-
September 2021 by Crystal M.
Thanks to Cloud Nine Yoga Schools my life has been transformed. I started learning from Erika Faith back in College years, and ever since, she has been my mentor, my teacher, my inspiration. I learned yoga for the first time through Erika's teachings in 2007. I was so moved by her knowledge, experience and leadership, and I wanted to continue to learn more about yoga practice, life and philosophy. First, I completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training, and then I continued onto a 300 hour in depth teacher training. I met the most wonderful collective in these few years and carried on along my journey with a new pair of glasses. Almost a decade later, the pandemic hit. I was still receiving newsletters seasonally from Erika Faith with updates about her teacher trainings. She started offering her first online teacher training from her new residence in Kauai. She had been there almost 6 years, and it was my dream to learn more, grow even deeper. While the world grew unsettled in COVID times, I worked through all the struggles and obstacles in a more graceful state, thanks to my anchor, twice per week, Cloud Nine Yoga School via Zoom. Our cohort went on to study two back to back YTTs finishing off the year with happiness, freedom, peace and reconnected to the light of our true nature. This summer, I had the absolute honor of taking a personal yoga retreat with Erika and her family in the most magical place I've ever visited, the island of Kauai. We did yoga, meditative watercolor, surfed waves, plunged into cold, fresh water lagoons, snorkeled with fishies, hugged trees, and ate healthy, nourishing meals every day, always being present to the beauty that surrounded us. We drank juices, elixirs, smoothies and coconuts. We played, we learned; I healed and evolved. I came to Erika Faith in a sad state. I was suffering the loss of a job that I put my whole heart and soul into for years. Erika helped me realize that it was all for a new calling, a new opportunity for growth. I learned how to let go and let God. The island saved me with its powerful Mana. We got present everyday through conscious meditation and mindfulness of our bodies, mind and spirit. I wish that everyone could experience what I did. It was my greatest gift. Thank you Erika Faith and Cloud Nine Schools.
-
August 2019 by Jane W.
Free Spirit Yoga is the best Yoga Studio I have ever been to and Grace Kellowan is the very best teacher I have ever had anywhere. I have learned so much from her over the last 3 years.
-
August 2019 by Mary M.
Free Spirit Yoga is a clean, inviting space that meets the needs of yoga practitioners of all levels. The parking is convenient and you are always greeted with a smile. I practice gentle yoga with Grace, an insightful and wise teacher. Thanks to Grace I have become stronger, more flexible and more calm. I am so grateful to Cassandra and the entire staff at FreeSpirit Yoga. The studio is an asset to the community of Bixby Knolls and to me personally.
-
June 2019 by Tara D.
This studio is my saving grace! You will receive a good work out and feel great afterwards. Teachers and staff are friendly, reliable, knowledgeable and supportive. The studio is clean, relaxing and affordable. They also have great workshops. Free Spirit is a gift to the Long Beach community.
-
June 2019 by Erika F.
Cassandra is a special human being! She is inspirational, motivational and true to her spirit. I had the opportunity to take two of her classes and she pays attention to the littlest things and reminds the class to adjust and pay attention to nuances that other instructors seem to miss. Cassandra is the difference between a good instructor and a great instructor. She is GREAT! I wish I were closer to her so that I could partake from lessons regularly.
-
March 2019 by Melody E O.
I was attending the prenatal class on Saturdays. It was very nice and lived up to the description on the website, a place where pregnant women could bond. For example, after one class, veteran moms offered an easy outing after the baby is born. Other participants will discuss pregnancy related issues (gas, sciatica, pain). Then this woman started bringing not only her husband to the class but also her dad. So that bonding was broken. No more future mom discussion. The studio offers 4 FOUR other classes that are unisex and stated as pregnancy friendly. Why does this woman feel she needs to bring her husband and dad to what has been a safe space for pregnant women? So I contacted the owner with my concern. At first she listened and said she will try to come up with a solution. Then nothing. I check in again and she says the dad and husband are still attending the Saturday prenatal class. So I asked her, "so you're not providing a safe space for pregnant woman?" Here is her response: "I have spoken to your request in my previous email. I am going to answer your leading question as I dont agree that is the situation we currently have right now. I understand you're not comfortable having dads and grandfathers in class, this has not been the case with other expecting parents thus far. The classes tend to shift as people have their babies and there are always different people in the classes. At this time, I am not going to bar family members regardless of gender from joining their pregnant family in classes. You are welcome to join the Wednesday 6pm class as that is generally not attended by Male family members. Thank you, Cassandra" I work in downtown LA so making a Wednesday class at 6pm is close to impossible for me. Inclusiveness does not mean you get rid of safe spaces. This was literally the only place I had that only has pregnant women in it. I love my husband. He goes to all the medical appointments, birthing classes, and breastfeeding class. But there is a time and a place that can just be pregnant women. Seriously disappointed. I will not be returning to this studio.
-
March 2019 by Jeanne V.
Great yoga studio! Cassandra is an amazing, knowledgeable teacher who caters to her students' needs. Great gentle yoga for beginners and excellent advanced classes for the more experienced. Highly recommend the relaxing ambience and friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
-
March 2019 by Robert D.
Wow, what am Amazing experience Free Spirit Provides. Such a loving and welcoming space with great teachers and friendly yogis! I recommend this to all my Bixby Knoll friends and if you can make a small drive(totally worth it, there is beer/drinks close by), anyone else in Long Beach. My whole family goes now. Cass is amazing and is so compassionate.
-
January 2019 by J A.
I had a horrible experience with this yoga school and its cliquey, unwelcoming, judgemental environment. Save your money and go to another local yoga school. they're only in it here for the money and you have to pay for everything, including books, and your retreet out of pocket because tuition won't cover it. Other yoga schools tuition is everything all inclusive. This school is basically $3000 for a handbook and they don't even print you a handbook that's in color....
-
December 2018 by Harry C.
Cassandra, I had no idea that you were the owner. So grateful for you and your staff. I always feel welcome and at home on the floor there. Some studios do not feel like home and the Yoga experience needs a loving environment. Free spirit is all that and a bag of pita chips? Your yoga master Grace is one of the best any studio could hope to have and I hope to learn from all of you. Namaste.
-
December 2018 by Michelle B.
I have done yoga in the past, but never regularly. I came here to recenter myself and I am so glad I did! I saw a Groupon with a great deal, although it's ended, I would definitely come back because the regular prices are still pretty affordable! What I love most about this yoga studio is the super welcoming environment, not just from the staff, but those who attend the studio as well. I regularly went to Grace's class late afternoon Gentle Yoga class and loved it. When I started, I had a very high level of stress and feeling overwhelmed. I took some of the positive energy from the class with me and saw a nice change in my lifestyle. Once I have more time, I will be back! I highly recommend FreeSpirit Yoga to anyone who wants to start practicing.
-
October 2018 by El Olor A C.
I enjoy all the classes here, every teacher is so mindful and creates a nice ambient. Also, they are open 7 days per week and have classes at different times to match everyone's schedule. I tried different yoga studios but for this one I can just say that I love it!
-
September 2018 by Mindy A.
I love that they have kids yoga, and my 5 and 7 year olds are big fans, too. At first I thought 75 minutes would be too long for them, but they always come out of class with big smiles on their faces, telling me everything they did. I also love that FreeSpirit offers an adult class at the same time as the kids class, so I can go, too. I enjoy the flow 1-2, which is an easy "Sunday" feeling class, not too hard, but with a little work. I need to get to the early morning power flow and the Flow 2/3, to see if they meet my needs for a more intense class.
-
September 2018 by Violeta N.
I bought a Groupon and it was the best decision I've made. I take the prenatal classes with Kelly mostly on Saturday's and some Wednesday's when work permits. I started at 27 weeks and I'm 31 weeks now and it's the best decision I made for my body and baby. Kelly is wonderful. She has extensive knowledge on safe prenatal moves and her own personal experience is so helpful. She'll ask what part of our bodies are bothering us and she adds moves that help with soreness or pain. She's very cautious and makes sure we are all comfortable and moving at our own pace. This studio is amazing. Wonderful desk staff and I look forward to purchasing more classes. Such a comfortable studio.
-
September 2018 by Karen R.
I came to this studio for their prenatal yoga classes. I started attending when I was 15 weeks along and kept going until I was about 34 weeks. I loved Kelly's classes so much. I liked how she acknowledged our growing babies and included a lot of personal experience regarding her own pregnancy. What I found really helpful during my delivery was the breathing exercises. I had really strong shaking during labor and couldn't concentrate on anything except how much I was shaking. I remembered the counting breaths exercise and that was the only thing that helped control my shaking, so I'm very grateful I attended the prenatal classes on Saturdays. I also attended the week night prenatal class but found Kelly's Saturday class to be more "prenatal" focused.
