★ 5

Mixed Level Yoga. Raisa is a healing presence and a force for good. Her extensive knowledge of movement and anatomy is calmly and carefully delivered, with thoughtful transitions and helpful advice between poses, and time for reflection. She helps us find strength and peace.

Source: Google

★ 5

Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) is a one in a million place, and if one is looking to improve one’s flexibility and/or calm your mind while strengthening both in profound ways, there is not a place, I’d recommend more.

My journey at integral began nearly a decade ago after suffering reasonably frequent injuries from my snowboarding passion. By going to IYI, I found those injuries became less and less frequent. Yet I also noticed a side effect that was in some measures more profound…I became more aware of my mind and more able to calm its constant chatter.

The teachers at IYI are what makes the place so very special. One astounding aspect of the internal operations that I have not seen elsewhere is that all teachers give their time in service, meaning they are not paid. The institute’s current leader is Swami Ramananda, who has been practicing yoga and living in service for nearly if not all of those 50 years. A kinder and more gentle wise person you may not encounter. Taking a class or studying with Ramananda is nothing short of amazing and is available most weeks at IYI. He is a bit of an international draw as well, however, so he is often invited to travel to teach. The list of great teachers is long, and I have not practiced with everyone nor is my list special teachers comprehensive, but special shout-outs to David Calef, who was teaching a beginners class when i started and helped me start this journey, Snehan Born, who has since left the San Francisco and moved to Yogaville who deepened my practice profoundly, Mia Velez, who constantly deepens her own experience and brings a rich Swami-like zen to each class she teaches, Raissa Punkki, whose soulful mannerisms combine with her professional training in body and movements to take any willing yogi to the next level, Claudia Bartsch, who makes her living outside of IYI doing yoga therapy and brings that wisdom back to IYI in service and Raama Das, who seems like he just arrived, though I'm sure its been several years by now and helps with IYI’s business affairs in addition to being a deep yogi and instructor as well. I would be remiss not to mention Annie, a fellow Deadhead with a proper head of hair that is often pink, who has been volunteering welcoming and checking in aspiring yogis most Saturday mornings for as long as I can remember.

There is a spiritual aspect of the institution that underlies its mission and the work that it performs. Though I am not generally involved in the deeper spiritual side of the house, I do find many of the teachers and students who journey into this aspect of their yoga practice and life in general receive great benefits. The one time I was able to sneak away for a retreat in Marin was profound, and the teachings of current and previous teachers are profound. One thing about IYI for the many of us that have our own faith is that the emblem of IYI includes every major religion within its sign. I am deeply involved in a faith and feel my IYI experience is additive to that faith. I’ll admit that for 10+ years I walked by IYI without setting foot up those deep steps with an irrational fear that it was a religious institution that would try to convert me. Now that 10 years have passed, I realize the foolishness of this initially limited perspective.

With glowing words such as these, it’s reasonable to ask both what’s the catch and what’s the downside. I’ll answer that rather with some history, which I will not be able to accurately or fully convey. Integral Yoga was started over 50 years ago by a bunch of hippies following a spiritual leader, Swami Satchidananda, who figured out a way to buy a large house and live in community practicing yoga. These early yogis turned IYI into a nonprofit and contributed this house to create a lasting institution that improves peoples lives and strengthens our communities bonds.

Source: Google

★ 5

In the warm surroundings of this beautiful Dolores Street yoga institute, my deep belief is affirmed that Truth is One and Paths are Many. I so appreciate the words, "May all see good in everyone - may all be free from suffering!" How wonderful that each class includes time for deep relaxation and meditation! The ease of using Zoom supports community and my wish for consistency with Tuesday noon meditation and breathing practices. Glad to be in this sangha.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

When you want to develop serenity and come home to your true self, I know that you will discover a true and lasting path to peace. In 1971 my first yoga community showed me a way out of anxiety that has been a guiding light for over 5 decades. Nameste’

Source: Google

★ 3

I want to like the place but … there are 3 flights of stairs to get to the entrance and then again four more flights to get to the top level where the biggest room is. This doesn’t work for people who have even the slightest body issues who would be the ones needing more yoga. Please mention this explicitly on your website so people can decide whether or not this is the place for them.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Authentically meeting us where we are and sharing profound wisdom and inclusive sadhana opportunities both in-person and engaging interactive online. Thank you to Swami Ramananda, Diana, Mia, Kalyani and all the facilitators of a wide-range of practices and to fellow students/community, and especially to Swami Satchidananda. Om Shanti!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing and charming practice held by Miri Aloni, in an also charming and amazing room at the Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Don’t hesitate to contact the IYISF if you are in San Francisco.

🙏🏽

Source: Google

★ 5

This charming yoga studio, housed in an historic Victorian home, exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Founded by Swami Satchidananda in the 1980s, it has become a beloved sanctuary for yogis of all levels. The studio’s commitment to holistic well-being is evident in its approach, which extends beyond physical postures to encompass breath, chanting, meditation, and deep relaxation.
The inward-focused practice cultivates a profound sense of peace and inner happiness. I particularly appreciate the consistent class structure, which allows for mindful observation of progress, and the transformative power of the final yoga Nidra session. The studio’s logo beautifully encapsulates its essence, and it’s clear that everyone is warmly invited to experience this special space.

Source: Google

★ 5

Wonderful opportunities for yoga and chanting in an amazing space! I would come more frequently if I lived closer but make it up several times a year from LA!

Source: Google

★ 5

İyi yer

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My first ever introduction and classes began here in 1972. This saved my life, as well as my former husband’s. Prior to these wonderful classes, I felt like killing him! Thank you IYT.

Source: Google

★ 5

I just completed a 21 day meditation challenge, which has thoroughly reinvigorated my practice. So grateful to have had this opportunity. Thank you, IYI. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Source: Google

★ 5

Great meditation! Thank you very much for offering this meditation. it does work. I tend to be anxious during the day but calm down and relax when i do this meditation.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Beautiful gem in the City. Outstanding community of yoga teachers, spiritual mentors, and friends. Many offering from yoga classes, meditation, kirtan, community lunches, retreats, and workshops. I am very happy to be apart of this welcoming sangha. Jai Swami Satchidanandaji! Jai!

Source: Google

★ 5

The people have extra love and care. It makes me always want to come back everyday

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I came here just a few times and it feels like a second home to connect with my body, mind and soul. I will be exploring it for their TTC programs as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I was here for a Yoga therapy module assessment and graduation. Firstly the course was amazing. There’s was clear communication about the schedule and what we should be expecting on arrival. The institute is well maintained, there’s a lot of room for training student, clients who come for sessions or therapy. A mask is mandatory. There’s a tshirt and book shop as well. As a part of program they cooked us a vegan meal it was healthy and delicious. They provide a lot of TTCs and therapy courses accredited by IYAT & YA.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Went here to take some pictures. Took them. Was told the place was closed through a thick pane of glass on the front door. Left. It was alright...

You should change your hours on Google.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Divine energies

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I just completed the Spring 2019, Basic Teacher Training and graduated in May. It was an incredible program! Not only did it help me to be ready to teach, but it also helped me grow spiritually. You will be blown away by how much care and dedication the leadership team puts in, to ensure your successful completion of the program. In a small class size setting (there were 12 of us in total) you will receive plenty of personal attention and mentoring. The tuition covers all of the materials, free yoga classes offered at the institute, homemade vegetarian meals for Sunday sessions, and a 4-day retreat at Commonweal in Bolinas.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

An amazing space to practice and learn about yoga. Grateful that it's available in San Francisco :)

Source: Google

★ 2

Yoga Teacher Training instructor... 😔 mean spirited.

Source: Google

★ 5

SF IYI is where you’ll find an amazing and loving sangha!! OM!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Classical yoga has been taught here since the 60s! Love taking classes here, all of which focus on achieving inner peace.

Source: Google

★ 5

Integral Yoga is an excellent yoga studio in NYC (and San Francisco). It offer adapted chair yoga, gentle yoga, prenatal yoga and incorporates meditation, chanting and breathing exercises in the classes.

Source: Google

★ 4

Beautiful yoga studio

Source: Google