Lots of variety, friendly staff, and convenient location ( we'll see how that new hotel affects us)

The variety of classes are great. The workshops are always welcoming and fun. Nicole's classes are especially challenging and she makes the classes accessible for all levels. read more

I took a bikram or hot yoga. The room was toasty as expected, 102 degrees or so. We all had our towels and mats. I was positioned in the middle of class. I came with another couple. This wasn't my first yoga class but it was my first hot yoga. The classroom was so crowded, there was little floor space for a mat and me, but made it work. I remember the horror and disgust after midway through class that some guy in front of me was sweating so profusely, every time he would lift or drop down an arm he would splash his nasty sweat on me. This was when I decided hot yoga wasn't for me. I stayed through the end of class but I ended up getting a lot of his germs on me. This was also the same class a guy in the back row had passed out from the heat and you could hear the thud of his poor head hit the back wall. He was in the back and last row too. The class stopped briefly, he came to and some folks helped him out of class and then we kept on going as if that's normal for people to pass out and crack their heads on the back wall. Really? I still have bad memories when I think of my one hot yoga experience. I like regular yoga, will stick normal yoga, that's my jam. read more

I've been going to yogashelter for my yoga needs for about a year and I enjoy the community of teachers and the spacious and well designed interiors as I feel they add to the experience. I decided to take a class by Matt Edwards as he's my favorite instructor and will talk to you after class if you have any questions or would like his advice on any yoga poses and according to my Apple Watch helped me burn well over 500 calories during his vinyasa class. The class is an hour long and featured a well tailored playlist to match the fast pace of this type of yoga. I also enjoyed the heated room which was hot enough to work up a good sweat but not too hot that I couldn't breath. I enjoy how Matt helps you improve your moves throughout class if you need it or if you're a new comer but doesn't force you to do any poses that you aren't up for. If you're looking for a good yoga community that has various locations, cool and approachable instructors and awesome yoga classes this is the place!! read more

I'm so grateful to have found a studio that is so warm (fantastic teachers and receptionists) welcoming. They all makes me feel happy and excited to work out. Everyone is so wonderful and supportive. I'm getting fit and just gaining so much confidence. On another note. Repetition is the MOTHER of skill! The first few times of learning yoga I thought I was going to pass out. I stuck at it and now I'm strong and full of energy. Nothing is more valuable ($$$) than good health (mind and body) DO IT! read more

Bold Flow Yoga - Royal Oak - Yoga Shelter has help me so much. I'm 61 years old in this photo! Feelen GOOD my bro! - Yoga Near Me - Royal Oak, Michigan

I give 2 stars to the friendly front desk people but that is it. I think the workout here should be called as aerobics instead of yoga. One essential of yoga is yourbreathing. However, with those phony pop music blowing off the roof, I couldn't even hear the instructors let alone be able to focus on my breathing. Not a suitable place for beginners either, since in my 2-3 month experience here, I have never had any instructor correcting my poses or advising me to have a block while I needed. Unlike other yoga studios, the instructors here also never explaining how some poses suppose to work on your body either, which can be helpful when it comes to Yin yoga practice. I will probably give the place a 4 star if they change their name to Aerobics Shelter. read more

Oh my gosh, the aerial yoga class is fun! And it's not just for super in-shape people. I'm plus size and not in great shape and, with Sarah's patience and clear instructions, I was able to perform all the moves in the beginner's class. It was scary at first, but I soon learned to trust the silks and myself. This is a heckuva fun way to get some exercise; I highly recommend it! read more

I took my very first yoga class about ten years ago in this exact studio. I had an amazing, enlightening, strengthening, and beautiful practice today with Robyn. She had great music, provided clear guidance into poses, shared modifications to expand my practice, and had the best energy. The studio was very welcoming. Whitney at the front desk was very amicable. Thank you for a wonderful practice. I loved every minute. read more

Really variable place. I actually like the space and some of the classes have been great. Some though have been sub-par at best and as with all yoga, the classes depend on the teacher. Here's some breakdown on several of the teachers: Linda: overall good, plays heavier music, very normal and straight forward speaking style Suzanne: overall good/great, plays very peaceful chant-like music, relaxed and peaceful speaking and tone Caren: overall good, mixed music with some pop, mix of straight forward talking and low key tone John V: not good, played cliche pop and lyric-filled music, poor flow and not descriptive in his poses Barbi: not good, played all bad pop music and rambled on throughout class, at one point I considered asking her to just stop talking read more

I still hate this place. I went with a friend because she thought I could use one of her class passes. I couldn't but since I was already there, I paid $17 to drop in. The instructor was okay (straightforward flows while challenging) and we weren't packed into the place this time. However, the studio is ungodly hot and the air does not move. It is simply too hot to be safe for the amount of movement you're doing. I literally felt ill. I need to say something about the music. The playlist included such hits as Summer Girls by LFO and Cowboy by Kid Rock. I wish I were kidding, but I'm not. When I am practicing yoga and I am in a pose that is really pushing my boundaries, I turn my attention completely inward and imagine myself floating on a wave that is perfectly in tune with my breath. THIS MAKES ME SOUND LIKE A TOTAL NUT, but it works. Point being, the music selection so violated my sense of musical taste that I had to utilize my "technique" to deal with the music. Again, I wish I were kidding. A word about yoga "types." A lot of people go to yoga and I understand why. It has a lot to offer. I am the type of person who goes to yoga to simultaneously challenge my mind/body/spirit and feel at peace with my mind/body/spirit. The ultimate yoga class for me is one where I leave with an inner peace that I did not have when I came in. When I left this place I just felt exhausted, the same way I would after a hard workout at the gym. There are people who do yoga who would be quite satisfied with that outcome. I am not one of them. read more

I visited yoga shelter because I am home visiting my mother. And I really did not enjoy my experience. Generally, I love a hot, sweaty, vinyasa practice. It is an amazing feeling to experience the flexibility the increased temperature gives your muscles, and the peace that comes with synchronizing your breath with movement. But I knew something was wrong when I asked the instructor "where are your blocks?" [I have a shoulder injury and need additional support], and he told me "we don't have them here, because it takes to long to show people how to use them...".... what? [blocks can be critical to a practice, because they allow you to access poses that may be to difficult for a novice or injured practitioner] I found the sanga vinyasa class to be more like an aerobics class that just so happened to use yoga poses to accomplish the goal. Rather than paying careful attention to how the body and breath are synchronized during the practice. The focus instead was on how many poses could be crammed into a 60 minute period. There was no focus on alignment or posture, and I found the sequences to be pretty long and convoluted. For a new student that is not familiar with the Yoga Shelter sequence (although I'm not sure if it was their signature sequence, or just a not so thoughtfully put together pose order put together by the instructor), it can be nearly impossible to keep up with. Not because of the difficulty level, but because the instructors don't focus much on guiding their students through it. Instead, it feels rushed, and you don't get a sense of what the mind-body connection in each sequence is. In general, I wouldn't recommend it for a yoga practice. But if you are looking for an aerobics class, definitely check it out. read more

Awww, I love my yoga shelter! That being said, I think it's difficult to give an objective point of view when it comes to yoga studios. What works for some may not work for others. E.g., another reviewer hated Rob's Vinyasa class, but I love it (Rob takes a rather unorthodox approach to yoga, so I can see how his class wouldn't be for everyone)! I also really like Suzanne's classes too--she has a really soothing voice and is very sweet! The good thing about the Yoga Shelter is that you CAN see if it's the yoga studio for you WITHOUT forking over a bunch of cash. You can take however many classes you want (with whatever teachers) for one week free. You don't have to give out your credit card number or pay any cash for the one week trial period, so there's really nothing to lose. If you do decide to take advantage of the one week trial period, take classes with a variety of teachers--some teachers I like, some not so much (not on a personal level, just didn't really vibe with the teacher!). Also, for added convenience, there are Yoga Shelter locations in Royal Oak, West Bloomfield, Birmingham and Grosse Pointe--you can go to any one of them without paying extra. The only thing I don't like is that classes tend to get a bit crowded sometimes, but it's really not that a big of a deal to me. I still get what I need out of the class, even if my mat is RIGHT NEXT to someone else's mat. And on the upside of crowdedness (wtf, is that a word?!), the energy level of the class is higher when there are more people, and I like that. Another plus--there's no hierarchy as far as classes go. Newbies and advanced (and everything in between) are all in the same class together. I think this is cool because everyone can go at their own respective paces and modify poses to make it more or less challenging for themselves. I know that when I first started doing yoga, I was inspired and in awe at what some of the more seasoned yogis could do! So that's my review! Namaste, bitches! read more

I am getting back into yoga after not working out for months and I love it. Yoga Shelter has a great new customer offer -- one free week, and then a 60-day unlimited package for $99. Very cheap if you consider their drop-ins cost $17 each. You must know that Yoga Shelter is very progressive and kinda hardcore. Meaning, if you are looking for very relaxing, meditative yoga, this probably isn't the place for you. They do have a Slow Flow class that is more along those lines, but even that is pretty sweaty and strengthening. Their main class is called Sanga Vinyasa and it is very intense. Lots of flowing movement and thighs burning and sweat dripping off every part of your body. They even turn the heat up to 90 degrees for that class. The studio is really nice, just wood, soft color and shaded windows. The music is especially interesting, and probably my favorite part of the place. I've heard Radiohead, Tom Petty, Moby, the Beatles, and other stuff that you recognize but is still yoga-friendly. read more

I am not a huge fan but it was not horrible and I would probably go again and check out some different classes. The instructor was nice but the class, well, seemed a little comical. First of all it was called, Exflowsion. giggle. so if this class was at a gym and labeled aerobics it would totally fit its name. i WILL say that it DID get me "out of my own way" which is what yoga is about anyway, and i ended up laughing and having fun because i really thought it was comical and i could not believe i was doing something that ridiculous. I have been to one other class call Fusion which i enjoyed enough. the teacher was good but it just seemed a little lacking of authenticity for me. it was the same old regurgitated words that i hear everywhere but the flow was good and the instructor let you do your own thing. she was not too intrusive so you could get into yourself. They did have excellent customer service and the studio was nice. The students seemed pretty down to earth. It was a younger crowd. all in all, the place to me felt kind of fun and not so serious, which is good at times. I didnt feel totally inspired or like i would learning anything new. it felt kind of goofy and strange in that Exflowsion class. It seems a little "made up" and generic in my opinion but i dont hate it either. read more

I started going here regularly after buying a groupon 2 years ago. At first, I was unimpressed but then after trying a few different classes I found my favorite instructors. Very instructor-dependent whether you like a class or not! If you're pretty athletic I'd recommend Cary and then Brian. You'll get a great workout from either! Tip: Saturday mornings are nice bc parking is free! And if you're running 5 mins late, don't worry! They'll always fit you in! read more

Not the greatest place I have attended but OK. I have been several times with my girlfriend and the classes seemed tough. I really like the music that is played and the vibe didn't bother me. Everyone was smiling and seemed inviting to me even though I am new and have no clue what I am doing. I am in pretty good shape so was able to somewhat keep up with the class but it was an incurable work out. I was drenched in sweat by the time I was done. I didn't know I could sweat from my shins! The reason I gave it 3 stars was the life lessons I felt like the instructor was preaching during the classes. I don't need a kid younger then me telling me I was special and to love myself no matter who I was. I don't think he had enough life experience to even say life experience. Other than that good place to go. read more

I really enjoyed this yoga studio. I have been a practitioner of yoga for several years and especially enjoyed the dharma talks during the classes. I feel that the instructors really care about the practice and their students. While I was partaking in my complimentary week, I went with the Yoga Shelter to volunteer at Gleaners. I love that they take the yoga practice into the real world. All of the students and teachers that I have conversed with have been incredibly helpful and friendly. read more

I like the Yoga Shelter in Royal Oak. There is ample parking in the rear (metered) and they offer classes throughout the day. I have had great classes with different instructors. When I started I felt kind of weird because people were not quick to make space when the room got full or gave me a not so friendly stare. Now I just go and enjoy the moment of yoga practice I came for. If you have bad knees then you should be warned that the entrance requires you to walk up a flight of stairs to get into the building. read more

Purchased a Groupon for 20 classes, and the receptionist at Yoga Shelter refused to let me redeem my membership, claiming I was an active client (which I never have been), and told me I could use my $30 Groupon towards a full membership, or get a refund from Groupon. I thought the whole point behind Groupon was to capture new clients, not run potential ones off. If you are going to offer Groupon, you should honor it. Bad business practices, and terrible, rude customer service. read more

I don't know what it is, but Yoga Shelter has a weird vibe. It seems like a very exclusive vibe, but a vibe I don't really want to be a part of. The space is really small and usually packed. There is no good places to change, only one tiny curtain in the main "locker room" and two bathroom stalls that are shared with other businesses in the vicinity. The "inspirational stories" the teachers obligate us to hear while listening to mostly awful music are so cheesy, I want to start literally laughing out loud when I hear the conclusive points they are trying to make. Just. Stop. I really don't care why we need to be more friendly to other people on elevators. Get over yourself, seriously. The only reason I'm giving this place any stars at all is because you actually get a decent workout when you go. The poses and flows are challenging (even if the teachers are too lazy to actually participate) and I enjoy the heated classes. To me, the more heat, the better. I hate when they go through a flow and then let us do the flow on our own for a few minutes...lazy teaching!!! I'm paying your ass to keep repeating it! I'll probably come back if I find a deal on groupon or the like, but that's probably the only way. I've had WAY better, and the teachers obviously need to wander outside their yoga studio to other studios to get some new ideas. Not impressed. read more

Before I stepped foot into the Yoga Shelter, I had very mimimal experience with yoga. I mean, I tried a few DVDs in the privacy of my home, but always felt that yoga was not the activity for me. The Yoga Shelter changed my opinion completely. Yes, I am one of the masses that purchased the Groupon. I have heard rumblings that this deal has been a burden on the existing customers, but I have never experienced any "Groupon prejudice" at any of the classes I have attended. In fact, everyone has been super nice. People of any fitness level are welcome to any one of the classes that the Yoga Shelter offers. I must admit, I was a little intimidated initially, but within minutes of my first class I was very aware that I could sit in child's pose for the entire duration and no one would blink an eye. However, the instructors do encourage you to push through to your "edge". They just understand that this is different for everyone. What you put into the class is what you will get out of it. So far, I have only tried the Slow Flow and Sanga Vinyasa classes at Royal Oak, but I am looking forward to attending other classes at some of their other locations (West Bloomfield, Birmingham, Grosse Pointe). Some advice for beginners: I would start with the Slow Flow class. It is still challenging, but there is a bit more guidance. This is helpful for those that are not familiar with the poses. Also, Suzanne and Chris are excellent Slow Flow instructors. I have not tried out any other yoga studios, but that just my two cents. Namaste read more

I hate to be all Andy Rooney-ish on Yelp, but I don't get Yoga Shelter. A yoga studio generally is very hard to review because it really depends on how much of a connection you make with the instructors and style taught, but I have to say that I haven't had a great class there in a good year. I used to enjoy the instructors, music and intensity, but I haven't felt like the classes "work" for me for quite some time. The final straw was when the pricey package I bought expired, and instead of working with me (I'd had a long period of doctor's orders to not work out), the studio director just said I could just purchase a new package that had a longer period before the expiration date for next time. **EYE ROLL** No, thanks! Looking forward to finding a new studio. Also, I'm not sure if this new corporate feel is related, but the studio is no longer lead by their founder, the famous (or infamous, depending on who you speak with) EP, who ironically was the one part of yoga shelter I could never quite get on board with from day one. read more

Bold Flow is the best place to decompress and also build strength and flexibility! My favorite teachers are Nicole Cuneaz and James Cox...if you want a strong well thought out intense flows for all levels and killer playlists and Suzanne Awan and Page Heenan...if your soul needs some nurturing tenderness while still opening up the body to release the tension and stress .... so far...but still looking forward to trying out all the teachers! All the teachers I have tried teach beautiful crafted flows and have a genuine presence, which makes me feel welcome and I love the way they create a space to practice regardless skill level or energy level....I just know I will feel better after yoga class....Thank you Bold Flow for also staying true to what the original roots of Yoga Shelter began as....a place where everyone is welcome and accepted to roll out a matt and discover what their body is capable of doing without pressure to be anyone other than who they are ....all while breathing as a community and enjoying the magic of music to take you on a journey through the ancient poses of yoga....love it! read more

Loving the 'yoga rocks' classes so far, very vigorous and challenging. Personally, I like the different music selections they play as every class is different. Some teachers are good at giving clear & concise direction, while others could definitely work on that skill. They turn the heat up to 90,° and I am soaking wet with sweat by the end. My only gripe is that there are no showers or adequate changing areas available. read more

This studio is unique in that it works to convey the yoga philosophy as well as the physical practice. It is different from an alignment style studio but you can find a class that challenges you, regardless of what level you are at. The music makes your practice that much better and the heated room helps for a deeper stretch and allows you to work through the challenging postures and achieve the full benefit from your practice (the most important factor being that you step up to challenge yourself and commit within each class). You are going to sweat, and even be uncomfortable at times, but inevitably that is what the true practice is about, taking the physical component and working to make it transcend into the emotional. Learning to face what is uncomfortable but good for you and deal with it. I love being able to close my eyes and focus on my practice in such a positive and accepting setting. I worked with many different instructors but among my favorites are... David Tessler, Linda Marchione, Stephanie Kinnie, Chris Emmerson, Tim Clark and Barbie Bell. (I'm sure the list will grow as I continue to practice with the Yoga Shelter, every teacher brings something unique to their class and I enjoy working with all of them.) As well Justin and Juliette do a wonderful job in working the front of the studio and always make you feel welcome. I have been practicing with this studio since December and have found it to be instrumental in making positive life changes. Namaste. read more

Shelter is a great studio if you're looking for a fun and aerobic yoga workout. The Yoga definitely feels more like a workout than meditative. The music is loud and fun. the crowd and teachers (at least in Royal Oak) are pretty young. read more

Yoga shelter is so welcoming and nice! I love the classes, they are amazing! Studio is beautiful as well!

Great yoga studio! I moved out to Metro Detroit from West Michigan and have been to so many yoga studios in the area, but couldn't find anything that I loved. SO glad to have found Yoga Shelter, I love their vinyasa classes - definitely allows you to work up a sweat and the music is perfect! I haven't been to a slow flow class yet, but I'm excited to try that out as well. Thrilled to have finally found a yoga studio that I look forward to going to! read more

I have attended multiple yoga studios in Southeast Michigan and I always find my way back to Yoga Shelter. All of the teachers offer a new perspective on yoga to help expand your practice or just give a good work out. There is no expectations to be a pro yogi. All classes are approachable for any skill set with options for each pose. If you have questions on how to improve or challenge yourself every teach is welcoming for questions before and after classes. The music is always on point to help you move through each class as it is intended. read more

I go to the Birmingham location and LOVE it! The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. They welcome you in like it's a home, not a business. The classes are challenging and fun, with instructors that are extremely supportive and make it the one hour in my day where I am completely relaxed and focused. Couldn't be happier here! read more

I purchased an unlimited month with Yoga Shelter to get myself going to classes regularly. I had heard great things about the Royal Oak studio and they were all true. The staff and students are friendly and welcoming, and I don't feel the negative competitive energy there like I have at other places. Always a positive and fun atmosphere. I can usually find a class day/time that fits with my schedule and have liked every teacher I've practiced with so far. Highly recommend! read more

Love the yoga shelter. Everyone is welcome and at any level. Very good teaching with a skillful mind and focus.Repetition/ revision in classes was very helpful. read more

My favorite place right now! New to the area & wish I would had tried classes here before purchasing a package at another local studio. The atmosphere & staff are very welcoming. Instructors also pace classes well--meeting people where they are at with their practice, yet also providing opportunity to challenge themselves. Not pretentious. The new student package is an excellent deal, which I highly recommend. read more

I am currently in my third weeks of an unlimited month and I really love it. Yoga shelter offers a variety of classes and the times are really convenient with my schedule. The instructors are very knowledgeable but also fun too. read more

I bought a one month membership on GroupOn, a friend encouraged me to do it. It was one definitely worth it, I tried yoga years ago but didn't like it all that much. I had the best experience. My nerves went away as soon as I walked into the door. I instantly felt welcomed by staff, and felt comfortable being a newbie to the class. Although I wasn't familiar with some of the poses, I never felt lost in class. And the meditative, centered and refreshed feeling I had after class was great. I also went to the Birmingham location and had the same welcoming experience. The Yoga Shelter staff at both locations are awesome. And it's I like the fact that the membership can be used at any of the Yoga Shelter locations. My membership has expired, but I will continue to go to the Yoga Shelter and incorporate yoga into my life. I highly recommend Yoga Shelter. read more

Love the atmosphere and the teachers in Royal Oak! I always leave class feeling rejuvenated.

Terrific vinyasa class today, and all the classes so far have been well-taught and deliver what the class description states. Very nice facility in Birmingham. Teachers and front desk staff friendly, they make sure to use your first name. I even inquired about a new mat and they gave me a sample to try in class, no charge. Went to West Bloomfield, not liking the LED lights in the ceiling, not at all, but their space is beautifully decorated. read more

In my opinion the best place around and best bang for your buck. (There are locations in Birmingham, Southfield and west Bloomfield as well.) I have been going to yoga shelter daily for the past decade! They have a variety of classes for all levels! Plus many fantastic teachers. read more

In almost 20 years of all types of yoga practice, I've never walked out of a class... Till now. Juliet welcomed me and was so kind. I was really excited for the class. But then the 'teacher' arrived. Cary was a complete jerk. I couldn't hear anything because he was blasting Drake, Rihanna... I was having trouble following along with his sequence. No person in the class was remotely doing the same thing. If I wanted free-flow yoga I could have practiced on my own. He approached me when I looked obviously lost and perturbed, and proceeded to lecture me rather than help or encourage. It was so incredibly off putting and inappropriate at a time when I really just needed a good yoga class. read more

I just completed my first 5 classes at yoga shelter. It has been the most rewarding week. I have felt so much more stress free and I already feel a lot stronger. Defiantly going to continue coming. Love the noon yoga at the southfield location for when I need an escape from the crazy work day. read more