Wake Up Yoga West

So far, so good! I’m about a week deep into my yoga practice, having done all my classes so far at Wake Up. I walked in essentially on a whim, and I keep going back. I feel very welcomed and informed; this is a place that is safe and welcoming for beginners. The people that teach and frequent the classes are helpful and heartfelt. Again, so far so good!

I have only attended prenatal and mommy and me classes here but have had great experiences — the instructors are wonderful, caring and positive and I always leave wanting to come back.
With the size and shape of the studio, it can feel a little cramped if more than 7 or 8 people are practicing, but that has almost never been the case for classes I’ve attended.
A (few) word (s) about mommy and me: Jamila has taught the class when I’ve gone and she is fantastic. There’s been a lot of hubbub in the news lately about mommy and me and other types of yoga not being «real» yoga because you don’t really get to have that spiritual introspection and peace. But Jamila is committed to making sure we can get as full a yoga practice in as possible, and helps to calm the babies when they fuss so we can practice, yet she manages to maintain the instructional flow of the class. Most of the babies that have been when I go are between 6 weeks and 5 months, some have been as old as 9 months, so it’s a lot of tired new moms who are grateful to get a class in and do something for their minds and bodies. It’s a non-​judgmental, supportive environment and I appreciate the opportunity to get as much of a practice in as I can with a baby in tow.

Wake up yoga is a wonderful place. It’s where I began a truly committed yoga practice under their warm, heartful guidance. i would recommend this studio to a very beginner or an advanced practioner of yoga alike. The teachers are intuitive and wonderful and help everyone in their classes embrace their own hearts. Wake Up Yoga is truly a gift. I am so grateful for their existence!
As for the above comment about there not being much in the spiritual aspect, I have to respectfully disagree. To me, yoga is ultimately a practice that opens the heart. Wake up really facilitates this!

Wake up Yoga west is a great yoga studio. The instructors are all kind and well informed. Especially wonderful is Biz, who teaches sunday mornings. There is not too much of the spiritual aspect, so if that makes you uncomfortable, this is a very good place to attend classes. If you are a total beginner, they offer a beginners series that teaches the basics. There are all level classes and classes geared more towards advanced students. the décor is simple, yet relaxing, and it is located far enough away from UPenn that it doesnt attract too many Penn undergrads, making overcrowding less of an issue. Really, all you could ask for in a small, neighborhood studio.
The studio IS small though, so if many people attend, it can get quite cramped (and hot). The only reason i am not giving the studio a higher rating is that it recently raised its prices, and they do not offer enough later evening classes for those of us that work downtown, and cant make it back in time to attend.

This place is great. The $ 5 flow classes cannot be beat — 90 minutes of yoga for $ 5? It’s a steal. (Not all classes are this cheap, of course — check the schedule.)
The instructors are patient, kind, and extremely complimentary. All classes are drop-​in which is great for those of us with fluctuating student schedules who can’t necessarily stick with a regular class. The space is colorful, warm (both figuratively and literally — so nice to do yoga in a cozy toasty room while it’s snowing outside!) and inviting — only complaint is that there are two big columns in the middle of the room that can block your view of the instructor, but I suppose there’s not much they can do about that as it’s part of the architecture. Mats are provided. All in all, highly recommended, a great place to practice yoga comfortably and safely at an extremely reasonable price.