sol-seek

November Message from Justin

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:41:28 GMT

Dear Community,

As wild as this year has been, here we are again.

Even with all its stress, I really do love this time of year. The traditions and familiar moments. But it also reminds us that life is always changing. Sometimes that change is exciting but sometimes it's downright hard. We talk a lot about the nervous system in yoga, but this work goes far beyond the physical practice. In a world that seems to demand more and more of us, building mental resilience is just as important as building physical strength.

That's why I believe so deeply in the balance of what we offer at Sol Seek. Some days we need to sweat and challenge ourselves, and others we need stillness. Both are essential, and knowing when we need each is part of the practice. Learning to sit in stillness and breathe through discomfort isn't always easy. But that's why we practice. We're not just practicing for the hour we're on our mats. We're practicing for life.

And as we move toward the holidays, I'm reminded it isn't just about what we've had. It's the memories and practices we're creating right now. Sol Seek continues to be a place where we can do that work together. Thank you for being part of this community, through all its seasons.

With gratitude,

Justin Randolph

Owner, Sol Seek Yoga

October Message from Justin

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:12:14 GMT

Dear Community,

I recently heard Marianne Williamson speak about the turbulent times we are living in. She talked about the collective uncertainty so many of us are experiencing right now, and how in times like these, it can feel difficult to find stability from anything outside of ourselves.

She shared that the stability we are craving often has to be cultivated within, through the ways we care for ourselves, our nervous systems, and our inner lives. That inner work might be a ritual, a spiritual practice, movement, meditation, or simply something we return to again and again that builds a resilience within us strong enough to meet the chaos around us.

I loved that reminder because it made me think about how important the practices of wellness, yoga, and fitness really are.

They aren't luxuries for when everything else in life is going well. In many ways, they're most important when they aren't.

And I know this is an interesting time to say that. People are feeling stretched. Families are looking at their spending. Small businesses are feeling it too. We feel it at Sol Seek. I hear it from other small business owners. There is a lot of uncertainty out there.

And yet, there's an irony in all of this: the things we sometimes pull away from when life gets difficult can be the very things that help us move through it.

A class won't change what's happening in the world. But an hour where you breathe deeply, move your body, get out of your head, see familiar faces, and remember that you are part of a community can change how you meet it.

These are not the first turbulent times in humanity, and they certainly won't be the last. The human spirit has endured and continues to endure challenges, finding its way through them and, eventually, toward a better place.

That deeper stability comes from inside.

So maybe October is a chance to recommit to whatever helps you find yours.

Whether that's yoga, fitness, meditation, or simply showing up to be around other people, we are here offering the work every single day. Jump in. Get back into the habit. Come be with us.

And if Sol Seek is one of the places that matters to you, keep showing up. Your presence matters here more than you probably realize. Every class you take, every membership you keep, every friend you bring through our doors helps this little community continue to exist and allows us to keep doing this work together.

I truly believe that when we do this work on ourselves, it amplifies out into our world.

And truth be told, we need each other more now than ever before.

Here's to a wonderful October!

With gratitude,

Justin Randolph

Owner, Sol Seek Yoga

September Message from Justin

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:25:56 GMT

Dear Community,

Here we are in September. It's hard to believe we're already moving toward fall.

For so many of us, this time of year carries a certain nostalgia. Maybe you're sending a child off to college, caring for aging parents, supporting your family through a difficult season, or maybe, like me, you're learning to embrace a little more calm within the storm.

Some days are magic, and other days are shit.

Wherever you find yourself right now, I hope you'll take a moment to recognize your own capacity to hold whatever life is asking of you. And to remember that you don't have to hold it alone.

One of the greatest gifts of this community is the reminder that when we move, breathe, sweat, laugh, and sometimes struggle together, we remember that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. In a world where it's increasingly easy to disconnect, to stay home, stay on our phones, and get pulled into all the things that separate us, there has never been a more important time to consciously gather.

If we haven't seen you in a while, I hope you'll consider coming back. Whether it's in the studio or online, your presence matters. We genuinely miss you.

And if you need a little encouragement to jump back in, we're offering our first two months of membership for just $99 throughout September. We'd love to welcome you home.

There are so many wonderful things happening across all of our studios, and I can't wait to see you, say hello, and share the space with you.

As always, I'm deeply grateful for your support of small businesses. Every dollar you spend at Sol Seek stays in this community. It supports local teachers, front desk staff, managers, and the families behind them. Those dollars continue to circulate right here locally, strengthening the place we all call home.

At a time when everything feels more expensive, choosing local means more than ever, not just for Sol Seek, but for every independent business you care about.

So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Wherever this chapter of life finds you, I'm grateful you're here.

With gratitude,

Justin Randolph

Owner, Sol Seek Yoga

New to Yoga? Here's What to Expect at Your First Class

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:14:50 GMT

You've Got This!!

From what to wear to which class to choose, everything you need to know before stepping onto your mat for the first time. You've been thinking about trying yoga. Maybe a friend keeps telling you how much they love it. Maybe you've been looking for a way to move your body, manage stress, or simply carve out a little time for yourself. Or maybe you've walked past a yoga studio a dozen times, thought about going in, and then kept walking.

...We get it!

Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially when it seems like everyone else already knows what they're doing. But here's something we want you to know: You don't have to know anything about yoga to begin practicing yoga. At Sol Seek, we believe yoga is for everybody and every body. And your first class doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to begin.

Do I Need to Be Flexible to Start Yoga?

Let's get this one out of the way first. No. Absolutely not.

You don't need to touch your toes, balance on one leg, or twist yourself into a pretzel to practice yoga. In fact, one of the reasons people begin yoga is to develop greater mobility, strength, balance, and body awareness. Flexibility isn't a prerequisite. It's something you may develop along the way.

And while social media might suggest otherwise, yoga isn't about achieving the most impressive-looking pose. It's about learning to connect movement with breath, noticing how your body feels, and developing a practice that supports you. Some days, that might mean moving through a strong, energizing flow. Other days, it might mean resting in child's pose. Both are yoga.

What Should I Wear to My First Yoga Class?

Good news: You don't need a whole new wardrobe!!!

Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Leggings, shorts, athletic pants, tank tops, and T-shirts are all great options. Clothing that stays comfortably in place when you bend forward or move between poses can make your experience easier. Most yoga classes are practiced barefoot, which helps you connect with your mat and maintain stability. If you're trying hot yoga, lightweight, breathable clothing may feel more comfortable.

The most important thing? Wear something that allows you to focus on your practice instead of adjusting your outfit.

What Should I Bring to Yoga?

You really don't need much to get started. Here are a few things we recommend:

A yoga mat: Bring your own if you have one. The studios have mats available to rent.
Water: Especially important if you're attending a heated class.
A towel: A small towel can be helpful, particularly during hot yoga.
An open mind: You might be surprised how much this one matters.

Yoga props like blocks, straps, and bolsters may also be used during class. Your teacher can help you understand when and how to use them. And don't worry about bringing the perfect equipment. Showing up matters far more than having all the accessories.

Which Yoga Class Is Best for Beginners?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on what you're looking for.

Different styles of yoga offer different experiences. Here's a quick introduction.

Slow Flow: Move, Breathe, Explore

Slow Flow is often a wonderful starting point for beginners. Classes generally move at a more deliberate pace, giving you time to explore postures, become familiar with transitions, and connect movement with breath. You'll begin learning foundational poses while building strength, mobility, and confidence.

Yin Yoga: Slow Down and Settle In

Looking for something gentler and more introspective? Yin yoga focuses on longer-held, mostly seated or reclining postures. Rather than moving continuously, you'll spend time settling into each shape and noticing your body's response. Yin can be a beautiful introduction to the quieter side of yoga, although some poses may feel intense and should always be adjusted to your comfort.

Flow: Find Your Rhythm

Vinyasa connects movement with breath through a sequence of poses. Some Flow classes are accessible to newer students, while others move more quickly and require greater familiarity with yoga postures. If you're curious about where to start with Flow, ask a front desk ambassador or a teacher which class would be the best fit for your experience level.

Hot Yoga: Bring on the Heat

Yes, beginners can explore hot yoga, too! Just remember that the heated environment introduces an additional challenge. If you're new to both yoga and heated exercise, consider starting with an unheated class or a gentler warm class. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and give yourself permission to rest whenever you need to.

We offer a variety of class styles and practice environments so you can find an experience that meets you where you are.

What Actually Happens During a Yoga Class?

Every teacher brings their own personality and approach, but many yoga classes follow a similar rhythm.

1. Arriving and settling in

You'll find a spot for your mat, get comfortable, and begin shifting your attention away from the busyness of your day.

2. Connecting with your breath

Your teacher may guide you through a few moments of breathing or quiet awareness to help you settle into the present moment.

3. Warming up

Gentle movements help prepare your body for the practice ahead.

4. Moving through postures

Depending on the class, you'll explore standing, seated, balancing, or reclining poses. Your teacher will offer verbal guidance and may suggest different options.

5. Savasana: The final rest

Many classes end with Savasana, a period of stillness typically practiced lying on your back.

It might look like you're simply resting, but this is an intentional part of the practice: an opportunity to become still, notice how you feel, and allow the experience to settle. For some students, it's their favorite part of class. For others, especially those accustomed to being constantly busy, stillness can be surprisingly challenging. Both experiences are completely normal.

What If I Can't Do a Pose?

Then you don't do that pose. Or you explore another version of it. Really. It's that simple.

Yoga isn't a test, and there are no grades. Every body is different. Our proportions, mobility, strength, injuries, and experiences all influence how we move. A posture that feels comfortable for one person might not feel right for another.

That's why options and props are such valuable parts of yoga. Blocks can bring the floor closer. A blanket can provide cushioning. A different variation can help you explore the intention of a posture without forcing your body into a shape that doesn't serve you.

And taking a break? That's always an option, too.

The goal isn't to make your body fit the pose. It's to find a version of the pose that works for your body.

A Few Tips for Your First Yoga Class

If you're ready to give yoga a try, here are a few ways to make your first experience more comfortable. It may also be helpful to read through our FAQs !

Arrive a little early. Give yourself time to find the studio, get settled, and meet your teacher without feeling rushed.

Introduce yourself. Let your teacher know it's your first class. If you have an injury, limitation, or concern that could affect your practice, share what you're comfortable disclosing.

Don't worry about what everyone else is doing. It's easy to look around the room and compare yourself to other students. Remember, everyone started somewhere.

Listen to your body. There's a difference between healthy effort and pain. You never need to push through pain to make progress.

Give yourself more than one class. Your first experience might feel unfamiliar. Try a few different teachers or styles before deciding what you enjoy most.

And perhaps our favorite advice? Let yourself be a beginner.

There's something wonderful about approaching a new experience with curiosity rather than expectations.

Finding Your First Yoga Class in Manhattan Beach or Santa Barbara

We believe the environment matters just as much as the practice.

Our studios offer different spaces, class styles, and teachers, but they share one intention: creating a welcoming community where people can explore yoga in a way that feels meaningful to them.

Yoga in Manhattan Beach

Our Manhattan Beach community has two distinct studio experiences.

The Loft is our intimate, ocean-view studio in downtown Manhattan Beach, offering unheated classes including Flow, Yin, and Restorative yoga.

El Porto offers a heated and warm yoga experience, with classes ranging from dynamic flows to slower, more restorative practices.

Whether you're looking for an energetic workout or a quiet moment by the ocean, there's an opportunity to explore.

Yoga in Santa Barbara

Our Santa Barbara community brings together movement, mindfulness, and connection through a variety of yoga experiences.

From energizing classes to slower practices, our teachers help students explore yoga at their own pace.

Check the current schedule to discover available classes and locations.

How Often Should Beginners Practice Yoga?

There's no magic number. For many beginners, starting with one or two classes per week can be a manageable way to develop consistency without feeling overwhelmed. As you become more comfortable, you might decide to practice more often or explore different styles.

What's most important is finding a rhythm that works with your life. A consistent, enjoyable practice is generally more sustainable than an ambitious schedule that leaves you exhausted or discouraged.

And remember, yoga doesn't have to be an hour-long experience every time. Sometimes a few minutes of mindful breathing or gentle stretching at home can help you stay connected to your practice between studio or virtual classes.

The Hardest Part of Yoga? Sometimes It's Just Walking Through the Door.

Here's something we've learned from welcoming students into our studios:

The people who walk into their first yoga class often arrive with a little uncertainty.

They wonder if they'll be able to keep up. If they'll know what to do. If they'll fit in.

But yoga isn't about fitting into someone else's idea of what a yogi should look like. It's about discovering what the practice can mean for you. Maybe you'll find strength you didn't know you had. Maybe you'll discover that slowing down is exactly what you've been missing. Maybe you'll meet a new friend, find a favorite teacher, or create a little space in your week that becomes entirely your own. Or maybe you'll simply leave feeling a little better than when you arrived.

That's a beautiful place to begin.

Your Mat Is Waiting.

You don't need to be flexible. You don't need to be experienced. You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to show up.

Ready to begin your yoga journey?

Explore our classes at Sol Seek Yoga in Manhattan Beach and Santa Barbara, meet our teachers, and discover a practice that feels right for you.

Come as you are. Seek what you need. We'll meet you on the mat.

Sol Seek Yoga | Manhattan Beach • Santa Barbara

May all beings be happy + free. ☀️

Hot Yoga vs. Unheated Yoga: Which Practice Is Right for You?

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 03:20:35 GMT

Find your flow. Feel your fire. Or simply take a breath.

There's something special about stepping onto your yoga mat. The world slows down, your attention turns inward, and for the next hour, you have an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. But if you're exploring yoga classes, you may find yourself wondering: Should I try hot yoga or unheated yoga? And what's actually the difference?

At Sol Seek Yoga in Manhattan Beach, we believe there's no single way to practice yoga. Some days call for heat, movement, and energy. Others invite stillness, space, and a gentler approach.

The good news? You don't have to choose just one.

Let's explore what makes each practice unique and how to find the one that feels right for you.

What Is Hot Yoga?

Hot yoga is practiced in a room heated above normal indoor temperatures, creating an environment that can feel both physically challenging and deeply immersive. Depending on the class, temperatures can range from comfortably warm to over 100°F.

At Sol Seek El Porto in Manhattan Beach , our heated classes include dynamic flows, strength-focused movement, and slower practices like Warm Yin. The heat adds another dimension to your experience. You may notice yourself sweating more, becoming more aware of your breathing, and learning to pace your effort in a challenging environment.

What Are the Benefits of Hot Yoga?

1. A physically engaging experience

Practicing in a heated room can make familiar movements feel more demanding. Combined with a dynamic sequence, hot yoga can offer a challenging movement practice.

2. Greater awareness of your breath

Heat invites you to pay attention to your breathing, energy, and effort. Learning when to engage and when to ease back is an important part of the practice.

3. A feeling of warmth and mobility

Warm muscles may feel more comfortable moving through certain postures. However, heat doesn't automatically make a deeper stretch safer. Good alignment, mindful movement, and respecting your natural range of motion remain essential.

4. An opportunity to practice presence

When a room is warm and the movement becomes challenging, it's easy to get caught up in what your body is doing. Yoga invites you to notice that experience without judgment.

And sometimes, the most meaningful part of a hot yoga class isn't how much you sweat. It's how you respond when things become challenging.

Is Hot Yoga Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily, and that's perfectly okay. Heated classes can place additional demands on your body's ability to regulate temperature. If you're pregnant, have cardiovascular concerns, experience heat intolerance, or have another condition that may affect exercise safety, check with a qualified healthcare professional before trying hot yoga.

Hydration, rest, and listening to your body's signals are important. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, unusually weak, or overheated, stop and move somewhere cooler. Remember, yoga isn't a competition. You never need to push through discomfort to prove you're practicing.

What Is Unheated Yoga?

Unheated yoga takes place in a room without added heat, allowing you to experience movement, breath, and stillness in a more temperature-neutral environment. But don't confuse unheated with easy! Depending on the style, an unheated yoga class can be energizing, physically challenging, deeply restorative, or somewhere in between.

At Sol Seek's ocean-view Loft in downtown Manhattan Beach , students can explore practices including Flow, Yin, and Restorative yoga in an intimate, unheated space. With views of the Pacific Ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier, The Loft offers an environment where you can reconnect with your breath and practice at your own pace.

What Are the Benefits of Unheated Yoga?

1. A comfortable environment for exploring movement

Without additional heat, some students find it easier to focus on alignment, coordination, and learning new postures.

2. More options for different energy levels

Unheated yoga can include everything from active vinyasa sequences to slow, supported restorative practices.

3. Space to develop body awareness

Without the added intensity of a heated room, you may find it easier to notice how you're moving, where you're holding tension, and what your body needs.

4. An accessible starting point

For students who are new to yoga or uncertain about practicing in heat, an unheated class may feel like a more approachable introduction.

And perhaps most importantly, unheated yoga reminds us that a meaningful practice doesn't need to leave us drenched in sweat.

Hot Yoga vs. Unheated Yoga: What's the Difference?

Both styles can support strength, mobility, balance, body awareness, and mindfulness. The primary distinction is the practice environment, not the value of the yoga itself.

One important thing to remember: Sweating more doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a better workout. Sweat is primarily your body's way of regulating temperature, not a measure of how effective your yoga practice has been. The best yoga practice is one that supports your goals, respects your body, and keeps you coming back.

Can You Practice Both Hot and Unheated Yoga?

Absolutely. In fact, exploring different styles can help you develop a more balanced and sustainable relationship with your practice. You might enjoy a vigorous hot flow when you're feeling energetic, then choose an unheated Yin or Restorative class when you're craving something slower. You might discover that your preferences change with the seasons, your schedule, your stress levels, or simply how you feel that day.

That's one of the beautiful things about yoga: it meets you where you are. At Sol Seek, we encourage students to explore, stay curious, and give themselves permission to practice differently from one day to the next.

Where Can I Practice Hot and Unheated Yoga in Manhattan Beach?

One of the unique things about Sol Seek Yoga is that our Manhattan Beach community has access to two distinct studio environments.

Sol Seek El Porto: Turn Up the Heat

Located at 3618 Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach , our El Porto studio is home to heated and warm classes, including Hot Flow, BURN, Warm Flow, and Warm Yin. With showers, a welcoming community, and a range of class experiences, El Porto is a great place to explore movement in a heated environment.

Explore our El Porto studio and classes.

Sol Seek The Loft: Find Your Flow by the Ocean

Located at 1112 Ocean Drive, Suite 103A, Manhattan Beach , The Loft is our original ocean-view studio.
With smaller classes and an unheated environment, The Loft offers Flow, Yin, Restorative, and other practices designed to help you move, breathe, and reconnect.

Explore The Loft and our unheated classes.

New to Yoga? Here's Where We'd Start.

If you're stepping onto a yoga mat for the very first time, welcome! You don't need to be flexible, strong, experienced, or even know what downward-facing dog looks like.

We often recommend beginning with a Slow Flow or Yin class, where you can get comfortable with the environment, learn the rhythm of a class, and begin exploring movement and breath. Arrive a little early, introduce yourself to your teacher, and let them know it's your first time. Our teachers are here to guide you, offer options, and help you feel at home.

Your Practice. Your Pace. Your Sol.

At the end of the day, the question isn't whether hot yoga is better than unheated yoga. It's what kind of practice supports you today. Maybe you're seeking strength. Maybe you need rest. Maybe you're looking for a new community, a moment of peace, or simply an hour that belongs entirely to you. Whatever brings you to your mat, there's room for you here.

Ready to discover your practice?

Explore our yoga classes at Sol Seek the Loft and Sol Seek El Porto in Manhattan Beach, meet our teachers, and find a class that feels right for you.

Come as you are. Seek what you need. We'll meet you on the mat.

May all beings be happy + free. ☀️