Liberation Yoga

I haven’t actually had the pleasure of attending a class here but I did have plans to attend their renowned New Years Eve class with my best friend, that is before she had to move out by the first of January (emergency). I had to cancel and they returned my money, no hassle, and the gentleman who handled it over the phone was very gracious. Good job on the customer service, Liberation Yoga!

The quality of instructors at Liberation is very high — which for me is what makes or breaks a studio. I’m new to this studio and have tried six instructors already. I tend to gravitate towards more gentle, «subtle», slower-​pace classes, so my favorite classes so far have been with Sarah, Eva and Jocelyn. I’m happy I found this studio as I came from the Westside where there were tons of amazing studios and now after a few years I finally found a studio in my neighborhood which I love.
If I could give one piece of constructive criticism I would humbly ask Liberation to do a little better job of keeping their floors clean. This is the only studio I’ve ever been in where every time I shower after yoga there is always a lot of black dirt on my feet. I just hate to think that my yoga mat is constantly rolling around in that dirt.: (
Otherwise I think if you’re a hard core yogi that steers clear from corporate yoga studios (like I do), I think you will be very happy here!
Also, thank you Liberation for accepting KCRW discounts and supporting such a great radio station!

I am extremely disappointed in the so-​called treatment I received from Xindi Cui, listed as a body worker or massage person on your site. She claimed to be a surgical nurse in China. I don’t have any idea who she really is, but she HURT MY HEATLH in a significant way.
I want to warn others to stay away from her.
Many thanks. Best wishes and luck in your other business operations.

This place is nice. There were some teachers I liked more than others (as there will be with most places), but overall they were all good. I love the back outdoor space for taking classes in the evenings, especially as the sun is setting! Beautiful and peaceful (plants, statues, sound of water, etc.) The inside space can get very warm and there are no windows, so I didn’t really enjoy those classes as much. Overall, a good spot. Parking is pretty easy on the side street parallel to La Brea behind the studio (not the alley, the next street). Also, I Love Sweetea and Trader Joe’s are both within a city block or two, so you can grab a boba and get your groceries right after you do your thing on the mat!

I tried Liberation Yoga for the first time with a friend a couple months ago. I get off work at 6PM normally and I had to leave work a little early to make the beginners class at 7PM. The parking situation is not the best, but like other reviews tell you, park on the street behind the studio.
I’m not in the best shape of my life (mainly due to my own laziness), and the beginners class is suppose to focus on meditation and breathing. Or so the website says. But I really felt like the Level One class was difficult. I struggled the whole time; definitely felt the burn during some poses. I pushed through it and was glad when it was over.
One thing I do want to note — I didn’t feel intimidated coming here. I get nervous very easily when it comes to anything that involves fitness or health. I’m not overweight or anything, but I am not in shape either. If I ever decide on a yoga class, I will definitely consider Liberation Yoga.

Liberation Yoga is what I describe to be one of the most authentic and sacred spaces to practice in, teach, volunteer, and especially teacher train for RYT200. Gary and Christine (owners) make you feel at home and suddenly you’re part of a family community here. I’m honored to say that every teacher and mentor I’ve had time with has enriched my practice physically, mentally, and spiritually. Being born and raised in L.A., it is quite refreshing and rare to find the real deal when it comes to Yoga. This place is definitely the organic/​NonGMO version of yoga, honestly. I’ve suffered injuries from an accident few years ago and did years of physical therapy, etc… If it wasn’t for finding this place, I just might have accepted to live with pain & take medication for the rest of my life.
This place has been the best medicine I have treated myself to. So very grateful:)

I’ve been coming to Liberation Yoga for just over 2 years now. I cannot say enough glowing wonderful things about this place, but I’ll try here!
First of all, the owners Christine and Gary are Amazing and Wonderful people… Gary works at the front desk pretty regularly and he remembers Everyone’s names. I honestly don’t know how he does it, but by the second time I came in, he said, «Oh hey, Shanna,» and it blew my mind. He immediately helped me to feel at home.
I think the best word to describe Christine is magical. She has the ability to teach a class that embodies the true soul of yoga. She knows how to lead you through poses, both simple and challenging, while keeping a smile on your face because her comments are just so charming and funny… This description just doesn’t do her justice, but rest assured, I am a big fan!
I had the pleasure of taking my teacher training at Liberation Yoga. It was a Life Changing Experience in the best way possible. It helped me to open up my heart and my mind. Through this path, I’ve been able to embody a new way of thinking and being that helps me to bring more light and love into this world while being more able to see it in all that surrounds me. The teachers are knowledgable beyond belief, and the space is beautiful and peaceful.
I have a few favorite teachers and I think they deserve a shoutout here. First, Noelle. Her level ²⁄₃ class is amazing! Do not try this if you are a beginner, but if you’ve been flowing for a while, Definitely come check her out.
Next, Sarah Isenberg. She also teaches level ²⁄₃ and is so unique in her teaching style… You never know exactly what you’ll get, but she is so in tune with the energy around her that you’ll be getting a class that feels right. Guaranteed to be entertained :) Warning — Also not for beginners!
Pagan. If you’re into Iyengar, he’s the man. Great for all levels :)
I think I’ve gone on long enough, but suffice it to say, I love this place and will keep going here forever :)

Massage therapy with Xindi Cui
I like the yoga studio, but I made the mistake of coming here for a massage and I regretted it. The whole experience, from initial contact with the therapist to the end of the massage was unpleasant, awkward, and upsetting. When I got there the door was locked and it took me 10 minutes to get in touch. When I finally got in, she led me to her cramped and hot little room and asked me to undress while she stood there and watched me. Then she poked at my body and asked me «if I thought I was heavy»! That’s exactly what she asked me. I left my massage feeling terrible about myself. I wear a size 6. I am NOT heavy. I truly regret tipping her and I can’t believe I even stayed for the mediocre massage after she insulted me. I strongly advise against patronizing.

I took prenatal yoga classes with Cassie at Liberation throughout my pregnancy and highly recommend them. She is fun and welcoming and gives you a workout, pregnancy notwithstanding. Squats are popular with Cassie which one may hate but is really what’s needed (and thus, appreciated). She is also great about listening to questions and concerns and sharing her knowledge or having other moms share, creating a bonus support group!
My daughter attends toddler yoga with Megan which is also great. Megan keeps the kids moving, deals well with distracted kids, and has a nice routine. The class is usually small and a parent attends with the child.
Both classes are in the garden studio which is lovely but does get very hot on hot days. There are some fans but it’s not really enough. There are always plenty of supplies (blocks, bolsters, etc.) and there is even a small parking lot (5 spaces) in back if you get the timing just right.
What keeps me from giving them 5 stars is the complicated pricing system. Buying a class package isn’t always cost effective since weekday-​daytime classes cost differently than weekend/​evening classes and the toddler class. My most recent «20 class» purchase didn’t even get us 14 classes since we some classes were being charged at their individual rate. If they updated the system to be more of a flat rate, with discounts for purchasing in bundles, I’d be 100% satisfied.

I was told to try this place out by my father who practices yoga religiously. He referred me to Noelle. I am a beginner and Noelle wasn’t teaching any beginning classes at the time I wanted to go so I took a class with Ramona. Keep in mind this is my first yoga class.
Parking is terrible. Read those signs. Read them again. Read the fine print. There are more options for parking about 2 hours or more in the neighborhood.
I was greeted by a nice man. He gave me a form to fill out beforehand. (come 15 mins earlier than your class so you can figure things out). You put your shoes in the little cubby hole bench you see when you first walk in and your things (purse, backpack) on the floor in the room you’re in. Their bathroom is ok, not gross or anything. Ramona verbally instructed us from pose to pose and came around to physically help those who didn’t get what she was saying. She was very polite and calming. The walls are kind of thin so you are able to hear the instructor in the other class talking. The music is relaxing. The blankets and other things smell a little funky if you put your face on/​in them. I took a class from 6:30 –8pm so the class wasn’t crowded at all. Overall it’s a very peaceful place. A lot of people are regulars here, it’s almost like a little community which is nice. I would come back if it was closer to me (I drove 40 mins to get there) and if parking wasn’t terrible.

Great place! I am such a barre junkie that yoga is usually not something I do, but I decided to try this place out. Man, is this place awesome??? And they also have a pretty good retail selection. I get there early because I’m cheap and love to find street parking. The instructor Monday morning for the 8:30AM class on July 13, 2015, was spectacular. At first I felt so out of place, but he was so helpful and hands on and knowledgeable about the clients and the practice. He came over and adjusted me or verbalize instructions to correct me or improve my pose and. it was wonderful. Just to get a little TMI, his certainty/​charisma/​knowledge was quite arousing. I mean this man is maybe twice my age, but damn, he knows his sh*t and knows how to make other people sh*t better. Sh*t equates to practice and knowledge of the practice btw. Highly recommend this place– two thumbs up. Thank you for reading & Namaste.

A yoga teacher once told me that I was the most inflexible person she had ever seen. So I did the rational thing: spent the next 15 years stewing and avoiding yoga. Until last night.
I showed up at Liberation’s Basic Level One class hoping for a corrective emotional experience and I got it! Carrie is a kind and helpful instructor who focuses on correct posture and alignment. She seemed to genuinely want to help us understand each pose. I’ll be back tonight for Gentle Restorative Yoga, which I hear is like «guided laziness».
I hate taking a level one class that’s filled with people who are clearly beyond level one; thankfully, that wasn’t the case here.
Facility notes: The garden is lovely, although there were a few too many students in class. We ran out of blocks and the mats were pretty close together. There is a single bathroom.
I signed up through ClassPass, but there’s also a great Groupon deal right now.

I’ve only ever taken classes in The Garden (outdoor area) and I followed a teacher (Mary Fanto) here from another studio, but the experiences so far have been wonderful. It’s a welcoming, peaceful space. And of course, I recommend Mary’s class. She’s a life-​changer.
The nitty gritty: This isn’t a sign up in advance kinda situation. I called once to ask and the front desk person said, «Oh, just show up.» So I typically show up 10 min early, sign in, chill in the hallway until the other class ends. There are cubbies to stash your stuff, but depending on where you are in the room, there’s some space on the outskirts as well. They have (wood) blocks, bolsters and blankets. Grab them at the beginning of class if you want to make use of them.
I go to the 8pm classes so it’s always street parking (metered) or, if you don’t mind walking a few blocks, free residential (read the signs!)
LA residents get their first class free so bring your skeptical, penny-​pinching friends and I’ll bet you can convert them. Look for groupons as well, but if you can’t find any – honestly – their classes are reasonably priced and if you choose the ones that NEVER EXPIRE, you can’t go wrong.

I was referred to Liberation by a friend and now I am a fan! Liberation has a great welcoming, authentic and positive vibe. Total hippie joint. I am just getting back into yoga and have taken beginners, mixed levels and restorative here (wish they had these classes more ;). The instructors have all paid great attention to form and done adjustments in a non-​judgy way, thank you!
The instructors also play to the different levels in the class and give several options of difficulty which I have not experienced at other studios.
Check signs for street parking.
I absolutely love it here.

Restorative yoga classes here leave you feeling like you just got a massage. So amazing and nurturing.
Parking is a bit of a pain and the front desk staff always seems a bit confused. Nonetheless, the classes are amazing and everyone is so nice and welcoming and friendly.

Did you get my tips on parking?
Don’t park on Sycamore on Tuesdays 12 – 3 due to street cleaning!
Don’t park on La Brea after 4 due to grid lock control.
There aren’t any lockers or cubbies for personal items so you’ll have to take it into class with you. It hasn’t bothered me too much since the class sizes have been small.
Here’s what I’ve noticed… the instructors aren’t doing the moves with you instead they are observing to give feedback. If you don’t want to be corrected verbally then maybe this place isn’t for you. I personally really appreciate the adjustments as it has helped me with my practice.
I also like that their classes are longer. They are only studio on class pass that offers 90 min yoga classes.
Namaste!

**Gentle Restorative Class**
–We missed the beginner yoga class so decided to try the gentle restorative. It definitely fits the description. VERY little yoga posing. Very minimal movement. More focused on breathing and meditation. At one point I almost fell asleep. I would only recommend this class if your into meditation and not really into the work out aspect of yoga. Friend and I both agreed that we were glad that it was free. It was definitely not our cup of tea.
–Street parking (meter) My friend & I parked @ the Petco parking lot a block away.
–First class is free! Be sure to come a few minutes to fill out a form. Day we came in the gentleman at the front desk did not seem so happy to see us.
–The studio itself — very bohemian feel. The décor is definitely not modern. I’m a bit iffy on the cleanliness. The blankets we used in class were folded up & put back. Not sure when they wash the blankets. Friend said the bathroom was a bit dirty.

I had a Liberation Yoga week pass and took a handful of yoga classes here. Be warned, the parking situation is difficult! There is a tiny lot in the pack that can probably fit about 4 cars at most (tandem style). There is metered parking on La Brea that is always full. And there is residential street parking in the surrounding area, but be sure to read the signs!
There are two rooms in this studio — one indoor and one outside. I have only taken classes in the indoor studio. I took the flow mixed levels classes. I wanted to take a level ²⁄₃ class only to find out it was canceled when I came in! The instructors are hit and miss. There is one Sunday class I was completely bored with. If you are looking for a strong flow class, definitely try Ellina’s class.
Unfortunately, they don’t provide lockers or cubbies to put your personal belongings. Shoes are left outside the studio and people bring in their personal stuff lined against the walls. Their class schedule is posted online on their website and surprisingly not in the studio. It would be helpful if they included a class description for each type of class.

A big Namaste from me to Liberation Yoga!
One of my girlfriends invited me to a Saturday Class with her and although I usually avoid Saturday classes like the plague, I decided to go anyway. She mentioned that they had a Groupon I figured I’d pick it up because those things usually pay for themselves within the first few classes.
After the first class I was hooked. It smells like Bali and feels like home. Eventually you get past the Gym Yoga classes and want something with some depth and a feeling of community and Liberation offers all of that.
Pat Sperry is a GEM and taking his classes has truly helped me get back to my practice. I cannot say enough good things about this place. Love love love it!

I have been to this studio for a while. Even though I don’t live close by, I still come here like once a week because I really like the vibe here.
Of course I came here for one of my fav teacher Noelle. But I have tried some other teachers class, I think they are good too. This place is very calm and spiritual, not a business tries to make money out of yoga, but a place builds community. I think they get the true meaning of yoga. Highly recommended!