Bikram Yoga Covina

This place does need some revamping.
The room smell is pretty strong, carpet needs to be shampoo’ed or replaced. Not sure why a mister is on during class but keeping carpet moist isn’t good. One of the toilets weren’t working that day as well.
Overall, I was there for the heat and stretching so. 2 stars!

I’ve done hot yoga classes before and this one was a huge let down. The instructor was hard to understand and she did not go through the poses with you! She just sat the entire class. The place was unsanitary. They had carpet where the hot yoga class was held. It’s disgusting to think how many people sweat a day and they can’t disinfect as easily as on a matted floor.
They have good introductory deals but I don’t think I’ll be signing up to join ever!

I purchased a Living Social deal a long time ago. I called the studio and left a voice mail for the owner, Vern, to see if I could still use my expired deal. I waited a week for a callback and nothing (minus 1 star). I decided to call again and he answered the phone. He was very friendly and said to just come down, they wanted me to come. Cool, my deal expired in 2013 but they would honor it!(plus 1 star)
When I arrived to the «studio» I noticed it was rather eclectic. It looked like one of those shady Chinese massage places. You know, the ones that don’t have walls… just curtains. I couldn’t really figure out where the hell I had landed. I actually asked the receptionist if I was in the right spot. She said yes. I was still not a believer, so I asked her to tell me where the studio was. The receptionist was very nice and told me the studio was on my right-​hand side, behind that wall.
She directed me to the changing area. Again, this is a random dressing area, like a make shift area. It reminded me of the swap meet clothes stores. They take a few poles and a tarp and voila! A changing room. The changing room wasn’t very private but I’m quick so I just sucked it up and changed my clothes.
I was directed to put my items in a cubby hole. I felt a little uncomfortable leaving my precious belongings outside of the yoga room with strangers. On top of that, there was no way to secure my items. I opted to take everything to my car and just bring my car keys. I was still worried the car key would get too hot in the room, but I figured this was my best option.
I was very early to class so I sat in the waiting area and played with my phone. I couldn’t help but notice the numerous signs reminding you to tip your yoga instructor. There were designated slots to drop your $ 1-​$ 3 tip after each class. Oh and by the way, this studio is also looking for investors to help renovate the place (and they could really use it).
The room did have an odor to it. It was like mildew and mold. I did start to worry about catching something while I was in this class. The level of sanitation seems very low. There are cool little paintings on the ceiling (probably to cover liquid damage)
My first class was with Vern. He is a rather voluptuous fellow. He came in the room and perched himself on top of his pedestal. I was hoping for him to model some of the poses since this class seemed to have a lot of amateurs. He never moved until class was over. When he needed lights deemed, or heaters turned off or on, he just yelled to a participant to do it. All of the clapping that he did during the poses gave me flashbacks to my drill team days. This was not the serene experience I had hoped for. This place seemed like a knock-​off Bikram. The room wasn’t even that hot. I know I’m getting a good sweat when I hear the little droplets hitting my mat as I’m holding a pose in quiet. Well, there was never a sustained period of quiet (nearly every moment was filled with Vern’s voice) and I didn’t get my drippy sweat on.
Overall, this place did seem pretty run down. During class, the water misters came on. There were two long cords hanging from the ceiling. One of these cords was doing its job, misting water. The other cord was dripping water. The constant drink may be part of that funky mildew/​mold smell. You do get used to the smell after a few minutes but that first initial meeting can be overwhelming.
At the end of my first session, I was required to fill out a commitment form. I thought this was a pretty good idea. When I checked in I had already identified my reasons for coming in. The second part of the form solidified how yoga could help me achieve my goals. The lady who checked me out gave me a tour of the facility. Once I college I smelled weed. On my first day at the studio, I smelled weed in the poorly lit back area of the studio, close to the door marked «employees only,» near the shower. Maybe that was to cover up the mold/​mildew smell… clever.
I’m going to try my 30 days. If I decide to continue with hot yoga, I’ll return to Bikram Yoga Hacienda Heights. Their facilities are much cleaner and the instructors don’t lead you through the poses with all that clapping.
Day 2 Update:
The room was much hotter than the previous day, I was able to get my drippy sweat on!
Yu was my instructor. I’ve had her before at the Hacienda Heights Bikram. I guess they must share instructors.
Today I saw a triad of hard core yogis in the front on the room. The energy in the room is strange. The majority of participants don’t maintain focus and they stop a pose immediately or never even start. Couple this with all the latecomers who have to walk past you to find a spot. Oh and then they have to fix their hair, and lay out their mats. One person was allowed to walk in 35 minutes late (I guess they only wanted an hour class???)All of this is very distracting when you are trying to concentrate.

The bottom line is that Bikram Yoga in Covina offers great dollar value. I have been to Birkam Yoga in Marina Del Rey, Manhattan Beach, North Hollywood, Encino, Studio City, and Montclair all of those are overall more expensive than Bikram Yoga in Covina. I am thankful for the affordable monthly plans Vern (Owner) has to offer. The parking is good. There is never an issue with finding a space close to the studio which is opposite from the Marina Del Rey, Studio City, or Manhattan Beach Studio. Those studios have horrible parking. The actual yoga itself really works. It is fairly difficult and hot BUT that is the point. It’s helped my knees tremendously. I’ve lost about 10lbs. My blood pressure dropped about about 8 points. My skin looks much better, my posture has improved, and my energy level has improved. The only knocks I guess I could have is lack of a late evening classes on Saturday night and Sunday night… But I guess the teachers want a night life. Also the drink machine is a little quirky sometimes. Some people have complained here on Unilocal about the cleanliness. I’ve been to many yoga studios in the last 6 years and not just Bikram style. The reality is that this place is actually pretty darn clean. Let’s remember Yogis were doing this in caves and dirt floors for thousands of years… So it’s much better than what they had. Plus it’s a freakin yoga studio people not an art museum in France. It’s meant to make you sweat
. The teachers are scripted and do not waver off the script much and I like that. All and all the teachers are solid… The best are Ola, Vern, Yu, Christopher, Monica, and a tall thin Swedish dude with long hair. If you sign up and go approx 5 times a week and if you put in a good effort you will see real improvements… And your age is irrelevant in yoga. Bring a big bottle of water. Just do your best. There is a real reason yoga has been around for 5,000 years.

So I looked up bikram on Unilocal since I just moved to the area and found this one. I saw many negative reviews but decided to try it anyway.
Bad experience. Upon checking in the owner was very pushy with the sales pitch and made me feel annoyed and stressed… the opposite I normally feel when entering a yoga class.
I let this go and decided to focus on entering the classroom and starting to relax…
The instructor was new, and made comments when people exited the class early.
All of my other bikram experiences have been in Hermosa, Manhattan and Long Beach. I have always heard the instructors say that if you need to get air its ok and come back. This instructor made weird comments about people leaving and it was very distracting to the rest of us there.
Just overall not good. Will continue my search.
The location: convenient however it was dirty and no showers. Despite this I would have continued going if they weren’t so weirdly pushy and the class was good. It wasn’t.

The teachers are great and the new carpet is a plus. The owner is clearly not into yoga and puts out a vibe that he’s just there to make money. I wish there was another person working he front besides him. This week he filled in as the teacher for one of the classes and talked about politics, rats and everything else under the sun that had nothing to do with yoga, the entire time, it was very annoying and not relaxing. I will finish out my intro week but will not be back, which is a shame since the teachers are so sweet.

This is the worst yoga studio I have ever visited. The studio is gross and dirty. The carpet smells and was wet from the humidifier (i hope, and not someone else’s sweat) and the temperature in the room is not nearly as hot as it should be.
Students show up late, leave the room in the middle of class, and hold conversations during class.

Very aggressive, in your face sales pitch to sign up. Not a feel good vibe when the purpose of yoga is to relax. The place is very untidy. Given that bikram makes you sweat. the smell of the place is so stale & musty. Plus, the instructor/​owner Vern looks & sounds more like a used car salesman than an instructor. He doesn’t (or in my opinion, cannot do any of the poses). rambles on & on about nonsense which is so distracting.
If you’re still interested on going, go, try early morning when the room still doesn’t smell so much of hot feet & stay close by the door. And avoid Vern.

I originally visited this studio after purchasing a 30 day pass with unlimited classes through Groupon. Upon the first sign in, I felt like I was being sold a used car through a pyramid scheme. The salesmanship is extremely aggressive for an establishment that emphasizes the importance of your journey to wellness and inner peace.
And the Groupon thing… there’s a LOT of people that show up for classes. Several of them LATE. Cell phones go off in class. One day a guy showed up in denim jeans and the instructor asked him to take his pants off if he wanted to stay in class… and he did.
I question the sanitation of this place. After all, you do sweat profusely. The studio has a «musk» that’s undeniable. I broke out in a rash after the first class, and I contracted Conjunctivitis (that’s right, pink eye) after the last class I attended.
The Groupon savings really didn’t justify the Urgent Care bill.
Namaste.

Yucko! pass the anti bacteria body sanitizer Lysol spray quick… we stretchin dirty from wall to wall here. I left in a desperate need of a disinfectant bath. This Bikram is disorganize and the back area has changing rooms separated by shower curtains that offer no privacy. Front counter tables are always cluttered.
No yoga etiquette here at all every single time I was there for class. I redeemed my Groupon voucher & I knew I was not coming back after my 30 days was up. I was honest from the start saying I like yoga but Im not this place. No further comments or communications at that point. There were several great instructors and then those few who has probably never preformed yoga.
Go to another Bikram!

For the Unilocalers that complained about the wall of fame, where students sign their name if they met certain challenges, it has been painted over. I cannot compare this place to other bikram yoga facilities, so my review is based on what I see here. I came here a year or so ago on a groupon or living social or amazon deal, I cannot recall. I loved the class and the many times that a class is available. However, when my deal was up, I chose not to sign up because of the price. I am sure it is a fair price, but I cannot afford it. My daughter recently bought me a deal for mother’s day. I redeemed and was informed, because I had been there before, I could not get 3 moths, but they would give me 2 weeks. That was my daughter’s fault, she did not read the fine print. 39.00 for 2 weeks is a bit much, I should have had her get her money back.
As for the instructors, yes Vern talks a lot, but I don’t mind.
As for the clutter in the office, it has gotten significantly better. Dawn prints out a focus pose and thats kind of useful. I hope to go back… when I have some money.

as much as i feel like Bikram is good for me and how i feel like it is helping in many forms– the people that work their particular the front desk lady would hassle me EVERY SINGLE Time about joining them. I think a better way of getting people to join would probably be at the end of everything. but no, this lady called me on my phone 2 separate occasions and literally started bugging me about joining on day 3 of going into bikram?!?
aside from being such a bug a boo– i also feel like their pricing is RIDICULOUSLY high — at $ 70+ for a month is way more than a gym membership at Gold’s!
I decided not to continue with bikram, because Ola my favorite instructor is taking a break and also all the hassling just got to STOP!

I am definitely a lover of bikram yoga. Val (the owner) is very friendly and attentive in my opinion. And the instructors I’ve had are all great, I particularly enjoy Yu’s instruction.
My one complaint is the disorganized room and lack of yoga etiquette. Students blocking others in the mirror, veering from instruction, and coming in late really hinder focus and meditation. Easily fixable if etiquette is enforced.
Give it a shot to see if it works for you!

Took the Unilocal deal a couple months back. If you can get past the wet towel smell of the carpet, it’s a pretty good experience.
It does get smelly because it gets scorchingly hot in there. But it gets a good sweat going even if you’re just laying there. Being a newbs to bikram, my friend and I made it a point to try out classes with different instructors. Although the class is essentially the same, same routine and all, each instructor is unique in their preferences with how hot they like the room. Definitely something to factor in when it’s your first time. Especially if you’re set on finishing the almost two hour class.
Decent place, people are really nice and welcoming. Changing rooms were a bit dodgy, but I believe they’re renovating so that might’ve changed since the last time I was there.

If you are a beginner to Bikram Yoga, this studio is not for you. If I hadn’t practiced Bikram Yoga at my previous Irvine studio beforehand I know for certain I would be very lost and confused at this Covina facility.
To begin with, the lobby of this facility is very unorganized and too cluttered with unnecessary furnishings. Secondly, the hot room itself is ordained with writings and pictures on the walls and ceilings that are too distracting for peaceful yoga practice.
Furthermore, the facility and instructors did not enforce proper yoga etiquette. They would allow students to come in late and I frequently found myself being blocked in the mirror by these late students who would lay their mats directly in front of me.
After my first session was over I was succumbed to a lengthy one-​on-​one sales pitch by the owner that I didn’t expect from a yoga studio.
I would only come back again after a year when I can use another online coupon deal.

I give this place two stars because the cons simply outweigh the pros.
Price:
I’ll admit, their prices here are fairly reasonable compared to other yoga studios. I did the beginner promo of $ 20 a week for unlimited classes and referred a few relatives so they got the $ 10 deal for a week of unlimited classes. After my week, I used a groupon that allowed me $ 40 for a month of unlimited classes. However, if I didn’t have that groupon I do not think I would have paid the regular monthly price.
Environment:
The room is not the nicest room in the world but it is not the worst either. The roof has a few painted tiles that makes the room look messy and the posters on the wall of the poses are not even cut in straight lines. However it does not bother me once the class begins. I just wish it had a nicer, cleaner look to it.
Instructors:
I have taken almost every instructor and I personally enjoy Yu and Alex’s classes the most. All the instructors are pretty great to be fair except for one… Vern. Here’s why:
First off, Vern cannot even do most of the poses himself. How can you teach a class that you cannot do?! I was flabbergasted when I watched him attend a class and sit on his ass for most of it. That goes to say, when he teaches one, he does not demonstrate anything for newbies like me. He also likes to ramble about unrelated topics which makes it much more difficult to meditate during the poses. Oh and did I mention that he alters poses based on his preference? Now this does not seem like a bad thing but as a beginner I thought he was doing it the traditional way, only to find out from many other instructors that it was not. Just stick to the script next time buddy.
Once my groupon is up I probably won’t come back. The prices are the only attractive features and Vern just really killed the place for me.

After reading the reviews, I was very skeptical to take a class, but I decided hey what the heck, I’ll give it a try anyways. So I decided to call and find out the time for the next class. Whoever answered the phone really shouldn’t be answering phones. She was rude and interrupted me before I could finish asking my question.
I was really looking forward to trying this place, but thank you! you just saved me $ 20 and a headache from dealing with your horrible attitude in person. :)

2-​stars. «Meh. I’ve experienced better.» is correct.
Of all the Pros/​Cons I could think about with this Covina studio, the low prices were the only attractive feature.
Price:
Prices are very reasonable compared to other Yoga studios. First class is $ 15 or $ 5 with a friend’s referral. $ 20 for a week of unlimited classes, $ 499 for a year (not bad at all. it’s $ 1000+ in SF!). Read other reviews before you get lured in by the low prices though.
Décor:
It’s just a mess. Many other reviewers commented on the clutter in the studio’s lobby, which I understand can be bothersome, but that’s forgivable as long as the studio room where you’re actually practicing is tidy. Well, unfortunately the studio room itself is a mess as well. Too many framed quotes, paintings on the ceiling tiles, and a bunch of students’ names tagged on the back wall makes for it difficult to concentrate on your meditation in class. I applaud the studio’s efforts to embrace a community environment with the décor, but during class, you should just be focusing on yourself physically/​mentally/​emotionally and it’s hard to do that when there’s miscellaneous reading material on the walls/​ceilings.
Also, this could just be me, but the room doesn’t feel hot enough. Throughout the entire class, I felt like the heater was broken even though the noise was SO.DARN.LOUD.
Lastly, to address some other reviewers’ comments about the carpets in the studio — yes, the carpets are supposed to be there for Bikram studios (more forgiving on your joints instead of hard wood floors).
Etiquette:
Bikram Yoga Covina certainly veers from traditional yoga etiquette. People arriving late, people leaving early, people chatting during savasana. I mention this in my review because ultimately, the etiquette is in the hands of the studios’ instructors to enforce and the fact that they don’t is worth noting.
Instructors:
I took classes with Jennifer, Alex, and Vern. Both Jennifer and Alex were great and attentive, pointing out small shifts to my body that I needed to do in order to improve on a posture. Even in a class of 20+ people, I appreciated the individualized instruction because hey, we’re all here to get better.
The class I took with Vern (the studio owner) was the least enjoyable for several reasons that I must break it down to bullet points:
— It’s one thing for the studio’s décor to be distracting, but Vern’s «instruction» is just distracting altogether. The incessant rambling of unrelated topics (the Lakers, the weather, you name it) during savasana is unnecessary and makes it impossible to relax/​meditate. Throughout the entire 90 minutes in his class, NOT ONCE did I experience a moment of silence in between poses or during savasana (once we got to the floor poses). I don’t know how anyone can concentrate during his constant ramblings and side conversations with other students.
— As some other folks have mentioned, yes he does turn off the heater during his class. So. what’s the point again?
— He modifies the poses to his liking, with some modifications being contradictory to the way I had learned it before. He’ll say something like «this way is way more beneficial than the traditional way of Bikram», which is confusing to me. If that claim is true, then why be a Bikram Yoga instructor?
— He’ll begin every instruction by saying something like «Now, MOST of you won’t be able to do this pose successfully, but you can try…». While it may seem reassuring that he’s not demanding perfection and wants you to try your best, hearing this preface after 15 consecutive poses is just demoralizing (The funny part is that he said this before one pose and seconds later the entire class was actually able to execute successfully. «Oh, I guess I was wrong», he later stated). These words aren’t setting you up for success and frankly, don’t push you to try any harder. It just makes me feel like the instructor doesn’t think I can do anything. I don’t want the entire class to be a complete modification of the real challenge that’s Bikram Yoga; I would’ve stayed home if I wanted a cheat day.
In all, give Bikram Yoga Covina a try if you want a modified introduction to Bikram Yoga at a reasonable price. However, if you are serious about your practice and want to experience the true benefits of hot-​as-​hell, pools of sweat all over your mat and intense stretching that hurts so much for 90 minutes but feels amazing afterwards, do your research and find a different studio.

For a second last night, I thought I was going to die. But hey, I’m still alive and now I can write my review.
This was my very FIRST Bikram Yoga class. After a toxic holiday eating binge season, I decided to start off 2013 right with hot yoga. My friend referred me to Bikram in Covina, so I decided to come for the 6:30pm class.
**PRICE**: First class is $ 15, unless you are referred by a friend, then it is $ 5. Or you can do $ 20 for a week of unlimited classes.
**CLASS**: I felt that the class was challenging but really good. During the last 10 minutes, I had to skip a few poses and «savasana» in my pool of sweat on the floor like a dead person. But after changing out of my shirt soaked through with sweat, drinking some ice cold coconut water and a taking a hot shower, I felt like a brand new person! The endorphin high I felt after the class was amazing, and I felt refreshed and strong.
**FACILITIES**: I agree with the other Unilocalers in that I’m not too sure how sanitary the carpeting is here considering in my 90 minutes there alone, a couple of sweat beads may have been flung off my forehead and onto the carpet. The paintings of clouds and peace and sunshine on the ceiling were okay but a bit cheesy. But hey, I come to do Yoga, not interior decorating.
**SERVICE**: What was a bit confusing during my visit was what to do before and after. I arrived around 6:15pm for the 6:30pm class, and it was a bit hectic. I had paperwork to fill out, sign in on a clipboard, and I think it was the owner who was yelling out directions for me to put my stuff there, take this clipboard over here… enter here etc. When the class finished, it was an even more hectic experience to pay. There were people checking in, I was trying to check out… and i probably stood there with $ 20 in my hand at the counter for a good 10 minutes before someone was able to help me. Then they did not have change for my $ 20. It’s also $ 1 to use your credit card unless you like them on Facebook. There was lots of commotion and scrambling. I would think a Yoga studio would be more peaceful, not the class, but reception desk. The «service» could maybe use some work here?
Overall though, I felt this was a valuable class. Are there newer facilities with better service? Perhaps. But if you have not tried hot yoga and this is a convenient location for you, def come try it out. They have some sweet deals here for first timers. Just bring a nice big bottle of iced water and a towel and be ready to sweat!!!

I was worried about liking this place after reading reviews. I’ve been to about 8 different Bikram studios (including the headquarters) up and down the state depending on where I lived. I love some and I disliked some. After a year of hemming and hawing over this place, I snagged a daily deal for a month of unlimited and went. I hadn’t tried it before because I was unsure and because I can’t afford it as a recen (unemployed) graduate student. If classes were $ 5 or $ 8 I’d have gone in a heartbeat.
I liked the studio, it wasn’t too small like some places and the staff was great. I loved the 11 am classes because they weren’t too packed, but they don’t have them everyday. I liked that some of the instructors discussed which muscles you should be stretching during certain poses because after 7 years of doing this I found that some of the poses were actually easier the way they explained them.
In my unlimited month I think I went about 10 or 11 times… I aimed for at least twice a week. And each time I went I’m reminded why I loved Bikram so much. So much energy, your body feels great, and somehow the healthy cravings naturally come. If I was gainfully employed I’d be a member in a heartbeat. But for now, with the current prices my budget will only allow me about once a month.
In some of the reviews posted I see that some people have had negative experiences, but I didn’t. I’d recommend to at least try it out twice. Not just once! Trust me, you’ll hate it after the first class, but after the second class you’ll love Bikram.