Loved this place!!! It was a smaller class and the mentor was very engaged and motivational. It's very intimate room and has a lot of returning students which says a lot about the business. When in KCMO again, I will revisit. read more

I've taken classes with three different instructors now at Maya Yoga and I can safely say, I'm a fan! Housed in a building that was once part of Kansas City's film row, I had a good feeling as I walked over Joan Crawford's and Jean Harlow's stars on the sidewalk leading into the building. (both screen queens spent their formative years in KC... wow, I have a way of fitting that into many reviews, don't I?) The studio is on the second floor, down past the check-in desk and hallway where you'll find the bathrooms and an alkaline water system. The studio itself is lovely, with bamboo floors and all kinds of wall hangings and statues around the room with Ganesh and other Hindu deities, which automatically makes me feel happy. The room has lots of windows, which allows for natural light and they like to keep the temperature to 80 degrees. No, this is NOT hot yoga (not a fan, personally), but you will sweat. Personally, I do like having windows open, letting in fresh air and fans, but I think I'm in the minority as I haven't found any studios that have this kind of thing. Most classes are taught by Kathleen and Wade, the husband and wife team that own Maya Yoga and both are approachable, strong instructors that will push you as far as you need to be pushed, while not going too far. It's noted on the schedules which classes are more for beginning students, by the way, so take note of that if you are a beginner. Having fallen out of regular practice, I mixed it up a bit to get back into it. I've taken a combination of classes, although not those in the morning or evening (ashtanga) which are really for those who have some background in yoga. I don't love ashtanga, but I did take two intro classes with Wade and he really does a great job of easing you into this challenging practice, for many of us, would take years to be able to do a lot of the asanas to their fullest benefit. Keep in mind, yoga is a practice and it's not about who can do this or that pose or asana. It's hard for most Westerners, as most of us are looking to be "good" at it (myself not excluded). What I've always found interesting is that you can be an absolute beginner but able to do some challenging poses with ease, like from when I started yoga many years ago, I found ankle to knee pose to be a piece of cake while a good portion of seasoned practitioners struggle with this. Meanwhile, I've still yet to be able to put my hands flat the floor when doing a forward bend. Kathleen's Tuesday midday Vinyasa class is perfect and definitely challenges me (hello splits! Still can't do those, either), while keeping me in good practice for those poses that come easier (Yay, backbends!). Today we had a really fantastic sub named Gwen and I need to see if she teaches other classes, because she was a blast- really down to earth, really helpful, but again, it's not gentle yoga (which she teaches as well, to seniors. How awesome is that?!) I come from a Vinyasa and Kundalini practice and ideally my practice combines both. Maya doesn't offer Kundalini, so I'll probably be going elsewhere for that, but I am really happy that I found a yoga studio that I love for Vinyasa! read more

Maya Yoga - Image is taken from the website - Yoga Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Tucked away in downtown KC Maya Yoga is a bit off the beaten path.. My daughter and I bought a groupon to give it a try since we enjoy taking Ashtanga classes from a variety of teachers since everyone is a bit different. The studio is warm however the instructors were not (which surprised me). Maybe it's because we had a groupon and are not regulars? who knows.. We positioned ourselves in the back row since we were not familiar with their sequencing or how they ran their classes. The instructor was pretty intense for a beginner class and was a bit too serious for me. Don't get me wrong it was a challenging class and she knows her stuff but the yoga vibe of love, peace and Namaste was not abundant as at other studios. read more

I really wanted to love this studio. A friend told me she would drive up from KU just for Maya Yoga. The next day they offered a Groupon; I thought it must be a sign. Although I've only taken 3 classes so far, I am not excited to go back to class like I have been at other local yoga studios. The instructors are definitely talented and passionate about ashtanga, but I don't feel welcome as a new student. Thank God for Scott, the student next to me, for coaching me through some backward bridge somersault when I thought I was going to break my neck. If you are an experienced ashtanga yogi, I think you would love this studio. After my last class, the instructor announced that she requests students to attend at least 3 times a week. That is great, and all health centers would want that and should encourage attendance. However, the way Kathleen said it and elaborated on it, made it pretty clear that she doesn't want to see you at all if you can't come consistently. Maybe it was just a vibe I got, but as a frequent traveler, I don't think I will be signing up for more classes. read more

Ill keep it short and sweet: this is as good a Yoga studio as you will find. I've read some of the reviews here and as far as the less positive ones go, I don't understand what they expected going into it. Ashtanga is not some lazy, relaxed exercise where the teachers coddle you, it's an intense practice! I can certainly understand if you went in not knowing what to expect but simply put, it's a difficult form of yoga which requires tremendous discipline. I barely knew what yoga even was when i started last fall, but i was so inspired by the teachers there and the advanced students that i stuck with it and am now an addict ;-) Over the past 9 months I've gotten close with the owners (everybody does because they're so warm and friendly) and the community of yogis that regularly practice there. I can't stress enough how much Astanga has changed my life for the better, and I owe it all to Maya Yoga. read more

Let me first point out that I am not a "Gumby". With that disclaimer I will state that I was a skeptic from day 1. I am prior military and we used to poke fun at these people, one day I woke up and literally couldn't get out of bed after all the damage I had sustained to my body. I went to the Dr and as usual he was quick to want to put me on pain meds; I refused and demanded an alternative. That brings me to Yoga, I will not try and gloss it over. At the beginning it is painful as SAS tryouts. But if you give it time, the pain won't go away, but your body will adapt and you will feel 90% better than if you hadn't gone. I am not one to give positive reviews, but should you wish to put yourself out, you will feel the benefit. If you are glutting for a drill sergeant type, I recommend Melissa as an instructor. read more

Maya Yoga - Yoga Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

From all the yoga studios I've been to, this is hands down my favorite! I've learned so much from this yoga studio, physically and mentally. I've learned and progressed my practice much faster from this studio. The instructors are very helpful, patient, and friendly! They will personally get to know you. The people who attend give you a sense of community. It's definitely a safe space here. I love the 1.5 hour Ashtanga and Vinyasa class. The Wednesday Intro to Vinyasa night class requires registration, it fills up fast. The class is very intimate and the instructor Colette is AWESOME! She asks the class what they want to focus and improve on and will add that to the sequence. Definitely take advantage of this! The Tuesday Intro to Ashtanga class is very challenging, but also rewarding. The sequence goes by fast but each time I attend my practice improves. The instructor Lisa is friendly and helps adjust my poses. It's a great, challenging workout that by savasana, I'm knocked out! read more

This place is amazing. I've yet to find a studio comparable anywhere I've been in North America. What makes it so amazing is that as soon as you walk in you're greeted by a teacher (all of whom are friendly and helpful). There's a light smell of incense in the studio and an all-around comforting vibe. The owners Kathleen and Wade make it a truly special community and take an interest in their students and their learning process. If you are serious or would like to be serious about yoga, this is the place for YOU; if you show an interest in learning, they will guide you every step of the way! Come with an open mind: there is opening and closing chanting (don't be scared, stay quiet and listen, you will learn!), sometimes added philosophical readings (love when kathleen does those!) and sometimes even beautiful music from Wade's harmonium to end in Savasana. I have never felt like that after a yoga class, EVER. They are passionate and cater more to ashtanga but there are other styles offered if you prefer more creative Vinyasa. Lots of Intro classes to choose from too. Just check the schedule before going. I didn't particularly like Ashtanga the first couple of times but I quickly got hooked after 3-4 visits. I was only in KC for 6 months but there will be a piece of my heart there for long to come at Maya Yoga ;) read more

Off the chain!! Was passing through KC and stopped in for the 6pm, Monday Vinyasa class. Melissa was AMAZING! Travelers, this is a beautiful studio in a cool part of town and so welcoming! Highly recommend. The class was a mix of high intermediate to advanced practitioners. So fun and so nice to be in a class that has amazing yogis and challenging instruction. Melissa will challenge your body and mind! I am so happy with my experience here. Prices are so reasonable and the space is delightful! read more

Maya Yoga - Beautiful studio space! - Yoga Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I've taken Ashtanga I with both Kathleen and Wade and I can't emphasize how impressed I am with both of them. Kathleen is great at adjustments and Wade keeps a wonderful energy level throughout the session. I was a bit skeptical about finding good yoga instructors in KC after attending sessions with world renowned instructors in San Francisco. But during my first session, Kathleen gave me an adjustment during bridge pose that made me realize I have been doing the pose incorrectly for pretty much my entire life. Not a single instructor has ever caught that. I'm sold! read more

This place is my second home. Not only do the owners, Wade and Kathleen, provide a comfortable and secure environment to practice in, they also welcome and encourage a community outside the studio. There are numerous events, gatherings, and pot lucks to hang with fellow students. Kathleen is one of the best yoga teachers I have ever had. She pushes you, which is expected (just like you'd expect a personal trainer or coach to push you), and demands excellence, but gives excellence in return. And you really see results. This isn't some yoga studio that practices structured nap time. Expect to work hard, have fun, and see results in a safe place. They also offer tons of resources off the mat, which is helpful as well. Love it! read more

Check in was simple enough and I was shown where to store things and where the (clean) restrooms were. The space where we practiced was spacious with lots of natural light. The session I attended was a self-guided Mysore class watched over by Kim Johnson. She was very approachable and had a pleasant way of offering adjustments. Her input was not only insightful and useful for my practice, but was clear to me that it was from many hours of practicing and training. Next time I'm visiting KC I won't even look at other studious, and will head straight to Maya Yoga read more

I've been taking classes at Maya Yoga for almost two months and in that time I've come to love it. All of the teachers that I have met have been friendly and knowledgeable. The whole place has a welcoming feel and I leave every class looking forward to the next one. It is by far my favorite yoga studio that I have been to. read more

This studio always feels like home and embraces more traditional yoga, yet is welcoming and open to all. I learn something about myself and my practice every time I get on my mat. I cannot say enough about Maya Yoga and its patient, experienced and kind instructors. No matter what your "level", there are classes for everyone. read more

I love this studio. I began a few weeks ago as a new student. As a new student, they offer two weeks of unlimited classes for $25. I'm a teacher and have summers off, so I was able to take full advantage of this. As I am now beginning to stay busy again, I am only able to attend once or twice a week. All the instructors are incredibly helpful and friendly no matter what level you are at. It is challenging and has become a very addicting practice. Try it and keep an open mind. You'll love it. read more

When i started going to maya yoga 2 weeks ago, I was totally new to the practice of yoga. I was very nervous to go in and was afraid i would feel out of my element or overwhelmed. However, the complete opposite happened. The instructors I've had are AMAZING and so helpful, motivating, and encouraging. It's such a comfortable space with amazing energy. I love this place and so glad I found it! Definitely check out Jessica's intro to ashtanga or intro to Vinyāsa classes! read more

Maya Yoga has been crucial to my health and outlook. The benefits from practice continue to compound. "Practice and all is coming!" K. Pattabhi Jois I sought out a place to practice yoga after my father passed, hoping to combat mental and physical fatigue. I spent some disappointing hours in other schools engaging in light stretching and humming... and sweating only because of the room temperature. If you take comfort in being challenged in a million different ways, Maya Yoga is the home for you. If you feel left behind by the sanskrit and asanas, take the challenge to continue educating yourself before and after class with the enormous amount of accessible Ashtanga literature. You will grow as often as you practice. Choose to practice with people who are passionate about helping you grow. And leave class feeling fantastic!! :) read more

I received the beginners series as a gift and it was the best gift I've ever received. Shaun Lindsey was our instructor, he is so knowledgeable and passionate about his teachings it was a very lovely experience. There's a small studio where we had our beginner series at, and a larger studio where the other classes took place. Both beautiful, beautiful studios!! If you're looking for a permanent yoga home, I suggest you at least try this place once. You will definitely fall in love with it. read more

My partner and I practice Mysore Ashtanga in DC, and we were visiting family in Kansas City for a week. We were excited to see that there's a Mysore shala in KC for us to practice at while we're in town. We both practiced Mysore twice and my partner did the led primary practice on Saturday morning. The practice space is wonderful, and the teachers and other students were very welcoming. Everyone and everything here had a great energy. We're looking forward to returning on future trips! (Also, you should check out Mildred's around the corner for coffee + breakfast when you're done with practice.) read more

I won't be back. The instructor was militant in her vegan beliefs and while I'm very supportive of that choice, I don't need to be preached to or given a guilt trip while I try to focus & relax. read more

I love this place! Very supportive and helpful staff, and a wonderfully challenging yoga experience.

Much gratitude to Maya Yoga! They are incredible - their adjustments are joyous!!! Awe inspiring. Wade and Kathleen have such a vast knowledge in the ashtanga world...Highly recommend Maya Yoga for those that practice ashtanga regularly and for the beginner (great intro to ashtanga classes available too). They also have enjoyable "vinyasa flow" classes...Huge thanks to Maya Yoga - wonderful yoga community open hearts and open minds!!!! read more

Excellent experience. Clean, friendly and welcoming. Perfect schedules. Qualified and unpretentious staff.

I was in town for a weekend and dropped in here for their led intermediate series class. It's a tough one meant for people w experience doing ashtanga yoga, and damn was it incredible. The space is big and flooded with light. The prices reasonable. The teacher had a deep and resonant knowledge of breath, bandhas, the philosophy behind all of this. Was totally encouraging about the harder postures and helping give people options if they weren't quite able to twist and tie themselves into every pose. read more

I have been going here since October last year and these last few months have been fantastic! I attend the Intro to Ashtanga and have had a few different teachers, all of whom are amazing - the 2 owners (Kathy and Wade) are terrific. I have had Lisa a lot this last 2 months and she is fantastic as a teacher! She pays attention to how we do poses, corrects it if needed and is just a very gentle teacher. I always walk out of her classes feeling phenomenal! Some of the poses that the more experienced folks in the class can do is pretty amazing - overall a great Yoga studio and conviniently located close to my office. 5 stars! read more

Nice studio for those that follow Ashtanga style practice. Class was inviting, instructor was very knowledgeable and overall class was good. I am more of a Vinyasa fan with a hot studio but appreciate what this place had to offer. Always keep an open mind to new things and this class challenged me mentally and physically. read more

I tried the "intro to Ashtanga" and left with mixed feelings. The instructor teaches the series with lots of sanskrit, no cues or explanation of what the posture is, few adjustments, and no demonstration. I was able to manage based on past yoga experience, but if you are new to yoga, you may find this introductory class confusing and intimidating. The series itself is wonderful and invigorating. I couldn't physically do some stuff, but it is inspiring to take the class and see what people can do and know that you will get there someday. I think, however, for an intro class they should dial down the sanskrit and make the class more accessible. I really dislike when people try to elevate yoga in the United States to something that it is not. It does not need to be snooty and people should not be intimidated - chanting and firing off a series of poses in Sanskrit does not an intro class make. I took the "intro to Vinyasa" class next. It was much more user-friendly, and I upped my rating to 4 stars. This class was awesome. It was the "right" amount of vigorous - you felt like your body worked, but you didn't feel like they were trying to kill you. The instructor was great - lots of helpful cues, great pacing, very friendly attitude. read more

I fell in love with yoga through Maya Yoga. Instructors at Maya teach the fundamentals, providing hands-on adjustments to help the practitioner feel the true expression of each pose. Each pose is modified as well as extended to give a challenge to yogis at all levels. I found yoga after being told I needed to stop running due to an injury; and I found I was able to continue to challenge myself physically as well as quiet my mind through yoga at Maya in the same way I used to require from running. A beautiful, warm, energizing studio- this is the place to learn and grow your yoga practice. read more

An amazing yoga studio! I have traveled a lot across the us abs abroad and this is one of the better studios I have attended. The instructors / owners are friendly, knowledgeable, and are true yogis. Their classes are great for the beginner to expert practitioner. read more

Just finished the couples massage class here. Gina and Amanda were AMAZING! This is a great date idea or even a gift for a couple you know. The studio is gorgeous, very zen, and comfortable. It was a two hour class with 3 other couples so each person got a one hour massage and it was a small enough group that we all got personal attention/instruction. I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, really really good- like I do when I leave a professional massage. The class wasn't complicated but I learned enough that I will definitely be giving/getting more massages at home now. I'm telling you, I really felt great leaving here. I had no idea my boyfriend is such a good masseuse! It wasn't a girly thing either by the way... When we left my boyfriend told me "good job on both." "Both?" I asked. "Ya, picking the date, and giving the massage." So much fun! read more

Maya Studio is the best in Kansas City when it comes to learning and maintaining an Ashtanga practice. Whether you are just looking to drop in and test your endurance, strength, and flexibility or looking to commit to a practice that will change your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual side in a positive way Maya is the place to be. The yoga community at Maya is a place to expand your knowledge and a place to call home. I am so grateful to have stumbled across Maya and will continue to welcome the positive changes it brings into my life. Kathleen and Wade both have unique and challenging methods to their teachings and discipline that will keep you coming back for more! Make sure to check it out. read more