The Studio DC Yoga Center

I was a dedicated Studio DC girl in ²⁰¹⁴⁄₂₀₁₅. Then, in the fall of 2015, I broke my foot and was unable to practice. At first, they were understanding and froze my membership and saved my mat (which I had stored at the studio previously) for me because I had no way to get to it while on crutches.
Eventually, however, my membership was unfrozen without my knowledge (while still injured) and my yoga mat was disposed of (with all related accessories). When I returned to the studio, I was told nothing could be done and that it was my fault. (!) There were completely new instructors, most of whom were new and had no idea how to direct a full class. Classes are overcrowded to the point of being ridiculous — they will cram people around you and you WILL get other people’s sweat all over you. Equipment is broken — there is no water fountain and the studio fans frequently do not work. In a heated yoga studio, these two things are essential. The studio claims it is «community based» but the classes breed an air of super competition. You will be surrounded by girls in skimpy outfits showing off their model looks and competing for compliments from the teacher.
I wish I could continue to support them but if you’re looking for a holistic yoga practice, you really need to go elsewhere.

There is always a reason why establishments have high ratings and Studio DC follows this Unilocal rule. As a novice yogi, this was first ever yoga studio to ever take classes in. Starting from the Gentle Vinyasa Flow to the Vinyasa Level 1, then to the Hot Vinyasa 1.5, every class I take is a pleasure. Yoga is such a great way to de-​stress and unwind from your life and relax or strengthen and stretch. Even when this studio does hot yoga, it doesn’t stink like sweat (sometimes only in the hot yoga room itself, understandably and inevitably). It always smells like the Eucalyptus oil or the Lavender aromatherapy that they give you. The instructors are very respectful and mindful of each student. I always feel welcome and don’t feel that I’m competing with anyone but I’m encouraged to go at my own pace.
If you’re new to yoga like I am, the yoga lingo in the beginning and the end of the class such as «third eye» or «the light in me greets the light in you» and the OM chants may not be comfortable. I do not follow along to this because I am Christian and this feels spiritual to me, but I simply block it out and I don’t feel like anyone is forcing me to do something I’m not comfortable with. This speaks quite a lot about this studio because no one should feel forced to do something they’re not comfortable with, whether it’s pushing their body or their mind/​spirit past a certain point. I love this studio so much and I plan on improving my flexibility, strength, and respectfulness towards myself and others as they teach you here.

I go to The Studio DC at least three times a week, and I love the way the classes are taught, the price, and the space. I used to go to the Dupont studio all the time, but my favorite teachers all recently departed and I don’t think the new teachers are quite as good (more focused on the athleticism of yoga, less on the spiritual, meditative side of it). The classes in Dupont are also packed to the gills and the heat is turned up higher than I would like. I would advocate for a temperature change or a more strict sign up policy. Sometimes I leave feeling like I might pass out.

I’ve loved coming to the Studio since moving to the city in 2012. I chose this particular studio based on distance to my apartment, but I feel like I lucked out completely. The instructors and staff are so friendly and welcoming. You definitely feel a sense of community when you come to class. I also like that they offer both heated and non-​heated classes. Variety is always good and personally, sometimes my body wants a gentler yoga practice. They also offer community classes for $ 10 and give student/​non-​profit employee discounts, which is great. I highly recommend it!

As a Dc native and yoga student for 13 years, I have tried several studios locally and nationally and in several forms. For the past two years I have always had a wonderful experience taking the hot Vinyasa 1.5 classes at Studio Dc.
Their instructors are well trained and in tune with their students. I have really enjoy being able to have time to set an intention for the beginning of the practice and the recommendations throughout the class while giving students room to explore where they are in their practice. Its felt great have enjoyed seeing my hand stand ability grow!
Their class sign up interface and log in system threw me off a little at first, but I am kind of a Luddite. It became pretty intuitive after a while.
I have also had the pleasure of working with the owner, Ryan, who has helped set up various class arrangements for myself and co workers for our wellness program. I could speak volumes to how delightful he is and responsive he is to talk to in working things out. He is also a fantastic instructor
I highly recommend checking them out!
Namaste

I had the pleasure of taking Angela Erickson’s Power 2 class a couple of days ago at this location — she was subbing for Courtney DeRuiter who I took about a year ago and LOVED. I have to admit I always have that feeling of «ugh» when I show up for a class for a teacher and that teacher has a sub, and that day was no exception. That said, Angela taught an incredible class… strong, fluid, thoughtful, challenging, energizing… I couldn’t be happier. The hot studio is a long rectangular space that faces Connecticut Ave and had a warm, spiritual vibe to it that I don’t see as much in Los Angeles. Shout out to the front desk gal too who was so nice and welcoming. Thank you Angela, front desk and Studio DC Yoga Center for a great evening with you!

I did the intro week deal. It’s totally worth it. There are a lot of different teachers. Find the ones that fit your style.

I came here as a new student (to this place but practicing yoga for years) not too long ago. I took advantage of their new student introductory week ($ 20 if I remember correctly).
The place is small — no showers which any hot yoga place that doesn’t have any makes me crazy. The changing room is also small with two dressing rooms with velour curtains on them (if you could I would come already changed and make up already off). Not a lot of room for all your stuff (especially if its winter and you are wearing a few layers).
Once in the class, the line was long and it was long and I got there 40 minutes early and still was long already to get in. The class was pretty stuffed but cute room I guess. I specifically signed up for this class because it says the temperature is from 95 – 105 and I like my hot yoga HOT (I mean isn’t that the point)? Well, it wasn’t hot and I barely even sweat and for someone that sweats very easily — that’s difficult not to do especially doing yoga.
The instructor came up to each person asked if you had any injuries and put oil on everyone’s wrist and after class I was sprayed with lavender oil. That stuck out to me — it was a sweet touch. My instructor was fabulous and I was sore for a few days after so I was happy about that.
All in all, I liked the experience even though I haven’t been back since but my instructor is the one getting the 5 stars.

I really like this yoga studio. It’s inviting and the instructors are great. If I lived closer I would go all the time. It’s a nice treat to take a class there

Two of my girlfriends and I took a $ 5 yoga class in the spirit of DC Yoga Week this past tuesday night. It was my first time at the studio while my two gal pals had been before. Studio DC has two locations, one in Dupont and another in Adams Morgan. Parking was a bit tricky around the dupont location but I was lucky enough to get a metered spot. You are better off taking the metro or walking over if you are lucky enough to live nearby.
Despite the rain, class was PACKED and there were probably 30 – 40 people crammed in that one HOT room. I’m not sure if it was that crowded because of the $ 5 class special or if it’s always like that but we had to be very careful with some poses without bumping into your neighbor and yes folks, that was inevitable. At least we introduced ourselves to our neighbors before class started. Now even though I was raised in NYC to never talk to strangers, don’t make eye contact and why oh why are you staring at me? Greeting my fellow yogis actually gave me a little mushy feeling inside. Ah emo, stop it!
Our instructor was great! I really liked the workout, worked out a mean sweat, and loved how she would sometimes demonstrate poses to maximize the benefits and make sure you are doing it correctly. It’s extremely helpful to beginners or people who need a good refresher and I learn by seeing so I liked that. A lot less creepier than someone coming behind you in downward facing dog, D’oh! O. O
I liked Studio DC because of their athletic approach to yoga rather than some cult-​like, butterflies and fairies crunchy hippie yoga. The Eucalyptus Oil and Jasmine spray at the beginning and end of the workout didn’t hurt either. I’m a fan and wish there was one closer to where I live in NOVA. oOMMMMMM!

I came across the Studio DC last fall because it’s close to where my wife teaches in the evenings. When I went inside, I was immediately impressed with the studio’s overall ambiance. I decided to take a Vinyasa Flow class led by the incomparable Regina Wilson. Not only is she a phenomenal instructor and experienced yogi, but she conducted the class with the heart of a teacher. The same can be said for all of the instructors, including Lindsey Urhig, Lexie Bohnert, Josh Kaplan, Corey Cohn, Shauna Coleman, Christine Kontra, and the rest of the teaching and administrative staff.
Once I saw that The Studio also offered heated vinyasa and power yoga, I was hooked (I love to sweat)! I became a member soon thereafter.
To give you a better idea of how The Studio has impacted me, on August 4, 2013, I stood 5’10″ and weighed 285 lbs. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to improving my overall health and fitness (as I will turn 40 in March), and The Studio DC has been an integral part of my journey. As of February 2014, I am 5’11″ (yes, I grew a full inch!), and my weight has dropped to 264 lbs! I have lost 30 lbs. of excess body fat, gained 7 lbs. of muscle, with greater flexibility, core strength and overall stamina than I have EVER had! I have never felt better in mind, body and spirit in my life!
Furthermore, being a guy in a room full of women practicing yoga has never been a hindrance, as everyone, student and staff alike, has been nothing but welcoming and encouraging. No egos, no intimidation; just a genuine love of yoga for the betterment of mind, body and spirit.
I am forever indebted to The Studio DC for helping me achieve a renewed vigor, as well as a physical and spiritual revitalization that I have sorely needed.

I have seriously traveled from Charlottesville, VA to Washington DC in order to go to the Level 1.5 Vinyasa Yoga class here. I have attended about 7 classes at this point and all the instructors have been consistently excellent.
Great atmosphere, friendly people, all around wonderful yoga studio.

great studio! a little on the small side but the teachers and staff are all extremely friendly and accommodating to any skill level. it is also one of the cheapest yoga studios in DC! my only complaint would be that i wish they had showers/​a locker room of some sort.

I finally found my DC studio! I have been doing yoga since I was ~11 or 12, and I had always wanted to try hot yoga. I tried Bikram Dupont for a few months and felt that it was too intense for me. The Studio DC is the perfect balance between challenge and relaxation. I am also impressed that even with large classes the instructors manage to give great individualized attention and adjustments.

The space and teachers are great. The only reason I would give it less than 4 stars is I am picky when it comes to hot yoga studios. If you are going to make me sweat every ounce of water out of my body you better have a shower for me. They only have one bathroom. They have 2 changing rooms in the back. If you can imagine how packed a 5 or 6pm class gets when there are 25+ students waiting, things get very tight. The hall is very narrow and there just isn’t a lot of space. There is also only one large studio. The smaller space they sometimes use to have level 1 classes.
The nice thing about this studio is all of their teachers went through teaching training through the studio and all have the same type of style. They also all typically play music for the classes, which I am a big fan of. They have plenty of workshops with their teachers and with master teachers from around the U.S.
I woud recommend registering online for classes as it makes the check in process much quicker. They do charge $ 2 for mats, coconut water, and luna bars.

I’m a self-​confessed Yoga «mutt» and despite years of practice in both highly militant and incredibly crunchy-​granola studios, I’m still unsure about which style I prefer, and whether I really need to choose anyway.
Studio DC falls into the latter category. They offer aromatherapy before and after class; eucalyptus oil to start off your practice and lavender to end it, tea, cookies and scores of Yoga Journal magazines to browse through. And unlike a lot of places that teach a more introspective and almost detached practice, Studio DC is all about building a community. You will be asked to greet your fellow Yogis before class, which I’m afraid to admit, I kind of liked. And, it was highly amusing to see a few people with a major «WTF IS HAPPENING!!» expression.
In spite (or maybe because) of all the bells and whistles, this place is quickly becoming one of my favorites, because ultimately they have fantastic instructors who teach fantastic classes. I love that they categorize it by levels, so you can try a Hot Power Yoga Level 1 through 3 depending on how adventurous you’re feeling that day. I’ve tried Katja’s and Courtney’s classes so far, and they will kick your butt.
Most classes seem to lean towards a Vinyasa practice, but I’ve heard good things about their Ashtanga classes which I’m excited to try next. A big bonus is that they have regular workshops (which is how I discovered this place), something that DC seriously lacks and probably needs more than San Francisco.
Oh hell… I’m smitten.

I would give a 4.5 or even 4.8 star; 5 seems too over the top. But it’s ok. I’m fine with this 5-​étoile representation. The Studio is a lovely place, after all. Almost all the teachers are fabulous, and I adore the oil they put on your wrists before class and the lavender spray after class. A lot of the classes are challenging, which I like.
I would love to see this location offer early morning classes, though. Currently the only class one can hope to go to before a workday is the 6:30am one in Adams Morgan. The Dupont location also doesn’t have the same comfy lounge area that its sister location has (which, understandably may be because of the rent differential).
The 2.0 hot vinyasa classes are great for pushing yourself a little further in your practice. Not as intense as bikram, but way more so than regular non-​heated classes. There are also more beginner-​friendly classes, one of which is taught in the rest area that gets used as a second studio, between the changing room where the cubbies are and the front desk.
As with many, if not all, other studios, one big pitfall of the Studio is its cap admittance of students for a given class. During popular time slots (weekday after-​work hours and some weekend slots) a class can get extremely uncomfortably packed, and you can barely stretch without worrying about hitting someone.

Loved this yoga studio! Definitely felt like they fostered «good energy» in their classes. Their instructors were very patient. I also liked that they kept their classes small, allowing their instructors to provide a decent amount of personal attention to each of their students.

Awesome studio!
More so than any other DC yoga studio, this place fosters more of a community connection and offers safer yet challenging classes. Here, the students talk more with each other across mats before and after class. And also unlike other local yoga studios that are either not challenging or not safety focused (and even rather dangerous for beginners who don’t know safe adjustments or variations and who push themselves) the Studio DC offers classes that are challenging for beginners and experienced students. You can practice here seriously for years and never get injured.
The Studio DC is also (or IS) the least expensive studio in Dupont if you attend regularly.
Totally recommended!

This is my newest yoga studio, and I think I’ve finally found a home base.
I wish I had enough money to afford unlimited classes at Flow Yoga, Down Dog, and Studio DC… but I guess if I had to pick one of the three, I think it might be this once. Now, I think that Flow Yoga is still the best yoga studio… but let me explain why I think I will be making Studio DC my home base (for now anyway :))
For one thing, it’s really convenient for me. It’s close to where I live, and i have my secret parking spot so I don’t have to run around all stressed out trying to find a place. The location is also wonderful and it’s right next door to my friend’s restaurant.
It’s also very cheap. Studio DC only charges $ 79/​month for unlimited classes. Down Dog is almost twice as expensive and is just not worth it.
But logistics and non-​yoga things aside… I have been enjoying my classes here. I’m a pain in the ass. I’m very particular. For the longest time, I’ve been looking for a challenging practice in a heated environment that was also spiritual/​centering. (So that knocks off Down Dog because they don’t play music and it feels more like an aerobics class). Flow Yoga has some REALLY AMAZING teachers, and I really miss the variety, but they keep the room too cool for my taste. Well they keep it at room temperature. Studio Dc’s hot yoga classes are between 86 – 88 deg, while the lunar classes are around 82 deg. I just really enjoy classes in a heated room.
The classes at Studio DC are very challenging physically, but as I mentioned… also centering. I really like that. I feel like I’m getting a workout and a spiritual experience at the same time.
The instructors are very good; some of them seem to be into prana flow. There is also a great sense of community there. They begin every class by asking you to meet everyone around you. Everyone is very friendly. I really like that.
Now… what would really put this place over the top is if they were able to have a jivamukti class or two here and there… or have Shawn Parrell teach more often. I seem to remember seeing her name on the schedule (she’s one my absolute favorite yoga teachers in town), but I have never been able to catch one of her classes. She may have been subbing… An ashtanga class here and there would be super awesome also… I would even be willing to pay more for greater variety.