Bikram Yoga NYC

If there was an option for NO stars, I would do that. What an awful experience. Let me preface by saying, I am by no means a yogi, I understand basics and the many variations of yoga, and that’s about it. So I decided I wanted to try Bikram, and lucky for me (or not so as I would find out) I live down the block from this studio. Let me describe my experience:
It says arrive 30 minutes before your first class, and since my class was at 6:30 I planned to arrive at 6. Because I am always early, I arrived at 5:55 and found 2 other people waiting. Upon entering, there are shoes EVERYWHERE on the floor. I walked up to the front desk, jumping over some wet Hunters, and before I got a chance to open my mouth, the secretary said «I will start signing people in at 6.» Hmm ok, So 5:57 was too early. I took a seat. 3 other people showed up. At 6:00pm on the dot, the secretary called people to her. 3 people ran in front of me. When it was my turn, she had asked if I signed in online, where I proceeded to say that it was my first class at this studio as well as my first Bikram class. Expecting a WELCOME, she just said hmm and handed me a paper to fill out. (if she bothered to let me speak at 5:55, I could have filed this out at 5:57.) She explained a bit about the studio and suggested I stay by the door. Made sure to tell me that they sell more water if I needed more than my poland spring sized bottle.
Next I went into the locker room. TINY and DIRTY. I had to put my things in 3 different lockers before I found one that actually worked.
Next I wanted up the sweat soaked stairwell to the studio. The previous class was still exiting, and it STUNK. Now I know people sweat A LOT, but this was beyond reeking. I held my breath and stood by the door. I have to say, seeing how soaked these people coming out of the class were, I was a little intimidated. I wondered if this is even for me. As I was thinking about this, they opened the door, placed a dirty towel at the entrance and told people to come in. NO cleaning in between classes. As I approached the door, some lady said «There’s a Q «aka bitch language for a line I suppose. 2 nice girls behind her, rolled their eyes and told me to come in before them, assuring me that they didn’t know there was a line either.
As I went to set up my space by the door as suggested by the secretary, another person told me «there is someone here and here and here already. (It was only her standing) and directed me to look at the numbers saying its common sense. Guess it would be to a regular. Well excuse me. I guess the secretary forgot to tell me to look at the numbers, or how clients that come to this studio are complete assholes. That’s it, final straw. I carefully ran down the sweat soaked steps, into the sweat soaked dirty locker room, and out to the fresh air.
Sorry but this place is not for me. DIRTY, RUDE, OBNOXIOUS, SMALL AND UNFRIENDLY. Even as a born and raised New Yorker, I wasn’t going to stand for this!
Never going back and hope this place shuts down.

Hope this place shuts down
Dirty and they don’t clean it well.
Spray it down and no mopping. Saw roaches in bathroom and when I was doing poses saw baby roaches. Gross! Not coming back!

I came here on through the Classpass subscription service and tried the 75 minute Bikram Yoga Class. I find myself (sadly) judging yoga studios based on my initial impression of their reception area but I think it’s SO IMPORTANT to have a yoga studio that one feels comfortable in. This studio was incredibly inviting and comforting — it might the variety of colors in the reception area or it might be the small, cozy structure of the room. I took an 8:30pm class so the area wasn’t crowded and no one acted really rushed; it allowed me to be a good mindset for my class.
I get the impression a lot of regulars go here, but my yoga teacher was kind and attentive enough to take everyone’s name before starting. He also went out of his way to make sure the humidity was manageable by opening doors and windows when he noticed folks were struggling. Also 75 minute yoga classes are kinda awesome. It’s more tolerable than the 90 minutes classes and there are very very little modifications in the asanas.

Great instructors! I’m new to it and I love it already! The price for new students is worth the money. I may have to sign up for another month.

Ugh I wished I liked this studio more… I am a fan of Bikram but I have found the instructors here to be a tad mean and not too supportive. Besides from Summer Saunders, who is great, they have all made me feel like i was in an icky and rude enviornment. The studio itself is also quite lacking. They charge you to fill up your water bottle (wtf??), and overcharge for rental mats and towels. The bikram room is also crazy hot because of the setup of the room. Again, rude people.

I really enjoy this Bikram studio! The staff are very friendly and accommodating, and the facility is nice and clean. The hot room has a very low ceiling, so the heat and humidity can get pretty intense. Personally, I appreciate an instructor who tries to keep the humidity at a manageable level, but not all of them do this. Every instructor brings their own energy and style to their class, so there can be a bit of trial and error when trying to find an instructor you really like. But variety is nice too, and there are tons of instructors who teach at this studio!
I have to mention my very favorite instructor, Upkar! She only teaches late classes a couple days a week currently, but I would practice with her every day if I could. I’ve even trekked to the Upper East Side studio to take her class, which is no easy feat from where I live. Upkar is extremely passionate about Bikram and gives tons of individual corrections, which I really appreciate. She’s strict about using correct form, but always kind and very motivating and encouraging. Her class is life-​changing!

Let me just say that you either love Bikram yoga or you hate Bikram yoga. I fall into the second category. To me I want to sweat from the movement of the exercise– not just because it is 110 in the room. Also yoga should be about doing what feels right with the guidance of the instructor– this is so «yoga by the book» that it is stifling. Having said that I will review the studio. I checked in with class pass without an issue but the guy at the front desk was not the least bit welcoming and seemed a bit put off by the fact that I had to fill out paper work. The changing room was adequate and luckily I am savvy enough that I carry a lock. The friend that I went with warned me to bring water, which I did, but not that they CHARGE FOR REFILLS. As a medical professional I can’t even imagine what they are thinking not having free refills on water where people at are at such a high risk for dehydration. The instructor was very nice but when the guy next to me got dizzy and wanted to step out he was gently but firmly told to «sit down and wait it out». The instructor did open the sliding door a few times to let in some air for which I was grateful but really I was happiest when it was over. Getting back down the stairs to the changing room was treacherous as I was dizzy and the stairs were slippery. There was a place to sit but that was taken up by the people waiting to get into the next class and I really wanted more water which is only on the main level. I am still not sure why people are so into this style of yoga. If you are you may not mind this studio but I will stick to some of the other places in the neighborhood that are not so hot and not so rigid with their practice.

I received an announcement via email that there was free classes all day and a promo 30 $ for 30 days. (today only but you can purchase online as well for your friends, if they would be interested)
There was lots of free stuff today energy smoothie drinks and the brand butter gave out free moisturizer. I love free stuff after yoga class. (lol who doesn’t)
the studio was so nice and clean. the staff cleaned everything so beautifully. I love to see teamwork and collaboration after a yoga workout. the studio has such fresh air. I love it. the instructor Jen always opened the door and gave fresh air to the class and it helped me relax and meditate. outside of the class they left the balcony door open and it was so beautiful, the sun and air .
its important to reconnect with yourself and its real hard to do in a city like NYC but this studio made it really easy for me to do. I will definitely become a regular.
I could feel the inner calmness of voice of the instructor and it gave me so much energy and focus to stay in the posture.
the studio smelled very clean. I am very sensitive to smell I am glad that there is hardwood floor instead of carpet.
The class was not too overcrowded and the feeling and the energy in the room was fabulous. the bathrooare amazing so clean and well organized. They have the good shampoo and lavender conditioner.
the staff can also speak French which is something I really miss. I think its amazing that the staff is so international.
thank you for the yoga class and letting me give a review

instructor is extremely helpful and attentive
especially to newer students.
heat and humidity makes you sweat
even if you’re not doing anything.
no music or nice décor. bare bones.
even with dingy and smelly carpet
everyone sweats all over.
they should have a note to new students
to bring lots of water with electrolytes.
not a huge water drinker during workouts
but this class i could’ve easily drank 3 liters.

The staff and instructor are super nice but the studio is pretty bad. Small room, low ceilings and really retro headache-​inducing fluorescent lights. Also the room gets cold really fast at the end and the new floors have a chemical new car smell.

On 11÷4÷14 my friend convinced me to sign up for the $ 39 for 30 day deal & attend my very first yoga class EVER; bikram yoga. A short background on myself: I HATE heat, have asthma & heart conditions/​issues, & I dislike sweating. So with that you could fairly assume that I would’ve walked into the studio & turned right around to walk out, but I didn’t. I kept going after my very 1^st day & I finished their 30 DAY CHALLENGE, which is THIRTY classes in THIRTY days. #dedication ;p (whoo-​hoo)
Studio Lobby:
You can either take the stairs or take the elevator to the 3^rd floor. When you get upstairs you remove your shoes & place them in one of the cubbies provided. You then check in at the counter & there you can rent/​buy items; e.g. coconut water, smart water, yoga clothing, mats, towels, etc.
Locker Room:
The women’s locker room is kept pretty clean. There are a lot of lockers & definitely enough for the # of students that would be attending the class. Don’t forget to bring your own lock, even a small luggage one would do. The locker room is very narrow so can/​will get crowded when classes are coming/​going. They provide some toiletries for everyone; e.g. soap, shampoo/​conditioner, q-​tips, etc. They even supply blow dryers, brushes, etc. There are 4 showers & they are limited to 3mins.
Studio:
The studio is on the 4^th floor; you can take the elevator or the stairs. Be careful when taking the stairs as there can be a good amount of sweat, so use those handrails. There is also a little outside area where students can hang out before/​after a class (but usually after). Everyone falls in line outside the studio to wait to be let in. An employee usually comes to «turn» the room in between classes ~15mins before the next class is to begin & that is when the next class can start entering to claim their spot. The studio gets super-​crazy-​ridiculously hot, but that’s the point. The room is carpet, as bikram yoga is supposed to be so not sure why some of the other reviewers were complaining about it, but I do see the concern w/​the sweat. This is very true & you can definitely see/​feel the sweat in the carpet, but it really isn’t that bad IMO — or maybe it’s just me. I will say that they do need to vacuum a bit more as there can be a good amount of debris on the carpet. The classes fit 39 people & you can sign up through their app/​website or at the studio.
Bikram Yoga:
The class itself is rough & definitely something you need to keep working on. Though you do the same postures in each class, you realize you can always get better & go into each posture more — in my case I’m still trying to learn how to do all of them correctly or just get into them in general. I’ve met people who have said they’ve been doing yoga for over 40 years & they still need to take breaks in class. I applaud them & hope to keep it up myself. Also the instructors always remind you to only look at yourself, so there is no competition here, you are only there to better yourself.
Instructors:
Here are the list of instructors I’ve taken in the last 32 consecutive days, the # of times I had them, & the order I had them =
Patrick O’Keefe (1x)
Omri Kleinbeger (5x)
Melissa Ritz (8x)
Eddie Marco (3x)
Justine Gartner (3x)
Patrick Lynch (1x)
Yvette Velasquez (2x)
Maayan Yefet (2x)
Luke Strandquist (1x)
Natalia Maldonado (1x)
Charly Seamon (2x)
Lesly Klose (1x)
Summer Saunders (1X)
Emily Faurholt (1x)
They all have their own ways of teaching, but the foundation is all the same. Some instructors like the class more humid, some w/​more heat, & some w/​a good balance of both. Also some instructors teach more «military» style & others are a bit more laid back. But something that goes across the board w/​ALL of them is that they are all INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE. Like seriously, so supportive of you, your needs, your practice, & everything in between. They are such positive beings & as I continue to practice I am trying to get it to rub off on me. As you continue to go you’ll begin to have your favorite instructors, I know I have mine. I just don’t feel it is fair to post mine as everyone is different & you should come & try a few classes out for yourself to see what fits.
After finishing the challenge not only has my physical health improved but so has my mental health. I am much more patient, kind, & encouraging to the people around me. Also I’ve learned how to «brush off» a lot of the things that would normally get to me. There were/​are some days where my cardiac/​asthma issues are getting the best of me, but I still attend class. When people doubt my decision I explain to them how I would not go if the instructors weren’t as encouraging/​supportive as they are, or if it were a competition with the other students. I go at my own pace, and the instructors respect/​support/​encourage that. When in the room I feel detached from my life & any other stresses; I am there to just focus on myself for 90mins — & that alone feels refreshing.

The first thing that struck me was how small the room was in relation to how many people were there. I usually go to another Bikram studio where there’s a bit more room to spread out, whereas here, I had to be careful about extending my arms so I wouldn’t get in the way of the people standing next to me. The mat I rented was kind of falling apart, and the room smelled a bit musty. The thing that probably bothered me the most was how you had to go up another floor to enter the studio. I understand spaces are small in the city, but as it gets cooler in the autumn, the last thing I really want to do is run up or down a cold stairwell in my skimpy yoga clothes.
These are all pretty superficial criticisms, and at the end of the day, it’s the class that really matters. The teacher, Maja, was really pleasant and helpful, and even though it was my first class with her, you could tell that she developed a rapport with her regulars. She was encouraging to everyone, and would sit with the students who were struggling and help them with adjustments or just talking them through their roadblocks.
I still definitely prefer my regular Bikram studio, but I wouldn’t be completely opposed to coming here as a back-​up if my schedule doesn’t allow me to go to my usual place.

I’m undecided whether bikram yoga is for me or not.
So the instructor here was great. She walked around and seemed to be very aware of which students needed a little extra help or to take a break, and I also saw her pass out emergen-​c packets to some of the students. I was sweating more than I have in a long time and at the end of the class I felt very refreshed and detoxified.
What I don’t like about the studio is that it doesn’t feel very clean. Other people have mentioned it but the floor of the studio is this fabric-​material which just does not feel that sanitary. It also is kind of scary feeling pressured to stay in the room even when you feel lightheaded. I understand that the instructor is probably trying to push us to our limits and in the end I did feel great, but it does make me wonder if any of the older clientele have ever had problems (but I actually needed to rest/​sit down more than them so they probably don’t need my concern haha) Also, the front desk staff is not very friendly.
I would recommend bringing more than one towel, more than one regular-​sized bottle of poland spring (I definitely felt like I had to ration my water during the class), and a lock.
May try the other studios, or use this as a backup when the other class slots on classpass have all been filled.

I love, love, love Bikram Yoga NYC! It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I feel amazing afterwards! Also, it’s gotten me into the best shape of my life! My favorite studio is actually the studio at 48^th and 8^th avenue because there is a cooler side of the room which they refer to as «Canada». I am partial to that side, being Canadian. The other, hotter side, is referred to as Dubai. It is a great crowd and I love the atmosphere but it takes an extra 20 minutes to get there, so unless I have the extra time, I usually go to the studio on West 72^nd street. Apparently, it’s the hottest studio in the city and I really don’t think they’re lying! It is so, so hot! But I am already investing 90 minutes of my time for the class so I have been going here lately. I do love the teachers especially Kathryn Leary who quotes inspirational authors at the end of the class. Bikram yoga is very difficult but it has changed my life. It has made me more flexible, I sleep better and I feel more energetic. Also, being an actor, it has helped me in auditions. I now feel a lot calmer and don’t get so nervous. So not only are there physical benefits, but there are emotional and mental benefits as well. I will admit it’s not for everybody because of the heat, but if you’re curious, you should definitely give it a try! I am totally addicted!

What an amazing new experience… Bikram yoga is a hot yoga practice (above 100 °F, or above 40C). It was both challenging and rewording– a workout of 90 min without all the meditation BC. Even tough I felt that I’m going to collapse only after 30 min (I was in the hottest spot– just my luck) somehow I powered through it! I it, and I will highly recommend it to anyone who likes to feel his/​her body work hard (if you do decide to try it out– grab a spot by the door or the window).

So if you haven’t been back to their studio in 6 months, you can be considered a new student. So VOILA! I am now back at this studio and will visit the 3 other locations!
30 days for $ 30, that is a pretty sweet deal! Totally awesome!

Very welcoming to newcomers! The girls at the front desk were very helpful. I’d recommend this place for all levels. The class itself was helpful and the teacher was calling me by name throughout, which I don’t mind!
Refilled by huge water bottle for $ 1 which is nice. Small locker rooms which can be a little uncomfortable while maneuvering around the room.
The smell outside of the studio is repulsive! I’ve been 2 times before this at 2 different places that didnt smell like this.
I bought a voucher on amazon local for 8 classes. Great deal.
During the class I thought id never return bc I was pretty sure I was going to die. Ill be back soon!
Update: not sure the smell can makeup for anything!

I agree with many of the positive comments here but I was in class yesterday and the amount of perspiration that was flinging off my neighbor was beyond!
Not to mention landing on the people next to him. gross.
I think they need a special towel policy for men– I mean this guy was standing in an actual puddle of his own sweat. No grace there– not to mention making his mat slippery.
The odor that is in that room is overpowering even before class starts– I have to use an old coroners trick of the Vicks Vapor rub-​under my nose just to walk in the room.
How often do they steam clean that fabric covered floor? (eeew). After witnessing my neighbor– I wonder.
Great location– great staff-​but…

I used my 1 week intro pass ($ 27) and I went to this location for my 2^nd class (I went to the UES for my first class). It was an AWFUL experience. The reception area is tiny and anyone who is waitlisted for a class hangs around that area so you will have to push through to get to the locker room. The locker room is tiny and the lockers barely fit my gym bag. There is one individual bathroom that is in the main area (not the locker room) and it was dirty.
The class itself was pretty good but after I exited the class I got chased down by a guy guy who attended the class (maybe he worked there but he wasn’t the instructor) and he shouted at me in front of everyone that I didn’t hang up my mat and that I was a bad particpant in the yoga experience. Granted, I was wrong for not hanging my mat but this was my second class and I had NO idea we hang our mats up (I put it in the laundry bin). It is important for the employees and instructors to realize that not everyone comes often and won’t know the rules yet!
Overall, it just wasn’t a very relaxing experience. Yes, the class was decent (but crowded) but I want to feel good before and after the class. I’m not interested in punching someone in the face just to exit the locker room.
Also, I feel that mats and towels should be included during the intro week. $ 27 for the week is cheaper than the $ 25 per class regular class but that’s just relative. It’s still very expensive.

Great for a night of bikram — here’s why:
INSTRUCTORS: Some have a very disciplined personality, and others are too much… commenting on students by name. Maybe some people find that welcoming, but I like to work out in peace. They are all extremely knowledgeable, too.
CLASS: After your first visit, you get an online log-​in and can register for classes ahead of time, which is great! It is your typical bikram: 90 minutes of hot yoga with the standard routine. I enjoyed many classes there. What I didn’t enjoy was how students were PACKED LIKE SARDINES and behaved like Yisa F said: pushy pushy even though they are late. I think too many students are allowed in at once.
BUILDING: You walk up to the third floor to the waiting area to get water/​towels/​sign-​in. You have to pay for water and towels that ought to be included in the $ 25 fee if you ask me. Pay at the front desk and go! The room stinks of sweat, and the carpet is wet from it, which is pretty nasty. I don’t know how they would avoid that, though. The locker room is very clean, just small.
COST: This place is overpriced, as are all bikram spots I’ve found in the city. At $ 25 for 90 minutes, it is difficult to enjoy.
TIP: Once in a while there is a living social deal for about $ 35 for a month’s trial… try to do that if you can!