Overview
San Diego Yoga Studio is a community-focused, family-owned Iyengar yoga center that has been serving the Clairemont and Bay Park neighborhoods since 1990. Owned and operated by Kim and Russ Imlay, native San Diegans, the studio emphasizes personalized attention within a welcoming group environment, helping individuals of all ages find peace and balance through yoga. Instruction follows the precise, alignment-based method of B.K.S. Iyengar, utilizing props like blocks, belts, bolsters, and a rope wall to ensure safe and accessible practice for everyone from beginners to advanced students. The knowledgeable instructors, particularly Kim who specializes in working with injuries, provide individualized guidance in classes that combine strength building, stretching, and meditation.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | – |
| Tuesday | Open | – |
| Wednesday | Open | – |
| Thursday | Open | – |
| Friday | Open | – |
| Saturday | Open | – |
| Sunday | Open | – |
Studio in Details
A Community-Focused Iyengar Studio in Clairemont and Bay Park
San Diego Yoga Studio operates as a family-owned Iyengar yoga center that has been serving the Clairemont and Bay Park neighborhoods since 1990. The studio is run by Kim and Russ Imlay, native San Diegans who purchased the business in 2006. People describe the space as having a clean, bright, and calming environment, with one visitor noting the new location is just around the corner from the previous one in Bay Park. The overall vibe is one of a welcoming community, where a visitor felt “a lot of support from everyone as a newcomer.” The studio’s mission, as stated on its website, is to cultivate a community where individuals of all ages can find peace and balance through yoga, with a commitment to personalized attention.
The teaching style is firmly rooted in the alignment-based tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar. This method is sequential, starting with foundational standing poses and moving through seated poses, backbends, and inversions. A key characteristic noted by visitors is the extensive use of props—like blocks, belts, bolsters, and a rope wall—to help students achieve postures safely. One person mentioned their class used “the rope wall, my favorite, and lots of props.” The practice is described as combining strength building with stretching and meditation, and while it can be challenging, it is also accessible. A visitor found a class to be “restorative but not ‘nap time’ for adults,” indicating a balanced approach to effort and relaxation.
Knowledgeable Instruction for All Levels
The instructors, particularly owners Kim and Russ, receive consistent praise from people who visit. They are described as knowledgeable, passionate, sincere, welcoming, and down-to-earth. Kim is noted for her expertise in working with injuries and specific physical issues; one visitor with severe shoulder pain reported significant improvement through personalized adjustments and home poses. Another long-time practitioner called Kim “truly awesome” for her ability to address injuries and other issues. The teaching is characterized by individualized instruction within a group setting, with the studio’s guidelines encouraging students to inform teachers of any injuries or conditions so exercises can be modified.
Classes are designed to accommodate all levels, from complete beginners to advanced students. The studio offers daily classes, and visitors highlight the variety available for different experience levels. Kim also teaches sessions called “Explorations in Yoga,” which delve into the deeper meaning of the practice. The instructional approach ensures that even familiar Iyengar sequences can introduce new, challenging poses, as one person discovered. The environment is noted as being very supportive, with a focus on student growth at any level.
Practical Details for Your Practice
For those planning a visit, the studio provides clear guidelines to enhance the experience. Props like mats, blankets, and blocks are provided. Visitors should wear comfortable workout clothes and practice barefoot. The studio emphasizes personal hygiene and requests that people avoid wearing strongly scented products. It’s advised to have an empty stomach, allowing at least two hours after a meal before class. One practical tip from a visitor is to arrive early, as parking can be difficult. The studio is located near the Clairemont Drive Trolley Station, adding a transit option.
The studio offers flexible participation options. While visitors do not mention specific drop-in rates, the website notes flexible class packages that include both in-studio and online options, making it easy to maintain a practice from anywhere. A new student special of four classes for a set price is advertised for those new to the studio. For committed practitioners, a monthly unlimited subscription is available with a multi-month commitment. The studio is closed on major holidays. This yoga space in San Diego presents itself as a dedicated center for a precise, prop-supported practice within a genuinely supportive local community.