Spark Yoga

This is a phenomenal studio. I have been a yogi for over 7 years and have been a member at several different studios in the metropolitan area. Spark is definitely in the top 5 for me. They are very clean, offer a variety of classes and levels, and encourage community. Additionally, their prices are reasonable for what you get. Time and time again I have tried other «cheaper» studios just to see what is out there and I am amazed how subpar studios can survive (like CorePower).
Unlike most studios, Spark does not offer a superficial version of yoga/​barre/​pilates. They are leaders in what they teach. Spark consistently has great instructors that encourage you, are POSITIVE, and look out for what is in your best interest, always giving options for different poses. The last thing I want is for someone to be negative in a yoga class like telling me their problems while guiding the class through poses or discouraging you from trying to go for a pose you have yet to master. You would think that the instructors would know better but many do not. Fortunately, that is not an issue at Spark. They encourage you, but remind you to be mindful of your body. They play appropriate music for yoga and not some 90s rock station. Lastly, their classes are always different, so as a new or seasoned yogi, you can still learn different poses every time you go back because they do their homework.
As a member for over two years and having tried at least ½ of the studios in this area, I highly recommend Spark.

What can I say? This review is long overdue but I kind of want to keep this gem all to myself. Who am I kidding, the secret is already out: Spark is the best!
Going to Spark always makes me feel better, even if I am being told to do 10 more squat jumps or lunges. Firstly, literally everyone you interact with is so nice, welcoming, and non-​judgmental. I never feel self conscious, even though I’m not the most advanced yoga practitioner by any means. Also, most instructors make it a point to remember your name and provide personal encouragement throughout class. This is a huge factor I consider when assessing different yoga studios — it really makes a difference in my motivation level! The support staff checking you in are also very knowledgable and helpful. Everyone just seems happy to be there!
Secondly, the facilities are spotless and everything smells like zen. I love washing my hands there just so I can use the soap! Where can I buy it? I need it in my daily life. The showers are great, and usually there’s no wait. I also want to mention that it’s a shoeless studio, so you take off your shoes when you enter and walk barefoot everyone, including the bathroom. I never feel grimy walking into that bathroom barefoot; in fact, it’s kind of nice in a strange way I can’t explain.
Thirdly, the instructors are on point! Like most people, I have my favorites. Casi is my go-​to for barre, and as one of the more established instructors this is not surprising. She reminds me of a Disney princess — so bubbly and energetic and beautiful! She will also kick your butt, but in a nurturing way. I still have a long way to go with barre (it’s HARD) but I just want to impress her! Other barre instructors that I’ve liked (but have not had as much experience with) are Isabelle and Alyssa. You can trust them to give you a great workout!
Yoga weights is the way to go if I want to sweat. What I love about it is that it is really therapeutic! By the end of the workout, I feel great about myself because I’ve worked really hard, but I also feel I’ve sweated off the day’s troubles. It’s so intense but relaxing at the same time. My current favorite instructor is Ahmed. I find his style very motivational and I appreciate that he does hands-​on adjustments. It makes me want to work that much harder. If you’re ever fortunate enough to get a massage from him at the end of glass, enjoy it! It might just be the best thing ever. It does not happen every time — I think only when there’s some extra time so it’s a nice occasion surprise.
I also had Ava once for yoga weights and really liked her style! Steph G also recently joined as a Yoga weights instructor and will really kick your butt. She’s great!
Last but not least, they sell Tasty6 juice. It’s really tasty and a perfect post-​workout energy boost!

If you don’t know what which class to take, I highly suggest Yoga @ the Wall. Beginners to advanced students should consider this. Amy is by far one of my favorite teachers in the area. She always has so much energy, which sometimes can be intimidating. During the class, you will be challenged and learn many ways to improve your practice that is right for your body at that time. I’ve also talked to other friends that attend their bar classes, and they love it. There’s a great one week deal for new students. The studio staff is very friendly, and the space is open and clean. What more can you ask for?!

I was sad to cancel my membership at another studio nearby… but Spark has won me over. In addition to yoga, Spark also offers barre and pilates. And it’s not just focused on one type of yoga — they offer basics, vinyasa, power, yin, hatha, dharma, yoga with weights, and yoga at the wall! You basically have multiple specialized workout classes in one place! Certain classes are heated (warm or hot), unheated, with music or without — you can check out the class descriptions on their website for additional info. You’ll never get bored with working out because there are so many different classes to choose from! In addition to the variety of classes, all of the classes are scheduled at great times that are accommodating to anybody’s schedule. They also have several workshops and events outside of their classes. If you’re new, you can purchase an unlimited week pass for $ 20. They also have packages, a month-​to-​month membership, and a contract membership available. They also have an app for your smartphone so you can book your spot in classes and check out the schedule!
I’ve tried several of their yoga classes in addition to barre and pilates and I really love the variety. The instructors are all informative and friendly. They make adjustments during class to make sure you’re doing everything correctly, and in most classes, they even do the poses/​exercises with you! Although the barre and pilates room has mirrors, the yoga room doesn’t have mirrors. I feel like it’s beneficial because you’ll be less distracted looking at how someone else does their pose. All of the studios, props, and bathrooms are clean, tidy, and well-​kept. There are cubbies, coat hangers, and lockers (you don’t need to bring a lock) to store your belongings. They also don’t have mats or towels for rent, and they also don’t sell water (they have a free water filter and a water fountain though).
I’m a fan of boutique fitness studios because I enjoy the group experience, a specialized workout, and the personalization that every teacher brings into their class, and Spark has it all.

Spark Yoga Mosaic is a beautiful studio with friendly staff and excellent instructors. I’ve been waiting for years for barre to come to the Merrifield area and couldn’t be happier with the schedule, availability and great teachers (especially Alicia!). It’s a tough but fun workout that will definitely give you results.

I got a free yoga session here because I signed up for updates and it was my birthday month. This yoga studio is what I would strive for if I had extra cash. There is no mirrors (thank you Jesus) and the instructor was extremely nice. I got my zen on and didn’t feel judge. Everyone was extremely nice and in the future I would come again.

I have experienced why Spark Yoga was voted Best Yoga Studio 2015 in Northern Virginia Magazine. The instructors are first rate in experience, training and personality. I’ve seen Jennifer handle a larger class sizes with spot-​on queuing, demonstration and hands-​on correction/​assistance (difficult to do when you have 35 students or more). Rebecca has an infectious enthusiasm for Pilates and the ability to tease out specific muscle groups through a couple degrees of foot position. Alexis challenges and accommodates all levels while holding asana in the open air of Strawberry Park (outside Angelika Theater). Ahmed can bring calm to some of the most challenging postures.
The studios and props are clean (I’ve witnessed the floor being cleaned post hot Vinyasa). The shower stalls looked clean. However, what I admire most about Spark Yoga is their generosity to the local community. They participate in Yoga Week DC, donate studio and service time in honor of those who serve in the US Armed Forces and participate in Lululemon Studio of the Quarter. They do these things while keeping their prices competitive and the quality of instruction high. I say Namaste!

I have so many positive things to say about Spark Yoga. I decided to list them for anyone that might be in the process of finding a new Yoga/​Barre/​Pilates studio.
*There are two convenient locations, Merrifield and Arlington. If you’re a member you can attend classes at either location. I attend the majority of classes at the Merrifield location but have taken a few at the Arlington location as well.
*The studio is so clean. They have a no shoe rule when you walk inside and it makes such a difference.
*The concierge are all so nice and welcoming when you walk in the door. They make an effort to remember your name and I could not appreciate that more!
*There are lockers outside of the classroom and inside the locker room for your stuff. In the locker room there are two showers, two sinks, and three toilets. There are tampons, hair ties, and a hairdryer in the locker room. I love the added touch of the hair ties. I always forget to bring one when I come straight from work.
*Shout out to my two favorite teachers, Erin and Diana. I LOVE their Barre Blend classes and always look forward to attending class.
* When it comes to the yoga classes, I frequent the ones that fit my schedule the best. I have enjoyed every class I have tried.
* The studio is tucked behind the chaos of the Mosaic District and has plenty of free parking.
*If you pay $ 20 you can take unlimited classes for a week to try things out. If you are a teacher or in the military they offer a discount on packages.
*The studio has a lot to offer outside of just taking classes. They have a Mindful Reading Club, lots of different workshops, and volunteer opportunities. It is a great place that gives me the sense of community I’ve been looking for.

I had taken Barre classes in Baltimore and moved to the Merrifield area and couldn’t find any classes close to me. I had to travel to Alexandria or Vienna. When I found this place I was in HEAVEN. Not only is it a 3 min drive to me but it’s located at the Mosaic district and has tons of free parking. The $ 20 unlimited classes for one week allowed me to take yoga with weights, and two barre classes with two different instructors. The studio is clean, the staff is very nice, the location in fantastic, and so far, the instructors are great too! I also like the variety of times and classes offered.

I really liked Spark’s Arlington location, so as a resident of Annandale I was excited when the Merrifield locale opened up. The studio is very similar to Arlington but because we’re out in the burbs there is a little more space throughout. The same spongy floors in the barre studio eliminate the need for mats and awkwardness in stowing them during class, which I love. Like Arlington, there are lockers and showers if you need them. This studio offers similar class times to Arlington and a lot of the same instructors teach at both locations, which is nice. Finally, this studio has a lot of great promotions. I tend to prefer to float around and buy specials instead of committing to any particular studio and Spark has lots of great options for the drop-​in/​non-​regular student. If you buy occasional packages there you get a free class for your birthday and this month they are partnering with Lululemon for a free heated yoga and weights class on Thursday nights.

The studio is great. I have never really worked out before. The instructors were good about showing the various moves at both the beginner, intermediate and advanced level. All the classes are and enjoyable and fun. The time passes by quickly. I also had knee pain before starting these classes. 1 week later of going 1 – 2 times daily and I was pain free. This place is well worth the money spent.

Spark Yoga at Mosaic just had their grand opening on November 30 and yesterday (December 1), I took the 7:45pm warm power yoga *basics* class with Jennifer. The studio is brand spankin’ new so it’s very clean and bright. There are cubbies to store your shoes and lockers to store the rest of your belongings. And at the end of your class, there are showers for you to use. The studio has two classrooms for yoga, pilates, and barre. I’m not sure if they’re offering aerial yoga at this location just yet.
Spark Yoga at Mosaic offers a range of different yoga, pilates, and barre classes. Warm power yoga, warm vinyasa, hot power yoga, dharma, yin, pilates *music*, and barre blend. On their website, you can read descriptions of each of the offered classes. Note that some classes are warm/​hot.
My warm power yoga *basics* class went by a lot faster than I envisioned. It was actually one of the better yoga classes I’ve taken. I’m not a big fan of yoga to be honest. I can’t seem to get myself to meditate or relax in the way that true yogis do; my mind is always wandering. However, Jennifer did a great job of relaxing us all and joking around, easing the usually tense atmosphere I feel at yoga classes. She walked around, correcting postures and stances to help enhance our yoga experience. I was grateful for her tuition, as she said things like «feet should be two fists apart» which makes a lot more sense to me than advice other teachers have said. The class moved fairly quickly and she did a great job of going through basics and getting us moving. Before long, even the newbies of yoga were going from a four-​limbed staff pose to an upward and then downward-​facing dog pose with ease and grace.
Currently, Spark Yoga at Mosaic and Arlington offers ’tis the season promotions: unlimited classes for one week for only $ 20 (one drop-​in class costs that much) and/​or unlimited classes for one month for $ 50. Redeem by ¹²⁄₃₁ — new students only and aerial yoga is not included.
Plenty of free parking available right in front of the studio. Friendly staff and easy to make reservations. I’m also signed up for a pilates class and am eager to see what it’s like.