LYFE Yoga

I started practicing yoga over twenty years ago. I started with Hatha/Vinyasa classes which were both great ways to learn the basic asanas. When I moved to the West Coast ten years ago, I was in search of a new yoga studio. I had never taken Iyengar classes before, but I was open to trying it. To say this practice has changed my life is an understatement.

Through joining LYFE, I was introduced to the most extraordinary yoga teacher, Michael Ruccolo. His approach to the practice is transformative. His knowledge of the body as well as his focused attention to each student is unprecedented. This studio also provides a sense of community, allowing students to connect in and outside of the yoga room. I am grateful to have found such a supportive space along with Michael, a one-of-a-kind teacher.

Came here as a super beginner and felt totally welcomed and supported. All instructors I've had were great, but Melanie, the beginner yoga instructor, really made my experience here perfect! The studio is very nice with lots of props. And view is beautiful at sunset. Parking on site is limited, but free street parking is always available just a block away.

PS check Groupon for deals if it's your first time

I would like to start off by saying I have taken MANY classes in my day. I started back in the 80s with the whole aerobics craze, traveled the world and jumped in on yoga, pilates, dance, and any other class I could find while living and traveling abroad. I lived in NYC and ever vigilant to keep up with my ‘movement therapy’ I tried classes from classical dance classes to African tribal classes with live drummers banging out the rhythms. I preface in this manner to allude to the fact that I have experienced many levels of classes, teachers, and gurus.

Being a movement junkie of sorts, in my late 30s I decided I wanted to learn something new and gain new knowledge, so I dove into an 800 hour certification and became a Pilates instructor. Yet the need and want to do yoga was still with me in a strong way. I had always wanted to do yoga, however being a naturally ‘un’flexible person and being really tall with back issues (thank you dance and 80s power aerobics-ha!) I never really found that it was a thing my body agreed with me upon. That is until I jumped on a Groupon offer and found myself at Lyfe Yoga and in front of Michael in an Iyengar class (wait, what?? 90 minutes of holding intensely insane poses for extended periods of time??)….yep! it was just that….and even though it was one of the most challenging things I ever endeavored upon…Michael Rucculo had me hooked! It was beyond challenging but my instincts told me that this would be life changing and I should stick with it! I was correct! The practice itself is at its core, life changing, but the instructor was what made it a step above!

Michael has an innate ability to teach a fully packed class (I am talking packed wall to wall with only yoga mat space in a large room) and not only kindly, lovingly, intuitively instruct us as a group, but is able to individually give attention to each and every one of us at the same time. The whole class can be doing and exercise and he can hone in on anyone with a scan of the room to see if they need a modification (which can exist of not just a verbal cue but of stacking blankets, maneuvering blocks, and moving a whole row of students to accommodate a wall space). He has the ability to do this while still giving attention to the class as a whole and NEVER dropping the ball….not even once!!! I have truly never experienced this with any teacher of the many classes I have jumped in on over the years…it is an absolute GIFT!

Each class for me is more of a ‘workshop’ than just a workout. A deep dive into learning my body more intuitively and its endless possibilities than just another class. Every time I roll out my yoga mat in Michael’s studio I know I am in for a treat…that I am about to learn, grow, and expand my knowledge physically and mentally. I have used and implemented so many of his cues that he has shared over the years with my Pilates clients as well….in a nutshell, he has made me a better teacher just by being his student! I have benefited from working with him more than just hitting the yoga mat. All those lessons trickle out into daily life as well, as he always takes the time to emphasize a state of being, or a moral humanity we can all connect with. He imparts all this knowledge with the kindest demeanor, and did I mention that he also has a wicked sense of humor…. which keeps it all an incredibly fun (and often a hilariously funny) journey. The practice is real, the commitment is serious, but his incredible personality makes it feel like we all got dropped off at the playground to go play!

In short….Lyfe Yoga and Michael’s classes are among the best I have ever participated in. They set the bar for all others!

Such a great studio with really knowledgeable teachers. You can really sense the community here. I was staying in the area for a week and the Iyengar classes I took were fantastic. Would recommend for both beginner and seasoned Yogis. There is something for everyone and you will learn a lot. Plus great views especially at sunset.

I was new to the South Bay and searching for great yoga and a fun community. LYFE yoga offers me that and more. The studio has ocean views, there’s a range of classes and teachers, so my beginner husband feels comfortable coming too, and the Iyengar classes are absolutely wonderful. So so happy I found LYFE!!!

Beautiful space, warm community, wonderful practice that inspired me to become a teacher :D

Great classes and an incredible view to go with it.

Clean and large studio lots of props