Overview
Nest Yoga Studio, owned and directed by Kim Lally, is a bright, lofty sanctuary on Oakland’s Piedmont Avenue, known for its warm, welcoming, and inclusive community atmosphere. The studio features a roster of highly knowledgeable and influential teachers who offer a diverse range of classes, from beginner to advanced, including prenatal, meditation, heated flow, and restorative practices. It provides accessible membership options, a new student special, and many sliding-scale classes, supported by a robust digital platform with live Zoom sessions and an on-demand video library. This holistic approach, combined with a clean, well-maintained space and kind staff, creates an environment dedicated to fostering insight and transformation both on and off the mat.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 8:30 AM – 6:15 PM |
| Friday | Open | 8:15 AM – 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 8:15 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Open | 8:15 AM – 12:45 PM |
Studio in Details
A Welcoming Sanctuary on Piedmont Avenue
Nest Yoga Studio occupies a bright, lofty space on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, representing the latest generation of the historic Piedmont Yoga School. Owned and directed by Kim Lally, the studio is described by visitors as a warm, welcoming sanctuary. People note the studio is flooded with indirect light from skylights, creating a clean and comfortable atmosphere. The physical space is consistently mentioned as being well-maintained, with one person calling it bright and lofty, clean and comfortable. Another visitor appreciated that the rooms were clean and spacious, with all the necessary props available. The overall vibe, curated by owner Kim Lally, is repeatedly characterized as warm, welcoming, and inclusive, with a focus on fostering a sweet community where everyone belongs.
The studio’s location in Oakland is a noted part of its identity, with people mentioning visiting while staying in the city. The sense of place is enhanced by its lineage as part of Piedmont Yoga School, suggesting a deep-rooted connection to the local yoga community. Visitors do not mention specific neighborhood amenities, but the studio’s presence on Piedmont Avenue is framed as part of its established, welcoming character. The staff, including the front desk, are described as very kind, super sweet, and eager to help, which reinforces the studio’s reputation as a supportive environment. This combination of a serene physical space and attentive staff creates a foundation that many find relaxing the moment they walk in.
Depth in Teaching and Diverse Class Offerings
The teaching faculty at Nest Yoga is a central point of praise in visitor feedback. People frequently highlight the depth, breadth, and quality of the instructors, with some noting that the studio features teachers listed among the 100 most influential global yoga teachers. Specific instructors like Richard Rosen, Annie Carpenter, Leslie Howard, Jacquie Rowley, Nichole Chase, Darren Main, Dyamen, DeShauna, Jody, Rebecca, Maggie, Lynn, and Melina are named with appreciation for their unique styles. Visitors describe these teachers as knowledgeable, generous, attentive, and skilled at creating a safe, non-competitive space. One person, who holds a 500-hour teacher training certification, mentioned learning a great deal from these master level teachers. The instruction is noted for balancing tradition with personal flair, with teachers staying true to yoga tradition while incorporating their own flavor.
Class offerings cater to a wide range of needs and levels. Visitors mention a full spectrum that includes classes for beginners to advanced practitioners, with specific references to prenatal yoga, meditation, ropes or traction style classes, workshops for deepening one’s practice, roll & restore, recovery support, aging, grief, and full body flow. Some classes incorporate heated elements, with one person noting they have just the right amount of heat, not too much and not too little. The studio also provides options for those in different life phases, such as people slowing down due to health issues, who found classes with Lynn and Melina helpful for embracing a new pace. While music and chanting like Om are not typically part of classes—a point some visitors found different—the focus remains on clear instruction and a supportive environment. The diversity of the clientele is also appreciated, with something offered for everyone.
Accessible Practice Through Memberships and Digital Options
Nest Yoga provides multiple avenues for engagement, making practice accessible both in-person and remotely. The studio offers various membership options that people say make weekly classes more affordable, alongside good pricing options and many sliding scale or donation-based classes. A new student special of 21 days of unlimited yoga is promoted, providing an accessible entry point. For in-studio practice, visitors are advised to bring their own mat and water bottle, with a bottle filler and towels available; mat rental is offered for a fee. The studio also has a policy requiring advance sign-up and observing a two-hour cancellation window, which helps manage class capacity.
Beyond the physical studio, Nest Yoga extends its reach through digital and hybrid formats. The studio offers many classes live on Zoom, allowing people to participate when traveling or from home. There is also a very diverse pre-recorded video library of on-demand class replays, enabling students to take a class anytime. This digital library supports those who cannot always attend in person, ensuring continuity in their practice. Additionally, the studio hosts workshops and events, such as sound healing and anatomy exploration, and runs teacher training programs. For those seeking private practice, studio space or yoga wall space can be rented for privates. The studio communicates through a newsletter sent a couple of times a month with updates on schedules, events, and blog articles. This multi-format approach, combined with a welcoming community and masterful instruction, creates a holistic environment where, as the studio states, yoga can foster community, insight, and transformation on and off the mat.