★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement stands out from other gyms with its unique approach. I especially enjoy the handstand classes, where Dean and Leela took the time to give me detailed, technical feedback on a skill I've been working on for a long time. The classes start with thorough warmups and clear explanations of every movement, creating a positive and thought-invoking experience that highlights why it's so important to keep moving in different ways.

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is a rare find: co‑founders Leela and Dean design and teach structured Movement classes under Ido Portal’s direct guidance. Programming blends spinal health, locomotion, strength, mobility, and coordination, delivered with precise feedback and a warm, committed community. If you’re in Santa Cruz and serious about long‑term practice, membership is an easy recommendation.

Context: I know Leela and Dean through Ido Portal’s community; we’ve worked closely together and I have the highest respect for their abilities.

Source: Google

★ 5

I used to think exercise was muscle building and cardio endurance. Working on these two aspects made me look good and improved my emotions. Santa Cruz Movement opened my eyes to so much more.

At SC Movement I worked on balance, proprioception, speed, reflexes, dance, learning new patterns, partner work, … which has given me a level of enjoyment with my body that I had not experienced before.

I had realized that by the age of 50 I had forgotten how to throw a ball, sprint, balance with my eyes closed, ... . I had previously blamed a torn rotator cuff for not moving more but SC Movement taught me how to "bullet proof" my joints as a kind of pre-hab. I LOVE SC Movement - bravo to all they do for us!!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the best place to come and learn how to sense and strengthen your body through movements. Dean, Leela, SCM teachers and the community are awesome and caring. I joined in 2021 and has been the best decision I've ever made. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t recommend Santa Cruz Movement enough. When I first started taking classes at SCM about a year ago, I was recovering from an injury. I was initially nervous, but the classes are structured in a way that allows you to progress at your own pace. The teachers are super supportive and there's always a way to make the exercises more challenging or more accessible. Classes are dynamic, challenging, interactive, and ever-changing. It’s been transformative for me in developing my strength and mobility. Above all, my favorite thing about Movement is how much in my daily life I notice my improved ability to play, jump, climb, and move. It’s a great community, and I’m so grateful for Leela, Dean, and all the teachers at SCM!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing community, excellent teaching, providing holistic movement coaching to all levels and abilities. Whether you have a specialized athletic background or you’ve never taken a workout class in your life, Santa Cruz Movement is a place to come work on yourself and your goals. Classes include components of rehab, martial arts, dance, body weight calisthenics, hand-eye coordination, partner games, handstands, juggling, and so, so much more…Leela and Dean have created an environment at SCM that’s welcoming to all abilities. I ♥️ Santa Cruz Movement!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place to move and learn

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement helps its students reconnect with their body in a way that goes well beyond just looking and feeling fit, although that happens too in the process! The community is so supportive, and the focus on mindful movement tailored to all bodies—including aging ones like mine!— is uniquely its own.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is so much more than a place to exercise. You will certainly get stronger, more flexible, and better at
a wide range of movements. But you will also have fun and challenge yourself with the support of amazing teachers and a great group of people. The instructors are fantastic about teaching to all levels and in time you will be doing things you never thought you could! Highly recommend it.

Source: Google

★ 5

I love the movement practice at SCM and the wonderful community that has built up around it. Leela and Dean are amazing teachers who really embody the movement philosophy they teach, and all the other instructors are top-notch as well. I've never been a gym person and was pretty intimidated when I first came, but it's such a warm and welcoming atmosphere that I felt immediately at ease. You get a lot of individual attention even though it's a group class. In just a few months I've seen a noticeable increase in my strength & mobility and can already do some of the movements I swore I'd never be able to do. The classes are fun, challenging, and never repetitive. I feel incredibly lucky that this studio is right here in Santa Cruz...I highly recommend it!

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement has dramatically impacted my physical mental and emotional well-being for the better. I adore this community and feel so grateful to have access to the incredible teachers at SCM. I am by far the most fit and strong I have ever been and it is because of my membership to SCM!

Source: Google

★ 5

This is an amazing ideology and community that will change your life if you commit to it and believe. I know it has changed mine. Thank you Staff, Leela and Dean.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have loved taking classes at Santa Cruz movement! I describe it as my movement vitamin. The classes build on so many skills that are good for all around health of mind and body. The teachers and other students are amazing. These classes will get you strong and give your brain a coordination workout. There is so much knowledge, support and encouragement to try hard and have fun. I recommend to everyone.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been a student of Dean and Leela for over 5 years. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Santa Cruz Movement community. Having been a trail runner for 20 years when stepping into the studio for the first time, I was humbled by where my strength resided and more importantly, did not. This practice has opened up not only parts of my body “on rest”, but also activated my mind and humbled my heart with the challenges, community, and support. I have always said, there is never a run I regret, and now I can add to that. I always feel better, more grounded and whole when I leave class. My running and overall strength are so much better these days!
If you’re even slightly wondering if it’s for you, it is. ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this community! The classes are structured in a way that make it accessible for a wide variety of ages and abilities. Focus of our movement is on personal achievement and there is lots of collaboration and support versus competition among all the students. The instructors are fantastic and always both direct the whole class and give a lot of individual feedback and support.

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is a wonderful place to move your body and meet great, welcoming people. It's helped me feel stronger, more flexible, and more coordinated. Could not recommend them more!

Source: Google

★ 5

Hands down (pun intended) the best group exercise class I’ve ever been to. Prepare for your balance, coordination, strength, and mental focus to improve. Prepare to learn more about your body and expand its longevity. Can not recommend enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Always great!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve practiced yoga for years and love walking and hiking, but I needed to build more strength and endurance. Traditional gyms just aren’t my thing, and I didn’t want to force myself to do something that should be good for me.

After an injury I had to reconsider how I exercised. I found Santa Cruz Movement and it’s been one of the best things to happen to me in a long time. I never have to push myself to go—I want to go. My body feels drastically different after just a few months.

The classes are playful, challenging, and always evolving. The instructors are incredibly skilled, supportive, and attentive. And it’s a welcoming and inspiring community. We’re very lucky to have a space like this in Santa Cruz!

Source: Google

★ 5

Couldn’t have had a better experience with such an awesome community of people. All the teachers were amazing and everybody that I met at the space was extremely warm and welcoming and awesome! I wish I had a movement gym like this in my area. If you live in Santa Cruz, I highly recommend you take advantage of learning and being apart of this community.

Source: Google

★ 1

As a lover of yoga, martial arts, and fitness, I was really looking forward to trying this class. I was super disappointed to be turned down at the door due to inflexible, exclusionary policies. As a non-local, they would not allow me to pay for a single drop-in class. I asked if I could purchase a punch card or package and give unused credits to a friend who does live in Santa Cruz; I was denied this option as well. If you don’t live here, don’t bother — or lie and say you do.

UPDATE:
I found this business through Google Maps and booked via MindBody. While the listing did say the free class was for locals, I didn’t realize only locals were allowed to attend — and I wasn’t trying to take a free class. I offered to pay for a class or buy a package and give the rest to a local friend, but those options weren’t available. I left disappointed and felt it was worth sharing for others who might also be short-term visitors.

I’m honestly surprised by how harshly the owner responded — both in their original (now deleted) public comment and via a follow-up phone call asking me to remove this. I didn’t intend to hurt their business; I just had an experience that didn’t match the glowing reviews, and I wish someone had left a similar heads-up for me.

This isn’t a malicious review — just an honest one.

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz movement is the best thing you can do for yourself. This place is one of a kind.
Dean and Leela are just the best.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been coming for close to 3 years now and wow I’ve gotten so much stronger, flexible, mobile, and mentally sharper all because of what we’re learning at Santa Cruz Movement.

I love the variety of the programs (rotates every 6-9 weeks) which keeps things exciting. In addition to the classes SCM have started to do lectures occasionally. The lectures are extremely interesting talking more about the philosophy behind the movement practice and ways to use different frameworks to deeper understand what we do everyday in class.

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is amazing. Since starting classes 4 months ago, I have:
1) Recovered from chronic hip and knee injuries
2) Found a wonderful and supportive community of friends
3) Feel I am constantly learning and overcoming new challenges
4) Gained strength, mobility, mental flexibility and body awareness that have carried over to sports like surfing and ultimate frisbee

Source: Google

★ 5

This place is incredible. It's rare that you can go to a led class and get a complete workout across all different areas of your body, and in so many different modalities, while experiencing one of the most supportive communities on the planet. Every teacher is so skilled and attentive, and I'm surprised everyday by how much my body and mindset has changed for the better as a result.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent!

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is a life changing experience. I like my mind to be stimulated as well as my body, and I don’t think anything does this as well as Santa Cruz Movement. It is an indescribable mix of activities that keeps you having fun and getting strong the whole time. Always new and morphing, the class variation helps you build a deep connection with your body and a physical intuition that is out of this world, and the community you build is just as amazing. Every facet of this practice is joyous and I’m always telling people to come join us. Don’t hesitate!

Source: Google

★ 5

Ever wanted to have fun and at the same time learn to move better? I’ve been going here for 2 years, and I’m still learning brand new things. Leela and Dean make everything easy to get started with. There’s something for everyone at this place.

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing class!!! Do this and change your life for the better. Stellar instruction and community ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been going to Santa Cruz movement for about 1 year and a half and its been a great experience all around. Dean and Leela are amazing owners/practitioners and have hired amazing coaches as they’ve grown. The other students are friendly and a good slice of santa cruz.

The routines are scalable, challenging, and most importantly engaging. I’ve struggled to consistently exercise outside of sports which is a challenge as I get older. Santa Cruz Movement keeps me coming back for more.

I discovered Santa Cruz Movement mostly out of desperation after a shoulder injury and endless doctor and physical therapy visits.

I lost 35 pounds I’ve gained muscle dexterity, and 90% of my shoulder pain is gone. Thank you Dean and Leela!

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been training at Santa Cruz Movement for almost 3 years now, and the experience has been nothing less than life changing. The instructors are knowledgeable and focus on helping you regain flexibility, endurance and strengths. They will give you exercises that you will find challenging, sometimes even impossible, but with practice you will overcome those.

Source: Google

★ 5

As a lifelong athlete and mover I can confidently say that Santa Cruz Movement is the best way I have found to achieve my health and fitness goals. At 42 years old not only am stronger and more flexible than ever, but I’m also having more fun moving my body than ever and the friends and community I have at SCM are priceless.

Source: Google

★ 5

If you are looking for a place with excellent teachers and students who will make you feel at home with a revolutionary movement methodology this is the place, think and move outside the box.

What are you waiting for?

Source: Google

★ 5

I go every day I can, I love it! Warm, friendly community + exercises and games that can be adapted to any skill / fitness level. I don't think I'll ever go back to a normal gym – why work out when you can *play* and get fit instead?

Source: Google

★ 5

I love this practice! Always challenging and always fun. The instructors are so knowledgeable and inspiring. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d ever do some of the things I’m doing now. It feels amazing!

Source: Google

★ 5

I could not recommend Santa Cruz Movement more. The instructors are supportive and inspiring, the movements are constantly being updated so every session is fresh and fun, and the community is warm and welcoming. A great way to move integral parts of your body that might not be getting the attention they need. We focus on a mix of strength, flexibility, agility, and coordination activities - just to name a few. The longer I do movement, the stronger and more connected to the Santa Cruz community I feel 😊

Source: Google

★ 5

Truly life changing. This place fills my life with play, community, and practice. Honestly kill three birds with one stone by getting engaged with an amazing and welcoming community, watch yourself get stronger and more coordinated every class, and most importantly have tons of fun!

Source: Google

★ 5

Went here for a couple months during a break in work, and really felt physically and mentally challenged, but supported. I think what makes this space unique is that the instructors know how to create individual safety, which acts as a foundation for the dynamic movement they teach. I’ve found that there are not many places (yet!) in SC that know how to create a safe yet explorative space, so extremely grateful to for these folks. There is a sense that you can sink into your own personal practice but in community with others who are also working to improve, which feels really nice. Looking forward to coming back now that I’m in the area again. Let’s goooo.

Source: Google

★ 5

The instructors and practice at Santa Cruz Movement have changed my life! After a serious injury, I was afraid to move and re-injure myself. At SCM I was able to ease into movement, guided and encouraged every step of the way by Dean, Leela, Laila, Claire, and Tad. I love that classes are filled with people of all ages and abilities. We work together and inspire one another. I am amazed by the improvements I've made; I've gained strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. The impact of this practice is felt outside of class too - the open, flexible mind, acceptance of self, willingness to try and fail without judgement, ability to perservere when I feel stuck have improved my work, parenting, and relationships. Movement class has become an essential part of my life. Ok, gotta go to class now! :)

Updated: I forgot to say FUN!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing instructors and practice!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have worked with Santa Cruz movement on and off for years. They give sooo much attention to everyone that comes through their doors. They are great are meeting people where they are at and providing a tailored experience. I have had a shoulder injury for so long and they were really good at being cognizant of that and knowing what I can and cannot do. One of the business's main tenants is community and they do a great job at fostering support and care amongst everyone. A lot of the exercises you work with others and build connection and strength together! If you are looking to foster or start your movement practice Santa Cruz Movement in the place for you!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I can't recommend Santa Cruz Movement highly enough. Leela and Dean are outstanding teachers -- knowledgeable, encouraging, and inspiring. I am truly grateful for this practice and for the wonderfully supportive community Leela and Dean have created. Many thanks!

Source: Google

★ 5

Leena and Dean are amazing patient teachers. So happy I took the leap and made Sanat cruz Movement a priority in my life.

Source: Google

★ 5

Really great people, wonderful space and positive benefit to our community.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been a student of SCM for about two and a half years now and I love it. Classes are truly accessible to everyone and there is always something to challenge you no matter what your strengths are or where your expertise lies. Each class is different yet builds on many of the same foundational elements - strength, mobility, coordination and the like. Leela and Dean are exceptionally skilled and attentive teachers who are truly invested in creating a safe and supportive (and fun!) environment for their students to move and progress. Even while recently dealing with an (unrelated) injury, they’ve helped keep me mobile through various modifications and recommendations. They’re also just wonderful people in generaI. The community of regular students are also wonderful to work with and down to earth. I can’t recommend Santa Cruz Movement enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

SC Movement is a well-rounded and well thought out movement practice that provides the community and support to consistently improve and develop across many modalities and aspects of physical movement. Dean and Leela are experienced and consistent instructors able to tailor the practice to individual needs. I am so grateful to have this community in Santa Cruz and I love that I can take this practice with me wherever I am.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been training with Santa Cruz Movement for over two years now. I am always learning new ways to upgrade my movement technique. Leela and Dean are excellent teachers who give thorough attention to every single person who comes to class. They come to know where your body is at in terms of flexibility and strength, and they push you where/when you need to be pushed. I feel much more mobile and excited about working out than I ever did before joining their classes. We are blessed to have these two in Santa Cruz!

Source: Google

★ 5

Santa Cruz Movement is a fun, challenging, creative way to train your whole self. It's an absolute pleasure working with Leela and Dean. Their classes are incredibly engaging and thoughtful!

Source: Google

★ 5

It’s so much fun at any age/level, and more importantly my body feels * so good * when I leave & throughout the day. I am rediscovering my full range of motion, experiencing my body move in directions I haven’t moved in years and in ways I wouldn’t have envisioned. It feels safe and comfortable too, due to the effective warm up/stretching and the wonderfully attentive and inspiring coaches Leela & Dean. I invite my neighbors to come and join me and this warm & supportive community.

Source: Google

★ 5

TLDR great training (physically and neurologically) that is individualized to all levels, built-in community building with people from diverse background and ages, and a beautiful facility in midtown run by world-class teachers (Leela & Dean). Cannot recommend Santa Cruz Movement enough!

The generalist movement principles practiced here is based on the evolutionary and neuro- biological theory that the human brain evolved to achieve movement complexity and increasing one’s movement complexity as well as diversity leads to increase in white and grey matter density (brain growth!) which makes the person happier, smarter, better preserving cognitive facilities with age, etc. The pursuit of impressive movement skills like crawling, flipping, and handstand (check out Santa Cruz Movement’s Instagram or google Ido Portal) gives us powerful physical AND mental transformation.

What is impressive is that all components of their practice are designed around countless exercises inspired by various disciplines (dancing, martial arts, circus, etc.) which are carefully structured based on difficulty and prescribed to each student appropriately. Of course, not everyone will achieve one-arm handstand, but everyone is working on their respective handstand exercise (wrist/shoulder stabilization, line drills, wall-assisted handstand, kick-ups, split-leg handstand, etc.) that is just challenging enough. This training structure creates an optimal opportunity for improvement for everyone and a beautiful environment in which people of all levels are challenged to exert their best effort.

Many exercises are done with a partner who takes the role of coach, timekeeper/counter, or a playmate. This structure necessitates intimate interaction between students which fosters a great sense of community. Given the all-level and all-discipline friendly nature of the practice, the gym’s members are extremely diverse. I (38-years-old martial artist) regularly gather, train, and have fun with 67-year-old surfer, 22-year-old power lifter, 40-year-old yogi, and 14-year-old soccer player. I also love the strong representation of women and near equal distribution of gender in the group which is very rare to find in the fitness, dance, and martial arts industry.

Their facility in midtown is absolutely beautiful (just visit once and see for yourself!), and we cannot wait to start training there again (damn you COVID). Leela and Dean are also outstanding teachers; they talk the talk and walk the walk, lead by examples, and teach and treat their students with compassion. In addition, they are two of only handful of people in the US who work closely with Ido Portal (the mentorship students) and teach his vision. I and many other students consider ourselves lucky to have them right here in Santa Cruz!

All in all, I cannot recommend Santa Cruz Movement enough. What they offer is truly unique and cutting-edge form of physical practice that changes the way we move, think, and feel everyday even outside of the class. Thank you Leela and Dean for your service!

Source: Google

★ 5

At almost 52, I’ve never been more fit in my life, due to the intense, mindful movement practice I have cultivated over the past 8 months at Santa Cruz Movement. I have studied a variety of mindful movement practices over the past 30 years while having a full time computer job. Along the way I accumulated various injuries and limiting beliefs about how well I could ever possibly move. I had torn knee ligaments and groin injuries that started in my 20’s, a broken metatarsal, and most recently, recurrent semi-dislocated hip joints… the injuries were just increasing in frequency and I was getting worried that my physical hobbies would become a thing of the past.

I am so excited that now my knees, hips, and back haven't been this strong and supple since childhood! I am even acquiring hand-eye coordination I never had as a teenager through the rich, organic, and varied movement practice!!! I'm better at almost every kind of movement I do - basketball with my son, dance, rock climbing, soccer, strength work, soft acrobatics...I loved celebrating my first chin up and sustained stand-alone handstand with you!

One especially compelling thing is the sense of community that comes as part of the partnering and shared focus on and support for personal development included in this practice. This is the best place to learn and practice for me, I’m completely hooked!

Thank you, Leela and Dean, for bringing your years of training and deep, intimate knowledge of Ido Portal’s Movement Method here to open Santa Cruz Movement. I am overjoyed to be part of your movement tribe. Your depth of knowledge will satisfy any curious and committed student for years to come.

Source: Google