Santa Barbara Yoga Tour

September 2, 2024

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If you are visiting Santa Barbara and would like a rundown on the Yoga Studios scene, I visited a few and have a special report just for you. There are many studios offering promotions for first time visitors that give unlimited access. You can drop in, meet wonderful instructors, and get your yoga fix to enhance your vacation. During my yoga tour I experienced miniature spiritual awakenings like head rushes, body highs, knowledge bombs dropped by my teachers and the unfamiliar feeling of getting out of my head and into my body.

My first stop was Power of Your Om studio located in Victoria Court. They offer infrared heated classes as well as unheated classes in a cozy studio with a view facing the San Rafael mountain range above the tree lined 1200 block of State Street. After my first class I thought Om my God, I feel amazing. The infrared heating system brings the room to a temperature between 90 – 100 degrees, but it doesn’t feel like the uncomfortable hard to breathe heat of a sauna. The vibe was very welcoming. This is a great place to stretch, sweat, and let out a couple of Om’s to start or end your day. The highlight of my tour was meeting instructor Kate Wysocki who gave me the downlow on starting a yoga practice and to my delight taught at the next studio on my tour.

Power of your Om New Student Promotion: 2 weeks unlimited for $40

Yoga Soup is a traditional style yoga studio with a lovely bookshop in the lobby. I was impressed by the selection of classes and the quality of the teachers. It is a great location near State Street and serve…you guessed it…soup and fresh fruit at lunch time! I was amazed with the breath work classes they offer on Thursdays and their Ecstatic Dance which is held the first Friday of every month. A wonderful studio all around; be sure to give them a visit.

Yoga Soup New Student Promotion: 1 month unlimited for $59

If you are in town on a Saturday, I highly recommend the Kundalini class given by JoAnn Mermis at Center of the Heart. Kundalini is a practice of awakening and hormonal regulation. JoAnn’s class left me feeling centered and grounded for the entire weekend.

Center of the Heart 487 N Turnpike Rd., Saturdays Only 8:30 am: Donation $10

Next on my list of studios to explore was a sweet spot called Sol Seek. It had pleasant vibes complimented by a calming studio space. My first class was another Kundalini experience given by the delightful teacher Mitsuko. After some rhythmic chanting and a pleasent gong bath, I could feel my energy settling nicely throughout my body. I’d also like to give a special thank you to Annie for teaching an enjoyable Flow class and dynamic Yoga Sculpt class.

Sol Seek New Student Promotion 21 days for $59

Speaking of Yoga Sculpt, if you want to get toned while having a blast, Core Power is the spot to do it. Make sure you get to class early because they tend to fill up fast. These hot classes were excellent. The Sculpt class involves weights and comes with energetic instructors and fun play lists. Other options include weightless classes and heat free classes. If you’re in a hot yoga class, be prepared to sweat; I recommend bringing a sweat guard to protect your yoga mat. During my intro month I noticed the largest improvement in my physique out of all the studios. My friends noticed it too!

Get your first week free! Core Power is perfect for Santa Barbara visitors who enjoy hot yoga. Your second 2 weeks are only $18 and you are given a free orange yoga mat. The first full month is $99 then it jumps to $200/month. If you are new to hot yoga, go slowly, because injuries to beginners are common.