Sonic Yoga

I loved Sonic from the moment I walked in the door. Sonic's teachers are inspiring, knowledgeable, super fun and gracious. The overall vibe at Sonic is relaxed and super friendly. A great mix of the spirituality of yoga, without being super rigid, and fun. Going to class here is like playtime for grown ups! Be sure to catch a reggae yoga class too!

Pros: teachers, vibe

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/16/09

Sonic is an amazing yoga studio that fills me up on so many levels - physical, spiritual, mental. The teachers are top-notch and really provide something for everyone and all levels. The studio has a community feeling where all are welcome. The teacher training program is life changing, as well.

If you are looking for studio to call "home", look no further. Sonic is your haven.

Pros: Teachers, vibe, vinyasa yoga

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/15/09

Friendly flow is what I find at Sonic, encouraged to take an intention and to work with what feel right for my body,

Being brought back to intention though-out the class help
to focus my energy on my intetions for peace, joy and
oneness.

Pros: convenient, classes from early am to evening

Cons: None that I can think of

Posted 03/14/09

Sonic Yoga has long been an oasis of yoga peace in busy midtown. They have a fantastic teacher training program, and their teachers continue to become better and better. Yoga in midtown never had it so good. Head over to Sonic!

Pros: New leadership; fantastic teachers

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/14/09

This studio is awesome! It has a warm friendly atmosphere and you feel at home the moment you walk in. The teachers (and I've tried most of them) are all unique and offer far from the standard vanilla vinyasa. Lots of creative people frequent the studio and you immediately understand why they are drawn here. This studio has soul!

Pros: inventive classes, powerful flow, amazing vibe!

Cons: none really

Posted 03/13/09

This studio is my home away from home. With the daybed in the lobby, I would even consider sleeping here - the vibe is great, the teachers are brilliant and VERY knowledgeable, everything is really organized, and more important than all of that, this really is a fantastic community of amazing human beings. Everyone is kind; even the alpha yogas will move their mats over to share armpits with you in a crowded class (and you know it's crowded because it's going to be good in NY, so this should never be seen as negative) and there is always a karmi or a regular hanging around to offer guidance on the schedule or a good place to be if you're a beginner. It's definitely important to get to a beginner workshop if you've never practiced yoga before, but most of the teachers are pretty good about offering the basics if you feel like jumping right into a Flow 1 class. Definitely try this studio out - the warm welcome is enough to keep you addicted for the long haul.

Pros: Teachers, Vibe, Smiles, Juicy Adjustments

Cons: What are the drawbacks?

Posted 03/13/09

I'm a new joiner at Sonic because it got good reviews and is in my neighborhood. I think it's got a lovely vibe and I'm happy to go there. My only real warning/complaint is that I don't think it's very good for beginners. They do stress to do everything at your own level and sometimes instruct with alternatives, but I just don't find there's very much explanation of anything at all. Teachers often throw in something I'm not even remotely ready to do (ie a shoulder stand or or arm balances), which is fine, but the really surprising thing is the lack of instruction or prepartory steps for some of these moves. What I'd really like to see is a true beginners class a few times a week where students can perfect the basics and slowly work into the more advanced moves.

Posted 02/11/09

From the first steps into the hallway, the condition of the common areas should have set off a red light. It was dirty and grimy. Once you get into the actual yoga studio, which was tiny, it was equally disappointing. The walls were dirty, the floor was dusty and the paint on the cieling was chipping. To top it all off, the instructor came into the studio wearing his street clothes, jeans and a t-shirt. It was a total disappointment to me. There are better places than this one. Save your money and avoid this place.

Pros: location.it was the only one I could find in the Hell's Kitchen area

Cons: everything!

Posted 10/14/08

Oh my god I love this studio. I've been to more than 20 yoga studios in the city (thank you Yoga Passbook) and this is by far my favorite. The teachers are amazing, there is a wide variety of challenging or easier classes, and they incorporate just a bit of the Far East side into the class. Most importantly, they don't judge you. I've had so many teachers come over and say "we're not doing that" or "You shouldn't do that". Here, you can do a different pose without anyone calling you out. And sometimes, you're just not up to Plow Pose, right? Love love love this studio. For harder classes, check out any Flow 2, especially Johanna, Keith, or Jen on Saturdays. For easier Level 1 classes, I like Shelly, Krissy, and Erin. (I only take day classes so I don't know the evening instructors.) Sundays' Center class with Krissy is an amazing way to end the week too!!

Pros: Great teachers, comfortable atmosphere, offer classses in Costa Rica!!

Cons: I just wish it was cheaper!! But then again, nothing is here.

Posted 05/07/08

No doubt, Sonic Yoga is the best in the city. The teachers are highly qualified, very energized and helpful. You get great assists when necessary, and laughs in between. They manage to mix the soul and the heart into yoga while really strengthening your physical practice. The atmosphere is very refreshing, with no attitude and people just there to do yoga...and do it well, with a smile on their face. I've been doing yoga for a lot of years, and have taken classes all over the country, and in other countries. This place has more soul than most...and more quality. I want a yoga studio where the owner cares about people, not just raking in the bucks.... They are well known for their yoga teacher training here, too, so I think they've really gotten the teaching down pretty well! AND, there's no need to be intimidated in a place like this. They're just a great group of people who dig doing yoga together. The owner, Jonathan, is probably the best yoga teacher I've ever taken class with, and he is so real - teaches in his jeans. A former lawyer, he is a smart dude who knows what he's doing, and I believe, opened his studio many years ago to get the message to the masses, to make it more accessible to everyone. In the process, he created this amazing place of wonderful people, wonderful yoga without the 'tude....You can't please everyone, but everyone I've sent here has loved it. And while yoga is not about the space, here it's pretty cool. It's really about the yoga. It's nice, though, when you have both, as they do here..

Pros: teachers, attitude, quality of classes

Cons: would prefer a bigger schedule

Posted 04/28/08

I've been wanting to try this studio for awhile and wasn't impressed. I felt like they needed to hose the place down. There was hair everywhere. I know there's lots of chicks who do yoga but it was sort of gross.

The class was good. The teacher was really great. I kind of wanted less explanation but it was cool.

Posted 03/30/08

I prefer this studio over the others I have tried in the area. I strayed and tried another studio, but I won't do that again! I tried three different instructors here and they were all great.

Posted 03/04/08

I just started taking yoga here- and the beginner classes are excellent. Krissy, the instructor for the Sunday Workshop (I recommend if you're starting out) is very patient and manages to adjust and give feedback to everyone in the class. Sure - sometimes the classes are crowded, but that seems to be more a testament to the quality of instruction - and I still feel like I get personal attention no matter the number of attendees. I really didn't expect to enjoy taking yoga, but the nurturing environment is what I needed to not feel self-conscious while trying to learn the poses.

This isn't a fancy studio - and the change-over between classes can seem a bit hectic, but if you're starting out like I am, I recommend Sonic. I don't know anything about the advance classes - but, they seem to have a good turnout.

Pros: Great environment & instructors

Cons: hectic changeovers

Posted 02/23/08

Is it busy? Sure, but show me any studio in NYC with amazing teachers and great classes that isn't!

Okay, so first, you walk in and people, not just the person at the desk, but other students walk up and say hey. very cool, unexpected. place is simple, beautiful, kind of zen-like, but with a Hells Kitchen energy to it. I've tried a bunch of teachers and, without fail, have left with a big fat smile on my face. They know what they're doing from a yoga standpoint, but also have great senses of humor. they keep ya growing, but keep it light, too.

Prices - probably about average or even on the low-side for a major NYC studio. And, actually, they often have these killer specials - I paid $180 for 3-months of unlimited yoga and went almost everyday. don't know anywhere else where I can do that!

Would totally recommend Sonic to everyone, in fact, I constantly do.

Love, love, love!

Pros: Love the teachers and real-people community and great prices

Cons: can get busy at night, so arrive early

Posted 05/14/07

if you like a dose of flatulence during your practice this is the place for you. very "windy" studio .

Posted 01/27/07

I have been very faithful and tolerant of Sonic during the past months, during which they seem to be having some sort of identity crisis. Whereas they used to have TWO studios and tons of classes, even late in the evenings, and even a level 3 class that I was looking forward to progressing to... now it is nearly impossible for me to make it to class on days that I work due to their cut schedule. They sold their third floor studio, (allegedly because they moved their teacher training program, but it did result in a much more limited schedule) and even if I do get there, the classes are now PACKED due to the reduced schedule. I don't get nearly as much attention and I feel really cramped even doing sun salutations. I miss the old sonic, where Stacey led wonderful Center classes on Sundays, where we could fan our arms out every which way without hitting our neighbor or line our mats against the wall to practice headstands without huge chaos because of the masses of people, and we were content to neatly line our shoes up in the halls. Now they have both fancy shoe holders in the hall, a mat holder in the studio and a new squishy carpets or desk sized rock gardens every week. Soon, there will be a Starbucks in their main office. I wish they would stop painting stuff, renovating, and splurging at Ikea and get back to the things that students actually care about- SMALL classes, a variety of times and levels that are flexible for students' schedules, and lots of teacher attention... And most of all, I miss the neck or foot rubs during shabasana (This is actually what got me hooked on yoga, especially when Laurie used some sort of scented oil during my beginner workshop!) ... Sonic, do you not love me anymore? You're breaking my heart! Maybe if you stopped charging so much, you would have more self control on your next Ikea trip. I miss the old you!!!

Pros: good workout, good location, many very great instructors

Cons: classes are too big and schedule has shrunk considerably, too much attention paid to interior design and not enough to yoga!

Posted 01/15/07

Love the classes, teachers and studio. And the fees...so reasonable, it's un-NY!

Posted 01/19/06

Teachers that are not only great at what they do, but make me feel totally accepted, even when I feel like a complete dork. makes my whole body feel awesome. People are soooo friendly, actually walk up to you and say hi if they don';t know you. fun space, very chill, simple. always doing cool new things, not just your straight up vinyasa studio. oh, and flow 2 classes, amazing, best sweaty flow in new york, if not east coast! love sonic

Pros: teachers, yoga, friendliness

Cons: busy

Posted 01/16/06

I have always been interested in yoga, but didn't know where to begin, so, I took a beginners workshop at Sonic. Jody is a great instructor, she is patient and explains everything very well. I highly recommend all beginners take this before taking a regular class.

Posted 01/15/06

They offer a wide array of classes for yogis from beginner to the uber experienced. Their special workshops are fun and their prices are competitive.

Posted 03/27/05

This studio makes everyone feel comfortable, and you leave just feeling so much better than when you walked in the door. The classes are physically challenging but also soothing and relaxing. I recommend this place for beginners and more advanced yogis. Read the class descriptions to figure out what to try, as the class names are a little confusing.

Posted 03/17/05

I love Sonic Yoga. I feel it is the best studio in the city with the least amount of attitude. It's the kind of place where a guy can feel comfortable in a yoga studio. They are relaxed, down to earth, friendly, and fun. Their classes are intense, but also relaxing. It's the best place to start or finish off your day. Their teachers are really friendly and welcoming and helpful with the asanas and my overall Sonic experience was fantastic. I would absolutely reccomend Sonic to any New Yorker whether you've tried yoga before or not. Guys, the other plus, is that there are lots of gorgeous women around Sonic.

Pros: Friendly, Great Music, Great Teachers

Posted 03/14/05

OK, there is alot of bang for the buck here. Space is pleasant and clean. Every teacher is definetly hand picked and every one I have practiced with has been great. Really you can find what you want depending on your personal likes.

I have practiced here for well over two years and I still keep going back. I have been to most of the top studios in NYC and still feel this is genuine. Great staff and vibe. Strong sense of community here, which is not always so in NYC.

Try it out!

Pros: Value, Great staff, Smaller classes

Cons: None really

Posted 03/13/05

The in-house yoga instructors challenge me physically and spiritually! The visiting instructors that they invite in for workshops are also outstanding. Sonic makes NYC a better place to be!

Pros: instructors, facility

Posted 03/12/05

Love Sonic. They really get it right. Great combination of yoga and people and experience.

Pros: People, Space, Flow

Posted 09/29/04

Their website says the space makes you say "aahh". More like the lack of space makes you say "ouch" as you bump you neighbor during the class. The instructors were pretty good, but the overcrowding did not allow for individual attention and made it difficult to see demonstration of unfamiliar poses by the teacher.

I realize it's a business, but cramming people in like it's rush hour is very un-zen.

Cons: , crowded, no personal space

Posted 07/15/04

Tried pretty much every studion in the city, before I landed at Sonic. The energy was so nice (random people just came up and introduced themselves to me). The practice and all the teachers are really wonderful. The perfect combination of challenging, dynamic flow, very attentive to breathing and a really organic level of spirituality.

They even provide very cushy undermats for free (never seen that before) and new renovations, air conditioning and ceiling fans keep the temp right in the perfect range now.

Best in the city by far! (PS - super cheap monthly rate doesn't hurt either)

Pros: Great teachers, super friendly, beautiful room

Posted 05/20/04

The studios were WAY too hot. This class felt like it was only meant to be a workout and not much else. It was not a well-rounded yoga class. There were a lot of push-ups; if i wanted that, i would have gone to a gym. Really disappointed.

Pros: Good prices

Cons: , mediocre class

Posted 05/13/04

I like that they've added beginner's classes (I'm no yoga expert), but the hours are so inconvenient. It's tough for us 9-5ers to make those 6 pm beginner's sessions. A weekend beginner's class would be lovely.

Pros: Reasonably priced., Good location., Friendly instructors.

Posted 04/01/04

Great studio. I've been practicing for a long time and Sonic does an amazing job of creating a very friendly, accepting energy and, at the same time also really giving you the chance to explore your practice and challenge yourself. Some of the best teachers I've had (and thats what really matters in the end)! I've also never sweat so much in my life as when I go to one of Jonathan's level 2 classes. Its the perfect combo of physical and spiritual. Classes definitely get busy at night, but everyone is so cool about it, it just adds to the energy. Only suggestion more classes. Coming from LA and trying every other place in the city, Sonic is definitely my new yoga home.

Pros: Teachers, Enviornment

Cons: Need more classes

Posted 12/18/03