Sound Yoga

Sound Yoga is awesome. My husband and I have been doing semi-private lessons with Chris off and on since December. We are both relative yoga novices and her customized lessons have been a great way for us to gain confidence in our practice. I also appreciate that Chris has a wellness approach to her practice, and includes poses to help with my husbands shoulder injuries (several bike accidents) and always has a modification in her back pocket.

With COVID-19, she has moved to zoom lessons and they have helped keep us centered both physically and mentally. I have also taken zoom group classes (Yoga 1) with Karie to get in extra yoga fixes. Her classes were relaxing and had a great community feel. With social distancing, it was nice to have a weekly appointment to see other faces and be a part of a group outside the home.

Sound Yoga has changed my life. After six years of practicing primarily with Chris, my physical proficiency and spiritual awareness have expanded greatly. Chris has a comprehensive knowledge of yoga and the human anatomy. Her classes are focused and interesting, yet she is sensitive to each student's needs and abilities and offers excellent personified instruction. Sound Yoga is a safe, tranquil environment with small classes.

Chris has created a warm, relaxing but energizing space for the practice of yoga. The classes are small, tailored to the needs of students. The studio is calm and thoughtfully designed. Chris has a thorough knowledge of yoga and has trained all of the teachers. I've been going here for years.

I have enjoyed the sessions at Sound Yoga. It's been great having Chris, Shelly, and Maria as teachers - each class is unique and the teachers are kind (at the top of each class, they all ask each student what they need to be aware of and what you need from the practice). Some classes offer stretching and meditation which allows for great rest, and other classes help with strengthening and lengthening which are beneficial for soreness (recently I had done so many squats that going up and down the stairs was tough, I informed Chris of this, her session helped because by the end of the day I was able to move up and down the stairs with ease!). Grateful to have this local yoga studio! =)

I've learned so much at Sound Yoga. Yes, poses. Yes, breathing. But I have also learned to deconstruct and reconstruct. It is actually quite restorative to do that. It is a peace I have never known. I've learned to find myself and take care of myself, and to find that there is much growth and strength in doing that. No fear. No judgement. Chris Dormaier and her staff of certified teachers provide an intimate, safe, warm, and friendly environment where I can learn, practice, know joy, and simply be.

I have attended classes at Sound Yoga for many years. The studio is beautiful and peaceful. The instructors help students individually by offering modifications to make poses easier or more difficult based upon the student's abilities and goals. Sound Yoga is a very welcoming place where emotional and physical wellness are the focus.

Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with cervical cancer which resulted in my having a major hysterectomy. I lost the cancer (thank God) but ended up losing so much muscle in my stomach I actually had to carry my floppy stomach around in my hands when I walked. Nothing I was doing afterwards seemed to help until someone suggested I try Sound Yoga studio in West Seattle.

When I first met Chris Dormaire who owns the Studio and teaches there too, she suggested I try Gentle Yoga and/or Strong Bones. I chose both. which was the perfect answer. Fifteen years later I am still a weekly regular in once a week Gentle Yoga, full of folks who either had been athletic in their youth, and are recovering from injuries or illnesses, and/or who never tried yoga were because of weak wrists and double jointed toes (like me) but who are still committed to keeping their balance, their muscles strong, their flexibiity, and their health.

The classes are small (9), the floors heated, the coaching very personalized. Chris Dormaire herself still teaches my Gentle Yoga class, customizing her coaching specific to various handicaps and injuries people present with. I am currently 77 years old (and never did go for or had to do standing on my head) but my health is excellent and my balance and energy, are now both better than I was at 60. I give mucho credit to Sound Yoga and Chris. Never plan to stop.

Each Monday and Friday I so look forward to my practice at Sound Yoga. Chris provides individual attention so each student is practicing to their ability. The classes have improved my balance, flexibility and overall strength. Chris chants and meditations at end of class make me feel content and ready for the day. Sound Yoga is just right for me, thanks to Chris.

I've gotten to meet all of the instructors here and they are all so warm and wonderful with a deep knowledge of different modalities. The studio itself is cozy and relaxing. Highly recommend!

Sound Yoga is my studio because it's just yoga. No noisy gym, no locker room, just small classes with people of all abilities who want to do yoga. We focus on gently moving with our breath, working on strength and flexibility at the level appropriate for each individual. Emphasis is always on yoga as a practice, not a competition. It's an oasis in my week that I always look forward to.

I highly recommend Sound Yoga to whoever wants the best! I have tried other yoga studios and nothing compares to Sound Yoga. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and since the class size is perfect they can go around the class and give you individual help with any position you are doing. The studio is the prefect size and is warm and relaxing inside. THE BEST!

I had attended several other yoga classes where I quickly became discouraged with the expectations and the lack of clear instructions from the teacher. Sound Yoga is entirely different, allowing each participant to move as their body dictates. Instructions are very clear and the teacher will demonstrate the pose and assist each student by correcting the posture if necessary. It is truly a warm, inviting atmosphere where each student can enjoy the experience of developing a healthy, more flexible and well balanced body.

I had taken various yoga classes over the years but it had been quite some time when I found Sound Yoga last year. Starting with Yoga I, it was the right place for me to ease back into my practice. When I felt back up to speed I joined Yoga II. Unlike some other yoga studios, with the small class sizes offered at Sound Yoga there is no pressure, competition or fighting for elbow room.

From the welcoming greeting and soothing environment to the gentle appreciation and respect for an individual's unique body and needs, I have found Sound Yoga to be a compassionate sanctuary for mind and body restoration.

I've studied a few different types of yoga at a number of studios and I greatly appreciate the small classes and personal attention I get at Sound Yoga. I've been taking classes from Chris for a few years now and I feel strong and flexible.just what I was hoping for. Never more than ten in a class. Warm, friendly environment. We're lucky to have Sound Yoga right in West Seattle.

I've been practicing yoga at this studio for almost six years now. I could not be happier! From the wonderful, personal greeting you receive upon entering - every time you enter - to the questions about your personal needs and health before the start of each session - this place is all about "personal". While teaching a class (which is never more than 8-10 people) each instructor manages to take in to consideration each studnets needs and restrictions - yet it never effects the overall flow of the class or your personal enjoyment or goals.

The teachers are helpful, smart and caring - what more could you ask for? I have tried a variety of the class offerings and always find the instructors willing and able to work with me individually. No one is left behind and no one is made to feel less than able. Instructors are all too glad to stay around after class to answer questions or talk about concerns you have. What's more - they offer a free class to anyone who has never attended their studio before - all you have to do is call. That's unheard of!

As you look around you see people of all ages in each class - and you instantly feel comfortable. It's not hot yoga, nor is it jumping around to get your heart rate pounding - Sound Yoga is all about teaching you how to be flexible and strengthen your bones and muscles. For those starting out - don't go spending money on supplies (mats) - they have it all for you to use for free. A five star rating for sure!

Over four years now practicing yoga twice a week at Sound Yoga. I cannot believe how much yoga has strengthened my body, managed my chronic pain, and relieved stress. This small studio with caring and knowledgeable instructors is an ideal environment. I have dropped in at several local studios, as well as out of area studios while traveling, and I am always happy to come back to Sound Yoga. All body types, ages, and skill levels are welcome here.

I have regularly practiced beginning and advanced Yoga for 10 years and have experiences with many teachers and Yoga studios. The teacher at Sound Yoga, with years of teaching experience, was unable or unwilling to communicate clearly and thus at times I didn't know what she wanted the students to do. She did not demonstrate any poses or help adjust any of the student's poses.

This combined with her vague use of language created confusion. The experienced teacher was focused on her paper with diagrams of poses and sometimes seemed unaware of how to convey the importance of proper form or posture. If I didn't know for a fact that she had been teaching for over 4 years, I would think this was her first time teaching. Pro's: Cozy, clean studio with assortment of mats and bolsters Con's: Vague, unclear communication of the types of poses to do.

Lack of explanation of how to improve and deepen the poses Misnaming poses which added to confusion. No adjustments for students who are not doing the poses incorrectly. No demonstrations of the poses. The teacher just sat on the ground. Lack of creativity and flexibility because of over focus on written plan A 75 minute class cut short 10 minutes.

I have been doing yoga at Sound Yoga for several years now. I LOVE this class! The instructors are by far the best in the industry. They each have their own special way of teaching and the owner knows the value of this aspect. The studio is small but comfortable, clean and beautiful. Every detail was well thoughtout to make the experience exceptional. Not only do I feel better when I go I have made a lot of special friends. Thank you Sound Yoga!

I was directed to this studio by a retired physician; a serious student and teacher of yoga. This studio is as careful as they should be with their student's. Before each class (usually no more than 8 students) there's a question from the instructor to each student: "How are you today?" The class is then directed by the results of everyone's issues, pains, comfort, etc and we all get a great session.

The setting is just off of California, so you do hear some traffic but as you concentrate on your instructors voice and directions, the other sounds disappears. Beautifully and simply appointed, (bamboo flooring, ceiling fans, candles and nicely gardened entryway, it's a great place to find yourself after work. I always leave feeling wonderful.