Jivamukti Yoga Center – Jersey City

I’m a beginner in yoga, so I was so excited to attend the Beginner’s Yoga class tonight. Austin was our teacher and hurried us along as we were a few minutes late. «Okay, fair», I thought, «I’m running a few minutes behind so I better hurry up», so I rushed in.
Not 2 minutes into the class does he immediately reprimand my girlfriend for not jumping right into the exercises. It was cold outside and she has a long-​standing back injury that she’s had to go to multiple doctors to treat, so she had to warm up her back before starting. I’m instantly turned off by Austin’s behavior… we’ve never had this problem at the NYC Jivamukti. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen Austin be so caustic with his students…
Then, we had to do a move that heavily involved your back. She was preparing for the move and bracing her back to ascertain she won’t reinjure herself… then Austin starts clapping at her and shouting, «NO NO NO NO, join the class — you’re going to do it with us!!!» She tried to explain to him that her back hurts, but I felt appalled that he continued to yell over her and force her to do the move!!!
At this point, I was disgusted. Not 5 minutes in, I stepped off my mat, left the room, and promptly demanded my money back.
It’s really a shame. The staff is typically pretty nice, but this is terrible behavior for a teacher — there’s a difference between pushing your students and being outright inappropriate.
Your first few classes are essential if you’re new to yoga and want to get into it. As such, I highly recommend finding another place to learn… I suggest the Jivamukti in NYC by Union Street… just a few stops on the PATH to 14^th Street, as they treat their new students VERY well.
At least that’s where you’ll find me.

I came here by way of my dads girlfriend. I had never done yoga before. Running my own company and being a single mom coparenting left me with a lot of stress and quite a few blockages to say the least. Not only has my body improved but my state of my has been settled tremendously. Being the strong one has had its ups and down but coming here has been my peace and my rock. Not for the feint at heart but if you would like a soul adjustment keep coming back it works if you work it!

I’ve been meaning to write this review for months. Over the summer, I received a 30-​day unlimited class pass as a birthday gift. I was able to go almost every day (I think around 25 or 26 classes in total), and I tried different classes and lots of different teachers.
The studio itself is beautiful, spacious, freshly painted, lots of light.
This is perhaps true of any yoga class, but the experience you get depends a lot on the teacher. I had several teachers I loved, really liked, or simply felt most comfortable with (Lauren K., Natalie W., Jenna F., Lawrence S., Bhagavan A.) Other teachers I wasn’t as thrilled about, although I’m reticent to name those names. Who knows, some people might respond to them better than I did.
The classes themselves: I did a lot of the Spiritual Warrior classes, which are an hour long and have a fixed sequence. It’s great that they offer pamphlets that illustrate the sequence so you can do it yourself at home. I also tried the regular, or «Open» classes. I was put off by these at first because they include a little bit of spiritual teaching and chanting, which is fine if you’re into that sort of thing, but I do yoga mostly for the physical benefits and silent, focused meditation. But by the end of the month I appreciated the Open classes more for the variety of sequences, and found it was worth it to sit through the few minutes of lecture and chanting for that. (I think most of the instructors don’t mind if you stay silent during the Hare Krishnas and what have yous.)
I did try two or three Aerial yoga classes, and unfortunately was pretty disappointed in those. The instructors seemed to care more about impressing the class with their skills/​looking good in the mirror than with helping beginners, and I wasn’t the only newcomer to aerial in the class. I was excited about it and eager to learn (especially as it’s a more fun and rigorous workout than a floor yoga class), and I even brought a friend with me once, but we didn’t feel welcome, and that put me off entirely. If it had happened just once, I could chalk it up to an off day, but that wasn’t the case.
Finally, and I write this with no small amount of trepidation given the responses I’ve seen here on Unilocal from the owners: there is, occasionally, an attitude coming from the staff of elitism, or defensiveness, I don’t know what to call it, but you can read it for yourself in the responses to reviews on this page. Fortunately I didn’t have to encounter it too much myself (except for the aforementioned aerial yoga experiences), but I saw other customers on the receiving end of it. Now, I know that yogis are human beings and not walking beacons of pure peace and love. They can have a bad day just like the rest of us, and anyone who’s worked in retail or service industry knows what I mean. But there seems to be a pattern that is troubling. I’ll leave you to decide for yourself.
Overall I had a very good experience, once I’d settled into the classes and teachers I liked. That’s why I’m giving four stars. I would definitely go back if it weren’t so expensive, but alas, unless I get another gift certificate, it’s Yoga to the People for me.

I enjoy exercising. Admittedly, staying active, treating your body appropriately, seems to be getting tougher every year. I haven’t made the New Year’s resolution specifically to get into shape or to work out at some rate in a given week, but I did decide to take up yoga at the Jivamukti JC yoga studio in January as a resolution to try something new that also involved stretching — my doctor said it wasn’t great that I couldn’t touch my toes and said my «hamstrings were probably made of concrete» (scientifically, that probably wasn’t accurate). So I started Jivamukti yoga this past January on a 3-​month unlimited-​class package and recently continued my unlimited subscription to continue though the year. I did a bunch of local homework and found this studio to be a solid fit for me personally as well as my schedule. Between the space and the philosophy it’s a legit yoga studio, and that comes off; it isn’t a gym that does yoga, and that’s the point. If this is an activity that is of potential interest, it’s worth the money and effort to do it right, and to give this studio and style particularly, a legitimate effort. Their class schedule is greatly accommodating: classes start as early as 7AM and start as late as 8PM, which is a rare commodity for most exercise-​specific studios. On classes/​teachers, both are great; I do have a few that I frequent more than others for no other reason than it fits into a schedule I more or less have to keep. Overall I’ve enjoyed this studio a lot, learning the practice and having a dialogue here and there about some of the contexts and philosophes of the teachings. Also, the co-​owner congratulated me when I finally could headstand… and that’s really cool.

Great studio! I started coming regularly this summer with their unlimited summer deal. Planning to buy another unlimited package for the rest of the year. The teachers are great and there’s consistency across classes but each has their own unique style. Definitely check it out, my personal favorites are Luis, Michael and Austin. The timing is great too, there are options at 5, 6, 7 and 8pm most nights, so getting stuck at work doesn’t mean you have to miss yoga that day. Try aerial yoga too, it’s a lot of fun and freeing after a long day!

Jivamukti JC — so bad I had to sign up for Unilocal!
First, the positive. Decent location for locals, 2 large rooms for practice, very clean and spacious bathrooms (with shower)…
it’s just a shame they don’t practice yoga; or, at least, follow their own «teachings.»
I am NOT an amazing yogi. I will ever be a novice, as my practice revolves around going to enough classes to keep my girlfriend happy. I do really enjoy the classes, but mainly I go just to participate in an activity that she loves. Stretching is good for the body, and yoga definitely builds some
muscle.
Needless to say, I’ve been to at least 10 different studios between NYC, JC and Hoboken, with multiple visits to each, where I’ve experienced a variety of instructors. (It’s always fun to privately critique them together. Obviously you gravitate more toward some than others, and It’s a interesting to discover if we both feel the same way about the instructor for the day.)
***SO THE BAD***
Opinion: Jivamukti JC is merely a franchise that hopes to capitalize on a good Brand name.
Case in point: Since this was the first time I went to Jiva JC I bought a 5 class pass from Amazon. (30 days before it expires). Began the 14^th of July. I was able to make three classes. On August 13^th I went in (with the GF obviously) to take one more class before it expired; AND with the intention of inquiring on monthly pricing, as it’s an extremely short walk from our place. («Maybe this will be ‘our studio’»)
After signing in, I was informed that it was EXPIRED. That’s right. Pull up your calendar and start counting. I’m aware there are 31 days in July… but count July 14 as «day 1″,
and August 12^th becomes the 30^th day.
„Hmmmmmm,“ thought the employee and myself…
Now, a typical response from a Yogi, or anyone HUMAN, would be…“yea, sorry about that. I see it’s an honest mistake. You will still be missing out on that 1 class, but why don’t you just go in for today. Namaste.»
A corporate response… the response I was given: «I’m sorry. There is nothing I can do about it. You see, the computer program doesn’t allow me to do anything about it.» «No, the person that CAN do something about it isn’t here.» «The class is only $ 15 right now.» «The issue, really, is with AMAZON; We [and this is the best] have nothing to do with it.»
***CONCLUSION***
Thanks guy. Good job. Your Ahimsa is for shit! Go back and look over your first five Yamas! (Yea, I don’t chant, but sometimes I listen).
I didn’t stay to argue with the faux yogi. Frankly, I had better things to do. Obviously this wasn’t his first go around with an «expired» pass. He was instructed well to tow the company line.
And the money wasn’t the issue. I spent a whopping $ 38 (on fun) in the hour before I went back to meet the GF.
BOTTOM LINE
Yoga studios are a dime a dozen. Instructors ARE important, but even they often move from place to place. Take the extra time, and invest in a studio that actually cares about YOU and YOGA, not some place that slaps on a label in the hopes that you’ll shell out more money.
Oh yea… and the guy that could rectify the situation DID show up. He didn’t have anything to say to my GF, who was non confrontational and just walked out (hopefully for good).

I’ve been taking classes at the yoga school since December 2014. It is a new style of yoga for me. I owned my own yoga school and taught flow and Yin yoga. I love the variety of classes, the connection to Hinduism, and best of all the teachers. They’ve become my de facto gurus. I primarily practice spiritual warrior due to time constraints, but twice a month or so I make a point to restore my balance with a restorative yoga class. Rana, our teacher, is so kind, patient, and caring. Her energy is very nurturing. I always feel blessed after her class. I read another review that is contrary, this is truly one persons experience and based upon their «stuff». As for the «unhappy» dogs, any noise one hears during yoga is a blessing. It reminds us to «let go» and stay present. I figure the romping dogs are just singing along with our flow and really want to join us for some downward facing dog. Xoxo thanks Bobby and Austin and all the gifted Jivamukti teachers.

Let me begin by saying that I am a movement teacher though not currently teaching. Also, yoga is very subjective. What helps and works for some people will not work for others. I very much appreciate that this yoga studio and type of practice seems to have a large and dedicated following to which I have no criticism. I am happy that it works so well for some. I write this for people who are like me, and may want something different, in order to save them the time, effort and money.
Reading the responses to some of the criticisms on this page, which are very obviously passive aggressive, disturbs me, and made me want to write this review. Otherwise, I was just going to not return. I prefer a yoga environment that is nurturing, respectful.
I just got back from a restorative yoga class which was… not very restorative. The teacher was… lacking. She seemed to know what she was talking about but her communication was so disconnected, condescending and aggressive, I was smiling from shock. I’ve never experienced that in a yoga studio before, and I have been practicing, all kinds, for more than 10 years. I’m sure she is a fine woman with wonderful intentions, and I tried to see past her delivery to what she was delivering, which was good information.
However, the barking… That I could not tune out. The studio is next to a kennel, and the barking is constant. In the first class the music was loud enough that it helped mask the sounds, but I wondered if I would be able to handle it long term. The answer is no. I’m not sure what they can do about it, but for me I like yoga to be a respite from the outside world. It is hard to connect with yourself internally, hard to listen to your body with the constant sound of unhappy dogs just outside the windows.
The space itself is beautiful, and the teachers knowledgeable. It’s a shame. I’m sorry to have to write this. I was hoping I found my yoga home in JC.

Love love love everything about this place!
I just moved to JC and still getting to know the area. I was always living in Manhattan before. Going to Equinox gym and yoga classes there. I though Yoga was all about developing flexibility.
This studio opened up Yoga for me in a whole different way. The spiritual essence of it. I finally got it what the real reason doing yoga and meditation.
The instructors (who seem more like your family members) explain the whole philosophy of each pose, each mantras. Teaching us new great life lessons each class.
In addition they often have yoga classes with live music, invited guest for music concerts, teaching, singing.
And its really clean, spacious and cozy.
The energy there is absolutely serene. It feels like you are in the sacred temple.
Definitely not those yoga studios in Manhattan, where its always packed, where you always worried how not to bother your neighbor because they are standing too close to you.
Bobby and Austin the owners of Jivamukti JC studio are real sweethearts. They are very welcoming and always happy to answer any question.
Because I moved to JC just temporary, for my surprise I caught myself thinking that i want stay in JC just because i found my ultimate Yoga studio which i want to visit everyday.

If you love yoga, if you want to connect with your true inner self and like chanting — Jivamukti Yoga JC is the place for you! If you are also a vegan compassionate soul, then Jivamukti Yoga JC IS ABSOLUTELY the place for you!
I started with my yoga practice here at Jivamukti JC in August of 2014 and have not gone to any other studio. I started with their Basics Classes, and alternating with Beginner Vinyasa until I finally transitioned to going to Open classes.
I love the Jivamukti method. It’s not easy, but nothing worthwhile is easy. I love the challenge. What I also love is the hands-​on assistance all the teachers offer to everyone who comes to class. It is really important for me to know the proper body alignment in each asana; and if there are limitations in my practice at a certain time, at least I know where I need to take it the next time I attempt a particular pose and will do my best to get there.
I want to thank Austin and Bobby for opening this studio in JC, NJ. Although it is a bit far from home, the 55min trip is definitely worth it. Everyone that works here has been very nice and welcoming.
I also want to thank every single teacher whose classes I have attended (so far) and for giving me assistance and knowledge. I truly appreciate you all: Austin, Julie K., Liza Apatini, Jordana Rock, Michael R., Karina, April Joy, April D., Mimi Chen, Luis Davilla, Susan S., Heather Maher, Meg, Lauren K., Karen M., Helida H., Jenna Faith, Dechen Thurman, Sarah, Jeff S., Lawrence S., Cassandra, Purnima L. I have learned so much from each and everyone of them. They each bring something special to the practice of yoga and to the spiritual aspect of yoga as well. Thanks so much!
I also enjoy the brief meditation at the end of each open class.
And of course, last but not least — I want to thank Sharon Gannon and David Life for bringing awareness to animal’s rights and Veganism, and that we as human beings should love and happily coexist with all the animals! That we should not harm them, but love them. Because we are all the same energy, we are the same soul.
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
#namaste
#govegan
p. s. It’s worth mentioning that Jivamukti JC and I both have the same birthday * February 15. I mean… how could I go to a different yoga studio?!?

At 29 weeks pregnant I finally broke down and signed up for prenatal yoga. I’ve done yoga in the past, never regularly, but enough to be able to navigate my way around a class. The prenatal class was led by a woman named Karen.
I was unfortunately 15 minutes late to class (thanks, baby brain) but the guys at the front desk were really accommodating and set up my mat, blocks, and blankets. There was only one other person in the class, so we got a lot of individual attention which was greatly appreciated.
The first part of the class was pretty typical of other yoga classes, but what I really liked was the meditation that prepared us to focus during labor. There was also a consistent focus on breathing the entire time, which I really liked. I struggled through a lot of the poses, but Karen was really sweet and never made me feel self-​conscious.
The only things I didn’t love were: The music — it was kind of hip-​hop-​ish, which in another scenario would be cool, but it wasn’t very fitting for a yoga class. Also, people were talking loudly in the lobby during the class which was distracting.
After the class I felt relaxed, but the reason why this place got four stars alone is because, for the first time in two months, I slept through the night and didn’t wake up sore the next morning. I’ll definitely be going back, and hope to check out other classes after my baby arrives.

As a long time yoga enthusiast and JC resident, I was looking to advance my practice both physically and spiritually, and Jivamukti JC was just the place to fulfill my needs.
The asana practice is wonderfully rigorous and yet they are spiritually focused, which I love. Lots of Sanskrit chanting, meditation, insightful teachings, Kirtan events and amazing workshops make this studio a real gem. Not to mention the gorgeous décor and community atmosphere. No matter how stressed I might be on a particular day, as soon as I walk through those doors, I feel uplifted and at home. [Thank you Bobby and Austin for creating such a beautiful space.] And that’s what keeps me coming back! xx

Thinking of stating a yoga practice? Think no more and join Jivamukti Yoga Center in jersey city! I started practicing here 2 months ago and enjoy every minute. Not only are the instructors excellent and knowledgable but also inspirational and uplifting. I usually take the noon time class taught by Heather, Jenna, Lisa, Karen and Casssandra. They are all great at what they do. Today, with Lisa’s help, I did a handstand, woooohoooo! Just do it you’ll be so happy you did !!!

²⁄₁₉ Update — in response to business comment below:
Thanks for your comment. I see that you are trying to state the facts, which I very much appreciate. But by turning it around on me to assume that my almost 700 Unilocal Reviews have given off way more PI information than what your studio has asked me to provide is a personal attack on me, and simply not true as you are making huge assumptions. It is my view that my real name, address, and phone number is far more important from an identity perspective than what I like or dislike and that fact that I’m having a baby. As you may find it «odd» that I would like to keep my personal info and emergency contact a «secret», I also find your passive aggressive response on Unilocal «odd». Keep in mind that you are representing a business, so stating the fact would make you look honorable, but by stating false facts about a client does not reflect well on you.
To clarify — From an IS perspective, there are ways you can improve your registration process in order to better protect your client’s PI information. I was not «annoyed» (as you put it) of your process, I was annoyed of the way I was treated by staff member — the comment around «and I work in a yoga studio» as a response to my apology of «I work in information security».

This is the best yoga studio in Jersey City, hands down. Admittedly, it is pricy, but well worth it. The instructors truly care about the practice and their students, and they are well-​versed in yoga philosophy. I mostly attend the open classes when I’m in the area, but the spiritual warrior classes are great too. I’m not a huge fan of the aerial yoga classes, but that has more to do with my views on aerial yoga generally (I think it is a gimmick).
Try it! You will love it and walk out a refreshed, inspired, and more grounded yogi (ni).

I have Been to Jivamukti a few times in JC. The classes have been good, not so much into all the chanting and veganism push but that’s their thing so know what to expect.
My one complaint was a class I took on Friday at lunchtime for an hour. I told the teacher I was pregnant and she said «do you know what to do because I don’t». What?! Maybe it was the teacher or they don’t like teaching pregnant people but it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I’ll return as the studio is great and other teachers are lovely.

I never practiced Yoga in the U.S. before Jivamukti. I was a yoga fan that has been self educated in China here and there. One time I passed by the center and was intrigued by the ad for Aerial Yoga. I have known this for a while and finally wanted to give a shot for the first time (it’s so close to my place anyway).
I started my trial and picked up right away in class. I have been a loyal Aerial student of Miss Sandhi, Tara, and Sarah etc. They are excellent instructors that all carry so much energy and fun moment around.
The owners Austin and Bob are two great people to make friends and business with. They are sincere and professional in this field.
I love the fact that the space is limited yet always seem to be full (hey but you don’t kick each other when you practice)– which is good, that means the center has grown many clients! Congratulations!
Now I’ve been there for a while. I love to let my body go and hang upside down there. My body and mind have tremendous difference before and after I enter the classroom. I feel much flexed, stretched out for useful muscles, and mentally cleansed to another level.
I can see the business grow bigger and bigger because what I see and feel about the place and people. More stars if I could give.

I’ve been to the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of yoga studios and this place is such a gem. So grateful for Austin and Bobby for bringing the Jivamukti style yoga to JC. The spiritual aspect is a great complement to the crazy hectic world we live in. I definitely suggest reading up before you go so you know what to expect in terms of chanting and meditation.
Oh yeah the actual asana practice is great too! They have classes pretty much any time of day for beginners, more advanced students, and even aerial yoga! I’ve been to a few instructors and learned from all of them. The classes tend to be smaller and they aren’t shy about going around to everyone and making adjustments so you can really get into the poses. I’ve been to a few classes here and there and I’m currently in the middle of a one month unlimited pass I know I’ll want to renew when it’s up.
Download their app and find a class that works for you! See you on the mat :)

Let me begin by saying before finding this place I had been away from yoga for 9 years. Yikes!
When I lived in California I practiced about three times a week for about 10 years. During my first pregnancy I practiced daily prenatal yoga, then boom! I had my first child and I lost touch with every part of myself that wasn’t directly connected to my child/​children. When I first searched Unilocal to find a place to practice I went with the place that had the most reviews. I was not impressed. The way I actually found this place was by coming in to ask for a donation of a yoga class to the teachers at my children’s school for teacher appreciation week. Austin graciously contributed to our school. While I was there I was struck by the wonderful feeling emanating from him as well as the space. It had been a long time since I had been in a yoga studio that had an authentic sensation of peace and strength greet me.
Only a few days later I walked back with the intention to rekindle the relationship I’d had with yoga in the past. I met bobby who shared the package options with me. I decided on and bought an unlimited month knowing I would need some time to get my strength back and open up to let my blocked energy flow again.
What a good call! There were days during the first and second week that I would have stayed home if I had not committed myself financially. I won’t skirt around it, getting back into a yoga practice brought up pain, fear and stress that had to be worked out. I had some intense realizations about how much I had sacrificed during the 9 years I spent away from yoga. Postures I used to do with ease and take for granted I could no longer do. I would find myself trembling from muscle fatigue and lack of balance. But, EACH of the instructors assisted me on finding correct alignment when I was struggling and that helped me to figure out how to get it right quickly. This is my fourth week. My shoulders, arms and core are noticeably stronger and my back, hips, and hamstrings are noticeably more flexible.
I have been to a number of yoga studios and only a few have an authentic intention to teach their students vs hold sessions. At jivamukti the intention is authentic. You will find knowledgable leaders with an obvious desire to guide you toward your best.
I mainly practice in the 9:15 open yoga class. Austin, Jordanna, and Holly have been who I have had the most exposure to. However, at the times another instructor lead the class I received the same focused attention, alignment corrections, and authentic nature as from the three I see most often. I have tried the aerial yoga class one time and really enjoyed it. By the end of class I felt like a cirque de solie performer. I prefer morning practice, but I would do it again on an afternoon I have free.
I am pleased to have found jivamukti yoga. I plan to be a mainstay for as long as I live here. I truly believe you will find what your looking for in this space.
Tiffany

Jivamukti Yoga Center is BEAUTIFUL! The spaces are clean, wide open, and smell delicious! They have classes that cater to individual needs, wether it’s Basic, Beginner, Spiritual, or Aerial Yoga. Everyone should make time in their day to come here and have some down time and rejuvenate themselves.