The Yoga and Movement Center

I’m new to the Walnut Creek area, and my mom had given me a gift card for 10 classes to The Yoga and Movement Center. I was nervous to go at first, but was pleased (and still am) with my experience! I first took Diane’s Iyengar yoga classes (New Student special 3 for $ 30), but started taking Theresa’s Hatha Flow classes w/​my gift card. Both instructors are great! I feel comfortable practicing each move and routine, and my body feels great after class is over. The instructors I’ve met are so nice and care about their students, as well. I couldn’t feel more welcomed and at ease whenever I’m there!

I have been practicing yoga for 3.5 years and have worked with at least a dozen instructors, and Theresa Adamo’s classes are the best I have taken. She’s always well-​prepared, precise in poses, maintains a good flow, and gives individual instruction and attention. Not only is she very professional, she has a winning personality and an upbeat attitude. Her 7:30 a.m. class on Tuesdays is very convenient before work, and there is always street parking at that hour. The Center has a very warm and comfortable room. I highly recommend the Yoga and Movement Center!

Great instructors and clean, peaceful setting. Iyengar yoga focus with emphasis in doing postures in correct alignment and being present. Felt very relaxed and happy after class.

I had never taken a yoga class before, but was keenly interested in trying it. A friend of mine found The Yoga and Movement Center and we went to a class there this morning. The center was easy to find, it was easy to find parking, and most importantly, to me, everyone was friendly and welcoming, including our instructor, Diane, who founded and runs the Center. She was very patient with us newbies, never making us feel awkward or clumsy or out of shape or whatever. Her instructions were clear, calm and «easy» to follow, though the movements were a challenge. I have felt really good ever since the class and it’s now been 9 hours since it ended. I will definitely go back. I found the prices for the classes very reasonable, the atmosphere warm and friendly, not stuffy or off-​putting by any means, and the toned bodies of the regulars extremely inspiring! I want to look and feel like they do. For instance, there was a woman in her 80’s who does yoga regularly who has a FAR better physique than I have. And also, I thought Diane, the instructor, was younger than me when I met her. She’s nearly 16 years my senior! Yoga does wonders for a woman’s body. it’s the fountain of youth. I am sold.

Thank goodness I found Kelly Callahan-​Black at YMC and Indigo (Pleasant Hill). I have only taken ONE yoga class over the years where it felt like a great workout and a great stretching session at the same time. I searched for a few months until I found Kelly. The class is more of a Pilates mat class, and the facility is very low key, but I like that and swear after I leave, I feel like I had a great massage! I am an avid hiker and free weights gal — not much of an exercise «class» person — but Kelly’s class has become my favorite hour (or 2) of the week.
ALSO — My husband loves Diane Valentine’s back-​care yoga class as well.

I have had several private Yoga/​Feldenkrais lessons with Diane Valentine and she is the absolute best. I have never met a more knowledgeable and intuitive person. She was able to give me some mat exercises/​stretches to help with pain after spine surgery and her wisdom and guidance were worth a lot. There aren’t many practitioners I would trust to help me after a major surgery, but after the first session I had complete confidence in Diane.

Gayle and I used to do Yoga here together and we probably should again. We miss Diane and her good natured and skilled way of leading us through an interesting variety of routines. The room is big and sparse, and there’s really no changing facilities, except for a back movement room. However, for what you get, this is more than enough.
This kind of Yoga is not hot and it won’t really wear you out, but you will feel the results in all sorts of places. And if you go to Dinner afterwards, everything seems so much flavourful.

diane valentine, the owner and head instructor is the best yoga teacher i have ever had! she has changed my life in such a positive way; if you go, make sure you attend one of her classes, although there are other really good instructors. when i tell people about yoga, they often say, «I tried it and i don’t like it.» there are many different types of yoga, and more importantly, many different types of teachers so you can’t say you don’t like yoga until you take a class with diane; it will change your life! don’t worry about what you wear or how in shape you are, diane will meet your needs and change your life too! first class is free so give it a try… jean

Extremely welcoming atmosphere. I’m currently in the teacher training program. I have been very pleased with the course as well as the yoga classes taught here. I recommend any one in the area looking for a fabulous yoga studio, come and check this place out. They have many classes, some for seniors, children, even meditation. I can’t wait to check out the other classes offered here! Very clean place– and $ 2 max parking in the garage across the street. Most classes are $ 16– but you can buy a 10-​pass for $ 135. Hope to see you there!!!

I was looking on Unilocal for a good yoga spot near where I live. This was geographically the closest. I took a yoga/​pilates class with Kelly. (And my abs are still a little achey two days later which must mean it was pretty good. Or that I’m terribly out of shape.)
I was a bit concerned when I showed up early and the shop was dark and closed up tight. But 10 minutes before class, Kelly arrived. She’s very friendly and welcoming. The class was small, only about 5 or 6 of us. While the schedule was listed as an hour class, it actually ran almost 1 and a half hours, which I didn’t mind. The instruction itself was a solid hour and the end was a rest, which I also enjoyed.
Flippy is right. No frills here. Just a giant room. They do have plenty of mats, blankets, blocks, pillows, ring things — everything you’d need for a class of yoga, mediation, pilates, etc. This isn’t a yuppie yoga place but yuppies would be welcomed.
Parking wasn’t a problem for me. Found some on the street and since it was right before 6 I didn’t have to worry about getting a ticket.
Kelly is knowledgeable and helpful. My friend, who attended had never done yoga before, and Kelly was positive and encouraging. Everyone in the class seemed familiar with one another and receptive to us newbies.
They do have a «community class» on Wednesday nights that is free — or rather, runs by donation. It’s taught by the founder of the center. That seems pretty neat, so I’ll check that out next week.
I’d go back and I’d gladly recommend it to a friend.

I have to say that I really like the way that Diane teaches. I’m never sore or feel off balanced afterwards. I’ve been to so many other teaches that focus to much on one area or they don’t really check you to make sure you have the pose right. It’s not about how far or how long you can hold the pose but if you are in the pose right. I’m so glad she understands that.
And there is a bathroom in there. I don’t know what that other Unilocaler was talking about.

They have quality instructors and classes, this is a great place if this is all you need, no frills. If you need a place where you can practice regularly, there are a few things missing, for me anyways.
There are a lot of conveniences missing that make it difficult to go to regularly. First you can’t buy unlimited classes, so if you want go multiple times a week, it’s much more expensive than places where you can buy unlimited. There isn’t parking for the studio, just street or paid. The studio itself does not have a bathroom, you get a key to use the one shared with the other offices upstairs. The floor is carpeted, gross. There are no lockers or place to securely store you things for class.