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Jivamukti Yoga School
Rating Details »
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Greenwich Village
841 Broadway
2nd Fl
(between 13th St & 14th St)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-0214
841 Broadway
2nd Fl
(between 13th St & 14th St)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-0214
- Nearest Transit:
-
Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W)
14th St-6th Aves (F, V, L, 1, 2, 3)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for Jivamukti Yoga School
I found Jivamukti after trying out many other yoga studios in downtown Manhattan that were fun, but didn't hold my interest. I arrived being sort of lazy and half-assed about my yoga practice. But after I saw how many people were serious about their yoga at Jivamukti, and the level of practice the instructors expect from you, I became a believer!
If you are looking to get serious about your yoga practice and really develop more strength, flexibility, balance and peace of mind, Jivamukti will help you accomplish that. I've been coming here for 2 years and now I don't know how I ever lived without it! The classes have brought me to a level of fitness I have never achieved before, and they have made me a better problem solver at work and a more compassionate person in general. Because each Jivamukti class begins with 15 minutes of chanting, ancient Sanskrit readings or personal stories about dealing with life's challenges (before you embark on an ass-kicking asana practice), you are constantly reminded that yoga is about improving your inner self above all else.
There are many other good things about Jivamukti. One, if you are into the hardcore, sweat-til-you-drop open classes, they have them scheduled every hour on the hour between 7am and 9pm, and they even have "busy people" 45 minute open classes if you really can't stay for an hour and a half. There are also a variety of instructors there. Some are truly challenging, and they have followings of groupies who take their classes religiously. Other instructors there are a little easier -- it just depends on what your personal preference is. Because there are many instructors that work there, you have to take classes from a lot of them before you know which ones you like the best. But overall they are very helpful. If they see you there week after week, they get to know you and go out of their way to help you improve on those poses you just can't get. And you will respect them as instructors because they go to India to study under gurus and take books like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika seriously.
Other amenities -- The cafe serves tasty vegan food if you want to grab a healthy, satisfying meal after class, and it's also a comfy, quiet place to study or work. It never gets too crowded and you can stay as long as you like. There are showers there but you need to bring your own soap and shampoo -- unless you want to pay $$ for them at the cute little yoga & natural products shop near the front desk!! The changing rooms are a little small, but they do have them and also some lockers that you can rent long term if you really don't like to carry your yoga things around. And if you really want to spend some time there, they offer massage and meditation practice too. In addition, they have many special events at night and on weekends -- parties, dance classes, visiting teachers from India who will teach you how to chant, out-of-town workshops and more. And their message board offers a host of other things to check out such as Sanskrit classes, nutrition classes and dance performances.
Also be aware that Jivamukti is serious about animal rights and vegetarianism. No one will look at you if you walk in with leather shoes and you will not be quizzed about your own personal diet, but this is not the place to stroll around in your fur coat. I personally am ok with the occasional talk about animal rights and vegetarianism that makes its way into our yoga classes, because I know it comes from a good place and that Jivamukti has done a lot to advance the wellbeing of animals. One month they even had "Yoga and Vegetarianism" as the focus of the month, but you know, they are never preachy or holier-than-thou about it. They talk about it and you can either follow their teachings or just listen.
It's a really unique yoga environment, but don't let that stop you. Go! Go, and it will change your life. If you are a newbie, remember to bring a towel to collect all your sweat during class, or $1 to rent one. Be prepared to work hard, and you will see results if you just keep going week after week!
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Well, I got an alright workout, but I wish the instructor had just shut up about his stupid "become an A-lister" analogy junk. Really really obnoxious and frustrating.
I need to rate this in two parts
First the Studio/Bar:
Is soo beautiful, with painted walls, and a super friendly staff so the minute I stepped inside I felt even more excited for the class.
The tea was great and there tons of options from the food restricted.
The class however, was a little disappointing. The open level classes are so mechanical and scripted and the teachers don't give many options to those who have a more advanced practice.
What is open level is meant for beginners and intermediate level practices. Even then they lack to deliver the spirituality of yoga.
Perhaps instead of painting the walls with such specificity they should focus on instructing the instructors.
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It's quite an experience to go to a couple classes at Jivamukti but I would never make it my regular studio.
The place is big and beautiful, big changing rooms, lots of storage. The teachers are enthusiastic, one of mine was a former fashion model/actress which doesn't seem so unlikely in a yoga studio where Madonna supposedly used to take classes.
And I suppose the expensive classes ($20 each, they teach up to 25 a day) and packed studios should be expected, too, but never in my whole life have I seen so many people trying to do headstands so close to one another. From my corner of the room (way, way in the back) I counted at least 80 people in class. And given the threat of asphyxiation or bout of claustrophobia, the class was actually pretty good - thorough and challenging with a good "flow" and focus on the breath.
The amount (and volume) of chanting was over the top for me - but I like to cheap my chanting to a minimum, personally.
So, even though the classes were good and the teachers could command their audience, I give it three stars because I just felt too pushed around in the crowds. At the end of my last class I ended up having to look for my pants - which had disappeared from the changing room - for over half an hour.
Not a place I can call home.
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My favorite studio. The classes can be intense. You'll work up a sweat. And you'll gain a little enlightenment. Matthew and Nahdi are great teachers.
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I went to workshop with the owners and thought they were extremely powerful and transformational. So I was anxious to go to their studio.
The studio is spacious and feels warm in temperature. However, it's not the friendliest place and there is definitely a cult-like character where certain instructors are worshiped like demi-gods.
Nevertheless, there is something to be said with its huge clientele though it's kind of pricey overall.
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Jivamukti Yoga School is incredible. It is a gift to have a school with such dedicated and knowledgeable teachers. It is not just a work out, it is a way of thinking about the world and our relationship with it. This school provides me the opportunity to challenge and expand the limits of my body, mind, and heart.
That being said, this school may not be for everyone. If you are looking for yoga butt and not interested in being challenged on a multitude of levels then maybe this would not be a good fit for you. I think it is worth a try, you may be surprised at how much this yoga school has to offer.
I am extremely thankful to have found Jivamukti!
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You haven't done yoga until you've don Jivamukti
classes hourly and they really challenge you. amazing music, great atmosphere. I'd def suggest for true yogis- great meditation sessions and cafe too!
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I go here to find my bliss and I've been finding it at Jivamukti for 10 years now. From the old Lafayette location to Union Square, the vibe has remained constant: Peace, Peace, Peace.
Jiva is not for everyone. The classes and teachers will push you out of your comfort zone mentally and physically and help you meet yourself. Not everyone wants to do this.
I didn't want this when I first started practicing yoga. I come from a sports background and most sports focus on the physical effort only. Yoga is a slow process that takes patience and quiet. I never knew how to be quiet until I met Yoga. And believe me, I found it kicking and screaming! :)
All of the teachers here are skilled and strong, but if you can take a class with Shannon and/or David-do it. They are so incredibly powerful (in a good way) to be around.
If you're looking for a life change, go here. If you just want a workout, take a class at your local gym.
Ommm........
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Rumors about underpaid instructors notwithstanding, Jivamukti is still the most popular yoga place in the city. For my money, the Iyengar yoga institute in Chelsea is more precise in its style and instructions.
But therein lies the value of marketing. Please dont get me started on why Bose speakers sell more even though ... (you know what).
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I don't really know what to make of this place, as soon as I got off the elevator, it seemed like the place was overly hectic; the receptionist seemed overworked, I was really explained anything regarding the studio, the type of yoga they practice, the introductory price. The class itself was pretty good, with lots of corructions from the instructors, no complaints their. it felt to busy for a yoga studio, it felt weird. the cafe was closing, but it smelled and incredible. I will try one more class and see where this leads me.
I have been going to Jiva for three years now!
I think I found out about it in NY Mag, and I absolutely love it. The classes make you SWEAT, especially during the summer. They really work you out, and if you go there twice/ week, you can see a change in your body.... although I rarely went that often due to my laziness (-_-;)
I also like the spiritual element of it; the whole idea of spending 90 min with people you don't know and sharing a very meditative moment... so New York.
Now it has been more than a year since they moved to Union Square. I loved their old studio because it was so retro and cool, but I love the new one for its bamboo floors. I always come back here when I am in NY, even though I have moved far, far away...
O----MMMMMMMM
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the fact that i'm standing at the elevator every weekday morning at 7am speaks for itself, I suppose. It is about a week from the one year anniversary of my first class at Jivamukti. It has been wonderful for me on so many levels. I can't even begin to describe...
Each teacher has something different to offer. And each class brings some new inspiration and new challenge.
I'm so thankful to have found it.
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I am lucky enough to work at a place where a couple of the teachers from the Jivamukti Center come to my work once a week for a small intimate class. I randomly received an email one day at work, "Do you want to join yoga"....I thought to myself, " hmm, yes, why the hell not?"
I have only been taking it for two months and already my body is transforming. Not only that but it is such a positive experience, I sincerely wish I could give it 1,000 stars. I have taken yoga in the past- but this surpassed all and I am definitely dedicated!
The flow of the class starts with chanting and a dedicated lesson, a focal point that directs you to release something that is of negativity in your heart and mind. Then it goes into a great hard work out, followed by a cool down and a wonderful peaceful meditation period. I leave every time feeling lighter, like my heart has been lifted. Estelle and Rema are both amazing teachers.....I just cannot praise this practice and it's teachers enough!
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Yes, I am a fan of the practice. I love their studio space although I wish the fitting area was a bit more accommodating and not just what seems like a walk-in closet. I can appreciate the lecture in the beginning before asana but I can see how others may be turned off by it. I eat meat. I love meat. I will continue to eat meat. Sorry folks, that's just the way it is. Doesn't make the session any less fulfilling for me though. You do feel wonderful afterward and I do enjoy the chanting. I would go more if I was closer by.
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I tried out Jivamukti because I had a pass for a few free classes. The emphasis on spirituality is not my cup of tea, particularly the long chanting and story telling-- I just felt awkward and antsy to get my workout started. Once we started moving, I did get a great workout. I appreciated the attention from the instructors, with lots of adjusting. I left feeling great, but probably wouldn't come back if I had to pay the $20 fee, considering there are so many excellent studios that are cheaper and that we used up about 15-30 minutes of class on the self-realization stuff.
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I can only say the best things about their Union Square studio so that pretty much says it all. I love the studio. The practice gets my ass, ego and stress kicked right out of me. What can be healthier?
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Good flow, but creepy cult like atmosphere. If you're not a vegan, get ready to be lectured. As a matter of fact, unless you're a lemming who agree completely with the owners' viewpoints, get ready to be lectured. Not a feel good place at all. If they shut up and spent some time paying attention to students instead of lecturing I might enjoy this place. I do like that the rooms are relatively warm.
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The open classes are packed, so reservations might be a good idea. I love the combination of meditation and chanting before the practice with the rigorous vinyasa flow style yoga - the class will leave you exhausted but really relaxed. Buy the class packs for the best value.
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If I could give Jivamukti more than five stars, I would. The classes are quite simply amazing. Dechen and Monica are superb teachers, the best I've ever had. The Union Square location is lovely, with large airy classrooms and a yummy vegan cafe. The massage is the best in town. I cannot think of a better way to spend a Sunday than with an open class and a massage afterwards. I LOVE JIVAMUKTI!!!!
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I felt a wee bit like I was a chicken under Mr. Perdue's care. Very crowded. And there is something odd about the quotes by the owners on the walls of their own studio.
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I am new to yoga but have had really positive experiences in the classes I've taken at this studio. I leave feeling really loose, limber and relaxed. My only complaint is that the classes sometimes feel too crowded.
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I actually went to a location off Union Square not on Lafayette. This type of yoga--as in super sweaty--was a revelation for me. I had really never sweat in yoga classes before I started checking out studios in NYC. (At the same time I am not attracted to hot yoga--when things slow down I want to be able to breathe freely). Both classes I took were with Jules who keeps the class fun, plays hip hop and other music that I never imagined working for a yoga class, and does adjustments to the extent that he can in these crowded classes. That is why this is four rather than five stars--very tight space. If I could afford to I would definitely practice here regularly. Stress just disappears after an hour and a half here.
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