I am a consistent practitioner of yoga, but thought I would switch it up this evening and try some Tai Chi. The particular class I attended was focused on intestinal exercises, gut health, and breathwork. I wasn't too sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the class. I was immediately and warmly welcomed into the studio, which is small and intimate with an abundance of educational content surrounding the welcome desk. The class itself was quite small (6 of us) but the intimate feel really added to the class. This particular class was very beginner friendly, and the instructor was very patient and willing to kindly redirect/guide if postures were incorrect. The class was extremely meditative and restorative. Afterwards, the class was invited to stay for tea, which nearly everyone did-and we went around the circle briefly sharing the energies of our day and our experience with the practice. It was really lovely! And the studio seems to have an abundance of class options to choose from. I'd like to come back. read more

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I scheduled a class at Body & Brain Union Square after getting a Living Social deal. I hadn't heard of this studio before and wasn't exactly sure of the type of yoga practiced here as the website showed "Basic" or "Advanced" yoga classes. I should have known it would exceed my expectations as the Universe tends to offer me magnificent gifts in unexpected packages. I arrived 15 minutes early in order to fill out the paperwork usually required for first-time students. After filling out the form, a gentleman who worked there gave me some context for what the class would consist of and begin to demonstrate a few exercises. The studio (not even sure if it's regarded as a studio) is gorgeous with a padded floor (yoga mats are not used for the class). The class consisted of a unique sequence of movements designed to circulate and accumulate energy in the body. The practice felt like a hybrid of Vinyasa yoga, Tai-chi, Kundalini, and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). There was tapping, shaking, twisting, stretching, and even plate balancing. The emphasis of the practice seem to be on what is called the Dahn Jon (2nd Chakra) and the body's Meridian channels. I definitely felt a vibrational shift at the end of class. They even have decaffeinated tea for you to sip on afterwards if you'd like. I've been practicing yoga for over 7 years (off-and-on) and have some familiarity with Kundalini. I was definitely impressed with this practice and will be taking another class before the week's end. Stadium applause and strongly recommend checking out Body and Brain Union Square. Let me know what you think! read more

Body & Brain Manhattan - Check-in area. - Yoga Near Me - New York, New York

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I really love this special center! Master Geum takes a lot of time to devote herself to the growth of each member. She has a wealth of knowledge and has been training in the practice and working for the company for more than 20 years. She really cares! Since I've become committed to my practice with Body and Brain I'm consistently happy almost all the time. I feel a sense of connection to myself and I don't feel lonely or empty like I used to in New York. I have more clarity in my day to day life and peace of mind. I feel connected to my body!!! This is so important. The stress points and tension spots I've had in my shoulders lower back and hips are improving and I have more strength and flexibility. I'm really attaining health, happiness, and peace through classes and my home practice. I want to keep going deeper in my practice. Body and Brain can make a difference for all people if they're committed to their growth. Everyone can attain connection to their body and true health, happiness, and peace through this practice. read more

I had been coming to the center for years to manage my stress and anxiety level. I learn how to meditate and learn how to love my body. Since the pandemic started we switched to zoom classes and I must say I get the same results. At first I thought it would be different but now I understand we are all connected through energy no matter where we are - in the yoga studio or in my living room. Thank u read more

Loved everything about my experience with these teachers. Very welcoming and knowledgeable. Also, my first Tai Chi experience was both eye opening and rejuvenating ! I'd recommend their services to anyone!! read more

I was interested in learning Tai Chi, so I looked into this school. I was excited to sign up for a one hour private intro session, which unfortunately was more like a quick 5 minute evaluation, followed by a class of gentle breathwork and stretching. Immediately after the class the manager wanted me to sign a commitment for a yearly program, and even though I told her that I am very busy and can only come for one class a week at best, she told me that my best option is the most expensive program - unlimited classes for $1300/year. I just wanted to take one Tai Chi class to see how I felt about it, and that didn't even happen. I had a nice stretch, but I was too advanced for it. I felt pressured to join the school, I didn't feel like I was given the space to make my own decision, I left feeling like no one cared, and was only interested in me if I joined the school long term. Strange vibes, sorry. Extra star for the lovely breath work teacher. I think I'll stick to my hot yoga, ballet, and running. read more

Amazing loving atmosphere! The manager is very sweet, caring and knowledgeable! Love all the instructors too! The classes are helping me every day - to increase my energy, to manage my emotions and have a positive outlook on life in general! read more

I came across this place about 2 years ago, looking for some place to try yoga. It is very beautiful and clean - and while not what I expected (as in, there were few to no people in tight sweatpants and yoga shirts/clothes) and the exercises are a little different from most Indian based yoga styles, I was so relaxed after the first few classes and for the rest of the week, I felt it was a wonderful place. There are regular stretching classes, tai chi class and a non-violent energy martial arts class offered here. Among the members there is a great community feeling. It has been AMAZING how much my general health (and more specific health issue - seizure disorder) have improved since I started! I highly recommend this for anyone who is willing to keep an open mind and try something new, and/or is looking for a way to exercise and feel simultaneously energized and rested afterwards. read more

I randomly found this center on google and decided to try it out since I was interested in getting back to practicing yoga. And I have to say I am beyond grateful for this center's existence. They are welcoming, and the classes are versatile with different exercises/movements that promote strengthening and healing the body and mind. I left feeling light, confident and joyful. I highly recommend this center. read more

This yoga place is EXTRAORDINARY. There are plenty of yoga studios in New york city but most of places lack the true mission to heal and uplift the true spirit of yoga. Brain and body yoga provides wooden pillow classes, self- healing, chakra healing , and plenty of great workshop. I really recommend Shim Sung or Finding True Self workshop. it costs you a little extra money but i's worth for every penny. Besides, The studio is extremely clean and holds good energy that you can feel immediately upon entering. I really love comfortable class that are not over crowded. the most important thing is each instructors (masters) are extremely thoughtful and in-tune with each students needs during class so you won't feel neglected or lost. If you are looking to grow in awareness, peace and positivity so you can spread peace, positivity, and awareness .... This would be the place to visit. read more

Used to be a member. The people seemed to really care and I did get a lot out of it and met some wonderful people. I recommend researching the origin "Dahn yoga" before attending class. It took me a while to figure out what was going on... read more

I've been going to Body and Brain Yoga & Tai Chi regularity for several months. It's unlike any other exercise class I've ever experienced. It starts with a warm welcome and ends with a hot cup of ginger tea. The classes are very therapeutic and leave you feeling energized physically and mentally. The instructors are uplifting, patient and helpful. I highly recommend Body & Brain to anyone who wants to improve their well being. Djr read more

I came to Body & Brain for a Tai Chi class and it was very awesome. We started with a solid warm up - and then moved on to some stretches and basic Tai Chi steps. The instructor is super nice and makes sure no one is left behind/everyone is doing the stretches correctly and taking the steps properly. The studio is big and has padded floors. If you're looking for an intro to Tai Chi and looking to meet some nice new people - this place is worth visiting. read more

This is my home away from home...it's where I come to feel grounded, centered, and just BETTER in general. The Masters/Instructors are all amazing, kind, patient, encouraging. The atmosphere is filled with fresh energy, clean floors, and beautiful people trying to put some woosah into their days and lives. Classes are generally 70 minutes long, but sometimes run a little longer. One of my favorite parts is the free tea afterwards! There is no rush here. Stay and relax for a bit before you go back to your hectic lives. Leave with a stronger sense of self-worth and peace. You're important. Take some time for you, and do it here. I've been to so many yoga studios and I've always felt the "New York Keep It Movin'" energy. There's no rush at this yoga center, and there truly is no competition. You do what you can, and that's the best thing you can do for your body! And if you're looking for that true Mind-Body-Spirit connection, this is where you'll find it. read more

I went there with lifebooker, and then made a 3 month payment (2 times in a week). I'm not talking about what a weird class they had, sometimes tapping your don-jon took half of the class (the warming). They said do you want to continue the classes? I said no. Then they said my term is over, I said but I couldn't come for 3 weeks, she said I'm sorry, you need to have came.!! grrr... but I'm so happy I'm not going anymore.. Studio, yes it's a great place.! read more

When you come to Tao Yoga and Tai Chi you receive world class instruction and training. The practice here goes way beyond just yoga, and develops the whole body mind and spirit for perfect health. read more

I attended the energy dance yoga party class here on Friday - Apparently they only offer this special class once a month. It was led by Michael? and was a mixed bag of styles. First, a word on the instructor - he had a very soothing and clear voice, a good energy to him, and was great at leading us for an hour and a half. I loved the part at the end when he shared some inspirational uplifting words about asking our hearts what we want and being in touch with ourselves. I think I heard someone sniffling as he spoke as his words were so moving. Now, on to the specifics of the class: At first, we started off standing in a circle while beating our stomachs (as others have mentioned) and taking turns counting to ten. Next, we did some partner stretching, switching partners for each stretch - this was a good way to socialize with the other people in the class. Then we danced around the room to uptempo music for about 15 to 20 minutes. It was freestyle dancing. We danced on our own, then in pairs, then in two pairs, then larger groups until we were all in one circle dancing. After that, we did the 21 poses? of Tai chi (this was my first time doing this). After the poses, we did some ab work and ended in stretching/meditation. The class was like nothing I had attended before and was an interesting experience. I liked that they really encourage participating with other people in the class - and at the end of it they had some juice and muffins for people to munch on so they could stick around and chat. It was a good way to spend a friday night and I left feeling rejuvenated and like I had gotten a decent cardio workout. read more

There are few places I've been to that care about my emotional health, physical awareness, and spiritual well-being as authentically as this place does. I went into it just wanting to learn tai-chi for stress relief but ended up opening myself up to so much more that Body and Brain has to offer. It has helped me in all realms, including digestion. It feels uncomfortable at times, but I think that if you want to heal some old stuff, being uncomfortable might be the way to get there. read more

My name is Guirlaine I have been a member of the 28th street Manhattan for over a year. The classes really help me mentally and physically. Master Geum is friendly, warm and caring. I am always looking forward to go there. Thanks to all the class masters! read more

I discovered Body and Brain about 6 months ago and it has quickly become an integral part of my week. The format and instructors are very experienced, intuitive and knowledgeable they have such a great outlook on each individual and what is needed. For me my focus has been on breathing, stress and general health. While some may consider the classes not the same as other yoga classes, these classes are all tailored to really focus on internal health, gut, lungs and general well being, core, movement, flexibility. The range of classes have really helped me with progressing my healing and general overall outlook and health. They take a vested interest in their students above and beyond and I thank them for being so supportive. read more

the space and instructors are very nice. Very friendly and helpful staff. But as with any other yoga, you will get what you give. You give it faith, time and effort and you will reap amazing benefits read more

Weird tai chi that does none of the traditional tai chi moves. Instead you bang on your body parts over and over again trying to release energy. I usually take tai chi with a wonderful Chinese woman and thought this could supplement...... But they do not have the forms none of the hand movements and none of the foot work. A little bit like going into a Scientologist church. I guess it's good for people who just want to go somewhere and sit in a group of people and hit themselves and their stomach with a fist hundred times but not for anyone wants to do tai chi read more

I can't believe I'm writing this review only now after having joined Body & Brain Yoga 20 years ago! I have taken many different variations of yoga classes but this is the best one by far. Due to my overwhelmingly intense work schedule, high level of stress and not being able to exercise regularly, I got diagnosed with hyperthyroid 2 years ago, then developed frozen shoulder on my both shoulders (back to back). After realizing how stress and a lack of exercise can take a toll on my body, I was determined to get my health back on track. I went back to this yoga center and maintained to go to classes at least 3 times a week. I have also taken private healing sessions/classes with Master Geum to treat my frozen shoulder in conjunction with my physical therapy sessions. Over time within last 6 months, I continued to go to yoga classes and phased out PT sessions gradually. As a result, my right shoulder is completely cured and my left shoulder is almost recovered. During the course of recovery, it also helped managing my shoulder pains without taking pain medication. Also, my recent lab results came back completely normal with excellent TSH, T4 level. Furthermore, with the help of regular practice of yoga, I know how to handle stressful situation better with breathing techniques and meditation. I am sharing this review to genuinely help anyone who needs to improve their health condition or just to maintain a healthy life style. I am very grateful that I found this yoga when I needed it most. read more

I ended up writing to Groupon and getting a refund for this deal. It's just not worth the hassle. I also found out that if you cancel less than 24 hours in advance twice, they will CHARGE you a fee! How can they charge for a class that they inform you you've gotten into the same day of the class! Things come up-I'm not just waiting around for you! Also, if you don't show up for a class, they will count that against whatever deal or pass you have- so if you miss 2 classes, they deduct 2 class from your account. Unbelievable. It's an interesting concept, but I'm going to stick to the yoga I know and where I know I can actually take a class. read more

I am an individual urgently seeking to understand and learn more about existence, and what I've recently come to understand is that self discovery is the foundation of this. - Brain and body yoga tai chi is not about appearances and simply getting in shape, we are learning about our own inner confidence. Master Geum said to me, "There are 24 hours in a day; how much time do you actually spend for yourself"? She can truly see that I've been focusing my efforts on what is outside of me, and not taking the time to cultivate my own soul. The dear apprentice Tetyana conducts class every Sunday, and the environment that she generates is so fun and accepting. She's an energetically humble spirit - It is clear that they both care very much for the people in the class. Let me openly tell you, I am willingly paying for these classes and driving an hour each way, because I truly want to support the institution and it's good people. The culture of this studio is a proponent of acceptance; acceptance for both ourselves and for one another. I will also highly recommend the vibrational class, you can feel the strength of your energy levels being enhanced greatly - In fact there's an underlying emphasis on energy with everything they offer. Last week I had the privilege to meet another very kind instructor named Leeta; she had such a genuine demeanor. So in retrospect, it has now become very clear to me that they all work as a team and they wish to share their strengths as needed in order to bring about the best conditions for our growth. Lastly, I am very grateful for my dear friend Terri who invited me to join... It's been an honor. read more

Im sure I wouldve given them a 5 had I completed what I started but things came up I was very impressed with the place the people and the energy..Very clean and u feel so welcomed and important.A different type of Yoga yes but I need different Im not flexible and have a very hard time concentrating so I needed something out of the world to grasp my attention I like the way the class is ran by Kim its like a work out and a energy releaser at the same time connecting to the most high I cried during the first session (I guess I had a lot of tension built up in me but the class helped release it) the punching urself I dont really get but I feel like its something that would benefit u in the long run Its a shock to ur body which is always good...the body is smart.Im going back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

This was the most relaxing experience I have ever had. It is a great stress reliever and I feel so much better after class. It is all about being positive. They have good hours and great tee in the waiting room. Its clean, nice flooring and great music. Master Kim and master Shavon are two very friendly people, they care for you and make you feel at home. Absolutely love this place and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice yoga place. Prices are also good and reasonable. read more

I have been studying yoga off and in for years so yoga was not something entirely new to me. Until I went to Body and Brain,Union Square. It was a totally different experience! The facilities were very clean and tasteful. The staff is friendly and very helpful. It is a nice touch that they serve tea in the waiting area. The classes are really wonderful-so non- threatening and gentle, yet challenging at the same time. I love that the classes "quiet your mind" and make you listen and be in tune with your body. The classes are very healing and restorative and after every class, I find myself for supple, more flexible and stronger both physically and mentally. I also took a few "one-on ones" with Master Kim. She is trully a wonder. She is very soothing and patient. She seems to know where my trouble areas are both physically and emotionally, and she gives me exercises to try at home which are so helpful when I do them every day.She sincerely wants her students to get better and she guides me with so much love and compassion in my sessions with her. I highly recommend Body and Brain Union Square.Try it once, try it twice. It will grow on you and you will grow with it! read more

If you are looking for a perfect match between yoga, workout and meditation you shouldn't miss this place. You will see the difference after visiting this place just once, while being a member would change your life. The staff is lovely, super friendly and they do not hesitate to share positive energy with every guest. Thank you guys for being there for us! read more

This was my first and my last groupon for some kind of classes. I bought 30 class groupon which I think lets you come 5 times to any fitness or yoga locations of your chioce out of dozens of choices they have. I only used four classes out of this groupon and I will not use the remaining 26 free classes. I visited Tai Chi and Dahn yoga at this location. One of the instructors Jessica is very pleasant which is why the place does deserve one star. The older asian lady I think shes the one whose name is Kim but I might be wrong (who also trains some classes but she seemed more of a manager) was sooo annoying you guys have no idea. I understand that groupon is created in order to attract new clients but come on you have to do it nicely and smoothely. Not just throw it into my face at the beginning and after every class I attend like come on come on you have to become a member now the best deal to get is the one for 12 months get it get it. Ugh. Eventually I did not even return for my last free fifth class because I felt like the lady is gonna eat me alive if I dont subscribe. Since classes were nice this nasty attitude is pretty much the only reason I did not stay. You have to be more friendly and less (MUCH less) pushy with you clients, you have to promote the generosity of spirit instead of showing us that all you see looking at us is walking wallets. read more

A secret gem everyone should know about! Everyone at the center is positive and helpful. The classes are really good, with clear instruction. Enjoy the calm environment with some tea and get to know new people. Master Kim is the best! read more

I have been attending this center for more than 7 years. In May 2018 I was diagnosed with SVT ( Supra Ventricular Tachicardia) only managed with medication ( beta blocker), rest and avoiding triggers. To cure it I had an ablation on July 26, 2018. During my recovery Master Dawoon taught me stretching and strengthening exercises to support circulation and heart meridians. I went to a 3 months follow-up with my cardiologist electrophysiologist and he removed the betablocker and the blood thinner. I am blessed and grateful. Master Dawoon focuses on your condition and pushes you to improve using stretching to improve circulation and strengthening exercises. She is an amazing teacher and coach. read more

Went to Tao Yoga & Tai Chi for about a year. Loved the atmosphere and people there.

I was stressed out lately and was looking for some channels to relieve stress. I heard that yoga or meditation will help so I searched on internet to find options. Having reviewed the information on their website, I wanted to give it a try. Maybe because I did not have much expectation I was more open to try what they taught me. They explained about the energy balance in my body and asked me to start warming up by tapping the body. Later I heard from friends that people practice tapping also in qigong and tai chi. We did stretching, breathing and some sort of meditation in the class. I was surprised to feel very different and light after the class. My shoulder pain went away! read more

Love this place, was able to get rid of stress and get into a better place within myself. A little mind and body work goes a long long way. I can't say it was the funnest thing i've ever done. But it was the most beneficial thing i've done for myself all year. This is great for everyone and anybody! read more

Tao Yoga is the first time that I've failed to use up all of my classes on a Lifebooker card. I just didn't look forward to going there. I really feel bad about giving a small business a poor review, but I want to warn anyone who might be considering Tao Yoga & Tai Chi as a place to practice yoga. They teach something called Dahn yoga, which is nothing like the regular hatha/vinyasa/etc. styles of yoga I've been taking elsewhere. If I had known anything about Dahn Yoga I never would have bought the coupon. At the beginning of every class everyone stands around in a circle hitting themselves in the stomach and taking turns counting off the number of times that they have hit themselves in the stomach. This supposedly "release spirits from the donjon" or something to that effect. It just gets weirder from there. Someone on another site wrote that the place "offers more than just the basic asanas", but every one of the three times that I went there I longed for the basic asanas and wished, every minute, that I was a few blocks away at Laughing Lotus or pretty much any other yoga studio in New York that offers basic asanas. A major annoyance about this place is that they insist on everyone wearing white shirts. If you don't have one they make you rent one of the ratty studio shirts. This costs $5, which I will grant is not much. It's more about the principal of the thing. I don't want to pay $5 for your ratty studio shirt. I want to just wear one of my own brightly colored t-shirts that I'd wear to any other class, and I'm not a big fan of white. I own exactly one white t-shirt, and it was a big pain to make sure that the shirt was clean and packed on days when I wanted to use up my lifebooker coupon instead of throwing on whatever workout shirt happens to be freshly laundered, which is what I do at any other studio of been to. Wearing a white shirt while surrounded by other people in white shirts did not add to the experience. If anything, it detracted from it because their insistence on all students wearing white shirts was so irritating. The only reason this place deserves the one star you're forced to give is because I have to admit that I always left there feeling better than when I came in despite my dislike towards the experience. Part of the problem is that I could care less about Tai Chi and was just looking for another possible yoga studio to practice at. read more

More like 3.5 stars but I'll be nice. Interesting place for sure. I had a voucher to try out a bunch of yoga studios across the city and decided to drop by for their Vibration class. I always do my research before trying a new place and I'd read somewhere that this was a cult.. didn't faze me but I definitely came in not knowing what to expect. The class began with tapping our "dahn jaan" or energy center of the body and proceeded to turn into the weirdest, but also one of the most fun, yoga classes I've ever taken. There was a 15 minute period where the teacher turned down the lights and blasted sort of spiritual-techno music and we all just shook our limbs around and danced/jumped... after a couple of minutes of bewildered laughter I thought "what the hell" and actually ended up enjoying myself. It felt like being at a trance rave while surrounded by a bunch of old people. This was followed by somewhat more traditional meditation and stretching, which is closer to what I'd imagined. I left feeling pretty light and happy (not sure if this was because of the laughing and dancing) so can't really complain. It's definitely not for everyone but I had fun. read more

If I could give it 6 stars I would, just by walking in you feel like heavy burden was lifted off your shoulders! Love the classes and I feel at peace when I leave read more

This place is absolutely amazing. My body is so tense and tired when I come in but I leave so relaxed and much more energized. My stress has gone through the roof to almost non-existent. Such warm, loving, caring instructors here. No matter what condition you are in, anyone can do these stretches. Simple but have big effect. I recommend everyone to give this lovely place a try. You'll fall in love, how do I know? Because I did! Don't miss out on this little gem of a place~ read more

I felt very relaxed and refreshed after taking class at this yoga center. It helped me release the tension in my shoulders very quickly and I feel great. I will definitely return to take more classes. read more