Exhale Venice

It’s closed and they didn’t bother to give a public notice at least a month ahead. Their Santa Monica location didn’t mention anything about Venice being closed. No signs in the studio, ZERO email (and they send out a lot of promo: newsletter every week!) I used to be a long time customer and supporter. Not anymore. VERY unprofessional.

At Exhale today, what I experienced felt like what I imagine people on the sinking Titanic felt — being in a place that was once grand and powerful, and now headed toward seeming demise.
Over the past year, every yoga class I’ve been to here has had fewer than 10 people in it, even at prime times when classes in the past were usually packed. The quality/​experience level of teachers overall has diminished in the 8 years I’ve been coming here, and frankly, the $ 25/​class price-​tag really isn’t worth it for the classes taught by their more junior teachers.
The studio overall feels worn and rough around the edges, and could use a facelift (even though one happened not so long ago). The desk staff are notably less friendly/​engaged than they used to be; one person I interacted with today was downright rude.
On their website, they are asking teachers to rent their space. Seems like this indicates the ship is sinking… they can’t sustain the space they once did.
Clearly, Exhale’s glory day has come and gone. I don’t foresee being back here unless there is a class I really want to take with an established teacher I know.

I love their Chill Yin yoga classes on Sunday and Friday night! The instructors are great and it is like advanced napping… very relaxing. And very stretching!

PROS: All of the teachers bring their own style to the class which is nice in the sense it switches things up (favorite teacher so far is samantha mehra).
CONS: Venice location needs to clean its space up. It’s cluttered inside making it feel unclean — same goes for the bathroom. The two yoga rooms get pretty warm during class. Thumbs up to you if you can stand/​prefer the heat.
**I used to live in NYC and went to exhale at the central park south location — if you’ve ever been there, you’ll understand it’s hard to be pleased with their other studio locations.

Fix your website! For $ 22 a class your website should take me to Samadhi! Why is it so broken? I’ve never seen such a terrible site. You can’t find anything and the class schedule is so messed up that sometimes it doesn’t list all the teachers. You could literally throw a rock outside your door and hit 5 web designers. Fix that s*it!!!

Just took my first 7am class here with Grace. She was amazing. The studio is huge and full of morning light. Really beautiful. The front of the studio feels pretty corporate with a huge retail shop but it has a much different open loving vibe once you’re on your mat.

I remember when Exhale used to be fancy pants. Today, it screams corporate yoga. I took a ‘core fusion’ class there yesterday, it seemed totally scripted and not creative at all. The teacher did not pay attention to any of her students. The alignment of the girl next to me was so off I was grimacing in pain for her. The floor was filthy, full of dust balls in every corner. The bathroom was dirty and needs a major re-​model. The girls at the front desk barely looked up when I asked for parking validation, one of the girls didn’t even speak and pointed to a stamper which was on the counter for me to stamp myself. It’s an expensive place to take yoga, you would think they would have much better presentation.
I haven’t been to Exhale in several years, but I am shocked to see how expansion and growth has made the quality of the Exhale experience decline.

I found this place after reviewing top yoga studios that celebrities go. The way I see it, I want to put out the time and effort if the workout works. I took the core fusion barre with Andrew and it was tough. The key point he made was it’s mind over body. He’s really right about that. I run 6 days a week but need that extra workout for my core I think its the best fit for me. I did stay afterwards for the chill yoga class and it was perfect for stretching the body and finding peace.
Cost? I realize any gym or régime may get expensive. I’d recommend integrating classes from here with another less costly workout (like walking) into your week. After talking to Farrah on Saturday and Rachel on Tuesday I feel they have my best interest at hand as do the instructors.
Advantages: Three locations with Two as yoga studios by the ocean. Easy to get to AND I drove from the valley! Clean. Service driven. Friendly. Authentic I’m new to the yoga stuff. I’ve done jazzercise, aerobics, boxing, biking, stair master, and billy blanks to name a few. I think this place nailed it on the techniques and mission. At least give yourself an intro week.
Thanks to all at the Venice studio. You’re a class act!

Karly Treacy is the most amazing teacher! I have done yoga for decades, with decades of dance training before that. She has re-​introduced me to muscles that I lost after having 3 kids. She is incredibly knowledgeable about anatomy and alignment. I cannot believe how much my body has changed after working with her for a very short time, I finally have a waist again! She is fun and kind and wise, I highly recommend her classes!!!

The most lovely staff. So nice and friendly and not intimidating or snobby at all.
Core barre fusion with Andrew is an amazingly invigorating and challenging class that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to go back and take it again.
Nice studio atmosphere and great location.

Tiffany Russo is hands down the best teacher at Exhale –and there are loads of amazing teachers there!
Her class this evening was a perfect class. I travel constantly and always check out studios wherever I am go. I’ve never come across any yoga instructor anywhere as good as Tiffany. Her style is so clear and easy to follow –but she finds ways to push you farther than you could ever imagine.
Just perfect!

This used to be my go-​to yoga studio, but honestly it’s just too darn expensive. My favorite teachers still teach at Exhale (Hala is amazing, Tiffany leads a fun class), but now I only go occasionally when I feel like treating myself to a Hala class or a Tiffany workshop. The price is way out of line with any other place I would go to for yoga and they expire their class packages unreasonably fast (something like after 3 months for 5 – 10 class packs and 6 months for 20 class packs), which just makes me feel like they are trying to take my money from me. Not cool. I’m also not a fan of the addition of core fusion at this location. The thing about Center For Yoga, is that is was an old-​school pure yoga practice and now they’ve transformed it into a corporate Exhale-​branded fusion place. It makes me sad.
2 stars for Exhale. 5 stars for Hala and Tiffany.

I’ve been attending this yoga studio since 2010 when I completed my teacher training with Erich Schiffmann. Erich’s classes are actually mini-​workshops, so they are a value at $ 25 each (this is the new class price for Fall 2014 and beyond. Here are other bonuses of Exhale:
— There is an adjoining parking area, and Exhale Spa validates your ticket so the most you pay is $ 1.50 for convenient parking for 1 ½ hour yoga class
— There is one spacious yoga studio (where Erich teaches most of the time) and I’ve never felt cramped.
— Bolsters, blocks, blankets are in good condition (wool blankets, not the mexican blankets)
— Storage area (little cubbie holes) in plain view to store your gear. I love that the floor is not cluttered with workout bags.
— Great sound system in large studio. Let’s face it, when you’re practicing vinyasa a nice sound system is awesome!
— Ladies room — filtered water, free tampons, and one shower. Waste baskets are large and never over-​flowing. Unfortunately, there is not a window (I like windows in bathrooms if you know what I mean).
— Common area — retail space — a selection of free hot teas.
— Friendly staff. One time, I needed driving instructions to my next appt, and the receptionist googled the traffic flow, and recommended another route. Woo hoo! This is great service.
— I like the barcode key fob thing that they provide. This way, I don’t have to spell my name, and my account is accurate.

I just had the best barre class ever at Exhale with Crystal Rausch!!! It made my day and my holidays! Crystal is the teacher that convinced me to start this program three years ago and taught me how to approach each and every exercise. After so many classes with her, everytime I learn something new about exercises that I did million other times. And every class is different! Forget about getting bored! Ever! She makes you want to go back again, and again! Thanks Crystal for teaching on Christmas time! How would it be without you?! And thanks Exhale for giving us Crystal!

I really love this space. Coming here feels like I’m entering a special yoga zone. Lots of classes throughout the day so it’s easy to find one that works with your schedule. The only downside is that it’s pretty expensive…

Los Angeles has abundant options for studios and classes but Exhale’s Chelsea Kruse’s Core Fusion Barre/​Cardio/​Extreme is the only class I can guarantee leaving 110% satisfied. 100% for the deep strengthen burn and extra length she designs in her workout. Then extra 10% for her charisma! Chelsea always greets me by name, then supports me (even safely through injury) to get the best workout possible.

I purchased the new client $ 50 for unlimited classes for the first month only to arrive early for my first class this morning at 6:30am to be informed that my 7:00am class is cancelled. THEY JUST CANCELED THE CLASS WITHOUT ANY NOTIFICATION! NO E-​MAIL! NOTHING!

One class, and you won’t want to go to any other barre, mat pilates, or yoga class again, I promise you. I have been practicing barre here on and off for 7 years or so, and it remains the best and most flexible class based on skill level. I’ve taken it while being seriously overweight, and I’ve been taking it now that I am very athletic and trim– it still manages to challenge me, but it’s never overwhelming or intimidating.
Elinor was extremely detail oriented with her teaching, and though she is sweet and ever so cute, she kicked my behind, and I could not be happier! She was enthusiastic and effective, as are all the teachers here.
As other reviewers have said, yes, seriously, the friendliest staff here. They even wrote down exactly what time and yoga teacher to refer my husband to, whose needs and concerns differ greatly from mine, so we could enjoy a class together.
Some of the best yoga teachers in the world got their start here, and continue to teach here.
Ask about their introductory specials if you have not been here yet, as well as memberships. Absolutely worth it!

Seriously, the friendliest staff ever.
I called to ask about parking and the person answering the phones was super thorough and gave me a variety of different options. She was cheerful and the convo felt genuine throughout it’s short duration.
We made the trek up to this place because Shiva Rae was guest teaching (founder of Vinyasa Flow) and wanted to see what that was all about. A cool aspect is that the place lets you call ahead to make a reservation for a class to make sure you get a spot. Because it usually fills up and we weren’t sure how traffic was going to treat us coming from Orange County, it was a great peace of mind since we were traveling in a group of 5.
The studio is located in Venice (pretty much Santa Monica) in the heart of a lot of great restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Parking can be on the street (free after 6PM on the weekdays) or there’s a lot located underneath for $ 1.50 every two hours.
When you walk in, you’re greeted by a big Buddha statue and a place to leave your shoes. You proceed to the counter where a friendly gent checked us in and had us sign waivers. If you get there early, they have a HUGE retail space with clothes, books, cds, and more. I’m sure you could easily spend a pretty penny if you’re not careful.
They have changing rooms and bathrooms. The men’s bathroom was equipped with a shower, a water purification system to refill water bottles and the normal urinals/​stalls for doing your business. The males have it easier since there were no more than 3 – 4 in there at a time. The night we went, the ladies room had a nice little line like it was Disneyland.
Inside the main practice area is HUGE. There is a podium at the front for the teacher to demonstrate, a huge wall of cubby holes for your personal belongings and a place for blankets and other props. Because it was a special night, it was literally mat to mat with people. I’m sure there was over 100-​people in the room, so it got humid pretty fast.
There were some distractions while you were practicing. The lights flickered… like a lot. At some points I felt like I was in a natural disaster movie. It also made me lose focus and imbalanced at times. Also, when the instructor was speaking, the microphone cut in and out a lot. So from time to time, you’d lose cues and descriptions leaving you a little lost.
Other than that, it was a great experience and I’d definitely come back to take some of the other workshops and classes!
Drop in rates are $ 22, cheaper if you buy a package.

This Exhale is different than others around the US but very special. It has two studios featuring all yoga classes of varying levels, practices… some heated (not bikram hot), some not.
I’ve taken many core fusion core, yoga, bootcamp, cardio and sport classes from exhale chicago and the santa monica location but for some reason I psyched myself out about this one.
At first i was extremely nervous to take a class here thinking it was a hardcore yogi spot and I would be out of my league but after my first class with Tracy Krosnoff I fell in love. She’s super motivational, genuine and yes the class is a challenging heated vinyasa ish style. Let’s just say it’s her own style, and I love it. There are no ego’s or competition and you can feel it. It’s a very accepting atmosphere.
After a couple months of taking her class Sunday, Monday and Wednesday i’ve felt more strength physically, mentally and emotionally than I have ever. This class really helped me open up after a pretty traumatic move from Chicago to LA. And all I can say now is how grateful I am to have found this place.
There are instructors for everyone here, just be open to yourself and new possibilities and if one style doesn’t work out, try another, you’ll find what is best for you, your body and your lifestyle.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, sometimes new places can be intimidating but this is one you can trust.