In my search for a yoga class to call home, I decided to just slut myself around town and try a new yoga studio, using their introductory pricing for new students. Eventually, I hope to land on one, but with offers from places like Groupon to MINDBODY, I can’t see why I should commit so soon.
My first stop is a small yoga studio in Granada Hills, called Prema Yoga – specifically, the Monday 610pm Level 1 Basic Flow.
First, just to cover the basics:
If you purchased a Groupon for the 10 classes, GOOD FOR YOU. So far, this is the best deal I found. Buy your Groupon and walk up to the front desk to register/sign in.
If you purchased through the MINDBODY app, check in on the app. Depending on who’s at the front desk, you may be asked to still sign in.
LOCATION & PARKING
The studio is located one a min street in a cute little section that has some small shops and is also near plazas with groceries and snack stops – like Starbucks and Menchies. If you got time to waste before class, there’s plenty of places nearby to hang out in until it’s time.
It seems that most people park right along Chatsworth. I have not tried this myself, but there does not seem to be an issue, at least for this class time. This is where the main entrance is located. Going through these front doors will lead you to the reception area where you can sign in, register, or just get yourself ready.
There is also a back parking lot if you go through the back alley either by turning into White Oak or Shoshone. This lost is shared with a karate studio, but I show up a few minutes before class and never had to wait for parking yet. It’s nicely lit and often people hang out in their cars until closer to class time. There is also a back entrance accessible from here. The benefit is that if you still need to change, this is the door closest to the bathroom.
STUDIO LAYOUT
The above note above about the bathroom accessibility is important because each entrance flanks the classroom itself. If you walk in and class is in session, you won’t be able to cross to either side without being rude. Signing into class can wait until the few transitional minutes between, but if you gotta go to the bathroom – it’s best to park in the back, or you gotta wait until class is done to walk through.
Be careful opening the doors when you come in. It’s distracting to those taking class. They may deny it, but it’s obviously distracting if the majority open their eyes and turn toward the door when you come in. I made this mistake. Oops.
There is another studio called Prema Yoga Evolution, which is a sister location. According to one of the teachers, that location is set up primarily for more yoga fusion classes, like yoga/TRX or yoga/Pilates workouts.
THE TEACHER
According to the MINDBODY app, the teacher’s name is Kellie Pulce. I have not been in a class where she introduced herself but does gently say hello and check on anyone for any injuries or concerns before beginning.
I personally really enjoy her class. Her tone of voice is authoritative, but also pleasant. She’s no-nonsense, but she’s not a boot camp. This, to me, is especially great in a beginner’s class. I don’t want to feel bossed around, but I want to know that I can confidently follow your lead and get some assistance with corrections if needed.
THE CLASS
In my opinion, this is not an introductory class. It’s just a touch above that and I feel like it would be well worth your time to find an intro class to ease you into it. Although, not necessary.
I do find the pace and challenge to be perfect for beginners. I walk out of the class feeling that I had a good balance of things I can do, things that I can still push a little more on, and things that challenged me.
During Savasana (corpse pose) at the end of class, you can opt for a couple of drops of oil in your hand for some aromatherapy. So far, she’s consistently had (what I think is) lemon-scented oil.
Note: I HAVE to mention that in this particular class, there seems to be one regular student that breathes pretty heavily and it’s made others feel uncomfortable. She’s not always there and it’s not always extremely loud. My friend can go through a class and not notice her, while another friend of mine easily get pulled out of our focus when we hear her.
I do not know who she is and I haven’t bothered to look. I don’t wanna pick on anyone if they have a breathing issue. I don’t know what the reason is for all the sounds. However, it’s worth a shot to attend. You may be like my other friend who doesn’t notice her sounds at all.
Another source of possible distraction are the sounds from the karate studio next door and the sound of the street. These are, to me, noticeable but easily filtered.
FINAL SAY
Gotta say, easy parking, great teacher, small community vibe … this place is really nice if you have a Groupon. At full price, it’s a bit steep for me knowing I can go to a quieter, less distracting studio for similar pricing.
I would probably try to find if the instructor teaches elsewhere, though.
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Prema Yoga
17617 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills, CA 91344
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