Mission Yoga

I’ve been going to bikram in the mission for about a year and a half, off and on. The instructors are awesome and the heat is on. Great for a workout or to destress. The energy of the class and of the instructors is key to a great session. The instructors here are always motivated and flow you into every posture. This heated practice of yoga is great. No matter what problems you have on the outside, no matter what issues, there will come a point in the class were only one thing will matter, water. Everything else takes a backseat.

Dropped in a hot pilates class with Dylan Palmer. I highly recommend taking a class with him if you want to get a great work out. He will give you the perfect amount of push to keep you motivated.

I went to the Hot Pilates class through ClassPass and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience! The teacher and owner, Juicy, was extra friendly and encouraged you to push your body without going over board. She had a timer that would beep to let you know if you should rest or begin an exercise. For example, we’d do 20 seconds of flutter kicks, have a 10 second break, another set of 20 second flutter kicks, and so on. I haven’t seen this HIIT style used at a yoga studio before, but I really enjoyed it in this setting. We also did a some cardio + burpees! I always want my pilates classes to have some cardio involved. I felt like I was sweating because I was actually working hard, not just because the room was a million degrees.
The reasons I’m not giving it a 5:
–As told in some of the reviews, the room and carpet do smell bed. It’s not a gross carpet or anything, but it smells pretty funky in there. It didn’t bother me too much though — I’m already getting sweaty and have to shower after the class anyway! I do see the benefits of having a carpeted floor as knee and elbow work were much more comfortable than they are on a hard surface.
–The amenities are not as nice as they are at some of these fancy SF studios. They have soap in the showers, but shampoo & conditioner would be great. There is one small mirror and one large mirror in the locker room, but not a whole lot of space to get ready for work. They have lockers, so make sure to bring your own lock!
–You can rent a matt & towel for $ 2 each. Personally, I’m usually going to work after I take a class so I don’t want to be lugging around a yoga matt and towel. I think a yoga matt can make sense to charge, but I think complimentary towels, especially if you have showers, are pretty standard.
Regardless, I’d definitely go back and really enjoyed my experience! It’s not as snazzy as some of the other yoga studios on ClassPass, but it definitely has a more homey vibe. The clientele is also NOT your typical, intimidating lulu lemon crowd

Make sure to bring plenty of whatever you need to hydrate! Whether it be plain ‘ol water, coconut water, salt water, or fancy lemon infused cucumber mint lavender water. I don’t care just bring a gallon. Because MAN! You will sweat! Don’t worry, it’s a good sweat. All of the toxins stuck in your body, all of the stress and tense muscles will immediately be released from every. single. part of your being. Whew! And your core? Woman, or Man of steel in the making. Boom!
If you’ve ever experienced a sauna, it’s like that, then add working out. Oh God! Stay with me here, it actually feels great. Because of the heated room (100 degrees+) your body is more willing to flex and extend beyond its regular capacity. There is no music, only the powerful voice of the instructor guiding you on the next posture in a series of 26. The instructors are calm, encouraging and motivating.
The flooring is carpet and everyone sweats, so the room smells like a gym. Trust me when I say you will quickly forget about the odor once your focus turns to breathing and maintaining posture. There are showers, lockers, mats and towels available to rent for a minimal fee. Give it a try. I guarantee you will have the best rest you’ve had in a long while after.

I first started going to this studio back in 2011 when I first moved to the city, back then they only offered Bikram classes (all 90 mins), but I am so happy that they are now offering new classes, I LOVE their express Bikram class (60 mins), and their Power Flow (60 mins). I will be checking out their Forrest Yoga class and their Hot Pilates. If you are brand new to hot yoga or bikram, I must tell you that the first few classes are hard, it takes a while to get used to the heat (it’s 90 degrees) and poses, just arrive early and speak to the teacher so they can look after you.

Mission Yoga is PHENOMENAL! Let’s start with the incredible yoga teachers that allow any one (especially a newbie at any activity level) to feel comfortable, welcome, connected and empowered! I started doing Bikram 5 months ago and have been going every week. The benefits to my mind and body have been unbelievable. I was running all the time and found peace and centeredness along with quick healing of my left leg after injury. I have gone to other studios and they were lovely, but nothing compares to the supportive, caring and fabulous energy that embodies the entirety of the staff, space and people in my class. I cannot say enough about how awesome this community is! I have built strength of mind and body with the guidance of these lovely folks. This is the perfect place to begin, grow and stay for your practice. Easy to book classes on The Mind Body app, they have Express class every other day @ 6:15 for the busy professional, they offer evening classes @ 6 pm and again at 8. A new HVAC brings in the warmest 105 and the recently redone carpeting is an added bonus. They have mats, water and towels and offer a package which includes all mats and towels, so don’t worry if you don’t want to lug your items to the office with you, they have your back. I go back because I love the people, the space and the positive and rejuvenating energy that I receive and can bring to my practice. Thank you, Mission Yoga for really changing my life. Come join me and you can change yours, too!
Sending gratitude and smiles, Jess

I’m revising my review from 1 star due to several poor interactions with some of the staff to 4 star given the owner reached out personally to me to apologize and rectify the situation. Still not a 5 since I’m no longer going there, but at this point would reconsider.

BY FAR the best bikram yoga studio. Truly genuine people teach and practice here. Yes, it smells like hot yoga, but that’s what it is. I created a Unilocal account (grrrrr) just to write this review, because I feel so strongly about this studio. Check it out. While I consider yoga a very personal practice, I’ll share this: The past few years coming to Mission Yoga, and doing the «same» (they’re never the same) 26 postures over and over — I’ve learned more about how to absorb, accept, and even love imperfections– in myself, in others, in my teachers, and in the studio. Trying is most important. And this studio tries.

Amazing place. Encouraging and knowledgeable instructors. Clean facilities. And they are getting a float tank!

This is one of my favorite yoga studios in the area. Juicy and Steve teach some great classes. There also a variety of teachers, bilingual classes, and express classes for those who may be short on time! They’re always doing things to make the studio better. A true asset to the community. Sign up for one of their 30 day challenges, it may just change your life.

I’ve done the «beginner’s deal» at every other Bikram studio in the city. When I ran out of studios, it was time to settle on one. 5 years ago, Mission Yoga was the one! I love the teachers and staff, the neon lights and the cloud mural on the ceiling, the rubber duck collection in the bathroom, and of course the cutest Bikram doggie in the world, Pepper!
Steve23 & Juicy are the best. They have made me feel like I am part of their Bikram family.
To all the studio nay-​sayers… It’s Bikram yoga: people sweat. it might just smell! get over it!
The smell doesn’t bother me and besides, they just installed new carpets. Steve23 and Juicy are always making improvements and you will always see them at the studio– behind the desk or teaching class. It shows they are really invested in their business and care about their students having a quality experience. Love these guys. They are hands-​down the best in the city!
PS: If you’ve never tried Bikram, I highly recommend doing a 30 day challenge. It will change your body and mind. Just do it!

actually I am writing this for my husband who refuses to set up a Unilocal account. He is a dedicated Bikram practicer and goes 3 to 4 times a week. Steve and Juicy run a great operation and they really listen to their clients. As Joe says «THEY ROCK»!!
If you are going to try this type of yoga this is the place to do it.

I began practicing Bikram at this studio several years ago. It was my introduction to both Bikram and yoga. After practicing for a short while I became a karma yogi and deeper ingrained in the community, it has since become an integral part of my week and life. This studio, is friendly, funky, unpretentious and cares deeply about their neighborhood and community of yogis and I’m not speaking from my bias! I feel they represent the soul of small family operated business’ left in the mission and I am so happy they have gotten to stick around through building ownership changes. Yay for new carpets and yay for their expansion into a float studio!

This place is amazing.
If your having a rough day or looking for intense healing, do yourself a favor and join this studio.
You will notice a positive difference in your mind and body inside & out!
For me, it was my stress levels. I swear this place is therapy! I also noticed my belly fat melt away, my energy levels rise, feeling uplifted alot more, and my skin was glowing! I’ve tried many studios in the past but Mission Bikram has been the most welcoming studio I’ve ever been part of. I love it here. The results are quick, the instructors are thorough and patient, and of course the staff is amazing!
So if you want to look good, feel great and be part of a group that loves to help one another, this is the place for you. :)

Went here 1.5 years ago and thought it smelled and didn’t love the teacher.
Came back a few weeks ago because it had a much better rating on Unilocal now than it did last time I went… Had a fine teacher, but unfortunately it still smells *really* bad in there, especially when you’re lying down on the floor for the last 30 minutes of class; Bikram in the Castro also has a carpeted floor but isn’t stinky.
If this place could just get the odor situation fixed I’d be a regular…

Bought $ ⁴⁹⁄₁₀ classes from Groupon. Seriously, I have no ideas why this place rate 4 stars! When you approach the front door you immediately feel disgusted because the studio is so stinky. Trust me, you dont want to inhale in this place while you are practicing. Definitely would not come back though I still have 9 classes left.

My second bikram yoga studio, compared to the one in Oakland, this one is definitely better, with more space (which makes it less smelly for evening classes), more light. I have no preference for instructors, some talks a lot, some talks little, if you want to practice yoga, get used to different teaching styles, because as long as you are focused, anything else doesn’t matter.

This is definitely one of those places where if you can bear the challenge of «Bikram’s Torture Chamber» you’ll find it to be a life-​changing experience. It’s owned by two San Francisco legends, Juicy & Steve 23, two amazing people that are the heart and soul of the Mission. They are always on queue, as are all the other teachers. They really care about their yoga and included in the dialogue are inspiring and encouraging messages that can be applied to everyday life.
It can be hard at first as a beginner but just keep coming and keep trying. If possible, take the 30 day challenge and see where it takes you… perhaps you’ll become a lifelong student:)
I’ve never felt stronger and more flexible than when taking this class on an almost daily basis.
The schedule here is great, they offer yoga all day long and I especially enjoyed the 6am class. The people in the morning class are regulars and they tend to be pretty hardcore about their Bikram which is awesome.
Nice and clean, awesome staff, and lovely cheerful environment — Mission Yoga is a must for any San Franciscan!

This is an awesome spot! The people who run this studio are very friendly and fun so it makes every visit welcoming. The approach feels very holistic to me and there is a sense of community to the studio. I support you!
–love eagle eye

In spite my own reservations about the cleanliness, I must give this place a fair assessment that they keep their studio well maintained considering the insurmountable task it must be to sanitize with all of that moisture and constant heat. They have a fairly organic sanitation approach, which is quite fluid with the mentality of the workout regiment.
While Bikram was quite rejuvenating and made me feel amazing, I just didn’t feel that it spoke to me specifically, but it’s wroth noting that I certainly felt comfortable working out there. There were no pressures to conceal a less than perfect physique, and talking to the staff reassured me that they knew what they were doing in terms of coaching and planning.
The sessions can get intense, but if going everyday, they get much easier fairly quickly, and it’s a nice feeling to be drained of energy and full of sweat after an intense workout. Sometimes, the room can get a little hot, but they instructors do their best to keep temperatures at a level that’s effective but not completely paralyzing.
I don’t think I’ve felt more limber in my entire life than I did after those exercises. One thing that would’ve made me more comfortable earlier on would’ve been not calling me out a class level. The instructors did it to encourage newbies and promote success, but it was done inconsistently between instructors and even amongst newbies within a class. It feels like being back in elementary school getting lectured by a teacher when the instructors at Bikram call out one’s name and shout encouragements or pointers for improvement. In the end, it was an experience worth trying even if it wasn’t my cup of tea.

So this is where I first fell in love…
…with Bikram Hot Yoga.
Whilst some might hate this ‘limited’ 26 posture practice, I love the regularity of it. That it’s always the same, regimented and you can see the improvement class on class, and that through learning to master the postures you learn to forget about them and focus on yourself.
And what can I say — I love the heat! Pack me off to the desert any day!
Whilst visiting San Fran for 3 months I wrote a list of all the things I needed to do whilst in the golden city — and one of which was join a yoga class.
I did a little scout and came across a groupon voucher and decided to sign up.
I absolutely love these guys. Juicy and Steve are just lovely people and it was a complete pleasure getting to know them.
I think back and always smile about my trips into the Mission district to this characterful, personable, ‘hippy feeling’ studio. The joy of going through the gated courtyard and ascending the stairs into the brightly painted orange walled reception, the wonderful plants in the woman’s changing room, bashed up old lockers, the hot studio, lying and looking at the blue cloud painted ceiling and the immense feeling of freedom roaming, freshly showered into the Californian fall heat after intense sessions, newly light footed, to adventures in the local, quirky, area.
The first thing you’re notice about this studio is the smell, it smells a little like old feet… which is pretty much the smell of sweat. It’s a little bit off-​putting, but it’s really quite natural if you’re going to do hot yoga, most places I’ve been to, and gym locker rooms, smell like this. After a while you’ll get used to it, and embrace the smell as a small side-​effect of the practice.
Classes here aren’t too expensive, they’re quite affordable in fact — but then I’m English and am used to paying an arm and a foot for fitness fads — whilst in SF, yoga is much more a way of life.
Whilst you need to bring your own yoga mat, towels and locker padlocks, you can also hire/​buy these at reception. Water, books, yoga clothes and food/​drink treats are also available.
I love the enthusiasm and joy of the people who work here, they are just so enthusiastic about the practice and you can tell this in their instructions and cadence. The people practicing were also very friendly, I found it easy to talk to them, whereas in other classes I’ve taken the attendees were quite aloof.
I also couldn’t help but notice the burning man stickers on the glass within the foyer, and the obvious connection to the festival — and the bathroom ducks. I wish I’d taken a picture of these little guys as I miss them. In one of the bathroom’s you’ll find a whole sideboard full of bathroom ducks. I think one of the owners must be a collector — however I love the fact they’ve chosen to share these, it’s such a lovely personal touch, they made me smile from ear to ear.
And it was these little things that counted. The whole vibe of the studio was relaxing, vibrant, but thoughtful and the classes weren’t cramped and you had space for yourself and your practice.
Whilst this was my first studio, I’ve tried to find others like it within London to carry on my practice. I can’t fully express the feeling I gain from it and Mission Yoga will always be in my heart for allowing me to first discover it.
Nothing in London (and I’ve been to 4 different ‘hot yoga’ studios now to-​date), compares.

Since practicing, volunteering, and working front desk and marketing for a few Bikram yoga studios in the last 5 years, as well as traveling and visiting countless more, I can say this is one of the best Bikram studios I have been blessed to call my Hot Room Home.
Steve, Juicy and their whole crew are exactly what you would want in a Bikram team! Friendly, supportive, nonjudgemental, laid back but dedicated and caring are just a few way to describe them.
The facilities are beautiful and funky, the paintings, unique metalwork and Mission-​inspired décor transform the place into an oasis from the maddening outside world.
They rotate a unique blend of instructors, each one radiating a nurturing and encouraging approach in teaching. Plus, they are always there with a great perspective to make getting through class that much easier, even fun!
I am so grateful to suffer for 90 minutes with these people!
P. S. What with all the changing property ownership, Mission Yoga, even as the neighborhood staple it is, is still susceptible, so they need our support now more than ever! Let’s show the new property group how important Bikram Yoga in the Mission, Steve23, Juicy and the whole crew is to us and the community.

I love Bikram in the Mission. The owners Steve23 and Juicy are awesome — as are most of the instructors. They have a friendly and welcoming environment.
I also feel like they’re always running groupons and getting new customers in in droves, when improving the studio for existing customers would go a long way to rewarding loyal and longtime practitioners. The other thing they could improve upon is studio etiquette. New students constantly come in late and interrupt postures. I’ve also seen students using cell phones in class. It doesn’t seem like the studio enforces basic rules strongly enough.
Overall, I love this studio and am happy here!