Be Nice Yoga

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Be Nice and Monica in particular. She’s an amazing teacher!

I just moved to the area and went into Be Nice Yoga, excited to redeem the new member offer of 10 days for $ 10. I stupidly forgot my Michigan photo ID but didn’t realize until I was halfway there so figured I would try to go anyways. The woman at the front desk was very nice when she greeted me and offered me the new member special with a valid Michigan driver’s license. I apologized and explained that I forgot mine at home and asked if there was any way they could offer it and I could show my ID on my next visit? No, that would not be an option. I could purchase any other special though (around $ 50). No thank you. She then offered that I could just drop in for $ 16. I again explained that as a new student I wanted to redeem the offer. She proceeded to give me a few more options: I could bring an electric bill, a student ID, etc. Again, not so helpful. I forgot my ID at home so I certainly did not have a utility bill on me. I asked if I could show a photo of my ID since my boyfriend was at my apt and could easily snap a picture. Nope, that wouldn’t work either. She said I could drop in and do the new member offer another time. I then corrected her since if I did a drop in today then I would no longer be eligible for the new member offer since I would no longer be a new member. She didn’t really clarify to say she was making an exception or if in fact I was correct, she was already halfway out the door tending to other things, clearly preoccupied. Needless to say, I left. I realize that I didn’t have all of the documentation necessary but I was trying to find a solution and she was unwilling to budge at all or help out a new customer. I’ll be frequenting one of the other yoga studio’s in midtown, definitely not this one after their inflexibility.

I’ve been practicing yoga on and off for the last ten years. I was spoiled by having a great instructor when I started my practice (in East Lansing) and had trouble finding a similar experience.
That is until I found Be Nice. Monica is an amazing instructor and finds the most patient and considerate instructors to create a diverse offering of practices. I have been exposed to so many different types of yoga and meditation that I have been able to find a practice that is truly suited for me.
Ashtanga has been a wonderful experience allowing me to watch my progress as it is the same sequence of postures every time. Yin is an amazing challenge in patience and really helps me feel safe stretching. And Abhyasa on sunday mornings is unlike any practice I’ve ever had before: challenging physically and mentally while being a great introduction to meditation.
Check it out! Best practice in town!

Tried this place out for the first time for the $ 5 vinyasa and meditation class. I got the new student deal which is $ 10 for 10 days unlimited and I am really pumped. The class was a nice flow for newer or more experienced yogis and I loved the meditation and big ommm at then end. The teacher is very knowledgeable and I left having learned a few new things.

I was first introduced to Monica and Be Nice Yoga through the open sessions that she sponsors at my school. I had only briefly studied a basic form a yoga before starting with Monica and and since then have become far more confident in my practice.
As a beginner, some of the poses seemed impossible at first though Monica is excellent at adjusting the pace and providing alternatives that allow you to build your confidence, and strength, so that you can achieve the more elaborate poses.
After having such a great experience at school, a classmate and I decided to visit the studio. The people there were very welcoming and felt encouraged, not intimidated, by the skill and focus of those around me.
I’ll admit, i’ve only practiced with Monica, though if they work at Be Nice i have no doubt that the other instructors are great too.

Be Nice Yoga offers knowledgeable, friendly yogis to guide each class in a comfortable, clean, modern environment. The wood floors and serene design of the practice room lend a calming effect in which you can truly relax and focus on your yoga practice. Thank you, Monica, for maintaining such a high level of class offerings, customer service, and practice space!

One of the classes I like best is the Vin/​Yin class on Mondays. It’s 30 minutes of heart-​pumping Vinyasa followed by 30 minutes of Yin style yoga for the joints and ligaments. I enjoy both styles of yoga and find them both necessary to my well-​rounded practice, but often times I’m unable to make multiple classes in a week. This class is the perfect option to satisfy both needs.

I moved to Detroit from New Hampshire a year ago. When I first moved, I tried several yoga studios around the Detroit area. However, I didn’t feel at home until I discovered Be Nice. I tried several classes and loved every one!
Be Nice has a class for everyone, whether you want to practice in a warm room, take a slow flow or vinyasa class, or make time to meditate. Also, you can’t go wrong with any teacher as they are all friendly, helpful, and experienced. Aside from the excellent atmosphere, classes, and teachers, the class packages are inexpensive.
Be Nice is warm and welcoming and I highly recommend trying this studio!

Be Nice Yoga is such a treasure for Detroit and Midtown/​Cass Corridor. The studio is like a magnet for awesome people. The room itself is beautiful and has so much natural light. All the instructors are amazing– I have taken classes with Karissa, Jen, Barbara, Monica, and Caitlin. All of them were just phenomenal in terms of their approach, the lessons, the sequences… I could go on and on.
I’ve been to a few studios in Detroit and a handful in LA, New York, and San Francisco, and Be Nice Yoga is just on another level from any of them, even the ones owned by famous yoga teachers that have lines out the door to get into the classes. I recommend it to everyone I know. It’s the kind of place that can really change your life for the better because of what you learn and who you meet there.
They also have donation-​based classes so that EVERYONE has access to the studio. I love this and have so much respect for Monica’s business model because of details like this one.

Absolutely loved this place.
The classes here are spread around during the best times of the day/​weekend. I love the style of classes, too. Most of all, I appreciate that they have classes by donation, allowing new students to come out and try it for what they can afford, rather than hefty prices.
Mostly, I fell in love with the instructors. Barbara on Saturday morning KILLED it. Very hands-​on and made me feel comfortable in the environment. And Monica was amazing as well.
They 1 week free to new students, which is so great. Moreover, when that week is over, you can get 60 days for $ 70. I called, knowing that I wanted to take advantage of the deal and Monica called me back on her personal cell number the next day to take my credit card over the phone because I couldn’t get there in time before my deal expired. Talk about service.
I’m looking forward to calling this my new Yoga home.

I am so thankful that Be Nice Yoga has moved into Midtown. I followed Monica, Rebecca and Barbara to this studio following the close of Serendipity in Ferndale, as they are such excellent teachers. This studio is the real deal. There is a focus on mental, physical and emotional improvement through a variety of classes. I feel so welcome and comfortable here and I’m grateful for their very fair prices. I love Be Nice!

Wonderful classes led by very dedicated and experienced teachers, and a beautiful, calm studio. Try their 7-​day intro and you’ll be hooked! I only gave them four stars because they don’t have class every day, but I’m sure they will soon.

This is a review of the new location, at Woodward and Alexandrine. FULL DISCLOSURE: I run the acupuncture clinic downstairs. So for me, the location could not be better! I now have NO EXCUSES not to do yoga! There’s plenty of parking in the Majestic’s lot in back (for the early and late classes you can just park in front, because the clinic and record shop are closed), and we’re working on getting a bike rack for the building; in the meantime folks lock their bikes to the fence near the door.
The good news is, even if I weren’t right there already, I’d recommend this studio highly. I’ve been doing yoga off and on since I was 12; various styles, but mostly Iyengar-​type classes. This studio seems to offer mostly Vinyasa-​type classes, which I was a unsure about; but I really like it!
They’re offering some great deals for new students, including your first week FREE (whenever you start). I went to 5 classes in my first week, taught by two different teachers. This is my second week, and I’m doing the 60 days for $ 69 intro special (which I think you have to sign up for within a limited time; the website explains it though, so check out the payment options section). I’ve only been able to go to 2 classes this week, and had little time to practice at home. But I am already noticing that I feel much better already: more relaxed, stronger, more energetic, and more joyful! My muscles are a little sore — especially that first week! — but my joints are feeling much better, and I think my digestion has improved too.
I’ve taken classes now from Caitlin, Barbara, and Monica, and they were all great. The gentlest was the «Slow Flow» class taught by Monica today (I’d say it’s good for beginners, or if you’re worried about current injuries or something). Barbara is also very soothing and affirming, and her 45 minute «Workbreak» class on Tuesdays and Thursdays is great! The «Vinyasa» class I took with Caitlin was probably the most challenging for me physically — but to be fair it was the first yoga class I had gone to in awhile, so I was the stiffest then! All three teachers are very encouraging and caring — they want you to have fun and stretch (literally and metaphorically), but they don’t want you to hurt yourself. If you have an injury, make sure to let them know ahead of class (get there 10 to 15 minutes early, so you’re not rushing or interrupting). They’ll offer alternate poses or modifications.
I will say that if I had never taken a yoga class before, I might be a little thrown off by the Sanskrit names and things. But don’t let that — or the «om“ing before and/​or after class — keep you from trying it. Just follow along as best you can, and go at your own pace. The vibe is not intimidating — the teachers are down to earth, and the students are diverse (in terms of race, age, gender, size, experience and ability). Their website is really informative, so check that out; and like their facebook page or sign up for their newsletter for updates (I know they’re planning on adding classes, and they have a «donation”/sliding scale class once a week).
Thank you Be Nice! So happy you’re in the neighborhood!

The most spectacular view from the 27^th floor. I loved the moonlight yoga class and looking at the gorgeous views of downtown Detroit and Canada from the spacious studio. I just wish it was heated, it was kind of chilly. The free parking is nice too as are the affordable prices.

I highly recommend the Yoga for Everybody class.
Monica is a hands-​on, attentive instructor who provides a welcoming and pressure free environment for this mixed level class that attracts all ages and experience levels. Variations are provided on most poses, which provides challenge for every level.
If you are curious about yoga or you just can’t be bothered by the latest fashions in yoga outfit ensembles, you should check this place out.
Easy, secured parking and, it bears repeating, amazing view.

I have been going to this yoga studio for several months. The teachers are great (Monica is my main instructor, she rocks!)
The view is awesome. Classes run Monday thru Thursday, I feel that the Tuesday and Thursday evening classes are more challenging, higher intensity, but still beginner friendly. I feel a hundred times stronger since I started going to yoga, I’m so happy I found this place!!!
Update…still love this studio!!!

Awesome. I love the spending a few moments after class looking down from the 27TH floor across the Detroit river to Windsor!

I went to my first yoga class yesterday. Some friends had been encouraging me to do it for a while, but it wasn’t until I found this place, that I finally decided to try it.
This is a block and a half away from my office, and they offer a «workbreak» class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:45 to 12:30. So, even though my hectic schedule has gotten in the way of my soccer and running lately, I can still go here and get a workout in on my lunch hour.
They have the entire 27^th floor of the Buhl Building, which has to be one of the coolest settings, ever. The design and furnishings (especially in the bathroom) take you back in time 100 years. And, the views are incredible. Doing yoga while looking through a wall of windows at the Detroit River and Canada (it is too high up and close to the river to be able to see any of Detroit) is a great experience. I spent most of the time staring at Caesars Windsor, watching freighters go by, or looking a kilometer straight down Ouellette Avenue.
The teacher I had was Caitlin Brown. She was super nice, understanding, and very helpful for people of all abilities. The class started slow, increased in pace, and then relaxed again at the end. Throughout the session, she offered variations with different difficulties so that each person could find their own limit, and not do too much or too little.
It was a great workout, and exercised a lot of muscles that I don’t normally use. I felt ten times better throughout the rest of the day. I didn’t know it was possible to feel both energized and relaxed at the same time, but that’s how I felt for the rest of the afternoon.
I will def be going back on Tuesday and Thursday next week. Caitlin was actually a sub, so I hope that the regular teacher will be as good as she was.