Wellness Haven Yoga

I have bought group on and after group on have join her yoga. After couple of months I have started experience that when you join as new Umang encourage you, she will pay more attention and give good attention till you sign up for her yoga till regular student.
I have experience in her class not all shape and size students are welcome she criticized people on their shape and ability while doing yoga .
Also for the old regular students and new their is comparison while teaching yoga .
Sometimes students display the poses rather than her .
Along with yoga for meditation and nutrition package which she market for lifetime is false. After three months she deny the fact that her policies are change and it’s no longer lifetime.
She is total business women only when you are new student you will experience for that her pretend se for care. Once you are regular student it’s whole different experience .
I have never seen Yogi or yoga teacher who criticize people, who has short temper, mood swings and create stories to promote her business.
For what I have learn from her I will give her ONE star.

Her only objective is to be make money from you. Her approach to her practice is commercial and will sell you false claims to hook you up. She has no guilt taking your money and never delivering what she promised. She gets personal and discourages you in class for totally unknown reason. She sold me a package deal for $ 800. After 3 months, she brushed her hands off her earlier commitment of lifelong breathing, meditation and nutrition by simply stating that her rules have changed. A horrible experience… would never recommend this to anyone. If you are not a prospect bringing money in… you are not welcome. Repetitive classes and you end up feeling cheated for time and money. You never get what you were promised.

Umang is rawly Umang. I enjoyed her classes and can understand why not everyone does. Some people like a heavy sugar coating-​she is blunt.
Grouon customer here. I always sat in the front row to soak up as much knowledge as I could. There were times when she corrected me and times when she complimented me. Both were appreciated.
There were two times I saw her put people in their place… and probably would have done the same myself. She is VERY clear of her processes on Groupon and her website. A new Groupon-​er walked in AFTER class had begun, which may not have been rude, had he first attended his «pre-​opt.» He obviously felt he was more important than the class and her rules and didn’t seem happy about not being able to join.
Another time, two customers and also my friends, purchased a SECOND Groupon– this is not allowed and it clearly states so! She is running a business, not a charity. That being said, she recognized them and told them they could not participate by means of a Groupon. This was embarrassing for my friends as it was said in front of the class and Umang probably felt like a broken record!
I feel there is value in this Groupon. I enjoyed the experience and her teaching style.
There is a family feel to this place for the long time customers. Reasonably, the more time you spend with her, the higher quality your relationship will be. She offers so much more than yoga and is full of information. She is an inspiration, quitting her desk job to pursue her dreams. Thank you Umang for your time and knowledge!
P. S. I absolutely loved laughing at the end, it was so funny!

I bought a groupon for this studio after I gave birth to twins. I was about 45 pounds over my regular weight (hence why I was seeking a workout routine) and during our assessment she insisted that she weigh me and take my body fat. I told her I was not looking for any nutrition help and I was not comfortable being weighed in that environment by someone I didn’t know. I even revealed to her that I have struggled in the past with an eating disorder and told her that me knowing my weight at that point would not be helpful. She shamed me and basically told me if I didn’t complete her insane assessment I wouldn’t be able to take class. So I agreed when I should have run out of there screaming. It took two therapy sessions to get over the harm and shame she created in the 45 min I spent with her. I NEVER went back and got my money back from groupon. This woman is horrible, I’ve been to many yoga studios and this was by far the worst experience I have ever had!

I purchased a Groupon thinking this would be a nice introduction to Pilates.
I was asked to schedule an assessment appointment. I didn’t know better, so I did. I show up and was basically embarrassed in front of the other women there about how fat i am based on my height! And then told how inflexible I am. She wants SO much personal information! We spent 1 ½ hrs going over all her packages, not assessing.
When I finally came to the first class, Umang, didn’t even remember who I was, let alone my name! She asked if I came to be assessed first. This was less than a week that had passed! And then she made a big deal about how she has many students and it was impossible for her to remember EVERY one of her student’s name. Uh… you have about 8 – 10 people in all the classes that I came to… the same familiar faces…
The room is dark… which for some could be considered a relaxing ambiance. But it was a bit too dark. And the room smelled. When you take your deep breaths in, you don’t want to smell foul odor. A few air fresheners or candles could help greatly!
At no time, did Umang correct my positions or posture. I am new. I highly doubt I was doing it right or perfectly. No encouragements. And many of the poses, she came out of them herself and just sat. Some more advanced poses, she used a student to show and she never did them herself. I may as well bought a DVD!
Total scam! She’s always trying to sell you a class or package or something! And they’re not cheap!

BEWARE — the Groupon is only for the San Ramon location, even though the Groupon clearly states at the bottom REDEEM AT: 325 NORTH WIGIT LANE IN WALNUT CREEK, CA 94 598.
Now after reading all of the 1 star reviews I wish I had checked out Unilocal first before buying the Groupon — she is a total scam artist! Now I know why she listed the Groupon for Walnut Creek — for another city to take advantage of. Her whole approach of wanting to interview me before I take any classes seemed strange but now I know why– to try and sell me a bunch of crap! I told her that I’m not telling a stranger about my personal stuff, what a creep.
Most bad reviews say –She’s the only instructor and is always late, doesn’t know what she’s doing and practices unsafe poses — shoot, I’ve been doing yoga longer than she has!
I called Groupon to complain and got a refund. I encourage everyone who has experienced this same thing to place a call into Groupon.

I generally don’t respond to people’s comments because I am not a confrontational person, but I would like to state a few more things.
I studied biology & health and exercise science and many of the «free health tips’ she gave us during class were not correct. Her nutrition program is not scientifically founded.
In my opinion, a «thriving» studio is not 6 students in your class when there is room for 30.
Telling people they need to come every day, but only offering a handful of advanced classes a week doesn’t make sense. I dare you to go on her website and try to find her class schedule.
Her studio is targeted at people who have little or no experience with Yoga so they can’t see what she’s doing so blatently wrong. I’ve only been doing yoga 2 years and I know I have a ton more to learn, but (for example) jumping back to a plank with straight arms is jarring for the elbow and shoulder joints.
I’m extremely active and flexible and in only 1 month of her classes I experienced 2 injuries: a shoulder impingement and pulled muscle in my lower back. Neither of which I have had happen before or since. Physical Therapy and yoga at a studio with experienced teachers has me 100% healed!
Variety is one of the main words used by all health experts — muscle memory inhibits growth. Cross train, don’t do the same thing every day, etc. Not only does she do the same routine but she can’t start a different way (seated/​standing/​childs pose) and she doesn’t take suggestions on what the class wants that particular day (ie hip openers or shoulders.)
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and all I’m saying here is that I had a bad experience at this place. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so you might love it! :)

My husband bought me a Groupon for yoga just like many others here on Unilocal.
Umang is not a «cookie cut» type of yoga teacher. Her philosophy and method of teaching is not for people who just want to do asanas. She teaches yoga like an authentic yogi from India, which is very different from our Westernized yoga. She also infuses her way of teaching with her own personality which is energetic, disciplined, fun, joyful, and expressive.
Not only have I decided to take more yoga classes from her but I have also purchased her meditation and breath class, and become one of her accountability coaching students. Umang has pushed me, sometimes using tough love, to dig deeper than mere asanas but to live the yogic way of life. I will forever be grateful to her for helping me see that this journey is not always easy but it is SO WORTH the hard work.
I want to respond to some of the negative comments here (which are a reflection of the people and their myopic perspective not of Umang):
1. «Umang only pays attention to her regular paying customers.»
I have never had false expectation that I will get 100 percent attention in a group class. Umang is very friendly and talks with all her students, new and exisiting. I made a point in talking with her outside of the session and always found her open and responsive. I have never found her discriminating, in fact just the reverse!
2. «The point of Groupon and Living Social is to win over potential new customers.»
The truth is that businesses let us try out their products and service at introductory rates to see if both parties are a good fit for each other. Not every customer is the right fit for a business and not every business is the right fit for a customer. It is not about winning, but finding if we re the right fit.
3. «The monthly fee is extremely high.»
When you go for an illness to a doctor, you go to the one who is a good fit for you — skills and personality. If you are unable to afford the fee, you simply find the one that you are able to afford. Wellness Haven has a fee, and not everyone has to be able to afford it. Those who do and like them become their loyal students. There is a community of people who think it is worth it to pay Wellness Haven’s fees because there is VALUE being given to us!
4. «Umang’s classes are repletion without variety.»
She does do the same warm up sequence because it works. It covers EVERYTHING the body needs to get warmed up however, she varies the class based on the students and their ability. She has beginner and advanced level classes, slower and fast paced classes.
5. «She does not give positive reinforcement.»
There is only one sentence for this: I have yet to meet more positive reinforce than Umang. She has a sense of humor. Words can be interpreted in so many ways and those who re negative themselves will interpret her words in a negative manner. I suggest to those who had a problem with her words to look deep within and find out what is lacking within and what needs to be fixed within.
6. «The class ends the same way every time too, a quick Savasana and then belly laughs. Totally weird.»
Most Westerners find some of Umang’s practices weird because they are stuck or they have closed minds about what yoga should be. Umang’s Savasana is inclusive of yoga nidra and visualization. Belly laughter releases happy chemicals in the body and students who stick with the practice have gained positive results from it. If you personally do not appreciate it does not mean that it is not good it simply means you are not the right fit for Wellness Haven.
7. «She’s still on Groupon and it figures. She said only 30% of the people who buy Groupons actually use them, which is just free money for her. Those 30% seem to have all written Unilocal reviews too.»
Wellness Haven is on Groupon because it is a method for reaching more people who need to heal themselves. I came from Groupon and I have found a life long mentor in Umang… and I am not the only one. There are many students of Wellness Haven of the same mindset as me. I am very aware that only a percentage of those who buy Groupon use them, and that is because Groupon is so cheap that buying the Groupon on whim and then wasting it does not seem like a waste! Those who like Wellness Haven and Umang do not need to go «yelping» like those who have only nasty words as their outlet!
8. «Umang is terrible and I do NOT recommend.»
If people came to Umang only as a result of reading on Unilocal,Wellness Haven would not be thriving the way it is. We are all entitled to our opinions and to sharing those opinions. I would suggest that people try services like Wellness Haven and decide for themselves.

Agree with everyone below with one Star. I know you guys even gave that because the system wouldn’t allow anything lower. Moreover if you are a desi with a coupon, you are done. Run forest run…

Yep, got a Living Social deal, went to 1^st appt. for «assessment»; wasn’t expecting to do any asanas and arrived in my work clothes. Yep, got the whole sales pitch for outrageous fees and packages and even for buying a mat! Yep, felt derided after she said that my posture was «horrible, balance was «terrible», I was too tight, I had a high amount of «visceral fat» and I was now the OLDEST one in her studio. Yep, got the bum’s rush because she had to be somewhere else, started turning off lights while I was trying to get my shoes and sweater back on in the dark, and was left in the parking lot as she pealed out in her car. Yep, went back to work feeling pretty crappy about myself. Nope, not going back.
The whole experience felt counter-​intuitive of what I thought yoga was all about. Room was cluttered, smelled funny. I have taken yoga classes for years and I have never felt so derided. I am currently physically active, but I think she felt that I was not based on I don’t know what. She kept telling me about her dream and what a strong community she has built with her classes. She also told me how great she was. She told me a completely different story of her work past than the other reviewers’ stories here. Yep, I’m going somewhere else.

I bought a Groupon for Umang’s Wellness Haven in an attempt to find a new yoga studio because I was new to the area. Initially I really appreciated her take in appointment because she assessed my yoga-​abilities so that I could take an appropriate class. However, she began selling her studio rates on an account that she was a life coach and could change my life. She told me that psychology was a gimmick and the way to a better life was to practice yoga and eat better. I did not tell her I was a psychologist, and simply listened to her opinion. Of course I believe in an holistic approach to healing which is why I practice yoga, but don’t think it’s ethical for a non-​mental health professional to shove these beliefs and rates down someone’s throat, especially because she admitted to me that she used to be on real estate.
Anyways I began yoga in the advanced class and I thought it was pretty challenging. I have done a variety of yoga classes before and was pressed by the vigorous poses. However, she was not helpful in demonstrating how to do them. She even laughed at my friend who kept falling. At the end of the yoga class, she completed a chant and started laughing like Cruela DeVil. I thought it was interesting so I kept coming.
I had my boyfriend purchase a Groupon too. However, we were turned off that because she picked on him almost every time. She pays particular attention to her veterans and doesn’t care to even remember her Groupon customers’ names.
I eventually stopped going because I found her condescending and her room SMELLED so horrible it made me nauseated.
She’s still on Groupon and I’m not surprised. Her prices are outrageous. She was also always 5 – 10 minutes late to her studio which kept her clients outside in the cold (no waiting room).
I would not recommend her.
What surprises me the most is that I had to attend a mandatory interview with her first before practicing yoga. She never remembered my name or said hello once I started taking classes. I think the pre meeting was a gimmick to get those who are vulnerable into buying her life coaching classes. She also sells yoga as a weight loss supplement. That’s not very yogi-​like in my opinion.

Total scam. Thinks she is a therapist yet leaves you with childhood problems and vulnerable enough to try to sell you on classes. Stick to yoga.

I feel this other reviewer Pam M. has written part of her review for me! Yes, I feel that the owner/​instructor pays more attention to her regular paying clients. I used a Groupon and when she sensed I would probably not ‘transfer’ to being a regular, she lost interest! I met her at an occasion and she refused to recognize me — I say ‘refused’ because she kept saying «I don’t remember you»! And I had probably stopped with her classes only a few weeks before…
I will probably not go back and also because her monthly is expensive. So it was an ok experience for me.

I purchased the Groupon to try this studio, as I have been a member previously at YogaWorks and have also done classes at my gym, I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on some techniques. I was pleasantly surprised by her teachings! Umang is an exceptional instructor! I look forward to going to her studio, and am loving the results which are not only physical, but emotionally I am more relaxed! She always remembers me, is friendly and funny and it makes the classes a breeze. For once a group I am not staring at the clock to see what time it is because I am usually surprised by the time it is done!

This was my first time trying yoga and I’m so glad I purchased the groupon. The teacher made me feel welcome and comfortable enough where I could push myself without feeling self conscious. She also makes the class alot of fun for the participants as it is not uptight and quiet, she talks us through poses and answers questions. I have now recommended, and they join, her studio to 5 friends and my 2 step daughters, aged 9&10(they join me in beg an intermediate) and everyone loves the class. My stepdaughters ask every week if we’re going and the instructor asks about them. She may not remember our names but I’m also a face person not a name person so I get it!

Overall, I had an okay experience. The beginners’ classes were usually full but as long as you arrive 5 minutes before class, you’ll be fine. The advanced classes were always empty — ranging from 4 – 8 people for a room that usually holds 30+. The sessions are relaxing and the instructor Umang is encouraging to say the least.
I would definitely recommend this for yoga newbies (such as myself) — I’ve never attended yoga classes before but I quickly picked it up from my short stint here. Although you may be a beginner, your body may be able to handle more than you had anticipated. Don’t be afraid to try the advanced classes!
My only concern is Umang obviously gave her regular paying customers more attention than her Living Social deal members. But I thought the point of a Living Social deal was to win over potential new customers? I’ve used a Living Social deal at another small fitness class and I had rave reviews since I could tell the instructor didn’t discriminate against LS deal members.
I won’t be going back because I didn’t think I got enough attention as a potential customer for a small and seemingly intimate class setting. Also, the monthly fee is extremely high in my opinion.
P. s. When classes had few attendees, the instructor would open up the agenda to the students. This made the classes very flexible — students would request the yoga sequences they wanted to practice together. Also, on some Tuesdays we would do exercises with a fitness ball, weights, and blocks. If you can hit up the Tuesday class, it was always a good workout!

If you are considering purchasing a groupon deal for Wellness Haven, please consider these words sent to me recently.
«Believe me cheap prices bring cheap results for commitment lacks on FREE stuff. Paying brings in motivation and commitment :)»
Obviously the goal of groupon deals is to get new customers in. Another way to generate new business is by word of mouth and providing and exceptional product or something of value to it’s customers. For me, I did not find that here.

I stopped yoga almost a year ago (after my gym went out of business) and decided to focus on strength training while searching for a new yoga class. What a mistake. I lost so much flexibility and my «bad hip» flared up. I recently found Umang’s Wellness Haven and have been reminded why I never should have left yoga. Umang’s style of yoga is very unique and I really enjoy her enthusiasm during class. My hip pain has lessened and my flexibility has already increased in only eight sessions. I am definitely one of those people who needs to take yoga at least twice a week. I am one who likes to stick close to home when working out, but I travel over 15 miles to come to class and Umang is worth it.
I recently had the pleasure of indulging in a one-​on-​one therapeutic session with Umang. She calls her program: Umang’s Life Coaching for Health, Happiness, and Success — Upgrading Pre-​programmed Beliefs/​Re-​wiring of the Brain. All I can say is, «WOW!» I have been doing traditional talk therapy for over three years with the same therapist. In only one session with Umang, I dug deeper than I ever did in any of my weekly sessions. Umang helped me come up with an action plan, which I put into place immediately. The results were immediate as well. I had let a wound from my childhood paralyze me and I was able to let it go and move toward a much happier existence. I am very grateful to Umang for her help and hope that anyone wanting to improve their life will sit down with her for even one session. I promise you will be happy you did!

Umang’s Wellness Haven is a special place. It’s a place where you can put your ego aside and just be, which can be a sigh of relief. I’ve been practicing yoga for 20 years, and Umang is the epitome of a true teacher. She gives you individualized attention and structures the class by feeling out her students. She makes you laugh and never takes it too seriously. I love that she is from India, where yoga originated. She teaches yoga the right way, by telling students to listen and honor their bodies and instilling subtle life lessons into the practice.
Umang offers a variety of classes, and they are all good for the beginning yogi. If you are a beginner and have never tried yoga before, I highly suggest that you check out Umang’s Wellness Haven before any other studio. I noticed she gives beginners confidence and teaches them the asanas (positions) the right way, by watching what the student is capable of. The individual attention is so important in the beginning of learning yoga! I’ve watched students at other studios permanently injure themselves because they are forcing something they cannot do because of the lace of instruction. But at Umang’s, she really watches her students and suggests modifications. I’ve also noticed she stresses that breathing is the foundation of our practice, which even though I have been practicing for 20 years, I always seem to forget!
If you are the type that has practiced yoga before and know the basic asanas and sun salutations, I would suggest the Advanced Class or even the Nia classes. The Advanced Class is truly not that difficult. It’s hard for me to get the Advanced Class, which is at 8pm, so I end up going to the All Level’s Class, which has mostly beginners. It’s good for me though, because as previously mentioned, Umang reinforces the basic foundations and reminds me that yoga is more than just using your strength and flexibility!
I have also been to her mommy and me yoga class, which is amazing. My 14 month old LOVES her and loves playing with the balls and listening to us chant «Ohm». She can sit in cobbler’s pose and walk underneath me as I hold downward dog. Umang is a wonder with kids and keeps them laughing. My daughter was worn out after the class! :-)
I’ve also sat in on the Nia class, which is something I want to do next! I couldn’t join in on the fun because I had my 14 month old as Nia is right after the Mommy and Me class. But the Nia flow, which is a mixture of dance, yoga, and tai-​chi is on my list next!
The studio is spacious and is on the top floor of an office building. Umang provides yoga mats and all the props. You do not need to pay extra to use her mats, which is a plus.

Relaxing. Fun. Encouraging.
That is how I would describe Umang’s class. I am a big yoga fan and have been addicted to it since I was introduced to it in college. Among all my yoga instructors, Umang is one of my fav because she is really passionate and enthusiastic about this form of exercise. I love how she tells you the benefits of each pose because it helps me appreciate each movement that much more.
She also is very caring about all her students and understands the needs of each of them from her observations. That is not something many yoga instructors can provide. Everyone adapts to yoga in different ways and Umang hepls to provide guidance to where you need to be.
I am always thinking and talking to myself and her class is surprisingly something that helps me clear my mind and clean my spirit. Because of that, I look forward to her class more for my sanity. :)
I would definitely recommend her class for anyone because it will help you mentally, physically, and spiritually. Just do it !