The Yoga Connection

Currently enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program. Newer to this studio and went in without any expectations. What I have come to discover in an amazing small community of Yogis. Yoga Connection is a gift for our Tucson community; offers scholarships, work study, free classes, and helps with our veterans - GI Bill. The only non-profit Yoga association for Southern Arizona founded by Swami Maha-tarananda (Priscilla Potter). She was initiated from a fine lineage of Kriya Yoga Masters; her Yoga experience spans fifty years. Shes a no-nonsense kind of Teacher / Guru; I admire this quality because constructive criticism is necessary for growth. She also radiates a loving energy for the community at large. I am truly impressed by all the consideration, efforts, and dedication of teachers *past and present* that have been involved with developing this teacher training program. Included in this was access to 20 classes at the studio and additional shadowing with several of the teachers after completion of 200 hr YTT. I definitely feel I will be well prepared to teach after completing this course. Even if you're not looking to become a teacher; this training may assist you in deepening your Yoga practice tremendously.

Well, I've finally gotten off my rear and started working out at a gym several times a week at the ungodly hour of butt-crack of dawn. But I felt like I needed something to balance out the cardio and weights and have a few friends who really like yoga so......Having never done yoga I was half expecting people in dreads that don't wear deodorant but DO wear Birkenstocks. Surprise! The studio was full of people just like me that want a little balance and calmness in their lives.A & I signed up online at the drop in rate for new students joining the beginning yoga class. Super simple online registration, which I really liked. We were greeted warmly when we entered the studio and then walked out the front door and in to the next suite which houses the smaller of the two studios. We met our instructor who explained a few things to us and showed us where to get mats, bolsters and blankets. I really have nothing to compare the yoga experience or teacher to since this was my first time at ANY yoga studio but I liked it! The stretching felt good and modified poses were shown to everyone in case we were unable to do the full pose. The class lasted a little over an hour and was certainly worth the money. I love this location as well since it's close to work and I can easily make a 5:30pm class. We'll be back for sure.....even if the Birkenstock people are there. LOL

I do like the focus on relaxation and centering oneself (as opposed to giggling and making things difficult just to get up a sweat). I have had great warmups and cooldowns in all the classes I took and I left feeling rejuvenated and taller than when I went in.The studio is quiet and peaceful, despite being on a noisy corner.In three classes' time, I've had one instructor who I really like and one who I'm not wild about.My only complaint is the fact that this studio brings in "student instructors" who instruct a part of the class as they prepare to become instructors. Neither of the ones who have instructed in my classes have been even remotely good... yes, I know it takes practice to become a yogi, but when I pay for a class and am comfortable with its flow, it's frustrating to have the class interrupted midway by someone who disregards or doesn't understand the real instructor's mission and who clearly has his/her own agenda in mind over that of the class or of the instructor. Neither of the real instructors seemed particularly thrilled to have a student sitting like a bump on a log, watching the rest of the class while they waited their turn. Meh.My suggestion: offer classes instructed by a pair (teacher and student) for a lower rate. Or move the guest instruction to one specific day and post that information in the class schedule. Were I to sign up for one of those, I would know what I was getting myself into and would be much less resistant to the idea or the mid-class change in flow.

I attempted yoga at a few other studios in town and quickly came to the conclusion that perhaps private lessons suit me better. After doing some research, my fiancé and I picked YC for their emphasis on restorative yoga as well as the option to have private classes. After our first lesson with Tracy, which we enjoyed very much, we continued with Tracy for the duration of our package. So while this review is for the private lesson experience, I can say that the studio is clean and well appointed. YC is a nonprofit studio and funds go towards assisting instructors get their certifications as well as keeping the studio in business. Additionally, they host workshops ranging from posture and balance to stress relief. The location is a bit of a commute for me, but I'd definitely come back for more classes with Tracy and I plan on checking out a workshop or two in the coming months.

I have been going to Yoga Connection off and on for many years, with the "off" beingjust because I can't always summon the energy to drive 25 minutes to their lovely studio.This is the only yoga studio I have found in Tucson that focuses on what I consider thetotal practice of yoga rather than yoga as one more gym feat. In fact, at another popular studio in town, I was once told "No pain, no gain," which to me is the antithesis of the yoga spirit. I go to Colleen's class almost every Sunday, and she is an amazing, low-key almost-spiritual guide through the practice. I am a caregiver to a spouse with Parkinson's, and her class never fails to uplift me. My only wish would be that they use more time for shivasana at the end of the class and much less at the beginning. Maybe it's just me, but my mind doesn't start to quiet until I've been absorbed in the various postures for an hour. All the staff I've ever met are wonderful, and the workshop offerings complement the yoga so nicely.

Started and initially would have given 5 stars; had not done yoga in over 20yrs and was enjoying 4-6days per wk. Decided to do the instructor training after 3months of starting yoga b/c I had been enjoying so much and wanted to learn more. Then another student was very aggressive and I felt like there was a possibility where she was going to ?? .. I was walking away and 2x she repeated "don't walk away from me"bc I did not like the noise of the air purifier fan (need to maintain/clean I never saw anything that documented it was cleaned) and it was very loud causing my migraines to rebound-disability from TBI. Other students in regular yoga classes had turned off the fan so I know it was not just me that was bothered by the noise.I canceled instructor training bc I was concerned about the other student and if she was going to continue to be aggressive/dangerous. Might have been able to manage her aggression but the noise from not maintained air purifier causing worse headaches if I had to be there for 8 hour could not do. No help from the yoga studio staff- had meeting but the student and her representative person were on chairs. I walked in and no other chairs available so I sat on floor. Owner of studio (supposed to be my representative for meeting) went and found herself a chair, (funny) did not offer me one so I was the only one on the floor for a meeting where a co-student had been aggressive against me. Weird the person that had been attacked is on the floor with 3 other people above them---- go figure then I get charged $300 b/c you failed me. If anyone actualy reads this do not go to this yoga studio; my opion they have no care for who you are. Guess nothing else needs to be said. They never mentioned on-line (which another student was doing) or keeping the aggressive student away.DO NOT DO INSTRUCTOR TRAININGLost $300 and YOGA b/c this place was horrible

Loved it!!! Cleanliness is a top priority here, and it shows. The practice rooms, changing areas, and facilities are always spotless and well-maintained. They also provide all necessary props, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.

Looking for a new yoga studio and came across the yoga connection. class offerings are good and quick drive from where I am staying. called over and the receptionist was very nice. excited to try out another class.

Are you looking for a chill, calm place full of serenity and peace? Things your spot. It is simple yet elegant with great classes and instructors. And for a treat-check out their offerings such as a gong bath or other special courses. Love this place.

I've been going for about 7 months. The instructors are helpful and interested in my progress. There's a good number of classes each week.I was so pleased that I signed up for a year.