The Mindful Body

03/23/2008 Posted by medgrrl

I tend to carry A LOT of tension in my back and shoulders due to my work, and a massage is a wonderful treat for my overstressed muscles. Carolyn Hart is a miracle worker! She is that "therapist in a million" that can feel exactly where you need the most attention during a massage. It's almost as if she has muscle ESP! She found and focused on all of the most tender and stressed areas of my shoulders, neck, and back without my guidance and was very attentive to creating a quiet and relaxing environment during the massage. I now recommend her to all my friends for massage therapy!

Pros: Great massage therapist

11/11/2007 Posted by goingreen

I love massage and yoga, and have been enjoying both for decades. Based on reviews here, I tried a massage at The Mindful Body. It was beyond terrible, at any price. I arrived for the first time, and the front desk receptionist could not have been less helpful. I stood there alone, no other clients, and she just ignored me. I politely spoke with her, and she was just not interested. I asked where I was supposed to go, and was given a vague wave. I made my way, and it is not a straight shot. The path winds, and I had no idea where to go. A fellow client took pity on me and guided me to the area I was supposed to wait in. Classes were letting out, and I was swarmed by people, which added to my confusion. I arrived in the waiting area, and the male massage therapist came and got me and took me basically into a garage for my massage. That was okay, but he gave a half hearted massage, talking nonstop about his personal life, and then laughing at his own cleverness, not noticing that I was in the room. Every time he laughed, which was often, HE SPRAYED MY BODY WITH WHAT I CAN ONLY HOPE WAS SALIVA. Might have been snot, but I can't even think about that, as it is too gross. I kept trying to guide him back to me, to the massage, but he didn't seem to notice or care. Just light rub, rub, rub, chat, chat, spray, spray. When a client lays on the table, he is vulnerable. I was too mortified to get up and leave, plus who wants to cause a scene? I figured I could speak with someone at the front on my way out. As I left, at closing, the same disinterested woman was at the front, hanging out and chatting with my massage therapist, who was there waiting for his money. I waited for one of them to ask how my massage was, so that I could tell them. Neither of them asked, so I just paid and left. I will never return here for a massage, ever. I told a friend about it, and she said she had the worst massage of her life here, too. Save your money and go elsewhere.

Pros: Nothing that outweighs the cons

Cons: Worst massage ever

08/16/2007 Posted by jesschristensen

I love this place, and my massage therapist, Vincent, is incredible!! He's very professional, and was able to find all of my problem areas and treat them. He's gifted with NMT. Cannot recommend this place (and Vincent) highly enough!

Pros: Great massage, very reasonable price

Cons: No cons with the massage

04/16/2007 Posted by bfyoga

The Mindful Body is a calming, welcoming, wonderful place for both yoga and massage. I have to say I am surprised by the reviews that speak of any sort of negative experiences because that has not been my or any of my friend’s experiences after going here weekly for many years! The Mindful Body is like a family - a community filled with people who care and support one another. The teachers teach not only the physical benefits of yoga, but the spiritual ones as well. A perfect balance of exercise and soul! And every massage I have had has been a perfect, relaxing experience. The front desk staff has always made me feel incredibly cared for and I love the peaceful vibe of the whole center. It is always immaculately clean and the bathrooms are large and have showers (a rarity at many places!) The yoga rooms have skylights and are enclosed with billowy drapes creating a serene "hushed" environment of whispers and quietude (a welcome change from the busy outside world.) I have always found that if you have any questions or comments for the managers they get back to you quickly and listen with open ears. The people who have put any bad reviews up probably never thought to ask to speak to one of them, because if they did, they would be impressed by such attentiveness! Plus, in the Citysearch review notes they say to “be fair” and not compare a top restaurant to a taco stand … some of the reviews seem to have done just that – compared The Mindful Body to a Ritz Carlton type experience. The Mindful Body never claims to be a high end spa. It even says on their Citysearch page that they aim to provide good quality services for affordable prices. I am compelled to write this because I want to stick up for the little guy that tries so hard, has so much heart and has been such a staple in my and many other’s lives for many, many years! Thank you, Mindful Body, for all you do!

Pros: Warmth. Community. Quality. Clean. Affordability!!!!

Cons: None!

12/18/2006 Posted by tracyinviz

I had booked two (one surprise for my husband, one for me) massages and told the scheduler that I was bringing my husband in for a surprise massage. Imagine my surprise when their staff is calling him prior to the appt. trying to verify that he booked an appt. ( they even had to use phonebook to find our number as I left my cell number for such things)! The staff was not at all apologetic or concerned when I reminded them of the surprise. It only got worse, as my turn came for massage, I ended up sitting around in a robe for 20 minutes (40 total) waiting for someone to remember I was there. I walked the hallways looking around for someone within this time period. Finally, I dressed, got refunded and left.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/02/2006 Posted by tiffopogo

Last week, I went to Mindful Body for an hour and a half massage. The price is ridiculously cheap--only 85 for an hour and a half (not including tip). My massage therapist, Carolynn K, gave me--hands down!--the best massage I have ever had. It was a combination of deep tissue and swedish. For days afterwards, I was walking around thinking WOW. In fact, my coworkers started making fun of me, because I kept going on and on about it. It's the first massage that I have had in ages that left me feeling relaxed and more flexible several days after the fact. Carolynn also specializes in Cranial Sacral Therapy. I know nothing about it, but I am going to check it out for a session. After all, the prices at Mindful Body can't be beat. I can afford to experiment there!

07/26/2006 Posted by kittykat74

After reading the helpful info on the website, I knew which type of bodywork to try for me. The front desk was very helpful in helping me choose the right therapist (there is also a bio book in the lounge). I'm glad for the reasonable prices. I prefer great work than fancy surroundings. This place rules!

Pros: the NMT is awesome for chronic/sports related issues

Cons: lounge is small

02/20/2006 Posted by tigressa32

For the price of $58/ hour, it's a good deal. But the customer service leaves MUCH to be desired. On the phone, the receptionist tells you"Everybody's good", which is SO NOT TRUE. I had a massage with Trish, and she is amazing. She wasnt available one day, so i went with another massage therapist. Well, the woman wouldnt shut up, even when i told her i didnt feel like talking. She had to go to the bathroom twice during my massage(i am guessing, because she came back and announced that her hand were clean now!). She kept futzing with the music, that aparently "cant be turned off". The entire massage was a nightmare, and to top it off, people at the front desk were more interested in fixing their register, than listening about my experience. No one even said "Good bye".

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/01/2006 Posted by yogadrb

I have been to many yoga studios through out San Francisco and this one is my favorite. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and authentic. They care a great deal about the students and are passionate about yoga. The studio supports growth, being yourself and community.

01/30/2006 Posted by mr_robert_stone

I've been all around the world on business & have always relied on yoga to calm, collect, and refresh my body and spirit. Yoga at the Mindful Body always fulfills my requirements when I visit San Francisco. The teachers are warm, caring, and nurturing. They are responsive to students of any level, beginning to advanced. I feel that my spirit can flourish and be nurtured in the atmosphere at the Mindful Body, and would recommend it to anyone who is deep in their yoga practice or hoping to find just the right place and community.