Best Yoga studio in NYC. The teachers are all fantastic and supportive. The location is near Union Square and close to the train. Great value and the attention to the individual's practice here is very apparent. Teachers are always friendly and there to help. I work in this neighborhood and love coming after work to decompress from the day. I highly recommend it. read more

I had a lovely experience at Ishta Yoga with Stephen! The space is clean, calm, and well-located (do note there are stairs -- unsure if there's an accessible entrance!). I appreciate all the natural light that came in over something more harsh like overhead lights. I tried out their restorative yoga class and had a great time. Stephen's voice and personality is so calming and genuine! He also helped adjust me during an exercise which I appreciated, as it was my first ever restorative yoga session. During the class, he also shared some interesting facts about yoga as a practice and the cultures from which it originated. Unfortunately, I bruised my forehead a bit because the blanket didn't quite cushion my forehead properly against the block unless I moved my head up and squashed my nose, and we remained in that pose for 10+ mins, but that was my only qualm while in the class. After the class, all mats and blocks were wiped down prior to being returned to their place :). One thing I wish I would have known is that there's a mat rental fee ($4 I believe), which I didn't previously know about and felt a bit out of the ordinary in my experience? However, because it was my first time, they offered one to me for free without me having to ask. Very kind customer service! While the yoga room itself is very spacious, the check-in area is itty bitty and I could see it getting cramped during peak hours, but I kinda wanted to get in and out haha! I'd recommend not hanging around too long before or after class to avoid cramping. I recommended a friend try out Ishta Yoga for herself to see how she liked it too. She informed me she tried out an "All Levels" class with Douglas. She mentioned him being supportive, calm, and patient, though she didn't quite know what was going on regarding the terminology. Overall, I'd love to do more restorative yoga here when I can find the time! Note to self: bring your own blanket and mat! read more

See all

I take Jennifer Chen's online zoom Yin yoga class Wednesday evenings 8- 9pm . She does a wonderful job of integrating yoga poses with philosophical and physical information so that I truly feel as if I have received a full mind - body experience read more

Took my first ever yoga class yesterday at Ishta. Kelly, the teacher, and all the staff made me feel welcome, took care of my needs, and answered all my newbie questions. Can't want to come back! Thank you. read more

Every class I've ever taken has been great. I love Kelly's classes, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is such a good teacher!

I started going to this yoga studio early this year. I had a variety of instructors that are good in their own way but I have no particular favorite one. I use Class Pass for these classes because it most flexible for me. Their location is also an easy five min walk from the Union Square Station right by Whole Foods. If you want flexibility and great instructors come here. The class sizes seem to be most packed on Saturdays . I been to classes mid-week and it was always under 8 students with some participating online . read more

I went to the one UPTOWN and really didn't like the studio at all, so I was a bit hesistant to give the DOWNTOWN location a try, but since I have the Yoga PassBook, I figured I would give it another chance. And boy, am I glad I did! First of all, this location is way BIGGER than the UPTOWN location and it has lots of room. There is plenty of space for sitting while you wait for a class. They also sell yoga appaerl, equipment, books, oils, etc. You could definitely drop some money here. The practise room is spacious and can fit well over 40 people plus. I had a great instructor and got a nice work out. This studio also has CHANGING ROOMS and SHOWERS (in the basement) and offers FREE TEA and WATER. They have tons of classes each day, so don't miss your yoga class. Very conveniently located to Union Square. I will definitely be back. read more

I used to come to this studio many years ago and it quickly became my favorite studio in the city. I stopped going sometime ago as I felt my practice had plateaued and started seeking other studios/teachers to learn from. Today was my homecoming of sorts and I was quickly reminded why I fell in love with this studio in the first place. The quality of teachers at Ishta have always been top-notch. Today's class was on different. I took an open-level class curated by Laura Butler. The main studio is an awesome open space adorned with a beautiful door that gives one the feeling that they're in India or Tibet. Laura's class was a perfect segue into the holiday weekend! They now (I say now because I'm not sure how long it's been open but they didn't have it when I was coming before) have a studio in the Upper East Side as well that I'll also be checking out. In the meantime, visit this incredible studio and give yourselves, and your practice, some love! read more

See all

I am finishing up a 2-week new student pass, and my impressions are based on several 9:45 AM weekday "all levels" or "beg/int" classes. Since these classes may be considered "off-peak" I didn't notice the overcrowding that other Yelpers have observed. The instructors have been easy-going and skilled, and the front-desk folks have been basically friendly and competent. There is an overall warm, communal vibe here. I like the availability of tea and a place to hang up coats, which not all of the smaller yoga studios have. The main yoga room is lovely, with dark woods and antique appointments. My main objection is the pricing: $26 for a drop-in one-hour class (plus $2 for a mat) is unconscionable--there is nothing so special about this place that I'd be willing to pay $28 for one class. The multi-class packages are more reasonable, but I don't live or work in the neighborhood, so I wouldn't be able to go often enough to warrant the expense. read more

I can't rave enough about Ishta. Hands down, the best yoga classes I have ever enjoyed. From their teachers to the atmosphere, Ishta Yoga studio is tops in my book. After every and any class I take at Ishta, I walk out at peace, feeling refreshed. There is no "bad teacher" or just decent class at Ishta. The classes are always different, not the same yoga routine. All Ishta instructors are SO helpful, inspirational, knowledgeable. I think the prices are worth it. read more

Ishta Yoga - Namaste - Yoga Near Me - New York, New York

My favorite yoga studio in NYC and a gem that's slightly off the beaten path. Tons of good teachers depending on what you're looking for. Newbie to yoga? Shel's classes are great for you. Want to build technical precision and correct posture and alignment? Peter F. or Cathy L.'s classes will help you adjust into the right postures and alignments in no time. The meditation classes are great too. Bonus: the main studio is large, spacious and beautifully zen; rarely feeling cramped or too crowded, which in NYC is a luxury. read more

I liked this studio better than the one on the upper east side, although that one is closer to me. Bigger space, 2 bathrooms, and they sell apparel in the front. So tempting. The instructors here are amazing and so accessible. They do hands on adjustments unless you don't want them to. There are blocks, straps, blankets, bolsters, big pillows. I always leave class with a more balanced mind. read more

I love taking Jennifer Chang's Yin & Meditation class on Wednesday evenings at Ishta Yoga. Her classes have been such a calming refuge for me during these difficult times. They are wonderfully restorative and great even for beginners. And now that classes are virtual, they're even more convenient--there's no rush to get to the studio after work. I commend Ishta for their continued dedication to the yoga community and for the wide variety of classes they offer to students. read more

Ishta Yoga is a lovely studio with a variety of classes for all students----Yin, Restorative, as well as different level classes. The teachers are very good and open to helping students. The studio is cozy and peaceful. Highly recommend! read more

I started doing yoga at YogaZone way back in the mid-90's when it was still kind of weird and woo-woo, with as much focus on prana, meditation, diet, and inner peace as on asana practice. At the time yoga studios were populated mainly with hippies, artists, students, and philosophers. YZ was a medium-sized studio run by Yogiraj Alan Finger, with a philosophy about the whole, individual Self and it's place within the divine. Then yoga became a trendy alternative to aerobics and YogaZone morphed into YogaWorks. And while it's still an okay studio, I miss the woo-woo; almost none of the YogaWorks classes end in meditation, chakra balance is a sidebar to sweating, and some classes are downright gym-style yoga, not yoga studio yoga. So thank god for Ishta Yoga! A lot of those senior teachers who were there since the YogaZone days have opened this little studio with the same Yogiraj Alan Finger. The classes perfectly blend ancient wisdom with contemporary life, and the teachers actually have a spiritual agenda that suffuses the asana practice. Moreover, there's now an ayurvedic practitioner available for consultations and treatments and group meditation sessions four days a week. There are grand opening specials going on through the end of May (with discounted 10 and 20 class series and a huge discount on annual membership), so get in there now! I've been much happier practicing in a smaller studio with a mission this past week and -- by the end of my YW membership this month -- will be taking advantage of that annual membership myself. read more

Ishta? Should be called ICK-ta. I went here because I had received an email for a free class and it was in a good location (right by union square). When I got to the studio, the dude at the desk said I had to have my email printed. The environmentalist that I am, I was so upset that he wanted me to print and waste paper and would not take a yogi's word that I got indigestion and had it throughout the entire class. If that didn't make the experience bad enough, the class was slow paced and dull. The teacher was anything but inspiring. In practicing non-judgement, I usually like to give a studio a few tries before I form an opinion about it. However, I disliked my experience here so much that I never want to go back again. This studio is new - I'm curious to see how it survives in the land of yoga that is union square. read more

Apparently the name ISHTA is an acronym: Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda. Who knew? It's also a Sanskrit word that means something like "individualized." Ishta was founded to be a distinct style of yoga, but I'm not sure I could tell you how it differs in practice (ha, ha) from other styles any more than any one yoga instructor's style will differ from another's. I tried two classes here - 7 months apart. It might be apparent that I was lukewarm about that first class (a general intermediate level). Instruction was clunky, with lots of chaturanga over and over. The instructor seemed inexperienced, though he was very friendly otherwise. At 4pm that Wednesday, there were ~20 other students (mostly middle-aged women and a handful of NYU students), and plenty of room between mats. The room looked similar at 4:30pm on a recent Tuesday, for an open level "Sweat & Samadhi" class. The instructor, Julia, was great - steady and clear. Unfortunately, I ended up not sweating at all!! I doubt anyone else did, either. Cold weather may be partially to blame, but mostly the movement just wasn't vigorous. We began in savasana (but lights on), then moved into a more active sequence that was supposed to be the "sweat" part. Then we went through a long series of restorative poses (using large bolster, small bolster, blocks, blankets). Final savasana took place using these props, and it was guided - i.e. the instructor was talking gently the whole time. Despite the fact that you won't get total quiet, the restorative + savasana was just... delicious. Even though I was expecting something far more challenging in the first half of class, the luxuriously long samadhi session during the second half was worth it all. I wanted to lie there in the dark forever. For its small size, humble appearance, and slightly higher pricing, Ishta seems to be a popular studio that unapologetically focuses more on spirituality than most places. The front is a shop selling yoga gear and books. You'll probably walk right by it unless you are chanting "56 East 11th, 56 East 11th, 56 East 11th" under your breath. First time students get free mat rental (choose a normal foamy mat or a heavy Jade mat); otherwise it's $2. There's free water and tea. Deposit shoes in cubbies in the waiting area, hang coats in a nook outside the practice room, bring bags into the practice room with you (cubbies by the entrance). Supposedly there are changing rooms and a shower downstairs. Would adjust my expectations and go again. read more

When I'm running my ass all over this town (and this life!) practicing "nothingness" is key to my sanity. That's one of this studio's guiding principles: Do nothing." ISHTA is founded on a strong sense of the spiritual dimension of yoga, not just on the physical asana practice. Alan Finger is a master of Tantric techniques and wisdom, so if you've ever been curious about Tantric meditation, he's the man. Some of his techniques are posted on ISHTA's blog (visit the website). A daily practice of these will change your life. The asana classes differ in focus according to the teacher. Douglas and Sarah guide you with serenity, Mona incorporates mantras and yantras with the poses, and Jean offers a devotional teaching that is as sweaty as it is enlightening. For building strength and grace, I recommend Julie Wilcox. If you need help with alignment or working through an injury, Rajiv, Elena and Cathy are experts drawing from knowledge of medicine, dance, and movement science. What's amazing about the studio is that while the asana classes offer a range of focus, they share a common spiritual core. Regardless of the class, you will learn a deeper dimension of Yoga. ISHTA strengthens your body, mind and soul. I know I'm sounding like an add for a spa resort, but it's no joke. As an added bonus (here I go again with ad-talk) you can visit Manjula Paul at ISHTA. She's a fantastic Ayurvedic practitioner who has helped me improve my sleep, digestion and mental well-being. And I haven't been sick once since visiting her (usually at this point I would've had at least 2-3 colds) so thanks to her my immune system seems to be doing really well. read more

Summary: It's a yoga studio with two yoga rooms, one upstairs and one in the basement. There's no lounge, etc. We thought it would be a lot nicer. It's basically two yoga rooms with an area to check in and buy a yoga mat or t-shirt. Cost: There are lots of classes that came to $24 for a one-hour drop-in class + another $2 for mat rental. This is really expensive. Yoga Vida is less. Integral Yoga is $10. Bhakti has some for donation. Ishta does have a few "community classes" for $10. Note: If you have been to even one or two classes at full price (within the last 6 months) they will NOT let you use the groupon, Yelp, or other deal. We actually found the blankets, pillows, etc. to be kind of dirty and gross. We are going to try other places. Please message me know if you find another place you like. I am a beginner guy and enjoy basic and restorative. I also yelp for the good of humanity in this frenetic city! read more

Being a yoga instructor, I find the richness and depth of ISHTA to be almost unparalleled. If all you are looking for is a workout, ISHTA may or may not be your thing. However, for those that understand and seek true yoga (meaning connection, presence, holism) instruction this might be THE place. I have had my fair share of good and not so good yoga classes in my life but I have never experienced a teacher at ISHTA who was not kind, knowledgable, helpful, insightful and inspiring. The studio itself is beautiful, clean, welcoming, with bathrooms, changing rooms, secure storage for shoes, coats and personal belongings and is ALWAYS full of warm, smiling faces. ISHTA itself stands for the Integrated Science of Tantra, Hatha, and Ayurveda, meaning that it's style uniquely blends the ancient sciences of Tantra and Ayurveda with hatha yoga. While the prices here are a little steep, they are worth every penny but they also have great discounted packages for dedicated students. read more

I tried out Ishta for a month and sampled the beginners, intermediate, and intermediate/advanced classes. It's a great location and the studio is clean, beautiful and calming. I love the complimentary cucumber water! As much as I liked the space, my experience there was mixed. Some classes were too slow and actually quite boring, while others were extremely challenging. It didn't feel like the classes were very cohesive - it really varied depending on the instructor. I've been practicing for about two years and still find value in beginners' classes, but Ishta's beginners classes were really slow and I never even broke a sweat. The intermediate classes were good, especially with Kristen and Alex, who provide awesome adjustments and know how to keep the class engaged. The int/adv class with Marco was definitely the most popular, always reaching max capacity, and his teaching style was very aggressive yet effective. He's a fan of side planks and pushing you to your limit. I had a really awesome restorative class here on a Friday evening, too. I think their normal prices are a bit steep, but I did enjoy my month here for the most part - just wish I skipped the beginners classes. read more

This past summer Ishta offered a Groupon and it got me hooked on yoga. When my one month trial expired I decided to spring for a ten pack and make it a part of my routine while playing yoga tourist (the art of going from studio to studio taking advantage of new student offers then moving on so you never pay full price). The more yoga places I try the more I love it at Ishta. I've even needed to got to Ishta class right after a bad yoga class at other studios just to recover. So i'm gonna skip all the usual great teachers, class selection usual yelp-ie stuff . . . Ishta is the only studio that always gets me into "the zone" in class and carry that energy with me the rest of the day. I find the energy a teacher gives off to be one of the most essential attributes of a great yoga studio, and Ishta teachers lead very nurturing and lighthearted clasess, responsive to the overall skill and energy level of the students on that particular day There are many great teachers at Ishta who i've not yet had the opportunity to take class with, but of those I have be sure to check out: Sarah's Sweat and Samadhi (it gets crowded but she manages to turn crowd into cozy) Kara's . . . well kara is just awesomesauce so any class with her is worth going to Jessica does a great open level class and always manage to make my back crack Laura hosts an excellent open class that tends to be very small so its almost like a private class. UPDATE 12-3: As i've tried more yoga schools i've come to realize just how good ISHTA is and have upgraded it to 5 stars (which i was hesitant to do until I had a broader view of what was out there) read more

Phenomenal, phenomenal yoga studio-like going on retreat. I've tried many other nyc yoga places, and many are great--Jivamukti is wonderful if you're a practiced ashtanga/power style yogi, for instance. But Ishta Yoga is truly special, and to take Alan Finger's meditation class is a really wow experience. The Ishta experience is more like a 500 dollar a day yoga retreat than a typical studio. Go to Alan's meditation class, and follow it with a regular yoga class--you'll be blown away. So many very very good teachers, head and shoulders above other places. This is yoga as art, philosophy, consciousness. read more

I started going to yoga at Ishta after purchasing their groupon deal for $30 for 1 month of yoga (an amazing deal, btw!). I wanted to have the chance to experience a variety of classes and as my month comes to a close, it's time to write. I usually practice 5-7x/week and went to approximately 20 classes at Ishta over the past month. Class: The classes are definitely a variety in terms of challenge and teacher style. I attended Int, Open, and Sweat & Samadhi classes. I prefer a more vigorous yoga class and a few of the Open classes were a little too slow for my taste. The classes taught by Sarah, Cassandra and Rajiv were my favorites. Overall, all the instructors were good and even in crowded classes, there were adjustments and thoughtfulness to the flow. Studio: 2 rooms- one upstairs and one downstairs, along with changing rooms, shower, bathrooms. I preferred the upstairs room but sometimes people would linger in the lobby and the laugther/chatter would be a bit noisy. Also, they allow late-comers, so while my inner yogi is trying not to be annoyed, I don't really enjoy moving my mat after class is already in session. Front desk people were always friendly and studio seemed clean. Now that my month is coming to an end, I am a little disappointed that their class options are so pricey-- I am often out of town so investing in the auto-renew monthly options may not be worth it. Regular class packages are $18-22 which is more expensive than other studios I have tried. Overall, the quality of the instruction and the classes are definitely worth checking out ($60 for the first month is a great intro deal). read more

When I went here I initially rated it according to all of the 7:15am classes. Which I found to be too slow for me. But I went back and took some of the afternoon and evening classes and they are really good! Also, this place is great for people who have more of an advanced Yoga practice since they are not just about cardio and vinyasa. And also the teachers are not about their ego's and don't mind it if you make your own modifications in class. They trust that you understand your own practice. I also like that many of the teachers will ask you in the beginning of class if you mind having hands on adjustments. Jessica's Flow and Restore is still one of my favorite classes here! Mona's Yoga Nidra is pretty amazing as well. The staff at both locations are really friendly and nice. Alan's meditation classes are mind blowing. And great even for beginners. read more

I'm just finishing up a week of unlimited yoga at Ishta, and I've got to say I've enjoyed it immensely. The studio has an air of calm and patience, making it one of the best places to escape the business that is New York City streets outside their glass door. Classes: Now, I'm no yoga guru. At best I'm an upper-intermediate/lower-advanced student at best. And even then I make it up as I go along most times, but that's what I get for only intermittently practicing over the past 10 years. Lately, my interest in yoga has been renewed by 1) a desire to do more strength training for my pole dancing classes, and 2) one of my pole-dancing friends doing her 300 hour teacher-training, at Ishta actually, but that's a different story. Suffice it to say that I've re-caught the yoga bug and Ishta's fulfilling my craving nicely. They have a variety of classes available for all students. Basics and beginner classes, flow classes which will kick your ass, advanced classes for when you want to do some crazy shit and even restorative classes for when you've hurt yourself attempting said crazy shit. Of the classes I attended, I'm quite partial to Jean's Int/Adv on Wednesday and Gina's restoratives. I found Julie to be a bit harsh and impersonal, but that may just be the one class I was in--that and I think it's cheating a bit when the teacher only talks you through the moves without doing them herself. But what puts Ishta apart from your general Union Square yoga studio is Alan Finger's meditation classes. I swear, this man is adorable. He says the funniest things, calls himself a "suspender yogi" and will actually help you reach pranayama when he walks around during class. More importantly, he is open to questions--I think he loves them. After going to a second meditation class, I was a bit confused about the vritti, and finally got the courage to ask him about it. In response? I got my clarification and a hug from a sweet old man. One hell of a sales pitch, I'll say. It's going to keep my coming back. Ishta has also recently started offering workshops and they have a yearly retreat. They have one-on-ones available for both in class assistance and independent training. I also think personal meditation sessions with Alan Finger are available if you ask nicely and pay richly. Studio: Ishta is a clean place, cleaner than I would have expected for the amount of people always heading in and out. And there are A LOT of people. Perhaps that was just because of the special they had going on, but the Int/Adv, Beg/Int and meditation classes get pretty packed. Surprising considering they only opened the studio about two years ago, but I'm not complaining. The run a tight ship, and with two new showers and a new bathroom downstairs from the first time I went there a year or so ago, the place is awesome. The large studio upstairs is gorgeous with wood floors (that hardly creak!!), super high ceilings, skylights and a huge faux foor in the front of the room. I have yet to find out if the door is more than just decoration, but either way, it really gets you in the mood. The downstairs studio is smaller, darker and can probably fit 25-ish people when packed. The upstairs studio can easily accomodate about 50. While I do have my concerns about how often the props are cleaned, I can't really complain about anything the studio has to offer. Sure, some of the community members are a bit abrasive and complain about newbies, but some are downright awesome. The only thing that gives me pause is the price. Overall, I would LOVE to give Ishta 5 stars, but it's normal, non-Groupon, non-beginner, non-special prices are a bit steep. Even their student discounts aren't that much. That said, though, you get what you pay for: a great experience and atmosphere, and a great practice. read more

Not a bad spot and a convenient location down in the village. With that being said, this place just didn't do it for me. It's got a cool little store in the front, but thought the changing area was a little cramped and the poses in class never seemed to get too advanced. I'm not saying I'm any good, but I generally like it when instructors throw as much at us as possible and then give us the option of scaling down. I also don't like the foam blocks they use, once you've used cork ones, the foam ones just seem way too flimsy. Of course this is just one instructor during one class, so maybe it's unfair to judge based on that. But hey, I'm sure there are a lot of positive reviews with that too. read more

I had just moved to the East Village and read about the intro special at Ishta. It's such a deal I'd be an idiot not to check it out. I enjoyed my month at Ishta, I was practially going every other day. My favorite classes were Sarah's Wed night class and Michael's Saturday class. I just wish overall, the classes were a little more intense as far as a workout. It's totally relaxing and calming and I love the meditation aspect of it, and I always felt refreshed after; I just never felt like it was enough of a workout. And granted, I know that's probably not what they are aiming for, but I was experimenting that month with substituting a yoga studio for a gym membership. I did enjoy the classes and the vibe very much and would definitely go back for drop in classes. read more

I went to an open yoga class at Ishta Yoga using my Classtivity Passport. I wouldn't have guessed this place was a yoga studio by standing outside. Almost walked past it thinking it was a vintage clothing store of sorts. First class comes with a free mat rental so that was awesome. Yoga was definitely needed after the morning I had. I really needed to stretch so that was perfect. Large waiting area to take off and put on shoes. Cubbies in the back of the classroom to put belongings. A coat rack outside. Tea available for people to drink (donations preferred) and a nice clean bathroom to get changed. Class was solid. Nothing really stood out to me from the practice. The room stood out to me - it really does look like it does in the pictures. Was actually killing time at Jackrabbit prior to coming over - they have passes for 1st classes for free at Ishta, right by the front entrance. read more

MY FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE! I know...I need to get with the times. I came to Ishta for their awesome day of free Yoga a couple weeks back. I was a little nervous, this being my first time and all, but soon got comfortable as I took off my shoes and read a magazine in the waiting area. I took their "Intro to Yoga," obvi, with instructor Douglass Stewart - the class was packed, but not too much so that you couldn't move...you just got to know your neighbor pretty well =) He started us off slow and then began to put us into standard positions, explaining difficult moves as he went. He was very laid back, with an incredibly soothing voice, funny at times and a very friendly guy. I would love to come back and take classes with him again. The "helpers" that walked around during the class were great as well. Even though there were a lot of students, the 3 helpers were able to get around to everyone and help with your stretches and poses. Loved them as well. I was incredibly relaxed when the class ended and felt like I could tackle anything the rest of that day. REALLY. Yoga makes you feel great! I was fairly sore 2 days later in places I didn't even know I had worked! Although I only saw one of the rooms of the facility, it seemed pretty standard. I personally would have liked a little more decor...but whatev =) I will definitely be back. I really want to take advantage of their $40 UNLIMITED month pass for new students. My only qualm is that there's not much variety in classes before and after my work schedule - a lot of choice during the day, but not so much for us bringing home the bacon. read more

I've been to two restorative classes at the downtown location and enjoyed both classes. I think the instructors names were Donna and Gina? Very welcoming and accommodating! The room is very spacious and you're not frowned upon if you show up a couple minutes late like some studios! I'm not sure how much classes cost because I use class pass but there is a mat rental. The only downfall to this studio is that the props don't seem very clean (even the mats)! I felt a little gross covering myself with a blanket and wish they had fresh towels to lay on the bolsters! Maybe I've just come at times where they haven't cleaned in a while? But other than that, it's a nice c read more

"Moo is ohm backwards." A bit of yoga-talk, but in digestible doses of soulfood to enhance a wellness routine. I went for a month using a friend's unused Groupon. With lots of time on my hands, I went at least 5 days a week. Classes: I primarily went to the Open classes which were good for an intro/intermediate with some good challenges. Each instructor varies a lot. They all seemed pretty nice, and there's usually a few instructors-in-training around to help if you need a little extra support. I particularly liked: Mona Anand, my favorite instructor, balanced insights during the classes, which I really appreciated. She's intelligent, very relatable, and brightens up everybody in her class. Often times, people get carried away focusing on burning calories, but she offers points of reflection while doing yoga, like focusing on different chakras, visualizations, forming intentions of our goals, etc. As my leg burns and I'm slowly sweating, I learned to visualize my inner alignment and contemplate on my goals and actions. Definitely spiritually enhances physical activity. Alan Finger, the founder, makes me think of an English-accented, charismatic Santa Claus yogi. I took his ISHTA meditation classes. He uses a bit of yoga jargon, but when you get used to it and go more, it makes more sense. The guided meditations were good and his classes were usually packed. Overall, I liked how Mona and Alan offered different perspectives of the busy New York life. I didn't necessarily burn a ton of calories or bulk up, but I felt more balanced after a few weeks. Atmosphere: pretty chill (as expected of a yoga studio), and the regulars are pretty chill, too. Everyone slides over to make space if you ever need it. Accommodations: 2 yoga rooms, plenty of props (blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps), 3 restrooms, 2 showers, and 3 curtained changing rooms. Generally clean and maintained. Location: a few blocks down of Union Square, it's pretty convenient. It sits on a pretty quiet block. read more

Didn't have a particularly great experience using Groupon with Ishta in November for a month of unlimited classes. Logistically, it was a bit of a challenge: tried to sign up for a class using the Ishta website, but Groupon users can't complete the process online. Then had to re-sign up upon arriving at the studio. The next time I arrived, the person at the counter told me I had filled out the form incorrectly and needed to redo everything. It was all just a bit too much work to use something I've already paid for, and it made me less willing to try more classes, lest I be stopped at the entrance again. Hoping they've fixed that quirk! Heads up to those new to the studio: Ishta has a strange policy where they allow latecomers into class. I'm on the fence regarding how I feel about this. On the one hand, it's a lot less stressful for folks to rush there from work, and being a minute late doesn't prevent you from taking class. On the other, nobody likes class to be interrupted by *that* late girl shoving her mat into the row. Overall, I wish I had worked harder to take more classes here to appreciate all the great instructors I've read about on Yelp. However, I didn't take enough to hook me on any single instructor and warrant paying for more. Probably won't return. read more

Absolutely fell in love with ISHTA this week. I was in New York for business, and wanted to seize the opportunity to learn from Alan Finger. He is amazing! I took his Tuesday 9:30am meditation class, and it set a wonderful tone for the rest of my week. Alan has a lovely sense of humour, and an incredibly straightforward approach to teaching meditation. We began with a brief talk, warmed up with gentle asanas, and then sat for 40 minutes in both guided and silent meditation. His method truly reminded me just how important meditation is, and just how much work I have to do in my practice. The space was packed, but in a friendly and welcoming way, and my fellow yogis were among the friendliest folks in the city! My only qualm with the space would be the messy props. An otherwise beautiful and soothing environment was slightly tarnished by props stored haphazardly. It's amazing what folded blankets and rolled straps can do for a studio space. read more

If you want an amazing meditation class this is your place. Alan Finger, who at first glance resembles a jolly Santa, has an amazing gift to take you on a journey. As you will see, his classes are always full and the predominant reason to go to this studio. They always have deals via yelp or groupon and it's well worth a months try (especially when individual mediation classes are $30 a pop for a drop in) if you have any inclination toward this. The staff and patrons are warm and welcoming. Theres a definite sense of a community present. As far a the actual yoga goes, it's a great intro to get your body primed for meditation but if you're looking for a workout this is not your spot. Classes are slow and tend to stop and go so there's no real momentum to break a sweat. All of which is fine, if you don't have a different expectation. Also of note: theres a great little library/resource center in the front lobby for all your mind expansion needs. read more

I have been coming here on and off for about 4 years. I really like the teachers and the space. I live and work in Brooklyn, but when I feel especially unbalanced I always make the special trip to ISHTA. I really like the emphasis the teachers here place on alignment and balance. I end up working very hard even in the most basic of asanas because the goal of the practice is to find and maintain proper alignment while creating an inner harmony. ISHTA has many things to offer, even to those who like a more vigorous workout. read more

I bought a groupon for a month .. each time I had high hopes but it always was sub par. It was ok at best. Would not pay to practice here. read more

I seriously LOVE this place. I got a groupon for a month of unlimited yoga, and wasn't sure what to expect (I've never done yoga before). I have loved every class so far. The instructors are all so nice and encouraging - they never make you feel dumb for not being able to do a pose, and come around to give helpful pointers. The place is not huge, but it's very cozy, and it has everything you need (though I do wish there were real locker rooms with showers, but that's probably too much to ask of any NYC space). I'm not sure I can afford to come here once my groupon is up, but I would definitely recommend ISHTA for beginners looking for a non-judgmental, calming environment to learn yoga. read more

This is my first time doing yoga outside of home dvds. My friends recommended & i got a great groupon deal. So for 1st timers, they have front where you take off your shoes/socks, hallway for coats, & you can bring in your bags into class. They have several changing rooms. However, during prime classes, the place is packed. I have taken a hour of power class which is a great workout. However, this class fills up very quickly & can be cramped. I have thoroughly enjoyed the beg/int classes which have more space & the instructors were very helpful. I prefer them as i feel as if i have a better understanding of the yoga poses. I recommend classes w Rebecca, Wendy, Sheila, & Josh. Would give it 5 stars but sometimes its so busy that its like grand central when classes switch; I've seen ppl do the class fr the hall! I would still highly recommend though. Right balance bw spirituality & physical. read more

It is a mystery to me why I've waited so long to praise ISHTA yoga in writing when I do in conversations with friends and acquaintances all the time, sharing what an effect the studio, teachers, and ethos have had on my life. I've been practicing yoga more or less regularly, with a few breaks in between, going on 15 years, and have attended many studios in the city. I always return to ISHTA. I feel different at the end of an ISHTA class from what I feel at the end of others. Don't get me wrong, I always feel *good* at the end of any yoga class, but there's something about the spirituality, the words the teachers share that is never routine, always inspired, that feels that one extra step beyond, deeper, so that I am continually reminded that this is a practice for my whole being, not just a physical practice. I love ISHTA's emphasis on our always listening to our selves first. It is encouraged to not do every pose the teacher calls out always, to modify-- such is the essence of yoga: that we use it as a tool to connect to our selves and our particular needs at any given moment, not to look like our dancer neighbor in full wheel, no "competitive" gym yoga, or practices where you feel pressured to keep up, sweat, get a "workout" when you're told "good job!" if your pose looks the way you feel it "should." I'd feel totally comfortable putting my mat up against the wall and my legs up all class if I felt that's all I could do, or child's pose (I have never wanted to, but just as an example). If you want to move and want some heat one day, and want more yin another day, you are greatly encouraged to follow your heart. After all: isn't that the essence of yoga? To learn to listen to and connect to your own individual breath, your own body's particular needs on any given day. Puy Navarro's classes feel like half church, half three-months-worth-of-therapy-in-an-hour: they are yummy, she is such a warm spirit, always shares so much inspiring wisdom. I've never left her classes unchanged. I could vouch for any ISHTA-trained teacher they choose to affiliate themselves with, but co-founder Sarah Finger, of course, is my biggest, continual inspiration. She truly is a marvel: kind, graceful, and also seems to read intuitively what each class and student needs any given day. Yes, it is never the teacher but the teachings that they're able to convey and that flow through them that is most important. That said, her light, dedication and wisdom illuminates the entire energy of the ISHTA community. There is a reason Deepak Chopra chose her as his private instructor! =) . Things she has said during class are forever burned in my brain, as is her palpable love for every student who comes to practice and her desire to affect global change, one individual at a time. ISHTA recently downsized from having two studios to the one near Union Square. It's tough to run a yoga studio in the city and I commend them for making the choices they needed to in order to continue their unique, non-corporate vibe. What can I say? I hope to train with ISHTA this year, not necessarily to become a teacher but simply to deepen my practice and understanding. Come to a class! You won't regret it. read more