Overview
Yoga Shala of San Antonio stands as the city’s only true Ashtanga yoga shala, dedicated to the traditional practice and lineage. Led by founder and authorized teacher Ana Hollis and co-owner Paulina Zamudio, the studio offers a compassionate, knowledgeable approach with personalized adjustments in classes like the Traditional Mysore Program, Primary Series, and Strength and Stretch. It cultivates a deeply welcoming and supportive community, hosting workshops with renowned teachers like Kino MacGregor to enrich student learning. Catering to all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, the studio emphasizes authentic, unaltered Ashtanga yoga in a space noted for its beautiful energy. With Spanish language accessibility and a focus on mental and physical wellness, it provides a genuine alternative for those seeking depth over a casual workout.
Yoga Format
Yoga Styles
Studio Amenities
Studio Business Hours
| Day | Status | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Open | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Open | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Open | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | Open | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | Open | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Open | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Sunday | Open | 8:15 AM – 12:00 PM |
Studio in Details
An Authentic Ashtanga Yoga Shala in San Antonio
Yoga Shala of San Antonio presents itself as a dedicated space for the traditional practice of Ashtanga yoga. Visitors consistently describe it as the only true Ashtanga yoga studio in the city, emphasizing its authenticity and commitment to the lineage. The studio’s name, ‘shala,’ hints at its focus, and people note it has become another home for practitioners, suggesting a deeply welcoming and familiar atmosphere. The overall vibe, as mentioned by those who have visited, is one of beautiful energy and a supportive community created by the founder, Ana Hollis. The space itself receives compliments for its ambiance, with one person relocating from Honolulu noting they liked the studio’s feel. The studio’s stated aspiration, visible on its website, to stay in the true path of yoga and promote joy through words, thoughts, and actions, aligns with the reflective and dedicated environment visitors experience.
This is not a general fitness studio but a specialized center. People highlight its role for those looking to deepen their knowledge and practice of yoga. It attracts a range of individuals, from complete beginners trying yoga for the first time to advanced practitioners seeking to refine their asana. The community appears inclusive, with visitors explicitly stating that from beginners to advanced practitioners, all are welcome. The studio also notes Hablamos Español on its website, indicating Spanish language accessibility. While the specific neighborhood context of Stone Oak Parkway is not elaborated on by visitors, the studio’s reputation draws people from across San Antonio, with some wishing it was closer to their own homes.
Teaching and the Mysore Method
The heart of Yoga Shala San Antonio is its teaching staff, led by founder Ana Hollis and co-owner Paulina Zamudio. Visitors speak of the instructors with profound respect, describing them as vastly knowledgeable, experienced, caring, and encouraging. Ana Hollis is frequently highlighted as a powerhouse with a whole life of practice, dedicated to sharing the pure, authentic, and unaltered version of Ashtanga yoga. Her authorization by the Sharath Jois Yoga Centre is a key detail that underscores the studio’s traditional roots. Paulina Zamudio is noted for being heartwarming, dedicated, and providing supportive, personalized adjustments. Other teachers like Janet, Christy, and the full team are praised for their skill in offering hands-on modifications and quick corrections to form, which people appreciate for helping perfect their practice.
The studio’s core offering is the Traditional Mysore Program, a self-paced style of Ashtanga where students memorize and practice a set sequence under a teacher’s guidance. Visitors mention participating in specific programs like the 30-day Intro to Mysore and enjoying workshops that introduced them to the Mysore style. Classes are not limited to Mysore, however. People reference taking a half series Ashtanga class and the primary series on a regular basis. Other class types mentioned by name include Strength and Stretch, which one visitor found beautiful and empowering. The teaching approach is described as compassionate and knowledgeable, with instructors knowing exactly what advice to give for students to develop their practice both inside and outside the shala.
Workshops, Community, and Practice Details
Beyond daily classes, Yoga Shala San Antonio actively hosts special events that enrich the student experience. Visitors report that the school is constantly hosting amazing and well-known Ashtanga teachers for weekend workshops. Specific names like Kino MacGregor and David Swenson are mentioned, indicating the studio’s connections within the global Ashtanga community. These workshops appear to be a significant draw, offering opportunities for intensive learning. The studio also seems to run introductory workshops for specific practices, as one person enjoyed a workshop introducing them to Mysore. This focus on continuing education complements the daily class schedule, which visitors confirm exists through references to a weekly schedule and class descriptions on the studio’s website.
The sense of community is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. People describe the shala as a supportive and encouraging environment for improved mental and physical wellness. They call it a gem and a place with beautiful yogis. The atmosphere is noted as welcoming, with teachers who push students just where you need it. Practical details emerge indirectly: a special initial/first class pass is available for newcomers, and the studio provides a wide variety of classes and workshops. While visitors do not mention specific details about facilities like showers or retail, they do express appreciation for the studio space itself. The collective impression is of a legitimate, dedicated studio where both the teachers and students are committed to the journey of yoga, offering a genuine alternative for those seeking depth over a casual workout.