedrock of who you are as a resident. I have visited Tempe a few times and gone to Jim’s class. It is an astounding emotional and spiritual practice with Jim, as well as a physically challenging class. I left his classes appreciative for the life I have, feeling strength in myself and my abilities. The hard callous i’ve developed over years living in a difficult world is softened and open to kindness. All this in just an hour and a half! I imagine what would transform if I could attend this kind of studio on a regular basis.
If that doesnt say enough, his classes are honestly better than 90% of the classes and teachers i have found in my home town of Berkeley. I do not exaggerate. This speaks to my experience.
These are the grounds to get your yoga on. Thanks Jim. Looking forward to practicing with you again.

This is easily one of the best yoga studios in the Valley, and there are a lot. Jim’s flow class is so awesome, challenging but doable and an awesome workout. Highly recommend!

hands down the best and most authentic yoga in the valley. i’ve tried them all and was lucky to finally find Yoga Nirvana.
great variety from sweaty to restorative and everything in between. but the most important part is the attention paid to each class — both from a hands-​on instructional perspective and a commitment to alignment and form… nothing like it. not to mention a very strong spiritual component through mindful suggestions from the teachers, which ends up being equally as important in my practice.
i’m always excited to get back to Yoga Nirvana when i come back in town. teachers are friendly, classes are affordable and quality is unparalleled. can’t say enough about Yoga Nirvana. i hope to see them expand in Phx.

One of the reasons I moved to Arizona from the east coast is to practice with Jim at Yoga Nirvana in Tempe. I have been to several yoga studios and Jim is the only teacher that explains and gets my body into correct alignment. He is very knowledgeable and conveys that easily to his students. The wording of where to put a shoulder or hand or knee is critical in yoga and if done wrong could hurt more than help and a teacher with this skill is a asset to yogi’s:

The thing about Yoga Nirvana that is special is the «Community.» It’s not only an enticing environment to practice yoga but it’s a support mechanism to sustain and better one’s life. Jim Keegan, the Founder, is extraordinary, and knows more than most Medical people about the body and how to coax the best person from within, and heal the pains and anxieties of everyday life. Truly an amazing experience every time I go.
Michelle B.

I found myself at middle age (54) with a medical problem (old guy stuff) that lead to poor sleep that lead to an unremitting low level funk. Well, the problem go fixed but the funk stayed. Always active, I found that I needed to explore new avenues to physical and mental well being. I decided to try yoga.
I walked into Yoga Nirvana as a total novice. I found a welcoming place with a great vibe. I met Jim on my first visit and he could not have been friendlier. As class started it became immediately obvious that he was a master teacher and mentor. Within just a few visits I felt like I was gaining confidence in my new practice. Now months later I find my flexibility improving and my mind calming. I’ve even noticed an improvement in my golf game.
Because of Jim and his crew I am now a consistent practitioner and I look forward to developing my knowledge of this wonderful art and science!

Geez, Yoga? I couldn’t even touch my toes and being tall + lanky, the thought of stretching in front of a bunch of people scared the crap out of me! But I have heard about the countless positives of yoga, and now being in a phase where I am willing to leave my cozy little shell I finally manned up and gave it a shot.
I heard about Yoga Nirvana from a friend, and any sort of «in» was good enough. I will explain, but wow was it a great decision! I just got a maximum 25 class membership and am really eager to set aside 2 days a week for this.
I have done a handful of classes through two different instructors here so far. I usually do night times, and a younger dude Jake is running the show. In one word I would describe him as «chill», I kinda feel like he is just a student in the class with you… as he walks around a lot observing and helping as he speaks. I can rarely spot him in the front. The thought of Adam and Eve blindly hearing God in the sky came to mind. «Where the…» Lol. I totally recommend the class if you have done Yoga at least one time before in your life, and want a really chill session. The reason I say that is because a lot of his lesson is verbal, like a smooth flowing poem. He may or may not be in the front doing everything he is saying. But if you don’t know what some of the basic words (poses) are, you might have to look at a neighbor to see what is going on instead of searching for Jake. To summarize, he is like an «A» student who is guiding others in becoming an «A» student.
The other teacher I have had is Jim, the early class. Now I have gone to elementary, middle, high school, college, and have had many mentors for sports, arts, etc… My parents are even teachers, and so are most of their friends. Bottom line is that I have known a lot of teachers, I am like a super pupil.
My point is– Jim’s yoga class, is some of the best teaching I have ever witnessed, in any subject matter. I don’t want to blab and blab, but in one word I would simply describe Jim as «Yogi». He is truly one that not only masters the material (as he also teaches the crazy hard yoga that I watched in awe) but also gave me this amazing passion about yoga through his lesson.
I now treat this yoga nirvana commitment pretty much like going to the Gym. Can’t be missing days, making excuses… I would only be cheating myself! After the few sessions, I can do way more than touch my toes (woohoo) and I wake up every morning with a different mentality. Do a few basic stretches, close my eyes, and just reflect upon how lucky I am to have such amazing things surrounding me.

I was in Tempe this past weekend for a workshop that took place on Saturday morning, and I was looking for a yoga class for Saturday afternoon. A quick Unilocal search for Tempe yoga studios found NOTHING until I discovered the community class that was offered here at 4:00. But I am glad I found it…
Positives: instructor was friendly and gave a great guided relaxation at the end: the community class was a steal at $ 5: the routine mixed things up with a couple of poses that were new to me (um, make a «4» with your legs? OK, now I’ve got something new to try for my home practice… that’s a good thing!)
Negatives: the only one I can think of is that even *with* the A/​C on, I broke out a sweat. I guess when it’s 106 degrees outside, all yoga ends up being hot yoga! (Thankfully, I had a towel with me.)
Bottom line: if my travels happen to take me back to the area, I’d take another class here.

I took my first class at Yoga Nirvana about 6 weeks ago, and have been coming back ever since. The teachers are inspiring. I always learn something valuable each time I take a class. Jim, the lead instructor/​owner, is one of the most knowledgeable, creative and supportive teachers I have practiced with in my 4 years of taking yoga classes. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi, you will be fully supported and encouraged in just the right ways to take your practice to the next level. The classes that I’ve taken at Nirvana are strongly-​linked to the ancient science and philosophy of yoga, yet at the same time provide a challenging physical workout. So you can get your sweat on and hear some inspiring and thought-​provoking gems at the same time.
The studio itself is very clean and simple. Wooden floors and a long mirror on one the walls. A few candles around the perimeter of the floor and hand-​made art create a peaceful vibe. They have blankets, blocks, straps, and any other prop you may need. The staff and students are kind and friendly as well.