I came to the studio as a visitor from out of town, and took Georgia's class on the recommendation of a friend. My friend told me to hydrate a week ahead of time, and wow, I'm glad I did! It was plenty hot enough in there, and Georgia is really good and making sure you're putting forth your very best effort. I came in a bit hung over and sleep deprived, worked extremely hard in there, and left feeling better, somehow! Georgia was very good at differentiating her instruction for first timers all the way up to very experienced practitioners. As somebody in the middle, I ended up getting a lot of great tips on how to adjust my postures to get more out of them. Georgia is an expert trained by the founders, I believe, so you are getting the true Bikram experience. Some reviews have mentioned a smell and the carpet - - they seem to have taken care of that problem, because they have a beautiful new squishy floor, it did not smell in there at all, and the women's locker room was also newly redone. If I lived here, this would be my regular spot! read more

The staff was friendly, and the instructor was fantastic! I didn't give it a five because it smelled funky!

Bikram Yoga NYC holds beginner classes which was very welcome for people like me who are totally new to Bikram. I have heard tell of people who have tried this practice and felt very overwhelmed, especially by the skill and flexibility of the other people in the room. By starting with a group of newbies like yourself, this feeling is reduced but not gone all together. Of course there will be other people in the room who are in way better shape than you and then those people on the flip side that are in worse shape. I was fortunate to have Santiago Solis as the instructor. He is kind and patient as well as amusing. He uses a calm humor that helps make the class fun. It was certainly challenging enough. That I was sweating like no tomorrow didn't bother me in the least. The positions brought home to me how important a practice like this could be for my body. By the last 15 minutes of the half hour, I felt the General Tso Chicken I had for lunch had become a ball of fire imploding in my upper chest, a sensation that might have been relived if I could just yak on the spot. Which I didn't. Although how I held on, I don't know. Especially since the smell of the previous users of the mat I had rented was still noticible when doing supine poses. That particularly repulsive odiferous sensation did nothing to help with keeping my bile down and subtracts from what would otherwise be a 5 star review. I'll keep going to Bikram NYC Midtown to keep with the good instruction, but will be sure to bring my own mat with me. read more

**Viva la fiesta, viva la noche, viva Los DJs, WTF** Every year in January, all the gyms and exercise places in town fill up with people as they all are trying to stick to their New Year's Resolution. Now, granted I strongly support more excercise and getting healthy, but sometimes it is just a pain to have to deal with places being so packed. And guess what? By Valentine's Day, most people have given up on their resolutions and I get to have my gyms and yoga studios back to normal. But for now, I must feel like a sardine in a can. Last night I needed to do yoga. My soul was yearning for rabbit pose and my back muscles have atrophied and needed some toning up. Initially, I went to YTTP, but the line was out the door and when I got close to the counter, the receptionist announced that the class was SOLD OUT. WTF. So, I frantically got on my Yelp app and found this place that was having a class in 30 minutes. I quickly dash over and this time I was able to get into a class. The studio is extremely nice, it isn't bare bones like YTTP. I mean they have mint scented shampoo in the showers and lots of lockers, a hair dryer, Q-tips, tranquil music playing, and lots of bathrooms. I guess you get what you pay for. I signed up for the intro week, which is $27. A steep price increase compared to the $5 class at YTTP. The towels, mats, and water are all way more expensive. Our instructor was good, but at times, I found her chit chat conversations intruding on my 90 minutes of meditation. But, she was pleasant and had a soothing voice. My only grip about this place is their yoga mats. They don't have grips, so your yoga towel keeps bunching up and that gets annoying when you have to fix it after every pose. I am definitely coming back for more classes and they even have a 9:30pm class on Wednesdays for all you night owls. Four, convenient locations in Manhattan for all you yoga junkies to get to. And if you really like your week, you can upgrade to $30 for a month unlimited. I might just have to do that... read more

My experience was like being shamed for not having a "perfect pose." This is the exact antithesis of what yoga is which is communion. Looking for a connection: this was like a military drill. Not cool. Didn't like it and never went back. They give True Yoga a bad name. Your call. read more

HOT HOT HAUTE! Do you like to sweat? If you do, this is the yoga for you. Great studio with fabulous teachers. My fav's are George, Georgia and Abby. Clean facility and friendly faces. First timer's get a one week unlimited pass for $20 bucks! DO IT! read more

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Instructors are good but it like most bikram studios is kinda stinky! Try it see what you think I would rather find a different spot

In an effort to objectively review a yoga studio, rather than the numerous other reviews that are much more experiential or related to the yoga practice itself - "OMG I felt great afterwards", "I had to drink so much water, LOL", I will instead highlight the key pros and cons of Bikram Yoga NYC Midtown [1]. The Midtown location of the Bikram Yoga NYC chain is home to some rockstar instructors. Georgia Balligian was a student of Bikram's when he first arrived to Hawaii in the 1970s and one of the first instructors at Bikram Yoga NYC when it was established in 1999. Georgia's classes are challenging, humorous, and I appreciate that she both compliments AND provides corrections for all of her students. In the first class I ever took with her, the room was full of yoga instructors and old-out-of-shape me, so I did feel like she overlooked my practice to encourage those individuals. In subsequent classes though, Georgia was much more attentive to not only me, but all of the other students in the class. Now, whenever my schedule permits, I will take a class with Georgia because I learn so much from her. Alas, not all of the instructors are as great as Georgia [2]. I've had some pretty lousy instructors at this studio, whose attitudes were inappropriate and ability to coach their students severely lacking. (Cough, Patrick Lynch, cough.) And as for the facilities themselves, without fail, either 1) the microphone/ audio system or 2) the heat or 3) the water pressure in the shower are not working. Sometimes, it's a combination of more than one of these. Due to the size and shape of the room, even if the instructor projects his or her voice, it can be very difficult to hear. And really, after sweating up a storm, it is far from refreshing to have the shower gently drip when I have it set to full blast (although it seems as though some recent renovations are helping to alleviate this problem). Studio etiquette seems to be alright at this particular location (e.g., no one is cutting you in line for the shower, taking a 20 minute shower, blocking you out of the mirror if you happen to be in the second row), although I do practice very late in the evenings and don't experience people espousing qualities that are the antithesis of yoga (don't worry, it happens at the Flatiron location all of the time!). Generally speaking, Bikram Yoga NYC also feels much more "corporate" than other yoga studios (even in the city, at other studios the owner will get to know you by name, have small talk with you, etc). At Bikram Yoga NYC, the interaction with the manager is purely "here's my name, no I don't need any water, two towels please" and then you meander into the changing rooms. The corporate vibe can be attributed to the studio owners' absenteeism (they are apparently hot shots in the yoga world and seldomly on-site) and the hierarchy of Bikram NYC itself (promote work study students to managers from within) lends itself to an atmosphere where it's all about tenure. [1] I am also intentionally omitting my opinion of Bikram the person and will instead provide my opinion of Bikram the yoga. [2] This can be said of Bikram Yoga NYC in general. There are fantastic instructors and absolutely horrid ones. Apparently the quality of yoga instructors does not follow a normal distribution. read more

The Bikram yoga routine is unbeatable for health benefits, but this facility is poorly run, as follows: 1) Excessive Crowding: too many students are packed into the studio; we are elbow-to- elbow which makes it difficult to properly execute postures. The teachers urge us to squeeze together to make room for more and more students, saying it will be beneficial to our spiritual practice, but the real reason is that over-crowding increases the studio's profits. This excessive crowding of bodies into an over-heated room may be a health and safety hazard. 2) Sarcasm of Teachers: teachers are overly harsh at this studio. I wonder if this attitude stems from the way the studio is managed overall. The atmosphere created by the teachers seems to have diverged from basic principles of yoga and spirituality. One teacher carries on loudly as if at a bar with his friends, telling jokes such as "I used to be a slut and a drunk, but I have since given up drinking!" Some of the regulars howl with laughter, but other students are clearly offended. Again, when taught properly, Bikram yoga offers tremendous benefits, but clearly reform is needed at the 48 Street studio. read more

I just finished a class here and am not a Bikram expert at all. I've gone periodically to the one in Park Slope, which I prefer over the on one 8th in Midtown. My biggest issue is the energy difference between the two. As soon as I walked in there was a much different energy than the one in Brooklyn. The receptionist yelled out "hey you, what's your name" and I barely had time to tell him I was a first timer before he disregarded me and told me to fill out the forms. My reception in Brooklyn was much warmer and welcoming. Same thing inside. The instructor was fairly knowledgeable (not quite as good as the ones in Brooklyn) but all of the poses seemed rushed, like we were on the way somewhere or in a race. It seemed like I had more time to relax and breathe in BK. And the energy in the locker room - fuggetaboutit. Maybe its just a difference between Manhattanites and Brooklynites but everybody seemed stressed with a slight attitude. In a rush to get started and in a rush to leave. Yelling about people taking too long in the shower and stepping over each other in the locker room. I had to breathe just to relax in there! So, if you can focus your mind enough to block out pretty much everyone in the building, then go ahead. The class is fine, gets the job done. But if you want a more pleasant experience with friendlier staff and a more calming feeling then I'd try Park Slope or maybe another Manhattan location besides Midtown." read more

Everyone is incredibly nice, the teachers are amazing (Georgia is my fav, please take her class if you have the chance) and the studio is really nice. I always leave the studio feeling better about life, enough said! read more

Love the other bikram locations, but not the midtown one. I've been here two or three times and barely sweat while I'm here. The room doesn't get hot enough, and then the instructors crack the window to make it worse. Some other reviewers complained about the carpeting. Carpet isn't ideal, but the two stars is solely for the lack of heat. It's bikram guys, warm the place up! read more

There is an addictive aspect to Bikram which is probably facilated by the rigid structure of the practice: 90-minute class of 26 postures, each done twice in a specific sequence in a room that's heated above 100 degrees. You always know what you are going to get and how you will feel after class. It is fulfilling and can be meditative, depending on the teacher. Sometimes you surprise yourself. That said, I have a few issues with Bikram. It's rigid structure is both its strength and its weakness. As a beginner, gratification came quickly and easily as I felt myself acclimate to the heat and progress through the sequence. Now that I have done it for some time, I see how progression does not necessarily mean improvement. Also, because there is such a set pace to the class, there isn't enough time to focus on proper form and alignment. It pains me to go to class and see advanced students with improper form. Some teachers do work on this, but I have found that they are too few and far between. Another thing I don't understand is why the focus of keeping everyone in the room at the same pace? If someone is sick, he should be able to leave. If someone wants to spend a moment longer in a pose, that should be okay, too. Sometimes I think it feels a bit like fascism... Well, onto my review of this studio. If yoga is cuisine, then this studio is McDonalds. 1. The meal is not gourmet, probably lacks nutrients, but gets the job done (i.e. fills your up) 2. Flourescent lighting 3. Mass production: the studio gets packed 4. Smells funny A special note to anyone still considering this studio: If it's your first time doing yoga, do try to go the beginners class. You can experiment with other first timers, it won't be as intimidating and there is more room both physically and psychologically. I went to a 6pm class recently with a handful of people in their 1st or 2nd class and they did not look like they were enjoying themselves at all. Another note if you are still considering this studio: it's not that bad... kind of like McDonalds. I still go every once in a while. It reminds me why I prefer Vinyasa flow and at the end of the day it's not too bad. I'd call it a cheap thrill, except it's expensive... read more

This is the studio which made me fall in love with Birkam yoga. About a year ago I took advantage of their $30/30 class... loved it so much I did 42 classes in 30 days... No I do not have a type A personality :p My first class was with Georgia... and while I spent most of it sitting down, she was incredible. This woman is maybe 70 (probably not, but over 50 for sure) and you can tell that the yoga has allowed her to maintain a figure and health. So I was a believer... besides she is a wealth of knowledge. When you see her practice one will feel like an uselsess blob because she is just that good! Another favorite of mine is Christine... keeps the room hot, addresses everyone by name, offers corrections... probably one of the best teachers I have ever had. Studio... it gets cramped, it is hot... and yes it is smelly... but honestly they all are. They do have a restroom right in the studio which is great for those times you are running late. Locker rooms... they are ok... 3 showers, so be prepared to wait. Of course with 30+ women in there it gets cramped... but this is NYC real estate so you wont find a space with a larger locker room. Convenient thing about Bikram NYC is that they have 4 locations so if you miss the 5:30 class in midtown you can take the 6pm at the uws studio... very convenient and with many options. What this yoga acomplished for me during the 30 day challenge: 1) Insomnia cured... I have never slept better in my life 2) Lbs lost... I am relatively small but I managed to drop 11 lbs during this time 3) Peace of mind... being able to stay in savasana without moving is a big deal for me read more

I used to go to this studio because it's very convenient if you work in Times Square. Since this is no longer the most convenient, I don't go out of my way to go back. The good: They have a very wide, shallow studio, so your odds of snagging a spot in front of the mirror are higher than normal. Even when the studio is very full, you are never literally mat to mat. There is a good mix of casual and serious practitioners. The room is pretty uniformly hot, but has cooler spots by the window and door if you want. Your class pass from here also works at all of their other locations, no extra charge. On the other hand, I never felt that I connected with the students, the instructors, or the studio here. It feels less like a "yoga studio" and more like a corporate gym. Because the studio is so large and high volume, attending a late evening class can mean that the floor is covered in literal squelching, sweaty puddles from the 5:30 class -- worse than any other studio I've been to. There is also a laundry machine (?) that often shakes the floor badly and causes rattling during late evening classes. Finally, the instruction is hit or miss. I've had great classes, and other classes where the instructor claimed "yoga can prevent cancer/the flu" or related unsavory anecdotes from their personal life. You'll still get a great workout here -- I'm just glad it's not the first Bikram studio I ever tried. read more

I agree with all the other reviewers here -- they need to get that stank carpet outta that room 'cause it's disgusting. Lying down on my mat, I could practically see the mildew and mold; it seriously grossed me out so much that I could not concentrate on my yogi poses! I went here on their one week, unlimited pass for first time students with a friend. I usually goto a place in Queens (which is much more sanitary, I tell ya...) but wanted to try this one out with my friend since it was close to where we work. The studio itself is super small. And again, that disgusting carpet. I can't even get the image out of my mind to concentrate on this review... I only went that one time so I'm not sure if they have another studio or not? I would guess this place gets pretty crowded (and even more disgusting with THE CARPET). They have a lockerroom with a few shower facilities, which is a plus. Get rid of that carpet and more people might come! read more

I have to completely disagree with mk m about what was said about the teacher Terra. She is one of my very favorite teachers at Bikram Yoga NYC. From what the reviewer was saying, she had more of a problem with the yoga than the teacher. Terra is one of the most knowledgeable, kind and encouraging teachers I know, and I have been a student of Bikram Yoga for 7 years and have practiced all over the world. Bikram makes you face yourself, literally and physically. Some people are just not ready to go there. read more

I'm giving this place three stars for the following reasons: 1. I've never done bikram yoga before so I have nothing to gauge this review against. 2. It's hot as hell in here. 3. The changing rooms were small and cramped. 4. It's hot as hell in here. 5. It is supposedly addicting. 6. It's hot as hell in here. Ok, so it's hot yoga. I expected it to be hot, but goddamn, it was HOT! BUT...the after effects of this class are AMAZING! I'm one of those people who worries about everything, and is a bit stressed all the time for no particular reason. So this yoga thing is fantastic to relax my mind and stop my unnecessary stress from building. Some of the poses caused dizziness...to be expected, but overall, a great way to release toxins and get yourself to relax. How can you not when all you want to do is take a shower and head to bed after sweating your ass off for 90 minutes? I've got myself scheduled for more classes...hopefully this will create a healthy addiction for me. read more

I was in New York for the first time visiting and decided to try out Bikram NYC since I practice Bikram regularly at home in California. Bikram NYC was right around the corner from the hotel we were staying in so the location was super convenient. They have a really good introductory rate which was good for just visiting! I took Yvette's class and LOVED it. I liked that she took the time to make sure she knew everyone's name before the class. Personally, I like being called out (or encouraged!) during a class because it makes me push myself even harder. She's a great instructor and we even chatted after class about my visit and she gave me some great recommendations of places to check out! I read the other reviews before coming to class so I was prepared for my nose to be displeased from the carpet. It was smelly but not horrible, and you do get used to it during class. I think the thing that off put me most about the carpet was how HOT the floor gets during class. Don't step off your mat! Overall a great experience at BIkram NYC! read more

This is a tough review to write. It feels sort of sacrilegous to criticize a bikram studio...but I'll get over it. This place stinks. Yes, it smells. But that I can deal with. Especially when I'm being distracted by the torture of the heat. However, what I can't deal with is the instructors. Having gone to Bikram Yoga Union Square, I expect a certain level of seriousness and wholeheartedness from my instructors. That was majorly lacking at this studio. It sometimes felt like the instructors weren't really that into it at all. A couple of their lackadaisical comments that caught me off guard: "Oh, you know, breathe in, breathe out, relax, you know the drill." And my favorite: "Come on, let's get this over with." What?! You can't say that to a bunch of students who are about to commit 90 minutes to their practice. That's just unacceptable. I will commend one of the instructors, Alissa, cause she was very devoted to the class and did a great job. I did the one week intro. Was not at all interested in continuing. But I'll give it an extra star simply for being Bikram yoga :) read more

So they had a free week deal and I managed 6 brutal 90 minute sessions. I don't doubt that one could maintain a serious fitness base from Bikram alone but it is an unpleasant chore. A faint but enveloping jungle-rot fustiness permeates the premises, courtesy of the micro-organism friendly rain forest humidity levels. The experienced students knew to set their mats away from the heater, dropping this clueless newbie into an extra layer of hell. I like yoga but never liked NYC yoga classes--they're just too damn crowded, and these were no exception. The instructors were all personable and knowledgeable but I don't plan on returning. read more

I just finished the $30 for 30 days (I didn't take the 30 day challenge, though). That is a GREAT deal. I have had mediocre teachers and really motivating teachers. I would recommend Georgia's class, as well as Santiago. Amanda Knox has a nice soothing way, also. Some of the teachers walk a thin line between apathetic and being too drill Sergent-ey. Over all I had a great experience. I will probably not be continuing because the regular prices as either $23 a class or $130-80 for class is daunting. I can just get a gym membership for under $100, you know? read more

Bikram midtown was a Groupon adventure, I'd gotten a month of unlimited classes. Unfortunately I made it through 3 classes before I called it quits. I truly wanted this to work for me because I want something to help with my flexibility. My first two class were great, especially the second class where I went right after a stressful day of work, I felt so free, refreshed and relaxed but unfortunately on my third class I got so sick I almost passed out and had to leave class. The intense heat, and 40 + people sweating in the same room was just to much for me to handle. I left the place in tears, I was so disappointed with myself. Needless to say I never returned and there went my unlimited classes. If they offer another groupon I might give it another shot, but for now, I'll pass on the hot yoga. read more

I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for about 6 months now, and I usually attend this studio. First off, I really like Bikram Yoga NYC. The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, the studios and locker rooms are always very clean, and they offer great discount packages fairly often. I usually attend this location because of it's convenience to my work/home/etc. I've had all positive experiences with the teachers, but my favorite is Georgia Balligan. I love how the teachers take the time to learn your name and usually correct you at various points throughout the class. While one side of the room gets hotter, the air circulation is usually good when they open windows on both sides. A word of advice, the UES location has TERRIBLE circulation in the studio...it's extremely hot the entire 90 minutes. The locker rooms could be bigger, but are always clean. My only complaint would be sometimes they have trouble controlling the odors, but I would imagine it's near impossible considering the circumstance. If you're looking for a yoga practice to take up, I would recommend Bikram! It's tough, but the benefits and cleanse each class can't be beat! read more

Having recently completed a 60-day yoga challenge here in Phoenix, I decided I had to take my show on the road.... Not really...I just needed a fix. I liked the studio, don't get me wrong but it had a smell that was not all that appealing. This is the 4th studio I have practiced in and this was the only time that I found the smell of the room to be somewhat offensive. I went to a 7am class and was shocked that 2 students left before the end of the 90 minute session. To me, this is very disrespectful to the teacher and fellow students! Being a visitor, I just went along with it and tried not to let it distract me. Next time I'm in NY, I will for sure take a Bikram class! I heart Bikram yoga, even if the room does smell like a shoe. read more

I took advantage of a Groupon Month deal back in February of this year. Immediately after, I signed up for the unlimited monthly package. As you may deduce, I'm hooked! I have my love/hate moments with Bikram. I don't always look forward to getting to class & working out for 90 minutes in a hot room, but I always come out feeling like I just accomplished something great! Bikram Midtown is very convenient for me to get to work. It's fairly clean and the staff are very nice. The instructors are great. Although they all repeat pretty much the same thing, they all have their own way of executing which makes each one unique. I go super early in the morning before the sun comes up to take advantage of getting it done first thing & I've noticed that it's less crowded in the mornings which is very important to me. The only comment I'd like to make though is that I wish they had a bigger changing room/bathroom facility. It can get very crowded in there and though there's a 2-3 minute shower max notice, not everyone abides by it unfortunately. If you're interested in Bikram, you should definitely give it a shot. There always seems to be some kind of deal whether it's for a week or a month. read more

Bikram NYC's midtown location is one of the best places I've practiced Bikram in NYC. The instructors I've taken, most notably Georgia, Emily, and Paul, are amazing! The classes are always a good mix of experience levels and devotion levels (people coming every day to those coming 1 or 2 times a week). This means virtually everyone is observing good Bikram yoga etiquette. The evening classes do get crowded, but this is to be expected. I've never felt like it was too crowded because the room's layout gives enough space between rows so that mats can be staggered slightly. One thing that is annoying is that the studio and locker room are on different floors, so after I'm super tired from my class I have to climb the stairs...but I don't think this can be avoided in this part of town. The flatiron location also has one studio on another floor. Yes, there's a carpeted floor, but it really isn't that smelly and I much prefer it to the plastic floors at another midtown studio. And after a few visits you stop noticing any smell that might have annoyed you initially. The locker room is on the smallish side, but compared to many studios it is adequate. For the guys, for some reason there seems to be a larger number of guys practicing at this studio than any other I've been to (maybe its equal to Bikram Harlem). read more

I have been practicing at the four locations for the past 7-8 years. The veteran teachers are always on top of their game and I appreciate their classes very much. I am sad to say the opposite for the newer teachers. They lack enthusiasm and sometimes bring their own negativity to the class. It is the last thing you need when practicing yoga. I also noticed that the managers couldn't care less about you or helping you out with mistakes that THEY make. They don't like acknowledging their mistakes... And when they do, they do so in a patronizing way. Not ok. I have been faithful to the studio all these years, but I am reconsidering it, as I don't feel a valued customer there, and their lack of care for students is affecting my practice. read more

First visit to this studio was today for the 6:15am class. Was greeted by Kiara and Thomas. Not always easy to be friendly that early in the morning so kudos to them! Kiara taught an awesome class -- no BS, with great pace and dialogue -- the way it should be. The hot room was clean, had great heat, and was a good size. The whole studio including ladies changing room were clean and well-kept. I look forward to practicing here as well as BODE's other locations during my stay in Manhattan, and for future visits. read more

I was a little hesitant about this place after buying 1mo unlimited yoga when my 1st day i received a snark comment with accommodating facial expression from the manager instead of the simple yes no response but overall the studio was fine for the good deal I bought. Main complaint - This is a forewarning for a particular instructor. I recently got upset at a Monday class with Georgia B. At this studio the instructors use Microphones which was new to me. This particular teacher threw out many comments and conversations during the class and not just instructions. Instead of walking around and quietly adjusting you or giving you comments you can hear them being said throughout the whole room. For example "lady in the purple shorts you need to bend more" "You can do better Richard" etc. Entire class i could hear people being corrected and even having a few thrown my way. I found this very disrupting and some of the comments not encouraging. Ex 1 gentleman was struggling and most instructors tell you in the beginning of the class to do your best but if you need to you should lay down. This gentleman did but got a "hey did you drink to much last night? Is it too hot? Is it my voice?" I could tell by the mans face he felt awkward and this was unnecessary. At one point we were learning where people were from and about peoples lives. I don't consider yoga to be an interactive social hour. I am here to concentrate and detox the days energy. Yes its nice that you know regulars names and want to comment on there progress but I dont think the whole class needs to be involved. I dont think this instructor meant to be rude and this is obviously her technique for teaching so I just want to let some people know that this particular teacher may not be for you. I will say shes clearly very knowledgeable about Bikram. Also classes dont have much of a in between break so locker room is crazy. Everyone from the last class is trying to change and shower while you are standing around trying to grab the next open locker. Very hectic! read more

I had a very unpleasant experience with Upkar Chana at the Flatiron location for an evening class. She was cold as I checked in, I assumed she was busy, but all the same very unprofessional, insulting, tone. During the class she continually called out random people in the class pressuring them to do better, "Daniel you're not in the right position" (so what is it then??) without suggesting how to do so- it was like pointless name calling. There was nothing endearing about her attitude. Almost walked out mid-class as I could not enjoy a second without her snide remarks. I would not recommend anyone take a class from her unless you want to be barked at by an overzealous "yogi". She is mean and arrogant. I don't understand how she remains employed as she is such a poor representation of this business. I think some people teach yoga because they like to control the bodies of others- there is no better example than Upkar. I have enjoyed going to this business for three years but will no longer go due to the looming possibility that I would come in contact with this awful person again. Best of luck to any prospective students- you can check online to see where and when Upkar is teaching, I recommend avoiding those appointments. read more

I had my first ntc bikram this week. Slightly modified 75 mins. Loved it. Fabulous change rooms.

I've been dong bikram for around five months with BikramYogaNYC; mostly at the Upper East Side branch and I've really been loving it. I've gone a couple of times to the Midtown location and I've never had a great experience there. It surprises me how different the studios can be under the same name. Yesterday evening as I was changing, I saw a woman actually crawl into the locker room about to faint; i noticed the studio felt hotter than normal but I initially didn't think much of it because of the current cold weather, etc. However the lady passing out along with a few others who didn't look too great should have been a red flag. The room (their downstairs studio) smelled quite strongly of cat urine the entire time. The instructor did not open a window or door the whole class. It seems that the Midtown studio has figured out how easy it is to turn a bikram class into a torture chamber. If you work at this location I highly recommend monitoring the temperatures in your studios to make sure that they are not too high. I understand that these rooms are meant for sweating but the facilities could also use a good cleaning. I can deal with the smell of feet and body odor, but urine scent is really not conducive to my flow. For the record; i do really love this chain of studios and will continue to go to the other branches but yesterday's experience at the Midtown branch has left, let's say, a piss-poor impression on me. read more

Very disappointed in this place - 48th and 8th location. The purpose of bikram yoga is for the workout to be super hot...few times I've been there, the instructor couldn't take the heat and opened the windows a few times. Another issue is that they don't seem to design the workouts with 26 poses...there were definitely less poses in the 5 classes I attended with a one month unlimited pass from groupon. Also, like some other's mentioned, Georiga B...yes she tends to make things awkward for people...it would be great if she could learn to keep some comments to herself. For example, I was feeling dizzy and she called me out by saying that I wasn't paying attention. As for the studio, like some other reviewers mentioned, the smell of the place is disgusting...they need to clean the place better or provide better ventilation. Would not recommend this place ever!!!! read more

I have been practicing Bikram for a good few years now and have been to several different studios. I have never been to a place as overwhelmingly stinky as this one. One really needs to mentally prepare not to practice, but be able to stand the foul odor coming from the room. To add insult to injury when a fella yogi commented on the stink, the instructor stated: well that's Bikram for you. No, that's not "bikram", it's your carpeted studio. I have had several instructors here and majority are mediocare. The dialogue is not complete and often skips many steps. One instructor sporadically breaks out into singing - and concludes the session with a 5 min chanting session. So much for shivasna. Please get food floors in your studio. Smell is unbearable. read more

I signed up for the one month trial for Bikram yoga, and I found the people of this particular yoga place were very rude at all times. every time I went there something was wrong and some negative energy from the instructors/cashier or something negative occurred inevitably and I usually turn to yoga to relax and I was stressing out more than I needed to, so I didn't enroll for the membership and I found a better yoga place where I can relax And be happy ;) read more

I have tried the Midtown studio and I have to say I have no plans on coming back. I have had experience with other hot yoga/Brikram studios and i am sorry but CARPETED???? seriously you could smell the room from the stairs going down to it, and then I stepped into the room and put my feet on a drenched carpet, ewwwww it was disgusting, the smell was overwhelming and I was nauseous the whole 90 minutes, and no it was not because of the practice, the instructor was not a big deal and I have had way better classes, they should focus a little more on their cleaning and consider getting rid of the disgusting carpet. read more

The receptionist was awesome. The yoga instructor Terra was such a b.... it's unbelievable. If she wants me to listen maybe she needs to learn to speak softer and nicer. And SLOWER. like dude... You are instructing, not TALKING TO YOURSELF!! She has an attitude that I dislike. I didn't come to yoga glass to listen to an annoying teacher who doesn't even do the yoga with us. Also, I personally feel that this yoga mainly work on legs and I wanted to work more on my arms. I found it very annoying. But anyway I cannot emphasize more on how COCKY the instructor was.... She's tiny and looks nice but don't let her appearance fool you... There are much better yoga places than this!!! Oh on top of that they charge 2.50 for water??? Wtf... And $1 for FILTERED water. Man if it wasn't for the lovely receptionist and my sister who regularly goes here I would have totally told the instructor off coz I'm a very honest person...she definitely has some issues. I could tell that some bad reviews here were written by those who had her as an instructor. She should learn to teach well and be tough WITHOUT being cocky. read more

This rating is primarily based on my experience tonight with Upkar - noticed HK Bikram hasn't received that many recent reviews, and I'd agree with the average rating based on my first and earlier experience. I first came here on a Friday night and took Georgia's class. I found her to be abrasive and a bit much - we had to stop and sing happy birthday to one of the students during a pose. The studio itself is not impressive and smells quite strongly. Tonight, I practiced bikram for the first time in several months and was very impressed with Upkar's instruction. She was articulate and helpful, motivating without condescension, and overall very likable. I felt that she paid attention to everyone in the class and provided useful criticisms without taking away from the quick pace. It was certainly challenging but in a great way. I would definitely return to take her class again. 5 stars for Upkar, 3 for the rest of the studio. read more

The worst studio ever. All the facilities were really old and I had to pay for so many things like renting a matt, towels, a lock, water, which ended up cost about $20. There were only two staffs that were very slow to help a lot of people for signing up and paying for stuff and those staffs were having an attitudes toward customers that have been waiting to do anything. Only two showers at a hot yoga studio that contains appoximately 20-30 people? And I saw people from the previous class that were pretty mad at other people, who took a while to take a shower. It was a really ridiculous unpleasnt experience. Strongly refuse to recommend!!! Total waste of my time today. read more