Yoga

axel foley

This has probably been discussed many times before on this board, but I've never gotten a good handle on the search function...I'm looking for a good yoga studio (is that the right word?). Preferably in Prospect Heights/Park Slope, but if anyone has a good Manhattan recommendation in the Flatiron/Union Square area or below, it would be much appreciated. I am a complete novice to yoga and am looking for somewhere un-intimidating, clean, and friendly. I know very little about the different types of yoga, so if anyone has any pointers on where to start, that would also be very helpful. Thanks for any advice.

whyfi

Shambhala (sp?) is on St Marks, just around the corner from Washington. I don't do yoga myself, but the owners and instructors have been in to the store, and they seem pretty nice. The only thing that might be intimidating - peeking in the door, it seems like a small place and it might be hard for a self-conscious beginner to 'hide' in the back.

neene

if you don't have a friend you can tag along with my advice is just to jump in anywhere and take a beginner class

i haven't tried shanbhala: http://www.shambhalayogadance.com/homepage.html but i plan to since it is so close to me
i have gone to yogalab, it is a very nice studio and i have a friend who teaches there: http://www.theyogalab.com/ical/week.php

(i am a recent manhattan transplant, my studio there which i love is shri: http://www.shriyoganyc.com/)

check out this guide
http://www.nyspirit.com/yoga_guide/yoga_brooklyn.html

and i this might be helpful:
http://www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/index.cfm?ctsrc=tnav
especially:
http://www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/497_1.cfm
&
http://www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/165_1.cfm

most important, just go, the rest will take care of itself

daisyh

I've never been to Shambala, mostly because I like the Yoga Lab so much, I'm willing to make the trek to Boreum Hill (the B65 drops you off pretty close if you're too lazy to walk/ bike). They have a monthly beginners series that I hear is pretty good too... I'm sure there's info on their website.

In Manhattan, I go to OM Yoga, which is just above the Strand Bookstore. Great teachers.

sweet tea

the gf likes shambala quite a bit, although their class schedule doesn't work well for her. her descriptions of it make me think it would be a good, non-intimidating place for a beginner, too.

axel foley

Thanks for all the tips. I'll investigate and hopefully get going soon...

doctorj

I have a 2nd-hand recommendation for Bikram on Flatbush between St Marks and Prospect... if you're into the hot stuff.

ana.log

I'm very happy with Yogasana on 5th and Prospect/Warren

jayce

Laughing Lotus on 19th Street just above Union Square. They offer an "absolute beginners" 4 week series that is perfect for someone who has never done it before. Their rates are really good, but in particular for the Absolute Beginners series, you won't find a better deal and will give you a sense of whether you want to pursue it from there. And at that point, you can decide if you want a studio that is closer.

And for beginners, I would caution you that Bikram is very different than other yoga... hence the fact that it is registered as a trademark by Mr. Bikram Choudhury, which is being contested by the rest of the yoga community under an alliance called "Open Source Yoga Unity."

Personal opinions of Bikram aside, as a new practitioner, be willing to try both before you decide on one or the other.

sweet tea

jayce wrote: Laughing Lotus on 19th Street just above Union Square. .

the gf also loves this place.

siri

I'll put in another vote for Laughing Lotus. They've got reasonable prices and a friendly vibe. The other really nice thing is that, for 9-5ers, they have a very full class schedule with early morning and late evening options. Makes it easy to find a convenient class any day of the week.

I've also been to some good classes at Yoga People on Remsen St. in Brooklyn Heights. One of the teachers there, Keith, also teaches at Laughing Lotus and his classes are great--I believe he does a Basics class at LL that would be a good introduction.