Sound Yoga

Sound Yoga is my studio because it’s just yoga. No noisy gym, no locker room, just small classes with people of all abilities who want to do yoga. We focus on gently moving with our breath, working on strength and flexibility at the level appropriate for each individual. Emphasis is always on yoga as a practice, not a competition. It’s an oasis in my week that I always look forward to.

I had taken various yoga classes over the years but it had been quite some time when I found Sound Yoga last year. Starting with Yoga I, it was the right place for me to ease back into my practice. When I felt back up to speed I joined Yoga II.
Unlike some other yoga studios, with the small class sizes offered at Sound Yoga there is no pressure, competition or fighting for elbow room. From the welcoming greeting and soothing environment to the gentle appreciation and respect for an individual’s unique body and needs, I have found Sound Yoga to be a compassionate sanctuary for mind and body restoration.

I’ve studied a few different types of yoga at a number of studios and I greatly appreciate the small classes and personal attention I get at Sound Yoga. I’ve been taking classes from Chris for a few years now and I feel strong and flexible… just what I was hoping for. Never more than ten in a class. Warm, friendly environment. We’re lucky to have Sound Yoga right in West Seattle.

Over four years now practicing yoga twice a week at Sound Yoga. I cannot believe how much yoga has strengthened my body, managed my chronic pain, and relieved stress. This small studio with caring and knowledgeable instructors is an ideal environment. I have dropped in at several local studios, as well as out of area studios while traveling, and I am always happy to come back to Sound Yoga. All body types, ages, and skill levels are welcome here.

I have regularly practiced beginning and advanced Yoga for 10 years and have experiences with many teachers and Yoga studios.
The teacher at Sound Yoga, with years of teaching experience, was unable or unwilling to communicate clearly and thus at times I didn’t know what she wanted the students to do. She did not demonstrate any poses or help adjust any of the student’s poses. This combined with her vague use of language created confusion. The experienced teacher was focused on her paper with diagrams of poses and sometimes seemed unaware of how to convey the importance of proper form or posture. If I didn’t know for a fact that she had been teaching for over 4 years, I would think this was her first time teaching.
Pro’s:
Cozy, clean studio with assortment of mats and bolsters
Con’s:
Vague, unclear communication of the types of poses to do.
Lack of explanation of how to improve and deepen the poses
Misnaming poses which added to confusion.
No adjustments for students who are not doing the poses incorrectly.
No demonstrations of the poses. The teacher just sat on the ground.
Lack of creativity and flexibility because of over focus on written plan
A 75 minute class cut short 10 minutes.

I was directed to this studio by a retired physician; a serious student and teacher of yoga. This studio is as careful as they should be with their student’s. Before each class (usually no more than 8 students) there’s a question from the instructor to each student: «How are you today?» The class is then directed by the results of everyone’s issues, pains, comfort, etc and we all get a great session.
The setting is just off of California, so you do hear some traffic but as you concentrate on your instructors voice and directions, the other sounds disappears. Beautifully and simply appointed, (bamboo flooring, ceiling fans, candles and nicely gardened entryway, it’s a great place to find yourself after work. I always leave feeling wonderful.