Bikram Yoga San Diego

I’ve gone to this studio off & on for over 10 years & it will always be a home away from home for me. I’ve also gone to other Bikrams studios around SD & the Bay Area & this studio is by far my favorite. It’s not for everybody. It’s HOT. The hottest studio in town & very dedicated to discipline & good form. It’s absolutely amazing how much you will sweat & how good the postures will feel to your body. I highly recommend it.

Tried this studio for he first time last night and the smell is honestly not that bad. The heat is something else though… It is the HOTTEST studio I have ever been to. Overall it was great exercise!

Not a Fan. I’ll try to be objective.
1. Horrible Smell. Carpet and hot yoga shouldn’t mix.
2. Loud obnoxious teacher. The speakers were way too loud. I came to yoga to relax.
3. Locker rooms stink too.
4. No free trial class? ok
5. Teacher told me not to get up and grab a drink from my gf’s waterbottle when I ran out of water.

I have a love/​hate relationship with Bikram yoga. While I’m in that hot hot room I’m yelling at myself and arguing about why I love to tortue myself. But then after I’m finished I feel so much better. I have rheumatoid arthritis and out of every treatment, medication, therapy I have ever done, Bikram yoga is what has helped me the most by far, which is why I still go.
I have only been to one other Bikram studio to compare my experience to this one. I will say that this studio feels much hotter than the other one I’ve been to. Yayy for new heaters my first day back into the swing of things after taking a few months off. I’ve been here twice and have had to leave the room both times to cool down (sry everyone I know its distracting and I know you’re supposed to be hot and sweaty), I just dont think you are supposed to be puking in your mouth from the heat. Some of the instructers open the door for a minute or two to help cool down, some do not. The other studio that I’ve been to I was able to stay in the heat the entire time, even on my very first Bikram yoga day ever. That leads me to believe this place is actually hotter than the other.
The yoga room has carpet and as soon as you walk into the place there is an overall musty smell. I’m quite sensitive to smells so I notice it, but its not so bad where you can’t stand it. The locker room has showers which is a nice amenity. There are lockers with no locks, so if you’re worried about your stuff I recommend you bring your own lock. I havent seen anyone bring their own lock and it doesn’t seem like you need to be worried about your belongins while you are in the yoga room. I’ve had 2 different instructors and can not say anything bad about either one.
I purchashed a groupon to check this place out, and since its so close to my house I will probably continue coming here once my groupon of 10 sessions is finished.

This studio and the one on Mercury Street are very good, mainly cause they’re big and have showers. The people on here that complain about smells are just plain silly and over-​sensitive; I mean come on, you want them to steam clean everything upon your holiness’ arrival? I never noticed any smell cause I know what a studio is supposed to smell like and it’s not foul in any way. The instructors are excellent and push the class if they see people fading. I for one like and appreciate that, although a select few seem to take offense to it. The showers are clean and have nice smelling coconut soap and the locker rooms are kept clean and tidy. Parking can be a chore, especially if your running late. Sure, I’d like to see it all set up like an executive country club, but I go there to work on myself, mind and body. But it’s good for you work. Not bad. Go to their website and look under «tips» and what motivated me to go, is when I read «Be prepared to work hard, make demands of yourself, and to sweat.» So that’s what inspired me in a nutshell, as Austin Powers says «help, I’m in a nutshell…»

I’m doing my best to get through this Groupon I purchased. Needless to say I will not be back to this location on cd I’m done. The instructors don’t correct your posture. Something that I’m not use to. Yesterday’s 7:30 class the instructor kept stumbling over her words. Which became extremely distracting. And what’s up with them calling certain people by name, telling them that they’re doing a good job with their posture. Does that mean that everyone else is doing a horrible job. It is not as calming as my previous Bikram experiences. Especially when folks just walk in and out ‘because it’s too hot’, hello it’s Bikram, it’s suppose to be hot. And last but not least the smell is horrible. Can we please spritz some lavender or peppermint.

This place smells REALLY bad, as soon as you walk in the room the smell hits you hard. I went with a friend & we couldn’t even focus, b/​c the smell was just so bad. I will never go back, the instructors are so bossy well at least the one i had. I do yoga not only for fitness but also for spirituality, this is not the place for that. If you decide to go drink tons of water, like almost intoxicate on it lol you do sweat like crazy. This place should get hard wood floor or clean their studio. Two thumbs down.

This large studio features very experienced teachers and locker rooms for men and women. It’s conveniently located off I-​5. I attended classes for several years, until they began to allow children (preteens) to attend some of the classes I enjoyed. The problem is that the kids really can’t handle the length of the classes or the heat, but to my knowledge nothing has been done to address this issue. Otherwise a good studio.

Something so important and powerful as this Yoga cannot be adequately praised in a few mere sentences – concisely, I believe it is the single greatest thing you can do for your health and well being. That being said, I’ll keep my comments focused to the studio and staff – in my opinion – the best you’ll find in San Diego!
The Studio
The practice room is large enough to accommodate 70 students and most of the time there is 25 – 40, so you should have plenty of room for your practice. Reasonably priced water and other beverages are available in case you forget yours. There is also 5 showers per locker room with nice coconut scented soap provided and an excellent steam room. What else can you ask for?!
The Staff
Jim runs a tight ship. Here you will find only Bikram’s traditional Hatha Yoga being taught. I have been to other Bikram studios where this was not necessarily the case and teachers took a little more liberty than they should with the instruction (dialogue). Many of the teachers at Old Town have been teaching for a long time and will sometimes speak to teachings beyond the physical, inherent in the practice, that of course is a completely different matter! :) All of the teachers are wonderful motivators though and express encouragement and necessary correction through firm yet supportive language, seemingly free from judgement. There are also many incredible guest teachers (recently Bikram’s daughter, Laju) that Jim invites to teach at the studio and are always a treat to practice under.
MY WISH IS THAT I MAY PRACTICE HERE FOR ANOTHER 70 YEARS! :)

This is my regular yoga studio for over a year now, and I want to make a review to help people decide whether or not it’s right for them.
REMEMBER.
Bikram yoga is HARD WORK. You will sweat A LOT. It isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But you can’t know until you try, and everyone I’ve ever met who attends this studio is nothing but blessedly supportive, especially if it’s your first experience doing Bikrams yoga. You must show up PREPARED. And at least 10 Minutes early! THE CLASS WILL START WITHOT YOU AND THEY WONT LET YOU IN. No booze that day or the night before! Drink nothing but water, if you can help it. Trust me, it’s so important to be hydrated before your first session — which is true of any workout. DO ONLY AS MUCH AS YOU THINK YOU CAN, and try to push yourself a little beyond what you’re comfortable with. Bikrams yoga is about pushing your boundaries further, and seeing what your capable of, and for everyone that is different. Do the best you can, and you’ll get a lot out of your experience. Stay in the room until the end, even if you have to sit out most of the poses. I’ve been doing Bikrams yoga for four years and sometimes even I have to do that. Do your best. We believe in you. :)
I will now begin by saying that this studio isn’t perfect — some instructors are better than others, and some days are better than others. My favorite instructors, hands down, are Stephanie, Jim, and Hannah. All of them are soft-​spoken but firm, and all genuinely seem to want to see every student get the most out of their classes.
Now, obviously sitting in a pool of your own sweat might not smell the best, especially since by the floor series you’re probably dripping like someone dunked you in water. But your body is pushing out that bacteria, and that’s what you’re smelling. («Toxins» is such a dumb word. Sorry, hippies. It’s bacteria. Let’s get logical.) Be glad it’s not in your body anymore, and keep working hard!
Overall, I will say the downsides is that not every instructor is as great as Jim and Steph and Hannah. Two or three of them are militant and scary and feel more counter-​productive. But there are many instructors here, and I have honestly had more good experiences than the two or three bad ones. Mostly I just love that the people here are kind and supportive. It’s nice to feel like, even when you feel like you didn’t do your best, you’re surrounded by people who are just there to say, «Next time will be better, don’t stress about it,» and you BELIEVE it. Best of luck in finding a practice that works for you. :)

The first time I ever did yoga was ten years ago in San Luis Obispo. And when I moved to San Francisco, I really got into it at a nearby Bikram studio. There are those special instructors that really make you feel like that class was made especially for you & that’s how I feel every time I come to this studio.
The towels are always fluffy & absorbent. Not hard & rough. The ppl that come here are social & chat about their dogs or what one husbands dinner tasted like the night before.
There are equally amount of men as there are women.
Studio is not updated at all & that’s ok. Feels like a real school should.

This place is great, I have never tried hot yoga before and the feeling you get after is amazing. The heat was very intense, which was great allowed me to really push myself and focus much harder than I would in regular yoga. I was very nervous about how hot it would be, but the teachers are understanding especially if you are new to practicing. I managed to complete the full class which is 90 minutes long. Definitely have already been back for more classes. Great teachers and easy access from highway 5. Would definitely recommend this studio!

Are teachers supposed to yell at you during yoga? I have been practicing hot yoga for a few years. I was having a horrible day and it was a victory to make it to class. I got there early and took a spot in the very back of the room so I could do my own thing. I was going along with class, but new I was limited in my ability that day. Unbelievably the instructor continued to single me out in the very crowded room The carpet and studio was also disgusting.

I was there this morning and I was hesitant based on reviews, but if you are a yoga devotee, don’t worry about the bad reviews. I thought this studio was excellent and am very glad I went.
I am sore now, as I should be, and that makes me happy. I need yoga wear and was worried they would not have anything but in fact they did as another reviewer pointed out
I did not find it smelly or too hot but there were some people talking about how it was not as hot as normal. It WAS hot though. I can’t imagine on a regular day!
I would highly recommend this studio to anyone who is really into hot yoga

By far the worst yoga studio I have ever been to in my 7 years of continuous practice. This was however my first experience with Bikrams style of yoga. It was unsanitary. The floor was carpet and the room stank. I left after the first hour and went home to take as much vitamin C as I could in hopes I wouldn’t get sick. The people who are really into it don’t look healthy, and the instruction did not seem safe as they were telling people to hyper-​extend their knees and not to leave the room even if they felt like they were going to pass out or puke because it happens all the time.

Just for some context here: I have practiced Bikram Yoga for 5 years, 3x week, at Bikram Yoga in the Mission, SF.
Before I review, just a quick note for new people who are considering trying out Bikram Yoga.
Bikram yoga is challenging. It is hot. You will sweat. The teachers will challenge you. The teachers do not demonstrate poses, they lead you through them, verbally, step by step, and the class does the poses as a group, step by step by step. The teachers want you to succeed, they want you to be safe, and as such will tell you what to do… often times emphatically.
If you do not like to be challenged, if you do not like the heat, if you do not like to listen to instructions (or «to be told what to do and when to do it»), then this practice is probably not for you. By all means, try it out… this yoga is fantastic and I hope you love it as much as I do. But if you do try it, and don’t like it, and if you are going to bother to write a review for this or any other Bikram Yoga studio, giving one a one star review because Bikram Yoga was hot, or challenging, or the teacher told you what to do and when to do it, reflects more on you than it does on the studio.
So don’t be that guy.
Anyhoo: Be on time. Pee before class. Hydrate (with electrolytes) before class and during class when the rest of the class drinks, and after as well. Stay in the room: sit out if you need to, but stay in the room. Breathe. And have fun!
After all that…
This studio is pretty fantastic. The room is HUGE, well lit, well ventilated, and clean. The temperature and humidity were perfect (no doubt 104 F and 40% humidity) The sound system works great, and the teachers can be heard from anywhere in the giant, spacious room. Which is quite large.
Though I cannot speak for the ladies change room, the men’s changing area is, again, large and clean. There are probably 10 shower heads in the shower area, lockers are plentiful, and there is the *BONUS!* steam room, which is quite nice. (Use the steam room before class to warm up, and, paradoxically, provide an initial layer of wetness to help cool you when you first get into the Yoga room)
The studio has a great deal for visitors, $ 40 unlimited yoga for a week, with two towels and a mat provided.
I took two afternoon classes, both with Jake. He is a great instructor… thanks, Jake!
Brendan at the front desk was also very welcoming and helpful.
I do wish that I had been able to take on of Jim’s classes (Jim is one of Bikram’s most senior students, the fly guy with the feather tattoos in the Bikram’s Beginning Yoga book), but I will have to wait until next time, I guess.
Unless you want to come visit Bikram Yoga in the Mission in San Francisco, Jim ?
:)
5 stars. This place is the real deal, and if you like Bikram, then this place seems like a great place to train.
Namaste.

I’ve been practicing Bikram for almost three years. I visited this studio four times while in town for a business trip.
First, the owner was very responsive in answering my questions through email before I ever arrived. I learned there was a 40.00 traveler rate that gave me one week unlimited yoga plus two towels and a mat everytime I came. It was a fantastic deal. I would have gone more than four times, but I had to come back home! Water is sold at the studio if you need it. I also purchased some yoga clothes because their selection is different than what my studio carries, and I am a sucker for cute yoga clothes.
I had three different instructors while I was there (I had one twice). I enjoyed them. Collectively, I would describe them as compassionate and strong. They encouraged students to do what they could and appropriately challenged the class.
I was experiencing some jet lag. I was on Eastern time, and I was taking 6:30am classes for the most part because I had no choice in my schedule. It was very hard to do because I wasn’t sleeping well the first couple of days. This resulted in my classes not being what I am used to, but the instructors were very understanding.
The room is hot so be prepared! It seemed spot on to me, but there are no ceiling fans like I have experienced at some studios and like my own has. This is not a complaint. It just took me a couple of days to get used to, and I found I liked it better without the fans. My studio has a section with no ceiling fans, and I think I may start going over to that part of the room now.
If I lived in San Diego, I would absolutely be a member of this studio.

I normally go to Bikram La Jolla when in town but this studio was closer to my friend’s house and I wanted to introduce her to Bikram yoga so I decided to check out this studio. It’s in an industrial area of town and the neighborhood seems pretty sketchy (there were signs posted in the studio warning of some incidences and suggesting people leave in pairs at night.) The girl at the front counter was very friendly and helpful. It was nice that they supply towels, although they are regular bath towels and I prefer to use my own yoga towel. The locker room was good sized, as was the studio, although both seemed to have a «commercial» feel and didn’t induce feelings of relaxation and peace.
What really killed my experience was the instructor. I appreciate instructors who are encouraging and push me, but the instructor I had seemed more like a nazi. She was overweight and would say things like, «Why can’t you do that? Look at me. If I can do it than surely you can.» She would call people out by name and belittle them for not keeping a pose or resting. Not a positive experience. I normally enjoy doing Bikram but I couldn’t wait for it to be over, and the class even ran over by 15 minutes. It was a negative experience, not a positive one. Not good for my friend since it was her first time (and her last, according to her.) I didn’t even go back for my second free class. Back to La Jolla for me.

I’ve taken Bikram off/​on for 4 years. This is the 3^rd studio in SD that I’ve tried and it’s not bad. It does smell more than others, but they provide towels, which is a huge bonus (even if they are a little smelly/​dingey too). Some instructors are better than others at giving cues. Also, during savasna, I don’t like it when they keep yapping. It’s supposed to be my time to recharge and absorb the benefits, not listen to lame attempts at being funny.
The studio is very large and the locker/​shower rooms are ok. They DO NOT have a drinking fountain, which I think is odd. They do sell water/​coconut water at a decent price and the tap water is ok, but it’s not very cold.

If you are a true fan of Bikram Yoga, you will adore this place. Those who have too much going on in their minds or decide to carry their ego’s into the yoga room, might have an episode or take corrections a little more personally. If this is you, don’t let it get to ya…
You’re unique just like everybody else!
To get the full medical benefits, avoid self made up modifications and follow the unchanging dialogue and instructor tips as it was created by Bikram.
HOT TIPS:
* Make sure you can see yourself in the front mirror.
* The blue line should be at the halfway point on your mat, it is there to help you stay aligned.
* If you get too hot or dizzy, lie down with your feet away from the mirror until you are ready to try again.
* Pre-​Hydrate, the last thing you need is to be chugging copious amounts of water when you are trying to do a compression posture. Little sips between postures is good.
* Stay in the class for at least 2 minutes before leaving. This will allow your heart to slow down and your body to receive the maximum medical benefits from the series.
I’ve been doing this yoga for many years now, and I can honestly say, it changed the way I look at life. Once you learn to shut the voices in your mind off, you can then receive the full benefit of connecting the mind, body, and hopefully your soul…