Laughing Lotus Yoga

I've been going to LL regularly for about a year. I started learning yoga here with Basics classes which were actually quite good (esp Heather). However after about 6 months of consistent attendance I started with the next level 2 classes, and have to say was shocked to see hardly any instruction or demonstrations from the instructors at this level for advanced poses. I attended about 15 of these classes until I really hurt my back. As a result I agree with others that you see a lot students just mangling their bodies at this place and no doubt suffering some injuries (myself included). I recently started going to an Iyengar school to start really learning the correct poses and that has been great. However I do miss the LL vibe so still like going their occasionally for a fun or just relaxing class. I just wish LL would provide better instruction beyond Basics class.

Pros: Positive and welcoming vibe, nice instructors

Cons: Very limited focus on alignment and correct poses

Posted 09/16/09

i was a regular at LL (2xs a week at least) for quite some time but schedule changes kept me away for a while. since i started going back i have to say the things i overlooked before stand out over anything else about the place now. the OTT yoga decor and pseudo hippy, spacey, somewhat smug disposition of the staff is far from zen. additionally the UNBELIEVABLY over-crowded classes (you can't even move freely in your own mat space!) and TINY changing room pretty much negate any sense of "yoga" you achieved during a class. basically it's a yoga factory decorated to make you think otherwise.

while the teachers are all truly lovely, it scares me how little alignment instruction they give - it really borders on negligence (i have been practicing for about 10 years so i consider myself somewhat knowledgeable regarding these things).

the classes are upbeat and definitely different if you are experienced and looking for something fun for a change but, i'm sorry to say, other than that it doesn't do much....

Pros: different

Cons: way too overcrowded, very "un-yoga" like

Posted 03/24/09

This place borders on dangerous. I watched students gleefully mangle their bodies during an evening class without any instruction regarding alignment. I am a certified yoga instructor who has been seeing a chiropractor for years; it was all I could do to keep up the pretense of taking the class through shivasana. On top of that, the teacher seemed to regard herself as a guru. Her students seemed to believe her and the result was positively creepy. When I left the class I noticed that the staff and all of the incoming students seemed to share the notion that yoga = being unusually flighty. NO. Yoga can bring revelation but not without a truly grounded practice. This place fails on all counts.

Posted 01/11/09

I wish I could give this place zero stars. Full disclosure: I am a certified yoga instructor. Since a friend recommended me, I thought I would take a few classes. Big mistake. The worst experience was on Christmas Day, when they had one class. It was so crowded that you could barely move even on your own mat. The instructor droned on and on, for about 15 minutes, not about something interesting or relevant, but rather her own ego massaging diatribe. The music (a lot of Christmas music!) was so loud, even after asking her to turn it down, even still instructions were unclear.

A complete waste of time, I will never go back there. Don't waste your time/money, there are plenty of other very nice studios.

Posted 01/02/09

As of late, scheduling changes (mine and the lotus's) have kept me away. But this will always be my first yoga home. Dana and Jasmine will always be my first teachers. If you want to go deep, take a class with them. Midnight and rooftop are also rad. It's gotten crowded at the lotus, yes, but yoga means union. It's a good way to practice.

Posted 07/25/07

Laughing Lotus offers the best yoga in Manhattan. Instructors like Paul, Betsy, Jasmine and Edward are knowledgable and excited about teaching yoga. They are serious about what they do, but have a sense of humor that creates a relaxed atmosphere in the studio. I especially enjoy the midnight yoga classes, featuring live music. The web scheduling option makes it easy to register for classes in advance, as well as to note any instructor changes. The front desk staff is helpful, and the center encourages, and listens to, feedback from students. Laughing Lotus is a long walk from my apartment, but it's worth the time and energy to get there!

Pros: Best instructors, beautiful studio

Cons: crowded (because they're so good)

Posted 02/10/07

Laughing lotus offers an opportunity to be challenged and have your heart opened in the true spirit of Yoga. dana and jasmin have deep wisdom and experience! Yoga literally means to "yoke yourself with the Divine". LL reminds us what Yoga means, to join to the moment..... Some of the other teachers are still discovering this truth but are worth giving them your support
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Cons: Wish that Dana taught more evening classes

Posted 08/09/06

Was in town and want to class as they were included in YJ NYC studio section. After being greeted at the other studios like an out of town guest, I felt I was intruding into their space and got absoluting nothing from the teacher who was actually one of the owners, Dana. The receptionist was friendly though!

Posted 06/08/06

My first time at this place was unbelievable. Great instructor, great vibe. And the class was challenging, though relaxing and fun. The studio is a bit too hot, so I was sweating more than I like to, but it was bearable. Full but not packed, although borderline. And intro price of $10 is awesome. Give it a try. But take your own mat. The rentals are pretty worn out.

Pros: Fun, Good value, Great instructor

Cons: A bit hot, A bit crowded, Rental mats old

Posted 02/20/06

I didn't enjoy the first Laughing Lotus class I went to, so I tried a second one -- and didn't like it either, for many of the same reasons. The staff is very nice, but there is WAY too much chanting for my taste, and the teachers are a bit theatrical. One class was very quiet, but another was packed to the gills -- I wish they had limited it. Also, I far prefer teachers who do the poses, and don't just walk around talking about what you should be doing. Finally, I am an intermediate in my practice, but didn't feel like an "open" class was greaed to different levels. A beginner in the session really had a hard time.

Pros: friendly, affordable

Cons: lots of chanting, too difficult 4 some

Posted 07/19/05

I joined laughing lotus about 2 months ago, and I just love the place. The teachers are wonderful, and are very eager to help you improve your yoga practice. I highly recommend this studio, also for its affordable prices.

Posted 03/09/05

i do enjoy several classes there but the women are sort of scary

it seems like when i leave a class that is usually too overcrowded i enter a room of chemically treated straight hair. it is almost like a seven jeans store could open right at that moment. some of the teachers rock, some dont.

like what they had started there but not the turning into a little juvamunkti.

though some of the people seem really nice they get diluted by the intense haired women

Pros: teachers, space

Cons: customers, overcrowded

Posted 02/24/05

I have been to at least 20 studios in Manhattan of all shapes, sizes and styles of yoga. Laughing Lotus is the best. From the minute you walk in, you can't help but smile. The classes are challenging without going overboard -- instructors are nice and knowledgeable. The best part is that the seem to know who they are and how they fit into the NYC yoga community. What more can I say?

Oh wait -- there is one more thing ... for such a large amount of real estate in NYC, the fees are surprisingly affordable.

Posted 10/19/04

I LOVE Laughing Lotus. They offer the best vinyasa class I have been able to find in Manhanttan. It is challenging and energetic. The instructors are inspiring and I always leave feeling better than I came in. It's a great workout for the mind and the body.

Posted 08/11/04

I've been to a number of yoga studios and nothing compares to the LL! Instructors are terrific (Jasmine, Dana, Maura) and make you feel like family. This is not a place to feel intimidated but instead feel inspired not only by your instructor but by yourself! This place is a secret I almost dare not to share with others but the people are so great that I only want them to be more successful!

Pros: Friendly Instructors, Great atmosphere, Small classes

Cons: Inconvenient sched., *No before work class

Posted 06/26/03

Laughin Lotus is ideal for a beginner or the super yoga master. I'm in no way a master and I'm flabby like the rest of America. This place is great, no yoga egos, free cookies & tea and right next to the train. In the heart of the Gay Community of the West Village, but its not a "gay yoga center" at all. For all you guys (like me) who are intimidated by yoga women (who hate men), this is the ideal place.

Pros: Near 1/2/A/F/PATH, Friendly, $15

Cons: One Bathroom

Posted 02/17/03

I went for the first time last week. Everyone was so friendly and I like the lesson.I went out feeling so energenic and happy. Im going to try to go back this week.

Pros: Friendly

Posted 02/02/03

On a rainy Saturday morning I finally heeded my new hairdresser's advice and wandered into Laughing Lotus. Looking for a little bit of Zen to quell the NYC voices in my head, I took my shoes off and entered into an environment that changed my state of mind for the rest of my weekend. After an hour and a half of not only the physical practice of yoga and some inspirational chanting, but also a bit of philosophy for the everyday, I walked out pleasantly buzzed and mildly chirpier than I had entered. I went home, painted my apartment, visited with friends and slept like a baby. I'm addicted.

Pros: Super-friendly, Enthusiastic, Knowledgeable

Cons: Crowded

Posted 08/26/02