I've been practicing Bikram yoga for 15 years, and I've practiced in San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, New York, Fresno, The desert in CA, and Hawaii. This studio, at least three out of the four classes I took while I was visiting San Diego, was by far the hottest studio. There is no ventilation at all during or after class, which, for someone like me, isn't necessarily a bad thing. I like it HOT, and I'm often thinking, "Enough with the fan/door/window" when instructors use them too much. I dont go to Bikram yoga to stay cool. However, this studio could use a few moments of respite during the 90 minute class. The thing that surprised me the most, however, was that it seemed perfectly acceptable for people to leave class. That's a no-no in Bikram, usually. People wandered in and out for the entire 90 minutes, and they even showed up late, setting up their mats and towels halfway through the opening breathing exercise. The instructors were all pretty good, and the first three were all more 'old school Bikram', which I like. The fourth was a woman who kept the room MUCH cooler (way too cool for me) than the other instructors and her teaching was quiet and repetitive, lacking much of the normal dialogue. The last thing I'll say is all of the instructors' "minute long postures" were about 30 seconds. The studio is huge, there are nice (communal) showers, lockers, and overall, I really enjoyed practicing at this San Diego studio. I will be back. read more

Probably the best and purest Bikram studio in America. They do one and only one thing and do it very well. 90 minute classes only. The temperature is consistently on point. The small room allows for personalized instruction. Jim Kallett the owner is the real deal. This method of yoga is the single most comprehensive form of exercise around, developing strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. I have progressed so much since joining, and my body is just much more functional. Old injuries to my knee, ankle and back are entirely healed. It's the truth, and this studio is the realest read more

I've been practicing traditional Bikram yoga for over 20 years. There are a few devotees of Bikram that take the least desirable characteristics of the man and apply it to their business. If they are able to do this and make a profit, my hat is off to them. This guy goes out of his way to lose business. Odd. read more

Are they still in business? I showed up at the address, walked around the building, couldn't find it.

A sacred place. A home away from home. A way to find one's way home. Serious yoga, not fancy stretching.

Wonderful studio- very welcoming, felt like i was right at home . The owner was so kind and welcoming.

I bought a groupon a couple of years ago and recalled enjoying the yoga so I bought another one. Now that my memory is fresh here's the good/bad: Location: Parking can sometimes be difficult. The area is a bit industrial/unappealing to the eye...Overall the area is safe and I've never seen anything shady going on. Studio: Old and needs some renovations. The men's locker room is kinda gross. The studio to practice is rather large. The carpet is smelly (but that's any hot yoga studio). The temperature is hot (in a good way). The lines on the floor are very helpful to align yourself. Instructors: Very hit or miss. Some are great, some are meh. They do not communicate which instructor will be teaching which class so you don't find out until you arrive at the studio. Personally speaking, I value instructors that speak clearly, are consistent with times in/out of the poses and offer corrections/modifications on my practice. I would say that happens 1 out 5 instructors. Random stuff: 1. Get a water fountain. I can't believe they don't have one. It's so basic and simple. 2. There's a dance studio below the yoga studio. At times you will hear the music/bass. You will find yourself all 'zen' but then in comes Missy Elliott telling you to "pass that dutch, pass that dutch...." 3. Yoga founder controversy. I don't know if that guy did or didn't sexually assaulting those women; I hope he didn't but I can't in good conscience support a studio that supports him. I wish the studio would put out a statement or change it's name. When I asked the front desk person about it all I was given a death glare. Overall:Not amazing, not horrible. Needs some TLC. read more

I've been practicing Bikram yoga for 3 years and I also travel a lot with work and have been to many Bikram studios all around the world. I want to be fair so here are the pros and cons from my perspective. Pros: - large hot room and locker room - inexpensive compared to other studios (for a reason) - lines on the floor to help you keep your postures in alignment. Cons: - very dirty carpet that smells like old cheese feet and vinegar. It's a pungent smell to the nose and eyes. - sub-par instruction from instructors that rush postures and blatantly insult people. I witnessed two instructors call people out rudely for not doing a posture correctly with no grace, love or understanding. - the locker room has an ant and termite infestation as well as being overall filthy with dirt. It's an unclean environment. - two male front staff that are rude, impatient and unhelpful, one was named Cortland and I forgot the other. The female staff however were pleasant. - parking is very hard and often you need to park far away. There are plenty of other fantastic Bikram yoga studios in the area. Please go to one of them enjoy and wonderful and restorative experience. Namaste :) read more

Heat and Humidity were perfect. Super hot and humid. Instruction was in my opinion, the worst I have ever had in the 10 years I have been practicing. I like to be pushed in my yoga sessions, but not to the point of lunacy. Feels awkward to be harsh on a yoga instructor, but I believe this instructors approach is damaging to the students and not helpful. From the beginning, as soon as he started instructing, the energy in the room shot to a piercing get me the hell outa this place. I pressed on and kept to a mantra of tolerance and kindness, believing my yoga journey this time would be more internal than physical. I was succesful for moments, but struggled staying in the room. Later, he pressed me to do a posture a certain way, not allowing me to adjust as I need to for certain postures. He said if I was in the posture in a certain way I would injure my back. The reason for my adjustments... I crushed my L2 and L3 vertebrae a while back and have to take a couple of postures certain ways! This I know because I learned the hard way that if I push in certain ways, the exact way he was pressing me, I will injure myself. Later in the class, a woman was sitting quietly during a standing posture and he instructed her that she must lay down or do the posture. After she told him she had vertigo and was unable to lay down. He shot back at her. Back and forth in conversation a couple times and she ended up walking out. He essentially told the class after ahe left that she was weak. Really? How is demeanong a student for their decision to walk away from a pointless argument weak? Seems the contrary. I was glad I stuck with it the entire class, as persistence beet out the clammoring committee in my mind, but I would never go back to this studio. Here on 3 days work trip, I signed up for the $40 umlimited thinking I could squeeze in 3 classes and save some $. Needless to say I didn't go back and let the money slide. If in the area, I would suggest checking out another studio, especially if you are new. As you progress in yoga, you will know how to push yourself. You don't need a pushy instructor to get all that you need out of yoga. A good instructor will know how to push their students in a positive direction, not force them out of the room. read more

If you are a true fan of Bikram Yoga, you will adore this place. Those who have too much going on in their minds or decide to carry their ego's into the yoga room, might have an episode or take corrections a little more personally. If this is you, don't let it get to ya... You're unique just like everybody else! To get the full medical benefits, avoid self made up modifications and follow the unchanging dialogue and instructor tips as it was created by Bikram. HOT TIPS: * Make sure you can see yourself in the front mirror. * The blue line should be at the halfway point on your mat, it is there to help you stay aligned. * If you get too hot or dizzy, lie down with your feet away from the mirror until you are ready to try again. * Pre-Hydrate, the last thing you need is to be chugging copious amounts of water when you are trying to do a compression posture. Little sips between postures is good. * Stay in the class for at least 2 minutes before leaving. This will allow your heart to slow down and your body to receive the maximum medical benefits from the series. I've been doing this yoga for many years now, and I can honestly say, it changed the way I look at life. Once you learn to shut the voices in your mind off, you can then receive the full benefit of connecting the mind, body, and hopefully your soul... read more

I have a love/hate relationship with Bikram yoga. While I'm in that hot hot room I'm yelling at myself and arguing about why I love to tortue myself. But then after I'm finished I feel so much better. I have rheumatoid arthritis and out of every treatment, medication, therapy I have ever done, Bikram yoga is what has helped me the most by far, which is why I still go. I have only been to one other Bikram studio to compare my experience to this one. I will say that this studio feels much hotter than the other one I've been to. Yayy for new heaters my first day back into the swing of things after taking a few months off. I've been here twice and have had to leave the room both times to cool down (sry everyone I know its distracting and I know you're supposed to be hot and sweaty), I just dont think you are supposed to be puking in your mouth from the heat. Some of the instructers open the door for a minute or two to help cool down, some do not. The other studio that I've been to I was able to stay in the heat the entire time, even on my very first Bikram yoga day ever. That leads me to believe this place is actually hotter than the other. The yoga room has carpet and as soon as you walk into the place there is an overall musty smell. I'm quite sensitive to smells so I notice it, but its not so bad where you can't stand it. The locker room has showers which is a nice amenity. There are lockers with no locks, so if you're worried about your stuff I recommend you bring your own lock. I havent seen anyone bring their own lock and it doesn't seem like you need to be worried about your belongins while you are in the yoga room. I've had 2 different instructors and can not say anything bad about either one. I purchashed a groupon to check this place out, and since its so close to my house I will probably continue coming here once my groupon of 10 sessions is finished. read more

I've taken Bikram off/on for 4 years. This is the 3rd studio in SD that I've tried and it's not bad. It does smell more than others, but they provide towels, which is a huge bonus (even if they are a little smelly/dingey too). Some instructors are better than others at giving cues. Also, during savasna, I don't like it when they keep yapping. It's supposed to be my time to recharge and absorb the benefits, not listen to lame attempts at being funny. The studio is very large and the locker/shower rooms are ok. They DO NOT have a drinking fountain, which I think is odd. They do sell water/coconut water at a decent price and the tap water is ok, but it's not very cold. read more

90 minutes of Bikram yoga was grueling; I was melting faster than the wicked witch of the west. The positions taught in class were effective (affirmed by soreness) in challenging your body, mind and will power. Staff and students were welcoming and encouraging. Amenities: - Yoga mats for first time students only - A couple of towels for class - Locker room and showers - Cubbies for shoes Pricing: $15 for the first class with the second class FREE (incentive to try again) $105 for 10 classes to be used within 45 days $135 one month unlimited * Special offers change from month to month Need to know: - Expected symptoms common in beginners are nausea and dizziness - THERE IS a slight but noticeable stench in the room; no doubt attributable to the sweaty practitioners in a carpeted heated room. Please wash your feet... read more

I have been taking Bikram for years. In NYC, Seattle, LA, B.C., even from Bikram himself. I just took a class from the owner Jim, and had to leave after the floor series. I could NOT believe that they say on their website "Hot Yoga is not Bikram, and Bikram is not hot yoga", as if they are a pure Bikram studio. There is an actual script that Bikram yoga instructors are supposed to follow for all 26 postures, and those instructions are all positive instructions. The class I just experienced would better be called "Jim's Yoga". He used his podium as an opportunity to preach. He is constantly telling people what they are doing wrong. He even went as far as to say "you are not flexible because of the way you live, keep coming back here everyday and you'll get better". Yoga is not for judgment. I personally feel super uncomfortable with the vibe I got from this instructor. Some would argue that is part of the challenge of Bikram. But with all of the beautiful yoga studios in SD, why not go there? Also, the studio smells, and needs serious renovation. Worst Bikram ever. read more

I was there this morning and I was hesitant based on reviews, but if you are a yoga devotee, don't worry about the bad reviews. I thought this studio was excellent and am very glad I went. I am sore now, as I should be, and that makes me happy. I need yoga wear and was worried they would not have anything but in fact they did as another reviewer pointed out I did not find it smelly or too hot but there were some people talking about how it was not as hot as normal. It WAS hot though. I can't imagine on a regular day! I would highly recommend this studio to anyone who is really into hot yoga read more

Bikram Yoga - In the shower room, shhhh don't tell any one - Trainers Near Me - San Diego, California

THIS studio is what kept me in San Diego for many many many years not ever wanting to leave San Diego because of how FEEL GOOD this studio IS. And its the very FIRST thing that I lovingly get EXCITED to Enjoy EVERY time I am in town. Love Love LOVE THIS Bikram Yoga In San Diego. Yes Please. More and more and more of Bikram Yoga HERE. Grateful for every moment of practice HERE. The HEALING within the soul the mind and the body is HERE. Pure MAGIC in THIS studio. Temperature always so on point, LOVE IT. Teachers that want the BEST for YOU. My wish is everyone can experience what I have. And what I Am HERE at this studio. Thank YOU to Jim Kallett who is my personal hero. read more

I did the 30-day trial. Pros: -Big room Cons: -The room STINKS so bad and the rest of the facility is not very clean either: we rented mats and towels each time cause we didn't wanna put our own mats on the smelly carpet (why does a yoga studio have a carpet floor??) -No welcoming atmosphere like other yoga studios. People working here seem to have an attitude (reading the owner's replies to people's reviews on Google is a proof of their mentality) -Teachers like to single you out and point out everything you do wrong in front of the class -No water fountain, just bottles for sale read more

In my opinion, the studio could go through a major renovation and offer the environment needed for yoga practice. Teachers are well trained, schedule is great and location isn't a problem. The GOOD: 1. Teachers are good. The instructions, pace and energy of the classes are very good and appropriate. 2. Location is good. Easy to find, easy access to the building. 3. Locker rooms are bigger than most studios, although lockers and showers are pretty beat up. 4. Price is very competitive and offers intro deals to new students. The BAD: 1. Yoga room isn't a very clean environment. Carpet smells, air feels stale, lighting isn't great. Just not a light and fresh space by any means. 2. There is no water. No fountain is available, tap water is hard to get from bathroom sinks. You're forced to purchase an overpriced bottle at the front desk. Every time. 3. The yoga room is extremely hot. Way more than necessary. Will slow down your progress, no doubt. 4. Parking can be difficult. read more

I first was introduced to this studio by my wife and enjoyed my first session with a delightful asian instructor; however the next day I attended a class instructed by the owner. I arrived early to see a man cussing grabbing his stuff and leaving as quickly as possible. The most toxic atmosphere I have been subjected to in my life. The entire class the owner talked about himself and how yoga cures everything which is fine, but then he started making fun of different students until he fixated on some of my last positions. I spent 7.5 years rucking around 60 pounds of weight on back in the military and I suffer from terrible arthritis from lyme disease. My left knee has little cartilage left in it and I just can't do some positions, but I try to remain respectful and try my hardest. The owner continued to berate myself and others by saying I'm a quitter and I you can't help people that don't to try, his ego was much larger than his speedo. I had to leave. Others left before me and I should have gone with them instead of being verbally harassed. This guy rocking a grape smuggler and pony tail lost more than a couple customers today. If you like leaving yoga angry and frustrated this is the place for you! To the owner- treat your customers with respect as they have given respect, money, and time to you. Macho behavior in a speedo is laughable at best. You ever wanna hit up a jiu jitsu class together give me a ring, we'll have a blast! read more

With the studio 1-1/2 yrs my first review 5 stars great instructors and studio. Then I had 2 classes with the owner. Now my account is closed. With exception of the owner the studio is great and wonderful intructors. Read through yelp and other social media the owners verbal abuse and harrassment toward students is consistent with my experience and user reviews. The following email is available for you to report abuse confidentially. stop_yoga_student_harrassment_1 The BBB and other agencies are being contacted. Refund support for students will be requested through these agencies. Read yelp reviews by Christopher A., Mike S., Emma, M.W., Cecilia S, Lisa R, The studio is great, all the instructors are excellent, this review is solely founded on the owners behavior read more

You don't want to come here. Please don't go! Instead of relaxation, you'll get a headache and will feel drained and sad ! Old, ugly, definitely not for young people or anyone really. You need to authorize your payments through emails. They have too many rules, very rude and outdated service. There's no mask mandate in San Diego but they require you to wear a mask when you come to check in, then everyone takes it off and nobody cares. I forgot my mask and they didn't have any for sale or for free. Rude people, the place reeks, carpets smell. Literally all decent studios have masks for free and for sale. Those Nazis denied me submission. It's hard to believe any place has such a horrible service. The place also embrace Bikram Choudhury himself and it's full or pictures with the Bikram (the sex violator and a horrible corrupted man who's ran away from prosecutions in US) The owner is his friend and worships him. For old outdated people who like simpler times. read more

The first time I ever did yoga was ten years ago in San Luis Obispo. And when I moved to San Francisco, I really got into it at a nearby Bikram studio. There are those special instructors that really make you feel like that class was made especially for you & that's how I feel every time I come to this studio. The towels are always fluffy & absorbent. Not hard & rough. The ppl that come here are social & chat about their dogs or what one husbands dinner tasted like the night before. There are equally amount of men as there are women. Studio is not updated at all & that's ok. Feels like a real school should. read more

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I have gone here a couple times 4 years ago and wanted to get back into it after Covid (extra weight gain) - i bought two passes online and have reached out over FIVE TIMES via email with NO REPLY!! So they have my money but wont let me schedule. They seem VERY "clicky" that you can't go there unless you "are a regular " - its the only strict bikram studio i can find near us so i guess they dont care about customer service or allowing outside people to get INTO bikram again and become a regular!! The owner is SO RUDE and everything has to be done via online. They wouldnt let me in when i tried to show up for a session via the schedule online AFTER EMAILING MULTIPLE TIMES TO USE MY VALID VISITS LEFT!!! Very disappointed and wish someone else would open another studio for everyone that can't seem to handle this place!! read more

Unfortunately, I bought a 20 class package and have 16 classes the owner will not refund. I'm retired and survive on a fixed income so spending money to go to a bikram yoga studio is a real sacrifice. Maybe the owner will show some compassion and refund my money. read more

This is my favorite Bikram studio in America besides New York City! The instructors are all wonderful and follow the script. The room is heated appropriately with humidity pumped in! The dressing rooms are adequate with plenty of lockers and a large shower. The best part of this studio is the yoga room is enormous! If you are in San Diego and want a true Bikram experience this is the studio! read more

It is the best, low impact, mind and body work out you will find. All the instructors have their own style so every class is different that way despite it being the same 26 postures. I have been practicing for 11 years and it has made me a more tolerant person in all arenas of life. Thank you Old Town Bikram staff. -Susan Schroeder read more

Came here not too long ago, and it was probably the worst yoga experience I've ever had. I'm not really the yogi type of yoga follower...all that mind/body stuff is fine and dandy, but it's not what I'm looking for. I'm also not looking for a yoga boot camp, which is exactly what this was. It was terrible. First of all, I should have known there was a high turnover rate, because their "special" was a 2 for 1 yoga workout. You pay the first time, and if you return for a second visit, you get that for free. I guess they'd go bankrupt if they did it the other way, because a huge amount of people would never return. Though I said I'm not a big mind/body yoga enthusiast, I do expect some sort of calm and comfort. That was not to be found. In fact, the drill instructor from Celebrity Fit Club looked like a bitch compared to the guy running class that Saturday afternoon. It was like I was training for the Army or something. He was loud and all business. Dude wouldn't even let you drink water until he said it was "OK." Fuck that noise...it's 100 degrees! If your body needs water, it needs NOW. Who is this guy to say I can't have any? I didn't pay to be yelled at, then told I can't have a drink when I've sweat out every liquid in my body. The place also smelled of a high school gymnasium...I'm sure that's from the constant influx of sweaty yoga people, but would a little Febreeze kill ya? I think not. Needless to say, I never returned. I've heard the Bikram's in Chula Vista is a lot more friendly...maybe I'll hit that one up sometime. read more

WORST STUDIO IN SAN DIEGO. In a nutshell: HEAT = very high, the only plus ENVIRONMENT = RANK DISGUSTING VOMIT INDUCING SMELL. its gross, it's distracting, it's unsanitary, its a deal breaker. INSTRUCTOR = startling and loud STAFF = judgmental, condescending, rude read more

If you are a fan of hot yoga, this is your spot. If you enjoy some pretty amazing views of SD (& Coronado), this is your spot. (lay your mat near windows) If you love motivating teachers, this is your spot. AND If you especially love hot coco (currently) on Fri & Sat mornings, this is your spot. ;) (She is one of the friendliest instructors! ) You should know: *Bring your own water (and a lot in case you run out) *Communal showers *Be respectful and try hard to follow etiquette *Parking can be difficult but not if you are an early riser =) read more

First off, just to clear the air, I know nothing about Yoga, and never did more than an occasional session with my uncle until last week. Alright, now that's out of the way, this place rocks. Yes, it's a little funky, but almost any gym with padding on the floor is. As far as the militant vibe, I am going to have to disagree, and I know militant- I am a veteran. The cool old dude people are talking shit on called me out because I was doing something wrong, and his succinct instructions allowed me to readjust and get more benefit from my workout without slowing the rest of the class down. I would personally rather have someone acknowledge and correct my faults than spare my ego- I'm a big boy, and I would rather strengthen my joints with proper technique than injure myself. Second thought, this place is CHEAP. I can't think of any other guided workouts in San Diego that are such a bargain. $10 for a 90 minute workout is absurd. If someone wants to pay more to go to a studio that rips up the floors every year and replaces them--well, glad you can afford that. You should also think about how much waste carpet will end up in landfills or incinerators for the sake of your sensitive nose. If you're a bit frugal, and not thin-skinned, this should be a studio you consider. If you want a modern facility, and a telepathic instructor that never says anything you don't want to hear, keep looking...but don't hold your breath. read more

Just for some context here: I have practiced Bikram Yoga for 5 years, 3x week, at Bikram Yoga in the Mission, SF. Before I review, just a quick note for new people who are considering trying out Bikram Yoga. Bikram yoga is challenging. It is hot. You will sweat. The teachers will challenge you. The teachers do not demonstrate poses, they lead you through them, verbally, step by step, and the class does the poses as a group, step by step by step.. The teachers want you to succeed, they want you to be safe, and as such will tell you what to do... often times emphatically. If you do not like to be challenged, if you do not like the heat, if you do not like to listen to instructions (or "to be told what to do and when to do it"), then this practice is probably not for you. By all means, try it out... this yoga is fantastic and I hope you love it as much as I do. But if you do try it, and don't like it, and if you are going to bother to write a review for this or any other Bikram Yoga studio, giving one a one star review because Bikram Yoga was hot, or challenging, or the teacher told you what to do and when to do it, reflects more on you than it does on the studio. So don't be that guy. Anyhoo: Be on time. Pee before class. Hydrate (with electrolytes) before class and during class when the rest of the class drinks, and after as well. Stay in the room: sit out if you need to, but stay in the room. Breathe. And have fun! After all that... This studio is pretty fantastic. The room is HUGE, well lit, well ventilated, and clean. The temperature and humidity were perfect (no doubt 104 F and 40% humidity) The sound system works great, and the teachers can be heard from anywhere in the giant, spacious room. Which is quite large. Though I cannot speak for the ladies change room, the men's changing area is, again, large and clean. There are probably 10 shower heads in the shower area, lockers are plentiful, and there is the *BONUS!* steam room, which is quite nice. (Use the steam room before class to warm up, and, paradoxically, provide an initial layer of wetness to help cool you when you first get into the Yoga room) The studio has a great deal for visitors, $40 unlimited yoga for a week, with two towels and a mat provided. I took two afternoon classes, both with Jake. He is a great instructor... thanks, Jake! Brendan at the front desk was also very welcoming and helpful. I do wish that I had been able to take on of Jim's classes (Jim is one of Bikram's most senior students, the fly guy with the feather tattoos in the Bikram's Beginning Yoga book), but I will have to wait until next time, I guess. Unless you want to come visit Bikram Yoga in the Mission in San Francisco, Jim ? : ) 5 stars. This place is the real deal, and if you like Bikram, then this place seems like a great place to train. Namaste. read more

I've been doing yoga for years, so I wasn't prepared for how quickly Bikram's was able to hand me my ass. I really shouldn't have been so smug. The end of class found me face-down in the perilously vile carpet holding back vomit & praying for the Virgin Mother to deliver me from this self-imposed hell. Yes, this place smells like shit, but what did you expect? It's a yoga studio heated to about 120 degrees crowded with a bunch of heavily perspiring, scantily clad people. If your delicate sensibilities are offended by this, I suggest taking up something less strenuous, like fast-walking or some such ridiculousness. The silver lining (there is one, of course!)? An hour & a half of intensely arduous yoga in searing heat yields unprecedented measures of flexibility. 4 solid stars :) read more

Sad to agree with the previous review that this studio has gone way downhill. It has been this way for over a year now. There is an infestation of bugs in both locker rooms, the steam room has been shut off indefinitely, and this studio used to pride itself on being hot. It is NOT hot anymore. It is draft and dry people. Learn to know the difference. Nationwide, people would come to try this studio, and would leave the room drenched, and towels completely saturated. What happened to those days?! Students are loyal followers because it is the only option downtown. They are complaining in the locker rooms, and they are disgruntled. But when anyone brings up how they are dry as a bone or that the room simply does not feel the same to the owner, Jim Kallet, nothing is done. Is it to save on money? At the expense of the students? If so, shame on him. The strong students are getting weaker, and the weak students think they are doing Bikrams yoga, and "survived" a hot class. Come on. Consider downsizing to a smaller location, but keep whatever integrity is left of the series and bring back the heat in the process before someone injures themselves and it closes indefinitely! Pros: Nice desk staff. Some of the instructors know the series well Cons: Location is sketch as F, always feels shady leaving after a night class Parking is awful and I worry someone will break into car The room is stinky Roaches in the locker room The room is NOT NOT NOT hot read more

I've done martial arts for 15 of my 24 years of life, played soccer, lacrosse, track and field, etc. NOTHING compares to the workout I got in 90 minutes at this place. This was my first time doing any sort of yoga, so I guess I sorta just dived right in and did the most challenging variety. The workout is intense, the room is around 105 degrees. If you're afraid of sweating, you should not do this. I was drenched as if I had just gotten out of the shower. Post-workout, I feel great but I can't tell if that's actually from the workout or just from feeling like absolute death for 90 minutes and my brain finally being in a normal environment again. I do plan on going back next week. if you're looking for a challenging workout, this should definitely be on your list of things to try out. read more

I've practiced bikram yoga in LA /Pasadena and wanted to find a studio in San Diego. Although I do believe strongly in the benefits of Bikram yoga, I am not a fan of this studio in particular. 1. The whole place smells terrible (especially the carpet, which you smell instantly as you lie down) This was the most difficult part. It really is hard to breathe properly because the smell hits you as you walk in, then it's magnified when you lie down on your mat. 2. This place is really hot. They don't regulate the temperature like other bikram studios. The hotter the better apparently. 3. The few times I've gone, I've heard several thuds and seen people fall over and faint, possibly from the heat or not breathing. The instructor, however, encourages dizziness and he does pick on you if you try to sit out a pose. I've read some previous reviews and I disagree with some: Studio is packed to the brim with people, where people accidentally keep touching you while doing the poses because your mats are so close together. Parking is difficult, especially at night, and the locker room is also tiny. Tips if you still try to go: Wear shorts (or something that you can see your knees locked. Hydrate and make sure you've eaten 2-3 hours before. read more

Let me write this review before I forget! I just got home from a 6:30 class at Bikram... The studio smelled like ass & chips, and pickles & mustard... i was concerned with all the rules, no talking in the hall, no talking in the studio, no leaving class, no drinking water, dude, whatever, I'll do what I want... massive internal resistance on my part.... I gave this place the benefit of the doubt though... the class started and I wasn't really paying attention when this cute ass guy came out in speedos named Joseph, he was the instructor and he was talking to my bff next to me... I was dazed because he was so cute, but he talked too damn much... Like a drill sergeant, it was a lil' overwhelming.... I've practiced Kundalini Yoga for quite some time, but I've been out of the exercise circuit for a while now... I wasn't impressed with this place.. I'm going back tomorrow only for my free class and one last glimpse of Joseph (lol) before I drop this place and head up to Kearney Mesa, where I here its hot and poppin! Save your money... avoid all the BS at this studio and make the trip to Kearney Mesa or Chula Vista... I hear they're cleaner, nicer, and much more peaceful... I mean, I'm in tune with my surroundings and my being, I don't need a negative vibe from this place to follow me home and ruin my life.... Let me say.... two years later I'm still going to Bikram Yoga and I love the studio... they've done a number of things to curb the smell and show they care... the instructors are more aware of what they're saying/how they're speaking but still challenging your inner being.. Bikram Yoga is an experience you should not miss... JUST DO IT!! The Old Town location is my spot to go!! :) read more

I've practiced for nearly 8 years at studios across the country. Here's what separates Old Town from others: 1. it's super hot, one of the hottest studios in the country and likely world. the humidity really makes it. without humidity, the yoga just doesn't do the trick as well. 2. anyone can do it. i'm an athlete and i nearly always struggle at some point during class. it's the combo of the heat and the poses. again, for those looking to be physically challenged, the heat will make you struggle. 3. the facilities here are great. the room is big. it does smell a bit, but it's not that bad. the locker rooms are big. open showers, so if you're bashful, be aware of this fact. water is sold here, but there are no fountains so make sure you have cash or bring your own. 4. the instructors are top notch. you'll get a true bikram class. unlike at other studios, the teachers here don't baby the students. people flock to this studio because it's hard. if it was not hard, people would not come back. studios that are less hot or where the instructors open doors, take big breaks etc., don't do as well financially. 5. parking is pretty easy these days. just make sure you know that hancock street runs paralell ot the 5 expressway -- west of it. exit Old Town or Washington. 6. if you have never exercised or done yoga, no worries. you can start here. that's the point. 7. if you travel, there are bikram studios everywhere. that is another great thing about it. in fact, there's a san diego company that has a travel portal and they cover bikram studios with key info like parking, shower situation, directions etc. www.athleticmindedtraveler.com they also recommend all sorts of other work out options, places to eat, stay etc. for active types. 8. Try it at least 5 times before you make up your mind about it. read more

(written by my wife): Let's cut to the chase: THIS PLACE STINKS!! Literally. It reeks to high heaven. My husband and I visited during a cleaning day on which there were no classes (it was Christmas Eve), and all the windows were open with large fans in the doorways. When shown the huge classroom, my husband turned heel and went into the hallway, fighting down dry-heaves. We were staggered by the stench. How these people could show us that place with straight faces and look us in the eye is beyond me. My Bikram's studio in Philadelphia had wood flooring and was impeccably clean (even with a ceiling faux-painted to look like a cloudy sky). I wouldn't take class here without a hazmat suit. Call the health department, PLEASE!!!!!!! My husband stated later in the day that he still had the taste in his mouth... Seriously, is this not regulated? And don't get all crunchy-granola on me- there's nothing serene and centered about foot fungus, plantar warts, skin diseases, respiratory problems, and all the other myriad maladies one can pick up in a carpeted cesspool like this. I love Bikram's yoga, and wish there were a hygienic competitor here in SD I could go to. If the owner of this studio cared anything about the health of his clientele, he would rip out that Petri dish of a carpet and invested in some bamboo (or other alternative) flooring instead of trying to save a buck by making the carpet last until it walks away by itself. Shame on the people who run Bikram's Yoga College of India! Namaste... read more

As this is my first adventure into Yoga I would not recommend to someone who dislikes sweating! A friend had been trying to convince me to come along and I'm grateful for it. The 104°F temp and humidity can be overwhelming as you walk in but after your breathing exercises you won't even notice it. Nice location and being on the 3rd floor is an added bonus if you don't use the elevator to get some stair time (do gym and yoga to get best of both). If it's your first time go in with an open mind and be welcoming to the new experience. First time members deal is the best as it's unlimited classes for the first month. Classes also available a la carte or you can purchase packages or unlimited monthly membership. Have had the pleasure of being in class with several different Yogi's with different styles of teaching even though same poses. Well worth checking out. read more

Not a Fan. I'll try to be objective. 1. Horrible Smell. Carpet and hot yoga shouldn't mix. 2. Loud obnoxious teacher. The speakers were way too loud. I came to yoga to relax. 3. Locker rooms stink too. 4. No free trial class? ok 5. Teacher told me not to get up and grab a drink from my gf's waterbottle when I ran out of water. read more