Jivamukti Yoga School

Was in town for a week and had been looking forward to taking my first class at Jivamukti for a long time as I’m an instructor myself and had heard from a fellow teacher about how wonderful the school is. Have to say I was incredibly disappointed by the class I took. The teacher was obviously a very new teacher – her voice was an endless series of instructions w/​an upturn of every last word so that everything sounded like a question. She also had us move to the wall in the middle of the class to do one pose – and then had us go back to the floor after the one pose, which was a waste of energy and time; if you’re going to move to the wall, do at least a few poses there before moving again. The sequence itself was pretty boring and the adjustment she gave me in child pose was brusque and without subtlety. Touch says everything, and if you don’t have sensitivity of hands, you should really not adjust a new student you don’t know and haven’t had a chance to ask about injuries, pregnancy, etc.
What’s worse is that during the wind-​down and savasana of the class, the adjacent room had a very vigorous vinyasa (by the sounds of it) class happening, so there was really loud techno-​y music and a loud male voice loudly giving out instructions. It was not relaxing at all, and a real bummer.
Overall, a real let down. Jivamukti has such a highly regarded name, that I was really just expecting more, and for the price of a single class, one would expect quality, or at least a more relaxing setting during class. I’ve taught in NY and LA and I honestly have had far better classes at smaller studios that aren’t as well known in NY (in Brooklyn especially).

I recently went here because my friend studies at NYU and I can say that it’s a very standoffish environment albeit the front of house seeming very young and promising, just incredulously non-​informative or genuine. I am not a yogi by any means but I do go to studios where I grow up and they’re either equally pretentious or less overbearing. I liked the café but the price was ridiculous. There’s nothing ethical about charging people 16 dollars for a plate of café food and vegan cheese stabbed on bread barely even Ezekiel.
Mind you. I have money and call me «frugal» but it makes no sense. Rip off and full of crap.
I prefer other yoga studios in the area. I’m not an avid practitioner so to be fair, I’m not fair.

I started yoga at this school many years ago and learned so much. Sadly the teachings the owners clearly worked hard for have been stifled due to the trendiness of the place. The classes are packed beyond health codes, their is a popularity contest among the teachers, the front line staff that work at the desk are rude and impersonal. The only way I will go to this school is if 2 specific teachers are there. Outside of that this is the last place in nyc I’d practice at this point. In 20 years of living in nyc I’d say this is now the most buisness driven of the schools in the area. Last week I went here gave $ 22 cash and while at the desk realized I chose the wrong class. I said to the desk clerk ‘my mistake can I please have my money, I will come back.” The girl rudely stated she will not refund me that it’s in ‘an account’. WHAT ACCOUNT lol? No I didn’t get a refund. What I did get is a reminder of how far gone this place is from yoga and why I don’t go there anymore.

The music was super loud so I could not hear the instructor and the mat they gave me was full of holes.

I gotta say, I avoided this place for a while because of it’s extreme devotional following. I’m also not a huge fan of Hindu god worship in my yoga classes– I love the meditation, the asanas, the dharma talks, but I strongly dislike kirtan as I personally do not worship gods. I just endure it and listen to the beauty of the voices surrounding me.
What drew me here is the one and only Rima Rabbath. This woman teaches from the heart, with no pretension, and from the depth of her learned wisdom. As I myself am a newer yoga teacher, I found Rima through the Wanderlust festival. She is a breath of fresh air. Many teachers I encounter and know personally feel the need to be mini philosophers. Rima is not this way; she only speaks from what she knows and has experienced. She is as fun and lively as she is spiritual. Yes, she chants to Krishna each class, but I respect and admire her for it. Her sequences are super challenging and advanced; I would say have a solid daily practice when coming to her class, as she calls out the postures without precisely saying how to get into them, but rather how to refine the posture once you are there.
Jivamukti has a calm vibe, a shower, peaceful café, and lots of people. Like any yoga studio, you will get a crowd who may seem elitist. In my experience, most of my personal judgments of the «holier than thou» have been false and were more of a reflection upon myself. Each and every student and teacher I have said hello to had a large smile and a hello in response. Everyone in this city is fighting deep personal battles, and everyone needs warmth and nurturing. It’s impossible to expect warmth and welcoming extended to you if you don’t extend it to others first. All of that being said, Jivamukti is a large center, full of lots of different practitioners who come to yoga for their own reasons. I have never had class with anyone but Rima, but I highly recommend her teachings.

So Jivamukti is one of the more polarizing yoga studios in NYC. I’ve read the mixed reviews and heard negative feedback prior to taking the class about their overt stance on veganism and elitism. While I didn’t experience those firsthand, I didn’t quite enjoy or vibe with the style of teaching here; not to say that it’s bad, it’s just not for me.
I took «Spiritual Warrior,» a one-​hour class in the smaller room. The studio itself felt a bit confusing, and a bit on the tired side. We grabbed mats from the laundry room in the back, and the changing areas and bathrooms are separate.
The mats lined the walls and faced inwards which I found odd (and not a great way to optimize space, but anyway). Right off the bat I noticed the instructor rubbing the menthol balm on every student, which was a bit strange. Personally, I didn’t mind it but I can understand why others might. It wasn’t pleasant lavender aromatherapy stuff — it was like tiger balm/​Bengay. Her adjustments were also VERY intense.
Her sequence started with inversions almost immediately, which was perplexing, and then about 30 minutes of more familiar flow and then more inversions. However, it ended abruptly and the meditation portion began. I’m all for meditation/​spirituality in longer classes, but I assumed the hour-​long classes would be mostly asana, so that was a bummer as I didn’t get to move as much as I wanted.
All in all, the studio is worth trying because it has such a distinctive style and atmosphere. However, I’ll most likely stick with the handful of studios that I enjoy. And I do love the adjacent café, which I reviewed separately.

From the moment I walk in, you feel at peace. The aroma upon the elevator walking is a mix of yummy food and incense and smiles from the front desk. I really enjoy the classes I have taken both open and basics and between learning the basis of Asana yoga and the teachers instructing the class, I have really grown. This type of yoga is different from any other yoga class I have ever taken and the benefits have shown in my personal life as well as how I communicate with my team at work. I am so grateful that Sharon and David followed their dreams and opened this school because my life has changed for the better because of it! #yayjivamukti

This was my best yoga experience in NYC and I’ve visited many studios. I took the open class which was 90 minutes long. The room was vibrating with so much energy during chanting that I was brought to tears. I really like that the instructor focused on breathing during every posture. There were a few trainee teachers in the class who were assisting with alignment. I really enjoyed this class and my overall experience at this studio. I am so happy to have found a place in this hectic city where I can de-​stress and reconnect with my spirit.

I love, love, love classes with Jules Febre.

I went here today with my yoga passbook and overall really liked it. The receptionist had only been there for 4 days but was so sweet and quick to check me in
I ended up in the 4pm open class with Rina and although I thought the spiritual message didn’t resonate with me so much this was one of the most physically challenging classes I’ve done in a bit. I cannot speak to all open classes of course but Rina’s class had forearm stands, shoulder stands, and headstands. It’s not a class for people who are new to yoga by any means but I overall enjoyed it.
The two gripes I had were after she played the harmonium and we said our oms we had to sing a song whose lyrics related to Krishna which did nothing for me. And this went on for a bit. I kind of sat there unsure why we were doing this. Also my 4pm Saturday class was fairly packed. I didn’t whack my neighbor thank goodness but it was definitely a bit less comforting.
But I will be back. I don’t know if I would visit this studio regularly like I do Laughing Lotus but it’s a good option.

This place is so obnoxious. It should be called Yoga Overlord. Smug weirdos walking around with their yoga mats and self important grimaces. Its really so awful that I am going to have to go home and watch 1980’s you tube videos of jazzercise to clean my palette. I am never in my life going back here. Its everything that’s wrong with American yoga culture.

What AWFUL service…
I was excited to be gifted a one on one private lesson by my brother and sister in law.
I’d heard good things and they were helpful in setting up the appointment.
So after they confirmed the appointment 3 times, I biked into the city for my lesson and the instructor was a total no-​show. After 20 min, finally someone told me she was «sick».
The key issue here is how they acted after that — completely unapologetic — no offer for me to join a class. it was just «too bad — do you want to reschedule»
Pretty lame —

If I had enough time I would only go to this school.
Every teacher is so different but they all inspire and help to find that inner self that we are always trying to find.
Spiritual warrior is a great workout with a hint of spiritual practice meanwhile Jivamukti open is a spiritual leader :)

I feel like this review is long overdue. I’ve always wanted to start doing yoga regularly, and this place has helped me to achieve that.
First of all, I love the fact that they always have class. That’s one of the most important factors for me-​the convenience knowing that pretty much whatever time I come in, I’ll always be able to practice. The classes themselves are also really great; they are always challenging and leave me sweaty but feeling good about myself. The teachers give great adjustments. I also enjoy the chanting and the little talks the teachers give at the beginning of class. Yeah, sometimes they are cheesy, but I like that they incorporate spirituality into class, as opposed to just getting a physical workout and not really thinking of what I am doing. Also, I love the fact that Jivamukti is just so peaceful and (I think someone else said it) kind of like a haven in the middle of busy Union Square. I really do feel good whenever I walk through the elevator doors. Their vegan café is also delicious!
I guess my biggest negative, and this isn’t really a huge one, is that you can sometimes hear the other class during savasana, which is distracting. Also-​some weekday evening classes (like 6ish) tend to get super crowded. I don’t like going to the crowded classes as much since I have no room.
Some teachers I really like are Christian, Nora, and Ruth (altho Ruth’s classes tend to be really crowded.)
I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking to get serious about their yoga practice.

Awesome spot for practice of meditation and yoga. The instructors are very generous, graceful, and they don’t pressure you. The culture is generally positive and non-​judgmental which I appreciate. It’s a solid go to for a peace filled break in a tumult filled city. Also they have a KICKASS café that serves tea, lunch, soups etc. it’s a very cool
Chill spot to relax w a freind or solo in union sq-​nothing like it anywhere.

After years of being curious, I finally got to take a class at the Jivamukti Yoga School. My teacher was Jessica; she didn’t seem like she had been teaching for too long, but her soundtrack was awesome. She’s definitely in my age-​group, which was great — I felt in tune with her. The vinyasa-​style class was relatively faster-​paced, at times I felt like I was behind the whole class, but at other times I was at the top of my mat before anyone… maybe it was an off-​day for me. Savasana was very sweet. She gently brought us out of it with a long-​ish, guided meditation. Jivamukti practitioners are not afraid of going deep, which I respect and admire. The moments between poses were peppered with Rumi and I felt pushed to fine-​tune my concentration.
They really bring the majesty of theater into the class structure, with their carefully selected music and the sweeping, velvet curtains that adorn the floor to ceiling stained-​glass windows, so you feel like a participant yet a spectator at the same time. Really sensational. Every angle is worked. If I lived here, I can see myself becoming a devotee, easy.

Okay guys…
I finally found IT! THE yoga studio of my dreams in NYC!
Thank god! It took me long enough. Throughout my journey of NYC studios, I really had overall wonderful experiences but nothing tops Jivamukti.
The place is the whole package– spirituality, meditation, strong and vigorous asana which will get your heart pumping and body whipped into shape, and a long inversion component which is unparalled. By going to Jivamukti, you will be able to eventually do a headstand, forearm stand or at least something at the wall. This is because the inversion practice (minimum of 5 minutes every open class, I believe), will force you to practice these uncomfortable poses every time you come. Practice makes perfect.
I love this studio. They have a shop with yoga goodies, a vegan café and massage/​workshop classes, etc.
I recently had a thai massage here and it was glorious– not exactly what I envisioned but nonetheless, it was worth it ($ 80 for first timers– normally $ 100 but you get 20% off).
I’m going to shell out the $ 175 a month for unlimited classes (minimum of 6 month commitment), but this includes mats (which they dry in their dryers– they are seriously clean! And they’re Jade mats– super grippy), a locker and 20% of all body work classes (massage, etc.). I really do think the $ 175 is worth it for this studio.
I’m totally in love with Jivamukti, the only thing I would say which kind of sucks is that there is only one bathroom and the changing room/​bathroom in general is small. Try to change before class.
Take Spiritual Warrior (a structured set of poses every class) if you’re tight on time– it’s an hour long class. The open classes vary according to teacher, but I’ve loved Cassandra, Matt, Jai and Uma. They teach a strong and challenging class which will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated. AND– they play the harmonium almost every class. YES.
I found my yoga home! This studio is a real community of people. People talk before class to each other– one way you can tell when a studio is a real home and place of solace for many.

There is a reason why this studio is so famous. They offer high quality classes, so it will not disappoint. But be forewarned, you have to have some knowledge of yoga before coming here.
I came here for a 6:30pm Open class. The receptionist checked me in quickly, gave me a tour around and explained everything to me. They have a café in the studio, so that is cool. They also sell tons of merch (if that’s your thing).
The locker room is basically only for changing and they have one shower stall. The bathrooms are separate (good idea, alleviates congestion). No lockers really, so take your things into the class. Make sure you also take all your clothes with you too (that’s what the receptionist recommended, which means clothes have disappeared), yikes! That would suck to come back and your clothes were gone. Water fountain right outside the changing room.
The yoga practise room is big, can probably fit 40 or more yogis. My class wasn’t that packed, so we could all spread out. Our instructor was amazing. She started off with some singing and harmonium playing. And then read an excerpt from her lessons. And the theme was «what is your identity?» Got me thinking about that, cool.
The practise was challenging and I really enjoyed the challenge. It was very humid the night I went, and so I was sweating profusely. The instructor noticed and came over and rubbed menthol into my neck and back. That really helped to cool me down. She also stretched me out nicely in reverse warrior. She wedged my knee into her legs and kept me stable and kept my knee from bending inward, that helped a lot. I appreciate when an instructor can see your limits and just push you that much further. I reached another level with this instructor. This class is definitely about proper alignment and the further I get into yoga, the more I am aware of how important alignment is. If you don’t align correctly, you can get injured.
The class ended after 75 minutes. And I have to say the final Oms we chanted were some of the most beautiful. Our instructor has a beautiful voice.
I will def be back regardless if I have a pass or not. Just be prepared to work and to reap the rewards later.

I enjoy the incorporation of chanting into Jivamukti’s classes and the classic teaching. Not of that fancy hybrid stuff. All the teachers so far have been great but I found some teaching styles better suited towards me. There are a lot of assists which are great as well. When I leave class, I always feel great and grounded.

Hi. I don’t write many reviews. I have to be really inspired, either supremely pissed or impressed. This is the latter.
I’ve been studying yoga a long time, semi-​seriously. I’ve taken a ton of classes, even in India.
I was in NYC for a week for work and stuff. I wanted a yoga class. A friend recommended this place. A friend was right.
The cool thing about this method is they promise to at least touch on several of the 8 limbs of yoga in every class. Since I believe that «asana» (the poses, or what Americans think of yoga) is the fun part of yoga, but not necessarily the most important at all, I was curious to see how a jivamukti class was going to integrate some other parts.
I was not disappointed. I took the 9:10 a.m. Thursday class with Dechen. To be clear, it’s an asana class primarily, but there was some good pranayama (breathing) and some concentration and meditation elements – two other limbs. Very nice.
But what really impressed me about Dechen was his adjustments and overall attentiveness. In my 20 years of studying I’ve never had a teacher, ever, adjust me through an entire vinyasa (sun salutation) sequence. What a treat.
And I loved his patter through the class, lots of animal metaphors, good philosophy – all in service to «concentration.» The idea is that if you engage a students mind and get them to focus inward on what’s happening with their body and mind it will get them away from their ego and distractions. Cool trick, right?
Thanks, Dechen! Thanks jivamukti studio and your just-​right class for a San Francisco yoga snob traveller!

This review is for the café only.
I first found this spot, located on the second floor, when I decided to meet with a friend who is a nutritionist. As a health expert, she was a fan of both the school and the café. The menu has tons of great, freshly made healthy options! I ordered a simple pepermint tea during my counseling session, which you can get by the cup ($ 2) or by the pot ($ 5).
I came back a week or so later back to try to get some work done. While there is definitely a lack of outlets, it’s a good place to bring a book to study or trying to do some reading or writing. There’s tons of natural light and plenty of seating. People are generally respectful even if they are talking or chatting.
I ordered the burrito verdura — which comes with pinto beans, grilled veggies, Daiya cheese, & sour cream, and a side salad. It was really yummy! The side salad that same with it was a bit underwhelming, not sure if the whole thing was worth $ 12 — but when trying to eat healthy you have to expect that kind of thing. I ordered the pot of coconut green tea, which was great, but definitely too much for one person. Next time I’ll stick with a cup.
I’ll be back again next time I need a quiet place to sit and relax with a healthy meal. And perhaps I will even try a class!