I was visiting for a few days and was able to get two classes in with Beth (I practice 26&2 most days in my hometown so always happy to find something while on the road). She and other staff were welcoming and the classes were great (a 60 and 75). Room was hot and positive vibe (which you don't always get!) was present. Would recommend this studio to anyone! One note, busy area so keep a few minutes to find street parking on way in. read more

This is the most healing yoga studio I've ever experienced. The environment is beautiful, calming, clean and organized. This space allows students to arrive with grace, settle in calmly, and meet themselves where they are. The staff are warm, present, and genuinely kind--something that makes a profound difference for anyone healing from stress or.. life. And the zen garden out back is an unexpected sanctuary. It's rare to find a studio that supports both physical practice and emotional well-being so intuitively. Grateful this place exists. read more

The room was not hot which is not good in a Bikram class. very average studio. Not for Bikram purists!

The yoga instructors are excellent. The studios whether downtown or North studio are are the best.

It was so hot in here I almost fainted. I have never had to leave a class due to unsafe temperatures. I don't believe in hot yoga, but if you do believe in its health benefits, go here for 110 degree classes read more

First time hot yoga HIIT class for my wife's birthday and it was top tier. We were greeted even after arriving a few minutes late and was told happy birthday by the instructor and other employee (not sure of his title) which was so thoughtful. The class was a great workout and Josie was an excellent instructor. We felt so comfortable even with it being our first time. The place is very clean and such a warm environment. We are already looking into memberships...we don't need to look anywhere else! read more

My search is over... I finally found an austin studio that has real Bikram yoga. I've been practicing Bikram since 2007 with a few years of lapsed practice due to the pandemic. The world has changed in terms of lots and lots of choices for boutique fitness. But..: pure yoga has the authenticity of Bikram instruction but has kept up with the times for a clean and modern studio. I've been to tons of Bikram studios and quite frankly some were so sketchy over the years. Dirty/ disgusting carpets etc etc. pure is super clean and the owner Jeff (I haven't met mardy) just cares! Great authentic instruction/ good spacing of distancing/ super clean. This is now my go to in austin. I'd love to try the other offerings of yoga but there's only so much time in the day! read more

I am visiting from out of town and wanted to keep my practice up while I'm in Austin. I took Martha's 90 min traditional 26 class and loved it!! It was super hot(in a good way) and her energy and instruction was amazing. The best part was the cold shower outside in their outside garden area after class. Such and treat and reward. Loved it! read more

Excellent service. Good people. Very welcoming. Makes all the difference. Clean and solid systems

Elegant, sparkling clean and comfortable studio owned by Jeff and Mardy Chen. They and their staff are welcoming and efficient, offering a beautiful learning environment. read more

I was visiting Austin for a week. Luckily, I found this gem!!! Jeff and his teachers are all excellent! The downtown location is gorgeous & clean. Love the variety of classes they offer (including ashtanga, Brikram, restorative, yin, Pilates & 84 asanas). Everyone I met were so nice. Made me feel like I was home, great community vibe! PURE Yoga Texas is an amazing yoga studio with several locations. Lots to offer for everyone including live stream TV if you can't attend in person. Thank you PYT for making my visit so wonderful and healing. Miss PYT already. Can't wait to return!! read more

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I came here after a bad experience with a chiropractor. I've had neck problems since I was little and wanted to give bikram a shot before seeing another chiropractor. I wasn't a yogi whatsoever ever prior to coming to Pure. I have seen so many benefits in the 3 months I've been coming. Since coming to this studio, I've had a major decrease in neck issues, weight loss, and benefits in sleep, happiness, and overall, wellness. I try to come everyday, it's that great. I haven't had one instructor's class I didn't love. Love this place read more

Pure Yoga Downtown is the real deal. The studio is impeccable, the yoga instructors are all professional and well prepared. the cues are clear, precise and all inclusive. My experience has been the same for every class I have taken and with every instructor. Thank you Pure Yoga for enhancing my experience. read more

When I moved to Austin in 2019 I visited many yoga studios in Austin. Although, Austin has a thriving yoga community, I must say that Pure Yoga is my favorite of them all. It is my new yoga hOMe. All of Pure Yoga locations in Austin and Dallas are wonderful. They are clean, spacious and perfect for my practice. I especially love the new downtown Pure Yoga location because the studio is literally state of the art space. It also has a wonderful outdoor space that is perfect for yoga and community events. I can tell that the owners put so much thought, energy and love into this space. All the classes at Pure yoga are consistent with a high level of quality of teaching. All the staff are friendly and welcoming. The owners of Pure, Mardy and Jeff, are kind, open, welcoming and so loved by their community. I am proud to call Pure Yoga Austin my yoga hOMe. Albina R read more

I love this yoga studio! I've been going for a few months and definitely make sure I get in at least 1 class a week in! I found Pure Yoga on classpass and can't say enough good things. They have 60, 75, and 90 minute hot yoga classes as well as yoga/ Pilates variation classes. The studio cleanliness is unparalleled. I've been to hot yoga studios that smell or feel gross and sticky when you walk in - this is NOT one of those places. They also have easily accessible parking on or down the street! read more

This was a great experience when traveling. My fiancée and I make it a point to find a hot yoga studio while traveling and this was a great location! The right heat and 90 minutes which is hard to find. Also a great outdoor shower to rinse off! read more

I'm coming up on a year since moving to Austin and looking back, I'm not quite sure that I could have survived it without PURE Yoga Texas. The care (and love, really) of every single client is apparent from the moment that you set foot in the place. I've practiced the Bikram Method of Yoga for sixteen years all over the country (and beyond, really) and never have I found a nicer studio in which to practice. They won Statesman's Austin360 2018 Best of the Best in the Yoga Studio category. If you're not already aware, Hot Yoga offers many incredible benefits including but not limited to a reduction in muscle and joint pain, increased energy, productivity, and mental focus, as well as a decreased risk of muscle and tendon strain injuries. PURE Yoga Texas uses a third-party contractor (DIS.IN.FX "the germ experts") to treat, swab-test, and certify that all of the surfaces in the studio, lobby, and locker rooms maintain an antimicrobial coating to both disinfect and to help to prevent future contamination of germs and microbes. I've never before in a studio, encountered such fastidious diligence devoted to cleanliness. Every teacher from whom I've taken class is highly skilled and exudes the utmost respect and compassion. The front desk staff is always friendly and accommodating -- full of charisma and passion for the yoga. There are no carpets in the yoga rooms (which you will typically find in a Bikram Studio,) so there are no unpleasant odors. The heating equipment seems to be pretty sophisticated which results in a very consistent and dependable experience. The locker rooms are spacious with three showers in the guys' room. Complimentary filtered and chilled water is available plus all of the expected accoutrements including local kombucha and yerba mate drinks. There are four convenient locations, and among other offerings (such as Hot Pilates, Bikram's Advanced Class, and Yin Yoga,) the schedule offers 84 weekly opportunities to practice the authentic 90-minute Bikram Method class. Furthermore, the people who practice here are truly wonderful. I've developed some impressively deep friendships and connections in the short time that I've been here. And I attribute those connections particularly with this incredible yoga community. The studio owners are very involved in the day-to-day operation of all four locations and they host periodic social and community-building events. Truly, truly one of the best studios around. It's one of the primary reasons that I chose Austin as my new home and I wouldn't have been able to face this transition without them. See for yourself! Highly recommended. read more

PURE Yoga Texas - Downtown Austin - 2018 Best of the Best Austin Yoga Studio - Yoga Near Me - Austin, Texas

I think Bikram yoga in general is not for me. This studio is very bright, clean and modern, but the workout stressed me out instead of calming me down. Yeah, I did feel a weightless sensation after the sessions, but I think that was more from dehydration and exhaustion than anything. Bikram yoga teachers follow the Bikram script, which is the same at every class, with the same postures. The poses don't flow together as in other types of yoga classes -- Bikram reminds me more of a typical aerobics class than the sweaty yoga I had done at Black Swan. I was really worried I was going to hurt myself because the instructors do not come around to modify your poses if you're doing something wrong, but they may shout instructions at you. My back is really flexible naturally and the Bikram routine has you push your back "way back, more back, back, back, BACK" even if it hurts. Same with making yourself into a "Japanese ham sandwich." It could have been the heat making me woozy, but my bullshit meter started going off the charts the first time I went here. "This pose massages the oblongata and the medulla...now straighten your knee very fast...yoga is science!" Yuh-huh. That said, the studio itself is nice and pretty. You will get a serious workout here. The instructors and owners are friendly and happy, the rooms are bright and clean (no smell) and the changing room is like a hotel spa. Mat rentals are $2 and towel or water rentals are $1. But, at the end of the day, I think I prefer a yoga method that is less Type A and more Type B, where I don't have to worry about accidentally throwing out my back and knees. read more

My friend, Jesus G. introduced me to this studio and I am blessed by it. So far, I've been here three times and there have been no disappointments. All of the instructors seem very friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely concerned that every student gets the most out of each session. LOL! Once after class, I got pulled aside and lectured by one of the teachers for about 5 minutes... I listened at-attention as she warned me to get a bigger bottle than the 16.4 oz. of that I took to class. She explained the importance of hydration and mentioned that she didn't want me to pass out and never get the chance to truly experience all of the benefits from Bikram yoga (due to being scared of passing out again). I could do nothing but respect her heart and passion, and so I appreciated every word. She was right. And that explain the day-long headaches I had after the first two classes. God I love observation & honesty! Highlights: 1) Excellent customer service, as well as patient and accommodating to us 'newbies' 2) They provide Childcare for the 10:00am classes M-F. 3) Very clean and plenty of showers and lockers 4) Despite the full classes, all of the instructors are very keen and observant while ensuring each student is doing all positions correctly and safely 5) Very hot room with rare but occasional hell-breaks (as I describe it) when the teacher opens the door if a new student looks like they won't quite make it through the humidity/heat 6) Towels and mats are provided if you either never purchased one or simply left yours @ home 7) After each class, I left feeling inches taller with better posture (from a newly-straightened-out back) 8) The irony is tickeling because while I hated life during each 90 minute session, AFTERWARDS, I left class with a natural dose of confidence and energy that remained days following... *Cons: the only con is that it would be perfect if they offered childcare for more classes. read more

I tried the new student special and I am in love with this studio! It's gorgeous and every single teacher is amazing! I tried silent hot yoga with Beth which was very nice and calming . John's class was full of vibrant Energy! I enjoyed Cheryls power class she has a lovely method of teaching . the Hot Vinyasa flow with Stacy was a favorite of mine also! like I said every teacher is amazing. Be sure to bring lots of water and a towel! read more

Oh man I really wanted to like this place. Ive been in search for a real hot yoga in Austin and a friend recommended me to try this. As far as the temp/ postures are concerned it does meet that criteria! Everything else fell flat for me. (For background I've been practicing yoga since high school, I'm now 31. I haven't consistently touched hot yoga in about 4 years since I have moved a lot and can't find a studio.) I'll start off with the parking.. it is not ideal which caused me to be 2-3min late to class. Would definitely leave early to get your spot! The practice itself was great for a 60min but surprised at the lack of modifications offered. I know we should commit to the poses but I am slowly getting back into yoga after dealing with plantar fasciitis and shin splints and if I hadn't had the knowledge on how to modify idk that this would have been successful. Would not say it's beginner-friendly. The instructor was okay. I had Nikki. Would come back to try another one. I had to check myself in after class. I guess the system didn't notify them it was my first class but no "how was your practice? Do you have any questions for us? Thanks for coming in." Yoga is an intimate and personal practice for me and I realize not all studios will fit that Worth mentioning the facility is very clean! read more

Disappointed in this local business that took my account off hold after a medical issue to begin to charge my credit card 3 months later without authorization and zero notice. I have asked Pure to return four months of unauthorized charges to my credit card as I was not under contract and they have refused. This unethical business practice truly surprised me after such a encouraging yoga experience in a supportive community. Update: after posting this review, the company contacted me to take my request under consideration again. They issued a refund check 2 months later. I appreciate that they did the right thing but it frustrated me that it took writing an online review of my experience for them to take the right action. read more

I love this place! I will be starting my 8 year at this studio on January 29, 2019. I am hooked on Bikram Yoga and love the feeling after each class - I love the heat and humidity to help me move my muscles better. The welcoming attitude of the employees and owners, Mardy and Jeff Chen, and choice of classes, the structure of the classes and studio, has me coming back to this studio year after year. Pure Yoga is going into a transformation and has added new types of yoga classes (yin, ashtanga, etc) including Inferno Pilates and now I have many more choices. I take a Bikram class on Monday and Pilates on Tuesday and Bikram on Wednesday and Pilates on Thursday and so on and so forth. I'm loving the new changes in my body and loving the new choices. January is a fun month, where we are challenged to take 30 classes in 40 days. It's been easy so far and we are 23 days in, the changes in my body, the choice of classes, the number of people in the challenge and the great party at the end has me trying to make 30 classes in 30 days. Come try them, you won't be disappointed! #pureyogatexas #purebikramyoga #pureinfernopilates #purelovestudio #purecleanstudios #puremardyandjeffchen read more

PURE Yoga Texas - Downtown Austin - Kathy Durham, Mardy Chen, Matthew McCutchen, and Afton Carraway at Pure Yoga, November, 2013 - Yoga Near Me - Austin, Texas

PURE Yoga Texas is more than a yoga studio. It's a community where you can find friends that become family and a space you can feel safe in. Each facility that PURE offers - four in Austin and one in Dallas - is impeccably clean with excellent heating and humidity systems, stellar staff and wonderful yogis. Their teachers are precise, compassionate and highly skilled. The owners are fully invested as they eat, breathe, and sleep their yoga practice karmically and otherwise. PURE Yoga has a sister nonprofit: PURE Action's goal is to see yoga used as therapy in our national and global healthcare system. PURE Action holds over 20 community classes weekly for our underserved population - treatment centers, rehab centers, community health clinics, hospitals, schools, and corrections facilities. PURE Yoga is also involved in strengthening the yoga community world wide through yoga competition. PURE Yoga offers it's own comprehensive Teacher Training (PURE Yoga Institute) that equips soon-to-be-teachers with a plethora of learning tools and mentorship. The owners (Mardy and Jeff Chen) are 110% present in every endeavor. If you are looking to begin your yoga practice, start here. If you are looking to deepen your knowledge of yoga, start here. If you are looking for a way to rehab an injury, start here. If you are wanting to jumpstart your health, start here. If you are wanting to surround yourself with an excellent support system while you learn what the heck yoga is, start here. If you just want to look good in yoga pants, start here. Whatever it is you're looking for, you'll find it at PURE Yoga Texas. I can guarantee you, there is so much more that will keep you coming back. read more

So many incredible teachers willing to share their knowledge on the benefits of bikram yoga. Extremely clean and well kept studio with excellent parking. Sign up. Your body will thank you. read more

Bikram says, "If it hurts, you are doing it right." Ray LaMontagne sings, "If it hurts, you aren't doing it right." Pretty sure Bikram is talking about exercise/yoga and Ray is talking about sex/relationships. Who to believe...? Maybe there is room for both idealogues... maybe they are both correct in their given fields of expertise. I do know one thing, Bikram Yoga bodies are sexy bodies - they move gracefully, they are fit, and they are aware - and I have heard a rumor that doing tons of yoga makes you more focused for better sex. Being present and at peace with yourself helps to make one available at an altered level to others not to mention it opens your hips and improves blood flow to areas where blood has not been flowing, if you know what I mean. Better. Sex. There, I said it. I am currently on day 40 of the 60 day challenge and am working on "thinking and questioning" less and "doing and being" more. I am actually contemplating doing Bikram Yoga 365 times this year. My skin is soft and supple, I crave the luxurious 90 minute daily meditation, and - I cannot believe it- I love the heat. If you are considering "doing it right until it hurts" here are the things to remember as you head out for Bikram Yoga... 1. Put water container, 1/3 full, in freezer the night before with the cap off. Fill it with the filtered water when you arrive. You will thank me as you drink cold water for the full 90 minutes in the 105 degree hot room. 2. Clean your yoga mat once a week with witch hazel, lavender and orange essential oils ~or~ get the Thai Crystal Deodorant in the non-aerosol spray bottle and add Tea Tree Therapy oil (natural antiseptic), Peppermint Oil, and Lavender. If you forget your mat or do not want to buy one, you can rent a mat for $2 and a towel for $1. 3. Bring 2 large towels, one to put on your mat and collect buckets of your sweat and the other to dry off after your quick shower after class. Do not start bringing a small towel in the hot room. You will never be satisfied... there is no amount of wiping on that small towel that will ever be enough cuz your body just keeps sweating and it becomes a complete distraction. Trust me. 4. Electrolyte replacement is important, and can start before, during and after class. Zico coconut juice restores me quickly after a class and I sometimes use the nuun tablets in my water during a class. Some people swear by the Endura but I do not like the high sugar content... I would rather eat an almond croissant from La Boite. A few years ago I did a lot of leadership development and training and we did "mirror work" ... I have found my time in front of the Bikram mirror beneficial not just for my physical body, but also for developing a better relationship with the only person I will spend the rest of my life with -very similar to the mirror work. In Bikram Yoga the only one you are to look at in the mirror is yourself. The meditation has been both peaceful and profound. (Develop a relationship with that person. Realize they(you) are looking back at you. Look at your body, look into your eyes, realize that that person over there wants to be friends with this person over here. Remove the serious frown from your face. Fall in love.) Translation: "If it hurts, you are doing it right" + "If it hurts, you aren't doing it right" = better sex. read more

I've held off writing this review simply because I'm no yoga expert. I've dabbled over the years but never practiced consistently. The idea of doing yoga in Austin, a very fit town, was more than just a little intimidating. Add to it the fact that this one is held in a room heated to 105 degrees and well, I'd been finding excuses why NOT to attend for quite some time. Thankfully, I happened to be talking to a new friend who mentioned having just started at BYD. And just like that, I was attending class, too. I started out with one of their two introductory offers. For $79, I got a month of unlimited classes + a $50 credit towards my next purchase. (The other option is $39 unlimited, so I basically got $10 free credit for paying the extra $40 up front.) I attended 15+ classes during the intro period. I've tried both locations and a multitude of teachers, all of them unique and varying in their methods, but all good nonetheless. I'd say Jeff and Nora Jeanne are consistently my favorites, but I'm gaining new appreciation for each individual instructor the more I go. I won't lie. It's a love/hate relationship. Sometimes I dread it. But my body is very aware the days I don't go. I keep waiting for it to get slightly easier. There are days I'm not sure I'm going to make it all the way through class, my balance seems to have gotten worse and I wonder how is it possible to be sweating even MORE than usual?! But it's a process. I'm a process. And I just keep telling myself there are more things at play than the eye can see, to be patient, and to breathe.... **The downtown location has just announced the addition of an 8am class (beginning 8/31) as well as a fee-based childcare option to the 10am class. read more

I once fractured/broke my nose, collarbone, and hand simultaneously during a National Rugby Playoffs match. I flipped my parents car when I was 15 and lived to tell the story. I once had my ankle shattered in a mosh pit in Germany and had to fly back to the states in a cast to get surgery. Bikram Yoga was more intense. Hands. Down. I like to think that I can handle adversity pretty well, that 90 minutes of some glorified stretching is a piece of cake. Oh how wrong I was. My first session at BYD was probably the most intense thing I've ever done, in terms of enduring prolonged physical stress. I decided to cash in on the sweet deal of 39 bucks for a month of yoga, which I highly recommend you do if you're considering it. The room sits at about 106 degrees, 40-60% humidity if my memory serves me well, and can be as quiet as 6 people to as busy as 30. I don't need to explain the change in dynamics in there when your body count increases by 500%. Hawt. So, having been a high-weight, low-rep, high intensity, low endurance kind of athlete for the better part of my college career (followed up by pseudo-competitive drinking and all that comes with that), I was not ready for the treat that is Bikram Yoga. But, I have to say, it's a really great experience, and I think if you're looking for something physically challenging but also something that gives your mind some rest with calm meditation, this is going to be right up your alley. The stream-of-consciousness sounding monologue you get from the instructors is relaxing, but after a few sessions feels contrived because it's a methodical and precise accompaniment to the stretching, obviously tried and true. I did get my money's worth out of the sessions, and far beyond that, and i hope to get some more out of it before my month runs up. The folks behind the counter are always in a good mood and very supportive of your decision to rip some muscle fibers, be it at 545 in the morning of 6 in the evening. You can use your pass at either location (Pressler and 5th or at the Westlake studio), and once the instructors meet you a single time, you name will be committed to memory. Pretty sweet if you ask me. Do the trial, buy yourself a little mat, bring looooots of cold water, and don't let yourself be discouraged by the first class. The more you go, the easier it gets, as well as getting acclimated to the room temperature. read more

My first class at Pure Bikram downtown was an excellent introduction...the instructor, Kathy, was friendly and she knew what she was doing. I made it all the way through class and was so proud of myself :) My second class proved to be a different story. While not all was lost, I found the instructor, Misha, telling people not to drink their water, not to leave the room and to keep pushing past what their body could do. Also, she said things such as "this should hurt your back" and "this should make your neck feel really bad". The heat was on very high, it was very humid and many had to stop and take breaks. While some people need prodding, I felt it was overdone. I'm a nurse, and while I'm a Bikram novice, I can see how this could easily push someone into heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Lasting dizziness, headache, nausea, and weakness are symptoms that someone is well on their way to heat exhaustion. Drinking water (hopefully with some electrolytes) is the best way to remedy this if you cannot pull yourself away from the heat source. When your body is telling you that it needs something, it is not weakness of the mind to give it what it needs...you might just save your health...or your life. When I approached Misha about this after class she said she was sorry I had a hard time in class, but that it was probably due to me not breathing properly at the beginning. I asked her to be more careful about the way she pushes people (scolding for drinking water or walking out of the room). She told me I needed to prepare for the Texas heat. May I point out a couple things: she was not doing the exercises with us in the hot room and she did not run out of water. I spent much of my childhood installing air conditioning units in 130 degree attics with my dad. We had to dress in full-length clothing to keep the fiberglass from sticking to us. I also had to do yard work in "the Texas heat" in the same condition. We always had water. I don't have a "weak" mind, and I'm smart enough to listen to my body when it's telling me not to do something. So please, lady, don't insult me again... and do be more careful. Everyone is different...and in a room full of 60 people, in an unusually harsh environment, you need to allow for individual needs. That said, I do applaud Pure Bikram and it's instructors for giving many Austinites a much needed work out and helping improve the overall health of our city! read more

I really wasn't a fan of this style of yoga, but it may be personal preference. I've done hot yoga for years so this isn't new to me-but this style I did not like at all. I stopped by for a trial class and thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but methinks not. First of all, they had us all line up for the instructors birthday and she crawled under our legs while we were supposed to spank her.. umm.. no, I think I'll just "go to the bathroom" for a minute. Also, the room was carpeted which is a little terrifying when this much sweat is concerned. Turns out I was right about the carpet.. between the reeeeeally over-crowded room and not so clean surroundings it smelled like the nastiest gym bag you can find. They were also really pushy about buying extra classes, didn't even ask me how the class went, when I was only one class in to my five class pass. Also-didn't use the other four-not worth it. Anyways-the instructor yelled out poses and steps loudly like a jazzercize class and it was so freaking hot in there I thought I was going to faint several times. I wish they would warn new people to not sit next to the heaters because good god, it was like I stuck my head in an oven.. I'm sure it doesn't help that the room was packed to the edges. It gets so hot in there they have to offer you drinks/supplements after class to make sure you don't get too dehydrated. Also, everyone is 90% naked.. I don't care but I know that's not the atmosphere everyone is comfortable working out in. Also, I have a bad knee which I indicated at the beginning of class, and roughly 30% of the poses were just not going to happen-waaaaayyyyy to much of a risk of injury, yet no adjustments or alternatives were offered. Ended up spending a lot of time in child's pose because there is no chance I'm blowing out my knee again. There was also not enough warm up for the poses they instructed.. I am very limber but I was afraid of hurting myself several times. This is NOT a relaxing yoga class, at all.. if that's what you're looking for stay away! read more

I really, really want to give this place 5 stars because I love Bikram yoga and the teachers here are great. But, I just can't keep letting the business aspect of it slide below the passing line anymore. First, there's NO space. No space to practice yoga because the classes are SO jammed packed. I can't keep waiting for the occasional class when there is slightly more room, or keep changing my schedule to accommodate those rare times. Classes here are expensive for what you get, and at the very least there should be room for all those paying to do their poses in peace. (You can't even see yourself in the mirror unless you're in the front row, and it's really difficult for tall people to practice here at all because your head is always in someone's feet). Second, they rent out their mats. Cool. Except that renters are expected to clean the mats themselves, which means: 1. They spray the cleaning solution on the mat right beside your head (because there's no space so you're only a few inches away from the mat beside you) and the spray solution will get all over your face and body. Even if the renter is polite and sprays into a clothe first, you still have to inhale the chemicals during what is supposed to be the final relaxation pose. Why are they cleaning during this time? 2. Mats are hung on the back wall, which means that people are stepping on you the whole time to get there to hang their mats back up (since there's no space, there's always a few packed sardines forced to practice in the corners). I've also seen someone clean their mat while hanging it on the hooks, and while standing in between someones feet that was still in relaxation pose. Wtf? So rude. But since there are rude people out there, and the employees here are on yoga cloud 9, no one seems to notice or care that this keeps taking place? Some boundaries are needed here please. 3. Some people just hang their mats back up without even washing them. That's so gross and inconsiderate to future mat renters. So, they will tell you, "who cares? Let's just sweat all over each other, we share each other's space here." But what they don't realize is that they've lost ALL boundaries, to the point of being rude. ^^ That is rude pure and simple. I'm so disappointed, because I do believe that Bikram yoga is one of the best forms of exercise, but for a downtown location.. they need a larger space!! read more

13 days and 11 classes later I can happily say that I still can't make my legs look like an L as in Linda, I don't look like an umbrella, and I do not look like a Japanese ham sandwich. Its more like my legs are this sad acute triangle with a bent knee, a broken umbrella, and a person smooshed in half shaking with pain. But, its the good pain! Pain is good, as the teachers will constantly remind you. And the pain is constantly everywhere in your body. And your heart rate is beating at the speed of light. And your body is losing about 10 pounds of water weight in sweat. And sometimes you feel like you just can't take it anymore ( you're in a 105 degree room with 60% humidity, and did I mention they're 90 minute classes?). But you struggle, you lose your balance, you drink ALL the water (never enough) you bring with you, and you somehow make it through the door and let the sweet cool air hit your sweat soaked body. It feels so damn good. Hot yoga is a very intense and extremely gratifying workout. It's a battle just to stay in the room, let alone putting yourself through 26 positions that really test every muscle set and point of flexibility in the body. But you can really feel it working and see the improvement with everyday you go. My sad acute triangle legs get close to L everyday I go. The staff is awesome and always know your name(cheers?), the facility is top notch, they have a 5:45 AM class, and they have an intro special of $39 for 30 days of unlimited classes. Do yourself, and your body, a favor and go put your self in pain (is good) for 90 minutes a day. read more

Injury waiting to happen. So you think wondering if this hot yoga thing is right for you? Imagine dehydrating yourself to the point of nearly passing out. Then have someone shout commands at you to do body positions challenging enough under the best circumstances. Fact is that dehydration doesn't stretch you out or warm you up, it makes you less aware of your body, and in turn much more at risk of doing something wrong. In room packed with people, the instructor barks orders at you so quickly there is no time to know if your form is correct, and less time for them to correct you when it isn't. They are pushy outside of the classroom as well, presumptuously asking if you are interested in a 10 day pass or the unlimited, nevermind what you actually thought of the experience. Bottom line is that all they care about is the bottom line, not you or your well-being. read more

What possessed me to try Bikram yoga as my FIRST ever yoga class is beyond me... Like yoga isn't hard enough as a beginner without a 105 degree room, sweat running down every nook and cranny and ridiculously flexible/fit people clad in itty bitty clothes everywhere you turn... I was nuts. In the beginning I went almost every day for over 30 days or so when PURE was BYD (I bought the affordable intro special). The first week I thought I was going to die. Literally. My body hurt all over, I was exhausted, I felt like I would faint and/or vomit... Not a pretty sight. Then I started looking forward to class and the chance to reflect. Eventually I became an addict. Seriously, it didn't feel right if I didn't go to class - like Bikram withdrawl. I also noticied changes in my body - my skin glowed and became supple (I didn't need to use lotion), I broke-out less, I began seeing definition in my arms & torso, etc. Then I stopped. Why? I got married :) That's right, I used Bikram yoga as one of my get in shape tactics before my wedding - and it worked! (A little too well because my dress ended up being a tad too big) During my absence BYD morphed into PURE and added a new location. Not much has actually changed at the Davenport & Pressler locations - which makes me happy since I was already satisfied. All of the instructors are nice, supportive and helpful - they wait after class if you have any questions. The owners actually teach classes too, so you know they're on top of their business. My tips: 1. Drink a lot of water throughout the day before class, during class & after class. 2. I found it worth it in the beginning to sign-up for the mat & towel rentals because I didn't have to lug sweaty stuff around. 3. Try to go at least 3-5 days straight in the beginning - it really makes a difference. 4. Listen to the instructors and don't leave the room even if you feel like you'll pass out from the heat (I promise you won't). 5. DON'T BE INTIMIDATED! GIVE BIKRAM A CHANCE! read more

I love sweating for an hour and a half in a room heated to one hundred and five degrees. Seriously, it's pretty much my favorite thing. I have yet to have a teacher for class at BYD that I didn't like, but my favorite of all thus far is Sally, who is a stickler for discipline in the classroom but is also very nurturing. I wish she was a full-time teacher so I could catch her classes more often - because trust me, when you're doing Bikram you want a teacher who will push you to your edge and make you feel comfortable doing so. And you WILL go to your edge. This is not a workout for quitters. Yet at the same time, if you are a yoga novice, you won't find this practice chock-full of extremely difficult postures. Bikram is accessible to people of every skill level, shape and size (note the 250lb gentleman to your left, the ripped, itty-bitty slip of a woman to your right, and all the folks in between). My favorite thing about Bikram: The teachers always remark upon "fresh, healing blood flowing into [your extremities]," which is an incredible sensation you must experience. It astonishes me every time. I should also mention that the studio is clean and well-maintained, and parking isn't a hassle since BYD is in the Gables building. They sell yoga accessories and beverages from the lobby. True, Bikram can be expensive, but when you sign up for a 3-month contract, it cuts the price to $89 per month ($79 for students) - and there's a $39 introductory month trial. Worth it. read more

I was never a yogi. I never could get into it. To me, every workout should feel like a workout. I fully expect to sweat and have my heart rate go up. The traditional yoga was just plain boring for me. Maybe I just never gave it the chance it deserved? So I heard about this 'different' type of yoga. The HOT yoga. 1st class (At Downtown Location) - I was a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. Are the teachers really drill sergeants? Will they really not let me leave the room if I can't hang with the heat? I guzzled water all day in anticipation of class, only to find out..class really wasn't that bad. It wasn't even as hot as I expected. The instructor was nice. She spoke in an auctioneer type of manner (quick and precise). 2nd Class (At Downtown Location) - in a different room, the carpeted one. For some reason it was way hotter..maybe because it was the 5:30PM class and it was packed. Packed like..my airplane wings posture was overlapping with my neighbors. I sweated, it was tough, a couple times I felt faint. 3rd class (at Westlake Location) - the room is a bit bigger, although they only have one. These classes in general seem less crowded. 3rd class is when I really began to feel like I "got it". This time focusing on each pose and really pushing myself a little more. This time class flew by like quick. class 4,5,6,7,8.... I've realized now that each class seems different. Some days it feels way hot (depending on where you stand, if the instructor controls the heat throughout class, how close you are to other people). Some days are tougher than others, but in the end you always feel great after class. Centered, energized, leaving better off than when you started. For me, I feel like I actually get a work out. I feel like I've accomplished something. It's time to focus and block out all the other crap we worry about on a day to day basis. I feel more limber, strong, and balanced. It's amazing what your body can do when you test it's limits. With each class you'll begin to see how much farther you can reach, bend, and stretch. Yes it kind of smells at first, but you get over it. I never was a yogi, but now I think I'm addicted. What's not to love? Sweat, heat, hot bodies, purple speedos, heart pumping postures, and checking yourself out in the mirror for 90 minutes! As a side note, the above comment about checking yourself out was not meant to sound conceited. I think it really helps with accepting your body and the imperfections you *think* it has. Bikram. Love. read more

This yoga is amazing. It really will change your life. I know because Bikram yoga was recommend to me after I injured my knee back in 2005. Since then I have practiced the yoga off and on. When I went the first month it was around $60 w/a student discount. Even at the time I thought it was a little steep compared to the $20 everyone else was paying at Gold's. I have recently made my way back to the yoga and I am SO SO SAD to say I cannot afford to continue going to class:(:( A month is now over $100!?!! Why? I mean, I guess I get it... it's not 2005 anymore and everything naturally seems to increase in price and popularity, but this is just really, really, really expensive and did I already say sad? What happened to the student discount? I'm just trying to get my yoga on... Thank the stars I bought the Bikram cd set years ago! At least the yoga isn't out of my life entirely, but it's not still not the same as being in class :( read more

I'll preface by saying that I'm writing this as a Triangle Sunstone refugee and that I never actually made it into a class at Pure. I'm sure that with the right expectations, it's a good experience. But just in case other Sunstone exiles are looking for respite downtown, you might avoid wasting your time. I read the Yelp reviews of Pure before heading in, so I expected the class to be crowded, but it is literally nose to toes in there. Upon walking in, I immediately felt rushed and pressured. People are literally racing to get a spot on the floor. The yoga room is brightly lit - not what I expected at all - and people are jockeying for space, so good luck relaxing or centering yourself. The dressing room is filled with lockers (it's BYO lock, by the way), leading me to believe I should expect my stuff to be snatched. And the reviews that tell you Pure doesn't smell are inaccurate. It doesn't smell terrible, but it is reminiscent of someone's well worn shoe. Not vomit-inducing, but not a place I'd like to leave my nose for 90 minutes (not that any yoga room is exactly an olfactory delight). I took two steps into the yoga room, turned around, got my purse and made the drive to the Research Blvd. Sunstone instead. I won't be back. read more

I have been several times now thus I finally I feel comfortable writing a review. (Had I written it after my first session, I would have told you never to visit this torture chamber.) I was extremely fortunate to get a gift card from Santa for BYD. Bikram can be expensive, but they have some pretty sweet deals here. Better to buy in bulk or really commit then to one-off it. The downtown location is near my house and very easy to access from the freeway, and to get in and out of. On my first visit I was immediately impressed because my mom got me a set amount of sessions. The staff informed me they'd just changed the pricing structure and it would be a better deal to do the $39 unlimited for the introductory month, then I could do whatever with the rest. Saved me quite a bit. I can't remember his name, but I'm pretty sure he knows mine - in all the staff here is stellar. I like that you get a little scanner to sign in, but you also can easily rent a towel or grab a water on your account. Nice and simple (although easy to spend $$, ha). I did the math and it's cheaper to get a towel for buck then to do the laundry myself. There are two studios, although I have only been in one. It is bright and clean throughout, organized and everything's tidy...Don't get me wrong, it still smells like a Bikram yoga studio, but it's not gross. The locker room can get a little crowded, but you can do what you need to do as long as you don't have privacy issues. Easiest to travel lightly. They have lockers and showers (2) if you need to use them. If you do have any sort of body issues, that's just another reason to do yoga. Feeling down about your love handles? Look to the right and check out the 200 lb guy in a speedo. Feeling pretty good about yourself now? Well look to the left and take in the female triathlete with the 6pack. Instead, I recommend looking forward and loving what you see. There are all shapes and sizes here, almost naked, and everyone is comfortable with themselves, inside and out. At least, it appears that way. And it's my understanding that that is part of what yoga teaches. So the yoga itself is pretty standard Bikram (26 poses, 90 minutes, 105 degrees, ridiculous humidity, etc), but I like how each instructor here adds his or her own touch to the script. Jonathan is my current favorite. Focus is everything but occasionally people will laugh out loud at whatever antidote he has inserted. I think it breaks up the routine, keeps it interesting. Because it is so brutally hot and humid in there, you will want to die if you don't drink plenty of water beforehand (and after!!!). In fact, you will likely want to walk out your first couple of times. But I swear you acclimate and it gets easier. As long as you stay in the room, you are welcome to lie down for a bit if you wish, and even the most advanced do this from time to time. It's about acknowledging and accepting where you are at in that exact moment. (So I enjoy the particular brand of Kool-aid they offer here, so what?) I'm a fan!! It's really hard work, but I feel f-ing fantastic afterwards. A great investment in my body and mind. read more

Bleeeeggghhh. Not my kinda place. This place does not conjure the natural feelings of Yogic enlightenment- this place reminds me of a Califoney chain biz- where you have to fill out a 'profile' of info for their computer system, lots of retailish crap, loads of people waaay too comfy in tights. THis is methodical Workout yoga, not really for balancing your Chi or anything soulful. Did I just go to an Aerobics class? Not for me. If you want a low-key, relaxing, "Austin"-vibe, this isn't it. Ok place, but seems contrived and plastic. VERY sweaty and pretty stinky. read more