The Space

• 2 large yoga rooms

• 2 yoga therapy rooms

• 55-spot parking lot

• Locker rooms with Showers

• Eco-friendly, custom-built furniture

• Lounge area

The Energy

• Owned amongst friends since 2011

• Free positive vibes for all

• Ego-free Community

• Spirit of oneness

• Present moment explorers

The Service

• Child care available

• World-class, clean radiant heating

• Sustainably grown instructors

Wide selection of yoga asanas

• Heated or non-heated

• Fast or Slow

• Aerobic or Gentle

• Spiritual or Physical

Our Story

• Ra Yoga Studio is the collaborative dream of Robert Kittleman, Jenny Vande Hei, and Aileen Pham.
  Founded in the belief that yoga should be "by the people, for the people," we are not owned by or affiliated with a larger entity.

• At Ra Yoga
  we are creating a calm, nurturing, non-superficial, DIY environment where you will learn the importance of centering, refocusing, and creating points of stillness inside yourself. It is our vision that this studio be a sanctuary to which our students can escape the chaos of their daily lives, connect with like-minded people in the community and achieve proper balance within themselves through the practice of yoga.

• We believe that everyone is a yogi, and that means you.
  You don't need to be flexible or thin or have the "right" clothes. You don't need to know ancient Sanskrit or burn incense in your home. All you need to do is show up and do your best with breath. You will transform your body, your mind, and your whole life with this practice, just as we did. You are reading this now, and so you're on the right path, and your transformation can begin now. You've got nothing to lose except the fear and anger and weight that you've been holding on to. Get ready to transform your body, your mind, and your life, re-discover happiness, and realize who you are.

• Come to Ra Yoga soon and often, and create your own journey
  enjoying a community where you're always welcome and where you'll always feel great after you finish your practice - on all levels. We invite all yogis - from beginners to experienced, from athletes to math-letes.

• Everyone will find something different at Ra Yoga Studio.
  Come experience our space for yourself & breathe in light.

Studio Etiquette

Before Class

• Please be on time.
  As a courtesy to the teachers and other students, please arrive early enough to settle in without rushing. If you are late, you might not be allowed into class.

• The yoga room is intended to be a quiet zone.
  Please refrain from any loud talking in the yoga room. Many students use the time before class to quiet and center themselves as they prepare for class.

During Class

• Honor the peacefulness and grace of the room by moving quietly.

• Leaving the room during class should be limited to emergencies.
  If you absolutely must leave the room, please do so between postures. Also, please return to the class between postures. Leaving and entering the room during postures can be disruptive to other students trying to focus and balance.

• Practice stillness in the body and stillness in the mind between postures (this may be the hardest part of class in the beginning).

• No social conversations during class please.
  This can be very distracting for the teacher and other students.

• Have an open mind and have fun!

After Class

• Please leave the room quietly.
  Respect your fellow students as they continue to observe silence after the final savasana (resting pose).

• If using our shower facilities
  please keep the duration of your locker-room time to 30 minutes to allow time for other students to use the facilities.

Always

• Have fun!
  Let go of your Type-A instincts and behaviors. This is not a race or a competition. It's just yoga, and it's just 60 minutes out of your entire day, so let your heart smile and enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions

General

• What qualities set Ra Yoga apart from other studios?
  Ra Yoga offers a wide range of yoga classes (heated and non-heated), workshops and healthy lifestyle events. Showers, changing facilities, and a 55-spot parking lot behind the studio are provided for your convenience. A free week of unlimited yoga for all new Orange County clients. Ra Yoga offers childcare for most morning classes. Ra Yoga's hot classes are heated by world-class, hypoallergenic radiant heating panels which have a low carbon footprint. Ra Yoga is not owned or affiliated with a larger corporate entity; it is a commUNITY that is owned and operated amongst friends. Ra welcomes all: beginner to advanced, athletes to math-letes.

• What is the best way to learn about Ra Yoga?
  While Yelp! is a great way to learn about Ra, the best way to learn about Ra Yoga is to experience it for yourself! Feel free to stop by the studio to begin a free week of unlimited yoga for all new clients in Orange County.

• What kind of classes do you have?
  Ra Yoga offers a wide range of heated and non-heated yoga asanas and styles including: Vinyasa Flow (Heated Power Yoga & Non-Heated Hatha), Hot Yoga, Yoga with Pilates (called Yogalates), Strength (yoga with weights), a special 45-minute Lunchtime class, Prenatal Yoga, Restorative & Yin, Mommy and Me (yoga with your infant), Yoga for Kids (called Little Ra-scals), Meditation. In addition to these group classes, Ra Yoga also offers private yoga instruction with our on-site yoga therapists.

• Where is the studio located?
  Ra Yoga's address is 3077 Bristol Street, Suite A, and is located at the corner of Bristol Street and Paularino Avenue in Costa Mesa, across the street from Orange County Hilton. It's conveniently located between the 405, 55, and 73 freeways.

• How can Ra Yoga help me with my practice?
  If you have never practiced yoga, Ra Yoga offers a vast array of styles to teach you the basics and help you learn all the details of behind the poses. If you have been practicing yoga at another studio in the area, most of our current clients say they enjoy how Ra has helped to inspire their yogic and personal life through our community spirit and positive vibes we try to pass to everyone who walks through our doors.

• How often should I practice?
  Your yoga practice is very personal. Each person is working with his/her own mind, body, finances, and schedules. People practice for different reasons: to calm their mind or lose weight, build greater strength or increase flexibility. There are no set rules for how often to practice, but it is imperative that you listen to your mind/body in terms of the type and amount of physical activity that is right for you. Ra Yoga offers a variety of style and level options to ensure that you have a supportive, challenging, yet versatile path to physical fitness and higher awareness. As a new student, you should try to give yourself as many opportunities to practice as possible. Come to class when you can (don't beat yourself up when you can't), and remember that some is better than none!

• What does 'Ra' stand for?
  'Ra' is the ancient Egyptian sun god; Patron of: the sun, heaven, warmth, growth, creative power, and light.

Memberships & Account Related

• How do I enroll?
  You can start your personal enrollment for Ra Yoga by clicking here and submitting the required information. Your free week will begin once you come take your first class. Please be aware that all classes are first come, first serve. Sorry no online reservation is allowed.

• How much does a membership cost?
  Ra yoga understands that many clients have different needs, so we designed many affordable yoga memberships with different time requirements. Ra offers a one month unlimited membership (no contract), an unlimited yoga 'Sol' membership (3 month minimum), or a year of unlimited yoga.

• What is the difference between a membership and a package?
  Memberships are valid for a specific amount of time; Packages are valid for a specific amount of class sessions. We offer various memberships and packages at Ra Yoga, as well as several other specialized services. Please visit our package offerings page for more information.

• I'm going out of town for a few weeks. Can I put my membership on hold?
  Yes, we are able to put your membership on hold once per year. To request a hold, please email info@rayoga.com.

First Time

• How do I know which class is best for me?
  It is a good idea to try several different styles to see what resonates with you best. For those looking to stay away from the heat: Ra Vinyasa Level 1, Restorative, and Yin Stretch classes are a great place to start for new people to yoga. Restorative and Yin Stretch classes flow at a much slower pace, while Ra Vinyasa Level 1 is a bit more involved and is taught at a faster pace. For those looking to step into the heat: Hot Ra Level 1 is a good class to introduce you to the heated environment with a slower pace than Hot Ra Level 2. If you are a more experienced yogi looking to be challenged try Introduction to Ra Vinyasa Level 2, Yogalates, Ra Vinyasa Level 2, or our most challenging class Ra Strength.

• What if I can't do a pose?
  No need to worry! It's no problem if there are poses that you can't fully extend into. The teacher will offer different variations so that everyone can benefit from the postures. Each time you come to class, you will learn a little bit more, practice moving with your breath a little bit more, and most likely, you will be able to achieve the pose you are working towards at some point. Having said that, remember that the flexible yogis you see in pictures did not achieve those poses overnight. Be patient, and give yourself time, and see how the impossible slowly becomes doable.

• What are the health benefits of yoga?
  Yoga has a myriad of health benefits. Breathing deeply keeps the mind focused, cleans out the lungs, and increases circulation, which oxygenates your entire system. Stretching increases flexibility, which can prevent injuries. Strength and muscle tone are the result of supporting your body weight in various poses. And, physical exertion of any kind is super important for stress reduction. Because of the concentration required, your daily troubles seem to melt away during the time you are doing yoga. These are just a few of the magical benefits of practicing the art of yoga.

• Do I have to be flexible to do yoga?
  Thinking you have to be flexible to do yoga is a myth. Yoga was actually created to help you gain more flexibility, which loosens tight muscles and prevents injury. Yoga is not about bending and contorting yourself into difficult poses it is simply a process for you to explore and get to know yourself. The quality of your practice doesn't depend on whether you can touch your toes, but how much you are able to tune into yourself. If you, or anyone you know, are still hesitating to try yoga because you can't touch your toes, remember that you can always bend your knees.

• I work out often. Can I take the intermediate/advanced classes?
  You are welcome to participate in any class you'd like, but if you've never done yoga before we recommend first trying one or two classes designated as "all ranges" in order to learn the postures and alignment. A good place to start, for example, is Ra Vinyasa Level 1. Honor what your body needs and respect that if you end up in a class beyond your level it can be very distracting for other students.

• What should I wear?
  Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move and stretch in. Many yogis tend to wear lightweight work-out clothes, such as a t-shirt, biking shorts, sports top, or a pair of easy fit shorts. Bottom-line: You want your clothes to move with you, not against you.

• Do I need a mat? Can I rent or purchase one at the studio?
  Feel free to bring your own mat for any of our yoga classes or workshops. If participating in a heated class, you may also find it helpful to bring a bath-sized towel. We also have these items available at the studio for purchase and/or rental. Yoga mats and towels can be rented from the studio for $2 each.

• Should I eat before coming to class?
  Doing yoga on a full stomach is not fun, yet doing yoga when you're starving isn't a good idea either. We recommend eating a light snack one hour before class or a meal 2-3 hours before class. This way your body is fueled but not focused on digestion. Also, make sure to drink a moderate amount of water throughout the 12 hours prior to class. You may sweat a lot during class, we advise you to be well-hydrated both before and after class.

• Do you have showers and a place to keep my belongings?
  Ra Yoga has changing areas, showers, and shower amenities available for you to use. In our changing area, we have a wall of shelving units which are also available for you to use to keep your belongings in during class. If you would feel more comfortable bringing certain valuables into class with you (wallet, keys, etc), you certainly may do so.

• Do I have to register for class beforehand?
  No, just drop in for class anytime. All scheduled classes are on a first-come, first-serve basis. On your first visit to Ra Yoga, we ask that you please arrive at least 15 minutes early so that we have time to collect your information and orient you to our studio.

The Heat

• What are the benefits of hot yoga?
  Don't fear the heat! The benefits of practicing yoga in a heated environment are endless, however there are 4 points to be listed here: Warms the body to allow for deeper stretching without injury, Facilitates an excellent cardiovascular workout, Helps to detoxify the body through sweating, Weight loss. Being in the heat may be a challenge in the beginning because most people are not accustomed to being in that kind of environment, and because most of us have an aversion to intense sweating. After a few classes however, most students begin to get acclimated to the temperature. Most students are surprised that they start to crave being in the hot yoga room - yes, even in the summer.

• What is radiant heat?
  Radiant heat is what you feel when heat transfers from a warm surface to a cooler surface. Radiant heat works with the laws of physics - not against them. It heats objects in its path, which then re-radiate heat to the air. This is how the sun heats the earth. (Notice how much warmer you feel standing in direct sunlight, as opposed to a shaded area under a tree.)

• What is convection heat?
  Convection heat is what you feel from air heated by warm air furnaces, heat pumps, and baseboards. The warm air is usually distributed mechanically.

• Why is radiant heat better than convection heat?
  Unlike other yoga studios which heat their classes using convection heat, Ra Yoga Studio has installed a world-class, eco-friendly radiant heating system (the most efficient form of heat transfer). Since radiant energy heats objects, there is no air to blow and no stratification of hot or cold air pockets. Radiant heat is healthy, comfortable, and hypoallergenic heat. No convection heat air movement means no distribution of unhealthy bacteria and/or allergens and no dust. The radiant heaters at Ra Yoga Studio also have a low carbon footprint and are fully recyclable.

• Which classes are not heated?
  Ra Vinyasa Level 1, Ra-storative, Yin Stretch, Meditation, Prenatal, and Little Ra-scals yoga classes are not heated. Intro to Ra Vinyasa Level 2 is a nice introduction to heated classes as it is gently heated. The hottest classes we offer are Hot Ra 1, Hot Ra 2, Ra Strength, and Ra Vinyasa Level 2. Our class schedule (under the "Classes" tab at the top menu) provides a feature through which you can filter classes based on the desired temperature range.

Ra Creations

• Ra Yoga was forged in the ether of imagination and creative collectiveness between its three owners. It is in this spirit that we are utterly humbled by the universe allowing us a space to share our creative passions with so many lovely yogis. First of all, I want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for your patience and understanding regarding messiness, rough wood covers, stubbed toes or dusty accessories. Secondly I want to share the creation story of "Urban Sprawl" and "Heart Seeks Tree". This story begins with an idea and ends with a fortnight of 8 hr (10 pm to 6 am) exhaustive nights of buttering tile, hand-cutting stone, and jigsaw-puzzling granite bits. There are innumerable details that were left out of this story but I do want to talk about the intention of the storytelling.... it is not told to brag, to boost, or to place Ra above any other place in Orange County. It is told to hopefully inspire you to follow your own creative vision. Sometimes the journey for an idea is one day, sometimes it requires 20 months of storage, sometimes it will require 2 weeks of sleepless nights, sometimes it will cause a few moments of discomfort for others but don't ever stop following your passion and living your dream ideas.
• The idea was first conceived during a conversation regarding our plain concrete floors in our locker rooms during our grand opening party 2 years ago (Happy 2 Year Anniversary to Ra Yoga!!!).
  A friend stated that he works next to a granite milling company, which every 6 months throws all their granite scraps into the landfill.

• Two fold idea is born
  Save the planet from waste; Build a tree out of granite.

• 2 weeks later
  Bobby receives a phone call that there are 2 tons of granite waiting for him to pick-up by tonight. This leads to panic, bewilderment and ultimately a pleading from Bobby to his fiance that she allow him to use her car to transport 2 tons of granite.

• Granite is heavier than Bobby expects.
  Granite bits are dustier than could ever be imagined.

• For the next 20 months
  a storage company makes good money off of a yoga studio storing granite chunks at their facility.

• 2 Months ago
  Jason Corley, Matt Chaos and Craig Flanagan (now closer friends and operators of Artistic Build) are pitched the idea of a granite mosaic tree with tile surrounding. I really cannot emphasize the level of excitement in their spirits as Ra described its vision and Artistic Build's passion took root.

• 1.5 month ago
  A shop is leased to layout all the granite chunks. A hand chisel and special rock hammer is purchased at a local Home Depot. Jason Corley spends a week rotating granite pieces in various 360 degrees shapes to construct the tree.

• 1 Month ago
  Construction begins.

• Night 1
  10 pm - Craig (25 years in the business) states, "This is going to be the hardest project I have ever done." First granite branch in the men's shower area is set. Bobby learns about the magic that happens when water is added to a bag of cement dust and then 7 hours later it dries again and a bond takes hold between granite and cement floor.

• Night 2
  10 pm - Craig and Bobby learn to appreciate trying to get 1/4-inch thick tile to become flush with 1 1/4 inch thick granite chunks.

• Night 3
  10 pm - Handheld Angle Grinders are equipped with diamond tipped blades to start cutting out traces of branch outlines on stone tile so that these tiles can sit around the granite branches.

• Night 4-9
  10 pm - Exhaustion begins to take hold. Health food at 4 am is no longer being consumed and our diets are beginning to consist of Nerds Ropes, Rolos, Sour Skittles and Coffee, but real progress is being made. Seeds of labor are bearing fruit.

• Morning Day 10
  The neighbors behind Ra Yoga unite and call Ra to inform them of the noise level produced from cutting stone with an angle grinder.... Ra is mortified at the thought of not realizing how far the sound was carried and decides to rent a U-Haul truck which will be lined with rugs to dull sound and direct it all towards Bristol.

• Night 10-14
  Assembly line work truly begins: Bobby spends 3 nights cutting stone in the back of a truck, being completely consumed in a cloud of tile dust. Craig is on his hand and knees setting tile to be flush with granite trees, Jason is tracing outlines on tiles, Matt is mixing cement and prepping tiles.

• Morning 14
  Grout is set. Trees are named "Urban Sprawl" - Men's Locker Room and "Heart Seeks Tree" - Women's Locker Room.