Barefoot Movement is a neighborhood yoga studio in the truest sense. The light-filled, urban nest perched three floors up on Broadway @ 17th was founded by Leah Gillman in 2010. Leah has been teaching yoga in Downtown Oakland since 1999 including 12 years at the Downtown Oakland YMCA where she gained a deep appreciation for the beautifully varied personality of Oakland. She opened the Barefoot Movement studio, with the Oakland community in mind and in heart.

Barefoot Movement welcomes everyone in the Oakland community - whether you live or work here or are just passing through. Come join us and experience the warmth and friendliness of our no-frills studio!

We offer a full schedule of classes for students of all levels, taught by experienced, friendly instructors.

We keep our regular pricing very low - as low as we can, while we manage the costs of doing business. We want to make it easier for you to commit to integrating yoga into your daily lifestyle.

How we show our commitment to our ‘local Oakland’ community

  • The Program for Low Income Students – We work with a selected network of non-profit organizations in Downtown Oakland who work with low income clients; Prospera, Brighter Beginnings. We provide their clients with low pricing.
  • Fundraising Classes – Four days of fundraising classes are held throughout the year. We collect donations from students for the following organizations: Thanksgiving Day- The People’s Grocery, Veteran’s Day- Swords to Plowshares, New Year’s Day- Rise for Youth, Labor Day (we go international here)- Kiva.
  • Gift Certificate Donations – We have donated thousands of dollars worth of gift certificates over the years to non-profit organizations holding fundraisers. May we help out with your efforts in this way? Send us your donation request letter/form for your 501c-3 fundraising event. If your organization’s efforts are in alignment with our values, we’ll be happy to donate!
  • Studio Rental Donations – Though our studio rental rates are already low, we offer rental at no cost to dance companies for their rehearsals. It’s our way of contributing to the local arts scene.
  • Work in Trade for Membership – Individuals who have more time than money may be able to work a two hour shift per week to pay for their Membership. Are you interested in working at Barefoot Movement in trade for Membership? Send us an email request with a resume or an outline of your skills.