Bikram's Yoga College Of India

I have been practicing Bikram yoga for several years, and have tried out all of the hot yoga studios in the area. I always come back to this one because the others end up changing the series. It seems like studios are turning up the heat and calling it hot yoga to capitalize on hot yoga's popularity, when in fact what they offer has nothing or little to do with the Bikram series. I have learned to trust the studios that have Bikram in their name.

Bikram Yoga Bellevue consistently offers Bikram's 26 postures. If you ask me, they provide the right environment too. Not too hot (I have heard of some studios climbing to over 120 degrees!) and not too cold (some studios are in fact a 90 degrees warm. ) I believe these guys are aiming for 105 degrees and 50% humidity, and doing a great job!

Yes, you are supposed to wait for water breaks, but I don't mind this. It helps keep me focused. I also know that Bikram yoga is not about modifying postures, or using towels for grips or other props. One of the teachers here says that the therapy and benefits come in trying the right way to the extent your body allows, and I find this very motivating!

I'm addicted to Bikram yoga. Nothing makes me feel(or look) better. I'll keep going to Bikram Yoga Bellevue because I think they are doing a fantastic job, plus they offer true Bikram classes every two hours!

Pros: Real Bikram yoga, lots of classes every day

Cons: It's addicting

Posted 10/20/09

This studio has really gone downhill. I wonder if it's had a change of owner. I love its location but cannot see myself wasting my time or my money with a place which does not hold the temperature or the humidity to the Bikram standard. A real shame and disappointment.

Pros: Location

Cons: NOT HOT!

Posted 08/31/09

I used to love this studio, but I'm afraid it is not the same anymore. The heat is constantly off - I mean OFF!! If you want to try "warm" Bikram yoga, this is your place. They also started to use the fans A LOT more recently, which only make things worse. I've never been to a studio where the fan is on more than the heater is...

Whatever temperature humidity monitor they are using, it is definitely not working. Or if it is, the instructors will need to learn how to read the number correctly and remember the recommended temperature is 105F degrees and 40% humidity, which I've not experienced for quite a while. With more studios opening up in Redmond and Seattle, they will lose business quickly if they don't make some changes SOON.

I may come back to check them out again in a couple of months. But for now, I'm taking my business somewhere else where I can feel the heat and really SWEAT! :-)

Pros: Lots of classes, free parking

Cons: Missing HEAT!!!

Posted 06/29/09

I agree with the other one star person that reviewed last September. I joined in September '07 so I wonder if that was just a bad time for BYB? I love that there is parking! But if that is the best I have to say....yikes. The male instructors there were fine. It was the women that made me nuts. "Let go of your ego" they would preach. Yes, PLEASE LET GO OF YOURS. Don't tell me when I can drink my water! There were times I would make my own modifications (for example, bringing a small wash cloth to use around my foot to assist with the stretch) after repeatedly telling me NOT to do this, one of the female instructors told me to stop and had the nerve to say QUOTE..."we'll wait" as in, we'll wait for you to DO AS I SAY. WHAT??!!!! One day the manager told a story of how a participant fell asleep in class and she was very bothered. This was unacceptable to her. If I have paid and I'm so relaxed I fall asleep....DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!! I'm not hurting anyone!!! I like the location and the schedule but all the unnecessary instruction left me shopping elsewhere.

Pros: Good discount for new students

Cons: Carpet and the female instructors

Posted 10/02/08

So I am marathoner who 6 mothns ago was training for the SD Marathon. My training was going great until about 6 to 8 weeks before the race where I began to come down with injury after injury, the wheels were pretty much coming off the bus (I am sure other marathoners can relate)! Needless to say come race day on 6/1/08 I did not do as well as I hoped...in fact it might have been the most painful experience ever running with an injury for 26.2 miles! Well, like any good athlete does I analyzed what I could have done in order to do better...well it was pretty simple stay injury free! How does one stay injury free you might ask? The answer I came to was become more flexible and limber. I mean running 25-35 miles a week puts a tremendous toll on your body and if you are not loose and flexible it is only a matter of time before you come down with an injury. Next, I thought to myself what can I do to increase my flexibility and range of motion...and it was like it came from Bikram himself "YOGA" (HA)! I heard about Bikram Yoga of Bellevue from a friend and tried it out once and the feeling afterwords was incredible. This was 3 months ago and I have my next race in Chicago on 10/12/08! These past 3 months have been great...I mean I was a collegiate and I have never felt so good in my life both physically and mentally, it sbeen great all around. I have no doubts that when "race day" comes in the next few weeks that I am going to run the race of a lifetime...and hopefully qualify for Boston! I suggest that if your are new to yoga or if you are continuing to do yoga you should try Bikram Yoga of Bellevue the instructors are kind, understanding, supportive, accommidating, and motivating...as well as darn flexible, ha! In closing I will say that if you feel like you are missing something in your life go to Bikram Yoga of Bellevue and SWEAT IT OUT!!!!

PS - I will let everyone know how I did in Chicago!!!

Cheers,

BJ

Pros: Parking is fine instructors are great

Cons: its hot...but hey its supposed to be, ha!

Posted 09/18/08

Good instructors, lovely facilities, and many class times to choose from. Great studio for consistently enjoying the benefits that result from a regular Bikram practice. I don't practice often here though because the carpet cleaning schedule is out of sync with the class schedule - the floor is really unpleasant. If you are able to get past that, the studio is nice.

Pros: Consistant Bikram teaching, many classes to choose from, seems well-managed

Cons: Carpet that's not cleaned regularly

Posted 04/24/08

Good instructors, lovely facilities, and many class times to choose from. Great studio for consistently enjoying the benefits that result from a regular Bikram practice. I don't practice often here though because the carpet cleaning schedule is out of sync with the class schedule - the floor is really unpleasant. If you are able to get past that, the studio is nice.

Posted 04/18/08

I am an avid Bikram yogi, first introduced to the discipline 6 yrs ago. I've moved around a bit which has given me the opportunity to try several different Bikram Yoga studios here in the US and also abroad. I?ve tried a few studios locally as well. I have to say Bikram Yoga Bellevue is by far the best I've encountered yet! As soon as I walk in the door I can feel the stress lifting already...

They?re highly qualified instructors (100% Bikram certified, not ?hot yoga? teachers) and there are several of them, so the flavor of each class varies a bit (which is nice). Each instructor expresses their own teaching style while firmly maintaining the integrity of the discipline. I have brought a few newbies with me. Each time the instructor has taken the extra moment to ensure my newbie-friend understands what to expect of the class and how to get the most out of it. In general, I find the instructors to be very knowledgeable as they consistently convey the purpose, intent and benefit of each posture - I suppose this is their way of making the sweat and tears worth it :) Oh, and they don't just pay attention to the newbies ? they seem to have this knack never forgetting to push those of us who have been practicing a bit longer.

The number of classes they offer is pretty ideal. I drive around with my yoga stuff in the car. If my schedule unexpectedly opens up I know there is a class I can catch. The studio is very clean and spacious - even in the most busy of classes, there's still plenty of room. I've been in studios where on a regular basis, there's 2" of clearance between each mat; so occasionally having someone 8" away from me is not a big deal at all!

I returned last year from living abroad and purchased an annual membership. It's just expired and I'm on my way to renew for another year as we speak!

Posted 12/09/07

I have tried every Bikram and hot yoga studio in the area. I am so happy to have found Bikram Yoga Bellevue. They have the best schedule and their showers are wonderful! The teachers are great too. It is an ?affiliated? studio so all teachers have to be certified. And I must say the heat is PERFECT! Some studios are too cold, some are too hot. I find this studio to be juuuuust right?and no the three bears to contend with. It?s a safe and positive place to become happier and healthier. On a serious note; I used to suffer from depression and this condition disappeared within the first 60 days of my practice. I wish more people knew about this benefit of Bikram yoga.

Pros: Schedule, expertise, and atmosphere

Cons: in business park across from new Joe's Sporting Goods, took me a minute to find.

Posted 10/15/07

Bikram Yoga Bellevue used to be my favorite Bikram Yoga studio but it seems that their gain in popularity has made them go downhill.
The biggest concern is that it is no longer true Bikram's "hot" yoga and more like "balmy" yoga.
(Bikram yoga should be done in a room at 103 to 105 degrees with 40% humidity.)
After myself and several students complained to the teacher, they are still keeping the studio cool enough to give me chills (even worse, in the middle of class, when you reach 100degrees, they open the side door and let a draft run over you so you catch cold.)
They do not provide what they sell and after my package is over I will not be renewing here.
Some of the teachers are great, but there is a few teachers that are very rude to students and I have seen them nag and lecture about every minute detail "can't leave the room" "don't drink water until its a water break" "use your towel in this posture" "don't use your towel in this posture". Instruction is good but 5 minute speeches about the importance of x-y-z while they can't even keep the most basic thing - the temperature - correct??!
A side complaint is that they are also very crowded on the weekends. I don't personally enjoy stranger's flinging and dripping sweat on me and my mat and stepping on my mat (the teachers will even announce "touch your neighbor, they don't mind" when... in fact... some of us do mind).
I highly recommend saving your money and visiting a different studio. Going to Bikram Yoga Bellevue will only be a frustrating experience. I have practiced in two other Bikram Yoga studios in the area and plan on going there for my next package.

Pros: Parking, Class Schedule

Cons: Not providing what is advertised, Service

Posted 09/16/07

So, I'm, well, over 50 and never did much in the way of sports. Over the years I've gained weight, heart rate and pressure's up and just not feeling good. My friend in Florida told me to get with the program and try a Bikram Yoga studio. Due to my age and condition, I was looking for something low impact and conditioning to prepare me for other physical activities like hiking. Being a guy, I wasn't sure about this Yoga thing... So I took my friends advice, found Bellevue's Bikram Yoga and WOW! I've never would have imagined the difference! I started about 4 weeks ago, and though I'm still a beginner I've seen the positive effects in almost every aspect of my life. Sounds pathetic doesn't it? Well the instructors are great! They actually help you out with the postures and don't expect you to be able to do anything. In fact they give you steps to practice so that as you get flexible in one part of the posture it leads you into advancing into the next part. It's great! There's no disturbing funny music during class, you just relax and think about your body and listen to the instructor. The studio is clean and hot! 105 degrees sounds bad, but you get used to it and soon look forward to it, especially on cold days! This is a great studio! I've seen people of all shapes and sizes and all ages in practicing yoga, teenagers, elderly folks and everything in between. Some of us have only been practicing for a few weeks and others for 10+ years! I recommend Bellevue's Bikram Yoga to anyone looking for a low impact invigorating workout with a great bunch of people!

Pros: Excellent studio, great instructors, clean

Cons: None

Posted 04/05/07

Following the college years, it was time to get back into shape. After nearly a decade of various exercise, the impact was taking its tole. A friend of mine recommended I try Bikram yoga. Reluctant at first, knowing very little about yoga, I decided to give it a try. I was surprised by the challenge and overall benefits I got from the yoga. After nearly seven years of practicing Bikram yoga, I have visited many different studios. The Bikram Yoga of Bellevue studio the ideal place to give this type of yoga a try. The teachers are all Bikram certified in this incredibly supportive environment. The clean and nice studio offers competitive pricing and a flexible schedule. They even offer massage! I recommend it to any one I know - any age, any level of health. Hope to see you at the Bellevue studio!

Pros: Certified instructors, clean studio with showers, class hours and parking

Cons: No child care

Posted 03/24/07

This is a great studio with over 30 classes per week, excellent teachers, consistent quality in instruction, cleanliness, room heat, and very friendly fellow students. Bikram yoga has proven to help my energy, concentration, and general attitude with life. I recommend it to anyone.

Pros: Clean, professional, friendly, consistent, central location, great physical and mental benefits

Cons: It does take 2 hours out of the day, but it is very worth it, am more productive and enjoy the rest of the time more.

Posted 03/22/07

I have been practicing yoga for six years, and in many locales (Manhattan Beach, CA, NYC, and parts inbetween). This studio is clean and so pretty, unlike many of the other studios in which I have practiced. It is also filled with great teachers and supportive and friendly practitioners. Unlike many other studios, all of the teachers at this studio are Bikram certified and very knowledgable. The community of people who practice at this studio is also wonderful. I can't think of any other "workout" place where people are so encouraging and welcoming. Whether you are new to Bikram or new to the area this studio is a great place to come and experience great yoga!

Pros: Good location, lots of parking, showers, great teachers

Cons: None

Posted 03/14/07

I was an athlete my whole life(professional) until injuries stopped me completely. I was 30 feeling 90. Doctors said I needed surgery. As a manly man, I was reluctant to try yoga. I was talked into trying it. This yoga however, changed my life. I listened to the instructors and followed their directions completely and in two months my back was fixed. I got my life back. These people really know what they are doing. They were very friendly and supportive. They do a great workout for everyone. As my body and fitness level changed, they were able to give me tips on what to concentrate on changing to continue the improvements. I am now back to doing several sports and workouts but I still do the yoga because it prevents me from getting the injuries I had in the past. They have water, towels, and showers available. It's a great studio, I have been to many since starting. The atmosphere at the studio is very friendly and warm. Don't be afraid. Just go and do it. It was the best decision I ever made. I am so grateful for Bikrum yoga and the Bellevue studio and instructors.

Pros: instructor knowledge, class times, showers

Posted 02/19/07

I used to be very active with sports, but injuries started cropping up. I have been looking for a yoga that will keep me in shape. Bikram Yoga Bellevue (which by the way, is not located on 4th street, but has moved to 626 120th Ave NE) gives me a thorough workout in a way that actually heals my injuries. My back already feels better!

The facility is new and large, with showers available for after class. The instructors are great. I asked, and they are all certified. (In fact, this is the only Bikram affiliate studio on the eastside.) The workout is just awesome. Check out their website for the beginner specials; bikramyogabellevue.

Healing the injuries were my priority. In just one month I also got a lot more flexible (the heat is so helpful!), and I was pleasantly surprised with the weight loss I achieved. I strongly recommend Bikram yoga for everybody that likes to work out, or wants to start working out.

Posted 09/10/06