Yoga Works - Westside

I tried several yoga studios in NYC and after attending many clases during their two week ($30) trial, I would not go back. Some of their teachers do have an odd hostile attitude and the aura is that of coldness, starkness and almost a corporate gym mentality. Much of the spiritual elements of yoga are missing here greatly. During one class, we did some kind of weird backbend over a metal chair. The teacher demoed it and we repeated. Imagine being upside down over a metal chair. I couldn't figure out where to put my hands exactly - it is difficult to feel when you can not see and are upside down. The teacher rebuked me like a child and asked obnoxiously, "Did you even pay attention during the demo?" Very nice *karmic* approach. Namaste? Teachers contradict each other - in other words, there is no unified approach and philosophy. One teacher had us doing headstands with a blanket and our hands shoulder width apart flat on the floor, and another teacher in another class asked me almost mockingly where I learned to do a headstand like that and told me a blanket makes the surface uneven and my hands should be crowned around my head. It just seemed like instead of yoga balance, focus and warm positivity, yoga works is about something entirely different and full of negativity and a very un-zen approach. I joined another studio and still get calls and messages left on my voicemail trying to get me to join here.
The only positive things: Their changing room on the UWS location is beautiful, clean and has locking lockers so you don't need a lock. (The other lcoations were not such) Their monthly deal was pretty good pricewise - when I was there, it was $85 a month for one studio or $115 to use all 4 locations unlimited. They said it might go up $5 soon but that is still better than most other studios in NYC.
Still, good price and deluxe changing rooms are definitely, definitely not the only factors in choosing a place to practice - keep in mind.

I think some of the instructors are writing reviews for this studio on here or at least on the downtown studio so I've decided to write an honest review. I've actually gone to a class at the Eastside studio lead by a girl with the same name as one of the reviewers listed here. That said, if you sign up for the monthly unlimited classes package it's a pretty good deal. There are a variety of classes and some good instructors but there is an over all vibe of underlying anger and strangeness with some of the instructors. It also seems like a lot of the young girls there are taking the teacher training which can be a tad annoying.

Some outstanding teachers with wonderful focus that creates intention, great energy and a valuable practice. Many different styles. Generous, well-lit spaces. Enhance yoga practice w excellent attentive pilates classes (they really walk around the class & give individualized modifications!) builds strength and your core. Showers & lockers (whoo, hoo! expecially in the Summer). Sometimes the classes can be close to overflowing with popular teachers or times. Well organized studio & pleasant, helpful people at the desk.

After practicing yoga in NYC for 3 years and trying various studios all over the city, I have not come across a studio that I would not want to retrun -- until I came to Yoga Works. If you are serious about yoga, this may not be the right place for you. The energy of this place is just not there. Too corporate. Pluse, their class quality is below the average for NYC standard. Their level 2-3 classes are definitely not upto par with level 2-3 classes from other studios around the city. I guess this is what you get for creating a 'gym' like yoga studio.

This studio is like the mecca of studios... there are soooo many classes (all day and evening) sooo many amazing teachers. It is well equipped... clean and gorgeous... a total oasis! It makes midtown/ west side area worth visiting! Oh and very hip... if you want to reach samadhi with a bunch of the coolest and most gorgeous... this is also the place to go!