Tough Love Yoga Atlanta

I really love this yoga studio. It is super convenient to get to and the atmosphere is hella awesome! Classes are challenging but very inviting!

I just started going to TLY and this is the first yoga studio where I feel at home. The age range skews a bit younger and attracts a motley crew of different kinds of people. The instructors I have practiced with so far have been incredibly good at verbalizing the positions and helping you work up a good sweat. They offer alternatives for positions allowing you to adjust to your skill level. There are blocks and straps for when you need them, and though there are only two studio rooms, that seems to be plenty. Highly recommend going here.

My words won’t ever do it justice. You have to experience it for yourself. I’m confident it will be worth every penny of the $ 10 you pay for the drop-​in :)

I love Tough Love Yoga! I was never a yoga person, in fact you would probably more likely find me at the cross fit studio next door, until a friend invited me
to a class here. Then it was all over, I was in love. I left class feeling peaceful, not judged for being a beginner, and sweaty (I never thought of yoga as a work out!).
That was a year ago, and since then I have tried other studios here and there, but something keeps bringing me back to Tough Love. The energy there is wonderful, the teachers are down to earth and always willing to align and assist. It has become my chill, happy place during the hectic week. Classes are affordable– only $ 10, and there’s plenty of free parking!

I can’t say much that hasn’t been said already. TLY is not for everyone, but for those that enjoy an ass kicking workout while finding your inner zen, this it the place to be.

This place is incredible. The atmosphere is amazing, the studio is gorgeous, and the classes are killer. It’s badass with a touch of soft spirituality and it feels like home. I’ve been to a ton of studios in Atlanta, and this is by far the best of the best.

This is a fantastic studio with wonderful classes. Neda’s yogahour is fantastic, I have nothing but extremely positive things to say about her teaching style. The space is lovely and welcoming. Definitely would recommend for everyone.

TLY appears to be occupied by a different crowd than most studios. Maybe it’s the location, at the quirky intersection of Edgewood, Little 5 and Candler Park. Maybe it’s the neighboring venues, like a huge crossfit gym or LGBT center. Or maybe it’s because Neda is very good at attracting the kind of people she wants in her studio.
Despite the cobras painted on the walls and Neda’s fierce tattoos, she invites a beautiful sense of vulnerability and softness in her studio. I love that she promotes a very physical program without judgment or taking it too far.
It seems like Neda is very involved with Darren Rhode’s YogaHour program, which I’m not really a fan of, but as a trainee of a different program I understand the commitment to a program you believe in. For the many people interested in the YogaHour philosophy it must be wonderful to have a way to practice 4000 miles away from Darren’s home studios in Arizona.
Classes are nicely timed and not heated. That’s right. Not heated. FINALLY. And guess what? I still sweat a ton (which means a lot for a non-​sweater). It is really nice to have a studio with great classes that aren’t heated. There are a lot of people (like me!) that have medical reasons they need to stay out of heated classes. At other studios, it seems like the only non-​heated classes offered are restoratives or basics. Enter Tough Love.
My favorite part? The skylights to stare out when we’re on our backs.

I recently decided to try to find a yoga studio where I could feel at home, where the teachers know my name. I looked for a place to grow in my practice, a place where I wouldn’t feel self conscious about doing a pose wrong. Tough Love Yoga has been exactly what I was looking for-​and more! I have taken classes with Neda and Jenn and have learned so much in such a short time! The amazing thing I have experienced here might sound strange, but it’s that classes here are FUN! Students are encouraged To try, and fall-​and fail-​and have fun! It is a place where you can laugh at yourself and your mistakes. It is never dirty or too crowded and each student is valued wherever they are in their practice. The teachers learn your name very quickly and are so joyful every time you walk in. The energy here is always positive. Go try a class and you will see what I’m talking about!

I have been looking for regular yoga spot since I moved to Georgia. I am so glad I found Tough Love Yoga. I have been attending classes on and off for about two months now and they are awesome. What’s really great about this studio, is it’s welcoming enough that beginners or those of us who haven’t practiced in awhile can feel at ease while still providing the type of athletic top-​notch yoga for experienced yogis or yoga snobs (not a bad thing!). I have basically not had a yoga class that I walked away from thinking that it was bad or too much or too whatever. If you’re someone who is into the spiritual aspect of yoga they have just the right amount without going over the top and alienating people who turn to yoga just for a good workout. Also, extremely reasonably priced for the awesome classes provided.

Despite being a visitor from far away, the minute I walked into the studio I felt at home. The desk staff made me feel so welcome! Neda’s metal yoga class is just what I’ve been looking for! She’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever experienced.

Atlanta has plenty of yoga studios but I haven’t been able to find the perfect one. Until now. Enter Tough Love Yoga. I’ve fallen in love. I’d heard of the studio plenty of times before through Scoutmob and Creative Loafing probably because it’s so different. I mean who’s ever listened to metal while you’re trying to concentrate on tree pose? I was always intrigued but I didn’t think it would be for me. I’m not into metal. At all.
In the spring however Scoutmob had a handpicked deal– yoga at the roof of the midtown W hotel with ginger margs after class and bliss goodies to take home with you. Obvi I signed up. Turned our Astrid and Rachelle from Tough Love were teaching the class. I expected the class to be pretty standard beginner fare. It turned out to be one of the best classes I’ve ever been too. Astrid really mixed it up. We did poses I’d never even heard of and we did some partner work. It was very cool. Her style was very laid back as well. Perfect for the type of event. I decided after that class I needed to check out the studio.
The first teacher I had was Barret, and she was subbing for a slow burn class. Damn, they don’t lie. That class burns. She let me try the class first and decide after if I wanted to pay the $ 10 drop in rate (so cheap btw) or $ 90 for a 10 pack of classes to be used within 2 months. Obvi, again, I purchased the class pack.
I’ve been going to the studio for about 4 months now and have purchased a couple of 10 packs. My favorite teachers are Rachelle, Sam, Barrett, Astrid, Jenn, and Neda, the owner. All the instructors are really amazing though. They really live up to the name as everyone else has mentioned. They give you tough love. They are going to push you but they are going to make sure you are in the poses properly and you are doing what your body allows for that day. There is no judgment here and all are welcome.
They offer such a variety of classes at a variety of times too. Flow classes, slow burn classes (my fav), stretch classes, hip opening classes, mommy classes, and of course the metal classes. Don’t worry if metal isn’t for you they don’t play it at every class. But it was actually very, very cool. I guess I like metal more than I thought!

We were in town visiting relatives, and looking for a yoga class to take. I am so glad my boyfriend found Tough Love Yoga. Everything about our experience here was great!
We took the Heavy Metal Yoga on Saturday morning, and not only did the desk staff make us feel welcome, but Neda was one of three teachers I’ve absolutely loved within the first few minutes. She was warm and welcoming, and there was none of the clique vibe that can happen in some classes (a very good indicator of an awesome teacher).
Both I and my boyfriend sweated our derrieres off, and even though there were moments when I was silently begging her to let us out of a pose, it was never too much to handle — her timing was spot-​on every time.
The Black Metal used in class was actually perfect for yoga — slow enough to not be distracting, but heavy enough to be a refreshing change of pace, and much more enjoyable (for me) than the ethereal droning and chanting I get in my other classes.
At $ 10.00 for 75 minutes per drop-​in, it is SO TOTALLY WORTH IT.
I left class feeling awesome, refreshed, and very happy. I am looking forward to visiting my family again, just so I can take another class from Neda.

I love, love, love Tough Love Yoga. All of the instructors are so welcoming and chill, there’s nothing intimidating about coming to a class. But boy, can those classes kick your butt. Through Neda’s instruction, I’ve been progressing in my practice in ways I didn’t realize I could: finally able to nail Side Crow, when a couple of months ago I could barely hold a standard Crow. And might I add, my muscles have never felt so sore after a yoga class — in the best way possible.
The studio is in a converted garage space, which sounds stark until you walk in and discover the cool décor they’ve got going on, and – my favorite – the incredible skylights that provide the perfect intro into your savasana. Ahhh…
It’s just a quirky, bohemian space with friendly folks, and passionate patrons. And despite the fact that I used alliteration to describe it, it’s pretty awesome. In a generally non-​hipster way (which as any of my readers would know… I would hate).
So kick off your shoes, roll out your mat, bring your $ 10 bill (because the classes are some of the best deals in Atlanta), and check out one of TYL’s creative offerings (metal yoga, a class followed by WINE, astro-​planey full moon parties, and more). They’ve got a great variety; something for everyone. There — now you’ve lost your excuse to flake out. See you in the studio.

This place is impossible not to love.
I started going while they were in the Youngblood gallery. I moved, they moved– to the same area. This is obviously the universe at work, right?
The teachers and the vibe there are fantastic. Nothing pretentious or intimidating about it. Encouragement is doled out generously. F-​bombs are dropped. They have a yoga/​wine combo! I love Tough Love.

I’ve had personal trainers tell me I perform at an athlete’s level, but I’ve never been able to do what I can in Neda’s class. She pushes you hard enough that you discover what you’re actually capable in your expressions of each pose, but the whole atmosphere is so unintimidating that even my newbie friends had a great class. So if you’re doing your first downward dog or you want to do your best ever, this is a great place to check out.
Note on the space: Yeah, OK, it’s kinda weird to have yoga in an art studio, but I prefer not having a mirror to distract me so I can turn my focus inward. Plus, the art sets a nice vibe for the whole thing. And the metal music Neda plays during certain classes is sick-​good — I much prefer it to the usual stuff you hear in yoga class.
UPDATE: TLY has great merch now, and a book club they operate online so you can fit it into your schedule, and more classes, and more spaces… they just keep growing! I’ve tried out some other studios on trips out of town, and let’s just say all yoga is not created equal. This is the best yoga I’ve ever taken. There’s something about the way Neda teaches, and the philosophy of the company, and the beauty of the spaces all come together to make this a great experience.

I’ve been going to Tough Love Yoga for a year now, so as a person who rarely sticks with any athletic endeavor for more than three weeks, that already makes the practice pretty great. I normally go to Metal Yoga on Mondays or Thursdays but the practice as a whole is outstanding.
Tough Love Yoga, how do I love thee?
METAL: Pretty self explanatory, but listening to Black Metal while getting an ass-​kicking workout? Yes please.
SUPPORT: When I started, I couldn’t even touch my toes, and these days Neda and Durgaya have me doing backbends, headstands, arm balances, and more. Whenever you’re unsure of what you’re doing they’re there to gently adjust and support you, and the entire attitude of the practice is that of support and camaraderie.
INCLUSIVE: My boyfriend is actually the one who encouraged us to start doing yoga more often, and I love that there’s a good mix of dudes, ladies, college students, older professionals, experts, beginners, etc. at Tough Love. Whether you’re a yoga guru or an inflexible beginner who can’t even touch her toes, you’ll fit right in.
TOUGH LOVE: Ok, so while they’re supportive, they’re also going to push you. You’re going to sweat, you’re going to question if you can finish that final chaturunga, you’re going to curse the Elmyr burrito you had just before class. But you’re going to leave feeling like a million, balanced bucks because this is the best, most brutal serenity you can find in Atlanta for only $ 10.

I love tough love yoga!
I had never taken a yoga class before (DVDs do not count) until this past April. I started going to Durgaya’s Beginners class on Wednesday nights and immediately started noticing changes in my body and mood. Durgaya is an amazing teacher and she has a great eye for seeing where you need to correct your posture. They have an unlimited monthly special which is super affordable! I started going to Neda’s classes, too which are also awesome! Both of them are super welcoming and helpful.
They’ll help you discover what you’re capable of doing and show you how to move further and become more open. I’m totally addicted and get really sad when I have to miss a class. If you’re looking for a way to get in shape, release stress or just have fun — you need to check out their classes.

I took the «Hip-​Opening Class» and was extremely impressed. At the end of an hour and the following few days I noticed a definite difference in my flexibility. I was also able to take home a few pointers and things I had not known before, which is always valuable.
The class itself was really fun. Relaxing, personal attention and a good bit of humor throughout to keep it light as we moved thru some challenging places.
Thank you all, I intend to repeat!

they’re not lying.
the name was what initially drew me to the class, as i’m a bit of a jock and most ‘power’ yoga classes aren’t very challenging. i assumed that i’d be breezily downward dogging and getting into my usual easy backbends.
nope. that shit was HARD. like, at one point i was vocalizing and even pussed out on a pose because i was tired. that’s not to say that it’s too hard, there are ‘breath moment’ breaks to refocus and rest. neda, the teacher, is encouraging and explains the poses well. i even managed to squeeze-​thigh my way into a headstand.
obviously it’s not a conventional yoga class. my only complaints would be that the space is wonky, there are no mirrors or props or other traditional yoga accoutrements.
i’ll definitely be back. i’m already hooked on how great my back felt for the rest of the day. even my clicky right hip shut up.