Yoga at Change

I was visiting from out of town and wanted a place to do yoga. I found Yoga at Change online so I decided to go check it out before taking a class. When I arrived the instructor (who was also working the front desk (which I don’t know how you do both) came to one door and just closed it in our faces. I walked around to the front and entered and she came out to the office area. I told her I was visiting and looking for a place to do yoga. I asked her about classes and rates at which point she told me that I could find it online. She said well you can look at this and handed me a pamphlet then said she needed to get back to teaching her class. Well duh! I did find you online, but I wanted to talk to a human. Not once did ask if she could help us.
Needless to say I have no interesting in spending any money and or time at a place whose employees are blatantly rude and inept. They might want to fly her to the Yoga Studio in Indy where she can learn how to treat customers (oh wait maybe that’s why there were only 2 people in class) and see an establishment where EVERY class is packed!

Intimate and kind environment for yoga in the heart of San Mateo.
I love this place.

WOW — I just called Yoga at Change to find out about their prenatal yoga class and their receptionist was so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly about answering my questions. I’m very excited about taking my first class here and will be sure to post an update on my experience. Kudos to Yoga at Change for hiring such awesome people!

Penni does the best prenatal classes that you will find in the bay area! You will learn all there is to learn about pregnancy and child birth and she is very supportive. I can´t express how grateful I am for all her support and advice. She is a great asset to our community as I am sure many new moms has benefitted greatly from her wisdom.
I am looking forward to trying all the other yoga classes they offer.

I absolutely LOVE this yoga studio! I started attending because of a great groupon deal and I am SO glad that I bought it! There are so many wonderful classes offered for whatever you are looking for. The instructors are amazing and very helpful in leading you to feel confident and comfortable in the classes. I have recommended this studio to so many friends and am looking forward to them coming to a class with me!

I really love this little hidden studio located in downtown San Mateo.
It seems very welcoming, bright, open and clean. They don’t have any shower facilities, but I am usually heading home after the class and I am not really looking for a shower at the studio.
I have completed my initial «trial» so far, and I loved every one of three classes I have take. The Sunday morning classes are very traditional, focusing on alignment while working your entire body and twisting your mind.
Since we recently moved, I am still settling down with my «regular» mid-​week routine, but I am definitely looking into trying to incorporate some of mid-​week classes.
Also, I heard they have great meditation sessions, but only during the day… Oh, well…

Before I write my review, please BEWARE OF PURCHASING A GROUPON. It states on the voucher :“NEVER EXPIRES”, but in the fine print, it states you have to attend all 10 classes within a month of your first class. I never would have bought this if I’d known that– who has time for 10 classes in a month? Anyway, I ended up paying $ 40 for two classes which is more than the drop in rate. They did offer to extend it for two weeks, but as I’m travelling for most of that I won’t be able to use it. I don’t really blame them, I blame Groupon. I think it was intentionally miselading.
Anyway…I only went to two classes, but both were very nice. The instructors are pleasant and I enjoyed the slow pace an individual attention. The parking is pretty easy to find on the street, UNLESS you go right at lunch time. Also, the studio is very small, so if there are more than 8 people in the class it’s cramped.

I love this place. I have been doing prenatal yoga here for a little while now. Penni is awesome. She is always so warm and inviting. She understands all the challenges there are in pregnancy and always makes you feel like you are not alone. While it may not be the «standard» prenatal yoga class in my opinion it is better. It helps you open up you body and mind to the whole process and really connect with your little one and trust that your body knows what to do. It has been a safe place for me to learn, trust and acknowledge what pregnancy is all about.

The Sunday prenatal class is great, but not what you might expect. To clarify, this class is perfect for those new to yoga/​exercise or if you are just looking for a very low impact stretching class. If you normally exercised or practiced yoga regularly pre-​pregnancy, then you may want look elsewhere if you are looking for a more of a workout.
Wit that said, then why do I say this class is great? Because you are in a safe environment surrounded by other pregnant women and led by a fantastic teacher who has a wealth of knowledge about pregnancy, labor, doulas and etc. This is a great place for those pregnant with their first child because Julie Ann will introduce you to so many things you probably never knew existed.

Before I haven’t been in this place I bought their Groupon deal. I love this place and their plates classes with Deborah every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:00pm (1 hour).

Love this place! Why? They teach you gentle prenatal yoga and relaxing labor techniques that is unspoken of during a traditional yoga class! The class is intimate and the instructor addresses your «discomforts» (back pain, hip pain, anatomy and physiology of the body) during pregnancy.
This place is a little gem!
The studio is small; it’s located in the back in a courtyard. They offer Sunday afternoon classes (3pm) and Tuesday morning (10am) classes and they last for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Penni is amazing and you can view her Youtube videos here to check it out: Screenname Penniyoga.
Shoes off before you walk in!

This review is for a monthly class called «Shake Your Asana» taught by Danae Robinett.
The location is a little hard to find at first. It is just off a side street in main shopping district in San Mateo. It is a little on the small side, but cozy and bright.
The class included a number of yoga poses, free form movements, dance, lying meditation and hugs all around. Class duration is about an hour and 10 minutes. It appears that one can use class vouchers to get a good deal on the cost of the class.
Danae is knowledgeable and very encouraging and has a playful spirit. She provided mats and helped people with cushions who needed extra support. She played a range of music from techo to gamelon. In the context of the class it was all very appropriate.
She did not go around making adjustments in students poses like an exercise class which I consider a plus. Danae made the room a safe and happy place for everyone no matter what there experience level in yoga or mental state that day.
My wife and I loved it and intend to keep coming back. Highly recommended.

I discovered this yoga studio through a great monthly pass deal with Amazon local. I had never done yoga, although I did take a pilate’s course in college (but that was, gesh, ten years ago). I work pretty physically and really just wanted to start yoga to build up my core strength and to do stretching. I went to two to three classes a week during that month (April) and I was SO sore after each class, but in a good way. The first month, I felt like I had gone to a chiropractor. My shoulder blade was really bothering me for over a year, but after a two months of yoga, it is almost 100% better.
I tried several different classes during that first month to get a feel for what I liked. I really enjoyed Tripti’s and Jennifers’s Vinyasa flow classes: both of these teachers were very good. They make sure that you are doing your poses correctly and are very good at explaining them. I did not attend Marly’s class until the last week, which I now go to every week. She is great! Her classes are challenging, informative and fun.
All in all, I really like this yoga studio. It does have a very laid back feel to it, which a yoga studio should. The space is small, but the classes never feel crowded (even with 10 people in a class). The class size is usually small, which is so nice. This way the teacher has more time to spend with each student. Class sizes range from 2 to 10 it seems (at least on weekdays). If you want to do yoga, I mean really learn how to do it, and want the opposite of a gym environment, I would highly recommend this studio. I have not tried any other studio’s (and have only been doing yoga for two month’s now), so I can’t give it a five. I am definitely a fan of this place though!

On my quest to try all the yoga places in the area before latching on to one, I got the introductory class special from Yoga at Change, three classes for $ 25.
Yoga for me is like church– best on Sunday mornings– best time to get the body, mind all aligned for the week. I found the class that sounded most suited for me, Vigourous Vinyasa with Marly Cardozo 8:30am-10am. Unfortunately, the first time was a substitute teacher, so it was more like gentle yoga. The second two classes with Marly were wonderful; she’s very helpful and intune with how the students are handling the class and pays attention any sour spots that need correction or attention. Neither one of the two classes was the same exact routine, but were flowing and created the «fire» or as their website describes it that «subtle, internal heat of transformation and internal cleansing.»
The space is small– but somehow every body fit each class– I would suggest getting their at least 10 minutes before the class starts to get a good spot.
Would I go back here after my introductory? Big MAYBE…
I would make a suggestion to the owners to please do a better job keeping the space clean and sanitized because it’s a small space, that appears to cater a lot to families and young kids. When you walk into the office/​entry way through the back, there are baskets full of kids toys and a little office– neither one looks or smells like it’s ever been cleaned thoroughly… ever. Either get some stronger sanitizers or please get to cleaning– (in the nicest way possible…)
Besides the strange stagnant smell in the place… Marly’s Sunday morning Vigourous Vinyasa Yoga classes are awesome! The vibe here is super laid back, peaceful and humble… I really like it– still not 100% sure if I will return to this space yet… ;-)

UPDATE 10-​28-​2011
Wanted to write an update since it’s been many years that I’ve been going to change. Although there are still some negatives that I write about in my original review, there are many positives that I want to mention too:
MARLY CARDOZO: A truly inspired, educated and compassionate teacher. I never fail to learn something new in Marly’s class. Year after year, class after class, I hear something new from Marly that I never hear from anyone else. Try anyone of her classes, and I believe you will feel the same.
SHIKHA: Shikha has great energy, a great smile and really moves a glass a long. I love her Saturday morning Vinhyasa class to get my chi going.
PENNY THORPE: Penny is the backbone of the office and spirit of Change. I haven’t taken many of Penny’s classes, but you can’t go to Change without knowing Penny and her many gifts.
~ Ms. Ali

This review is for the Vigorous Vinyasa class taught by Edwina «Eddie» Ferro.
I came in to Yoga at Change through the back door. It looked like it was closed and no one was there but Eddie opened the door for us and got us settled in. The class is 1 hour and 15 min long, which is a little uncommon.
In all the yoga classes I’ve been to, the instructors were all drill sergeants that just gave us orders like gym coaches. They never do the moves and the poses themselves. Not Eddie, she’s the real thing!
Eddie spoke to us with a calm, supportive grace that you would get from your childhood ballet teacher. The one that thinks everyone is a unique, beautiful snowflake. Most importantly, she did most of the poses with us! It gave me huge respect for her ability. She was doing these poses (even a headstand) while pregnant too! Each one transitioned to the next in a logical way that flowed and made sense.
The class wasn’t very big at 7 or 8 people total, and it gave the teacher a chance to give everyone a little personal attention. There was the stereotypical yoga music in the background, which you probably heard while you’re getting a massage or your legs waxed. Like it or not, at least it gives us something to think about besides WHEN CAN I STOP AND GET OUT OF THIS POSE!!!
The only problem was that it wasn’t very vigorous, but it’s up to the individual to make the class challenging. Eddie always did the pose, and then said «if it is in your practice, you can _​_​_​_​_​_​_​.» In some yoga places (such as yoga to the people SF), I end up sweating like I just ran a marathon, and sore like it was the best sex you ever had. Not so with Yoga at Changes. Didn’t immediately need a shower afterwards. No need for my workout headband. No slipping on my own dirty sweat on my foam yoga mat.
I went to work the next day feeling like I was floating. My body felt lighter, and I could feel myself gliding like I was suspended in water.

Here is a slice of «Heaven on Earth»! I fell in love with this place at first sight! I am so grateful to have been introduced to it by one of the original founders, Penni Thorpe, who started as my prenatal yoga teacher and now consider a family friend.
«Change» is what happens here; it is a magical highly attuned system of people, spirit, practice, music, movement, friendship, allowance, and transformation. My daughter (now 4 ½) has been joining me for classes, workshops, events, and yoga her whole life. Here you will find angels to guide, love and support!
I highly recommend the «Mamma & Baby» classes and «Yoga with Babysitting» to any moms and their little ones. You will meet friends for life and get your balance back. It is vital! There is a family of folks who totally understand you and what you need; they will offer their hearts to help you!
Thank you Yoga @ Change for the friendships, the spirit, the uplifting, the nurturing, and for always being there to help me change for the better!

My mom loves going to Yoga at Change for meditation classes. She recently found out that they have new pricing arrangements for people who are in financial trouble. They give people who are unable to pay the full amount scholarships to be able to take the classes. One class on a scholarship is only $ 7!!!
As a recent graduate with no stable income, I am so happy that they are supporting the community and people who suffer the most in our current economic crisis! Many people are so stressed out and they need yoga to make them feel better both physically and mentally with out having to worry about shelling out top dollar for classes!

Yoga at Change is a fantastic resource for expectant and new mothers.
I took Penni’s Prenatal Yoga class during my pregnancy and am so glad I did. Not only did it provide me with a chance to relax and stretch twice a week, but also gave me tools that helped with my natural labor and delivery. Penni is very knowledgeable about pregnancy and parenthood and provided so much useful information to me. Each class opens with introductions and an opportunity to share what has been going on with you that week. Penni then tailors the class to meet the needs of the students, addressing whatever pains or issues we have. The class closes with a deep relaxation period that includes exercises in connecting with your baby. I loved having this chance to slow down and feel my connection to the child growing in my belly.
Now that my son is here, I regularly attend Penni’s Mom & Baby Yoga class. She does a fantastic job of incorporating whatever is going on with all the babies in the class and going with the flow of the moment. Although it is certainly not a strenuous workout, the class addresses the unique physical challenges of being a new parent and lets us relax and stretch without having to leave our babies at home.
Change also offers other events, such as a Meet the Doulas night (through which we found and hired our doula), a couples’ labor prep class, a hypnotherapy for birth class, and more.

I love Lauren’s Wednesday evening class at Yoga at Change. It’s a workout without being ridiculously aerobic. Yoga should challenge you but not actively kick your butt. I also find that the studio has a lot of good props and is normally kept at a good temperature.
Also, the fact that they email me when I need to buy a new class card is nice.