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November 2023 by Susan S.
The staff is wonderful. All skill levels are welcome. The practice has been very beneficial for me. A real sense of a welcoming environment, both staff and other participants.
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November 2023 by Anthony M.
If you are looking to practice yoga and push yourself to get stronger or work on your flexibility while clearing your mind then yoga shala is for you. All of the instructors are top notch and everyone who works here is incredible inside and out. It's a beautiful community and we welcome you with open arms.
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October 2023 by Lindsey Walker
An eblast about Clayton Shala's relocation hit my inbox today and it reminded me of an experience I had about 2 years ago so I thought I would share. The feeling I was left with really stuck with me, and I think I'll always remember how the instructor made me feel.I was new to town and it was my first ever class at this studio, I had heard good things and I now lived locally so I was really excited to try her class.About 10 - 15 minutes early, I asked her privately if I would be allowed to record myself during class to keep track of my progress privately. Knowing this usually isn't allowed, I fully expected a "sorry, but no" but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.But sometimes they let you, so why not ask.Instead of "no, sorry," I got a 15 minute lecture about beta waves and how I was prematurely aging myself and everyone else around me by using technology during practice.I was fully ok with the "no" and even the lecture, she probably saw it as educational, but I could have done without receiving the lecture in front of the rest of the class, who were regulars and heard the whole thing. I sat patiently and politely listened to her lecture us on the dangers of technology until about 5 minutes after class was scheduled to start. When she was done with her tedtalk about beta waves and technology, she started the class, and then, I kid you not, proceeded to set up the live stream for the class over zoom...Yeah. You read that right.I didn't say anything, didn't make any kind of eye contact to indicate I saw any contradiction in her lecture. I just moved on, enjoyed the class, and was perfectly willing to chalk it up to the culture of a new studio, her passion, etc.After the class I said thank you so much, rolled up my mat, and made it about 2 steps out the door before the teacher came running after me into the parking lot. She stopped me and asked me to please not come back because I wouldn't be a good fit for her studio. She said something along the lines of "your practice doesn't align with my teachings".Never having been asked not to come back anywhere, I was thinking it was pretty unwarranted but was too respectful to draw attention to us. I also was thinking while a bit unfair, it wouldn't be in either parties best interest to argue my way into practicing somewhere I wasn't welcome, so I took the high road, didn't point out any of the hypocrisy, just politely said something like "ok, well thanks again for the class, didn't mean to cause any offense." and walked back to my car.Still to this day I feel weirded out about the experience. At a time in my life where I really could have benefited from the supportive community and camaraderie that typically comes with practicing yoga with others, I was really disappointed in how I was approached and asked not to come back.I'm pretty sure this is not a regular experience here for anyone else, I actually think most people who are regulars love it there! For the record I really did enjoy the class. She's a great yoga instructor. But part of running a business is the impression you leave on the community, and the feeling of being turned away after my first class for asking permission and fully respecting the "no" I received was a really mean thing to do. It's two years later and I still think about how weird and kinda hurtful that was at the time.I'm sure this was a one-off, bad day type of situation, but it really left an impact on me and turned me away from yoga for a while.I hope the yoga industry grows in Clayton to provide a more welcoming, open-minded culture. Advances in technology provide a lot of wonderful knowledge sharing platforms that connect us and are a net positive - even taking into account any potentially 'problematic beta waves'.I'm sure the Clayton Shala community will see this and come back with a wave of evidence about how the classes and instructors are wonderful. This post isn't intended to contradict a
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November 2022 by Christine G.
I have been taking classes at Yoga Shala for almost 4 years now. I was barely able to climb stairs with my bad knee, and now I feel strong, and my two story house is not a problem! The camaraderie among the regular classmates is great and the teachers are knowledgeable and patient. I can go to a more challenging Vinyasa class, or can take a restorative class if my knee is acting up. I LOVE THIS PLACE! Shelly has been a Godsend!
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April 2022 by Carol Kuhn
I've been doing yoga almost daily with Shelly, Wes and Gardenia for over 3 years. They're all wonderful caring knowledgeable teachers. And they're continually growing in their practice. It has kept me fit physically mentally and spiritually. Its amazing the benefits 1 hour a day can do for my day. Thank you so much.
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January 2022 by Sheila B.
As a student of Clayton Yogashala since their opening, I can highly recommend their quality teachers and classes. Shelly Bettencourt in particular, has supported my Yoga journey through thick and thin. Clayton Yogashala truly has something for everyone at every level and demonstrate the greatest of care with their students. They have established a warm and welcoming community where I have not only improved my well being, but gained dear friends.
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January 2022 by Sarah M.
A friendly yoga studio in Clayton. Ive been going to Yoga Shala for 3 years now and everyone is welcoming. There are a wide range of classes available everyday of the week so there's something for everyone with classes being of mixed age and ability. Shelly is an excellent instructor with a great passion and knowledge for yoga which she demonstrates in her ability to give clear directions from the beginners way to do a pose through to the more advanced levels. Shelly also takes the time to explain the healing benefits of yoga and always checks to see if anyone has any issues so she is aware of the needs of each individual student before a class begins. A great yoga studio to visit.
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January 2022 by Sana F.
Clayton Yoga Shala has been an integral part of my life since 2015. It has literally changed my life to have established a regular schedule in such a beautiful and welcoming environment. I am in my 50's and suffer from chronic pain due to ankle fusion and joint disease and while I had dabbled a bit in the past with yoga it was this studio that made me a believer in the benefits, physical as well as mental. I attend the yin-restorative classes taught by Shelly Bettencourt (co-owner/teacher.) I absolutely adore Shelly. She is an incredible teacher, not to mention human being who completely emanates her many years of practice. it is infinitely clear that it is her outstanding energy that creates the space for such a healing ambiance. Shelly has many loyal students such as myself and I find that the caliber of people who attend her classes is always exceptional. I always leave after one of her sessions feeling so much better on every level. It is the perfect combination of movement/stretching as well as focusing on breathing and poses that calm the nervous system. I LOVE IT!!! During the beginning of the pandemic, I did explore other online options and I can state with absolute certainty that there is NO OTHER teacher like Shelly or class that even comes close in my book.I highly endorse trying her classes!
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January 2022 by Mary K.
I have been practicing yoga at Yoga Shala since 2015. I really enjoy this yoga studio for many reasons. I love that they are a neighborhood studio close to home for those that live in the Clayton/Concord area. They offer a wide variety of classes to meet the needs of people in all stages of their practice. The studio is well set up and comfortable in all seasons. In addition, I commend Yoga Shala for their efforts during the worst of the pandemic. I have appreciated the classes of both Shelly and Wes over the years and highly recommend their classes.
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January 2022 by N. S.
I have been a member of the Shala since May 2013. A cancer survivor, with degenerating L4/L/5 issues including arthritis, and other issues, I can truly state that yoga has been life altering for me. My husband has been a member since January 2014 and has been able to delay knee replacement surgery for 8 years! When I was stronger, I practiced with Laura and Wes who are knowledgeable, compassionate, and talented. As my personal situation changed, I later transitioned to Shelly and Kate's classes. As someone else mentioned, there is something for everyone. The poor review by a person who thinks you can just walk into a class 15 minutes late disrupting and disturbing members who were timely is mind boggling. Obviously not a yogi, and more importantly and extremely "disturbing" is that she alleged to be a teacher. (I was taught that timeliness is next to Godliness boy have things changed for the worse.) Seriously? Do today's parents really want people of this ilk teaching their children? I am just grateful that she is not teaching our Concord/Clayton kids, not sure what she was doing here but I suggest she stays in OR! Returning to my review: This Shala has been through so much during the pandemic, and yet it has found ways to meet the needs of its community during these unprecedented time. If you are looking for a great place to practice, this is for you!
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November 2021 by Mingming C.
I was late to a class for reasons out of my control. The teacher, Shelly, doesn't give me a chance to speak, immediately comes to the door, and parrots "Class started 15 minutes ago, i won't be able to let you in" over and over. I was finding my words, and finally, I said "I'm aware of that" because frankly, I was confused why she was parroting that class started 15 minutes ago as if I was not aware I was late. When I said this, she just goes "ok thank you" and shuts the door on me. I'm not so upset at their policy of not allowing late students in (not something I've previously encountered, but something I understand) so much as her condescending, passive-aggressive and patronizing tone. I teach children, but am not a child and will not be spoken to like one. I do not plan to return. I don't see any policies on their website, and will check the contract to see if I can get my money back for my reservation.
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September 2021 by Corina Bonelli
I love this studio and all the instructors. It’s an phenomenal place to practice.
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August 2021 by Julie Durand
I have been attending the Clayton Yoga Shala studio for 8 years and I’ve been doing yoga for 14 years. I am closely familiar with the co-owners of this studio. All the yoga teachers are well trained, knowledgeable ,professional , caring and contributed to my deepening of my practice. They have created a community-based friendly haven & offering different kinds of hatha classes & appropriate levels of practices . I highly recommend this wonderful intimate studio that will give the attention you need to excel in your yoga ! Julie Durand
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January 2020 by Juliet Sokolowski
This is a great studio! All yogis know their stuff, are kind and caring. They go out of their way to help beginners (me) and always offer alternative positions for those of us that are on the tighter side. Very reasonably priced, with different packages that will suit all. I love my Shala!
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November 2019 by Peggy Bailey Bigoness
A great traditional yoga Studio... No gimmicks. Just strong yoga.
