Bikram Yoga Cleveland

Due to weekly travel for work, I get to check out Bikram studios all over the country. This one in Cleveland had some definite pros, and a few cons. Overall, a solid place, that I would visit again!
Pros: Nice drop-​in rate of $ 15. Quite competitive.
–Free mat rental for the first visit! Score!
–Beautiful locker rooms & shower area, very spacious. Well done!
–Nice entryway, with lots of cubbies to place your belongings without fear of theft.
–Water & other beverages available for sale.
–Nice instructor who learned & remembered my name.
–Stuck to the script. Not condescending, and moved along through the 26 postures perfectly.
Cons: The actual Bikram room left a lot to be desired.
–Carpet, which I’ve seen repeatedly before in other studios, was dirty. Needed to be vacuumed at the very least. Filthy. And with my weekly travel consisting of airplanes & hotels, my bar is set pretty low for what I consider «clean.»
–Color of the walls, combined with the carpet was unsettling. Lacking any sort of appeal, lighting was harsh, not relaxing.
–There was a window/​door that was an emergency exit, which was distracting. One could view the highly lit hallway from the studio. This was in addition to the main entry/​exit door.
Overall, a good place. Not the best, but certainly not the worst by any stretch. A little work on the actual Bikram room would do this facility wonders! There is a lot going for it already!

I did hot yoga and bikram yoga in Michigan where I grew up and went to school, but I haven’t taken many yoga classes in the past five years — since I’ve lived in Cleveland. I am a professional contemporary dancer, so some of the flexibility and strength involved comes naturally to me, and I wanted to try this Bikram Yoga studio in Cleveland. I was looking for a workout, but also the soul-​mind-​body connection that one gets with a true yoga practice. I showed up for a drop-​in class, and told the teacher if I liked the class I was considering buying a 30 day package. I was really looking to create some uplifting energy, but I left feeling so angry, I got no benefit from the physical workout in the class.
First of all, the studio smells like feet. There is no other way to put it. There is a weird carpet-​like floor covering, which I’m sure is to prevent slipping, but it stinks in there.
But mostly what was upsetting to me was the teacher. She was rude, calling me out by name several times «Did you forget this?» and various other things. I brushed that off, trying to convince myself she was only trying to help me reacquaint myself with the yoga practice. However, one pose about three quarters of the way in was impossible for me to do the correct way, because it really twisted and hurt my knees and my hips began cramping. I know my body. I use it daily as my career as a professional dancer and dance teacher demand, and I know it’s limitations. I have had issues with hip and groin injuries for years, and they are tighter and less giving than anything else on my body. I decided to modify the pose in order to stretch out my knee and hip. The teacher interrupted the class and said «What’s wrong» using my first name. I looked at her, disbelieving she was asking me something like that in the middle of a yoga class, in front of everyone. She asked again «Is something wrong with your hips?» and I said «yes» and she went into a minute long rant about how I am not allowed to modify anything, and we have to stick to the 26 poses in the practice, and instead of «doing my own thing» I need to try to do the pose. She went on and on. It was embarrassing and infuriating. I came to the class to feel good, be accepted, and for a physical and mental workout. I didn’t come to be berated. She was acting more like a drill sergeant than a yoga teacher, and alienating me — A NEW STUDENT — in the meanwhile. If she thought that I was doing something wrong, she could have approached me after class, whispered it to me, or done one of a million different things, but instead she chose to say it loudly from her pedestal in front of the class. I have never been humiliated by someone who I am supposed to trust in a yoga setting, and I am horrified that she calls herself a yoga teacher. It makes me wonder what the other people in the class — presumably not professional athletes — do when their bodies resist a pose. Do they just DO IT because they are afraid to get called out? This is not an atmosphere conducive to personal healing. I absolutely will never go back, and I don’t recommend you do, either.

If you are looking for a yoga challenge, this is the place for you. The class is fast paced with just a couple breaks, towards the end there are more common rests to shavasana. The temperature in the studio was at least 105 degrees — many times I felt overwhelmed by the heat (especially around inversions) but I was able to adjust my postures to accommodate. I’d go back for sure but definitely keep in mind this probably isn’t the best place for beginners or those not looking to be challenged. This hot yoga at its hottest.

I tried Bikram yoga once — and only once. Without a doubt, it is challenging and a great workout, but the heat is so oppressive I don’t know why more people don’t pass out and die. The instructor was knowledgeable and explained the different poses well. Although I practice hot yoga (usually at Cleveland Yoga) regularly, I simply could not withstand this level of heat. Not for me!

My experience here was outstanding! Clean facility and friendly staff. I had done yoga before, but was new to bikram. During my first class, the teacher paid extra attention to me to ensure I did the postures correctly. I would strongly recommend checking out Bikram Yoga Cleveland!

Nice clean studio with flotex flooring and a modern temperature control system! I wouldn’t consider myself as being anywhere near the level of a Bikram instructor, but I’ve been doing this style of yoga long enough to notice mistakes others make, and I wish some of the instructors would be more conscious about pointing them out in class. I understand that this studio is relatively new and the instructors can’t be as aggressive as the instructors in Los Angeles, but I’ve always learned the most when my mistakes have been pointed out and when I’ve seen teachers correct positions, so I’m sure others would benefit from hearing more corrections.

I grew up in Houston, so when I get nostalgic for 100 degrees and 100% humidity, I look for a hot yoga studio. There was a fantastic one I frequented in Santa Monica, but classes were $ 22 a session, which would have horrified my mother, so let’s not tell her how I fritter my money away.
This studio is priced more reasonably at $ 15 a class, with rates going down to $ 10ish if you buy a package. I guess it’s better than a drug addiction, right? The last time I came here, a very militant Eastern European woman barked orders at us for an hour and a half, which is pretty much the only way to practice yoga, in my opinion.
The only thing I do not like about this studio is the carpeting, which smells vaguely like the sweat and tears of its users.

Was in town on business so did my usual studio check in… Have to have my bikram fix.
First impressions were a very nice studio with waiting area, ample coat and shoe area. Great bathroom space with 3 toilets and 3 showers — how luxurious to have so much space! Everything in bathrooms and waiting area and all was very clean and neat.
Staff was very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the instructor. She was great with help and advice on each pose, but not overly personalized, calling people out often. Its nice to have correction when you’re doing something wrong, but not to be scared that you’re always going to be corrected when you’re just not pushing as hard. It was a great balance.
As for the actual studio — ah — I forget the smell of bikram. I personally don’t have a problem with a little bikram smell, but I know a lot of times people slam bikram studios for the smell. SO — don’t come in and expect not to have a smell in the studio — but know that its not THAT bad — I’ve smelled WAY worse. I’ve either been going to studios that are brand new or studios that have hardwood floors (which, FYI, is technically not «technically» bikram rules) so you kind of forget the sweaty, steamed carpet smell. Honestly, for me though, its a smell that I’ve become fond of.
I did find it a little different that the lines on the carpet were actually laid in black tape rather than actually «painted» on the carpet. Not a problem though. My only complaint was that, at the noon class, the carpet was pretty visibly dirty. When we got to floor poses, I would touch the carpet and I’d always come up with hair (not mine). I could see specks of stuff all over. I didn’t feel grossed out or anything because it wasn’t ground in dirty or anything — just figured it could have used a vacuum or something.
I only put the «complaints» in as I know there are some people who come to Bikram and are horrified by the smell and all — its normal and this studio is completely a normal studio — I’ve been in bad smelling, and this was not.
That being said — give it a chance. If you’ve not done bikram — you definitely need to try it. Staff is patient and they’ll help you get through. If you’re a bikram junky — a good studio to practice at!

Look no further than Bikram Yoga Cleveland for big big «Ohm»!
Almost a year into my Bikram practice, I’m hoping to make it a lifelong habit and I thus look for studios wherever I am living or traveling. Enter Bikram Yoga Cleveland now that I am here.
I attended my first class over the weekend and was very satisfied with my experience. The studio is conveniently located at Fairmount and Warrensville, not too far from John Carroll. The space itself is one of the nicer studios I have attended, with convenient cubbies in the lobby for belongings, coat racks, and clean, spacious bathrooms with several showers and individual lockers.
The yoga studio is large and has plenty of mirrors for checking posture during the asanas. I picked a spot near the back of the class (I’m still timid — plus I feel like the room is hotter if I’m right in front of the mirror) and spent some time in corpse pose before the class started. However they heat the studio, it is very comfortable and not the dry, direct heat that some studios employ that just makes me miserable the whole 90 minutes.
My instructor was super friendly. There were several people who were new to the Bikram practice that day, and she took the time to help them with adjustments, and didn’t have a problem with them taking a break in savasana or sipping water as they needed to between the poses. I’ve had many Bikram teachers who take the practice too seriously, but she was not one of them.
The only thing I didn’t like about this studio was the floor. I had trouble maintaining my separate leg postures (stretching, triangle) because it’s so slippery. I know I am not the only one who had this problem because a few people fell while getting into the posture in the class I took. So, caution if you go!
By the end I had gotten my weekly dose of bliss, and was ready to re-​hydrate and head back for another class within the week. No matter what you’re looking for — stretching, strengthening, or inner peace — find it at Bikram Yoga Cleveland!

I’m so glad I discovered this place! But caveat: Bikram Yoga is not for everyone. I got into «the habit» (and yes, it’s kind of addicting) at the Bikram Yoga Harlem in NYC and I crave the heat and love to sweat. If breaking into a sweat, makes you all hot and bothered (pun intended) this place is not for you. This is a place for people who can handle the heat (no pun at all, just the simple truth).
Your first time at Bikram Yoga, three things are bound to happen: 1) You will feel like you are going to throw up. it’s okay. I’ve only ever seen one person actually throw up. 2) You will feel like you are having a heart attack. I still haven’t seen anyone do this although I feel like maybe I’ve gotten pretty close a few times (usually when I’ve been out drinking and carrying on the night before. When this feeling hits, the best thing is just to sit your butt down (head held above your heart) and think happy thoughts of «this too shall pass.» Works for me. 3) You might have an existential crisis. Different people will deal with this in different ways. I just tell myself to get over myself. Seems to work.
About this location: I’ve been a few times and it was the same teacher. She is great, cute East European accent and I like her matter of fact manner of leading the class. No bs, no snobbery, no judgment, just getting you to a melting point. I also like that, unlike the classes I took in NYC, this place isn’t crowded (perhaps I shouldn’t be writing such things on Unilocal!).
My one complaint: Can we please please please have soap in the showers? First time I went, I thought they were temporarily out of soap, but second time, the soap dispensers had been removed! After sweating heavily for 90 minutes, I would please like to wash «all my areas» with some soap. It doesn’t have to be fancy soap, I’ll take Softsoap.

I went here to try Bikram and was disappointed. Not in the studio as I am sure it is fantastic if you are a Bikram person. After practicing vinyasa for 12 years, I found Bikram to put me in a contained box with so many ques that bored me to death. It was like there was a contest to be perfect in each pose rather than find your new edge in poses and I hated the particular sequence. I could not get present because I was in the future knowing what the next pose would be. I did like the heat. I didn’t like that breath was not pumped through the sequence. it all seemed so flats, lifeless and expected. sticking with Vinyasa which can be my own messy flow in the present moment where laughter is a possibility. Bikram is not for me just as vinyasa is problably not for Bikram people.

I was so excited to see that there is finally a Bikram’s yoga in Cleveland ! I did Bikram’s yoga for about 8 years in another city and it was a loss when I moved here (see my previous «yoga tour» reviews). In fact, I was so inspired, that I’m writing my first Unilocal review after months.
The instruction here is quite good, especially Danielle, who is kind, cheerful and inspiring even amidst 100 degree heat. She makes you believe that yes, you really can and yes, you even want to do that insane yoga posture :). I like that it’s more low key than other Bikrams I have done in the past, where I pushed myself into injury. No worries of that here ! One further thing I like is that the business seems to be owned and operated by young women ! Yeah !
My one and only complaint, and I deducted a star for this, is the carpet in the studio, which is left soggy, sopping wet under the sweat of other students. Come to the first class of the day if you can or bring an exceptionally large towel so you do not ever, ever have to leave your mat. And please, please, BYC, please reconsider this carpet decision.

I am new to Bikram yoga (or any yoga for that matter), and have been doing it in Pittsburgh for several months now where there are several well established Bikram studios. Lately I have been having to travel to Cleveland quite a bit due to an illness in the family. I was very happy to find this studio, apparently the first of its kind in Cleveland. The facilities are clean and modern. The locker rooms (at least the men’s) are spacious with three showers. Both instructors I have had so far were very good with their instructions to beginners and more experienced students. The room is as hot as hot can be. Contrary to my Pittsburgh experiences, the instructors allow a few merciful water breaks. Overall I am highly satisfied with every aspect of my experiences at this studio.

I’m a 25 year old athletic female that used to live in NYC. I practiced both vinyasa and bikram religiously while living in the city. However, when I moved to Cleveland for graduate school my options were limited. Personally, I’m not a fan of Cleveland yoga in Beachwood due to the lack of yoga knowledge. Whenever I would attend a class at Cleveland yoga, I felt like it was a lululemon housewife contest with roaring chatter before each class. And when the classes began I felt like I was being yelled at for an hour. NOT my idea of yoga or a spiritual experience.
So I found myself at Bikram Yoga Cleveland and INSTANTLY I was in love. The instructors are fantastic — extremely knowledgeable and warm. They truly appreciate the spirituality aspect of yoga. The facility was impeccable, especially the yoga room and locker room. I’m relieved to see more options here in Cleveland. I will DEFINITELY return!

This is one of the best Bikram Yoga studios I have ever been to. The whole place is clean. The carpet is flat but allows the feet to grip well without slipping. The air is warm/​hot, well distributed (not blowing in one place only) and the instructors are first rate. I went twice (9÷17÷2011 & 9÷18÷2011). I had two different instructors, both were flawless in the dialog, warm and positive. The number of people present was just right, not crowded but lots of energy.
The location is convenient with plenty of free parking.
I have been doing Bikram Yoga for 10 months and have been amazed at the positive changes I have seen in myself. Being a person without much flexibility or balance, I have had a challenge, but the idea is to make progress, and I have. In doing so, my outlook has changed. I feel more positive and resilient. If you can do this yoga for 90 minutes in a hot room, you get the real feeling that you can handle anything. I have lost 23 pounds, my blood pressure has gone from ¹⁵⁰⁄₉₀ to ¹¹⁰⁄₈₀ my resting heart rate from 100 to 75.
I love Bikram Yoga in general and this studio in particular. Whoever did all the work to bring this yoga to Cleveland deserves a big thanks!