Oh, Alison west. Something else. I work-studied at her studio, YU in NYC. I was in a very hard time in my life and had difficulty working and using classes. When Covid came around, Ms West would not honor our karmic agreement for work and class exchange, citing that you can't just save up classes and that one should work at YU to improve their body. As an overweight woman, she was clearly body shaming me. Luckily, I won a dept of labor case against Ms West for the amount of about $1300 (which equated to how many classes I had store through work exchange) within the past few years. It does not compensate for the type of abuse Ms West extends to the world. It is upsetting that someone like this is within the yoga community but this is how the world works. She taught me so much. Thank you Ms West. You're probably reading this. You think you know who you can abuse; you should have paid more attention. I was not one of them though I know how to play dead with a predator ;) -- Stephanie Lamberson read more

Wonderful, quiet, soothing. The teacher Alison west is a gentle giant. She teaches very effective yet gentle yoga technique, and best of all she does it with a smile. read more

The space is absolutely beautiful. The main room has huge windows in the front, mirrors on the left (which I love despite the whole "feel your form from the inside" idea), and the right wall has has all the rope things. Their loaner mats were nice high quality, and they even have little eye pillows you can use (with a tissue for sanitary purposes) during savasana -- nice touch! It looks like there are also 2 other rooms for practicing, but they were still in the heavy construction phase so I can't be sure. Changing rooms are nice. They also have shower -- thank god. I can't stand places that don't. (that said they only have one, so there could be some issues if 4 people need to shower after a given class.) Overly the physical space is really amazing, and you can just feel that it is all done to a very high quality level. I took the core class with Elizabeth Wipff. She is the best teacher I ever worked with, I swear. She has you do the simplest things, but makes you do them with so much focus, intention, and detail that you end up feeling totally exhausted... After the class I felt like I'd been doing the poses wrong for the past 6 months -- now I finally understand what they are about. Can't wait to go back! A brief warning. This studio is still under construction (like plywood, skill saws, drywall, dust, and dudes with nail guns), so if that will not be pleasant for you, maybe wait two weeks before you try it out. read more

Yoga Union - Main room at yogaunion - Yoga Near Me

I love Yoga Union!! I'm so happy to have a local studio offering in-person and streaming classes. All of the teachers I've taken classes from at this studio are excellent, and there is a wide variety of class styles available for days when I'm feeling more athletic vs. restorative. One of the best yoga studios I've been to over the years. read more

I got to take two classes. Both were what they called basic scoliosis classes. They were very informative but who teaches the class and how, can really make or break your experience. The first class was with the owner, Alison, who although is knowledgeable was quite nasty. She expected everyone in her class to understand immediately what was going on, even if you're a beginner and previously stated to her you were. From the moment I first spoke to her she was condescending to not only me but to another lady just because she wanted to take the class despite her not having scoliosis. I tried to ask a question on a concept and later on a certain movement to better understand it and both times got shut down in a nasty way. At a certain point she replied with "is that question necessary?" Like is this not a class? This class didn't feel relaxing at all. As much as I'd like to take her class again because of her knowledge, I don't think I can given her negative energy. The second class I took was with Cat who was wonderful! She was knowledgeable and understanding. I would take her class again. read more

I've gone to yoga classes, sometimes daily yoga class, for years now. But after my first few classes at Yoga Union I'm embracing beginner's mind and realizing how little I know about the poses and how much my body and mind benefit as I learn them muscle by muscle and bone by bone. I left the structural 1 class with Brette feeling four inches taller. Two weeks later, that feeling persists. I have so much respect for my last studio, ISHTA. I know they prioritize the things you can learn about yourself over the ways you can contort your butt. They taught me a lot about breath and sweat and listening to my body. But the ropes, the near religious concern for structural integrity at Yoga Union just take yoga to a different level. A respect for precision and peacefulness that extends to careful folding of the blankets, every single time, and has students put their props away in silence, deepen the benefits of the class. Before Yoga Union opened I was seriously considering a second Yoga Retreat at Esalen with Sarah Powers. In just a few classes a week I know I'm learning more at yoga union than I did in retreat. It's a destination level yoga studio, that you'll all read about someday, but it's far closer than Costa Rica or India. And it's a stunner! There's this glowing color on the walls...like sienna kissing copper. Beautiful. The natural light and views are wonderful. The reception area is a perfect den of tranquility. The props are included and yes, they've got the jade mats--in my favorite color: Sedona! So no more lugging my mat all over the city. I haven't even told you the best part yet. Megan Mook. I've gone to her prana power classes so I know this lady can kick your butt. But she can also lead a meditation so well that before you've opened class with your first OM you've already felt the centered tranquility of a quality savasana. She knows just what your body needs to strengthen, ground, grow, and get to the next level. Her flow classes surprise and feel fresh in all the right ways. Despite being a freelancer I've signed up for private classes with her. The benefit of a single hour can carry me through the week. You can seriously fire your therapist if you dig in here. I would have written this review after my first class, but while the studio gets started almost every class I've gone to was one or two on one. So I selfishly delayed. But in the generous spirit of the studio, I'm sharing this gem with all of you. Hurry! Off to my first Ropes Flow with Marisa. Then Flow 1 with Megan at 6:30 read more

I tried out a couple of classes and both teachers had a similar problem. Each talked non-stop the entire class and while I appreciate clear instruction, I'd hope chattering platitudes can be minimal. I love explanations of the poses but I don't appreciate when the teacher makes assumptions as to what the student is thinking. For ex: "Don't judge yourself". I wish they could spin that to the positive, maybe: "Do enjoy this pose". Because frankly, I'm not judging myself, I was happy to be there until you introduced that and the other 100 negative projections to fill the time. One teacher used cuss words and that was a first in any class I've even taken and I've been practicing for a few years. Maybe that's why both classes had only a handful of students... It's a pity because the facility is wonderful. read more

The pros of Yoga Union are obvious when you step out of the elevator. It's one of the cleanest studios I've been in and the props and mats (no rental fee!) are generally new or very lightly used. BUT... You have to like your yoga with a heaping cup of pedantry. I've been here several times and had various teachers and they are all laser-focused on alignment. This makes sense because of their affiliation with a back care center, but yesterday in particular I felt like I had zero freedom in class. I always felt like I was doing something wrong, no matter how much I tried to follow the teacher's instructions to lift my pelvic crest or hollow my armpits. She was literally on my ass to have every limb and joint in its right position. Of course I fully appreciate this hands-on attention, but after a full day of work, I don't really feel like being told what to do for 75 minutes straight. Even after shavasana, the teacher repeated, "Straighten your neck. STRAIGHTEN your neck." Not very relaxing. If you are a person who really enjoys lots of personal attention and adjustments, then Yoga Union is for you. As for me, I'll be sticking to other studios where the instructors are a bit more light-hearted but still knowledgeable, and where the flow of class is more aerobic. read more

Beautiful space and an exceptionally relaxed vibe. Its been quite some time since i popped in for a class but I need to go back. This is truly one of the loveliest studios with even lovelier instruction. read more

This is a 5 for me, but I understand that this studio and its philosophy aren't for everyone. I've taken a handful of different classes through a GiltCity pass and I'm so glad I did. Although each instructor is unique and every class I've taken is very different, the unifying thread is that there's a huge emphasis on proper alignment, supporting each pose, and building up to inversions/headstands/shoulder stands/etc. This means there is a lot of instructor-talking in each class as they explain the proper form/alignment and how each pose should feel, how we should visualize. (This is not the kind of class I would've enjoyed a few years ago). Most of the daytime classes are quite small. Other than a Thursday night class (w/less than 10 people), I think most of my classes had 2-4 students. I work nearby and was lucky enough to take several lunchtime classes. I loved having the individualized attention and it seemed that I was usually the only new person. The instructors had a great understanding of the other students' abilities and injuries and which poses they were working towards. I used to really dislike using props because I felt it was "cheating" and not "real" yoga. But the use of props, slings, and ropes here has helped me get deeper into poses and reap the benefits of poses that I can't hold on my own. I can see how the props are also useful to build up the muscles and (the proper) muscle memory to get into inverted (and other) poses. I have to say my favorite is Gina's Liquid Steel class. Always a surprise as to what we'll be doing (she brings an interesting perspective from her martial arts activities) - but I know my legs and arms will be shaking and yet I always feel so strong after, not because I was able to do everything in the class but because Gina is so supportive while pushing me at the same time to do more than I thought I could (I've practiced yoga for nearly/over 10 years now and she talked me into my first crow pose). Really sad she only teaches this once a week during lunch - sometimes it's hard to get away from the office. read more

In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I'm such a regular practitioner at this studio that I've worked for the owners off and on for a period of years. I have scoliosis and a series of difficulties with my central nervous system as a result, and as a professional musician it's doubtful that I'd be able to deal with the rigors of my daily life if it weren't for their instruction and care. I have learned more things about the nature of my spinal dysfunction than I ever cared to, but as a result I have been able to transition from a life filled with chronic pain to a perfectly normal creative life--IF I keep it up. As the studio follows the Iyengar tradition, I advise first-time practitioners to leave their knowledge of the more sports-oriented vinyasa practice that has become so popular in the US at the door. Iyengar yoga isn't so much a 'workout' as it is a thorough assessment of the body's structure and a development of new capabilities through very specified internal awareness. It's a wonderful, and potentially life-altering, experience if approached with the right frame of mind. read more

This is a first session review: This was my first time doing any type of yoga ever - I signed up for the Yoga for Scoliosis Fusions class with Kaitlyn Hipple. To start, the entry space and studio itself are clean and quiet. The class size was rather small (6 - 8 people) and seemed to be comprised of beginners, semi-regulars and regulars. The instructor is very knowledgeable and was able to provide individual attention to everyone without slowing the pace of the class down. As a complete beginner I did not feel overwhelmed - everything was carefully demonstrated and explained, and when you were doing something "wrong," Kaitlyn was quick to notice and correct you in a positive and instructive way. She knew the correct support and adjustment you needed based on the unique physical alignment of your spine and posture. From what I observed and experienced, I would recommend this studio to anyone whether they are a beginner or a regular. read more

love this place so far. i came here courtesy of a Living Social deal, mainly because I knew Steven Cheng teaches here (who is an awesome teacher by the way!) but also because I am a vinyasa/power yoga/hot yoga junkie who has been practicing yoga regularly for years and was looking to try out a studio with a slower, alignment-focused flow. I tried YogaWorks and liked the alignment-focused classes, but i hated the cattle call/queue to check in/mat-to-mat classes/rude yogis. Yoga Union has none of this. The two classes I've tried so far have been pretty small--in fact, i took the 4:30pm Flow 2 class with Lindsay and it was basically a private class because I was the only student! four other students had signed up online but couldn't make it, so I lucked out :) Things to note: 1. Mats are provided free of charge so no need to bring your own if you don't want to schlep it to the studio. 2. the studio is located in an office building on the 4th floor--i walked by the building twice, so it can be easy to miss since there is no sign outside indicating a yoga studio. Lindsay was awesome--as another reviewer mentioned, props are definitely utilized here. we started off with some core strengthening exercises and gradually went into sun salutations and balancing poses. Lindsay stopped frequently to adjust me and give me advice on alignment in my poses. She made me conscious of the way my hips moved in a pose and also helped me realize that I tend to rush into poses without making sure I have proper alignment (as in my chest following the direction of my arm in a twist, for example). I loved her playlist, which had Radiohead and Bon Iver sprinkled in. I also took Paul's Flow 2 class--although this was supposed to be a more intermediate vinyasa-type class, he tried to accomodate the students in the room, which also included a few beginners/newer yogis, and offered tons of modifications. Although I consider myself intermediate, I remember being a new yogi and being intimidated in classes where teachers offered zero modifications and catered to more advanced yogis only. Paul was great at demoing and it felt more like a workshop-style class than a flow, which i didn't mind. We did some work at the rope wall, some leg/core-strengthening exercises, which were great. Paul was also super-friendly--he introduced himself to me and asked me where I practiced--turns out he also used to teach at my gym (Crunch). I'm also going to try a Ropes with Flow class as well. highly recommend this place--a mini yoga oasis :) read more

This yoga studio is incredible if you want to really understand how to do yoga in a meaningful way both physically and spiritually. The depth of knowledge is incredible, and the individual attention to each student is unique in NY and incredibly helpful in understanding ones own needs and aspirations. Yoga Union teachers are supportive, fun and interested in you and the studio is beautiful, clean, well maintained, and sportinginteresting, props - one even allowed me to fly through the air! And you don't need to bring your own mat! read more

This is a great studio for all levels. Mainly, for those really interested in Yoga- achieving that zen that I've never been able to achieve in my 3+ years of practice! I found Yoga Union through a LS deal, $89 for 10 classes. I think their normal prices are very reasonable though- it's like $15-20 versus $30+ at trendier studios. Everyone raves about Alison but sadly I never took a class with her. I stuck with Gina mostly. She is GREAT. I love her Liquid Steel class- it's a mix of Yoga and strength condition (this is serious people, she makes you do a 3 min wall street and jump squats). The best part was the "Yoga Kilt", where we'd use a strap and fold our mats (they use the aligned ones from Jade Yoga to focus on alignment) and climb into the ropes (see below) and hang upside like Spiderman. :p Other classes I took: structural 1-2; great for alignment but a bit boring and still, personally. I'm the kind of Yogie that likes to flow a lot and sweat a bit- maybe that means I am not really a Yogie! Their flow classes; these range in difficulty, by level and teacher. I've taken Flow 1-2 with Paul, and thought he was difficult. He's helpful in teaching you more advanced poses (esp inversions, arm balances), which is always appreciated. The studio at large is big on props (lots of blocks, blankets, straps, pillows, etc) so he showed us how to use 6 blocks to help to a headstand- something I haven't been able to do in forever. Forewarning- he also gets "close" to you in some of his corrections... The most unique thing about Yoga Union is their ropes- they have varying lengths of ropes attached to the cabinet walls, which you use to help achieve greater flexibility on poses, or use as a strength condition tool. I've also tried Gentle Yoga- which was a bit too slow for me. The studio itself so beautiful- big, with lots of light and uncrowded, presumably because no many know about it. They have a lot of workshops. My one complaint is that it's always too damn hot in there but I guess thats yoga for you. I also wish they had a wide range of class times- esp early morning. They have a bunch of classes at like 3pm, 4pm... which for those of us who work, can't make. I don't regret the LS deal but as I am moving out of the area, I'm not sure I'd come back with regularity. read more

Where yoga teachers go to learn. The beautiful studio has consistently great teachers. I am honored to have had the opportunity to study directly under Alison West, who has such a wealth of knowledge, a poetic way of making the ordinary extraordinary and a gift for linking postures, the breath and the mind so that you leVe with new information about yourself after each class along with an inner state of calm. The many workshops and trainings are among the best in NYC. Yoga Union is The real deal. read more

I am lucky to have come to this studio after several years of practicing Vinyasa styles of yoga and a diagnosed chronic spinal condition in the interim. The teachers are fantastic. Excellent workshops, including certification programs and classes for yoga teachers, take this studio up a notch. Alison West is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I've studied with in my seven years of practicing yoga. The style is Iyengar influenced with a focus on helping those with back conditions, from scoliosis to spondilolysthesis, with specialty classes offered for conditions like herniation and asymmetry. The space is clean and beautiful and the staff are friendly and accommodating. The high quality props, including easy to assemble slings and rope walls, amongst other equipment, provide for a great, safe experience. Teachers always ask students about injuries, if they are in pain, and if so how much. Students are encouraged to ask questions and tell teachers what works or doesn't for them. Most importantly, students are strongly encouraged to alert not only the teachers, but themselves when it's time to "say no" to a pose - not always an easy thing to do! I'm most grateful and looking forward to continued learning... read more

Let me begin by saying I am brand new to yoga. This was the very first studio I went to, and I am lucky to have started with this amazing place. The second I stepped off the elevator, I felt more relaxed and peaceful. It's very clean and they have mats for free (no need to rent like other studios). I had started coming here due to a Living Social deal I found, but I am definitely going to continue taking classes. I took a Basics class with Rachel. She is incredibly knowledgeable, nurturing and helpful. The classes are small so she can give a lot of personal attention. In each class, we work on a certain area so that we can really open up the hips, or work on the lower back, or hamstrings, etc. There was one class where we worked on standing up straight for most of the class, by the end, I was able to do the Tree Pose for several minutes, something I was never able to do previously! The studio focuses on alignment, which make sense because it also has a back care center. I felt like I really LEARNED the correct posture for the poses and carried this knowledge with me to other yoga classes. Rachel comes and corrects your pose, and may be very detail oriented, but I truly felt like I benefited from the correction. She does it in such a way, that I don't feel discouraged at all if I can't do it. read more

I've been practicing Bikram and Vinyasa yoga all over the city for 5 years now. I honestly respect all studios but I was always left with a feeling that I wasn't getting that individualized instruction. I came to Yoga union yesterday on a recommendation by a teacher, and right away I knew that I was where I needed to be. The studio is clean, quiet and organized. Right away I was introduced to the studios director Alison West, with a friendly smile and was asked if I have any injuries(I mean how personal can you get)!!! At first I was a little nervous because I've never taken a 2 hour alignment class, but right away I was introduced to so many new ways of properly doing each posture correctly. My shoulders and back have never been so open in my life! The practice of yoga is so meaningful to me right now and I am so blessed that I have found a studio where I feel at home and where I can grow as a student. read more

I took my first Yoga class ever on Sunday and I must say I'm hooked. My first experience was encouraging to practice more and get better. The instructor was really patient with me, and considering he normally teaches much more advanced classes I appreciated the patience; he was filling in for another instructor. The facility was really clean and modern and the receptionist was very helpful. I purchased a 10 session promotion on Living Social. Not only am I so happy I did but I plan to continue after I finish using all 10 sessions. read more

This is one of the few studios that isn't just Vinyasa flows. I find the classes here to be part of a pretty advanced practice. I would recommend people who are serious about alignment and Yoga teachers to take classes here. They really teach you the poses correctly. It is extremely detailed instruction. I also like that they teach you how to use the props. And you WILL USE THEM. As opposed to being asked to take a bunch of props that you don't end up using at all in class! This is also a great place to take yoga classes if you have injuries or want to build up certain muscles to prevent injuries. I rarely meet yoga teachers that have a good grasp on anatomy and movement. The teachers here are extremely knowledgeable on that! Not to mention the studio itself is beautiful and clean. The bathrooms are nice. The staff is extremely welcoming and friendly. read more

Highly recommend! Very clean studio and the location is super convenient, like 10 steps from the N train station. Most of all, James is an amazing teacher! He is patient, extremely knowledgeable on the body structure, passionate in yoga. I truly enjoyed his class. He would come around to correct our alignments throughout the class and very good at explaining each pose! If I lived in the city, this would be my go to studio. We need more yoga teachers like him! read more

The studio is warm and beautiful. I felt very at home. I have taken many classes with Kristen and she is truly a treasure. She has helped transform my practice. She is smart, kind, and incredibly knowledgable. She is clear and direct. Her instruction is very precise. She is truly a gifted teacher. Take any opportunity you can to experience her classes. read more

I have practiced for about a year at the studio. Its a wonderful place to refine your learning of yoga, whatever level you are at. Its especially useful if you have a concern regarding your back. I have practiced yoga for over 18 years and studied many styles. The skills I learned at Yoga Union have really helped refine and re purpose all the other information I have learned over the years. The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and its a really safe place to practice, plus the space is certainly one of the most beautiful yoga spaces you could ever practice in. If you discover this place, you will be a lucky recipient of great care and attention. The experiences I have had with Alison and Deborah plus the other knowledgeable staff have been invaluable. read more

Like so many others with back issues, I have tried yoga at several centers but struggled to find the right one to deliver the results my body truly needed. Luckily one day someone told me about Yoga Union Center for Backcare and Scoliosis. Five years later I am happy to report that Yoga Union Backcare is one of the best things that ever happened to me. You could say I am the queen of "osis": I have Scoliosis , Kyphosis, Lordosis and Osteoporosis. The team at Yoga Union Backcare was able to tailor a program to my needs and through this understanding I have developed a routine that not only helped my pain, but has truly curtailed my ailments. They taught me to accept my body the way it is and have confidence in myself, which changed my life in a magnificent way. Yoga Union Backcare is now my second home, as I am there, religiously, 5 days a week. The teachers are incredible and so caring, the students are very friendly; the staff knowledgeable, passionate and truly personal. The instructors give special attention and appropriate adjustments to each individual based on their needs or problems. What is fascinating is that even after so many years I am still learning new techniques. You see, the teachers bring in the top Senior Teachers and new on a regular basis. Just the other week we had Dmitri Shapira join the faculty with a neck and shoulder class. His expertise is great and just what I need for my kyphosis. My special thanks to my teachers Alison West, Debby Green, Wendy Baranello, Rachel Lynch-John, Mimi Rosetti and Dmitri Shapira. Last but not least thanks to Deborah Wolk who helped me a lot by designing special prop set ups for asanas which address my special needs. I always look forward to her classes because I know she has something different and new for me every time I come to her and when it comes to back issues she is more knowledgeable than a medical doctor. My admiration for her skills and expertise has no bounds. At Yoga Union Backcare I feel a relaxation that no pills have ever given me. This is my spiritual and physical therapy. Thank you Deborah and thank you to all the Yoga Union Backcare teachers. read more

Truly life changing. I've been going to classes here for nearly a year and my back pain has improved tremendously. Instructors are friendly and patient - fellow students are laid back and unpretentious. Deborah is a really fantastic instructor! read more

I have been loving YU's lunchtime classes. They're wonderful for people who work in this area -- there are a lot of us! -- and even though they're short, they're well thought out sequences that leave you energized and ready to face the rest of the workday. One day I attended Rachel Jesien's class on a day I felt at the end of my rope at work -- stressed out and dreading an intense meeting later in the day. The morning had been full of anger and frustration in the workplace. It was a small class and so Rachel asked if we had any requests. Usually I don't say anything when teachers ask that, but that day I surprised myself by saying "I want to feel less angry. Can yoga do that?" Rachel led us through a sequence of forward bends and twists that was strenuous and relaxing at the same time; her attention to detail was almost that of a physical therapist. I left class feeling completely different, in my body and my mind, than I did when I walked in. And my meeting that afternoon went better than I could have imagined. I watched myself as if at a distance as I responded to aggression with calm patience and even empathy. Yoga's amazing and this studio is really, really special. read more

Best yoga studio in Manhattan. Alison West is a fantastic teacher, rigorous, compassionate, and fun. Every week I look forward to her class.

Just completed their weekend Back Care Basic series and I will say it was definitely worth it. Since I was younger I've suffered from scoliosis and herniated discs in my lower back and as time passes it's gotten worse. These classes are dedicated to people like myself who have back problems but still want to get into the practice of yoga. I've learned so much about the anatomy of the back and how to take better care of myself. At the same time learning yoga was a bit hard but so exciting and relaxing. I definitely plan on continuing my yoga journey at this facility and can't wait to take my next class. read more

Rachel Jensen and Alison West at Manhattan's Yoga Union are true geniuses when it comes to anatomy and working with back issues. Though their systematic teachings, they and the other wonderful teachers at Yoga Union have developed courses which help students understand their asymmetries and back issues and prop-based asanas which are tailored to help correct alignment and posture, increase strength and flexibility, and decrease pain. In addition to scoliosis and herniation classes, Yoga Union also offers intensive teacher training that goes beyond normal yoga teacher training, workshops taught by Allison West and guests, and other courses such as slings and ropes, flow, and alignment. One year ago I walked into Yoga Union in pain and confused about what was going on with my body. Today, I feel like a new man on the road to recovery with a newfound grasp of my asymmetries and what I need to do to correct them. I owe a lot to Rachel Jenson and Allison West and highly suggest their classes to anyone suffering from scoliosis or other back conditions. read more

I have been attending the scoliosis classes with Alison West for more than a year. This training has helped me understand my back and how to move in ways that counteract both the lateral curves and the spinal rotation that occur with scoliosis--knowledge I carry with me throughout the day. If you've only done endless sun salutations and ashtanga-type yoga, you'll be in for a surprise. At Yoga Union, it's all about getting the posture exactly right. We use a lot of props, which allows you to achieve positions that are impossible in any other way--and feels incredible. Everyone's favorite part of class is when we hang upside down from slings. It's easy once you get the hang of it (ha ha) and it decompresses the spine, which feels great. Alison is a gifted teacher with an incredible knowledge of the skeleton and musculature. And she never repeats the same class twice. I have taken her class dozens of times and every one is different. These classes are so fairly priced for the quality of instruction and the well-appointed and clean studio. I am so lucky I discovered Yoga Union and Alison. read more

I've been coming to ropes and slings with Jane for a few months and cannot say enough good things about her class. First, the studio is lovely and very welcoming. Second, Jane is wonderful. She caters to every student, no matter what their level. I leave class feeling refreshed and much stronger. This place is magical for any back pain you may have, as this is their expertise. Worth the trek if you aren't local. I come from uptown for class. read more

I know this place has gotten a lot of rave reviews. But, I walked out of the two classes I took with pain and injuries. The first class brought pain to my back. The second class I took, I had told the teacher I had a slight pain in my neck; at about a 1, on a scale from 1-10. She told me the class would help. Well, my neck pain went to a 10. I am still healing from it and it's been 6 weeks. I was in so much pain I couldn't even move my neck for a couple of weeks. I had called to extend my 3 class card, and they extended it, but I am too afraid to go back. I was a professional athlete and am naturally flexible. If you decide to check this place out, I just advise you to be careful with using props when you don't need them. The classes I took had everyone using props. Maybe you'll have better luck. read more

My practice of 6 years has changed more in the past 5 months of coming here than in the whole time I've been practicing yoga. After two spinal fusion surgeries, my body is beginning to loosen, shake, and twist in ways I did even remember were possible. I've found so much joy in re-discovering my body here. The teachers are entertaining, experienced, and full of respect for the practice. I feel so lucky to live in a city with such an amazing institution. Take advantage of this place now. I've found my desire to practice other types of yoga faded away as I realized the beneficial, holistic approach that's available here. Let yourself experiment. Physical issues always have underlying emotional and spiritual components. These classes help me uncover the issues in my tissues, or the story behind my scoliosis. read more

If you have scoliosis and haven't taken Rachel Jesien's Yoga for Scoliosis class then you are doing yourself a disservice. Rachel is an incredible teacher, who with her knowledge, patience and upbeat, positive manner has helped my scoliosis in too many ways to enumerate. And kudos to her assistants-Christine, Faith, Judy and James for helping me so much. Barry K. read more

I've only been to one class here, but this is a unique place that should be a great help to anyone looking to take control of any back pain issues. Highly trained teachers who use special props and set-ups to specifically target back problems. Plus it is a very nice studio, they supply mats and all props, prices are reasonable for the quality of the class. Although run on a different payment system, the regular yoga studio, Yoga Union, is a nice place too. read more

Alison West inspired me to conquer my back problems, and taught me how to build and maintain a healthy back - even with kyphosis. Her insight is invaluable. I am much better since attending several classes in the winter of 2013-14. She always taught class with excellent assistants who were supportive and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was very warm, peaceful and inviting. I should have written this review sooner, but better late than never! Thank you!! read more

There are lots of great yoga studios in Manhattan but this one was the best so far. I'll continue my practice here.

Outstanding! I lived in NYC 20 years ago and miss it every day---because there are places there just like Yoga Union! I practice yoga all over the world as I travel on business and my vinyasa class last saturday was among my all-time favorites. Unlike the cattle call that is most of yoga in NYC, my 10am class had only 4 participants, plus a really lovely, knowledgable instructor. Although I have practiced for over 15 years and 1/2 of the class was there for the first time, it didn't matter. The instructor managed to give us all 90 minutes of first class instruction and guidance. The studio was really pretty, on line purchase efficient and easy. One satisfied customer who will definitely return! Thank, yoga union!! read more

The first word that comes to mind is "Cured." I have been struggling with pelvic, sciatic nerve, and low back issues (some scoliosis, too) for about 3 1/2 years. I have tried many forms of "exercise" and "treatments" until I was recommened to this studio by a dear teacher friend. I was immediately amazed at the upper level of skill that the instructors maintain and their ability to gear students to quietly and beautifully open the body so that healing can take place. I have begun smiling again and will have to say that this is the most incredible and beautiful studio I have ever been in. The instructors have the highest level of skill and it takes several years of apprenticeship to be able to conduct a class at the Center for Backcare. This is a meticulous and clean space that will welcome each and every student and work with individualized injuries in a space that is just breathtaking. When I leave I know that I've given my body a healthy dose of love and it has begun to resonate to other areas of my life. I have given up my other "studios" and quick exercise fixes and now exclusively take classes at this studio and their sister studio, Yoga Union. My back has never felt better and this studio has done more for my back than any other treatment modality, doctor, or exercise. In addition, I have learned to quiet my mind and heal my body gracefully while using the incredible power of my instructor's skills, my personal intuition and breath and helpful props that release and surrender any issues (ropes, blocks, blankets, chairs). All props are included in the class price (mats, too) and are meticulously clean. Students are quietly responsible for putting their props away neatly and it helps maintain the beautiful space that has been created for these classes. This studio has stripped away everything negative about the cattle-type classes of other studios and honor the grace and passion that embodies yoga. Moreover, this center for backcare is for everyone not just those stuggling with back issues. I have learned so much about my body and my inner strength and am able to take my skills to my personal home practice, Yoga Union, or all areas of my life. Attend and you will be hooked. This place is simply sensational. read more