Joschi

I took my 200 hr training here. Would whole-​heartedly recommend to anybody. They are well-​rounded in their approach, with equal attention to yoga philosophy and sound medical science. After finishing this program, I know more about the body than many of my personal trainer coworkers at my gym. I benefited tremendously from this program, and so do my students every day.

Very clean and elegant studio. I like the pace of classes and the cadence of instruction here. Be sure to bring your own mat and water bottle.

It was an interesting experience! Instructor was very nice i like how she memorized our names and corrected our poses. Music in other hand a bit loud which I find it to be not relaxing at all. My friend rented a mat and said it was so smelly. I would def. recommend to bring your own mat, towel and water. Overall, not bad but would not go there again.

This is really a great and unique yoga studio. And I know because I yoga studio hopped when I first started yoga. I did my first two months here I recall.
The thing that differentiates this place for me from the others is that it is more of a hybrid between yoga and dance even though they do vinyasa flow so it makes for a very fun class. I prefer the spiritual/​meditative-​style yoga now, but for anyone with a dance background who wants to get into yoga, you might really like it here because sometimes I recall detecting almost dance choreography in the routines. I found the beginner classes when I was starting out really friendly in easing you into yoga. I still remember being amazed by that first «high» when we were in corpse pose at the end of my first class thinking «omg» because it felt so amazing. Because yoga at gyms is a joke (even at places at Equinox) and yoga at free «hip» places like Yoga for the People just sucks (with everyone packed in like sardines with not enough room to get into asanas) and yoga at all the small hole in the wall businesses of which there are a plethora now it seems in Manhattan are just mediocre (though I’m beginning to think their patrons don’t know any better cause they haven’t yoga studio hopped).
I recall I left though because I was looking for a more spiritual/​meditative yoga studio (and I go to one that is far extreme on that end now with reflection and chanting), but for those who want great yoga without that bit and I appreciate that some actually do, then I would highly recommend this place.
Joschi also teaches pilates classes and the combination of yoga and pilates will get you in freakishly toned shape if you are looking for a place that does all in one, but actually not a look I am going for personally. I like looking fit and healthy, but not outrageously toned though pilates will get you there if that is what you are seeking. Joschi has a medical degree and use to be a dancer and his background comes through in his yoga and pilates classes. Inevitably, his classes are the most popular, but the other instructors are also great and they take the yoga teacher certification seriously here and offer yoga retreats.
I would suggest people bring their own mat. The ones here are too thin for my tastes and I did not like the communal sharing bit. But all in all, I found this place a good introduction to the world of yoga back when I started and am grateful to this studio for having shared it with me which is what it is all about. :)

I have not yet completed my 200-​hour Yoga Teacher Training at Joschi and I already wish I could extend it for 4 more weeks. This program is fantastic and I never want it to end! Joschi, Monika and the other teacher trainers are extremely knowledgeable; they really know what they’re doing. Each is fun and brings a unique perspective, so our curriculum is well-​rounded. I have so much respect for them and always feels I am in good hands here. We concentrate a lot on human anatomy, which is so important and so many yoga instructors do not know enough about. I have never enjoyed learning so much. The classes at Joschi outside of the training are also fantastic. I feel so lucky to have discovered this place, and will recommend it to everyone. I will certainly continue to take classes here and sign up for future trainings at Joschi.

Probably never would have noticed this wonderful studio’s clandestine perch (atop the diner in my neighborhood) if I hadn’t hunted it down on Unilocal last year (looking for a pilates studio in zip 10 001 with a high rating/​good reviews).
Anyway, I really love the Pilates classes here! Great instructors, avid followers and a challenging (or at least «engaging», depending on your fitness level,) repertoire. Studio is very clean and polished looking. Only problem is there are sometimes very few public classes (and often, in my case, not at convenient times of day. Although I have taken many, many classes, I actually let some of my package expire because of my busy work schedule; I could not get there at the times when the class I wanted was offered and it was only offered sparingly).
NOTE: this review is based solely on the PILATES classes (which are FANTASTIC!), I have not taken yoga here yet…

Taking a teacher training has been a personal goal of mine for quite some time. Joschi’s studio covers vinyasa flow and I felt this would suit my personality and what I look to attain from yoga.
My favorite thing about this studio is that it addresses yogi values in the 21^st century in New York. I take yoga for a number of reasons of health and balance and find that their realistic approach invites me into developing my practice further, without losing the realities I am tied to via career and environment. I do not feel forced into an extreme way of living, but feel far more welcomed to grow.
As teacher trainees we are encouraged to teach throughout the course, Monika emphasizes safety and for each trainee to become an effective communicator. It is not just what the lessons are, but how to teach them and have your students understand you. As I have questions, I know I can ask during the teacher training class and get the answers I need.
Joschi’s anatomy lessons apply this complex subject in an attainable set of lessons. As in most forms of education, you have to review what you learn, anatomy is not easy and is well worth reviewing considering how direct he has crafted his teachings. Again emphasis on safety, is communicated in the anatomy lessons.
They are both German and do well to connect with the students, while providing comfort to other foreigners. My teacher training has an equal split of Americans and foreigners. The support and encouragement is good and I think knowing that you can approach your teachers here is something you cannot forget.
As with most things in life, if you have questions, want further details, or want to improve on something outside of the foundation of the teacher training, ASK! I certainly take advantage of learning from these individuals and recommend all to do the same.

It’s not really my idea of yoga or a yoga teacher. I know Joschi steers away from the mindful and spiritual aspects of hatha yoga because he says he doesn’t want to be dogmatic, but it lacks something special to me. It seems more like a Bikram class or an exercise class using yoga poses as a way to work out. If you really want a yoga experience that transforms and challenges the body, mind, and spirit, there some other great studios in NYC that offer a full experience. If you have something against chanting or the classical roots of yoga, you can still go to OM or Kula and get some mind/​body connection and if you have an open mind and like really creative and inspired classes go check out Laughing Lotus.

I attended Joschi yoga teacher training intensive course. It was not enjoyable in the least bit. Joschi teaches very rigidly as if he is teaching a dance class. He is not a pleasant man to learn from. Yoga should be enjoyable and relaxing the mind. I can also say he has an extreme attitude as well. I was not thrilled learning there and can also say for other students I spoke with in the class they were not thrilled as well. It was a drag for quite a few students to wake up and go to the classes but because we paid the money we went.
The spiritual part too was taken away. This intensive trainnig course was not enlightening in the least bit or enjoyable. He turned yoga into turbo yoga. Completely not how yoga should be tought.

I’ve been attending Joschi’s pilates classes for over 2 years and wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
His deep knowledge of anatomy and inventive pilates exercises, combined with his endearing, eccentric, laid back personality keeps all his classes lively and engaging. My body is markedly more limber, tighter and sculpted than it’s ever been from going 2−3x a week.
The recently redesigned studio is even more hip & beautiful than before, so serene & private. Joschi goes out of his way to get to know everyone in his classes, creating a friendly, family-​like vibe. I look forward to his classes all week, I feel completely refreshed & fantastic.
Highly, highly recommend!

I’ve studio-​hopped for over 5 years in NYC and finally found the right fit– beautiful space, creativity of the flow, actual knowledge of the human body, and the best workout (my newly chiseled obliques thank you!)
You feel at home at Joschi’s the moment you walk in. The teachers are each unique and genuinely care about strengthening your practice. Lots of creative people frequent the studio and you immediately understand why they are drawn here. You always leave feeling better than you did walking in.
The owners of this studio are gracious and have created a strong sense of community. Everyone seems to show a mutual respect for others and those with lack of self-​awereness (e.g. cell phone users) are not ignored for the sake of a dollar.
I’m happy to finally have a place I can enthusiastically recommend to everyone!

I’d give Joschi 7 stars if I could.
Being new to pilates, I was a little nervous taking my first class, but Joschi does a great job demonstrating and explaining the different poses and exercises. Now 3 months in, the classes continue to be fresh and interesting. I’ve taken classes at a couple other studios, and none compare.
Like other reviewers have noted, Joschi has a wickedly entertaining sense of humor as well as deep knowledge of human anatomy. As the class does an exercise, he’ll explain which muscles and ligaments we’re strengthening and what those muscles are used for — very interesting stuff.
Yes, the elevator is a little grungy, but I think it adds charm. And once you make it to the beautiful fifth-​floor studio and say hi to Monika at the front desk, you’ll forget all about the elevator.

I came to Joschi’s after reading the other Unilocal reviews.
I injured my wrists and have not been able to practice Yoga for several months now. So I came to try the 360 Pilates class. Having never taken Pilates before, I was a little nervous, but after getting in the yucky elevator in the class C building I emerged on the 5^th floor into the beautiful studio.
Joschi gave me tips to stay off my wrists and reassured me I could do the class. It was great and I felt a empowered afterward.
I am a fan and will keep coming back! Good music, nice people (Monika is great too) and a real workout. Joschi is tough — but he’s a sweetheart too — it’s the right mixture that gets the job done :)

It’s great to go to a studio where everyone knows each other and is friendly to newcomers at the same time. A fantastic atmosphere in which to relax and do yoga.
Two studios, one large one more intimate, plus cubbies and changing rooms. Classes are under $ 20, mat and towel rentals are about $ 1 each and I believe there is water for sale as well.

I’ve been attending Joschi Body Bodega since he began his men’s class in January, 2009. Joschi, and his studio are stellar. He really «gets» yoga. Like all of my experiences here in New York, I find myself comparing them to my spoiled lifestyle in Los Angeles. In terms of yoga, that was Joseph and Adam at the Hollywood YMCA (vintage 1920s Hollywood for $ 48 per month). But Joschi delivers… in a lovingly abusive kind of way. (And don’t get me wrong… I don’t condone abuse… in any manner, other than consensual… and this is it.)
The studio is classically New York, and with style… ebony floors, great lighting, adequate facilities, all presented in a manner that is refreshingly modern with a nod to the vintage nature of the building. (Just ignore the elevator up to the studio that looks and smells like something out of Perry Mason in 1964.)
The classes cater to everyone from beginner to advanced. And when Joschi leads the advanced, it’s like manna from heaven.

Just read the other postings and I heartily agree with all of them!
I came to Joschi’s Pilate’s’ class a little over a month ago. He takes Pilates to a whole other level. (Hence the name 360 degrees.) Many studios do a good job with core work. With Joschi I feel my entire body is so much stronger. And that’s with only two classes a week!
Also-​No snooty attitude here. It kinda feels like a fun clubhouse.

I can speak about this studio both as a teacher trainee and a devout yogi!
1.) The Teacher Training–
So good. So very very good. It’s one of the most affordable in the city, one of the most challenging, and one of the most supportive. The most important fact though, they WILL prepare you to teach. They help you find your own creative voice and spirit without filling you with dogma and preachy ‘ttudes. I could go on and on, but I fear that if I do, I might begin to sound like a crazy cult member.
2.) The Yoga–
Top par. Joschi is an amazing instructor who really has devoted his life to teaching and making students feel amazing about themselves and their bodies
Sarah– She’s an all around yogi rockstar, and so very personable. She makes you feel like she’s your friend… your cirque du soliel like flexible friend who makes you sweat… which is oddly normal for me.
Shaun– Teaches a powerful and zen like class
Donnalynn– Spa treatment! Hello! Very holistic and grounded, yet the class moves like a vinyasa class should.
Oh, and the overseer of all that is Body Bodega, Monika, is one of the coolest people you will ever meet, and if you tell her your name once, she will remember it (it’s almost insane, her memory). She’s also an awesomely good source if you are trying to decide what class to take.

I’m actually taking the 200-​hour Yoga Teacher Training certification here.
Yoga studios vary widely in ‘ambience’, from incense burning mini-​ashrams at one extreme to impersonal fluorescent-​lit gyms at the other. Joschi, a small, secluded 5^th floor studio, falls comfortably in the middle.
What I like is its low key intimacy — just one simple, tastefully decorated room with a painted black, hardwood floor, a handful of carefully chosen teachers varying widely in their teaching styles and personalities, and two offerings in a couple of levels — Vinyasa Yoga and Pilates Mat. There’s a special Tuesday and Sunday class just for men (well, this IS Chelsea!)
It’s run by Monika and Joschi, hailing originally from Germany who have dancing and medical backgrounds, so you could say their style is less about philosophy, deities and chakra-​awakenings and more about movement and attention to how poses benefit the body anatomically. The classes are dynamic, music is uplifting.
Sarah Coleman’s classes are methodical, deliberate, and are especially good for beginners and the nervous novice, which is her specialty.
Joschi’s classes are flowing and dancerlike, plus he has a wicked Germanic-​American sense of humor. He teaches an excellent Pilates Mat class and being a huge anatomy fan, explains how poses benefit your erector spinae (go google it) and how your pectoralis major and minor benefits from «50 down dogs before putting on that little black dress with the spaghetti straps». Being pretty flat chested, I assure you it really works!
DonnaLynn generously treats her class to readings, oils and aromatherapy beginning and end of class. Like a visit to a mini spa!
Shaun Granato, with a martial arts background, is super laid back, but just watch him practically levitate like the mythical yogis, yet he never makes you feel inadequate for just doing what you can. He’s been known to offer ‘Bob Marley yoga’ — that is, movement to reggae.
Angel’s class is very nurturing and she got me into one amazing position I have not been able to repeat at home. I’ll just have to go back.
Martha’s class is no-​nonsense yet exhilarating and leaves you with a feeling you can do anything. Did I leave anyone out? All in all, great variety in one place.
If you like a feeling of being transported to an ashram in India, with a lot of Ganesh imagery and chanting, this might not be the place for you. In that regard it does NOT alienate ordinary, secular, short-​hamstringed pagans who don’t know their karma from their dogma (basically me, but give me a few reincarnations).
Also, yoga is about «less being more» or rather, less being positively abundant, so I really appreciate the no-​nonsense, no-​frills, studied physicality of this studio. It seems perfect for a New York state of mind — or rather, getting in and out of it — in a good way.
Hey! Read about my 71 year young mother visiting from Australia, who attended classes here:
A note on the teacher training course: at around $ 2300, it’s a little less expensive than most others in NYC, due to the operation being smaller with lower overhead. Small is a beautiful thing.
UPDATE: I’m now certified:

Joschi feels like a secret yoga club. I took a class here with a friend who’s a devotee, and although he told me 23^rd and 7^th, had he not been there to lead me up the stairs of the random building, I never would have found it. I guess that’s why the loss of star. You’d think they’d want at least some street traffic/​walk ins, but I guess not.
But this I will definitely say: the studio is BEAUTIFUL. Shimmering, dark, hardwood floors, fun changing rooms, a funky, German (?) staff, and all the natural light and air you could want. It’s a lovely place to practice.
Prices are standard ($ 18 for a single class — lots of differently priced packages, etc.), and the teacher was friendly and supportive. Can’t remember her name, but she teaches Mondays at noon. A good class, but nothing life-​changing. I’d go back just for the studio.

I really wanted to be selfish and not review this place so that it won’t get crowded… but here I go, duly contributing to the Unilocal community.
Joschi’s Bodega is one of the best things that’s happened to me since we moved to Chelsea/​New York. My frequent visits to the studio are what’s helping me remain *sane* and incredibly relaxed in this crazy city that never sleeps.
Joschi is an amazing instructor. While I had never routinely taken yoga or pilates from anyone before, I am convinced that he’s truly one of the best out there. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert of yoga, you will learn a whole lot from him. As Kimberly G. has correctly noted, he’s welcoming, dedicated, knowledgeable, patient, funny… and he pays attention to every one of his students who he knows by his/​her name. His staff is also very friendly; so are the other students. You’re likely to quickly make friends.
The fall schedule is posted here:
In addition to these daily vinyasa yoga and pilates classes (3 to 4 a day), the studio offers 200-​hour instructor training programs, private sessions and workshops.
Seriously…I don’t often make wise decisions, but this one turned out to be one for sure. Glad I stirred up the courage and paid my first visit to Joschi’s studio this summer…