“Where movement meets mindfulness . . . I’ll meet you there.”
For over three decades, Gayle Olson has guided people toward strength, balance, and peace—on and off the mat. As a yoga, fitness, and wellness coach and founder of Euphoria Retreats, she has led more than 100 global retreats, from African safaris and Croatian sailboats to Wine, Dine & Yoga holidays across Europe. Today, she offers classes, workshops, and day retreats at Olive Hill, the Sonoma sanctuary she shares with her husband, John.
Rooted in alignment-based Iyengar yoga, functional strength training, and Vipassana meditation, Gayle’s approach is both grounded and intuitive. She meets each student where they are, weaving mindful movement, breathwork, and personalized guidance to support strength, stability, and nervous system balance—creating space for people to feel strong, supported, and deeply connected.
Testimonials
“Gayle is a cherished teacher. She approaches yoga and all teaching with a centered ability to align body, mind and spirit. Each session is a journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a beautiful tranquil environment that enhances the experience. Gayle's nurturing approach and deep knowledge create a safe space where I am both challenged and uplifted. I leave each class feeling rejuvenated and connected. I truly appreciate her generosity, grace and wisdom.”
— Beth Stellutto
“Yoga with Gayle has impacted my life in a profound way. What I thought would be a stretching and flexibilty class for my body, revealed something much deeper …. My journey of self-acceptance and self- awareness in a gentle, safe environment. No judgement, no apologies - just encouragement to show up authentically and be present with my breath and my body. Gayle’s skillful guidance of the body strengthening and movement is her gift … and Gayle’s connection with mindfulness and spirit is her blessing.”
— Linda Stutz
“Gayle is a warm and welcoming yoga/fitness instructor. I find in her practice a healthy mix of movement yoga, weights and resistance exercises that keeps my body ready for an active life’s physical challenges. Her instruction always includes easier and more challenging versions of each movement or exercise so I can tailor it to my own fitness level. For me, it’s a perfect way to build strength and flexibility.”
— James Terman
“Class with Gayle is one-on-one instruction. She remembers the goals and challenges that each of us brings to yoga and fine-tunes her instructions for us as needed. I always leave focused, balanced, hopeful…really no better way to start a day. Gayle is my first yoga teacher. Heavens, am I grateful.”
— Jean Painter
“Gayle’s deep knowledge of yoga, her focus on creating healthy balance in our lives, and her love for her clients are contagious. Her kindness and her tailored approach to helping each individual make her one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever worked with.”
— Lynne Lancaster
“Gayle is an exceptional yoga instructor! I am an older (82) and stiffer individual. Gayle has been able to adapt a yoga practice that suits my body and is pleasant to perform. Her peaceful and positive energy are a pleasure to be around. I am thoroughly enjoying participating in Gayle’s classes and feel fortunate to have her for an instructor.”
— Jack Keohane
“I am not a yoga guy. Awkward at best when I try. That said, Gayle is amazingly patient. She reads the room and helps where needed. Generous with her knowledge, Gayle moves to explain either with her soft voice or actual physical positioning. This has been wonderful for me. Contemplation, stretching and exercise. Something all should experience.”
— John Painter
“ I’ve worked with many other instructors and she is great. If you have any injuries or limitations she pays attention and offers alternative ways to exercise so you don’t hurt yourself. And you feel like you got a good workout after class.”
—Carolyn Terman
"Gayle brings such warmth and encouragement to every session. I love how she blends yoga, strength training, and resistance work into a well-rounded practice that keeps me strong and mobile for whatever life throws my way. She always offers options to modify or challenge each movement, so I can meet myself where I’m at. It’s the ideal balance of building strength, flexibility, and confidence in my body."
— Joan L
“Gayle has been one of my favorite yoga teachers—and a dear friend—for 37 years. Over the decades, we’ve shared yoga and fitness practices all around the world, and I’ve always felt so lucky to move, breathe, and grow with her guidance. Most recently, I spent time with her at her magical new retreat home in Sonoma, where we practiced in her stunning light-filled studio. As we moved through our flow, she came behind me and gently offered an assist in downward dog. I let out an audible sigh of joy. These days, hands-on assists are rare—but Gayle knows exactly how to offer that kind of deeply attuned, healing presence. She’s not just a gifted yoga teacher—she’s the kind of guide who sees you. Her dedication to her own growth and inner work gives her a grounded wisdom that extends far beyond the mat. Gayle is, in every way, a true teacher: for the body, the heart, and the soul. Anyone would be lucky to work with her!”
—Gayle Kabaker
“As you walk down the tranquil path leading to Olive Hill Yoga Studio in the beautiful Sonoma Valley, you are transported to a serene, welcoming yoga community. Gayle leads classes that are individualized to meet the needs of each of her attendees. Her attention to detail and micro- instructions have helped me gain strength and confidence in my ability to move. I always leave class feeling like I have been on a mini-vacation, and I am motivated to continue my workouts and the intentions I set during class for my mind, body and heart throughout the week. Gayle has created a beautiful resort-like studio at Olive Hill. She is lovely inside and out. I recommend highly Gayle as your personal trainer or for a group class!”
— Joan Maylayter
“Gayle calls some of her yoga sessions gentle strengthening. I smiled to myself as these words remind me of Gayle: gentle and strong. She sets clear goals for the classes and is gentle with us in her way of being, but strong in her encouragement and expectations. She has a peaceful space in which to practice, and she encourages each person to do as much as they can without injuring themselves. She is humble in letting us know of her own struggles with poses, and if she sees others struggling with a pose, she makes suggestions suited to their unique situation. Her approach is to help each individual within their capabilities, taking into account any injuries or limitations. Gayle’s space is clean, beautiful and bright, with all equipment well organized. I feel safe and happy there. In addition to being a clear and focused teacher, Gayle has about her the energy of a healer. It feels healing to be in her presence and in her space, and I am grateful to be learning yoga from her.”
