The Shala Yoga House

What a lovely studio. I like to keep up my practice on vacation and found this on ClassPass. I unceremoniously came 2 mins before class start time. The front desk guy was so nice about getting me set up. There’s a front and back practice room and classes could be going on at the same time. The back room is large, high-​ceilinged, rustic feeling but clean.
I took now: yoga open/​restorative with Joe. I wasn’t aware of the class format from the ClassPass description and was expecting more restorative after soreness from a strength training workout the previous day. It’s two thirds active poses but a slow rate and then the last third restorative resting poses with props. Joe’s teaching style is relaxed and mellow so the vinyasa flow part was manageable despite being a little tired.
There were just two other students in the class I took, which allowed for more attention. Joe is a very knowledgable, anatomy based teacher and was great at making very subtle adjustments and modifications. Of the yoga I did in NY, the studios were warm and unpretentious, less concerned about appealing to a young, trendy crowd compared to SF. The instruction was more mature and without ego or judgment.

I love the Shala. The Union Square studio (haven’t been to the Brooklyn one) is small and not flashy, but they offer solid yoga classes, and it’s a really friendly and welcoming environment. I’ve been to the led Ashtanga, which was intense– it was my first Ashtanga class so I found it really challenging. I’m a big fan of Joe– his open level is really well paced and he’s a great teacher.

I very much liked the class I took here (David, I think?) He was great! The class’s pace was a bit fast, but given it was a level ²⁄₃ that’s to be expected. It seemed like the class was filled with regulars, and it was a very tightly packed class too — be sure to reserve your space in advance here!

Took a Shala Intermediate/​Advanced class with David Regelin after signing up on ClassPass. He was incredibly attentive and provided very helpful instruction/​adjustment. This class wasn’t really about intense flowing, but it was a perfect balance of flow, alignment, and meditation. I really enjoyed his class and will be coming back to the studio for more classes.

I’ve only ever been to the Ft Greene location so my review is for that one, though I’m sure the Union Sq location is just as good.
I am so in love with this place. I love that their vinyasa classes are ashtanga-​based, I love that they don’t play music, the classes are professional (for lack of a better word) and no-​frills, but still lighthearted and unpretentious. The teachers make you feel comfortable and at ease, never like you’re out of place. They’re always available for questions, advice or even just a chat before or after class. My practice has definitely advanced in the month that I’ve been going here. I used to go to Richard Freeman’s studio in Boulder, which is where I first discovered my deep love for ashtanga, and The Shala is the closest I’ve found in NYC to that studio. I can go on and on about how great it is, so I’ll just stop while I’m ahead…

I’ve taken three classes with The Shala — two here and one at the Fort Greene location. While I prefer the Fort Greene one (which is cozy and conveniently close to my apartment), the classes here are solid and will take your practice to the next level!
90% of my yoga practice consists of vinyasa (with some heated vinyasa in the mix), but it’s nice to take Ashtanga-​inspired vinyasa classes as well, which The Shala offers. I’m not very familiar with Ashtanga, and it seems a bit intense for me… but it’s approachable here. The classes are either set to relaxing, faint music or nothing at all — which may be jarring for some, but it helps me focus on my breath.
The instructors count breaths and downward dogs feel so very long, but the routines are well-​rounded, alignment-​focused, and super challenging. I’ve only taken Intermediate/​Advanced classes and would not recommend those to complete beginners, as they involve a ton of chatturangas. I love the hands-​on assists, and the teachers seem very well-​versed in alignment and modifications.
A great, no-​fuss studio for serious yogis.

This is a pure ashtanga yoga studio. If I were to commit to Mysore, I would come here. Great ashtanga teachers.

I love this place. I take Sherry’s Led Ashtanga every Saturday. Genuine yoga studio. Very punctual. Great instructors.

Genuine yoga studio, feels like I’m exported back to India during my time at Haridwar for yoga and meditation training, commendable that the yoga center does its best to preserve the deeper meaning of the yoga practice as a tool for spiritual upliftment, and also links it back to the teachings of various creators of the practice such as Iyengar, Patanjali such… as well as to the deep philosophy behind the practice… I sometimes feel so much is lost with the dilution of yoga poses to physical exercises and this is one yoga studio that tries to preserve the wholistic dimension of the practice. Teachers are good, some better than others — also not too crowded.

I’ve been attending The Shala at both their Union Square and Fort Greene locations consistently since 2012, and I can’t praise it enough. Simple, unpretentious, ashtanga based yoga practice with incredibly knowledgeable teachers. Amongst the sea of boutiquey, corporate-​feeling NYC studios, The Shala is a breath of fresh air.
The Shala has allowed me to discover the calming, invigorating, healing practice that is Ashtanga yoga. Even if you only take the vinyasa classes, you’ll benefit from the counted breath and meditative flow.
Almost all The Shala’s teachers have studied in India, many with Sri K. Patthabi Jois and Sharath Jois. Many have been teaching and practicing for decades. If you’ve been practicing yoga for a while and are looking to be challenged and deepen your practice, this is the place to be.
Check out their workshops and events too – they have a way of attracting the best of the best visiting teachers from all over the world.

This is not a review on the actual classes at this studio. I was never able to get that far.
I spent $ 120 on a multiple class card and had to move out of the state unexpectedly before I could use it. When I asked if I could gift the unused credit to a friend, the reply was simply «no, it isn’t our policy» and that was it.
Money wasted. I would’ve loved to have experienced the studio practice or give the healing gift of yoga to a friend that could use it. Instead, I was left angry and stressed. I’d go to a yoga class to get rid of this feeling but I can’t. I’m broke now.
Not cool, Shala!

Moved to NYC from out of town a few months ago, and was very anxious to replace my long time teacher and studio. Found Shala after trying a number here in NYC and Kristin, and have found the studio and Kristin to be fabulous. The building is older, but has character, the staff is friendly and smart and Kristin is an amazing teacher.
The approach is gentle yet serious, very disciplined but in a fun way.

Kristin Leigh and Barbara Verrochi are the owners, they refuse to respond to emails, even when (supposedly) forwarded by their GM Aundré Chin (yes, that’s the correct spelling) or return phone calls. I needed to put my membership on hold as I was leaving the country for a few months for a job. I was told to keep emailing and to try a «catchy subject line».
Forward 4 months and I contacted them again. Their GM, said he would ask the owner Kristin about extending my class card but said «she just stepped into a class and would get back to me». He then called me back a ½ hour later (I don’t know how he discussed this with the owner if she just stepped into a class a ½ earlier) and told me that to extend my card I would have to pay an additional $ 369 on top of the $ 600 I had already paid costing me MORE than what a class actually costs. This was after he told me about a client who extended her class card for $ 200 because she was going on vacation (not the same as having to leave the country for work). He then berated me for «not planning ahead» when I explained to him my situation (again) and when I asked to speak to the owner (was she or wasn’t she teaching a class?) he refused and told me that I was «wasting his time» and hung up on me.
This was my situation that I explained to them in a email:
…When I bought a 50 card membership at the beginning of November, I didn’t realize that work was going to be taking me out of the city so much (I didn’t even get to go home for Thanksgiving). Now I have to go to London to finish the job for for 3 months starting at the end of February.
I am a freelancer and the $ 600 was the best price for me at the time that I bought my membership. I purchased the membership before I knew about the job…
At the studio my experiences with the Guided or Led Classes are often taught as Mysore style so practitioners will come in and leave a different times which is distracting for the people in a Led class and the instructors get distracted by the Mysore practitioners and forget to actually lead the class.
Only good thing about the studio is Sherry Russell. If I was reviewing just her, I’d give Sherry 5 stars, she’s wonderful.
As a freelancer who has no benefits or vacation days I couldn’t have planned when I would get a job let alone one that would take me out of the country for a few months. I hope no one else has to experience the extremely rude way I have been treated by The Shala Yoga House. Maybe the owners should practice the 1^st limb Yama instead of focusing on abundance manifesting as greed.

Came here with my Cousin (who lives in NYC) to try a bit different type of Yoga than what I do. This is an older building with some very old wooden uneven floors but once you are into doing yoga, it didn’t seem to be a problem. I was odd (for me) to take a class where half the class faces the other half, with the teacher in the center. But I found after a bit I adjusted. Lisa our teacher was lovely and I found the flow challenging and enjoyable. I’m still a beginner with some intermediate skills and I want to try and experience as much as I can, and not just get stuck into one way of thinking. It was lovely to be able to share a class with my Cousin who’s been practicing for many many years. Maybe when I come back in the fall I’ll be able to come back and take another class here again.

The Shala is home to my favorite teacher Ashley and her amazing teachers, Barbara & Kristin. I have been practicing for over a decade and these ladies give the most perfectly balanced classes that I’ve ever experienced. The flow is dynamic and rigorous but also rejuvenating. I leave the studio (usually the Ft Greene location) feeling like I’ve worked hard and given myself the greatest gift. If I move forward with teacher training, it will definitely be with these giving, wonderful teachers. I also had the pleasure of joining them on their Mexico retreat, and it was a blissful experience that I’ll never forget.

More wonderful things to say about this studio! Teachers are so amazing: Matthew, Kristen, Ashley, Julianna, Timothy — all wonderful teachers!!! Such a welcoming, nurturing family. (I’ve never taken with Barbara, but as co-​owner of the studio I’m sure she is awesome). I love how incredibly consistent the classes are — every time you know you are going to get a solid class with a challenging 80 minute asana series after a short but inspirational dharma talk and followed by a relaxing savasana/​meditation.
I have had one or two teachers that I don’t enjoy but rest assured it is not the norm.
Overall, best vinyasa classes I have taken in NYC!

The front desk staff is super friendly, rental mats are clean and in good shape, as are the props. There is clothing and drinks for purchase as well, so if you forget something — don’t worry, they have it there.
The instructors are all accomplished, but like any yoga center there will be teachers that you find you connect with better than others. The 4 yoga teachers — Frank, Joe, Edward and Brian — that came over from OM, are personal favorites… And Brian offer’s a Friday night class that is the best end to any week and a great way to kick off any weekend. His class is donation only; all proceeds go to benefit Doctor’s Without Borders — so not only is it for a good cause, but it’s pay what you want.
My only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is, the changing areas are cramped as is the waiting area. As one class is ending and another one about to begin, there’s a bit of a traffic jam.

LOVE!
The Shala is truly amazing. I have been taking class with various teachers there for the past 5 years and I won’t go anywhere else in New York City

Purchased the 3 class new student special and have been pleased with the classes I’ve attended thus far. This is an Ashtanga-​inspired studio, so these classes are fast-​paced with minimal alignment/​anatomical instruction. Depending on the teacher, there may be chant, there is almost always meditation and some sort of satsang to start off the class. But once in class, instruction is moderate, at best.
I had class with Heather one day, she was AMAZING. the adjustments she offered were incredible. I am still trying to figure out how she did them. Then I had class with Matthew Seidman. While he didn’t adjust me nearly as much, his steady presence was felt throughout the room. He is a teacher that can teach to you by simply standing near you and saying the right things, to everyone, but it lands especially to you. The changing room is small, the front desk people are not always the warmest, and there is very little room to move around the studio (common area, narrow hallway, the two practice rooms, and changing rooms… that’s it!). No showers, two small bathrooms, no frills here, but for a challenging Ashtanga-​inspired practice, I really have nothing bad to say about the Shala. I actually quite like it. For the times when a little Ashtanga is desired, it’s a great option. After my 2^nd practice here, I started to get it a bit. why people love Ashtanga. It sort of takes over you, enters into your brain and the next thing you know, you’re thinking about the sequences, and wondering if next time you can take the bind in ardha chandrasana…
This is not a vinyasa flow class. The sequences are Ashtanga, you will do every version of Surya Namaskar, many times; you will hold each pose for five breaths; and there will be binding and many asymmetrical poses. I like no frills studios where the focus is on the practice, and so far, that’s what the Shala seems to be. I’ll definitely add it to my list of regular drop-​in studios, and probably my go-​to place when I feel for some Ashtanga.

I occasionally like to get in some ashtanga.
Barbara is a fantastic teacher.
(Note that you must be granted permission in India to teach this method so jumping in to ashtanga you really want a real teacher and not some quickie certified teacher in this method)
The studio is small and minimal (as the shala should be). They offer LED primary and even LED advanced vinyasa classes. The advanced class is challenging but the teachers offer you the support and courage to try these postures.
This method offers pretty intense adjustments, but when they are done correctly your body’s muscle memory will help you take your practice further and they encourage it. Even the substitute teacher I had was kind and thoughtful.
If you want to practice grass roots traditional yoga this is a great spot.
I prefer the city over ft greene but was happy when they opened the shala ft greene.