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Banana Yoga Voted Best Yoga Studio in Oakland 2025

Why Oakland Voted Banana Yoga "Best of the East Bay"

It is official: Banana Yoga has been voted the Best Yoga Studio in Oakland by both East Bay Express and Oakland Magazine readers.

When we founded Banana Yoga, we didn't set out to build a typical fitness studio. We set out to create an "island of misfit toys"—a sanctuary where everyone can breathe and be seen. This space is not just for people with hella money or who are hella bendy. This is a space for the mighty AND meek, and the bones that creek.

Rooted in Tradition, Not Trends

Banana Yoga’s secret sauce isn’t a fancy green juice, or a designer legging brand; it’s all about making yoga as accessible as possible through affordable and inclusive classes. Traditional yoga isn’t about money for flexibility, it’s about living in a manner that makes you feel alive and connect you to your authentic to your true, loving nature.

Our instructors don’t just teach you how to touch your toes; they guide you through the physical practice and philosophy provided in the 8-limbs of yoga.

We believe that the practice should fit you, not the other way around. That’s why you’ll always find:

  • Teaching With You, Not at You: Our teachers aren’t glorified and they don’t live on a platform at the front of the room. They are in the room with you offering verbal, and hands-on assistance to make sure everyone is safe and seen.

  • Total Autonomy: We encourage students to modify every pose so that it fits their bodies, not the other way around. Teachers offer different variations of each pose, so you can choose what fits you.

  • Propped-Up Practice: Blocks and straps aren't "cheating"—they are tools for liberation. We strongly encourage folx to use props so they can show up without pain.

  • Radical Accessibility: Through our affordable sliding scale pricing, scentless rooms, and QTBIPOC scholarships, we ensure that the typical barriers never stand in the way of your yoga journey.

The Next Chapter: Growing Our Haven

This recognition comes at a beautiful time in our journey. Since moving into our larger location in North Oakland at 5827 San Pablo Ave, we have seen our vision for a true third space come to life.

This expanded space was never just about having more square footage; it was about having more room for communion and community. Since the move, we’ve been able to host more events that promote community, well-being, and radical authenticity—from self-defense classes, to monthly yoga sanghas, to sound baths. We are doubling down on our mission to be a haven for those who lead with their hearts.

To everyone who voted: Thank you for seeing us. Thank you for breathing with us.

You are a weird and crazy Oakland, that’s why we love you!