Yoga on First

Yoga on first offers very small classes (in my experience 2 – 5 ppl) and infinitely more adjustments than any other studio I’ve ever visited –Julie, Gabrielle, and Jake are especially skilled and frequent in their adjustments. All the instructors I’ve had also offer all the modifications necessary to make their classes appropriately challenging.
This studio offers EVERYTHING you need FREE too –yoga mats, hand towels (wash cloth size), full sized towels, parking, a sauna and, of course, blocks and straps and a few bagged balls to roll on. They even have fun items like a handstand chair for those of us still striving for that particular pose.
Furthermore, the owner and her sister are amazing women, super involved and oh so welcoming –support their small business!!!

I’ve Been using the wildfire app to explore different studios around me and hands down this one was my fave. Super welcoming instructor and owner. Went to Gabrielle’s first class and she rocked it. Will be back again soon! I’d give them ten stars if I could!

Yoga on First is a very small, welcoming studio that offers very traditional yoga classes. All of the instructors I met had wonderful, warm energy, but the classes were not challenging enough for me. I think this studio is wonderful for people who are new to yoga, or prefer slower traditional yoga.

Great Yoga studio– I truly enjoy all the classes!
I’ve been to many Yoga studios but this one definitely stands out among the rest… All instructors are very well trained and the diverse classes make it a perfect fit for everyone.

My favorite yoga studio, ever. I have tried my fair share of yoga studios, but nothing compares to this one.
Nancita offers classes for all levels of students, from beginners to yogis. And the best part of it all is that she creates a safe, comfortable and nonjudgemental environment for every student. It’s not about competing with other students or the instructors but bettering yourself inside and out. The classes are challenging yet fulfilling.
The classes offered here are intimate and full of positive energy. Nancita, Peter and Nereyda make a conscious effort to get to know every student, helping them focus on their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Everyone here truly embodies the spirit of the practice. I only have highly positive experiences to speak of. I feel like I’ve learned and grown so much thanks to Nancita and her amazing, caring team (thank you).
I highly recommend this studio anyone and everyone.

I was in San Diego visiting for two months, and I could not have chosen a better studio to continue my practice in during my vacation.
This small and growing studio offers intimate classes with teachers who are true to the core values of yoga, and who are able to help you grow your practice. Nancita. the owner, is warm and accommodating, and along with her manager Nereyda, truly embodies the loving kindness that is so essential to a powerful practice. Nereyda also uses essential oils during her classes and performs some Thai massage techniques during savasana.
Aurora and Peter are also wonderful and encouraging teachers. Peter leads a Vinyasa I practice, as well as more advanced ones, but the Vinyasa I is quite a workout in itself. He is skilled in his adjustments and modifies according to your needs and injury requirements.
Robert leads a Deeper Yoga practice twice a week, which I highly recommend for anyone looking to move their practice beyond asanas (poses). He employs qi gong and tai chi techniques, pranayama, devotional chanting and silent meditation, in addition to gentle asanas, and he does it all in one 90 minute class. I have practiced yoga with over 30 different teachers. and he is the single most impactful one I have ever had.
The new student two week unlimited special at $ 25 can’t be beat, and pays for itself in two classes. I also heard they are expanding and adding classes, so I wish I could have taken the studio home with me! Seriously, do not waste another moment after reading this review– check them out now!

This studio is absolutely amazing! This is the first yoga studio I’ve been to and I have learned so much with my yogi practice in the short time I’ve been going to this studio (I literally couldnt touch my toes before but I can now do way more than what I expected). The teachers are so kind and completely embody yoga spirit. They emphasize self-​practice, going at your own pace, and especially listening to your body-​which is great because you never want to push your body to the point where you injure yourself. But nonetheless, they still provide a worthy class where you can work up a sweat.
I HIGHLY recommend this studio to ANY level yogi and I promise they will not disappoint.

AMAZING STUDIO. I have so much adoration for all of the teachers here. They all make you feel welcome and cared for. There’s a very unique feel to this studio and I appreciate this close knit community. Aside from the amazing environment the classes are even better… I’ve been stagnant and injured for a while so I initially was very nervous but right away the teachers are aware and very helpful to get you where you want to be while being unconditionally patient. I’ve come so far spiritually and physically with my Yogi practice, its unbelievable. Definitely worth checking out for anyone!

I decided to write another review because I have been coming to Yoga on First for awhile now and I feel like I can say even more about the studio, teachers, and classes. First of all, this is by far my favorite yoga studio that I have ever been to. I spent a lot of my time in big studios that felt very competitive and unwelcoming, which was always confusing to me since that is not what yoga is about. Yoga on First truly embodies the yogi spirit. I go to yoga for several reasons, but one of them is the spiritual and mental journey it can inspire within you. Yoga on First has provided me with a loving, welcoming and calming environment to get deeper into my spiritual and yogi journey. Their mission is to teach yoga through compassion and love, and they do! I find myself being much kinder to myself during my classes here because of the tone they set.
Nancita, the owner, is a wonderful, giving human being. She is the most generous yoga teacher or business owner I have met. She truly gives back to the yogi community by offering a free class on Wednesday through Meetup. It is rare to find a studio that is willing to open its doors to the community just so people can experience yoga because that is the yogi spirit of giving back. I really respect her for doing this because as a business owner, there is always a cost associated with free things and Nancita goes above and beyond! For the Weds classes, she will often bring in fresh made juices (e.g., beet, carrot, green juice) and as someone who also juices, it can be pricey! The Weds classes are more slow and meditative and I think a mix of hatha and some vinyasa. I have taken her candlelight vinyasa class too and loved it. She always reminds me to just be with myself, my breath and honor my body and where it is at that day. She is truly a wonderful yoga teacher but just a lovely spirit and always creates a non-​competitive, compassionate environment.
I have had the pleasure to meet several of the other teachers and staff. Neyerda is another wonderful, beautiful, calming being! She is the current studio manager and soon will be teaching classes (yay). She absolutely brings warmth, kindness, and calmness to the environment. I like being in her presence because her energy is so great and warm. She knows a lot about essential oils and will be doing essential oil consultations. I have some essential oils that I was introduced to through her, and they have been great. The peppermint has been really good for helping to relax my tense muscles and I find the frankincense to be very calming. If you are interested in essential oils, she is a great resource! She recently led an essential oils workshop at the studio for $ 10 that included apps, fresh juice, infused water and 3 classes to the studio to be used within 3 weeks. This is another example of Yoga on First’s wonderful and generous business model.
Rob is the most in-​tune yogi I have met! He is all about the energy of the universe, the room, etc. His presence is so calming and he is very zen. I appreciate Rob’s classes and his spirit because he always leads a class that will make you very relaxed… on the brink of sleeping, actually! He teaches a Deep Yoga class. I had never tried this until Rob’s class and it is becoming transformative for me. I find myself looking forward to it each week because it pushes me to try to calm my «monkey mind» as Rob calls it — which is pretty accurate! He switches up the class structure each week and alternates a more active class with chanting mantras and then a more slow, meditative class. I have taken both and both are AWESOME. There is a lot of guided imagery during the off weeks and he introduced me to yoga nidras. I am so lucky to have found Rob and feel as if he serves as a spiritual guide to me!
Ah, Peter! Peter is great. Peter’s style is refreshing. I took his candlelight vinyasa class and he put a candle at the top of each of our mat’s to serve as a drishti. His class was challenging yet fun. Peter has a very light-​hearted, kind spirit and brings laughter to his classes. He is a doll and people love his classes!
Aurora is wonderful. She always does adjustments, which I appreciate. She is very calming and encourages yogis to be playful with their yoga. She leads yoga nidra, which is a beautiful practice. She breaks things down well and makes poses easier to do (arm balances)
There are so many good things I could say about the studio but I have already written a tome. I have seen the benefits that this studio has had on me, and others have commented on my calmer energy since attending the studio. It is a wonderful community and I feel like I am a part of a community here. If you are a looking for a studio that will welcome you with open arms no matter what level you are (it is a great place for beginners to learn because it is so uncompetitive) and give you a great mental and physical workout, this is the place. The prices are reasonable and the value far exceeds the co

I love this studio, the teachers are amazing. I’ve learned so much and improved my practice in ways I could never imagine.
It’s located in the heart of Hillcrest. It’s affordable and you will feel the wonderful energy from the teachers as soon as you go in. Take classes with Nancita and Peter, they bring so much passion into their practices. I love it, sure you will be impressed.

This is the best yoga studio I’ve been to. If I could give it 100 stars, I would!
The studio is always clean, neat, and peaceful. The owner/​teacher Nancita is the best yoga teacher I’ve had. She really fosters a sense a community in her classes. Her instructions are easy to follow. She also presents variation in poses tailored to specific individual needs. What I love most about her classes is the the «non-​competitive» environment that she creates for her students. (You know sometimes in those bigger studios, it gets really competitive among participants, and you feel obliged to try poses that you are not really ready for!) I always leave classes feeling rejuvenated.
Nancita also promotes healthy living in her classes. She regularly shares healthy home-​made green smoothies or tea with her class. I also love the essential oil she dabs on everyone in the beginning and end of each class. It really sets a calm tone to the class!
I can honestly say that you won’t be able to find another yoga studio that is better than Yoga on First. It is peaceful, warm, and welcoming to people with varying flexibility and body types. I never feel judged or pressured into yoga poses that I don’t feel comfortable with. However, I still get a good workout every time and have drastically increased flexibility in my body after going to this studio for about 1 year.
Can’t say enough good things about Yoga on First and Nancita! Awesome studio! :)

I love this little yoga studio! Nancita is a beautiful person and she makes you feel very welcome whether its a class of 20 or a class of 1. The atmosphere is wonderful, the only downside is there are only 1 or 2 classes a day so sometimes I can’t make any of the times. I am moving to the East coast and one (of the many) things I am going to miss about San Diego is this studio. I wish Nancita and her team the best of luck.

The best yoga experience I had in a long time. To begin with the studio was very clean, neat and had a peaceful feeling to it. The teacher Nancita was very knowledgeable and her instructions during class was very clear and easy for me to follow. I came in there feeling tired from a long day at work and walked out of there feeling rejuvenated with the stress of my day left behind. What an awesome feeling!!!

Nancita, the owner, is a wonderful person and always extends a calm and positive energy to the class. The studio is aesthetically pleasing– very neat with candles everywhere. Nice towels, yoga mats and props are available to all. Mat cleansers are also provided which I think is great. The studio also has a humidifier in it. It’s just a really nice atmosphere and Nancita has such a warm and giving spirit. She will even bring in green smoothies and almond milk she makes at home to share with everyone. Great place for your yoga practice!

I love this place, this space. The room classes are held in is small for large classes but I have never felt cramped. We just work it out. I have been to many classes there but only by one instructor. They provide mats and towels if you don’t bring your own. Remember to bring water and you can check it out for free at their Wednesday night class, free most of the time.

I used to practice yoga at home up until a couple of years ago when I suffered an injury and then fell out of the habit. Being a beginner, I needed to learn the basics again and searched for an instructor who could give me private lessons. I found Yoga On First on Unilocal,and after reading the reviews, decided to give them a try.
I’ve been very happy with my choice! Nancita is not only a great instructor, she is very friendly and makes me feel at ease with her supportive demeanor. Her studio is very clean and has a warm and inviting ambiance to it. I highly recommend it!

Did yoga there for the first time on Thursday. I have to admit I was a little timid doing yoga since I bend as good as a brick, but Nancita who was the instructor that evening made a newbie like me feel welcomed and comfortable.

Great yoga studio in walking distance of my house! Nancita is a great teacher. Her presence is calming, but she also pushes you to work hard. The studio is small but welcoming. They offer free towels, locks for the natural wood lockers and water cooler for refills. The yoga class I attend is meditative yet challenging. You will definitely work up a sweat and leave feeling great. I really enjoy coming here!

I have taken yoga classes around the neighborhood but had not really experienced the full benefits of a good yoga studio until I found Yoga on First. Nancita is not only a wonderful, patient and thorough teacher, but she exudes warmth and is clearly invested in the well-​being of everyone who steps into the studio. She explains the rationale behind the postures and offers many helpful suggestions on how to achieve proper form. She adjusts the set of postures according to who is in the room, which makes it accessible for newcomers to yoga and aficionados alike. My partner, who had never done yoga before and has several injuries, was delighted by her experience and plans to go back. At the same time, another friend and I who are at the advanced beginner level found the challenge we were looking for. This is because Nancita is very mindful in introducing many different modifications with every pose. To boot, she gives everyone equal attention.
Some details:
Cleanliness: I am something of a clean freak and am impressed by how clean and orderly everything is. The floors feel freshly mopped and everything smells good.
Music: appropriate and non-​intrusive. Great sound system.
Lighting: Nancita controls the lighting with a dimmer and there are battery operated candles around the room, making it a very serene space.
Heat: The room is modulated – never gets too hot or too cold.
Amenities: There is an infra-​red sauna, fluffly bath and hand towels, an ample supply of blocks and straps, and free locker usage.
I know once the word gets out on this place it is going to be very crowded, so try it out while it is still a very open and quiet space!

Took my first class here with Nancita and loved it. The facility was clean and tranquil, and the sauna is a nice preparation touch that I hadn’t come across before at a yoga class. Nancita explained the goal of the stretches better than I had ever heard before and that motivated me because I am the kind of person that likes to know why we are doing something. She also motivated me to increase my hip flexibility as she explained that Americans have lots of hip problems as they age due to our desk jobs. Will definitely be back.