Overview
East Sac Yoga Studio, also known as Spirit & Nature, is a Sacramento-based yoga center specializing in gentle, accessible Ananda Yoga practice. The studio operates from two locations—the cozy Sacramento Yoga Center in Curtis Park and the spacious Lion’s Roar Dharma Center near McKinley Park—both designed to support relaxation and self-awareness. Primary instructor Sandi Russi brings nearly 25 years of experience, focusing on safety, proper alignment, and offering modifications for different abilities. Classes combine approximately 45-50 minutes of Ananda Yoga with deeply relaxing Yoga Nidra, while additional offerings include Restorative Yoga, Aroma-Bliss Yoga, and Yoga of Miracles. The studio welcomes all ages and experience levels, including those with physical challenges, and provides both in-person classes and an online content library.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Pricing
| Plan Name | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Drop-In Pass: In-Person Classes | 1 Class | $25 |
| Lotus Membership – BEST VALUE | 1 Month | $85 |
| Sage Membership | 1 Month | $55 |
| 5-Class Pass | 5 Classes | $115 |
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 9:00 am – 12:30 pm |
| Tuesday | Open | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday | Open | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | Open | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | Open | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | Open | – |
| Sunday | Open | – |
Studio in Details
A Gentle Path to Inner Peace
East Sac Yoga, also known as Spirit & Nature, is a Sacramento-based yoga center with a distinct focus on gentle, accessible practice. The studio’s guiding principle is “opening gently to the peace within,” which visitors describe as a meditative experience that emphasizes mind-body awareness. People note that the primary tradition taught here is Ananda Yoga, a form of traditional hatha yoga. This style is characterized by distinct rest periods between postures, the use of mental affirmations, and a strong emphasis on breath, body, and energy awareness. A visitor who has practiced with the studio for nearly six years called it “the best yoga class I’ve ever attended,” specifically highlighting how the sessions have improved both physical and emotional well-being. The overall identity is one of a calm, inclusive space that welcomes slowing down and going within, rather than pursuing intense physical exertion.
The studio operates from two primary locations in Sacramento, each offering a different atmosphere. The Sacramento Yoga Center, located in the Curtis Park neighborhood, is described as a cozy studio with a carpeted floor, plenty of props, and windows for fresh air. The Lion’s Roar Dharma Center, near McKinley Park, is noted for being light, spacious, and quiet, with one visitor comparing the experience there to going on a mini-retreat. Both spaces are designed to support a gentle practice, with the studio stating that all classes can be considered gentle yoga and that beginners are always welcome. The environment is intentionally crafted to facilitate relaxation and self-awareness, aligning with the visitor’s observation that mind-body work is integral to the sessions.
Instruction and Accessible Offerings
The heart of East Sac Yoga is its primary instructor, Sandi Russi, an E-RYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher) with nearly 25 years of teaching experience. Visitors speak highly of her instruction, noting that her instruction is easy to follow and that she keeps her eye on the entire class, offering help with pose adjustments. A key point of praise is her focus on safety and accessibility; she discusses potential injury if poses are not done properly and provides alternative poses based on what would be most comfortable for class members. The visitor mentioned having hurt themselves in other classes, underscoring the value placed on a safe, informed practice here. Sandi is also noted for continually researching and improving her technique, sometimes discussing new approaches or poses that work specific body parts.
The studio’s offerings are designed to be accessible to a wide range of people. The website states it serves students of all ages and experience levels, including those with physical challenges like past injuries or arthritis. Classes are 75 minutes long, typically combining approximately 45-50 minutes of Ananda Yoga with deeply relaxing Yoga Nidra. Beyond the core Ananda Yoga classes, the studio lists several other modalities. These include Restorative Yoga, which uses props like blankets and bolsters for supported relaxation; Aroma-Bliss Yoga, which combines Ananda Yoga with therapeutic-grade essential oils; and Yoga of Miracles, which aligns the practice with A Course in Miracles material. The studio emphasizes that its classes are suitable for all experience levels and body types, with a gentle pacing that encourages students to take further rest between postures if needed.
Community, Formats, and Practical Details
East Sac Yoga fosters community through various channels and offers flexibility in how people can participate. In-person group classes are held on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. at the Lion’s Roar Dharma Center and on Thursdays at the same time at the Sacramento Yoga Center. For those who prefer or require a digital option, the studio maintains an ESY Content Library of pre-recorded online classes, available to Lotus & Sage members. Visitors are directed to a class schedule page to reserve their spot, indicating a booking system is in place. The studio also encourages people to join its mailing list for updates on schedule changes, new classes, workshops, and other programs.
Several initiatives are mentioned to support different segments of the community. There is a New Student Pass offering 30 days of unlimited attendance. For women, there is a private Facebook group dedicated to Yoga & Meditation for Women. The studio also notes that a number of free online classes can be found on its Facebook page for those new to the studio. While the visitor feedback does not specify exact pricing structures beyond the introductory pass, the studio’s approach appears to be one of providing multiple entry points and supporting continued practice. The studio is gradually transitioning to a broader identity as Spirit & Nature, indicating an expansion into related wellness services like meditation, essential oil education, and private sessions. For those in Sacramento seeking a gentle, mindful, and safety-conscious yoga practice with a strong emphasis on inner awareness, East Sac Yoga presents a thoughtfully developed option.