Jivamukti Yoga Center

What a yoga gem in this neighborhood! Such a lovely place to sit down and grab food and have tea before a yoga class, meditation, or workshop.

They have an organized store with cute apparel and beautiful jewelry pieces.

I went for a sound healing workshop with some friends and I am glad I came in here. The front desk staff was so warm and kind. They are very busy (while I was there, the phone was constantly ringing). I was startled to see the reviews about the front desk staff because everyone I met while there was calm and kind.

Facilities were very clean and well kept.

Mediocre class. Curt staff. Instructor seemed stressed. Vibes were bad, not for me. If I'm in a pinch I would definitely take a class again, but only through class pass (I paid for the class this time).

If you want an INCREDIBLE aerial yoga class go to Antigravity lab on 37th street. It's free, happy, and challenging.

Love Jivamukti yoga!! The space seems very authentic. The two things I noticed about the facility are the clean floors and the high quality of their mats. Not only are the mats complimentary for members and drop ins, but they are also cleaned right after each use with their laundry machines.  

The term 'Jivamukti' means individual liberation. Jivamukti Yoga School embraces the philosophy of Ahimsa, Bhakti yoga, Raja yoga, Karma yoga, Nada Yoga, Dhyana and Chanting. The instructors here are very professional and they make sure each student receives a hands on adjustment while the breaths are also counted for awareness.

I love the Spiritual Warrior class. It is an hour long and unlike most practices, it starts off with an inversion and a backbend...it's different but it works. The mats are lined up against the wall and the flows are simple but the way they sequenced it does work a sweat.

Jivamukti Open is an hour and 35 minutes long that starts off with 3 oms, a chant and a philosophical speech before the physical asanas begin. Unlike the Spiritual Warrior class, the inversions and the backbends are saved toward the later part of the class when the heats are built. The practice ends with a seated meditation follow by savasana.

On the downside, there's only one shower and no mirror in the changing room. And the lockers are really really small and it's for rental only...if you have a large bag, it wouldn't fit.

They also have a gluten free vegan café attached. It's cute but some items are overpriced like $13 to $16 for a quesadilla.

Overall for someone who must have her inversions and backbends to call it a full practice, you can't go wrong with Jivamukti. However it would be amazing if we can have hanumansana and gong savasana added :)  

4.5 stars.

P.S: They also have MySore Ashtanga

This center has its own peaceful vibe in the middle of the crowded union square! It was difficult to find at first, but once I entered, the space was beautiful!

This yoga center not only offers classes but it has a cafe and shop as well. They use whole fresh ingredients in their food so you get what you pay for here! I got a rose petal tea drink which was a soothing pair to my food.

The staff are very kind and also have a peaceful vibe to add to the whole aura of the place!

I've been going to Jivamukti for about ten years? It's not just a yoga studio. The dharma talks are all about non-harming practices and ways we as a community can be nicer to each other and to the earth. Nice sentiment right? Smack dab in the middle of wild and crazy Union Square, this place has been my oasis especially after a shit day at work, or whatever NYC throws at me.

Teachers I love because their classes include a great workout and really inspiring talks to take with you throughout the week:
DANIELLE PRAGER
MONICA JAGGI
JAI SUGRIM
JESSICA STICKLER
CHRISTIAN MONTEGUT

Unfortunately the founders Sharon and David are not just absent in the sense that they practically never teach there anymore, but also the vibe of the place is significantly less friendly.

SOME of the newer, younger desk chicks seem grumpy and out of it, which is super weird for a yoga studio. Not saying I need fake smiles, but basic courtesy is appreciated. Of course then there are some really warm ones, so I guess it just depends on the day.

HERE'S A BIG CHANGE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED:
MATTHEW LOMBARDO was one of my favorite Jivamuki yoga teachers (he'd been there for 13 years!) and was randomly fired by the new management just to make an example out of him. Obviously he made a mistake, but who hasn't? We're human. One of the new managers I've interacted with is so NOT the type I'd associate with the Jiva I know and love. I hope he has an epiphany and realizes his error and begs Matthew to come back. The Saturday and Sunday morning classes are not at all as awesome as they were when Matthew was teaching.

Note to Jiva Management: There are three other great yoga studios within five minutes walking, and everybody knows it.

Jivamukti has been a long time favorite of mine...please don't ruin it because you're not paying attention. LISTEN when customers make requests.

I am somewhat of a newbie here at Jivamukti- been coming here since March 2017 and I absolutely love the teachings and classes. I've now attended around 13 or 14 classes and all of them have touched me in a profound way.

At first I thought it was a little strange, the chanting and singing in the beginning of the class but realized rather fast that this is a wonderful way to be present and really be aware of the practice to come. 95 minutes at first it sounded daunting, but I enjoy every minute of it every time I go. I cannot recommend this place highly enough, if you are into yoga if you are a beginner or have been practicing yoga for a long time, all the teachers are wonderful, kind and helpful with their adjustments and tips during your practice.

Bunch of thieves!!! This location has previously closed without giving me back my credit for classes. They ignored my multiple emails and calls. Karma is a bitch, I'm glad you're no longer around to steal from other people!

My favorite yoga studio.  Clean and spacious with a nice vegan cafe attached.  But TBH the only thing that really matters to me at the end of the day is quality of the instructors.  Though there is a range, more often than not, they tend to be above average (as in they know what they're talking about, really helpful adjustments, and most importantly make sure you don't hurt yourself).

I mostly take the open class, which is about 1.5 hours.  There is usually a little bit of spirituality in the beginning and at the end, sometimes with a chant book, sometimes with the instructor playing an instrument, sometimes a brief lecture on the studio's topic of the month.   Sometimes there is also a short period of sitting meditation at the end of class.  I originally expected to get weirded out by the spirituality but actually found it very thoughtful for the most part.

The practice itself tends to be challenging.  Intermediate to advanced yogis may get he most out of it - seems like there's no limit in how advanced the poses can actually get, ha.  Each class has something new so there's always something to learn.  For beginners there's also plenty of modifications, and most importantly they'll teach you the right way to do basic poses, which you won't necessarily get at the average studio in the city.

Sometimes in class, the instructor may rub a minty ointment on you.  I find it pleasantly calming, and actually helpful for my breathing.  If you're wary, just let them know, totally optional.

The atmosphere is supportive, peaceful, serious.  Contrast this with usually fusion yoga studios that maybe focus a little too much on "having fun", sacrificing workout/improvement of practice.  Or alternatively, other serious studios that can be a little too competitive with oppressive cult leader type of vibe surrounding the teacher.

Finally, the studio itself is really well-run.  Usually multiple people staffing reception so wait is typically short.  Staff is completely professional/nice.  They also have their own app you can use to schedule/pay for classes.  There is a reward system that gives you points for coming to class that you can eventually exchange for stuff.  Studio is always clean.  They also have Mysore ashtanga classes here.

Amazing! Highly recommend. Visiting from San Francisco and Jivamukti Yoga Center lived up to its reputation.

Worst yoga studio I have ever been to. This place is dirty, the staff is rude, and the class was mediocre at best. I hope they never reopen