: : welcome : :

Located in Richmond, CA, Gaia Yoga is committed to creating a space of wellness, empowerment, and community by offering a variety of yoga classes for all levels of experience. Classes range from vigorous Vinyasa flows to full Restorative relaxation (see class descriptions below). Each instructor brings a unique teaching style and expertise centered in mindfulness, meditation, movement, and holistic health.

Gaia Yoga was born in January of 2018 after instructor Martina Chavez-Young acquired the studio from Mindful Life Yoga. The studio was built from seeds of social justice, which continue to grow and bloom to this day. It is our mission to MOVE students in thought, speech and action through the practice of yoga. Yoga calls on us to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, disrupt systems of oppression, and act with revolutionary love. We believe that our liberation is bound together; that none of us are free unless all of us are free.

We look forward to being in community with you!

: : classes : :

Hatha Flow

An all levels class bringing balance and strength to your mind, body, and soul. This steady-paced class includes a breath-synchronized series of poses that flows smoothly between Sun Salutation inspired sequences and longer-held poses, guiding students through a moving meditation. This class emphasizes the development of core strength for joint stability and increased endurance. 

Vinyasa Flow

This vigorous style of yoga links breath and movement framed around Sun Salutations. The smooth, continuous flow deepens breathing, increases endurance, and will test the edge of your balance and flexibility. This is an all levels class, however, being comfortable with basic yoga postures and appreciating a healthy sweat is recommended.

 

Lunch Hour

Lunch Hour classes at Gaia Yoga are energizing, music-filled and appropriate for men and women of all ages and fitness levels. You will experience a mix of dynamic and physically demanding poses, which will strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility and energize your body, mind and spirit. Classes are abbreviated to a 50 minute time frame to support your health and wellness in your busy day.

Gentle Flow

A slow paced class designed to warm up and nourish the joints of the body, soothe the nervous system and restore vital energy. Most of the class will be on the floor in seated or supine poses, but will also include gentle sun salutations and standing poses. This class is perfect for those working with arthritis, back pain, recovery from injury and/or illness and those just looking to move through their yoga practice at a gentle pace.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga gently opens the body using props and passive restorative poses, which assist in quieting the mind and allows for a deep sense of relaxation. Enjoy the benefits of yoga in a class designed to feel like no work whatsoever. A meditative time to cultivate awareness of body breath and mind, this class is recommended for those experiencing stress, recovering from injury or illness, and anyone seeking a gentle class to unwind, relax and renew and prepare you for a good night's sleep. This class is appropriate for beginners.

Prenatal Yoga

Whether you are trying to become pregnant or are currently in the midst of your pregnancy journey, this Prenatal Yoga class is designed for the very special season you are in. The class will focus on both building strength and finding ease through your pregnancy. You will be guided through movement with an emphasis on breath, core, and pelvic floor function as you prepare for the birth of your baby, postpartum, and beyond. Come meet with other soon to be mamas/birthing people, build community, find support, and learn how to flow with the body you are in!

Community Class

Unwind and connect in this all-levels gentle flow class, designed to soothe the body, calm the mind, and nurture the spirit. Perfect for beginners and seasoned yogis alike, this practice focuses on mindful movement, breathwork, and restorative poses to promote relaxation and ease. Come as you are, move at your own pace, and experience the joy of practicing yoga in a welcoming and supportive space while giving back to your community.

This donation-based class is more than just yoga—it's an opportunity to give back. Contributions support local non-profits, helping to uplift our community and make a positive impact where it’s needed most.

Suggested donation: $5-$20, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

: : featured reviews : :

“I’ve been practicing yoga with Gaia for several years now. Every instructor is aware of the limitation that each person has, and always suggest that they can practice at their own pace. I always finish my practice feeling whole again.
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— Rebecca A.
“Great teachers, good variety of classes, enlarged studio is very nice and roomy.”
— Sylvia S.
“Great place... Different teachers, different styles, something for everybody, can recommend all of them!”
— Hadorah G.
“I feel so comfortable at Gaia Yoga. I’m very beginner-ish and I always feel as important as the pros. It’s a special place.”
— Karen L.
“I love Gaia Yoga Richmond! It’s a wonderful community of students and teachers! Martina has really created a special studio!
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— Danielle P.