Atmananda Yoga Sequence

I’ve taken over 20 classes at Atmananda and really enjoy the space and the teachers. I’ve done Intermediate Vinyasa with John and he’s really excellent. The space itself is very calm, smells nice too. Class size has always been really great too with 12 or less in a class.
I just wish they’d update their website with their class schedule.

During my month long trial here, I hit a personal all-​time attendance low. This place is no fun.
The first sign: on my first elevator ride up, a man had lost his mind and was cursing and yelling at everyone. He turned out to be a client of the studio.
Onto the studio: it has its own unique yoga mat and sequence of asanas, which I learned the hard way. There wasn’t any sort of introduction or «here’s how we do things» even after I said I was new for the first couple of weeks.
So anyway, the studio designed its own special yoga mats that are supposed to help students with alignment. The teachers hammer it into the ground to the point that it feels militant. They are adamant about alignment perfection, and I was corrected by several teachers for being literally a few millimeters off a line or an angle on the mat. The mats, which come in a few sizes, are based on your overall height, and everyone has different leg length and torso height, so I don’t understand how being a few millimeters off is such a big deal.
Classes typically started late and ended late, and students can walk in as late as they want and leave early.
Besides that, the studio has a fun-​house vibe to it. It’s cluttered, with a confusing mix of mirrors, exterior and interior windows (that open to the lobby/​kitchen with a multi-​colored blinking light panel), and florescent light panels covered by sheer fabric. There are unused lamps and other odds and ends stored in the studio. The makeshift changing rooms are unlit and pitch black. Some of the students/​teachers of the studio wander in and out of the class to practice asana but also tend to the front desk and phone. It’s all distracting and makes it difficult to focus on the yoga.
In a class with Jhon T., the founder, he told the class to stay in the present moment, in the here and now, and yet he veered off into doling health advice. In a hip stretch, he was giving instructions on how to «clean the lymphatic system» (while assuming everyone is up to speed about the lymphatic system). I was trying to stay focused on the task at hand, but I kept adding to my mental list of things to Google after class. After that class, one of the teachers (who was in the class), forced herself to vomit in the bathroom. I didn’t return after that despite having six days left of my trial.

I come here through classpass and it was definitely a great find (thanks to Unilocal).
The studio has a warm and homey charm to it – they have a kitchen that members can use, which is the first time I’ve seen anything like it.
Another thing that makes this place unique are the mats. If you’re coming from classpass like me, I would recommend you leave your own yoga mats at home and rent one from here for $ 2 or$ 3, I forget exactly. Their mats (retail price $ 75) are designed to help you have the correct alignment by marking it with certain lines where the hands and the feet should go. I’ve only attended about 3 classes so far, but already see an improvement and better understanding about yoga with this method.
The instructors here are extremely hands-​on whenever possible. Obviously during a full class, this isn’t possible for all the students. During smaller classes, the instructors do try to fix your alignment and form. I had Maggie who helped and taught me how to do a headstand – I still need much more practice with that…
A goal I set for myself this year was to complete a 200-​hr RYS program, which this studio offers. I would LOVE to attend the program here as it seems very instructive with experienced teachers, but due to my busy schedule, I would have to take the customized program which costs $ 3800. I’ve found other programs that offer the class at reasonable times for me at $ 2250. If I didn’t care about money, I would definitely opt for the program here.
Overall, give this studio a try and rent a mat here.

I walked in and was amazed at the size of this business. There was a yoga studio and several rooms for either massages or reiki or something. A little enclave with books, a kitchen, seating areas and little trinket areas. I really wanted to like it, the space was beautiful. I took the yin class with a guy instructor with a pony tail who didn’t introduce himself or ask if it was anyone’s first time, any injuries etc. I found the instructor to be hard to follow. No specific poses were mentioned. He did the poses himself sideways at the front of room and didn’t seem to check on the class much. The poses were different than I’m used to, I’m no expert but have taken many many classes over the past year and the poses in this class just felt off to me, that could just be me. The instructions were confusing too and I wasn’t the only one struggling to figure them out.
I’ll try again another time with a different instructor, it is a beautiful studio.

The sequence and the adjustments from Jhon T was amazing. I rented a mat and I thought it was very useful, it definitely gave my perspective on the bad habits I make in my practice. It is a beautiful studio as well.
I did feel that the people (students, Jhon, and front desk) were extremely unfriendly towards me and I did not feel welcome there.

I hate to leave a negative review for a yoga studio, it just feels wrong somehow, but I need to share my experience at atamamda today.
I booked my class through class pass and arrived 10 minutes early to check in as it was my first time there. Unfortunately there was nobody on the front desk, so I waited. A few other studio staff members were having what turned into rather a heated discussion, but ignored me completely.
When someone finally came to the front desk — the teacher from the previous class– he signed me in with no problems at all.
The class itself was interesting, they follow a set sequence, which is fine, I prefer creative vinyasa, but happy to try other styles. There were 2 problems though.
1. The teacher, she seemed very inexperienced, stumbled over her words a lot, and didn’t give any hands on adjustments at all. Which is always a bad sign for me.
2. The Classes here are strictly alignment focused, they use a mat with markings for foot and hand position, and give instructions in precise inches and degrees. Which is INSANE! Every body has different proportions, limbs of different lengths, and different levels of mobility and flexibility. At 5’9″ Placing my foot 10 inches from the back of the mat and my hands at the very front (for example) is going to be an entirely different form than someone who is 5’3″ or 6’4″.
I just can’t get on board with a supposedly alignment focused class that utterly disregards actual anatomy.
Sorry but I won’t be back!

Beautiful space, with a kitchen! something Ive never seen at any other yoga studio.
There is a Sat. 10am stretch-​hip opener class that is intense and unique, taught by Jon T, the owner, who is a serious practioner and steadfast yoga studio owner. He looks pretty young, cause he’s so fit. But, Atmananda has been aound for 25 years.
Michael’s night class is great. He picks the best music, so the class goes fast. But, he’s also very skilled.
I took the teacher training course about 8 years ago. Really enjoyed it. They are not «yoga nazis», like some of the other teacher training programs I inquired about. Hard work and rigorous, but friendly laid back attitude. They make a point of working around your schedule, if needed.

Recently finished my 200 hour teacher training here-​and it was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life. Safe to say that it has completely transformed the way I practice yoga, particularly thanks to the Atmananda mat. I strongly believe that this mat should be used by EVERY beginner to truly understand properly alignment to avoid injuries and long-​term effects on their body. I’ve been practicing yoga for about 5 – 6 years and realized my alignment was close to completely off for most poses. Highly recommend 100% for anyone interested in taking their practice to the next level, or if you are looking for a career change.

I signed up for a beginner class through Class Pass. The studio is beautiful and cozy, and the staff are friendly. I enjoyed the class. They charge to rent special mats that have markings on them for feet and hands. The instructor kept referring to the «orange triangles.» So, if you don’t have that mat, it’s difficult to follow the instructions. (Very confusing)
I would definitely consider coming back for another class.

This yoga studio is very beautiful décor, its look like you walk in to the antique house with spiritual and antique décor.
It is a hidden gem like a garden oasis that is of quality and integrity. Definitely worth a special visit. Yoga in the mornings us delightful with the rising sunlight flooding the studio. Very unique and personal. Not like anything or anywhere else. Everyone should come here!

I’ve been to two classes here and it is really one of my favorite yoga studios in New York.
Classes repeated the same sequence each time. Having practiced yoga on and off for several years It is challenging but Jhon T also focus on growth and not pushing yourself to do positions you’re not ready for.
There are inversions, if you are ready but can’t get there on our own either Jhon or other teachers that are taking class will offer help. This is fantastic for me I still need help getting into a handstand and going to a class where help is not offered is always frustrating.
They do focus on the alignment (special mats the have hand and feet placement markers) I have not rented one yet but I’m planning to next time.
Lastly I like this studio because it feel ls authentic. Not too corporate where instructors feel a bit fake and not too spiritual. Bathrooms and changing space are not as nice as other places but overall a fantastic place to practice. Can’t believe this studio doesn’t have more reviews!

The studio itself is beautiful with free water and fruit. However, noone was in the reception area for about 20 minutes when I first showed up. When someone did finally come, however, he was very friendly.
I took a Lunchtime Express class with Terry Jackson — she was friendly at the beginning but then judgmental/​condescending toward me later on in the class (sorry that I’m Level 1, but that’s why I’m coming to classes!) Several of the other students in my class were in the teacher training program, and one of them was crying at the end, so I guess this class works for some people, but not me.
The studio is so nice that I want to come back to try a different teacher — perhaps it just wasn’t the right fit for me with Terry.

This review is for the hip opening/​stretch class that’s (sadly) only offered on Sat mornings. First — I have THE tightest hips on the planet! Swear! But because of this class (taught by Jhon) I am gaining flexibility and no longer want to cry when he puts us in contorted positions. I’ve been taking the 1.5 hour class every Sat for about 2 months and I truly look forward to this class & it’s my fav in the city. Yes, I’ve gone to other studios in the city and I haven’t found anything like this. I also love the way he talks you through the pose and explains how it’s benefitting the body. He reminds us to breathe through it if it’s a hard stretch. I’ve gained flexibility and finally touched my head to the floor during a pose where before I just laughed when he told us to try it while he laid flat (it’s legs out to each side– ultimate goal is abdomen on ground too) I’ll get there soon. I’m soooo much closer than I was 2 months ago. I was lucky to lay on my elbows when I started. The feeling I have after this class is amazing. Just wish it was offered more than 1x week.
I strongly encourage you to take this class. You’ll thank me for it. Oh and they have a pass for a free first class at their studio.

I am from Los Angeles visiting a friend from NY. Whenever I travel, exploring a new Yoga studio is always on my indulge list. Conveinently, Atmananda was right around the corner from my friend’s house in the Gramercy Park area. I sure hit the jackpot finding this studio. As a beginner, I recommend Jhon’s class. He has an inspiring calming voice while teaching. His through instruction brought light into my practice which I am gratful for. Atmananda was the top highlight to my trip to NY!

Before Atmananda, I was like most Americans working the day to day… living to work instead of working to live. I was doing nothing to nourish my body and spirit and I got very sick. As a result, this summer, I quit my job deciding to make radical changes in my life. I found Atmananda while looking for a yoga teacher training program with the desire to heal. I wanted to do something on a professional level that would make my heart sing and give me the time, freedom and support to nourish my whole being. I thought, maybe, yoga could bring me one step closer to that sense of what I had in mind. I sent the message out into to the universe, «Help! Please help!!!» …and the Universe spoke.
I looked at many different teacher training programs, some of them were over seas… very exciting… but the Universe kept whispering…“Check this place out!” I spoke to my cousin (who is very into yoga) and she said that she actually knew of the place, had taken classes there and really liked it. She also mentioned that her friend had taken the teacher training program there. He loved it and now teaches there. The location is an hour and a half away from my home and commuting is so not for me, but my instinct kept saying, this is the place. So, I called to schedule an appointment.
Miguel answered and something in my brain connected and said, «Yes! This is it! This is the place!» You will love Miguel btw. The commute was long, but worth it. As soon as I stepped into the studio something magical happened. Immediately, I knew I was home. The energy is so healing.
I took a 10:30am yoga class. I knew nothing of proper alignment and realized where other studios go wrong. Jhon T, the master of the Atmananda creation, has given birth to an extraordinary way of teaching proper alignment, so important for preventing injury. After class, I met with him. He is such a warm, caring and aware individual. I wanted to know what he knows and be where he is inside himself.
After one day of the teacher training I thought, «I want this every day for the rest of my life.» What an amazing community of loving, supportive, healthy minded, beautiful people. Thirty days later, I felt the same way I did at day one. I can only try to express in words what this program has gifted me: The practice of yoga, a sense of awareness, feeling present like never before, new friends who exude the feeling of family, acceptance and love of myself, more clarity and a zeal for the process in creating the life of my true nature.
Most important, the Atmananda experience has given me my health back. I’m feeling so much better today than when I first walked into the studio. Amabir and Amita are wonderful practitioners. With their treatments and recommendations, daily yoga and meditation, lots of purified water, a clean diet and exorbitant amounts of healing love from the whole community… my health is nearly restored. (Although, I still have some work to do).
You will love the sequence, the classes, the philosophy, the staff and the community of people the place attracts. I would recommend this place to anyone who is either looking for a yoga teacher training program, looking for change, or just simply looking for a new yoga community to chill, share and strike a «pose» (asana) with. Check it out!

I have taken both the 200 hour teacher training and now completed the 300 hour teacher training. JhonT taught both training sessions, they are excellent. He also included additional teachers for anatomy, from the Eastern perspective, Ayurvedic medicine, and yoga philosophy. I visited seven different yoga studios before deciding on Atmananda, I made the right choice. No one teaches safe body alignment like JhonT does in his classes.

Atmananda Yoga is such a bluff. They are very unfriendly. they don’t practice what they preach. Don’t bother going there.

Basic flow class on 8÷27÷12.
I came at an off time and was one of only two students :)
The class was challenging and very structured featuring a set flow sequence that only changed as one advances. The sequence is fairly long, however, so one does not get bored with it or master it so quickly. Definitely worth a try in my opinion.
I appreciate their idea of drawing lines on one’s mat to use as individualized pose guide lines for later classes.

Atmananda Yoga is definitely amazing!!!
I’m taking a 500hr teacher training.
I can’t believe it! Actually I’m studying English in NY and still don’t understand well… but I was welcomed hospitably. When I found it anxious to enter a class with American people, Jhon T offered me a private lesson as a supplementary class everyday through the weekend! Always they pay attention me. Everybody is really helpful!
Program also very nice. I’m learning asanas, anatomy, philosophy, meditation and more…
I feel I’m getting stronger with this training both physically and mentally! I recommend taking a teacher training in Atmananda!
I really appreciate their support.
They changed my life totally different! so exciting NEVER EVER!!!

This review is only for the Beginner/​Basic classes that I’ve attended at Atmananda. Pete is my favorite instructor, but since I only ended up taking basic classes I probably am biased.
The studio itself is large and consists or a number of different studios and a lounge area. People and staff are very friendly and I received a warm welcome into the community from the get-​go.
Yoga itself is another issue. I am not very flexible, nor have I ever had a lot of upper body strength and I find yoga hard to master. Pete is so patient and always takes the time to show you how to a move until you get it… or shows you a substitute move so that you don’t injure yourself. In my case, this would have happened numerous times if it weren’t for Pete. He did not even laugh at me (which was probably very difficult because I look like a bumbling baffoon when I try to do most of these moves)
I would recommend any beginner who is interested in trying out yoga to go to Atmananda and get the weekly pass to try a number of different instructors and classes.