Surya Yoga Academy

I am visiting Surya Yoga exclusively for prenatal/​postnatal yoga classes and it has been great so far. I tried few prenatal classes in the area prior to coming to Surya Yoga and I was quite annoyed with other places. I was just about to give up on the idea of mama yoga, but my friend recommended me Surya Yoga Prenatal Classes. After the moment I found them I haven’t missed a class because it is so good!
Instructors May Lane & Sarah Marsh are extremely knowledgeable/​professional and they know exactly how to treat pregnant women’s body. They are very attentive and prior to each class they would make sure they know each student’s pains/​aches and would adjust exercises to help to release these tensions. Also, they both are mothers themselves and can always give you an advice on any baby/​mama topic.
It is sad that Surya Yoga studio doesn’t promote prenatal class enough so mama’s as myself can’t easily find them. The only regret I have is that I haven’t found them earlier in my pregnancy and wasted money and time on places which were nowhere near as good as Surya’s (May & Sarah) classes.

I’m not experienced when it comes to Yoga, I’ve only ever taken a class here and there. This was my first time visiting Surya Yoga, and my first experience with Hot Yoga. I take kickboxing classes 4 to 5 mornings a week, and after taking a single class of Hot Yoga — I’m totally hooked! I think this will be a great addition to my existing workout. I felt that the Level 1 class was challenging, but doable, and I felt amazing the next morning. The instructor was very informative, and guided the class step by step. I’ll be returning for sure.

updated on 5÷24÷16 oneika mays, lauren mcmillin, christina noce, kira simone are also great instructors.
the only downside is the lack of communication from studio management. i’ve been trying to get credit for a class that was interrupted by a fire drill but haven’t had any luck getting through to studio management via e-​mail. they don’t answer phones either. anyway, not a big issue enough to stop me from continuing to sign up for classes but i am concerned that this might happen again.
i’ve been feeling pretty down and low in confidence lately for no particular reason other than just being stuck in my own anxious head which was filled with doubts and concerns about everything without a basis. after reading amy cuddy’s book «presence» which talks about the mind-​body connection and how «your body shapes your mind. your mind shapes your behavior. and your behavior shapes your future» and cuddy’s own positive experiences with yoga, i decided to check out surya. after speaking with a friendly person in the front, i signed up for the 30 day unlimited class pass. i started my first one this past saturday under angela rauscher’s guidance and it was really really good. angela has a very spiritual approach, starting each class by sharing an encouraging story or her own observation from a recent event, setting the tone for the following hour, then concludes with that same message. she is very hands on, uses her own body to demonstrate the poses all the while talking us through it, making her a true professional and a highly qualified yogi and a yoga instructor. she is also personable, as she takes the time to introduce herself and chat with new faces; i was surprised that she remembered my name from our brief introduction on saturday. the space is also very nice and clean. i’m very much looking forward to growing through my 30 day commitment at surya, and will likely continue my practice when the 30 days are over.

I’ve been to Surya Yoga once and enjoyed it. My recent experience is due to a lack of responsiveness from JC Surya Yoga. I had signed up for Oneika’s Sunday class and was ready to leave to go, but my husband got stuck behind a car accident and wasn’t able to get home on time for me to leave. I have a 10 month old and obviously can’t leave her alone. I had to cancel just a little before the class because of this. I completely understand cancellation policies so I wasn’t looking for special treatment at all, but I emailed them 2 times explaining the situation and seeing if i could use my credit to another class within a day or two. Being in hospitality i don’t think that was an unreasonable request nor do I think it would have put a strain on them. My issue is that nobody responded to my emails at all. It’s just very disappointing, not an awesome guest experience.

I attended my first class at Surya last night (hot power vinyasa). The space is beautiful and well appointed. The host was friendly and inviting, taking time to point me around since it was my first time in. The teacher was great (Michelle) and offered hands on adjustments, she also circulated around the room and encouraged fun and play during a tough class. Best if all, the other yogis had amazing energy and were very friendly. I will definitely go back.
Tip: they have an excellent new members social special

I’ve been coming consistently for 8 months now, and things have changed. They’ve worked out the kinks from my previous review — classes start on time, there are more class offerings, although admittedly I do now go. I go to Monday evening bikram inspired hatha class with Oneika Mays and it’s always good, and starts on time. My only complaint is that I wish the culture was such that people would respect the space and keep it silent in the practice room.

made all the way to the studio and get locked out at the door when i arrived right on time for a class i enrolled online. Don’t bother unless you can arrive early.

I just began seriously practicing yoga this March, and I have all of the Yogis at Surya to thank for that. I had previously been to yoga studios where the aim was to burn as many calories as possible and/​or show off that your an inversion master just before hurting yourself. Surya Yoga is not like this at all.
What to expect from practicing at Surya:
–Thoughtful intro and outro. Most of the instructors begin and end with a short thought to take with you during your practice and when you leave. The messages are short and sweet, but really help you set an intention and find your focus before and after class.
–An immaculate studio. It’s spotless.
–A serious workout. You will sweat your buns off literally. Gagan’s leg/​butt push ups will make sure of that. They occasionally challenge members to do 18 classes in 30 days, which I highly recommend. You will get super fit and toned, not to mention a free t-​shirt and a class pass if you succeed.
–Meaningful suggestions as to how to improve your form. Moving from downward dog into plank seemed simple, but it wasn’t until I went to Surya that I realized just how complex this move and every move actually is. Jessica and Amanda are amazing at providing helpful feedback on your form. Your practice will improve ten fold, and you’ll avoid injury because of this.
–A variety of flows and sequences. All of the instructors have their own styles and flows. It never gets boring. Never. If you want to start your weekend off right, I recommend attending Lauren’s friday evening class for an energy boost.
I recently moved from the neighborhood and am struggling to find another studio that is anything like Surya. If you’re at all lucky enough to attend this practice, please do. You will thank yourself.

Took Restorative on Sunday a few weeks ago and can’t wait to try it again — it was really incredible.

I almost didn’t write this review, let me start off by saying I take Oneikas Monday, Weds, and Sunday class (Bikram inspired) and I love it, the 5 stars are for her. if you want to feel relaxed, get a good workout and completely unwind go to her class. Originally I purchased the groupon and because i couldn’t wait for Sundays class (too anxious) I decided to take Amanda’s class (power vinyasa flow) I didn’t enjoy her class AT ALL. I’m not sure if it was her attitude or her sarcasm. She gave me an attitude during the beginning of the class but im not even going to get into that.
Throughout the class when she directed us through poses she would stop and demonstrate what she really meant for us to do and would say «I don’t want to see any of that other nonsense.» LOL my other experiences taking vinyasa classes were not like this at all. She would come around and help align us in poses except she literally would pull my body with a force it was kind of ridiculous I felt frustrated in the class rather than at peace. When I take Oneikas class she stresses that we should not overwork our bodies, and that we should all work at our own pace, i didn’t feel this way in this vinyasa class. I had to laugh the situation off. She also made sure to tell us that «this is not a bikram class» when we were trying to get certain poses down. I forgot to get a block in the beginning of class and when it was time for us to use them she said where is your block? When I said I forgot to get one she said, Well… go get one. like I said I’m not sure if it was her sarcasm or her attitude but I will never take her class again. I love going to surya and I’m most definitely going to sign up for a membership, I’m just upset I even wasted my last groupon on her class lol. To each its own, i guess it true what they say If you don’t love Vinyasa after your class, try other teachers.

After practicing yoga for 10 years, at this point, I’ve visited many yoga studios in my travels and I can honestly say SURYA offers the best experience possible for serious yogis. The thing that makes Surya so amazing is that your hour of practice will never be boring. I’ve visited several Baptiste Studios and other Vinyasa studios around the country where instructors will not deviate from the monotonous warm up of sun salutations followed by some warrior poses and ending with some back bends. It gets so boring and you plateau as a yogi.
At Surya the instructors are all SO different in the best way possible. The instructors are styles are so diverse and I honestly can say you never know what kind of creative sequence you will do.
You can tell Jason puts SO much effort into developing his curriculum — building sequences that work up to specific postures and doing so in a way that is anatomically divine.
Susan’s jivamukti classes are so inspiring and Steven’s flows offer amazing challenges for yogis who are ready to push the envelope. Both Steven and Susan also have the best playlists; Radiohead and Bruce Springsteen? What an added bonus to flow to!
Rashila offers a pathway into Dharma yoga and Anayra and Julia’s classes will help build arm and core strength in fun and acrobatic ways. Erica’s classes are so beautiful and get me in such a zen state of mind.
I also love that they offer Bikram so I don’t have to join two studios to get my Bikram practice in.
The ONE thing that may bug people is the heat can be inconsistent. I LOVE/​NEED heat and humidity so I’m happiest when it is pumping.
Seriously, this studio is my second home and I don’t know what I would do without all three locations.
Ghagan and his wife are tremendous assets to the JC/​Hoboken yoga community.

I took the Thursday 8:15pm Hot Vinyasa Flow class with Amanda and loved it.
The smaller room comfortably fit the 10 people that attended but the instructor alluded that it can be very full and could probably (uncomfortably) fit 20 people.
Amenities:
–Lockers with a key, so you don’t need to bring a lock
–1 free towel
–Bathrooms, but no showers
–Mats and extra towels available for rent
–Water bottles available to purchase as well
Beautiful space and loved the Vinyasa style of the class. Bikram yoga tends to be very standard with the same series of 26 postures, and two breathing exercises. What I liked was the Vinyasa practice in a hot yoga space. This was definitely more along the lines of what I enjoy in my practice.
Amanda was a great instructor: encouraging, fixing people’s form when needed, and knowledgeable.
Only downside is the lack of showers, which means I have to come after work and go straight home, but it worth it to find a great hot yoga gym near my apartment. I’ll definitely be coming back.

So I have been going to this yoga for a few weeks now.
Location: The location is convenient since I stay next to ShopRite in newport. Good for people walking because there is not much parking outside. I only went to evening classes
Instructor: Out of all the classes, I really like Oniekas class because you can see she really wants to push the students to their capabilities. Jasons class is great as well. The least fave class is Jessicas evening classes.
Studio: Its very small compared to the bikram yoga I have been to in NYC. But they have mirrors and blocks. Locker space is little crammed and only 2 bathrooms available in the studio. They give free towels but this one time I had some orange-​ish spots on my towel. Disgusting. I realized it in the middle of my practice and I didn’t want it to distract me in the middle of the session
Students: Since the space is so small, everyone is very close to each other. I wish they had a sign up limit and not take numerous students for one class. One time, there was a guy next to me sweating like crazy and his sweat from dripping on my mat. That was beyond gross and I wish the studio had some rules for this.
Recommendations:
1) The receptionist should be friendly and welcoming. Chit chats can go one after class and not when people are coming in and trying to sign up at the desk,
2) Have sign up limits
3) Not open doors in the middle of the class. Changes the temperature and causes distractions.
4) Clean the floors outside the studio and inside because there is sweat and hair everywhere
Overall: Had it not been for some classes, I would have no visited here more than a couple of times.

Just awful billing practices. Don’t even bother. Also, the classrooms are small and they pack students in. You can’t even raise your arms without knocking into your neighbor. Inconvenient class times too.

This place is great. I used to go a lot until I moved. Everyone super nice (Alex at the front desk is a doll). I always went to Jess and Steven (he has a great class Saturday morn.) Jess was my all time favorite yoga instructor ever I practically seen her everyday — there is nobody like her.
The place is pristine — down the the rocks in the sink (nice touch). If you haven’t tried Suyra you are missing out. It’s a great experience, a great workout and you sweat!
Good luck!

Surya Yoga Academy is a great yoga studio. I originally bought their groupon deal for 10 classes because I wanted to start up hot yoga again. I finished that groupon and just bought the 20 pack of classes. The studio is very clean and each instructor so far has their own unique style, which I love. I usually go to Jason’s morning classes on Tues and Thurs at 930am and Oneika’s 10 30am class on Sundays. Both instructors are amazing and I would highly recommend their classes. I’ve already seem dramatic improvements in my flexibility and a shrunken belly/​waistline. Those abs are finally popping back out. This is definitely now a big part of my weekly workout routine.

Took my first class here on Sunday for free with a teacher in training. I thought this would be a great opportunity to check out the studio, and I was right!
First of all, it took me a little while to find parking on Grove Street. If you are within walking distance of Surya, it’s probably a great choice for you! But I could not imagine driving here on a regular basis. Second of all, I could not find the entrance because it’s not clearly marked. I had to go into Orale next door and ask the host if he knew where a yoga studio was located. Luckily, he was very helpful and walked me out to the entrance (thanks, Orale host guy!).
When I arrived at the front desk, the woman there asked me my name. I had to ask which studio I would need to enter and where I could put my things. I was surprised they didn’t ask me to sign a waiver, given that I was a new student. Insurance liability much?
The studios at Surya are TINY, and 15 students in a room felt very crowded. I am used to going to studios with a lot more space. I don’t know if I could return here just for that fact. I like to play around in my yoga practice and push myself, and I don’t want to feel like I’m going to fall into my neighbor if I lose balance.
The positives are that the space is BRIGHT and inviting. Lots of light. If you like mirrors in your yoga practice, one of the studios has a mirrored wall. I didn’t see many props available besides blocks, but maybe they were hidden somewhere.
I would be interested to take a hot class here, but overall I was not too impressed with the studio. Too claustrophobic for my taste!

I have been an avid Bikram Yoga practitioner for four years and decided recently that I will try a different yoga practice. Surya Yoga is just half a block from the grove street path station and is located on the second floor. The studio is small but intimate and clean. There is one hot room and one regular room. The «locker room» is small and out in the open so you will have to change in the bathroom. there are two bathrooms, one of which has a shower. The hot Bikram yoga inspired class had three people and the instructor was very good. There was a slight variation but otherwise It was all the postures of the regular Bikram yoga. They have a two week new comer special for $ 40.

I took my very first hot vinyasa flow level 1 class on a Sunday at 12:15pm with Daba Briggs and I was immediately sold! It’s a beginner level 1 class so if you’ve never done hot yoga before you should defnitely start with a level 1. Daba was amazing! The poses were doable and challenging at the same time. At times I was off balance, but she is patient and understanding and feels out your limitations. When she knows you can do a pose she helps you adjust. I felt very relaxed after the class, and the next day my back felt wonderfully sore! I had obviously worked some muscles that had never been worked before.
The class doesn’t get too big so there is some individual attention there which I appreciate. I actually won a 10 pack class off a tricky tray, but after I extinguish that I will continue to go. Once you go hot yoga with Daba you’ll never go back. I know eventually I will have to move to another level.

I was very excited for this studio to open and signed up for a first month of unlimited classes. I tried several classes and teachers and some were definitely more suited for my style and level than others. After the first month I bought a package of classes and have mostly stuck to the Sunday morning class with Steven Cheng. Steven is an amazing teacher and I’ve taken his classes in multiple places around JC and NYC. His heated class on Sunday a morning is fabulous and I have no complaints about anything he does. He is always on time, friendly, helpful, energetic, thoughtful and dedicated to teaching the best class he can every time.
I did find some of the other classes to be lacking, and more suited to a beginner level, which isn’t well laid out in the class descriptions. I also would like to see more classes in the early morning and more advanced classes or special focus classes. The space is great, everything is clean and filled with light. There were a few kinks in the beginning but all seems to be worked out now.