Yoga in Santa Cruz

“Loved attending the free Wednesday class! Thankful they offer that so we could get a taste of what they’re like :)“

“I went here to see my favorite band Trestles for the first time at SCSC, very pleasant experience! All the bands set up merch and the venue was clean and a perfect size, I got to see the band really close and even got to talk to them afterwards.“

“My back, neck, and shoulders were in pain and Crystal's myofascial release massage gave me relief and deep relaxation. She also helped melt stress I was carrying in my arms and legs that I wasn't even aware of but opened me up to feeling so much better. As someone who works long hours on a computer, I will definitely be returning for regular stress relief support.“

“I've been attending level 1-2 classes with Maya Lev at the Yoga Center for the past year. Classes currently take place at the Vet's Hall in a spacious warm room with high ceilings and a quintessential Santa Cruz vibe overlooking Front St. Maya is a gem and a master teacher and I am so glad to discover her. Here's what I love about Maya: She has a deep knowledge and embodied understanding of Iyengar Yoga, anatomy, and human movement that consistently comes forth in her teaching. Each class is artfully crafted, with a progressive flow that ends with the whole body feeling completely stretched, worked out, lengthened, and strengthened. Maya has an exquisite verbal teaching style that allows students to move from one asana to another with clarity and precision about what to do, pay attention to, and feel. Students can drop deeply into their own bodily experience and are not required to frequently stop their practice to watch or copy a teacher. When she does demonstrate, which is not even in every class, it's to show specific details about a pose to help students understand how to refine their approach, and it's always very useful, like an "aha." Maya seamlessly instructs both students in the room and on Zoom in a hybrid way that truly works - with dual attention to each population that does not distract from the other. She teaches both groups while moving around the room making hands-on adjustments that give gentle yet clear and firm guidance. What an art! Maya always brings a meditative spiritual quality to each class, and she's down-to-earth and funny too - a great combination! As a Feldenkrais Method® movement teacher of 30 years and a person with many previous injuries and limitations who needs a really good teacher, I truly appreciate and feel safe with the master level of Maya's teaching. We are lucky to have Maya and the other excellent instructors at YCSC.“

“I booked an appointment for a haircut with Tara Murphy at Estrella Collective not quite knowing what to expect. Walking in, the place looks like a party with ivy and twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling. Tara was relaxed and fun and she gave me one of my best haircuts ever- just what I had in mind! Thanks Tara!“

“I ABSOLUTELY love Village Yoga and let me tell you I have tried every studio. Amy and Sally make this space calming and functional—and the community is just the best. Special shout out to Alana’s yoga flow, Michael’s hot 26, and Pink’s yoga hiit. At village yoga it’s always easy to leave it all on the mat!“

“I signed up for a weekly pass when I was visiting Santa Cruz last winter, it might be my new favorite yoga studio in the Bay Area. Spacious studio, teachers are wonderful and welcoming, class can be challenging depending on the level. Highly recommend anyone who's looking for a new studio to check out.“

“As a beginning yogi, I started taking weekly yin yoga classes at PPY in April of 2021 because I needed to do *something* for my health. I found the atmosphere here to be extremely welcoming and non-judgmental. My favorite thing is the emphasis on how I am feeling in my own body and/or how capable my own body is, without comparisons to how the other people in the class are doing or even how the instructor is performing the poses. The mood of the classes is very supportive. I have continued to take weekly yin classes with Magnolia and Katie, who are excellent, as well as taking occasional classes with Melissa, Tara and Gwen. The yin yoga (and the restorative or gentle yoga) classes are excellent for beginners and people looking for deep stretching and relaxation. I have noticed a difference since 2021. Highly recommend.“