GoRecess Studio Spotlight: Bernal Yoga Studio; San

GoRecess Studio Spotlight: Bernal Yoga Studio; San Francisco, CA

07.17.2013

VITAL STATS

Location: Bernal Heights, San Francisco

Other Studios: Sellwood Yoga; Portland, OR

Classes Offered: Bernal Yoga offers a wide variety of yoga styles - including Ashtanga, Hatha, Flow and Restorative classes - catering to beginning and advanced yogis alike. See full schedule here.

ABOUT THE OWNERS

Bill and Savonn Wyland, a brother and sister team opened Bernal Yoga in the quaint and small neighborhood of Bernal Heights in San Francisco 10 years ago. Savonn was a yoga teacher and Bill began taking her classes. Learning to move in new ways that made his body feel better after strenuous sports activity was a fascinating thing for him. So with a shared passion, they opened up their own studio, right down the street from their home, in the heart of their small community.

“Our mission is to welcome whoever comes in the door, to treat people with respect and to help them find the right class. The relationship with students is as person first. Available and present to be there for people as a friend first and then to help in their practice."

ABOUT THE STUDIO

Bernal Yoga’s light filled, small space is perfect for the personal attention each teacher provides to the diversity of students who enter its doors. It is Bernal Yoga’s 10-year anniversary, and teachers on the schedule are still the same as on opening day.

When hiring teachers, Bill and Savonn look at what teachers are like with students and what their experience is. There are so many yoga teachers now, everyone has to have their own teaching style. Bernal Yoga aims to bring on really genuine people, number one, and then very knowledgeable and talented people in yoga.

“A true community yoga studio means representing young and old. The studio is an essential part of our community. It is a physical space for people to gather and interact, feel comfortable and grow as people.”

BERNAL YOGA'S ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS

Start out with restorative or gentle classes and discover teachers that speak to your body and styles of classes and studios that work for your individual needs by seeking out ‘foundations of yoga’ classes and workshops. Everyone learns differently, visually or through experience. Most studios have beginner offers and the best way to find a good fit is to try several. After that time, you should have a fair indication of what you like and what you’re interested in.

Safety in Breath
Yoga students can help prevent injuries by paying attention to what is happening in and to their bodies. With the breath, students move through Vinyasa with awareness. Bill teaches Vinyasa in a style that encourages people to feel and enjoy the practice in their bodies. Breath and alignment are his method’s pillars. As a teacher he pays particular attention to each individual’s progress and style.