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Bikram Yoga Laguna Beach
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
610 N Coast HwySte 208
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 376-7077
- Good for Kids:
- No
About This Business:
Although we embrace a diverse array of yoga styles, one consistent theme threads through every class we offer - an excellence in teaching that has made… read more »
25 reviews for Bikram Yoga Laguna Beach
25 reviews in English
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Review from Cass H.
1/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Not only was it my first Bikram experience, it was my first real YOGA experience. Double whammy!
So for $25 you can go as many times as you want for two weeks. A single class is $20 (ouch), so obviously you'll want to do the $25 deal.
Overall, I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. And I almost died.
-The instructor was fantastic! I wish I got her name. She doesn't normally teach the 6:30 p.m. class that we went to, so I can't even look it up. She was a little older with dark hair. Anyway, she was great. She went a little slower on the poses, helped us out and corrected us to show us proper form, and when I was about to DIE of heat, she opened the door for about 30 seconds so I didn't pass out. THANK GOD. Seriously....
-THE HEAT. Oh the HEAT! It's like 105 degrees with a bazillion percent humidity. You're dripping sweat before she makes you contort your body into a pretzel. So fun, right?!
-I have a super nose, and while the smell wasn't pleasant, it wasn't THAT bad. It's worse when you're on the floor and there is definitely a noticeable smell, but what the heck do you expect when you have a hundred bodies sweating in a room throughout the day, every day. I definitely had to psych myself up for it, though, because smells can seriously bother me. I went in expecting the worse, so it didn't seem so bad.
-I got a rug burn on my elbow. WTF? Watch your elbows while doing the floor poses!
If you're hesitant about doing Bikram, just try it! I'm fat and hate the heat. If I can do it, so can you! PS..I'm going again tonight. Who convinced me to do this, anyway?? -
Review from Sara B.
Updated - 2/2/2012
Thanks Andrew W for reminding me to review them again.
Let me just say that NO ONE that works here is friendly. I went to multiple class and all the instructors and rude and arrogant!!! I did continue to visit here because I had a package and I truly enjoy bikram yoga.
The final straw at the last class I went to was BUGS. The carpet smells of cat urine, horrible BO and is stained with so much body fluid that it causes waves of nausea. So, back to my last class. This instructor was by far the worst. I was struggling with concentration based on the fact that there were 100's of ants crawling all over the floor around my mat, on my mat and my towel.
Having to do a lot of floor postures, no one wants to smell the wafting stench of the floor and FOR SURE no one wants to have bugs crawling over them.
I said something to the instructor on the way out and I was brushed off. I emailed the owner and never have gotten a response.
You can keep my money, maybe it can go to sanitizing the facility.
If you have any health concerns. Body ring worm, respiratory issues, or problems with bugs....DONT GO HERE.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/25/2011
I liked the class... That is important, but I have a couple things I don't like
1. It is great that… Read more »
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Review from andrew w.
2/2/2012
Sara B needs to update her review because we both quit. I because I almost vomited in class one day (it's so overly hot in there at any given time 5 people are always sitting down or walking out) and the carpeting is NEVER CLEANED. It smells like cat piss and wicked BO. There is absolutely no way the carpeting is even close to sanitary and I would assume most if not all of the clients will develop respiratory problems and fungal infections. Sara B also has a fun story about ants taking over and instructors being dicks.
There should be 10 times as many 1 star reviews but people probably don't even bother complaining because they just want to forget they ever went. Read other negative reviews. Take a class. See if you experience what we did. -
Review from Vanessa P.
Laguna Beach, CA
1/24/2012
This studio completely blows. It is tiny and most classes are so packed you cannot move. The instructor Gio? Barks out orders while not even doing the postures himself and is not in very good shape- I guess it's ok if that's what you're used to but I went here when my instructor from yoga in park was on vacay and will never come back. The class was not that difficult either and it was billed as a power yoga class
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Review from Sheba F.
Laguna Beach, CA
1/27/2012
Worst Yoga experience ever! Yoga should be a practice that encourages spiritual insight and tranquillity. I feel sorry for anyone who believe it's ok to go and be spoken to in such a rude manner.
Many of the instructors are rude... Or they sound like a broken record. Marsha is the worst of them. She is critical, but not constructive. Also she does not stop talking in class (personal stories...which makes it hard to concentrate).
The studio reeks. That carpet needs replacing.
The bathrooms have the bare minimums...2 dirty curtain showers.
I much prefer other Bikram studios (irvine, Laguna hills). Or if you are not a loyalist, go for hot yoga (asana fit, San Clemente), you will find friendly staff and more! -
Review from Shana B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
10/25/2011
I am new to Bikram yoga and bought the Groupon for this studio ($25 for 10 classes) which is a great deal. I have been to three classes so far, all of which have been on Friday with Megan. While I can't compare Megan to other instructors, I can definitely say that I like her. She obviously makes an effort to learn the names of her students, especially the new ones and the inexperienced ones. She goes through the routine script, but has a very upbeat and encouraging attitude and occasionally jokes with the students. She also calls out suggestions to people by name when she sees room for correction, but doesn't single people out in a way that embarasses them.
With respect to the studio, it seems small but well set up. They don't have lockers for your stuff, but they have cubbies that you can use....they lock the outer doors when class starts so that you don't have to worry about people stealing stuff. The practice room is okay, definitely a little cooler by the windows. I have noticed some unpleasant odor (its a hot/humid room where people sweat all day, and there is carpeting, so there is no away around this). Some people have told me that the odor is better during the morning classes, but I haven't tried those yet. The odor isn't great, but it isn't really distracting. I'm usually more focused on breathing and managing the heat than pondering the smell.
They require that you use white towels in their classes and they provide you with a large towel and a hand towel for each class at no charge. I didn't really like this at first, since I have my own hot towel, but it is rather nice not having to lug a waterlogged towel home with you every day. They also rent out yoga mats ($3 a class) and they sell water and electrolyte drinks. -
Review from Priscilla O.
Irvine, CA
7/31/2011
I really enjoy working out here. I bought the groupon and will purchase a one month unlimited when it ends. I haven't worked out to hot yoga in about 2 years, but I feel right at home. I like all the instructors except one, who just doesn't instruct the class the way I would prefer...BUT, Bikram yoga is about learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, so I can deal!
There appears to be a core group of regulars that come in and before class they are all chatting it up inside the studio. That kind of distracts me from my beginning meditation, but once class starts, everyone is concentrating on their poses, which I appreciate. -
Review from Sue K.
Irvine, CA
6/20/2011
This studio is great! The class sizes are smaller than others in the area and the views are amazing! This studio is located one block from the beach with ample parking above Pavilions. The instructors are very knowledgeable and actually use a microphone during class which I think, is really important.
I've been practicing Bikram Yoga for about a year now and its far most the best workout in its class. but there is at least a two hour commitment if you really want to enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. You feel so accomplished afterward since you sweat so much during class as you bear the heat! -
Review from Robert S.
2/7/2011
*Ring, Ring*
Me: Hello?
Annie: Hey, What are you doing?
Me: Just getting hot and sweaty and checking myself in the mirror. What'ca doing?
Annie: nothing... just thinking of you. What'ca wearing?
Me: Just my boxer briefs.
Annie: ooo, that's nice. Are they the bright yellow ones that I like?
Me: Yes, the ones that hug my butt. Sorry to cut you short, but I'm not sure where this conversation is headed. I gotta go, my Bikram Yoga class is about to start. BYE!
Don't knock it till you try it. Yea, it's not the most manly thing to do, but I kind of like this class. My last roommate that I lived with swore this was the best way to lose weight. A couple weeks later she dropped mad weight and became a super model. no joke. This place offered a 10-Class Groupon for 25 bucks. Since I'm a bit of a bargain hunter I decided to give this place a try.
The studio itself is very small. There's 2 shower stalls and one toilet in the boys "locker" room. They don't have actual lockers, but they do provide cubbies for you to put your stuff. Since there's only 1 instructor at a time, they will lock the front doors during class, so the only people you need to worry about jacking your stuff are your classmates.
The classes are 90-minutes long. There are pretty strict rules, but they're not that hard to follow. Just do what the instructor says and you will be fine. You will get sweaty doing the stretches. Make sure you bring lots of water and form fitting closes. It's a good idea for guys to go shirtless and ladies to rock the sports bras. For a place that accommodates for 60-100 sweaty people a day, it's pretty clean. Slight BO smells, but that's expected.
Overall, I haven't seen dramatic weight loss results, but I can say my hunchback feels a hell of a lot better. The first time is really hard, but it gets exponentially easier. I'd recommend this place.
About my credentials:
I'm one of the 66% of Americans that's obese. I try my best to stay fit by playing on my Wii, working out at the gym after work, and playing sports on the weekends. I'm not super sporty and try to eat healthy. The problem is I don't really control my portions, so that's why I'm still chubby. -
Review from Dani S.
Rowland Heights, CA
12/7/2010
I feel like a human pretzel: all twisted up then baked at high temperature! Welcome to the world of Bikram Yoga.
They run 6~8 classes every single day of the week (3 classes on Sat and sun), to accommodate people's busy schedules. Towels are also provided during class and after class for showers - very nice. My only complaint is that the room always smells bad and the carpet is really dirty.
Instructors and fellow students are all very attractive looking, definitely helps get me through class. :) -
Review from Lai T.
2/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I purchased a Groupon because I've always heard of Bikram Yoga but had never experienced it.
Friendly staff. Room is a little smelly but not unbearable. Definitely the most I've ever sweated in my life. It was challenging but not impossible. I think next time I would definitely hydrate before and after class. I got a bit dizzy during class and the instructor told me it may have been because I was taking in too much water during class. There are lots of regulars, but they are all very nice. Overall a great studio and workout. It is just a bit too far for me to make the drive down regularly. Oh, also, the side farest from the entry door is the cooler side. -
Review from Jeff S.
Costa Mesa, CA
8/20/2010
The studio itself is very nice and i defintely feel great after the sessions.
BUT
The instructors are pretty hard on beginners or those who don't hold every pose perfectly. And forget about asking questions unless you want to get embarrassed in front of the class. The business has a bit of a snobby attitude.
NOT a studio for beginners. Seems to be suited for a more 'serious'/experienced cliental.
Prices are pretty high as well... they do run specials often though. -
Review from karen n.
Tustin, CA
6/20/2011
I love bikram yoga and the only complaint I have about this place is the studio is very small and hard to find as well as they mandate the use of white towels only. Other than that, its a good studio w/ a nice view.
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Review from Allison L.
Laguna Beach, CA
1/20/2010
1.5 hours of getting sweaty with a bunch of flexible strangers. Hmmm...yeah, that sounds more like an orgy than a workout to me too. I think the words "orgy" and "workout" can sometimes be interchangeable though. Don't worry, everyone keeps their pants on at Bikram Yoga. Try to dress as cool as possible though because it gets really effin hot! The recommended temperature for Bikram Yoga is 105F degrees and about 40% humidity, so don't be shy about coming in a bathing suit (a lot of regulars do). If possible, do NOT have your mat by the heater. I did last time (dumb blonde moment) and I thought I was going to die. Usually I don't feel like I'm going to die though...don't be scared :) You'll feel fantastic when the class is over (and not just because it IS over)...you'll feel like a new man/woman/asexual being.
The classes are $20 a session, but you can buy a package of classes and get a better deal. I believe they also have student and military discounts...or maybe I'm just making stuff up now.
Bikram Yoga Laguna Beach is open 7 days a week with several class times each day.Listed in: Laguna Beach
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Review from Megan S.
2/19/2010
For beginners, this studio is probably a pretty good choice. It's not as hot as the Laguna Hills, Costa Mesa or Irvine studios. They aren't too tough on you - just don't be in the front if you don't want to be critiqued.
I get a cooler vibe here in general from this studio. Maybe it's because it's not my regular one, or the people there are all really close, but they just don't seem as welcoming as the Costa Mesa or Irvine locations, even at the Laguna Hills location the two teachers (a husband and wife team) are happier. Laguna Beach studio is more reserved, they don't explain the benefits as much as other studios do.
Like the Costa Mesa location, they do the whole "turn off your mat for triangle pose" thing that I really dislike. It doesn't let beginners get a good grip on the ground so they can strengthen their legs to get the posture right for triangle, so they end up getting a terrible posture (hips up instead of down).
It's in a great location, the facilities are really clean, and they provide you with towels. These things saved it from being a two star experience for me.
Note: they do NOT let you come back into the room if you leave during class to go to the restroom or be sick or whatever. I don't like this. I don't advocate people leaving during class, but if I gotta go, I gotta go - I want to be able to come back in, especially if I'm dropping 20 bucks a class.
Note to beginners: lightweight clothing (sports bra and shorts for girls, swim trunks, etc. for guys) - stretch pants are a bad idea if you aren't used to the heat of at least Vinyasa or Ashtanga. You need shorts and short sleeves so your limbs can move down your body during compression and twisting postures - use your sweat to your advantage.
If I have to - I'll go here, but I much prefer the Irvine and Costa Mesa locations to this one.Listed in: You know Bikram? I know his…
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Review from Elisabeth O.
Irvine, CA
5/17/2011
I bought a Groupon for 10 classes and used all 10. WOW, what a great workout! This studio is awesome. I have taken a few Bikram from other locations, but I learned to love Bikram Yoga here a this studio mainly due to the instructors. I took several different classes with different instructors, my favoirte class being the Sunday 4:30pm. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. The studio is very clean and in great location. I would absolutely recommend this studio no matter what your level is, they will work with you.
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Review from marea p.
Aliso Viejo, CA
9/18/2011
i tried this place when they had a groupon deal and i am such a fan of bikram now. i was really concerned about it because i only did yoga once before and it was meh, but this is so different.
it's really hot and humid so don't be surprised and yeah it smells a bit, but i shower after, not before my workout and i think most people are that way too. actually now that i wrote it out, i realize it smells just like a gym
this class is actually pretty great to get rid of any agro feelings you might be having. i tried being calm beforehand and that was a good workout, but then i was in really bad traffic, blah blah on the way there and almost didn't even start because i thought i was supposed to be serene but afterwards i felt amazing, like all my bad energy went away. that said, being peaceful is probably a better thing. either way, getting your sweat on here feels so good. just make sure you bring water with ice in it so you don't end up drinking warm water
in my first few classes i felt self-conscious when the instructors called me out, but now i feel like they're not trying to pick on you, just help you get better or do it correctly. once i got there and could not do it to an embarrassing level- like i wanted to cry because it was hot and my muscles felt sore but the instructor didn't pick on me which was nice - i guess it happens sometimes to people even if you've been doing it a while since i've seen other people have that happen. but you can just relax if it happens because everyone's so busy focusing on themselves that they don't have time to notice you... oh yeah, stare at yourself in the mirror and i swear you'll do it better.
the only thing is you have to be willing to basically dedicate at least 2 hours to this workout because it's 90 min. plus driving plus cooling down. but it's so worth it if you do.
the one warning i have is that the saturday morning again is really crowded. the one time i did that class there were at least twice as many people as the fullest class i'd seen before or after that. the rest of the class days/times have seemed normal or even small sized which i like so i can not worry about bumping into other people if i lose my balance or whatever and can see myself in the mirror.
and don't eat before you go, but do drink lots of water -
Review from Anna N.
Huntington Beach, CA
Updated - 3/13/2011
UPDATE: Groupon has been given away. Sorry!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/17/2011
In all honesty, I've never been to this yoga studio. But I did purchase the groupon for it. It's a… Read more »
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Review from Melissa D.
Austin, TX
7/15/2008
While visiting my friend in Laguna I went to her Bikram Yoga class. This was my first time to do any kind of Yoga and I was scared. Really scared! I thought I could handle the heat because it is that hot in Austin in the summer but I still don't think I was completely prepared. the owner Marna was really awesome though and very encouraging. Although it didn't help much when I walked in the room. I almost walked out and had I had my own car I might have. I decided I had to stick it out. It is like a sauna but they do have fans running which made the air a little less still at least. This was a series of 26 postures done in 90 min and it was really challenging. I think about 60 minutes into it I started watching the clock. Praying for the torture to end! Finally it did and the weird thing is that I think I am hooked. Marna was great at explaining all the positions and really good at critiquing people without being offensive. I really recommend this place to anyone. I felt awesome all day and I can tell that doing this on a regular basis will have good benefits. I am already trying to figure out where I am going to start doing this in Austin. I hope they are as good as this place.
Some things to remember though-
Drink water, lots of it!
Wear as little as possible. I didn't and it sucked!
Pay attention to what you are doing or you will fall over. I learned that one the hard way too. -
Review from Kim W.
Newport Beach, CA
4/9/2010
I love this studio....It's very clean, in a gorgeous location, very disciplined, and is a great place to go to learn about Bikram Yoga...I have been going here for years. The studio is run by a brother-sister team who are very cool and friendly. Marna, the sister of the duo, is a great instructor who genuinely cares about her students and making sure you hit the right poses, and really wants to see you improve as you attend classes. I would recommend Bikram Yoga Laguna to anyone who is open to giving Bikram (HOT) Yoga a try!
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Review from Melinda Q.
Dana Point, CA
1/6/2010
This Bikram studio is awesome! They have a $25 for 14 day trial. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. I've done a few night classes with Christian and he is one of the best instructors I've ever had. The room doesn't get too crowded either- like other studios I've been to. I'm a huge fan- just wish it was closer to my home.
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Review from Antonia C.
Palm Springs, CA
3/16/2009
So I have been doing Bikram for a few weeks now and really love the way I feel when I leave. Unfortunately I can only really afford to go once a week...but my once a week session is well worth it. Be prepared to sweat and wear shorts!
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Review from debbie d.
Lake Forest, CA
11/21/2008
I wanted to give it a 1.5, but I can't figure out if that is a function or not. The .5 would have been for the facilities as it is a nice studio, well lit, well heated, well stocked with showers, plastic bags, and towels for your convenience. Having said that, here's why it gets the 1.
A student offered a reason to the instructor as to why she was not doing the pose as instructed. She said something about being concerned with her foundation. Instead of lecturing her on Bikram's foundations, the teacher told the student to do it her way or leave. She did explain that she wanted it done her way for the students safety, but she did not further clarify this point.
The teacher did apologize for how she went about the situation 5 minutes later, but again, no discussion of alignment or posture. Instead, she said something to the tune of "I've been doing this for 5 years..." She then continued on to a discussion about how another teacher use to throw people out of class for looking him in the eye. The class concurred and made it sound like this was something that all Bikram purists experienced. SOMEONE PLEASE CONFIRM THAT FOR ME. This discussion continued after class amongst the students in the shower. Recounts of tears and coming back and loving Bikram, etc. NO talk of alignment, NO talk of foundation.
Look, I get it. I know there's a hierarchy in many yogic traditions and Bikram tends to emphasize that point. What I'm not okay with is having a teacher that is not going to teach me! (reciting procedures and doing it for 5 years is barely half of teaching). I'm also not a Bikram hater. I do love the way you feel when you walk out of a class, but I don't think it's to my serving to get yelled at if I have a fundmental question about the poses.
There was an introduction fee for as many classes for one week. I did not go back. A lot of yoga is about the heeps and the jeebs (aka: energy), this one was not good. -
Review from Jonathan Y.
Dana Point, CA
6/28/2011
new to bikram. tried other hot yoga classes that are 60 min. after 60 min i felt like i would die in the heat. but i laid down to rest . oh wait what is that smell? nauseous from the heat that bo smell from the carpet would not go away with my nose to close to the ground. yuck. they need to clean the carpet every day with something. or new carpet that doesn't keep moisture for you to smell every class. otherwise an intense class. guys should wear the loosest short shorts there. or just a tight bathing suit will work like the male instructor. its freaking hot! but oh so good
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Review from Mia O.
Orange, CA
10/25/2009
I love Bikram Yoga. I have been going once a week for 4 months in Costa mesa. I tried Laguna Beach's Bikram and LOVED it the FIRST TIME. I went back today thrilled to be there and within 10 minutes left class due to the instructor and how MEAN she was to EVERYONE. I had a minor foot injury and she said she after finding this out that "she would not pick on me". Bizarre thing to say versus some options to help me. Then she tore apart another student for not following her exact words. It was this poor girls first time there. Then I "by pure Sunday Brainlessness" moved into a second postion of a pose and she laid into me like I have never been talked to before, not in just a class but in any professional environment. I walked out. I was in tears in the car and even in Whole Foods as I tried to re-group. I have no idea what "Bikram" philosophies are about regarding kindness but in Laguna Beach to 10/25/09 at 10 AM there was to kindness, compassion or understanding. I feel badly for anyone that thinks that they should pay for this type of treatment. Thank God, I had a 2 week pass to use and did not sign up and drag my hubby down there too. I will stay in Costa mesa. No ocean view but.... a peaceful place.
