Santa Cruz Movement

Santa Cruz Movement is a life changing experience. I like my mind to be stimulated as well as my body, and I don’t think anything does this as well as Santa Cruz Movement. It is an indescribable mix of activities that keeps you having fun and getting strong the whole time. Always new and morphing, the class variation helps you build a deep connection with your body and a physical intuition that is out of this world, and the community you build is just as amazing. Every facet of this practice is joyous and I’m always telling people to come join us. Don’t hesitate!

I’ve been coming for close to 3 years now and wow I’ve gotten so much stronger, flexible, mobile, and mentally sharper all because of what we’re learning at Santa Cruz Movement.

I love the variety of the programs (rotates every 6-9 weeks) which keeps things exciting. In addition to the classes SCM have started to do lectures occasionally. The lectures are extremely interesting talking more about the philosophy behind the movement practice and ways to use different frameworks to deeper understand what we do everyday in class.

I could not recommend Santa Cruz Movement more. The instructors are supportive and inspiring, the movements are constantly being updated so every session is fresh and fun, and the community is warm and welcoming. A great way to move integral parts of your body that might not be getting the attention they need. We focus on a mix of strength, flexibility, agility, and coordination activities - just to name a few. The longer I do movement, the stronger and more connected to the Santa Cruz community I feel 😊

Santa Cruz Movement is amazing. Since starting classes 4 months ago, I have:
1) Recovered from chronic hip and knee injuries
2) Found a wonderful and supportive community of friends
3) Feel I am constantly learning and overcoming new challenges
4) Gained strength, mobility, mental flexibility and body awareness that have carried over to sports like surfing and ultimate frisbee

This place is incredible. It's rare that you can go to a led class and get a complete workout across all different areas of your body, and in so many different modalities, while experiencing one of the most supportive communities on the planet. Every teacher is so skilled and attentive, and I'm surprised everyday by how much my body and mindset has changed for the better as a result.

I’ve been training at Santa Cruz Movement for almost 3 years now, and the experience has been nothing less than life changing. The instructors are knowledgeable and focus on helping you regain flexibility, endurance and strengths. They will give you exercises that you will find challenging, sometimes even impossible, but with practice you will overcome those.

I’ve been going to Santa Cruz movement for about 1 year and a half and its been a great experience all around. Dean and Leela are amazing owners/practitioners and have hired amazing coaches as they’ve grown. The other students are friendly and a good slice of santa cruz.

The routines are scalable, challenging, and most importantly engaging. I’ve struggled to consistently exercise outside of sports which is a challenge as I get older. Santa Cruz Movement keeps me coming back for more.

I discovered Santa Cruz Movement mostly out of desperation after a shoulder injury and endless doctor and physical therapy visits.

I lost 35 pounds I’ve gained muscle dexterity, and 90% of my shoulder pain is gone. Thank you Dean and Leela!

Ever wanted to have fun and at the same time learn to move better? I’ve been going here for 2 years, and I’m still learning brand new things. Leela and Dean make everything easy to get started with. There’s something for everyone at this place.

As a lifelong athlete and mover I can confidently say that Santa Cruz Movement is the best way I have found to achieve my health and fitness goals. At 42 years old not only am stronger and more flexible than ever, but I’m also having more fun moving my body than ever and the friends and community I have at SCM are priceless.

Went here for a couple months during a break in work, and really felt physically and mentally challenged, but supported. I think what makes this space unique is that the instructors know how to create individual safety, which acts as a foundation for the dynamic movement they teach. I’ve found that there are not many places (yet!) in SC that know how to create a safe yet explorative space, so extremely grateful to for these folks. There is a sense that you can sink into your own personal practice but in community with others who are also working to improve, which feels really nice. Looking forward to coming back now that I’m in the area again. Let’s goooo.

The instructors and practice at Santa Cruz Movement have changed my life! After a serious injury, I was afraid to move and re-injure myself. At SCM I was able to ease into movement, guided and encouraged every step of the way by Dean, Leela, Laila, Claire, and Tad. I love that classes are filled with people of all ages and abilities. We work together and inspire one another. I am amazed by the improvements I've made; I've gained strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. The impact of this practice is felt outside of class too - the open, flexible mind, acceptance of self, willingness to try and fail without judgement, ability to perservere when I feel stuck have improved my work, parenting, and relationships. Movement class has become an essential part of my life. Ok, gotta go to class now! :)

Updated: I forgot to say FUN!!!

Truly life changing. This place fills my life with play, community, and practice. Honestly kill three birds with one stone by getting engaged with an amazing and welcoming community, watch yourself get stronger and more coordinated every class, and most importantly have tons of fun!

Amazing class!!! Do this and change your life for the better. Stellar instruction and community ❤

I love this practice! Always challenging and always fun. The instructors are so knowledgeable and inspiring. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d ever do some of the things I’m doing now. It feels amazing!

I go every day I can, I love it! Warm, friendly community + exercises and games that can be adapted to any skill / fitness level. I don't think I'll ever go back to a normal gym – why work out when you can *play* and get fit instead?

I have worked with Santa Cruz movement on and off for years. They give sooo much attention to everyone that comes through their doors. They are great are meeting people where they are at and providing a tailored experience. I have had a shoulder injury for so long and they were really good at being cognizant of that and knowing what I can and cannot do. One of the business's main tenants is community and they do a great job at fostering support and care amongst everyone. A lot of the exercises you work with others and build connection and strength together! If you are looking to foster or start your movement practice Santa Cruz Movement in the place for you!

I have been training with Santa Cruz Movement for over two years now. I am always learning new ways to upgrade my movement technique. Leela and Dean are excellent teachers who give thorough attention to every single person who comes to class. They come to know where your body is at in terms of flexibility and strength, and they push you where/when you need to be pushed. I feel much more mobile and excited about working out than I ever did before joining their classes. We are blessed to have these two in Santa Cruz!

I can't recommend Santa Cruz Movement highly enough. Leela and Dean are outstanding teachers -- knowledgeable, encouraging, and inspiring. I am truly grateful for this practice and for the wonderfully supportive community Leela and Dean have created. Many thanks!

I’ve been a student of SCM for about two and a half years now and I love it. Classes are truly accessible to everyone and there is always something to challenge you no matter what your strengths are or where your expertise lies. Each class is different yet builds on many of the same foundational elements - strength, mobility, coordination and the like. Leela and Dean are exceptionally skilled and attentive teachers who are truly invested in creating a safe and supportive (and fun!) environment for their students to move and progress. Even while recently dealing with an (unrelated) injury, they’ve helped keep me mobile through various modifications and recommendations. They’re also just wonderful people in generaI. The community of regular students are also wonderful to work with and down to earth. I can’t recommend Santa Cruz Movement enough!

SC Movement is a well-rounded and well thought out movement practice that provides the community and support to consistently improve and develop across many modalities and aspects of physical movement. Dean and Leela are experienced and consistent instructors able to tailor the practice to individual needs. I am so grateful to have this community in Santa Cruz and I love that I can take this practice with me wherever I am.