Looking for a Good Yoga Class in Manhattan?

Here’s a run-down of my favorite studios in the city:

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  Sharon Gannon and David Life, Jivamukti's co-founders.

  Jivamukti Yoga: 841 Broadway, 2nd floor, between 13th and 14th St.  So, you might have been able to tell by now that I love Jivamukti!!  It is an amazing community (facilitated by the delicious JivamukTea Cafe) that can really help to take your practice to the next level.  Classes here begin with chanting and a discussion of the focus of the month (this month’s focus is addiction).  At first when I came to class here, I was totally resistant.  Chanting made me feel uncomfortable and the talk seemed like a waste of precious yoga time.  Now, I look forward to using this beginning section of class to get into my body and mind and connect with myself.  The discussion in the begining is usually uplifting and sets the tone for the practice to follow.  Warm-up and sun salutations come next, followed by a vigorous asana practice.  There is a lot of focus on breathing and on being in control of your mind.  Classes end with shoulder stand and head stand practice and a long and thoroughly relaxing savasana.  The teachers draw from a huge number of poses so the classes are always different and there are always new poses to master.  You will definitely be surprised by how deep your practice can go if you start coming to Jivamukti.  This is a perfect yoga studio for you if you want to learn more about the philosophy behind yoga, while continuing to challenge your body with a flowing, vinyasa-style practice.  All of the teachers here at truly amazing, but I especially love Rima, Dechen, Nahdi, Sangeeta, Narayani, Sandhi and Matthew. 

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  Om yoga's philosophy.

  Om Yoga: 826 Broadway, 6th floor, at 12th St.  Om is an awesome, bright and light studio.  The classes are less physically and mentally demanding then Jivamukti’s which make it the perfect place to begin to develop a yoga practice.  Ease your way into different styles of class (they offer a variety of different levels and types on the schedule) and come see what yoga is all about.  Classes here introduce students to breath work, yoga and Buddhist philosophy, the asana practice and meditation in a welcoming and friendly way.  You will never feel intimidated here which is exactly what makes this studio so special!  I love taking Frank and Edward’s classes and if you’ve never tired a restorative class, try one here and give your body the tlc it deserves.

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  Beautiful Yoga to the People Studio.

  Yoga to the People: 12 St Mark’s, 2nd floor, between 2nd and 3rd Ave.  I am hooked on the sweaty and joyful hour long classes offered at this no frills studio!  Nothing here matters except for being open to challenging yourself.  The student-body here is filled with young people and the classes are vigorous and flowing (based on Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga).  Come prepared to sweat and don’t be surprised if the room is packed and your mat is pretty close to your neighbors’.  All this only helps to contribute to the sense of community.  In these classes you are encouraged to exaggerate your breath in a pleasurable “haaaaaa” or “hmmmm” and it can be pretty entertaining to listen to the different breaths around the room.  Classes begin in child’s pose and end with a short but sweet savasana.  The teachers read a quote and play the singing bowl, before everyone filters back out on to St. Mark’s.  And it’s donation based so cost isn’t an issue!!!!  The teacher’s names aren’t printed on the schedule, so you don’t fall into thinking you need to go to any one teacher’s class.  Challenge your inner athlete and be surprised at what your body can do when you release judgment and start sweating!

These are the studios I frequent the most often but I am always open to broadening my practice by trying new things. This morning I took my first Kundalini class at Golden Bridge.  I’ll tell you more about it as I become more familiar with this powerful style and this beautiful studio.  If you have a favorite studio or class, tell me about it in the comments section, I’d love to get some reccommendations.  Be fearless and try a new class (and if you still feel a little nervous, make a friend go with you, works for me!!).  Happy Practicing!