Agni Yoga

«Damn, that felt amazing.»
Those are the exact words I end up saying to myself after each class I take at Agni.
Caveat: I’m not typically the type that’s into pure physical fitness (e.g. going to the gym, lifting weights, etc.), but this place will kick your butt so if you’re looking for that you’ll definitely get it here. However, Agni Yoga is so much more than that, and it’s the «so much more» that keeps me coming back each time.
I had just moved back to LA around last September and too much was going on in my life. My mind was filled with the clutter of unnecessary thoughts and at a constant state of unsettle. At that same time, one of my closest friends invited me to join in on a yoga class. My initial reaction was, «That sounds awful,» but I figured I’d be a sport and try a yoga class at Agni at least once. In all honesty, I had tried yoga before and the idea of standing still, being quiet, etc.– every yoga stereotype– didn’t sound appealing. However, I’m so grateful that my friend invited me to practice because after that first class I learned that with the right teacher/​guide, yoga is beyond the poses, the standing still, etc.
There are two specific teachers that I religiously go to practice with at Agni: Ashley (the studio’s namesake) and Dana. Both have very distinct styles of teaching but are each able to bring me to that space between the thoughts in their own unique way. That is what I mean by the «so much more» that keeps me coming back– it’s their ability to help me let go of the thoughts I don’t need, the millions of thoughts that stream through my mind distracting me from the present. With their guidance, I’ve been able to discover a mental and physical strength I was never aware of within myself. I’m so grateful that they’ve been able to guide me towards the gift of being able to control my own thoughts and my body as a whole. I’m coming up on my 5 month anniversary with Agni and I attribute these mental and physical changes that have come out of my practice to these two lovely ladies. I can’t express how full of love this studio is and how happy I am to be a part of it.

I absolutely love this place! I had a pretty tough 2015, so having a studio like Agni to come to after a terrible day was such a blessing (and there were many). The studio is really lovely and very intimate which I prefer as opposed to giant gyms and what not. Parking is fairly easy. I suggest checking out the neighborhood prior to class. Lot’s of places to park!
Ashley: Ashley is amazing. My favorite part of Ashley’s classes are her speeches. She is so impeccable with her word that it’s contagious. I really have taken to heart her «everything is temporary» and «so many people would love to be in your position right now» lines. Both are so true. When my legs are on fire in class, I quietly thank them for allowing me to feel as well as for taking me to class. I also love how long the shavasanas are. I’ve fallen asleep numerous times. Sometimes I even feel like I have left my body. If that isn’t special, then I don’t know what is… One last note, Ashley says that Agni is not a fitness studio. I have no idea what she is talking about because this is the best I have ever looked woohoo!
Dana: Dana is incredible. She is a powerhouse instructor. No class is the same and I would know! I try to go to all of them :) She is someone that is truly following her path and you feel it with all of her classes. I really credit her with my on going body transformation. I gained 10 lbs but it’s all muscle. I’m so much leaner because of her. I’m starting to love my body again. She will kick your butt in the best way possible. I swear she has 12 eyes because she helps everyone in class with adjustments and modifications. She truly is a wonderfully caring person. I was out sick for a week and she reached out to make sure I was okay. How sweet! One last note, all of her classes are great, OBVIOUSLY! But last night’s class, oh my gosh!!! I left feeling so buzzed! I felt like I was 3 margaritas deep on a Saturday night. I don’t think it can get any better than that!
Miruna: Miruna is absolutely lovely. She has the cutest figure. I wish we could trade bodies for a day. I bet I would have 10 boyfriends. In all seriousness though, she is an amazing teacher. She is so encouraging. If you are unable to fully express the pose, she will break it down for you so you can learn how to properly get into it. She is so great with giving you the proper foundation. I had no idea I was doing certain poses wrong. I came from another studio where there were times when my knee suddenly hurt or my lower back felt like it was going to fall off. Miruna showed me the correct way and I was like wow, this is how it’s supposed to feel? She’s really in tune with the body. On top of that, her closing speeches are so positive and uplifting. I always look forward to what she is going to say at the end. It really sets the tone for the day :)
Mark: Mark is great. I wish I could take more of his classes! I went to his BE LOVE workshop and loved every minute of it! I scoffed at one position he asked us to do. I knew there was absolutely no way my body could do that. Two minutes later, I was in that very position. He guided me through every step. So caring! He’s a fabulous teacher! Love that his classes are hot. Bring a towel and lot’s of water!
This is basically a love letter to Agni. I just love this place so much! And now my mat is my best friend! If you are looking for a change, this is the place. Both externally and internally. What are you waiting for? Go for it!

I may regret this review if Agni Yoga becomes overly crowded but the instructors deserve it so I’m setting the fear or loosing my favorite yoga studio (ever!) aside.
For reference: I have practiced yoga for 6 years and have gone to the top rated studios where I previously lived (Hawaii and Washington DC) as well as attended classes every time I travel and to at least 2 dozen different studios in LA. I practice led Ashtanga whenever possible, a daily challenging sequence that makes me say «wow!» instead of «wft that makes no sense!» something every experienced yogi is aware of, and restorative/​yin once or twice a week. Fortunately, Agni Yoga offers all of this.
Ashley: Magically knows when you’re not breathing. She’s a DC girl — my hometown style :) She started the studio because there really isn’t another yoga studio that creates the true benefit of practicing yoga and she’s an intentional person because each class has chanting and intention setting. I like that she brings you back to your core and she pushes you to the point where you actually enjoy the opportunity of getting deeper into chair pose, warrior two, etc because you surprise yourself after holding it for an extended number of breaths.
Jennifer Haley: certified Ashtanga instructor and teaches you techniques to perfect the pose that are applicable for the rest of your practice. This along with her restorative classes are a life saver and mandatory for anyone who wants to practice yoga.
Dana Kraft: her sequences make you feel like it’s all the best from a 2 hour Ashtanga/​Mysore practice in only 1 hour — completely in tune and energizing yet calming.
Julliette Rossato: a well thought out flowing dance that you can’t help but smile to because it’s so fun.
Eban Oroz: he shows you how to breath into the muscle fiber by exhaling and twisting then inhaling and lengthening to new depths — I know most instructors say this but he actually shows you and then you just get it at a deeper level.
Sean Hanley: builds fire through movement then shows you what you’re capable of by building confidence thru repeating the movement for the full expression.
I’ll revise this as I try other teachers.
People told me about finding the «ideal yoga studio» that makes them feel connected, aligned, and energized but I didn’t know what they were talking about until I found Agni Yoga. So if you’re like me, then from the bottom of my heart, this is the only and best yoga studio I recommend for you.

I have been a member at Agni for a year now, and I love it. It is truly a warm environment, full of beautiful teachers. Ashley, the owner, makes a point to emphasize the importance of breath throughout her classes, and consistently emanates love.
I read the previous review about Agni and Ashley (the owner) and I simply can’t disagree more with it. As someone who has studied with her, I can honestly say that she is the main reason I decided to embark on my yoga teaching journey.
I definitely recommend this studio– it’s a breath of fresh air compared to the typical Hollywood pop music yoga classes that I’ve attended in the past. There are a few good ones out there, but Agni certainly is a studio with heart.

Such a wonderful little gem in the middle of the city. Loved it. The staff is amazing and the ambiance is welcoming. If it weren’t for the street noise I would totally sign up for monthly membership. Highly suggest if you’re in the area looking to zen out

I’ve been taking Restorative Yoga with Jennifer Haley on Sundays. I look forward to the class all week. It has the right mix of poses, breathing and meditation. A great way to start the week.

I cannot believe this place is even in business. And I still can’t believe I paid these arrogant jokers for my time to take a yoga class. The teacher, Ashley cumming, was really the type of personality that comedy (or horror — take your pick) screenplays are written about here in LA! This «teacher» was so rude, so arrogant, so holier-​than-​thou, and so pushy, I regretted every minute I was around her. And guess what?
I discovered she is actually the owner of the place!
She is not a yoga teacher. She is a typical text-​book version of a narcissistic, LA-​hole who thinks she is better than every single person in the room. She took a few yoga classes, set up a website, got someone to take a BUNCH of photos of HER and decided to start her own studio in Weho.
About a week before I attended the class, I went in to ask questions and get their schedule.
Ashley was the receptionist but I didn’t know she was the owner, nor did I know she was a teacher.
She was rude and snippy. Not friendly at all. No smile, not welcoming. Since I didn’t know she was the owner or a teacher, I just chalked it up to the «secretary-​receptionist-​aspiring-​actress at the door was just having a bad day and didn’t really want to be working there, but needed a job while she waited for her big break in the movie biz».
I did not feel welcome. I let it go and was then shocked to discover she was not only the teacher, but the owner!
I went to a saturday vinyasa class with ashley cumming a few weeks ago after the secretary experience. I waited to write a review because I wanted to go to a few other yoga studios and compare how the teachers were. I’ve been going to various yoga classes off and on for many years but recently started focusing on studios that seemed like they’d be good.
In the case of Agni Yoga, it is all smoke-​and-​mirrors, just like a Hollywood movie.
They’ve got it down online, in their pretty photos and in their Unilocal reviews.
But DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE.
Usually, Yoga is supposed to make one feel great. My experience was the exact opposite at Agni Yoga. It was a nightmare.
In the class I attended, all Ashley did was talk about herself, using her own life experiences in an attempt to «teach» the people in the class that her life experiences are the best for everyone. Ashley, we don’t want to hear your stories — they are not important. They are first-​world problems. You don’t have problems. And, you are not as important as you think you are. You told everyone too much information about yourself in the class. And you would not shut up. You just kept talking and talking about yourself.
This «colored» the class with information that had nothing to do with mindfulness that yoga is supposed to instill in practitioners.
And then, when a student didn’t get a pose, you actually mentioned it in a way that embarrassed him. I felt sorry for this guy, as he was clearly a beginner and you actually made fun of him in a very passive-​aggressive way in the class. It made me sick to my stomach how rude you were. You studio is not a place of peace at all, for anyone trying to open themselves to yoga.
A few other things:
The location is too small and they force too many people in the small practice room. The floors are filthy/​sticky and are wet with sweat. The bathroom smells and it is impossible to find parking — on any of the streets.
I also need to mention that finding the place is challenging, too.
There are plenty of great yoga studios in LA. I know, since I’ve been to several since my nightmare experience with these clowns.
Please, do not waste your time at this one. Support true and honest yoga teachers. You can find many in LA.
I cannot recommend this place, ever.

Typically, I love very physical workouts, including yoga classes that leave you drenched. Once in awhile you need a” workout” that transforms you from the inside out, and that’s exactly what Nathalie Fino’s Kundalini yoga class does. She’s warm, welcoming, and takes the time to educate the class about the purpose of each series. You’ll leave feeling much more open and flexible both inside and out.

Agni Yoga is truly a gem. I secretly hope it never gets overwhelmingly popular (as it should be!), but in all fairness, this place deserves a glowing review. This is the first yoga studio that I’ve fallen in love with since moving to LA two years ago.
My first class was with Ashley, and she’s amazing — super real and down to earth. Everything that Agni Yoga stands for is amazing. Since joining ClassPass, I’ve checked out many different yoga spots, but Agni Yoga isn’t about breaking a sweat for the sake of working out as I’ve seen in other studios. The focus on creating intentions and connecting with the breath in each class and the deepening of connections between the body, mind, and spirit always have me leaving the class more whole.
My favorite instructors are Dana and Eben (who joined the team more recently). There’s a genuine and warm spirit about Dana, and Eben’s class was incredible with flows that I’ve never experienced in any other yoga classes.
Definitely check this place out! Parking sucks, but so does everywhere else in LA. It’ll be worth it.

I love this studio! There is a calm, welcoming vibe and everyone here is kind and respectful. As a seasoned yogi, I still found the classes challenging and centering but approachable for a beginner.
Ashley is an amazing instructor, and her influence is felt in the studio. Every instructor i took class with was great. Juliette, Miruna and Dana each brought their own personalities and strengths to teaching.
I wish I lived closer, so I could practice here more often.

Loving the Kundalini Yoga class with Nathalie! It was such an amazing experience. She knows what to say to help push you through some of those breathing/​movement exercises. But most importantly, she has such an eloquent way of bridging the connections between the mental, physical and spiritual aspects of Kundalini yoga. If that sounds too «woo-​woo» for you, then you should probably go to her class. ;) Highly recommended!!!

I’ve been coming to Agni for about 6 months now and I can’t say enough good things about this studio and its instructors. I was going through a really hard time in my life and this place was my refuge! If your looking for more than a workout from yoga this place will not disappoint!

Love Agni yoga! The studio is located right next to Harlow. You enter in to the studio from behind the building. The staff is warm and welcoming and the studio is super clean. They really put a lot of emphasis on breathing and length. The classes are not super crowded, so you get a lot of attention from the instructor. All instructors are incredible! I always leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. A must try yoga experience!

So I finished my last groupon class and I have to be honest, I’m debating on ways I’m going to purchase more classes. (Straight from the studio or join up on class pass.)
After trying out four different classes I thought this studio wasn’t for me, but as it ends up it may just be. I found a teacher /​class that really spoke my language and when that teacher took a month off, I took the opportunity to check out a few other studios.
This is what I found — they are all hot, sweaty and stuffy. (Yoga sure has changed since I last practiced.) The difference maker is the teacher. Agni by far recruits the best talent I’ve experienced since returning to yoga. The other studios I checked out couldn’t hold a candle to the kind of talent Agni has recruited.
I returned to Agni once my favorite teacher returned, and was happy to do so. I’ve been even more thrilled that she’s been intermittently turning on the air during class to create circulation and take the edge of the heat off. I would honestly hug her if I didn’t think it would be awkward.
I also discussed the heat of the studio with the owner. She let me know that I was misinformed and they actually teach the vinyasa clashes between 85 — 92 degrees — so warm, not hot yoga.

The best Yoga studio ever!!!
Teachers are great, Ashley is wonderful!
Mind, body, spirit… it’s ir really mind blowing. I highly recommend it.
I bought one month memberships for my self and my husband. I’ve done yoga before and my husband is new at it. All his life he was going to agym. He loved it so much! We saw such a big improvement in our lives when we started going here.
I am more relax, stronger, happier and my skin improved :)
Teacher give all them selves and it feels so personal and customize to all of us.
Now my husband bought for me and for himself memberships. yay!
So happy to find this gem!

I took my 12 year old daughter to Maranda’s class and we both loved it! The studio is the perfect combination of relaxing and down to earth. Unlike the big yoga chains, it’s a big inviting and comfortable space. We didn’t have to run to grab a space on the floor!
Maranda is an amazing teacher and had my 12 year old hooked (which is no small feat)! She has a way of making you feel comfortable without the pressure if you don’t do it right :)
Thanks Maranda!

I’m upping my rating to 5 stars. A few months ago, I started taking regular Vinyasa with Ashley. Holy cow. She’s transcendentally good at what she does. What a gifted, caring teacher. I am so impressed by her. I had been going to Dana’s class for several months but started to get frustrated by her rigor. Don’t get me wrong, I LIKE Dana; I just wasn’t getting a profound spiritual connection through her guidance. Ashely was just what I was looking for. Her intermediate Vinyasa class is rigorous but doesn’t make me feel like I’m in over my head. I can’t imagine a better instructor.
One more thing: Dana really is great, too. I’m just not advanced enough for her classes. Although, I was technically taking the same level class with her as I do with Ashley, Dana’s class was, in my opinion, a lot more physically demanding. In a year or two, I might switch back over. This is just another thing that makes Agni great. Different teaching strategies and expectations lead to a healthy variety in offerings.
Previous Review:
I love this place. I first got into Yoga about 3 months ago, so I stared with beginner classes. Juliette and Maranda teach great weekend classes for beginners. A few weeks ago, I started intermediate classes with Dana, who kicks my butt (in a good way). The three teachers I’ve experienced at this studio have been professional, encouraging, and rigorous. Plus, they give me introspective things to ponder. The studio is clean, warm enough to keep me sweating, and ideally located. It’s just a little pricey. I highly recommend this studio. Namaste.

I’ve been meaning to write a review for Agni Yoga for a few months and finally I’m getting around to it. I met Ashley at a previous yoga studio and I have been obsessed with her class/​practice. So of course when she told me she was opening up her own studio, I had to take her class. Let me tell you, she not only gets your body into shape but also helps you cleanse your soul and your mind. I was so out of shape but Ashley helped me achieve a head stand! She is wonderful with past injuries and modifying poses to prevent further damage.
All the instructors at Agni are on a higher caliber compared to competing yoga studios. Her studio has a 1 month introductory special for new students and I recommend people give it a try. And definitely take a class with the wonderful Ashley!

Beautiful, natural light-​filled studio with an amazing, welcoming vibe.
I’ve only been to one class – Kundalini – which wasn’t really my jam but I am looking forward to coming back and trying the vinyasa flow class.

I got a Groupon for 10 sessions at Agni and thought it was totally worth it! To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t pay much more for classes here. It’s not that the studio is bad, it’s just not anything out of the ordinary.
Before I go on, I need to mention than Sean’s classes are the exception to the rule! I LOVE his classes because they’re challenging and you can tell he is truly committed to his practice. That being said, the one downside is that he only teaches on Sunday evenings (unless you get lucky and he’s subbing someone else’s class). 5 stars for Sean!
Other than that, the rest of the teachers are pretty standard, and even quite quirky at times. I feel like there isn’t enough attention paid to proper alignment; most teachers just go through their flows without walking around to make corrections and adjustments. And I hardly broke a sweat during class. Also, I’d like there to be more convenient class times, but I’m not holding this against the studio because I assume they’re catering to their patronage at large.