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Ishta Yoga
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Beauty and Spas Massage Yoga, Massage [Edit]
56 E 11th St(between Broadway & University Pl)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
(212) 598-4800
- Nearest Transit:
-
Union Sq - 14 St (L)
8 St - Nyu (N, R)
14 St - Union Sq (4, 5, 6, 6X)
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
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32 reviews for Ishta Yoga
32 reviews in English
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Review from Ilana D.
Manhattan, NY
11/8/2011
I seriously LOVE this place.
I got a groupon for a month of unlimited yoga, and wasn't sure what to expect (I've never done yoga before). I have loved every class so far. The instructors are all so nice and encouraging - they never make you feel dumb for not being able to do a pose, and come around to give helpful pointers.
The place is not huge, but it's very cozy, and it has everything you need (though I do wish there were real locker rooms with showers, but that's probably too much to ask of any NYC space).
I'm not sure I can afford to come here once my groupon is up, but I would definitely recommend ISHTA for beginners looking for a non-judgmental, calming environment to learn yoga. -
Review from Dayla P.
New York, NY
11/15/2011
If you want an amazing meditation class this is your place. Alan Finger, who at first glance resembles a jolly Santa, has an amazing gift to take you on a journey. As you will see, his classes are always full and the predominant reason to go to this studio. They always have deals via yelp or groupon and it's well worth a months try (especially when individual mediation classes are $30 a pop for a drop in) if you have any inclination toward this. The staff and patrons are warm and welcoming. Theres a definite sense of a community present.
As far a the actual yoga goes, it's a great intro to get your body primed for meditation but if you're looking for a workout this is not your spot. Classes are slow and tend to stop and go so there's no real momentum to break a sweat. All of which is fine, if you don't have a different expectation.
Also of note: theres a great little library/resource center in the front lobby for all your mind expansion needs. -
Review from Morgan C.
11/1/2011
One of the best things about Ishta is the amazing space. The combination of the minimal walls, high ceiling, industrial lights, skylights and wooden door make it a truly beautiful place for relaxing.
I've taken a couple of different classes here and thoroughly enjoyed the balance between flow and alignment. Also, I misread the schedule one morning and ended up taking Alan's meditation class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a new experience for me and I felt very welcome as a beginner.
With regard to the instructors, they are great, however, many of the classes I've taken were crowded, so there is not much in the way of personalized attention.
If money were no object, this would definitely be my first choice in NYC yoga studios. -
Review from Chi Chi M.
New York, NY
9/26/2011
I don't like most Yoga studios but this one was pretty cool.
Alan's meditation class is packed! However, I really enjoyed it being a beginner at meditation. He really walks you through it, makes it easy and also gives you a good closing to the meditation so you're not thrown back into the streets of NYC feeling all spacy.
I'd have to admit that it would be difficult to come to this studio regularly. I happened upon a groupon or living social deal (can't remember which). So I tried it for a month of unlimited classes. I liked that they offered a lot of early morning classes since that's when I practice. Especially early Saturday morning as most studios don't offer anything until about 10am on Saturdays. Often I felt that some of the classes were too easy and kind of boring. Jessica's Friday night Flow and Restore class is my absolute favorite.
Ishta is extremely pricey per class, $22 and being that some of the classes are just ok I would not want to pay that price...but since I got to do the month trial I was able to identify the classes I would go back and pay for.
The studio itself is clean and well kept. Lots of bathrooms and changing rooms. Front desk staff is nice. -
Review from Lauren N.
Brooklyn, NY
6/12/2011
Being a yoga instructor, I find the richness and depth of ISHTA to be almost unparalleled. If all you are looking for is a workout, ISHTA may or may not be your thing. However, for those that understand and seek true yoga (meaning connection, presence, holism) instruction this might be THE place. I have had my fair share of good and not so good yoga classes in my life but I have never experienced a teacher at ISHTA who was not kind, knowledgable, helpful, insightful and inspiring.
The studio itself is beautiful, clean, welcoming, with bathrooms, changing rooms, secure storage for shoes, coats and personal belongings and is ALWAYS full of warm, smiling faces.
ISHTA itself stands for the Integrated Science of Tantra, Hatha, and Ayurveda, meaning that it's style uniquely blends the ancient sciences of Tantra and Ayurveda with hatha yoga.
While the prices here are a little steep, they are worth every penny but they also have great discounted packages for dedicated students. -
Review from Vi N.
5/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I've been taking Yoga classes at Prana on Prince, but since they are closed for renovation til Fall, I decided to try out Ishta. Living Social was doing a promo for about $30 you can take unlimited classes at Ishta for 30days (this is a sweet deal considering there classes are about $22).
I've been going 1-2x's a week and have been able to try different instructors. I've only taken their "basics" and "open" classes. All classes I've taken has been great. Instructors are really good and very hands on. Depending on time of class, sometimes it's a bit too crowded for me. I've found that the later classes are much smaller, which I would much rather prefer.
Overall, it's a great yoga studio, I'm now regretting that I didnt buy an extra unlimited 30day pass :[ -
Review from bethany w.
Buzzards Bay, MA
11/9/2011
I have taken many Yoga classes around the NorthEast. I took a class with Melissa-Power Yoga, Walk In customer. Treated with great services and when I come back to NY I will be looking her up again. Unbelievable workout. Thank you so Much Melissa you were amazing...
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Review from Kristina C.
New York, NY
3/31/2011
I started going to yoga at Ishta after purchasing their groupon deal for $30 for 1 month of yoga (an amazing deal, btw!). I wanted to have the chance to experience a variety of classes and as my month comes to a close, it's time to write. I usually practice 5-7x/week and went to approximately 20 classes at Ishta over the past month.
Class: The classes are definitely a variety in terms of challenge and teacher style. I attended Int, Open, and Sweat & Samadhi classes. I prefer a more vigorous yoga class and a few of the Open classes were a little too slow for my taste. The classes taught by Sarah, Cassandra and Rajiv were my favorites. Overall, all the instructors were good and even in crowded classes, there were adjustments and thoughtfulness to the flow.
Studio: 2 rooms- one upstairs and one downstairs, along with changing rooms, shower, bathrooms. I preferred the upstairs room but sometimes people would linger in the lobby and the laugther/chatter would be a bit noisy. Also, they allow late-comers, so while my inner yogi is trying not to be annoyed, I don't really enjoy moving my mat after class is already in session. Front desk people were always friendly and studio seemed clean.
Now that my month is coming to an end, I am a little disappointed that their class options are so pricey-- I am often out of town so investing in the auto-renew monthly options may not be worth it. Regular class packages are $18-22 which is more expensive than other studios I have tried.
Overall, the quality of the instruction and the classes are definitely worth checking out ($60 for the first month is a great intro deal). -
Review from Kristin M.
Brooklyn, NY
10/20/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
This is one of my favorite places to practice. I am also a yoga teacher and this is one of the few places you can go to experience a full range of yoga practice-not just asanas (poses). When I go to Ishta, I know there is going to be a depth of knowledge, going into the subtle, energetic body as well as the physical, also helping us move into meditation. Love it! Highly recommend!!
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Review from tiffanie n.
Brooklyn, NY
5/5/2011
I really really wanted to like this place but couldn't find myself to. I took one open class here for $20. I guess I felt I didn't really get much of a workout from it. It was the same few moves over and over again.. a lot of times. I don't think my instructor was really switching it up much.
My instructor was nice and she would come around and help adjust your pose if you're off. I think I'll be open to trying this place again if it's from a groupon or something. -
Review from Jason K.
New York, NY
1/9/2011
"Moo is ohm backwards." A bit of yoga-talk, but in digestible doses of soulfood to enhance a wellness routine.
I went for a month using a friend's unused Groupon. With lots of time on my hands, I went at least 5 days a week.
Classes:
I primarily went to the Open classes which were good for an intro/intermediate with some good challenges. Each instructor varies a lot. They all seemed pretty nice, and there's usually a few instructors-in-training around to help if you need a little extra support. I particularly liked:
Mona Anand, my favorite instructor, balanced insights during the classes, which I really appreciated. She's intelligent, very relatable, and brightens up everybody in her class. Often times, people get carried away focusing on burning calories, but she offers points of reflection while doing yoga, like focusing on different chakras, visualizations, forming intentions of our goals, etc. As my leg burns and I'm slowly sweating, I learned to visualize my inner alignment and contemplate on my goals and actions. Definitely spiritually enhances physical activity.
Alan Finger, the founder, makes me think of an English-accented, charismatic Santa Claus yogi. I took his ISHTA meditation classes. He uses a bit of yoga jargon, but when you get used to it and go more, it makes more sense. The guided meditations were good and his classes were usually packed.
Overall, I liked how Mona and Alan offered different perspectives of the busy New York life. I didn't necessarily burn a ton of calories or bulk up, but I felt more balanced after a few weeks.
Atmosphere: pretty chill (as expected of a yoga studio), and the regulars are pretty chill, too. Everyone slides over to make space if you ever need it.
Accommodations: 2 yoga rooms, plenty of props (blocks, bolsters, blankets, straps), 3 restrooms, 2 showers, and 3 curtained changing rooms. Generally clean and maintained.
Location: a few blocks down of Union Square, it's pretty convenient. It sits on a pretty quiet block. -
Review from Aria v.
New York, NY
12/17/2010
I'm just finishing up a week of unlimited yoga at Ishta, and I've got to say I've enjoyed it immensely. The studio has an air of calm and patience, making it one of the best places to escape the business that is New York City streets outside their glass door.
Classes:
Now, I'm no yoga guru. At best I'm an upper-intermediate/lower-advanced student at best. And even then I make it up as I go along most times, but that's what I get for only intermittently practicing over the past 10 years. Lately, my interest in yoga has been renewed by 1) a desire to do more strength training for my pole dancing classes, and 2) one of my pole-dancing friends doing her 300 hour teacher-training, at Ishta actually, but that's a different story. Suffice it to say that I've re-caught the yoga bug and Ishta's fulfilling my craving nicely.
They have a variety of classes available for all students. Basics and beginner classes, flow classes which will kick your ass, advanced classes for when you want to do some crazy shit and even restorative classes for when you've hurt yourself attempting said crazy shit. Of the classes I attended, I'm quite partial to Jean's Int/Adv on Wednesday and Gina's restoratives. I found Julie to be a bit harsh and impersonal, but that may just be the one class I was in--that and I think it's cheating a bit when the teacher only talks you through the moves without doing them herself.
But what puts Ishta apart from your general Union Square yoga studio is Alan Finger's meditation classes. I swear, this man is adorable. He says the funniest things, calls himself a "suspender yogi" and will actually help you reach pranayama when he walks around during class. More importantly, he is open to questions--I think he loves them. After going to a second meditation class, I was a bit confused about the vritti, and finally got the courage to ask him about it. In response? I got my clarification and a hug from a sweet old man. One hell of a sales pitch, I'll say. It's going to keep my coming back.
Ishta has also recently started offering workshops and they have a yearly retreat. They have one-on-ones available for both in class assistance and independent training. I also think personal meditation sessions with Alan Finger are available if you ask nicely and pay richly.
Studio:
Ishta is a clean place, cleaner than I would have expected for the amount of people always heading in and out. And there are A LOT of people. Perhaps that was just because of the special they had going on, but the Int/Adv, Beg/Int and meditation classes get pretty packed. Surprising considering they only opened the studio about two years ago, but I'm not complaining.
The run a tight ship, and with two new showers and a new bathroom downstairs from the first time I went there a year or so ago, the place is awesome. The large studio upstairs is gorgeous with wood floors (that hardly creak!!), super high ceilings, skylights and a huge faux foor in the front of the room. I have yet to find out if the door is more than just decoration, but either way, it really gets you in the mood. The downstairs studio is smaller, darker and can probably fit 25-ish people when packed. The upstairs studio can easily accomodate about 50.
While I do have my concerns about how often the props are cleaned, I can't really complain about anything the studio has to offer. Sure, some of the community members are a bit abrasive and complain about newbies, but some are downright awesome. The only thing that gives me pause is the price. Overall, I would LOVE to give Ishta 5 stars, but it's normal, non-Groupon, non-beginner, non-special prices are a bit steep. Even their student discounts aren't that much. That said, though, you get what you pay for: a great experience and atmosphere, and a great practice.Listed in: Quiet from the Sound and Fury
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Review from R A.
Brooklyn, NY
6/11/2011
I'd say this is 2.5 stars. I'm torn. There are many good qualities but some things that need to be improved.
Good things:
* really good instructors. I'm intermediate, and I learned some new things here. Some instructors excellent, all at least good. In particular liked Rajiv, Peter, Douglas, Sarah, Gina. I confess I didn't take the time to take Alan's meditation class and I regret this
* Nice huge main practice room with interesting indian doors at the end.
* generally polite and helpful front desk staff
* nice online sign-in
* 145/month unlimited rate, great 60/month unlimited for first month
* meditation classes
And now the bad.
* while some of the classes are fairly sparse many of them, especially the ones after work, are jammed to the gills. This is aggravated by *the huge numbers of people who sign up through online deals, like Living Social* (you'll see a lot of people in reviews below took advantage of this). They say they have a class limit, but if there is one it must be very high. There's only one real practice space (a little one downstairs) and it gets packed. I've watched people walk away from practice due to the crowds.
* instructors let people come in whenever they want (I watched one person come in to class 45 min late and set up; often people just walk right in 5, 10, 15 min late and disrupt the class). And few instructors seem to make much effort to place the people in a reasonable position -- in fact there seems to be a laissez-faire attitude, and those people who arrive 15 min late sometimes just plop themselves in front of those already there, sometimes perpendicularly (i.e. at right angles, right in front of you). At most other yoga studios I've been too - including super-crowded ones like YogaWorks - the instructor takes responsibility to make sure latecomers are placed safely, without interfering with the class.
* for those who attend by the class, very expensive. Very worth it by the month, but 23 a class?
* no real changing rooms -- just threw curtained cubicles. Hard to get changed if it's crowded, and privacy can be an issue (have to peek in to curtains to see if the booth is occupied)
It's a nice studio with good instructors, but they need to get their act together regarding overcrowding and changing facilities. Not fair to yogis/yoginis who take it seriously. -
Review from Denisse J.
Brooklyn, NY
11/29/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
Really really like this place. The classes are great, the teachers are great and the location is awesome. i've taken both the morning and evening classes. I've gone to many yoga studios in the city including Jiva Mukti and Yoga Works and I like this place the most. Get the $30 unlimited while you can!
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Review from Laura D.
New York, NY
2/23/2011
Didn't have a particularly great experience using Groupon with Ishta in November for a month of unlimited classes.
Logistically, it was a bit of a challenge: tried to sign up for a class using the Ishta website, but Groupon users can't complete the process online. Then had to re-sign up upon arriving at the studio. The next time I arrived, the person at the counter told me I had filled out the form incorrectly and needed to redo everything. It was all just a bit too much work to use something I've already paid for, and it made me less willing to try more classes, lest I be stopped at the entrance again. Hoping they've fixed that quirk!
Heads up to those new to the studio: Ishta has a strange policy where they allow latecomers into class. I'm on the fence regarding how I feel about this. On the one hand, it's a lot less stressful for folks to rush there from work, and being a minute late doesn't prevent you from taking class. On the other, nobody likes class to be interrupted by *that* late girl shoving her mat into the row.
Overall, I wish I had worked harder to take more classes here to appreciate all the great instructors I've read about on Yelp. However, I didn't take enough to hook me on any single instructor and warrant paying for more. Probably won't return. -
Review from Joshua R.
New York, NY
11/10/2010
This past summer Ishta offered a Groupon and it got me hooked on yoga. When my one month trial expired I decided to spring for a ten pack and make it a part of my routine while playing yoga tourist (the art of going from studio to studio taking advantage of new student offers then moving on so you never pay full price).
The more yoga places I try the more I love it at Ishta. I've even needed to got to Ishta class right after a bad yoga class at other studios just to recover. So i'm gonna skip all the usual great teachers, class selection usual yelp-ie stuff . . . Ishta is the only studio that always gets me into "the zone" in class and carry that energy with me the rest of the day.
I find the energy a teacher gives off to be one of the most essential attributes of a great yoga studio, and Ishta teachers lead very nurturing and lighthearted clasess, responsive to the overall skill and energy level of the students on that particular day
There are many great teachers at Ishta who i've not yet had the opportunity to take class with, but of those I have be sure to check out:
Sarah's Sweat and Samadhi (it gets crowded but she manages to turn crowd into cozy)
Kara's . . . well kara is just awesomesauce so any class with her is worth going to
Jessica does a great open level class and always manage to make my back crack
Laura hosts an excellent open class that tends to be very small so its almost like a private class.
UPDATE 12-3: As i've tried more yoga schools i've come to realize just how good ISHTA is and have upgraded it to 5 stars (which i was hesitant to do until I had a broader view of what was out there) -
Review from Rey P.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2008
I started doing yoga at YogaZone way back in the mid-90's when it was still kind of weird and woo-woo, with as much focus on prana, meditation, diet, and inner peace as on asana practice. At the time yoga studios were populated mainly with hippies, artists, students, and philosophers. YZ was a medium-sized studio run by Yogiraj Alan Finger, with a philosophy about the whole, individual Self and it's place within the divine.
Then yoga became a trendy alternative to aerobics and YogaZone morphed into YogaWorks. And while it's still an okay studio, I miss the woo-woo; almost none of the YogaWorks classes end in meditation, chakra balance is a sidebar to sweating, and some classes are downright gym-style yoga, not yoga studio yoga.
So thank god for Ishta Yoga! A lot of those senior teachers who were there since the YogaZone days have opened this little studio with the same Yogiraj Alan Finger. The classes perfectly blend ancient wisdom with contemporary life, and the teachers actually have a spiritual agenda that suffuses the asana practice. Moreover, there's now an ayurvedic practitioner available for consultations and treatments and group meditation sessions four days a week.
There are grand opening specials going on through the end of May (with discounted 10 and 20 class series and a huge discount on annual membership), so get in there now! I've been much happier practicing in a smaller studio with a mission this past week and -- by the end of my YW membership this month -- will be taking advantage of that annual membership myself.Listed in: You rule!
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Review from julia p.
New York, NY
7/28/2008
Ishta? Should be called ICK-ta. I went here because I had received an email for a free class and it was in a good location (right by union square). When I got to the studio, the dude at the desk said I had to have my email printed. The environmentalist that I am, I was so upset that he wanted me to print and waste paper and would not take a yogi's word that I got indigestion and had it throughout the entire class. If that didn't make the experience bad enough, the class was slow paced and dull. The teacher was anything but inspiring.
In practicing non-judgement, I usually like to give a studio a few tries before I form an opinion about it. However, I disliked my experience here so much that I never want to go back again.
This studio is new - I'm curious to see how it survives in the land of yoga that is union square.Listed in: nyc = new YOGA city
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Review from Alex B.
Jackson Heights, NY
2/10/2009
When I'm running my ass all over this town (and this life!) practicing "nothingness" is key to my sanity. That's one of this studio's guiding principles: Do nothing."
ISHTA is founded on a strong sense of the spiritual dimension of yoga, not just on the physical asana practice.
Alan Finger is a master of Tantric techniques and wisdom, so if you've ever been curious about Tantric meditation, he's the man. Some of his techniques are posted on ISHTA's blog (visit the website). A daily practice of these will change your life.
The asana classes differ in focus according to the teacher. Douglas and Sarah guide you with serenity, Mona incorporates mantras and yantras with the poses, and Jean offers a devotional teaching that is as sweaty as it is enlightening. For building strength and grace, I recommend Julie Wilcox. If you need help with alignment or working through an injury, Rajiv, Elena and Cathy are experts drawing from knowledge of medicine, dance, and movement science.
What's amazing about the studio is that while the asana classes offer a range of focus, they share a common spiritual core. Regardless of the class, you will learn a deeper dimension of Yoga. ISHTA strengthens your body, mind and soul. I know I'm sounding like an add for a spa resort, but it's no joke. As an added bonus (here I go again with ad-talk) you can visit Manjula Paul at ISHTA. She's a fantastic Ayurvedic practitioner who has helped me improve my sleep, digestion and mental well-being. And I haven't been sick once since visiting her (usually at this point I would've had at least 2-3 colds) so thanks to her my immune system seems to be doing really well. -
Review from Mariellen B.
Astoria, NY
10/6/2010
ISHTA is the yoga studio you want to be at if you're serious about beginning a yoga lifestyle. Each class is a combination of physical and spiritual learning, and when you leave both your body & mind will feel refreshed!
The instructors are fabulous -- they're patient and genuine, and they each have a great sense of humor. Alan's meditation class is something that you just won't find anywhere else. Wendy's classes are gentle and perfect for beginners, and I personally love Michael's classes because he's funny and has great taste in music. The instructors are also very invested in their students and will make individual suggestions for your own unique practice.
Yes, you can find more intensive yoga "workouts" at other studios in the city, and if that's what you're looking for you may want try bikram or take classes at a gym. But if you're doing some soul searching and want to incorporate the science & philosophy of yoga into your lifestyle -- in addition to the asana and meditation practice -- then ISHTA is what you're looking for! -
Review from Natasha L.
New York, NY
12/21/2009
I had just moved to the East Village and read about the intro special at Ishta. It's such a deal I'd be an idiot not to check it out. I enjoyed my month at Ishta, I was practially going every other day. My favorite classes were Sarah's Wed night class and Michael's Saturday class.
I just wish overall, the classes were a little more intense as far as a workout. It's totally relaxing and calming and I love the meditation aspect of it, and I always felt refreshed after; I just never felt like it was enough of a workout. And granted, I know that's probably not what they are aiming for, but I was experimenting that month with substituting a yoga studio for a gym membership. I did enjoy the classes and the vibe very much and would definitely go back for drop in classes. -
Review from Amory O.
New York, NY
10/4/2011
This review is based on a workshop I took a few weekends ago which was a terrible experience. To me it showed the true colors of a studio that is more interested in making money than in the yoga spirit. It was completely over sold yet they didn't turn anyone away. I had pre-regestired for it and was actually surprised when I checked back that it wasn't sold out. Literally, mats were touching/overlapping and it was absolutely impossible to do any of the asanas therefore impossible to really participate in the workshop. They ran out of props. I've been to very crowded classes/workshops so I'm not sensitive to a full environment. But it was clear that they were mostly interested in getting as many bodies (dollars) into that room. They do have some ok teachers for their regular classes but not worth it to come back knowing this is their mindset.
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Review from Megan M.
Brooklyn, NY
3/25/2009
MY FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE! I know...I need to get with the times.
I came to Ishta for their awesome day of free Yoga a couple weeks back. I was a little nervous, this being my first time and all, but soon got comfortable as I took off my shoes and read a magazine in the waiting area.
I took their "Intro to Yoga," obvi, with instructor Douglass Stewart - the class was packed, but not too much so that you couldn't move...you just got to know your neighbor pretty well =) He started us off slow and then began to put us into standard positions, explaining difficult moves as he went. He was very laid back, with an incredibly soothing voice, funny at times and a very friendly guy. I would love to come back and take classes with him again. The "helpers" that walked around during the class were great as well. Even though there were a lot of students, the 3 helpers were able to get around to everyone and help with your stretches and poses. Loved them as well.
I was incredibly relaxed when the class ended and felt like I could tackle anything the rest of that day. REALLY. Yoga makes you feel great! I was fairly sore 2 days later in places I didn't even know I had worked!
Although I only saw one of the rooms of the facility, it seemed pretty standard. I personally would have liked a little more decor...but whatev =)
I will definitely be back. I really want to take advantage of their $40 UNLIMITED month pass for new students. My only qualm is that there's not much variety in classes before and after my work schedule - a lot of choice during the day, but not so much for us bringing home the bacon. -
Review from Alli J.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2009
I like Ishta but for me it seems to lack a little personality. I guess you could say that it has a corporate vibe to it which can probably be attributed to the fact that Alan Finger is behind other yoga studio chains like Yoga Works and Yoga Zone. I know and agree that he is awesome and I did take a meditation class from him that I really enjoyed but the studio just doesn't feel as "genuine" as some other "crunchier" places. I think it could be the extensive yoga clothing, accessories, etc. store in the front or even the vibe of the people working the front desk.
I have to say that the upstairs room is really gorgeous and open. It's wonderful practicing in a space like that - it feels like a real treat for New York where you're usually kind of cramped up in yoga.
The new student special is a great deal. If you live in the area, it's definitely worth a shot. $40 for a month of unlimited yoga is the best deal in town. -
Review from J A.
Seattle, WA
5/15/2009
Absolutely fell in love with ISHTA this week. I was in New York for business, and wanted to seize the opportunity to learn from Alan Finger. He is amazing! I took his Tuesday 9:30am meditation class, and it set a wonderful tone for the rest of my week. Alan has a lovely sense of humour, and an incredibly straightforward approach to teaching meditation. We began with a brief talk, warmed up with gentle asanas, and then sat for 40 minutes in both guided and silent meditation. His method truly reminded me just how important meditation is, and just how much work I have to do in my practice. The space was packed, but in a friendly and welcoming way, and my fellow yogis were among the friendliest folks in the city!
My only qualm with the space would be the messy props. An otherwise beautiful and soothing environment was slightly tarnished by props stored haphazardly. It's amazing what folded blankets and rolled straps can do for a studio space. -
Review from annie s.
New York, NY
1/12/2010
Phenomenal, phenomenal yoga studio-like going on retreat. I've tried many other nyc yoga places, and many are great--Jivamukti is wonderful if you're a practiced ashtanga/power style yogi, for instance.
But Ishta Yoga is truly special, and to take Alan Finger's meditation class is a really wow experience. The Ishta experience is more like a 500 dollar a day yoga retreat than a typical studio. Go to Alan's meditation class, and follow it with a regular yoga class--you'll be blown away. So many very very good teachers, head and shoulders above other places. This is yoga as art, philosophy, consciousness. -
Review from Lily L.
New York, NY
2/28/2009
Ishta is relatively new and did an open house today where it was free classes and free 20 min spa treatments. The studio is clean and fuss-free. I'm a devotee of Om Yoga right up the street but at $40 a month for unlimited yoga for first timers, you really can't beat that! That's like only 2 classes at a regular yoga center.
Ishta is a lot like Yoga Works (especially the one on 5th ave near City Bakery) which makes sense since I think it's from the same people. The online reservation system is awesome so you can reserve and cancel without having to show up an extra 15 min early to class and fight for a spot. -
Review from Allison K.
Long Island City, NY
7/21/2011
I really like Ishta Yoga. All of the instructors are really knowledgeable, nice, and caring. The studio tends to be on the hippier yoga-ish side of the spectrum--meaning that if you're looking for just a workout, there are other places you could get it. But if you want an insightful class with sometimes a bit of humor (and, admittedly, some jargon and "energy forces" talk) then this is a really strong choice. Good vibes all around.
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Review from Lama B.
8/10/2010
I loved this studio. I did the Groupon for unlimited yoga for 1 month for $30 and it totally turned me on to yoga in a big way. Sarah's classes are simply divine and the power yoga classes rock. I liked Michael's class as well. I actually didnt like the meditation class, I found it too slow and boring for my taste but the flow classes really rock. Sarah is so mindful and her stories are truly inspiring (it sounds corny but its true!). I dont live around here so I opted for a different studio in the end but Ishta is fantastic. The reason they're a 4 and not a 5 is they are a bit...well business minded and so it takes away from the "yogi mindset" but otherwise these people know what they're doing!
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Review from hope f.
New York, NY
10/18/2008
This relative newcomer to the Union Square yoga scene has an illustrious pedigree. The founder and owner, Alan Finger, is a spiritual teacher of great charisma and one of the founding gurus of yoga in New York (Yoga Zone... Be Yoga...Yoga Works). And the senior teachers here were some of the most popular teachers at Yogaworks before making the move. The style of yoga taught here, and the authentic spiritual agenda that underlies it make practicing here satisfying on many levels. I originally came here for the teachers but was thrilled with the space. It is simple but tastefully done, and what's more -- it's extremely clean. Studios (floors) and the bathrooms are immaculately groomed. The props are clean, well-stored, and the studios provide neat grid storage for personal items so the studio isn't full of people's lumped junk.
I had grown so sick and tired of the slovenliness of many of the city's studios and their indifferent hygiene. And am so happy to be able to practice in a place that not only practices a conscious, inspiring style of yoga but that shows its respect for yoga by practicing cleanliness and aesthetics. -
Review from Carolinne M.
New York, NY
2/4/2009
QUALITY STUDIO!! I've been practicing yoga for 13 years and have tried just about every studio south of 23rd street. Recently I came to Ishta Yoga to look into classes as well as their teacher training program. I had heard many wonderful things about the founder, Alan Finger and had high expectations. Ishta is an amazing amazing studio. The classes have that wonderful balance of physical focus and mediation. The instructors are highly knowledgeable, thoughtful and approachable. So very often I go to a yoga school where the sequences are rote and get stale very quickly. The mastery of the teachers here is apparent in the variety of asanas introduced in class and by the way they lead you through the practice. Yoga is IN them. This is a school where transformation through practice is truly facilitated, not the case with a lot of schools.
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Review from Nicole D.
Austin, TX
4/13/2010
This was my studio when I was living in NYC. It was always such a treat to pop into a class after a long day at work. There always seemed to be a class available to accommodate my schedule, and every single teacher I had was excellent. They provided really good adjustments to your postures and options for students of all levels. The teachers all had great personalities and added their own unique twists to the classes. A very peaceful, clean studio managed by genuine yogis who take a holistic approach to the practice.
