Staff blog

By Carly Schwartz, Photography by Talia Salem

San Francisco offices epitomize the progressive workforce: golden retrievers lurk in the corners of conference rooms, casual-Friday attire reigns Monday through Thursday, company-sponsored Guitar Hero tournaments pit suit against custodian. Yet no such modern trend quenches the job-jaded soul like my newest discovery, lunchtime yoga. When the clock strikes noon, yogis across the city pretzel their bodies into restorative inversions and soothing stretches, laying the groundwork for a stress-free afternoon—for a mere ten bucks or less.

My favorite spot to exploit this fad? PracticeSF, a spankin’-new yoga and wellness center that sprouted up just steps away from my nine-to-five digs. Proprietor Angela Heather, a former corporate attorney, gears her daily, hour-long classes toward movements that counter our bad workday habits (read: hunched backs and carpel-tunnel-laden wrists. I have yet to find a wellness center that counters my bloodshot computer eyes, but stay tuned). As an added bonus, the final five minutes of the class are dedicated to guided relaxation—300 glorious seconds of closed eyes, relaxed breathing, and permission to think about nothing.

No need to worry about breaking a midday sweat; rather than concentrating on a heavy workout, the hour focuses on opening the muscles and reenergizing the body. It’s the perfect flow for yoga newbies and the athletically challenged like me. For those seeking vigorous exercises, instructors also offer alternative ways to deepen the postures. (My boss, a former gymnast, got to try out a headstand while the rest of us enjoyed a nice supported backbend.) I have yet to leave a class not feeling a little bit stronger, a little bit happier, and a lot more prepared to tackle the work waiting at my desk.

The 5,300-square-foot space, a serene array of open rooms flanked by orchids and Buddha statuettes, also boasts massage, acupuncture, and pilates. They also offer interested patrons a consultation with a seasoned Chinese herbologist. They even recently unveiled a Friday afternoon “Happy Hour” session—but I’m not sure I’m ready to ditch my dirty martini for downward dog just yet.

901 Sansome St., S.F., 415-402-0995, practicesf.com