This is a great yoga place for those that are experienced. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners because some of the classes are really hard, and I've been doing this stuff forever. Love the hot yoga classes...it can be quite spiritual. read more

As a fan of Bikram-style yoga, I thought that I would try out this hot vinyasa yoga (it also helped that Down Dog Yoga has a "first week free" program). I first came to the late Monday night class, 7:45pm. There were a lot of people coming and going as one class was getting out as us in the next class were arriving. I was a little overwhelmed with all the people, then coming to the realization that my class would be completely full as well. I had to wait awhile for a changing room, so I would recommend that you are dressed for class before you arrive to make it easier. As for the class itself, it moved a little quick and there were lots of downward dog poses. Since I had a bit of a sinus thing going on, it was kind of painful in my head. Other than that, the instructor was good, I think her name was Beth and it was her second to last class til a break for baby (she is pregnant). She was very nice and the assistant helped me with a few poses too. On my second class, I went to Alison's on the late Sunday class. The class was equally crowded and there was a strange man next to me that kept breathing unusually loud and dripped sweat on my mat. I enjoyed the classes, but I think I will go every so often as I see it as complimenting my running and strength training, but not as a regular exercise (personal preference). read more

Hot noon 60 min power hour is the best class!

Let me caveat my review: I had never done hot yoga before down dog and have not tried any other places since. Ever since a friend bribed me with greasy diner food to go with her to hot yoga, I have become a convert to hot yoga. It has increased my flexibility, strength, helped me lose weight and has been incredible at getting me to relax. I, in general, dislike physical exercise for the sake of physical exercise, but I get a high after hot yoga that I am clearly addicted to now. After only two months, I can do both sirasana I & II (two different types of headstands). The instructors vary at down dog, but keep going until you find instructors that you like. The free week for students is awesome! read more

Hot yoga. I've been to Patty's 6pm class about ten times. She is tough, it's true. Once she scolded me for blotting my face with paper towels ("who told you paper towels were OK? get a real towel") and more than once she has lambasted me for not doing the wheel six times in a row. But she notices and rewards effort. She is a bit playful, likes to mix up the routine, and says inspiring stuff but is not cheesy ("fill your heart with love! did i just say that? that's not me"). I believe she takes pride in having "the hardest class in town." I am often sore the next day. It's an expensive class at $18 ($12 for students). Why do I like it? It's a good workout, totally exhausting, I always leave drenched and dizzy and with a sense of accomplishment. read more

I have been attending Yoga classes at Down Dog Yoga for years now. I am always extremely happy with my results after every session! It is not your regular run of the mill yoga studio, It makes you feel challenged and clears your mind when you attend due to the amazing instructors like patty read more

Wow. I haven't taken an actual yoga class in years but this hurt so good and I wasn't even doing all the poses right. Everyone was a lot more experienced than I was, but it didn't deter me too much. I got the Intro package for 49$ and I'll be going a lot this month. But wow hurt so goooooood. Sweat more than ice ever sweated in a workout. read more

Happy to call Down Dog my home studio. Wonderful teachers, a welcoming community and a great place to get your mind and body in the right place. I highly recommend this practice, the Baptiste style, to everyone...but it is not easy. It's challenging and worth every second! read more

There are many good yoga studios in the DC area. This is NOT one of them! The crowded conditions and difficult parking at Down Dog are bad, but not one-star bad. Inexperienced staff and a cavalier attitude are what bring it so low. Everyone I dealt with there was very sweet, just not competent. If you've done yoga before, you'll be keenly aware of the missing knowledge and guidance. If you haven't, these are not the best people to introduce you to what is truly a powerful and rewarding discipline. read more

Just had class this morning at Down Dog and love this place. If you are interested in yoga that is transformative, this is the studio for you. It is hot, rigorous, usually crowded, and intense. But it is within those spaces of challenge that possibilities and new patterns emerge. Personally, I love Derek's classes. He has a calm and rejuvenating way of presenting sequences and ideas. This morning it was especially great because there was an assistant - Scott - giving adjustments. When friends visit DC I usually bring them here to experience a class because it tends to be unlike any yoga they have practiced elsewhere. It is deeply physical, mental, spiritual - a combination of gym, church, and therapy - that is compressed into 90 invigorating minutes. read more

I had been practicing hot yoga for about 8 months before I moved to DC so I was already addicted to it and needed a place to practice asap! I went to Studio DC first and it was.. meh. Then I went to Down Dog. I was a little worried I wouldn't like it because I was used to having bumping music during class (like at Core Power) and they don't play music at all at DD. Turns out, I feel like not having music enhances my yoga practice because I'm not dependent on a good song getting me through a difficult pose. The first class I went to brought me to tears because I was so happy that I found such a great place to do yoga. The classes are hard and hot. It's sweaty, crowded, and smelly, yes- but that's what you get when you do hot yoga, so why complain about it? If you are doing yoga the way you should be, the things that may annoy you about the crowded and smelly class disappear when you shift your focus to where it's supposed to be: you and your mat. The teachers are inspiring and challenge you to push your limits. It is a positive community to be a part of. As with any yoga studio, you like some teachers more than others based on your own preferences. I was a college athlete and personal trainer and my favorite teacher is Derek, he approaches yoga from an athletic perspective physically, mentally, and emotionally- which is what I can relate to. He also often changes up the usual template that all the classes are based on. I also like TanO, he really pushes you to do some super hard stuff. Patty and Allison will just plain kick your ass. Bottom line, I think Down Dog is an exceptional place, especially if you have some yoga experience. I do think that there should be a little more guidance or classes specifically for beginners, sometimes I see students who aren't really sure what their bodies are doing and it makes me a bit nervous. If you are a beginner, let the teacher know and they will watch you more carefully! read more

Great studio. I bought the $50 unlimited 30 day package they had in January and it was fantastic. They have lines on the floor for your mat so they can maximize space w/o ever overcrowding. (It is a pet peeve of mine when studios pack classes so full that you don't enjoy your practice.) I tried a variety of instructors and although they had different styles, I loved them all. The only reason I didn't give them five stars is because they are expensive. As a government employee, I don't make enough to have a gym membership and pay for down dog classes- and since I need some variety in my workout, I have to opt for the gym membership and only treat myself to this gem (gym/gem- ha, get it?) on special occasions or when they have deals like the one in Jan. read more

When I travel to DC. I always take at least one class at Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown. I love the community, the teachers are real and good. The classes are challenging if you want them to be , childs pose is an option to get your breath back. The studio has high ceilings , which gives a feeling of space, while at the same time you can be mat to mat, feeling the energy . You may be lucky and receive some wonderful assists . My recommendation is to take a class and then some to feel yoga blissed. read more

If there were more stars to give, I would definitely give DDPY bonus stars. This year marks 9 years that I have been practicing yoga at DDPY, mostly at its flagship Georgetown studio. The heat is sublime. The studio is clean, if not pristine. The staff is awesome from the moment you first walk in until you float out the door following 90 mins of yoga bliss. This is not yoga for the feint of heart. It is serious, disciplined yoga. Physically challenging and oh so fulfilling. Does it get crowded? You bet it does; the more crowded the better. 9 rows, 7 mats per row. A crowded room enhances the experience. I have practiced hundreds of times at DDPY Georgetown. Only once in all those outings did I ever lose my spot on account of not arriving the recommended few minutes ahead of start time. And that was my fault. The class instructor was in high demand and everyone interested in attending was well aware the class would be sold out. Like boarding a plane, if you are a bit late, the airline must give away your seat even though you have a reservation. The instructors are well trained and highly effective. The owner, Patty, is simply phenomenal, as a person, an instructor, a business owner and a friend. Count yourself luck to cross her path. DDPY - it keeps me centered. Namaste. HSC read more

My friend made me discover hot yoga and this place is super close to our job so I gave it a try. First class I liked it, so I signed up for their unlimited month offer. However some things started to bother me at the place... I will confirm what others said about the space it is super small and when class is crowded good luck to not touch each other. Then there are gallons of sweat on the floor which is absolutely disgusting and no showers or water. If you want to drink get your own water or get $3 and go get a water bottle at the lobby. As someone else said it is about money at this place...they try to sale as much as possible. For example I came with my boyfriend once who tried a class and he didn't have a mat we tried to rent one for $2 but there was a $10 minimum with a card and the girl at the lobby insisted so hard (despite of me telling her that I will go to the ATM) to make me use my card and "$8 will stay on my account forever that I can use toward whatever I want at DDY" I almost had to snatch my card from her at the end. What part of NO she didn't get? That same person( I don't know her name, long brown hair girl at the front desk) refused for me to shut the door because even though its 95 degrees in there and super small, their inconsiderate clan of customers just go outside and stand after class while we all sweating and leave the door open. Cold air hits you in the face as soon as you are done. I have literally been sick 3 times after 2 weeks going there. (I am actually sick as I am writing this) I notified this girl at the lobby who just said with a condescending tone "well people react differently" (what does that even mean?) then adding & Well you going outside anyways" & "sorry to hear that"...no you not sorry the door is still open. Finally I hated the sort of sorority atmosphere going on there that someone else mentioned. When you are new you notice it and that doesn't make you feel welcome. Basically if you like the boogie hippie wanabe type, this place is for you. On a better note, the teachers are cool and always felt like I had a good workout after class. As I said now I love hot yoga but once my month is up I'll definitely look for another place. read more

Persuaded by a friend who is a regular and loves DDY, i decided to give it a shot. Plus The class really works you out The instructor was pretty good Awesome location (can grab a drink from Dean and Deluca after!) Minus It is packed,packed, packed And could not stand the sweating hairy man in front of us, just gross. The closet with a sheet - really that is the changing room. With so many people commenting on it at yelp, DDY please do something. And have a cut off point for your class. Will I go again? Maybe but a different time and will make sure to pick a spot if I can. Girls, take your own mats. read more

I started off at down dog after several years off of yoga, and I have been able to get back into the swing of things with their all-levels classes. Pros: there are some fantastic instructors, I especially like Colin and Allison. You will feel exhausted but great, and there's really no better way to sweat it out. My boyfriend jokes around about how much I like the sort of philosophical elements of the instruction (hey, maybe it could seem a little cheesy) but honestly I love the holistic mind-body approach. I go just as much to release stress and manage stress as I do for the workout. Also, they usually have a special where your first week is free if you're new, so what do you have to lose? Cons: Some instructors have very different styles; that's fine but you may need to try out some different people before you find the best fit for you. The pricing is reasonable but I wish that the packages lasted a little longer before expiring. Also, the weeknight classes can get really crowded. I always try to get there early though so I've never had a problem getting in -- but if it was the last minute I might think twice about even trying. Definitely I echo the sentiments of previous reviewers - be HYDRATED, don't over eat beforehand. Also, you'll be sweating way too much to do this without a towel -- make sure you have one. read more

I was in DC performing and seeked out a yoga place. I took one class at Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown. I loved the location!! I loved the fact I could take a hot vinyasa flow class. The staff was very nice. Now to some of the quirks: First: they have no shower facilities at this location. How do you offer a hot yoga class and no shower? Really!!!!! I was told there are showers at the Bethesda location. Now how was that to help me in my current post class state of sweat and funk? Perk: They do however have plastic bags for your wet sweaty clothes. That is cool! Second: the class was $18 for ONE HOUR!!!! Who does that? This made my stomach turn. When I mentioned I thought their prices were very high the staff person ignored me. Once again yoga from a capitalistic point of view. Really ONE HOUR!!! $18. Side note: I only said yes because it was the only class that fit in my schedule. Third: the class was jam packed with a teacher who used his big voice to teach. Big voice is great but the verge of yelling is another thing. Shhh.... Overall he was very good and very light hearted. It was nice to have a male African American teach yoga. There are very few African American male teachers out there. Fourth: There are markings on the floor for mats. If the class is jam packed you feel like sardines in a can. Really tightly packed in that even moving your arms in sun salutation is impossible. One must modify to accommodate one's neighbor. I could not do some of the floor postures in comfort due to lack of space. I think the space is too small for their high demand. Perk: The environment is well light and sunny. I love that! But reduce the maximum number allowed please to allow for a more zen experience. Once again from the numbers I felt that it was another lens into the capitalistic view point the studio seems to thrive on. Conclusion: I left unsatisfied and immediately searched for another studio in town to go to the next day. I probably will not be visiting Down Dog Yoga again. PerkL Very cool name for a studio by the way! All the best! read more

I've been going to Down Dog Yoga for just over a year now - and I LOVE IT! All of the instructors offer something different with every practice. Obviously Patty's classes will have you zero in and really challenge you. I try to make hers at least once a week. Melissa's are always very uplifting and cheerful while also working your mind and body. The Sunday classes at 6:15 are great to re-set for the week and re-charge. All that classes are AMAZING and really help you become present in the practice. I could go on and on - but the bottom line is EVERY class will work you from inside out and you will leave feeling "rinsed' and "renewed" I've only been the Georgetown location, and the only negative is parking - but it's Georgetown, so what does one expect? I'd recommend aiming to arrive at the studio at least 15 minutes early so you can set your mat, grab a block and prepare for class. Make sure you drink lots of water before and after the classes! read more

Great Level 2 class. You build-up a nice sweat and it isn't excruciatingly hot in there. A nice consistent temp. Practice area is pretty large and they have markers on the floor so you don't have to worry about someone trying to hog space. I felt much better here than at Core Power with a more challenging instructor and it is cheaper. The juice shop is a wonderful touch! read more

Great little studio in Georgetown. I jogged over from the Key Bridge Marriott in Rosslyn, just over a half mile each way. Lovely space in the heart of Georgetown (and very close to Lulu if you forgot to pack your yoga gear). Reasonable drop in fee and rental rare, and the instructor was very knowledgable and had a lovely cadence. Sadly, I forget his name. It's clear the studio fosters a tight knit community as most everyone seemed friendly and on a first name basis. One star deduction for the mess it took to sign up and pay - not sure if it was the system or the front desk gal, but I didn't get my credit card back until 10 min after class, and I got there 30 min early. read more

This week I took a class led by Beth N. She's fantastic! Tried Patty's class again last week. Still not fantastic.

i went here for one summer like three times a week, it was really addictive at first, but the more i learned about yoga and the spirit of yoga the more i realized this place did not embody it. they pack you in the studio like sardines, almost worst, you have people flipping over sweating all over you and your mat, its akward and uncomfortable. there is very little space to change, its not very comfortable and there is minimal instruction - the person who said yoga for marines is on to something. parking is really hard to find, it just got to be too complicated to make it. Baptiste yoga is much better than Bikram, however, but you have to have a high tolerance for confined, hot spaces with people on your mat and paying a premium for it. read more

hey there! so, before you read anything else, know that i am NOT an experienced "yogi" or experienced at any one particular exercise, but here's to trying something new! my roommate goes to down dog almost daily and after hearing about how awesome it is, i had to try for myself. she also gave me a few tips that i'm glad i knew for fear of terrible consequences. #1 do not eat a meal in the two hours before you go. #2 drink as much water as you can stand before going. #3 do not over-clothe yourself! less is better. so, for my very first hot yoga experience, i thought this place was pretty awesome. angie was the instructor and kelly was the assistant, and they were both SO sweet and nice and helpful. i talked to angie before we started and told her that i basically had no experience in this at all and turns out that is totally fine at down dog! kelly helped me a lot also by showing me how to stretch a little further and make sure i was doing the poses correctly. i read some of the other reviews about strict rules and bossy instructors, but didn't have that experience at all. by far, this was the sweatiest experience of my life, but i think i fell in love with it and will definitely be going back. along with the roommate's tips, i have a few of my own: #4 show up a little early if there is a specific spot you want. #5 gatorade or some type of drink with electrolytes tastes like holy water afterwards. #6 bring a change of clothes unless your idea of fun is walking around georgetown looking like you fell in a massive puddle all the way up to the tip of your head. read more

I have been practicing yoga for nearly 15 years and Down Dog Yoga was, by far, one of the worst yoga experiences of my life. I returned the DC area briefly from being overseas and was very much looking forward to taking a yoga class since I've had great experiences at other studios, such as Hot Yoga, in the area. Down Dog was near my hotel so I thought I'd check it out. While the workout was very good and I felt like I sweat out a lot of toxins, I left feeling more stressed out by the militant style, power tripping instructor than I had been when I walked in. Yoga is not about yelling at students and restricting a student's right to a free form of expression during their practice. Yoga is about wellness of mind AND body. Your body may leave this studio feeling great, but your mind will be racing at the audacity of the instructors to treat you like an enlisted soldier. To top it off, the person manning the front desk was also incredibly unpleasant and yelled at people as they walked in for not stopping at the desk first (understandable, but there are other ways to address people than to treat them like 4th graders). I think the only reason that this studio makes it is because they have a monopoly on the yoga business in Georgetown. I encourage someone, ANYONE, who's running studios in the DC area and looking to expand to open a studio in Georgetown so that those of us who appreciate a REAL yoga practice (wellness of mind and body) can have that option--and so that Down Dog can experience a reality check when they lose all their clientele, or at least the ones that have any measure of self respect and don't appreciate brow beatings by second rate instructors that are limited to a single series of predictable, mundane flow. read more

Some people complain that the studio is hot. Well, yeah, that is why it is called hot yoga. Really, I find it easier, because your body relaxes more and stretches more easily. I had never done any yoga when I started there and could not take the beginners' class but that was okay because instructors go around the classroom to check on everyone. So, after 3 or four classes, I had understood how the poses should look and feel like. I am still far from doing them perfectly, but I feel that I am getting better every day. The instructors are very friendly and everybody is nice. Nobody looks at you with anger or pity when you fall from your pose. On the contrary, people look at you with sympathy and support, which makes it easier to try again and, eventually succeed. Two problems though - the price (it i expensive, but since I do not know any other place, maybe it is a normal price) - the schedule of classes: since classes last 90 min, it is difficult to find a right time to go, especially since they tell you you should go three times a week. read more

The one teacher I had rushed and barked through the poses, barely giving me any time to breathe let alone keep up with the moves. I have been doing yoga for about 6 years or so. I would NOT recommend this class if you are a beginner, you may injure yourself. The instructors are really nice, and it is hot yoga which is always good, but no showers at this location so you have to walk/drive home feeling like a heavy wet sponge. read more

This is the place if you aren't a beginner. If you are, try somewhere else friendlier to those older than 30 and already in pretty good condition. Beyond beginners it looks like a great place to have an amazing workout. For anyone new, try somewhere with less attitude. read more

As a newbie to yoga, I was really disappointed. I came in with high expectations and was let down. I went in the evening and it was REALLY crowded. So much so, that the girl checking us in almost didn't get everyone before class started. The room was packed and it's hot in there--doesn't help to be right on top of 70 other people. I've never done yoga and wasn't given any sort of instruction or personal attention. I was just told to look at everyone around me and imitate. You have to leave all your belongings in the lobby, unsecured. There are no showers and the "changing rooms" are just cubicles with sheets across them and there are only 3 or 4. The place was clean and everyone was really nice, but it is not newbie friendly. read more

I've taken a few classes led by Alyson and she rocks! If you want a workout with humor and positive energy, try her class. You will work/sweat your butt off and she will push you to the limit but it is oh so worth it. I have been doing yoga for 5 years and her class is by far one of my favorites of all time. read more

I love baptiste power yoga. This studio is technically not an affiliate but they do the same type of yoga. Unfortunately, this place is DISGUSTING in the summer. Their windows are sealed and no air circulation and it's a brick Georgetown building so its literally an oven. In my class it was about 100 degrees - I love hot yoga and this made me nauseated and gave me a migraine all at once. There's a reason the room is supposed to be at 90. The staff are also not very knowledgeable about yoga - they didn't ask about injuries before class and they dont push you in a productive way like great yoga instructors do, instead they just yell at you and tell you you're being a wimp. Too bad, I love this yoga style and really wanted to like this place but Dancing Mind in Falls Church is just infinitely better! read more

I love this studio. I go about four times a week and every time I am touched in a spiritual way. The community is so genuine and the teachers are really inspiring. I did my first classical headstand this morning and was so proud. I never would have been able to do it without Derek. He rocks. I come to sweat every time and I always leave rejuvenated and cleansed, mentally and physically. This practice is intense, but in a very very very good way. read more

A favorite yoga spot of mine! I always leave feeling like I had an awesome workout, and the instructors are great. My only complaints are 1) the price - $18 per class is steep, 2) the lack of space - Mats are set to be side-by-side, and often times it is difficult to properly do all of the poses for fear of kicking/hitting the person beside you :), and 3) no showers! I would do the AM classes, but do not have time to get to work since I need to go home to shower. read more

I love Down Dog and think it is one of the best yoga studios in the District. The classes are not for the faint of heart you must be ready to work hard and sweat a lot. All the teachers are really awesome and push you to find your limit. However, if you are looking to sweat and get a good workout I would avoid Melissa Johsnon's class. I went to one of her power hour classes and it was a waste of time. I barely broke a sweat and never once had to use my towel (unheard of at down dog). Not to mention her phrases are reminiscent of Alicia Silverstone in clueless which does not make for a very tranquil environment. I would highly recommend Tano's power hour class and Derek's night class. I was sad to see that Sean was no longer teaching there. I looked for to his Saturday classes every week. read more

DOMINATRIX YOGA!!! Went to DownDog Yoga while at a conference in DC...I admit I did not read the web site so carefully so I was a little surprised especially since I did not even know of the genre of military style yoga. The building is beautiful, and the studio is nice. Surprise 1: the studio is heated and the mats are 3" apart. Not my favorite, but I can cope since the floor was wood. Surprise 2: I had never even considered that military yoga exists; for folks like myself who love exercise and pushing themselves just to the point of injury, it seems weird that others need someone to order them to exercise....it is not very yoga-like. Yoga = hippie chicks getting in shape. DownDog = lazy college kids getting their asses kicked into shape. Surprise 3: Instead of it being a community class, the class was a teaching training experience. The studio owner Patty cotaught the class with two very young assistants. Each would lead for 10 minutes and then switch. Patty is a weird mix of drill instructor and philosophical pontificator; normally I like a minimum of spoken philosophy, but this was weird and funny so it was okay. The most amusing part is that the teachers in training try to mimic Patty's style...try to picture two 20 year old, 105 lb cute yoginas pretending to be yoga dominatricies...it was more than distracting but pleasant. The asanas are very typical level 1 and 2 stuff with a bit of core power abs work; almost no upper body work The class was friendly extremely fit, had the nicest yoga gear, but no one was particularly good; the students at the Yoga Flow Center are better. The yoga dominatrix gets very upset if you don't do the asanas exactly in the order she prescribes; however, if she want to make it "real", she should forbid water and towels which is the custom in traditional Ashtanga. I also suggest she and her assistants teach in a German accent...it would take the authoritarian yoga into a whole new phase space. read more

Two stars for me -but not for everyone. I recognize some people might like this kind of yoga. But the truth is, it's not yoga, not really. It's going through yoga poses relatively quickly - as flow can sometimes be - in a very very hot room. It's repetitive, somewhat under informed and narrow in perspective, and very un-yogic in its tone. There are a whole TON of asanas that you will never ever do here, it seems. One class I went to, though, involved going up into wheel 4 times, and holding it for 10 - yes, 10 - breaths. The transition through standing poses was so fast that it was impossible to get into the pose the right way and really deepen into it. And this was a "basics" class where alignment and deeper holds are supposed to be emphasized. It's hard to "link breath to movement" when you are moving through poses so quickly. I don't breathe that fast, especially in yoga, and I don't move that fast. I can see why some like it and the folks there are super nice, I would definitely say try it and be open. But if it's not for you, it's not you: it's them. read more

I was looking for a new yoga studio and have found a home at Down Dog Yoga in Georgetown. I must have been more ready than I thought for a new place because so much of what might have bothered me before is now not much of a bother. Parking can be a challenge, but I always find a spot. It's a distance from where I live/work, but I leave with enough time to get there. There is no music, but the teacher is inspiring and that's what moves me through the practice. It is crowded, but I love being in and among so many people; it's part of the experience now for me. There may be a wait to be checked in, but eventually I am on my mat before the class starts. Mostly, I am grateful to have found Derek, a very motivating and supportive teacher to each and everyone in the room, equally. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that I don't feel judged about my practice, about how I look or about what I am wearing. I always leave feeling better than when I arrived. read more

I can not say enough good things about Down Dog Yoga! I have been going to their studios since 2009. Started in Herndon which is wonderful, couldn't have asked for a better introduction to Vinyasa. I learned from the ground up and from the most unbelievably knowledgeable instructors. There is a different vibe at every studio. Herndon is more relaxed bright and sunny. Georgetown has an incredible energy which is unexplainable and Bethesda has a great community feel as well. Patty is fantastic. Yes maybe the Yoga Nazi might best describe her but it's so well intentioned and you learn so much from her about what you can actually do if you get out of your head for a minute and listen. Allison is incredible, and I've learned and continue to learn so much from her words during class. Her words are almost subliminal somehow. They sink in and you take them with you. Derek too, he says one or 2 things each time I'm with him, that stick with me and it helps you get through your life. Meg is amazing as well. At first her classes seemed less difficult and not a huge challenge, but she evolved into an unbelievable instructor with all the same qualities as many or all of Down Dog's Instructors. Melissa is always a constant Joy! She makes me take myself and life a little less seriously. Yes there are a few things that they may need to change, like adding showers to G Town but other than that, I have to say that I consider Down Dog my home, it's a studio that challenges me every time I practice there but it's also my comfort place and I wish to return there over and over again to have my peace and to set my self right again. Get yourself there, and change your life!!! read more

I don't know if there are words to express quite how much i dislike this overrated, pretentious and money grabbing studio. students are packed in mat to mat, with literally a half inch between them, severely restricting your practice. the method is baron baptiste which might explain the cult-like atmosphere and general behavior, especially from those affiliated with the studio, like trainee teachers, who like to shriek, exhale like rhinos and generally make their presence as overtly felt as possible. teachers are robotic and teach nothing and worse, encourage students to do asanas that they are unprepared for and for which there is no room anyway, which is extremely dangerous. the last class i was in - and it will be my last - a trainee teacher went butt over head in a handstand she was nowhere near capable of and straight into the student practicising in front of her. it could have been very ugly indeed. avoid. read more