Maya Whole Health Studio

Maya is CLOSED. It no longer exists as Maya Whole Health Studios and is now part of Vera Fitness. The back rooms where the masseuses and acupuncturists worked have been converted into a gym-​type room with space age looking weight lifting contraptions and there are NO BOYS ALLOWED! Student discounts are gone though the yoga classes continue with many of the great instructors that taught before.
I have not been able to actually contact anyone from Vera. When I inquired about new pricing structures I ended up hearing from the former owner of Maya who is now managing the fremont studio. She said that they would be trying to keep student discounts, which has not been born out at all. Vera did not at all acknowledge the studio and community that was there before they took over, information was in very short supply and I think they handled the transition quite badly. I won’t even go into to how ridiculous it is to exclude men. I am not sure if I will be going back (for the yoga. I know I won’t be going back to try out the «kinesis» weight lifting rube goldberg machines — exercise shouldn’t be that complicated.)

I’m totally devastated about having to leave my yoga studio in California. However, this gem of a studio has made that good bye a bit less painful. The locations is great for me, the space is beautiful (who doesn’t like to practice yoga in a room full of windows looking out onto treetops?) and the few instructors I’ve had are inviting, friendly and attentive. Some classes can get a little too chanty and «om-​y» for me but overall a great environment to practice, whether you are a frank beginner or a seasoned yogi.

I’ve always been a yoga hoe. You know– I like to mix it up, try different studios, different teachers and styles… but now I am in a relationship with Maya Whole Health and its wonderful. Sigh.
Reasons I committed to this super studio:
Half the room is windows! If you’re a plant like I am this counts for so much. Like everything. Practice yoga with an awesome instructor in a room spilling with light? Sign me up.
Funny and smart non-​intimidating yoga community. I love these people. Yoga is a journey– it takes focus and a sense of humor no matter how weak or strong you are. I came to Maya weak as a kitten and never felt embarassed about it because these people made me feel comfortable and it made my personal yoga challenges so much more fun to work on.
Super Instructors. There are a lot of studios and a lot of talent but I love the range of teaching style at Maya. Classes are small enough that the instructors will adjust you (if you’re comfortable with that) and I feel like the classes I take here are so thoughful.
Motif Fitness. This is a new program at Maya and I love it because its like bootcamp in the studio and it works you out until you’re a sweaty, shaking, puddle. I love a little ass kicking every so often and even better are the hot bod results. When I take this class twice a week I feel physically sore but unstoppable like a super hero!

Maya Whole Health recently had a Groupon deal for their 4-​week Intro to Yoga (or Pilates — but I went with Yoga) series, and I decided to jump on board.
I was a little confused about the location at first, but then I figured out that the studio is hidden in the building and the door is open (so we don’t have to call up to be buzzed in). I really dig the space! The entry area is comfortable and works well. The classroom is a nice size and has a good energy to it. I was happy to learn that they had all the «equipment» needed for yoga and all we had to do was show up.
Over all I enjoyed the series. It was different than the first yoga teacher I worked with (elsewhere) and the style wasn’t quite what I’ve discovered I like, but I feel like I got a lot out of it.
Eza is good at describing the positions and what we could expect to feel. She is good about offering up different levels of poses to make sure everyone goes only as far as they can. I liked that she incorporated some partner work and some group work in a couple of the classes.
I missed the third week of the series, and management said I can just drop in for any week of the next set. Great!
I’m not sure if I’ll end up going back for classes beyond the series here (mostly because I’m about to graduate from UW and don’t know what my near-​future looks like), but I definitely enjoyed my experience with their Intro to Yoga series.

I LOVE Maya Whole Health Studio! All of the yoga instructors are very well trained and truly care about helping you with your practice. The space is beautiful, and you feel really welcome here. There are a lot of class times available daily, and the student price ($ 65 for 3 classes a week or $ 12 a class) is pretty worth it.

I love Maya. The space is warm and bright with a lot of natural light and foliage outside the window. I’ve practiced in other studios where the practices feel cookie-​cutter. But that is not the experience I have at Maya. I started practicing here almost a year ago, and I immediately started learning a variety of poses. And that variety bleeds over into the teaching styles of the instructors as well.
Take a class with Eza or Paul – or with both of them. They are independently amazing. In my six years of practice, these two stood out to me for reasons listed above. They both have unique teaching styles, and they care about their students on a more personal level, which is something I hadn’t experienced before. I have had classes with a couple of other teachers as well, including Tami and Jim.
One month unlimited membership is $ 95, which is really reasonable and less expensive than other studios in the area. You’re going to get an awesome value and learn a lot and practice in a space full of good energy.
Maya offers classes almost every evening, so I’m not limited with only two classes a week that work with my practice level and schedule: I really like that.

Awesome! I have been going to maya a few times a week for almost 2 years. Its a beautiful space with a great variety of teachers. Whether I need to wind down and relax or build energy for my day, there is a class that fits for me. The teachers are caring and create an inviting space for students. I come for the stability and clarity I receive in classes that I am able to take out into the rest of my life, and for fun!
The cost is usually 15/​class which is very typical, right now in Dec its 11/​class and they usually have a great start up deal. I recommend Maya to anyone and everyone, and have brought friends of all abilities who have enjoyed themselves and felt welcome.

*** UPDATE***** I shall not change the stars yet…
People on the mailing list got an announcement of growth and change. Maya is shrinking and one of those new fitness companies will co-​occupy the space. I didnt even go back for my second trial session. Please be advised– yoga is marvelous and it was from Maya — however if someone tries to high-​pressure sell you machine based fitness which supposedly is 50 minutes– it is truly only 30 and then light cardio– BEWARE!**
Sweet Maya.
Nice Maya.
I live near here. I have taken classes and attended one workshop. Always warm, open and willing to communicate.
I now take yoga from a health club– all in one package for me. When I have the discretionary income I will be here or one of 3 other local, closeby studios.
They have a well worth it deal of all the yoga you can do in a month for a very reasonable price. This studio lasts and again, the sweet tone and warmth remain in my head.

I used to get massage regularly but then my favorite practitioner moved his practice up to Canada. (I KNOW, right? Who moves to freakin Canada?) I stopped going after that because I felt lost in a sea of options and have had plenty of not so great massages in my time. I’m on a pretty tight budget and don’t want to spend anywhere from $ 50-​$ 100 for something I don’t end up enjoying.
That being said, the other day I was a total nervous wreck. I decided that I needed a massage THAT DAY and started to call around town to line up a post-​work appointment. Of course most places had no openings, or had no evening appointments, or didn’t answer their phones. Finally I called Maya and Azur answered the phone. He was happy to set me up with a same-​day, evening appointment.
It was a great massage! I’m not one for talking while I’m getting my relax on and right from the start Azur let me know that I could talk as much as I wanted or not at all. During the massage I asked him a few questions about muscle groups and he was happy to share his knowledge with me but didn’t take the questions as an invitation to ramble. The room was cozy and the scented massage oil was relaxing rather than overpowering. I left feeling more ‘together’ than I have in quite a while. The price after tip was completely reasonable for the wonderful service offered. I will definitely return in 6 weeks!

One of the first things that excited me about moving to Seattle was the fact that this city is packed full of people and places that help me do good by my body. I have a bunch of very flexible friends and so I got several recommendations to studios in the area…
I’ve tried out four different studios over the 8 months or so. The energy of the whole experience is really important to me, and in that regard Maya is far and AWAY the best. The studio is beautiful — naturally lit with long windows along two walls and hanging paper lanterns — and it is QUIET! (No screaming ambulances, overhearing other instructors’ classes, or anyone playing rockband with ALL the instruments directly above the studio — no joke, this happened to me in July at a packed studio on capitol hill).
The staff is friendly and teachers have been very welcoming for all levels in the class and are clearly very good at what they do. Plus, the studio smells good.
Add to that that Maya also offer pilates classes, and even a pilates/​yoga combo called «core yoga». I was quite sure that yoga was about as far ‘west coast’ as I could go, but then I took an intro pilates class (with Celeste, who was dynamic and funny and generally wonderful) and it was actually awesome (and totally do-​able), and had me thinking about my posture and movement all week between sessions.
I am going to start doing the regular (not intro) pilates mat classes now, and really looking forward to getting there a couple times a week!

Maya is a great studio offering yoga, pilates and also massage. I have only done yoga there but think that it is great.
First, the studio is beautiful. Spacious and simple with many windows bringing lots of natural light. Second, the schedule is pretty full and offers a lot of different classes for different interests. Last, the teachers are great and well trained from various disciplines. I especially like going to classes taught by Paul, Brent and Eza. Try out different classes to see what you like as they all have pretty different styles!
If you are brand new to yoga, consider taking the beginning series. Even the level 1 – 2 classes could be pretty intense for someone brand new to yoga.

I’ve gone to yoga here with a friend a few times and it’s a great atmosphere. It’s a bit hipper than most yoga places I frequent. I couldn’t help noticing that out of 12 people in the class (including the teacher), 10 of them were tattoed and gorgeous. Men and women alike.
Not that that’s a problem, just an observation ;)
The teachers are well rounded, fairly attentive and very good at what they do. One older gentleman (teacher) in particular won my approval with his lovely classical music obsession and perky attitude. He really brightened the class for me, and I found myself sweating heavily with exertion, but I could have gone on all day with his giant smile and witty quips!
It’s a beautiful space in the heart of Fremont and they also offer Massage, which I will experience for the first time on my birthday tomorrow!

How strange. The other night (Thursday evening to be exact) I was lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and playing with my rock hard lower abs when it hit me: I really need to write an ‘updated’ review for Maya Whole Health. Oddly enough this review is the ROTD for today. Now’s as good a time as any: Since May my routine towards ‘self-​hottification’ has evolved to include Pilates. Have you met my friend Pilates? If not, you REALLY need to get on it. And when you get on it. Get on it HERE. I’ll tell you why: Erin is the SHIT!!! She’s the owner and I have a HUGE workout crush on her. One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. I’m a complete spaz and she is so patient in explaining things to me. Valerie has been teaching Pilates for 12 freaking years. On two occasions I’ve had over-​extended or extremely sore areas (hip and neck). I announced my ills to Valerie at the beginning of the class and by the end of the class I totally for got what the hell I was complaining about. Last and most certainly NOT least is Celeste. If you’re ever in the mood to kick your own ass and take names later than her classes are the ones for you.
She’s AMAZING!!! And really makes me feel like she wants nothing more than my success… even though the class is filled with other beautiful patrons… I KNOW MY success is most important to her. Yeah. THAT’S how good it is to get ‘er done at Maya.
I’d truly like to thank all the staff here for rocking out so hard and making everyday a physical epiphany. I run faster. I breath like a MERMAID!
I’ve earned the right to love every (shrinking) inch of my sexy ass!!!

Simple. As yoga should be (even though when you’re in tension, it seems the hardest thing in the universe to achieve). I am leaving the ego on the side. I dedicate today’s practice to praise my yoga studio, my favorite two-​legged dog, my one-​hour-​and-​fifteen-​minute-​a-​day child’s pose.
Pristine. Unscented. Delightful. Peaceful. Charming.
Tami, Dani, Erin P., Laura. Different styles, great practices.
Lemongrass soap to wash your hands after class. Tea Tree Oil to clean your mat when you are done.
In Maya, whole health is yoga (the part I know), pilates, treatments, acupuncture, workshops and a community page on their website.
This is zen oasis in the heart of Fremont. Wonderful place.
Namaste.

I have been going to this studio for a few months now & still love it. The teachers are great & they each have their own style, so you can mix it up by going different nights days, & get a different practice (essential for me because I can get bored easily). What I REALLY like about this place is the space itself! Lots of windows that let in light, but the studio is one floor off the street so there are few outside distractions. Also the natural wood trim windows & warm yellow color throughout is VERY soothing & lends to a great practice. Ommmmmmm…
Parking is an issue though… it is limited to street parking in the center of the universe (!) so you know it will be a problem. The rates are what you would expect, but they do (as of summer 2008) have a nice first timers incentive… something like $ 100 for two months unlimited practice.
Why not 5 stars? Well, it is a great place, but hey, its not Nirvana!

2 classes in and my core hurts — that’s a good thing, right?
My friends and I arranged a semi-​private class once a week: 4 people, an instructor for 6 weeks and then we can take all of the other classes.
Our instructor is ideal, Celeste couldn’t be a better fit for our group.
Funny, down to earth, super-​fit and just cool.
I’m either getting a workout from the machines and mat-​work or from laughing so hard i cry — which apparently uses the same muscles.
We’re eager to get taller, fitter and just to look forward to our weekly appointment to do something nice for ourselves while having a great time.
And those machines make you feel like a trapeze artist — who hasn’t always wanted to do that?!

I love the space here. It’s clean and smells nice and has lots of windows. It’s small, but I like it because it’s a lot more intimate and I feel like I get more feedback from the instructors. And I’ve loved learning Pilates here.
I started taking the classes here a few months ago and it was great. In the intro series Erin did a great job of talking about what was going on and really explained everything really well.
And now I’m doing the drop in classes on the weekends which are also great. Valerie is super friendly and positive and always comes around to help.
I love coming here every week.

OK, where to begin?
You know Pilates might be the most transformative, non invasive physical therapy there is, but finding an instructor who’s ego doesn’t push you off the equipment which they treat as altars to a man who survived prison camps by creating this work, is as difficult as staying on your sweat soaked mat in a Bikram yoga class.
Here at Maya, the story is different. These people like you. They like your body. They have no agenda if not informed by you. If you want tough, they give tough. If you need gentle, they give gentle, albeit with a firm, guiding love borne from their own practice. And they do practice. Erin Usher, the only pilates instructor from whom I’d take classes, will inspire you with not only her enthusiasm, but her amazing strength and demonstration.
The massage offerings are equally rich and enriching. I personally recommend Azur Koteen’s brand of therapy; a strong and inquiring presence that intuits on a scale your body will sing about for days, if not weeks, afterwards.
The Acro-​Yoga of Eza King is a delight. This is a class that will bring you closer to your partner in the most gently human of ways, whether you knew them prior to getting on the mat or not. She encourages her students to breathe fuller, expand notions of movement, flex their voices, and share boundaries with a sensitivity akin to spirituality, but without the superfluous religious baggage. She’ll inspire and rock you like you never thought you could be rocked by exercise.
To sum up, you’re in a good place if you bring yourself to these folks. Thank you Maya for being there.

a) it’s pretty
b) it doesn’t smell like dirty sweat socks
c) the staff is super friendly
d) it doesn’t smell like dirty sweat socks
e) it’s right in Fremont (you can walk to PCC afterwards and get a smoothie)
f) the yoga classes KICK ASS, particularly on Saturday mornings at 10am
Highly recommended, whether you’re a beginner or a yogini, MWH is a GREAT place to practice.