Testimonials

“Emma’s classes are the perfect retreat for those of us who are looking for an hour long escape from this noisy universe we live in. Her sessions are the perfect blend of meditation, focus, strength, core, and balance. At the end, you will have a feeling of rebirth with a cleanse on your mind and soul. Emma is also just a lovely human who lives her life with intention and inclusiveness. She is a joy to be around which is why I’ve followed her from her studio in Oakland, to pandemic classes on zoom, and soon to her retreat in Baja! Could not recommend Emma more to any yogi no matter the level of their journey. And her music slaps!”

— Alex B

“Emma led my yoga teacher training in the summer of 2017. Throughout the process she was able to create a space that felt safe for me to learn and challenged me to grow. She masterfully weaves together practical, accessible teaching practices with her deep knowledge in somatics, trauma, identity and the power that yoga holds in our world. Emma shows up for each of her students, as a teacher or trainer, with deep connection and thoughtfulness about how she engages with each person, making each person feel valued and safe in her space.”

— Alex R

“An Emma Stern yoga class is much more than 60 minutes of yoga - it is an experience of acceptance, healing, growth and fun. Emma’s warmth and humor cultivate an environment where her students feel comfortable in their practice while also learning how to deepen their practice. Her classes perfectly balance the intensity of an advanced vinyasa flow class with calmness and stillness, leaving you feeling both invigorated and relaxed. Emma’s love for yoga and her students is evident in the care she dedicates to her thoughtful flows and perfectly planned playlists. Attending one of Emma’s classes is the greatest gift you can give yourself. I am beyond grateful to have Emma in my life as both a yoga teacher and friend!”

— Ali M

“Having an Emma membership is a comforting relief to know that fantastic, fiery, feel good yoga is right in my pocket anytime I need it! I travel a lot and bounce between time zones -- having a membership makes me much more likely to both hop into a live class and watch a video on my own time. Highly recommend!”

— Audrey B

“I have been going to Emma's yoga classes for years, and have loved them so much that I have followed her from studio to studio as she's progressed throughout her career. She creates a warm and welcoming space in her classes, always putting me at ease as we begin practice no matter how hectic my morning or day may have been before. Her classes are challenging (which I appreciate!), but in a way that empowers, not exhausts, me. She guides us through flows paired to upbeat music, matched to the cadence of the practice, to create a space that helps me tune out the rest of the world to focus on moving for an hour or so. Her expertise as a somatic therapist is evident in both her anatomy knowledge and her alternative options offered when cueing challenging postures. If you haven't been to an Emma Stern yoga class yet, you're missing out!”

— Cate S

“Emma's approach to yoga teacher training is a positive, supportive, and unique way to train a group of want-to-be teachers. She is dedicated to making sure her students are confidently informed on everything from philosophy, language, movements, and safety. She made sure to tailor her training to be adapted by each one of us so that we could go on in our teaching careers feeling confident in our abilities and able to bring our own touch to the way we approach our classes. She diligently addressed issues that could arise in terms of power dynamics and interpersonal relationships, and shared through personal experience the best ways to navigate any type of hiccup in your own journey and how to come out stronger and a better teacher. I think what inspires me the most is her ongoing dedication to making her classes feel inclusive, not just through the language she chooses but also her approach to sequencing and allowing any level of yogi to feel successful after taking one of her classes. Plus her sense of humor and sweet, bright energy always brings joy to any yoga studio. 😊”

— Catrina M

“I’ve been practicing yoga once a week with Emma for years, paying by the class, before I became a member and I’m kicking myself for not doing it earlier. I love Emma’s classes because she’s so joyful so even when I find the class challenging I have a great time. With the membership I can take a short class, or even part of a class, when I can fit it into my schedule. Absolutely love Emma and highly recommend becoming a member!”

— Georgia M

“Emma’s class is an experience that engages, strengthens and heals the body, mind and soul. As a public school teacher I often walk into the studio with many worries but her encouragement and philosophy immediately refocuses me on my body and the present breath. As a contemporary dancer her class challenges my strength, flexibility and balance and is the best cross training I’ve found. Definitely my favorite yoga class I’ve found in some time!”

— Jenny F

“I am so happy I found Emma Stern! I am new to the Yoga world and have been on the quest to find the ideal Yoga instructor and I finally found her. Taking private lessons with Emma has become something I look forward to every week because Emma molds every session around my needs. For example, for every class we set an intention and establish what I am looking for physically, mentally, and emotionally. Emma breaks down the poses step-by-step and has taught me some modifications that I now take into every yoga class I attend. In addition to helping me with the physical practice, Emma seamlessly weaves in knowledge of how different Yoga postures can be used as emotional healing mechanisms, which I’ve used to find moments of peace in my busy life. I am so happy I have been able to build up my Yoga practice and can’t thank Emma enough for her dedication and ability to make Yoga fun and exciting for me.”

— Josué H

“I have been taking yoga for nearly 15 years. Emma is one of the few teachers I’ve had who truly stands out! She takes the time to learn her students’ names, provides careful hands-on adjustments for deeper practice, and consistently varies the flow so there are always new challenges. Her warm personality and playful sense of humor are refreshing, making for a seamless transition from the real world to the mat. I hope I can take her classes for years to come!”

— Kirsten G

“I love my monthly membership for Emma’s classes! Paying monthly takes away the stress of deciding whether I should join a class any given day. When I have a busy work day and know I might need to cut out early, I still join class to get that wonderful infusion of yoga joy and happy Emma energy! Emma’s awesome classes make hard days so much better and always leave me feeling amazing!”

— Madeline H

Emma has a uniquely creative and powerful style. Emma’s enthusiasm and joy of teaching are infectious.  I’ve only felt better and more aware of what my body can and cannot do by taking her classes, whether gentle or challenging. Emma turns challenges into play. She has such a wonderful bright personality. She is truly supportive of her students, professionally and passionately. It’s clear how knowledgeable and aware of body mechanics and the emotional voices that we all have during Yoga. She is able to communicate with everyBODY in a way that is empowering and uplifting both emotionally and physically. Her courageous authenticity and motivation is an inspiration. I've had the fortune to participate in her workshops and teacher training over the years.  She's been an invaluable mentor and guide in my own Yoga journey. I cannot recommend her enough. Emma has a way of turning those poses you fear into pure fun and a way of making you want to be better on and off the mat. Her radiant spirit shines through her classes in person and on-screen and leaves a fire in your heart and your muscles that keep you coming back for more!

— Maggie F | Learn about Maggie’s movement offerings here

“Emma's classes are a fantastic mix of asana and dance/pilates inspired movements that help bring you into a heightened awareness of your body, and then into a sense of being and mental clarity that said awareness inspires. Always a treat.”

— Mike K | Learn about Mike’s movement offerings here

“I took yoga teacher training that Emma helped lead during summer 2017, followed immediately by a teacher training "extensions" program led exclusively by her. I came into teacher training with the intention of deepening my personal practice; actually teaching held little interest for me. In retrospect, I think fear and insecurity were major factors in my aversion to teaching. As soon as I met Emma, I had a lot of respect for her as a yoga teacher as she was one of the few that did it full time. Through her guidance, and using her as an example, I was able to overcome my fear and really find how rewarding the teaching side of yoga can be. One major example of this is that I was one of the few men in a female dominated industry. Especially in the "me-too" era, I had a lot of anxiety about whether my teaching would even be welcome or wanted by anyone. Through her strong example of holding space for all humans, and her teaching of core ethics, Emma helped me overcome this fear and find a voice that felt authentic and safe to me. I got hired as a yoga teacher November 2017 and haven't looked back!”

— Nate G

“I had been trying to get into a headstand for about two years before I finally got into it. I knew that I had the ability physically but there was always a mental block for me. One day I was in Emma’s class and she designed the entire class around facing your fears and trying things even when you think you can’t. At the end of class Emma cued us perfectly into headstand and again encouraged us to go into it without any fear or hesitation. With her helpful cues and encouragement I got into it perfectly! Since that class I have successfully done headstand in every class I’ve gone to. Thank you Emma!”

— Rebecca K

“Emma Stern is an amazing yoga teacher. She imbues yoga with healing and creates a safe environment to explore and enjoy. Emma is fun, inspirational, and accepting. She has a deep knowledge of the physical aspect of yoga and a special ability to use yoga as a modality to create physical and emotional healing and acceptance. She makes yoga accessible for anyone of any level and makes it fun. As a psychologist, I recommend yoga as a practice for people to reconnect with their bodies. I highly recommend Emma as a guide.”

— Stephanie Z