Mark Blanchard's Power Yoga

09/22/09

great place for yoga

by hitch71 at Citysearch

This place is a great boutique style yoga studio. One of the teachers elizabeth is a really good teacher. Would recommend for sure, but the room is fairly narrow.

• Pros: no music, props,
• Cons: small

01/12/09

Finally! A yoga class that's challenging without a 100 degree room!

by Mistletoe4 at Citysearch

I've tried out quite a few yoga classes in and around Southern California in the past years, and I must say I pretty much gave up on finding one that was both challenging, invigorating, and rewarding on a meditative and physical level. After about a year hiatus from yoga, I decided to give yoga one more shot and take the Sunday evening class with Elizabeth at the Studio City location. I knew little to nothing about the studio, but had never tried Power Yoga before, so thought I'd give it a go. I'll be honest--I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up. Although I had to take a few pauses in between poses to relax (the class is intense!) I have yet to find a more supportive and soothing atmosphere where everyone is sweating hard. I had what I would consider to be the best workout I've had in months. The room was dimly lit, and there was candlelight. No music or chanting, which I liked. Elizabeth seemed so caring and encouraging, and also really talked through some of the poses and techniques which was helpful for a beginner like me. I will definitely be back!

• Pros: Elizabeth, candlelight, high intensity workout in peaceful environment
• Cons: parking

11/27/08

The real no bs 2 cents about Mark Blanchard and his studio

by thereal2cents at Citysearch

I have read some of the reviews below and most are right on while some others just seem like some uptight women who have no clue what they are talking about. Allow me set everyone straight - Mark has people in his class that are his best friends, people that share Thanksgiving and Christmas with him and his family - people that attend his children's school events. This is a family owned, family run studio! Does Mark look intimate with them PROBABLY to someone who has never been to his studio before BUT Mark is a powerful, focused YOGA INSTRUCTOR - he transforms people both mentally and physically - AND ELIZABETH has no problem with Mark adjusting his students because that is exactly what he is doing - IF ANY OF YOU WHO MADE THESE INFLAMMATORY COMMENTS BELOW had ever seen partner yoga you might get it. The resistance from another person's body with the pressure in the correct places can open up your hips or shoulder blades in ways you can't imagine. I AM ONE OF MARK'S LONG TIME STUDENTS AND I HAVE NEVER FELT HIS PRIVATE PARTS ON ANY PART OF MY BODY - even if he is laying on me - it was probably me in one of the classes referred to below. WILL MARK LAY ON YOU THE FIRST TIME YOU COME TO CLASS? - NO WAY. People in his class that he does this with you can bet have a close relationship with not only Mark BUT HIS WIFE ELIZABETH and I don't mean a sexual relationship. ANYONE who has been to Mark's studio and his class and focus on the YOGA he is teaching instead of looking around the room at everyone else would know this. IF YOU WANT TO LOOK AROUND AND JUDGE EVERYONE ELSE GO TO A GYM - this is real, true power yoga - with no BS - which is hard to come by in the city of angels. As for kissing on the back of the neck - again - these are people that Mark has been instructing for years - hell he was probably been at the birth of their children! AND YES HE DOES ADJUST MEN - ask anyone who frequents his class. He treats everyone equally - AND his class will kick your butt.

07/15/08

Real Yoga.. you be the judge

by naturalstate at Citysearch

Mark Blanchard a great instructor.. I'd heard about his class so I thought I'd check it out for myself. I've only taken his class a few times and it rocked.. my thigh were killing me! He adjust everyone-overweight, male, female, gay.... whatever. I appreciate that because everyone else in this town is apparently too afraid they're going to get sued if they adjust someone. Sometimes verbal adjustments don't always come across and you have to FEEL the pose. Maybe people are put off by Mark's adjustments because he's good looking and charming. There are a lot of female teachers out there that give hands-on adjustments(his wife being one of them) yet nothing is said?.. hmmmm... This is a wonderful , caring & unpretentious studio with real yoga that kicks your butt and leaves you blissful at the same time.

• Pros: if you ever think you're too late for class. they always let you in.. most studios don't :(
• Cons: parking is tricky at night but you can find a street spot

07/07/08

Best Yoga

by emmath at Citysearch

It's so funny to hear women complain that Mark is too touchy feely...I went to another studio and the woman was just as "touchy" and everyone commented about what a great teacher she was because she touched and corrected everyone. I think people, women in general just feel uncomfortable being touched by the opposite s*x. I for one really appreciate the correction wether it comes from Mark or any other teacher. it helps me with my foundation and Mark is the most challenging class I've ever taken! I love the great workout I get. So I guess if you want a slow, stretchy, chanty yoga pratice, this studio is not for you.

• Pros: best yoga workout

07/01/08

Do you want to be touched inappropriately?

by miopinionLA at Citysearch

I took 2 classes a this studio. First time was amazing it was with Elizabeth. Great teacher, great vibe, enough said.

Second and last class was with Mark. This guy is smart. He found a venue in which he can be sexually inappropriate and women let him. He seems to have the need to correct every woman in the studio by putting his hands all over them. And I do mean all over them. The men are perfect yogis because he never approached them. Gross, I can't believe this guy owns 2 studios.

• Pros: Great work out
• Cons: too touchy feely

12/23/07

Love this studio!

by valleyreviewer at Citysearch

The classes are challenging and an awesome workout. I especially like Mary and Elizabeth. The place has a really nice energy and they offer good deals if you buy a bunch of classes at once!

• Pros: good energy, great teachers
• Cons: sometimes starts late

12/12/07

best yoga

by jesseel at Citysearch

Loved, loved loved this studio! I thought Mark was very caring and a great teacher to those of us who are new to the whole yoga thing. Took Elizabeth's class also and was floored by how much energy this mother of three has! The studio was clean and simple, not a lot of stuff everywhere, which helps when you are focusing on the poses and breathing! Can't wait for my next class!

• Pros: Great energy

12/11/07

Love this studio!

by chris32 at Citysearch

This is the best yoga studio you'll find in the Valley! The studio itself has a great energy. It's not too big, which is nice. Mark's class is very challenging, but he keeps the mood light. I personally don't enjoy classes that feel very serious. Elizabeth's classes are awesome too! She really knows how to open up your hips. Her classes are challenging too, but so much fun. What else can I say, I love this studio!

• Pros: great instructors, good energy, parking in back, next to great shops
• Cons: you sometimes smell the food from next door

12/11/07

Best work out for your body and mind!

by yogizen at Citysearch

Mark's classes are an amazing workout!! They combine yoga and a great cardio workout in a 90 minute session. The studio is fresh and very inviting. You will leave the studio feeling energized and positive. It restores your inner calm and strengthens your body at the same time. I've never felt better about my body or seen such great results!

• Pros: Fantastic workout!