i have been practicing here for more than a decade but will be canceling my membership as the quality of instruction and quantity of "hot" classes are no longer worth the huge increase in cost. Instructors are completely off script and very negative in extra chatter directed at people seeking a peace, positive practice. Too bad, used to be great. read more

Great place would recommend to anyone. aches and pains great for stretching and wonderful for meditation

It was my first hot yoga class -- I took a sip of water. The instructor specifically told me "don't drink water yet!" This is an extremely unsafe thing to tell anyone, especially a beginner. I left after 40 minutes and informed the studio that I did not feel like it was a safe place to take a break or drink water when I needed to. He sent me a three paragraph non-apology apology, saying "I'm sorry you were offended" and implying I didn't come to the studio sufficiently hydrated. He also told me that I would be allowed to take breaks after the first 3 asanas -- except this was never communicated to me at the beginning. Avoid this studio, it is a shaming and unwelcoming environment. read more

The quality of my life has improved because my time spent at Inner Fire yoga and the yogis I have become friends with, it is a peaceful and happy place to be. Nothing like 90 HOT! read more

I would avoid this studio, at all costs. I had awful stomach bug and diarehha onset 1..5 hours before class and had to cancel. Studio was quick to insist that I pay late fee, even though I needed time to covid test and keep others safe. Absurd and dangerous. read more

Rooms are toasty, teachers are experienced and friendly, and community is good here. I've been going between West, East, and Downtown, and each one is great. It's also a nice change of pace to move around. A lot of different classes to choose from (slow, power, hot series, yin, 60 min, 75 min, 90 min) and all of the classes are open to beginners! Welcoming to all levels, and encourages collective growth. I love the cork flooring! It feels nice. Some classes are accompanied by music. The tempo of the music and cadence of the teacher's voice helps with balance. I've never been told I couldn't sign up for a class here due to max capacity. As someone with a semi-chaotic schedule, I really appreciate being able to check in with ease so far! Given the current situation, their doors have closed, but they've started up live streams on Zoom! They're fun! Has been so therapeutic to me! Ngl tears have been shed. But I hear that's due to the hip openers. read more

First of all, the class I attended was incorrectly advertised on the website as a $10 90 minute class. When I called to ask about it, the woman on the phone tried telling me I was wrong several times even though I was looking at the class online as we spoke on the phone. I attended the 90 minute bikram series class. The teacher celebrated that he finished 5 minutes early. In other words, he rushed through class-which means he either didn't hold postures long enough and/or skipped over rest time between postures. Instead of just leaving class with our extra time at the end to rest, he gave us a poorly executed song/chant about Jesus. If I wanted to hear about that, I would have gone to a church. Innerfire yoga, you can keep your Jesus voodoo to yourself. read more

I always feel so much better when leaving class! I love the heat and all the good energy at the studio. It has quickly become the favorite part of my day most days! The instructors are all amazing and the variety of classes is great for all levels. read more

Inner Fire has some of the best classes and teachers...full of guidance, wisdom and positivity. I really fallen in love with yoga since discovering Inner Fire! read more

I wish I could have given Inner Fire Yoga a better review since I am a long time fan of Bikram Yoga, in general. However, as they say, the first impression's the last. [1 star for Darlene] My first customer experience at the studio was with Darlene who lacks customer service skills and business acumen. I couldn't believe how awful this experience was for me given the fact that I love Bikram yoga and this was a yoga studio for heaven's sake! Darlene was rude and completely unprofessional. She did not garner the same respect for me as she did for her existing clients and she made it evident that I was going to be reminded of that during and after class. After 90 minutes in her class, I was fully aware that I was dealing with a bitter and histrionic personality who cared more about her own agenda than serving the needs of studio members. I would have never returned to the studio after day one, but I had purchased a starter package so I had 29 days to go before expiring my membership. [2 Stars for Marit] After my first and horrible experience with Darlene, I contacted the studio owner and GM to file a complaint and request for further action. I had to find out whether this was just an isolated incident or whether it was a leadership problem. Marit, the owner, did attempt to resolve my issue with Darlene. However, she responded nearly a week later with no real good answer for her tardiness except for excuses. And to top it off, she minimized the Darlene situation as if it wasn't a business problem stating: "The thing about Darlene is actually she is a superb yoga teacher - when she wants to be. She is not the best teacher to new students, but she is most definitely loved - deeply - by lots and lots of students in our community. She is eccentric, and wonderful, in her own weird way. She always chalks up her 'attitude' as 'jersey girl'." After justifying Darlene's behavior, she gave a short apology and suggested I seek out other instructors in her studio. The only real offer to resolve the issue was to talk to Darlene and if I wanted she would extend my membership for a few more days. At this point, I knew I was dealing with a leadership issue here. I declined her offer to extend my membership for a few additional days. I did try out other instructors to get a return on my investment. Then I let my membership expire after my month was over. I couldn't in good conscience continue to support a business that values an employee who treats new members like crap and gets rewarded for it. [3.5 Stars for Amy + Karen] The other instructors were great. Had Marit better resolved my problem, I believe I would have continued attending Amy and Karen's classes. Unfortunately, the other instructors were not able to (nor should they have to) restore my confidence in the studio because of Darlene and Marit's actions. I give Inner Fire Yoga 2 Stars total for not delivering on the expectations they posted all over their website and studio. read more

This is a perfect place for both mind and body! ! I am easy to get overwhelmed and have trouble relaxing lately so I thought I could use some exercise. Then I saw a promotion on Groupon so I gave it try and it turned out to be awesome. This is not the regular yoga that I saw on YouTube. Because of the heat, I feel sweat a lot more and hence relaxed a lot more after it. I enjoy the Hot 90 very very much. The instructor is funny and people there are all very hard working which gives me a lot of support. read more

I enjoy doing yoga at this studio and always feel great after finishing a hot yoga class. I've only been there a few times and have great experiences. Recently though, I walked into a class and the instructor yelled, "Good bye!" So, I stood there, confused as hell. I didn't realize I was supposed to be in the class next door. Someone rescued me by whispering, "next door." Maybe there should be signs posted if a class is in session? Maybe the instructor could have said, "you're in the wrong class?" It was such an awkward moment. And funny in a way. Wow. Who does that??? read more

I adore this yoga studio. While there are several studios within walking distance of my home, I religiously biked 30 minutes each way to attend class at Inner Fire. I was a pretty novice yogini when I started here, but by regularly attending classes, I was able to improve my form greatly and understand why people are so crazy about yoga. I have been to a few other yoga studios, and this one is unique. The teachers are dedicated and caring, and a sense of community emanates from the studio. Inner Fire also offers interesting seminars and trips which are great to augment your practice. Their bathrooms are nice, although they only have a few showers. They also have a nice seating area with books and complimentary hot tea. I avidly attended the Power Flow and Inner Fire Flow classes because Hot Yoga can sometimes be too much for me. I would highly recommend taking classes with Karen, Ken, and Joan. Because the teachers made adjustments as needed, and were very in-tune with individual levels, I always felt like I left class having grown in my practice. I would highly recommend taking advantage of the New Student offer if you are new to yoga or want to try Inner Fire. read more

As a beginner, I decided to purchase a Groupon deal for Inner Fire Yoga because the website advertised that the classes were appropriate for "beginners and experienced yogis alike". So far, from my experience, Inner Fire Yoga (located on University Ave) do not cater to beginners. During the many classes I have attended, none of the teachers have shown me how to perform any of the positions even though they are aware that I am a beginner. The instructors would walk around and expect you to know how to do a "pigeon pose" or a "child's pose" on command. The lady who also work at the front desk, who I assume might be the owner, is not friendly or welcoming. Upon telling her that I was new, no tour was provided and I was left standing in the foyer to figure things out on my own while she played on her phone. Don't waste your money. read more

Where do I even start? As Inner Fire has grown through the years, they just keep adding to their roster of lovely and motivational teachers. They offer enough classes throughout the day that if one teacher doesn't blow you away, you can easily try another. Everyone who works there and (most) of those who practice there are welcoming and open. Like another reviewer said, your first class -- or first few classes -- will make you feel dizzy and nauseous. Don't despair, it happens to everyone. You just have to hold on to the fact that it will feel better. Promise! Definitely try it out. Student rates are good, and there are some free community classes offered on weekends. read more

This is by far one of my favorite yoga studios in the country! I've been practicing bikram yoga in Chicago, Toledo, and LA, but Inner Fire Yoga has one of the nicest facilities. The teachers have been welcoming, encouraging, and always giving guidance whenever possible. This studio smells fabulous from the time you walk in. They also provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap. They sell trendy and stylish yoga wear and accessories. This is not a bikram exclusive studio. I appreciate that they offer different styles of hot yoga here, but I still love practicing bikram. The only negative I can think of is sometimes the teachers would start burning incense at the end of the class. While the aroma could be refreshing for some, it could be overpowering for people with asthma and allergies. It made the camel pose even more nauseating for me because of the fragrance. read more

I love Yoga! I was really looking forward to my 1 month trial at this studio. The decor of this studio is ok. I only visited this place 3 times during my 30 day trial. Of the three instructors I experienced: 2 were fabulous & 1 left such a bad taste in my mouth I wasn't motivated to return. Her energy and manners left a lot to be desired. read more

Inner Fire has a great variety of classes along with the heat! I have been consistently going for two months now and have found several teachers that have shown consistent energy and an abundance of knowledge! Do check it out if you are looking for quality yoga instruction, variety and heated classes. read more

This studio was SO warm and welcoming!! Thank you!!! The woman at the front desk was incredibly kind and accommodating. Her positive energy was the start of an entirely wonderful experience. The studio itself was clean and smelled super good-- which, for those of you who know Bikram/ hot yoga studios, that was a pleasant surprise!!! I was so impressed by how clean it was that I literally asked what they used to keep it smelling so fresh. The actual studio room was clean and welcoming as well. Most importantly, Hope Henley, our fabulous instructor made the entire 90 minutes a complete joy. Her in depth explanations and encouraging tone was so helpful. As new clients, she learned our names before class and specifically added direct instruction and compliments to our practice. Having been to many studios, I have never met an instructor who has been so attentive, specifically helpful to individual students and encouraging to the whole class. She called out specific tweeks, identified proper posture and recognized effort and positively rewarded students with compliments for pushing ourselves throughout the class. So impressed by this ENTIRE studio. I'm read more

I, like many, snagged a Groupon for an unlimited month of yoga at IFY. I had planned to try a couple different studios in town in this manner before considering shelling out a not insignificant amount of money to practice regularly. I used to occasionally practice yoga, but always in a gym environment...but that was years ago. I am not the most svelte (to say the least!) or the most flexible individual around. I am naturally a very tightly wound individual, and I was always told yoga could possibly reduce my day to day anxiety levels. All that being said, I was rather hesitant going to my first class here. My first class was Inner Fire Flow 75 with Hope. It was difficult, but I made it through the class before laying on my mat in a sweaty heap. But I felt amazing, physically but also emotionally. Amazing enough to keep coming back. I've gone 3-4x a week since that class. I've tried the yin yoga (which I adore...almost like guided stretching and relaxation, very restorative) as well as power yoga (whew, exhausting...in a good way) and slow flow with meditation. Every teacher has been very welcoming to me as an obvious beginner. I do have to say the hot yoga classes really aren't for me, but the one I attended seemed well taught. Each class has felt like an absolute treat for myself, and I leave feeling better than when I entered. All in all, I've decided to join up for a monthly membership. Besides falling in love with yoga here, the ample parking and packed class schedule are logistically better than I've seen at many competing studios. A downside is that I live in Fitchburg and work downtown, but honestly I'd prefer a slightly longer drive if I don't have to worry about parking when I get there. They also offer occasional two hour "immersion" workshops every month or so that are free for members. Next month's will be a yin immersion, which I am very much looking forward to. Downsides...they could use more showers. Not a huge fan of incense that is sometimes burned at the end of class. Entryway can get crowded between classes. All minor complaints. read more

Inner Fire Yoga (West) is great. It has two well-sized rooms, with ample room for you and your neighbor. The instructors are all passionate and willing to chat after class. One of the best things I've noticed is the atmosphere - any body type, any experience level, anyone is welcomed. Their schedule includes many different classes and times; my favorite is the Power 60! The only issue I've had was with their computer system/my account, but the staff was helpful in resolving the problem. Go check it out! read more

I feel so great every time I leave this place. It took me a while to enjoy hot yoga, but now I am loving it. I will say this place is not for new yogis - the instructors do not demonstrate the pose so you need to have a basic idea of what to do. They are extremely helpful if you ask, but many classes are big (especially in the weekends!) which can make that difficult. The staff is wonderful and there is a wide range of classes and times to suit any schedule. The prices are competitive for the area and there is plenty of parking. This is probably my fave yoga studio that I've tried so far in Madison. read more

This yoga studio is by far my favorite studio I have practiced at while traveling. Bikram Yoga is my favorite style of yoga, and they offer excellent traditional 90 minute, very hot classes. But I kept an open mind, and also took some of the other class offerings. My favorite was the Inner Fire 75! All of the teachers I had were excellent, staff was very kind and welcoming. I highly recommend this studio. It's clean, people are kind, teachers are knowledgeable, and the class offerings are incredible. read more

I have enjoyed my classes at Inner Fire Yoga and look forward to warming up and stretching to melt away the winter blues.

This is my first time trying the Inner Fire Yoga -West and I really enjoy the Yin classes. There are different teachers in the classes that I have been to and they have different techniques/approach to the Yin. The room temperature is mild hot and the Yin is actually a great practice for beginners or those who like deep gentle stretching. I like the ambience and the facility overall. read more

I absolutely love Inner Fire. The second I walk in the door, I feel calmer! I'm always greeted with a smile from the receptionist, and like to get there a few minutes early to enjoy a cup of herbal tea before class. My favorite class to attend is Hot 90 - it's challenging and long, but I feel completely rejuvenated and accomplished after leaving. All of the teachers have been fantastic and encouraging too! read more

Having moved away from Madison, I have more perspective of how wonderful Inner Fire really was. So many kinds, talented instructors with deep knowledge of the Bikram series and an understanding of anatomy. So many excellent extended sessions and special events to explore one's body and practice more deeply. I especially miss Dar's Aroma Yin, a thoroughly relaxing yet challenginv experience every time, and Dr. Ruddy's Hot 90 series, tinged with gentle corrections and explainations of the postures. I miss the community outreach IFY encouraged, and the non-judgmental and non-competitive environment. There was a strong focus on fundamentals at Inner Fire, for both staff and students, an emphasis on getting the basics right, mastering the script before embellishing. I appreciate and miss the depth of my favorite instructors' knowledge - knowledge that I always benefitted from but never truly recognized until I sought a replacement in a different location. read more

I've been to my share of yoga classes throughout college and afterward, but nothing compares to my absolute love and devotion for Bikram Yoga. It's hot yoga, which means the room is ideally heated to 105 degrees with 50% humidity; so you're hot and sweaty. It's done this way so that your muscles are looser and you are able to get more bang for your buck when you stretch. The first class that you go to you will likely feel sick and dizzy. Don't worry; this goes away, you just have to push through. The great thing about Inner Fire is that they offer a one week unlimited membership for $20. This encourages the beginner to push past the first vomitous 90 minutes class they think they were crazy for taking to hopefully get a chance to love Bikram yoga like the rest of the fanatics that are in the front row. In addition to offering Bikram (which they now refer to as hot yoga, making me wonder if they no longer have their affiliation with Bikram Choudhury?) Inner Fire also offers yin yoga, which is incredibly relaxing, power flow yoga, which is in a kind of hot room and some people are crazy about, and they'll have some kind of special class every couple of months that will feature a great teacher from around the country. With your membership you can go to any one of these classes. The other great thing, which I think is a brilliant business move on the part of Marit Sathrum, the owner, is that they also have what they call the "Personal Revolutionaries," which you can choose to participate in. You basically either commit yourself to practicing either 52 classes in 91 days or 65 classes in 91 days (if you're hardcore). They have charts up on the wall where you mark the classes you've completed with a tiny sticker (who doesn't love stickers?!?!) and if you complete the challenge you get a medal!!! A MEDAL!!! It may seem kind of lame, but it takes a LOT of work and you feel really great at the end of it and as a bonus you're more toned and fit because you've been going to yoga so much! They also put lists of the people that complete the challenge on the website, which makes you feel even better about yourself. What gym is going to give you that kind of praise?!?! Also, it's good for the studio because it encourages you to continue to come back again and again. IT'S A GREAT IDEA. Okay. The building is really nice, they just moved into it a couple of years ago. The locker rooms are clean and nicely outfitted; there are three showers and they just expanded the women's locker room so you won't bump into all the other sweaty people after you're done. There are two practice rooms, one smaller and one larger. The floors in them are cork floors; the entire studio was build with green principles; which are really nice because they don't stink like the carpet they used to have did. The instructors are great; my personal favorite is Darlene, who will always tell stories about how she first started Bikram yoga when she lived in California in the 70's and it got huge. She was taught by Bikram and there is a picture of her in his book from back then. How cool is that?? Okay, it's clear that I'm totally biased about this place, but I just love it. The people are great, the atmosphere is clean and nice, and they have a great business model. I'm sad every day that I realize I can't go here because I don't live in Wisconsin anymore... read more

I thought the studio was pretty decent. Clean. Semi-Friendly instructors. If you like hot yoga this is a decent place. I won't be returning because it doesn't really emanate the passion i'm looking for and there was a bit a ego with some of the instructors I encountered. They have a lot of classes on their schedule which is nice, however. If you're looking for more intimate and hands-on place, I would probably choose elsewhere. read more

This was my first time trying yoga classes in a dedicated yoga studio, and I definitely noticed an increase in quality of the instructors and the facilities. read more

I started with Marit back when IFY was Bikrim and at the first University location. I have always enjoyed the classes and the staff is so helpful- they really push my practice. I always left sweaty and energized. Power flow was my favorite and I was one of many who would cram into Jackie's 630pm class. She's incredible; her classes are well worth the packed room. The reason for my 'past tense' phrasing is two fold. 1. I grew up right by Hilldale and IFY was always incredibly close; after moving downtown it became more difficult without a car. 2. IFY is expensive. I understand that yoga in general is expensive with the heating, staff, training, etc. Don't get me wrong, they have the best staff and the most beautiful studio. However I am a woman in her 20's with a job that pays my bills but not much else and finding $100+ (depending on rates, etc) each month is difficult. I wish there were different options that were more affordable, I would be back in a heartbeat. I don't know if maybe I'm not die-hard enough and I should better budget for the membership but regardless I have currently settled for Capital Fitness and a membership rate I can more regularly afford. I look forward to a raise at work or a better budgeting of my money in order to get back to IFY because I do truly miss the workout, camaraderie and spirit of such a beautiful place :) namaste read more

I've visited 3 yoga studios in Madison so far and this is my favorite simply for the yoga. The instructors are very good and tell you exactly when to breathe and talk through the yoga terms as you are moving. There are 2 rooms and they are both hot so be prepared to sweat and have water nearby. Sometimes the heat can get stifling in summer though, so be aware of that if you are already dehydrated. read more

I have been going to Inner Fire Yoga since August of 2009. I started my experience with a $20 introductory offer, that allows you to try all the different classes and teachers for next to nothing. Through the years, I have learned what works for me. I have favorite classes and favorite teachers that meet my personal needs. I LOVE HEAT and Dr.Ruddy's Saturday Community Bikram class is one of the hottest with the kind of motivating instruction I need (and it only cost $10 if you are not a member). I love the slow flow with meditation (Angie Carlson's class is great!) and the Inner Fire Flow 75 minute classes (Karen Rigsby is a wonderful guide). Not every class at IFY works for my needs. Talk to the receptionist for recommendation if you have special needs/wants. read more

When traveling for business, I try to give myself the gift of a yoga class. Inner Fire Yoga was that perfect gift while in the Madison area. I went to the West studio, the original of two Inner Fire locations that way back when started as a Bikram studio but now offers a wide range of class styles. The staff was friendly and welcoming, even to this out-of-towner. The studio was clean and comfortable with well appointed locker room facilities. I took an hour-long power flow class with Julie. The class was held in the larger of the two yoga rooms, evenly heated to 95° and with lots of natural light. Julie, a 200 CYT who also has a degree in Exercise Physiology, lead a well paced class gradually building in sweat-inducing intensity with excellent transitions and options throughout for more advanced postures. Class was filled with gentle assists and abundant encouragement. After a well-deserved shavasana, I picked up my sweaty mat and hit the shower. If I had one complaint, it would be that I could have used 15 more minutes on the mat. But, hey, wanting more is a sign of a good experience. I was happy to have found Inner Fire. If you go, there are two locations, one in the heart of Madison on the UW campus and the other on West University Ave. They both offer a range of classes including vinyasa flow and hot yoga. Most classes are 60 or 75 minutes. Hot yoga is the traditional 90 minutes. There are a variety of membership options. My drop-in class was $17, rental mat included. read more

It can be a little crowded at times but I always leave feeling great! The studio is very clean considering how many people go there and the numerous classes offered each day. The instructors are wonderful. If you are taking a heated class (not so much yin) it is very hot! But you get used to that and begin to like it! read more

Yoga at Inner Fire on the west side is a pleasant experience. Classes vary by instructor. I prefer hot yoga, and Dr. Ruddy is the best!

Its been five years since I wrote my last review of Inner Fire Yoga, (IFY.) Inner Fire Yoga was my first encounter with Hot Yoga many years ago. The first time I went it was located on University Ave. next to the old Radio Shack. It's since moved to it's current location. I started taking classes seriously and developing a practice in 2011. At that time IFY had the most dedicated instructors in Madison. Dar, Marit, Ken, Justin and many others used to have multiple classes at IFY. I used to wake up early on Saturday and Sunday mornings to take a 7:00 AM class because the instructor at that time was awesome. She moved that I know. Taking time off after hip surgery in 2014, I took a few classes now and then and I prepared to go back to IFY and start my yoga practice seriously so I went online. I reviewed the classes and started looking for some of the familiar faces and instructors. Many of the familiar names were gone, moved perhaps, life changes, other things happen. So off I went since I still had "passes." I decided to take a class that required a combination of Bikram poses and flow movements. Walking in I noticed nothing had changed since my last class, the studio in my mind needed an update. Maybe my opinion was jaded because I had recently taken a class at one of the other Hot Yoga studios in Madison? The instructor I had that day mentioned that she had a long week and in one sequence flow part of the class she mentioned "I don't need to tell you what to do, you know what the next steps are." I'd been off the mat for close to two years, I didn't know what to do, so I was left looking around for the next pose, so it's helpful when the instructor actually has a mat and works with you during the practice, (just saying.) I go to Yoga to concentrate on fitness, flexibility, a sense of spirituality only attained for me when I'm on the mat, the class needs to be a positive experience accentuating the positive energy that flows from a studio and the people in it. I'll continue to go to IFY, I learned here, I love the heat and this studio, it's definitely the hottest studio I've practiced in. Just time for a little face-lift. read more

I love every single part of this studio--the instructors are great and the classes never fail to make me feel rejuvenated. Workouts for everyone and anyone. Highly recommend. read more

I don't live in Madison, but when I'm traveling there I try to make at least one class. The instructors are amazing, and the hot yoga classes are some of the best I've taken. I just wish there were larger studios, but I guess the classes are always packed because the place is awesome! read more

I started coming to Inner Fire based on a Groupon, but after attending multiple classes I realized this was the yoga studio I wanted to practice at. I really enjoy the atmosphere and the instructors. I would recommend Inner Fire to anyone! read more