Bikram Yoga Laguna Hills

Fantastic studio. Judy is such a great owner and teacher. She takes time to teach the pose properly several times during class. She is kind to new students and very encouraging

5 Stars for the health benefits and an especially wonderful instructor Tiffany. Enjoyed meeting her husband who was also in our class. Tiffany was articulate and had really positive energy. And she wasn’t afraid to demonstrate proper form with the postures, which I really appreciate at my beginner level.
People, Bikram Yoga Studios seem to ALL smell like a trash dumpster full of rotten onions and buttholes. 3 out of the 4 I’ve visited have carpet. I’m sure it’s not intended to capture and maintain the B.O. funk, but to make sure you actually have some traction for your sweaty ass feet, so you don’t slip and slide like an ice skating rink.
Bottom line– quit your crying, stop being an Orange County princess for 90 minutes (yes, your delicate little nose will survive it) and do something good for your body. It’s 100% worth your time!

I have been to at 4 different Bikram Yoga studios, and this is the best one. I read some of the older negative reviews for Bikram Yoga Laguna Hills, and I understand those pertained more to the old owner, who was from a different culture. Judy, the newer owner, is a tip top instructor who I feel genuinely cares about your progress as a student. I found the other Bikram Yoga Studios to be too militant, but Laguna Hills found that sweet spot of gently encouraging students to get better. All in all, a reasonable studio with good instructors (Judy is the best out of them).

I am not a ‘Yelper’; however, compelling reason have found me reviewing this studio. Perhaps these observations can provided feedback, and areas that garner attention. I am not a finicky person, and like to give businesses the benefit of the doubt, but there were so many things that do no work here.
As a regular Bikram practitioner I dropped into to the studio while on vacation. The owner and instructor signed me in, and I waited for the previous class’s student to leave. Upon entering the yoga room I realized the studio was Completely Filthily. Appalling. The carpet was stained and sticky, the mirrors pealing and dirty, the baseboards had dirt and grim, and the room reached. I dreaded touching the floor… That was the good part.
During the warm-​up the instructor left the room, the first of times, to lock the door. This odd and distracting behavior included leaving to get coconut water, water, and kombucha Opening the plastic seals as she crossed the studio, while teaching the class.
During class she continued to fidget with the temperature and humidifier controls. Abet, this did not kept freezing air blowing on me staring with the floor through the end of class.
Perhaps most distracting, and completely inappropriate was continued, loud conversation the instructor was having with one of the students WHY her family members are not coming to the studio. I would like to stress, theses were full conversations.
When all of the above distractions were occurring, she was so nonchalant about leading the class the entire cadence of the class was off. She even sat on the podium with her legs spread wide.
This practice takes both time and money, but of which should not be spent here. There are 60 million refugees scattered across this earth, the highest number since post World War II. Please donate the $ 20.00 class fee to those in dire need, you will feel more rewarded.

First, if you are not familiar with the Bikram type of yoga, do some research before showing up as it is not like most other yoga. Bikram is a very specific practice consisting of the same postures for the same amount of time led by professional instructors using the same «dialogue» each time in a room humidified and heated to 105 °F! Those conditions allow your body to detox and improve your flexibility faster but can be quite surprising if you show up expecting a flow yoga led to Enya like music.
As for this studio, it is under new ownership since the last time I was here. I took class from the new owner and she was an excellent Bikram instructor. she also added a nice touch of handing out cold towels at the end of class. Looking thru the recent reviews, I noticed that people had complained about the cleanliness since the ownership change. I did not notice that but was not looking hard. But i will say that the facility is still one of the nicest Bikram studios I have visited.

Judy is truly amazing. I had not been to ‘hot yoga’ in about a year. On my first visit, I was happy to learn how skilled she is at describing the poses, especially when you may be struggling, she tells you the littlest, but most important detail that absolutely helps you to solidify the pose. I used to dread going to Bikram yoga because of how sweaty I would get. I even wondered why (on my first visit) why there was no music, however, I now appreciate it because it makes you center in and focus on the pose at hand. Although music can be nice in the background, this setting aims to focus on YOU and improving your skills and peace each and every class. I can honestly say that I would rather have none at this point. For those who are scared of Bikram, you should not be! It is extremely beneficial when you have instructors who really care about your personal success. I am happy to say that I will continue my membership here at Bikram Yoga. Great facility and awesome resources.
Thank you Judy! (:

Judy is devoted and great. I’m still going! Started on a 1 month Living Social trial as an absolute beginner to Yoga. Very welcoming and encouraging. I appreciate the verbal guidance throughout the lessons (although there are the occasional silent lessons when class is small and experienced). Over time the instruction and attention to detail and good form has been continual, especially from the owner Judy. $ 1 water; free (first) towel, chilled lavendar face towels to celebrate completion of class (or is that survival). I found all the instructors to be pleasant and chill, and the vibe of the clientele is mellow as it should be. Clean studio imo — I appreciate carpet for traction on the wide poses! Clean mens room and stocked shower. Instructors are true believers and Judy lives for Bikram and is an inspiration to a newbie, stiff, over-​bellied and inflexible middle aged dad like me.

I came to this studio because of a groupon and honestly I would not recommend it. The carpeted yoga room is filthy. Last class I had long black hairs keep sticking to me and there are a bunch of stains on the carpet. Also this is not a yoga studio for meditating, the instructor is talking the whole time and there is no music.

I purchased the 10 class package on Groupon and was excited to start doing Bikram Yoga again. I really wanted to like this place because it was convenient and good deal, but I was appalled at the lack of cleanliness of the studio. There is a carpet in the room, and if you have ever seen the way people sweat in Bikram, you will know why this is a bad idea. I have been to many hot yoga studios and have always seen them mop the floor between classes. The carpet in this room not only had stains and hair on it, it also smelled unbearably gross. I noticed it the second I walked in and just could not get used to it. By the end of the class, I found myself holding my breath rather than focusing on breathing. I couldn’t wait to be out of there due to the smell and the lack of hygiene. I contacted Groupon and they were kind enough to issue me a refund even though I had already redeemed the voucher (5 stars for Groupon!) because I cannot stand the thought of returning to that smell.
Though I’d normally give a place with this atmosphere 1 star, I threw in an extra star for Judy, the owner who taught the class. She was knowledgeable and accomplished. She gave the students individual feedback and sometimes did poses with the class which showed me that she really knows what she is talking about. It is also very inspiring to see her example so we can know what form we are aiming for. I have had instructors in other places who just sit up front drinking energy drinks as they blab away their memorized script. I think Judy is a very accomplished yogi and was disappointed her studio was so unappealing. If changes are made to the hygiene and atmosphere of the place, I might consider returning, but for the time being, the thought of going back to that smelly and muggy room is enough to undo any benefits Bikram Yoga can bring.

Overall this was a decent class, you definitely feel the heat. I am giving it two stars because hot yoga/​bikram yoga and carpet are NOT a good combination. The smell of the room was awful to begin with and having the door closed in a 104 degree room does not help! I dreaded every pose where we had to get close to the floor. The studio doesn’t seem very clean. Personally, I also prefer hot yoga where you have music and smoother transitions.

I love the practice of Bikram Yoga and have been a patron of this studio for more than 6 years. The old owners, Haru and Akemi were so sweet and kept the place immaculate. When the new owner Judy took over she not only raised the prices, but did not do the best job at keeping the place clean (carpet stained in the yoga room for example). I asked about the change in price and she responded with a snappy comment about the prices being the reason the old owners were no longer there. Tacky, I thought. When I agreed to have her put my credit card number in her computer I thought it was more for convenience purposes. It turned out to be an auto-​contract which was not explained at all much less in detail. I began having financial troubles and asked to cancel my membership starting with the upcoming month. This was ignored and I was charged regardless. When I spoke to Judy, thinking there must have been a mixup, she told me that it is a part of the «contract» to give 30 days notice to cancel (something I never signed and was never even informed about) and refused to undo the charge, even though I explained the situation and how the money was very important to me. Not only this, but she gave me an earful of attitude regarding it. It’s sad to say I have to break ties with a yoga studio I’ve been with for 6 years over one month’s worth of membership fees. Even if I were able to overlook the $ 130 that I will never get back, there is no way I could return as Judy is the primary instructor and I don’t feel comfortable practicing yoga from somebody that I feel stole from me.

Amazing people and staff surrounding the yoga biz. Facilities are modern, clean and with emphasis on clean environment practices. Amazing teachers to guide you through your moving meditation.

Judy is such is strong and powerful teacher! Glad to know she has her own studio! She keeps you working hard and I love her honesty and genuine personality. The more you get to know her the more she can critique you on your practice :) the studio is kept hot. Thank goodness!

I was so excited when this place came up on groupon. I had been doing hot yoga down in San Clemente which were flow classes with fun, funky music, and each class was different and lasted an hr. It was probably my fault that I didn’t research the type of hot yoga this was and I assumed I would be fine. Actually went on Mother’s Day after moving to Laguna hills the past sept.
I arrived early which they wanted but then 15 min before class she told me to head inside. Nothin was going on so I sat and stretched in the heat for 15 min before class started. Class started 5 Min late, with spending 20 min in there already and not doing anything I was starting to get spent.
Again should have researched the type of yoga but class was boring, holding one pose for a minute, and no music, with not much instruction either. After 60 min in class (which was really 80 for me) I could hardly do anything but felt I had to keep going. Not knowing this class was 90 min. After barely making it, I went to my car and went right home where all I could repeat to my husband was water. Once he aw me he couldn’t Believe I looked and felt like I was going to pass out.
Needless to say I had to wait a couple of weeks before I could even think about going again (which my Groupon was running out — spent $ 45 for 10 weeks unlimited) and after all is said and done I couldn’t even ever get myself to go again, I was to worried I would pass out and it was just not my style. Totally bummed that I paid $ 45 for ONE workout which I was planning on doing at least 10 and making each worth $ 4.50, sigh.

I would recommend anyone looking to improve their posture, tone their body and relax their mind to BYLH. I have been a student for over 2 years at BYLH and I can honestly say it has greatly improved my body and posture while also providing an outlet for me to relax and refocus.
I truly enjoy taking classes with Haru and Akemi (they are the owners of the studio) They are both very kind and welcoming instructors. Haru provides discipline and support and is very attentive to student’s postures to ensure proper practice. Akemi provides gentle support with positive reinforcement and is also very attentive to student’s postures to ensure proper practice. I have a shoulder injury and find great relief in the practice of Bikram yoga. I have taken yoga classes at other studios but have found they only exacerbate my injury. It is definitely a challenging practice but well worth it! I feel and sleep so much better when I practice Bikram yoga. Thanks Haru and Akemi!

I will start with the positive. The studio is new and clean. That is about all that I can say is good about this place.
If you have practiced yoga, hot yoga or Bikram before you will catch on quickly that their teaching methods are extremely unorthodox for any type of yoga or practice. First and foremost, it is YOUR practice and no one should dictate the level or way that you are doing a pose beyond correction. If my tree pose is simple, then so be it as long as I am doing it right and to my level of practice.
I literally had the female instructor in my face telling me to pick up my foot and do tree in a way that I was not at the level to do for personal reasons. She never asked if I had any injuries and did not respect when I quietly told her I was fine and it was my practice. Three times she insisted I pick up my foot. She also referred to a mystery piece of paper that I signed that some how meant that I agreed to this kind of hostility and forcefulness.
She also refused to demo a pose which I have never experienced before from an instructor, especially when there are only 4 students in the room. But, judging by the shape she was in, I was not surprised as she did not appear that she was actually practicing on a regular basis her self. You don’t need to be skinny to be in shape, even standing in that hot room barking out orders on the regular should help you shed that spare tire and back flaps. So no, I was not surprised when she refused to demo standing bow and the way she was communicating her instructions did not jive with what I had experienced at multiple other Bikram studios across the country.
I received my money back for the month I had paid for minus the class and a half that I had taken. That was fair, but the attitude of the Asian guy was disgusting on my way out the door. I never in my life thought I would ever walk out of yoga flipping someone the bird. Yeah, I did, Namaste.
If you are newer to yoga and are not concerned about the compassionate side of the practice, want to sweat and get a semi correct Bikram experience then you will probably love this place as many other here have. For me, this was a serious crazy train, not what I look for…
Yoga studios are a dime a dozen these days, Bikram is a franchise you can buy in to like a Burger King or McDonalds or Subway. Choose wisely and find what is right for you, it is your practice, it is your experience, it is your money. Find the place, the people and the instructors that are right for you.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to try out Bikram Yoga thanks to their Living Social Deal. Of course, it’s kind of nerve wracking the first time trying hot yoga. Will I faint? Will I be able to handle it?
I got there early just as was advised on the coupon for first-​timers. They allow you to rent their yoga mat & towels for $ 1 each. They also have water for sale. I didn’t have cash on me the first time, but the owner was nice about letting me use my card. Since I got their early, the instructor talked to me to prep me for my first experience. She emphasized that I should listen to my body and that I likely won’t be able to do all of the postures my first time. It’s okay to sit one or two postures out and then rejoin the group when ready.
The first half hour was probably the toughest. Upon going back several times, I learned that hydrating is the most important thing that will determine how difficult the class will be. The first time I was definitely under hydrated and the clock moved so slowly. Eventually, after a few of the designated water breaks, I started getting the hang of breathing under the Bikram conditions. The first class is the hardest, and it gets easier.
Things to remember before your first class:
*bring cash
*bring water
*breathe through your nose naturally the entire time (except the first breathing exercise, which they will explain)
*don’t stand in the front if you’re new
*try not to make jerky, sudden movements during class
*they have cubby to keep your belongings while you’re in class
*no shoes in the room
*they have showers
*you’re not allowed to leave the room once class starts
*only reach for the water when instructed to (25 min intervals)
I highly recommend this class!

I have been practicing Bikram style yoga for more than 2 years now, and I was stoaked to find this living social deal to this studio.
I agree with everyone about the cleanliness of the studio, it seems really new, so no funky smell and the mirrors in the yoga room were spotless.
I liked this studio, I didn’t love it, and here’s the reasons why:
1) It was my first time at this studio and I was not told anything about it like where the bathrooms were. They are not in the locker rooms people! They are located way in the back of the studio with no signs. I figured it out by the little vacant/​no vacant door locks.
2) No shoes at all once you walk in through the door. I understand, hey, I’m asian and I know the importance of no shoes inside… However, I’m a little creeped out when I need to go to a unisex toilet to pee knowing that men also go there to pee and not all men have good aim… ew… Also, no shoes to shower. That just screams foot fungus! double ew. I may be over reacting and paranoid but hey, I think of these things!
3) There are no toiletries provided so bring your own soap, shampoo, makeup remover, etc. I’ve been to other studios that provide everything. But I realize that the price per class at this studio is cheaper than at those other ones, and that’s how they probably keep their cost down. so it’s not a big deal to bring my own.
4) There are no benches or seats in the locker room so nowhere to sit and put your pants on after showering. I had to lean against a wall after a hard class to put my pants on. There is a long bench outside though…
5) I’m sorry but it was very difficult to understand what the instuctor was saying. Luckily I know the sequence by heart so I didn’t have to listen. That’s kinda bad, I know, I feel horrible!
6) I also don’t like that the schedule doesn’t list who’s teaching which class. Every teacher has a certain style and I like to be able to choose who’s class I take. Some teachers are harder and more yoga-​Nazi-​like than others so if I feel like getting my butt kicked then I will take theirs, if I feel like taking it a little more easy than I choose a teacher that has a more smoother style. At this studio you don’t know what you’re gonna get.
Overall this is a nice studio to supplement my visits to the other studios I belong to. I do think that this is probably not a good studio for those that are new to Bikram. But it is excellent for those who already know what they are doing.

I had to write a review and I am sorry to see almost 5 stars for this place. I gave it 1 star for its cleanliness.
I have practiced yoga in a few studios, but was in shock when I was being yelled at like a drill sargeant, but it was even more confusing because I could not understand anything he was saying so I followed a couple of others that were in the class. Plus, I understand that it is hot in the room, but I also could not take this naked man yelling at me either.
I practice yoga for peace throughout my body. I do not do it for my stress to increase.
Bottom line, the money I spent through Livingsocial for this deal WAS NOT worth it and I will gladly take the loss, becuase my first visit was my last!

Haru (from Japan), at the front desk here is no joke. Sign this, gimme that, no shoes, changing area over there, no shoes, put your stuff there, no shoes, no talking, no towel?, no mat?, no way, $ 1, ok maybe, leave early? not a chance. shower? definitely, 1^st time? stand here, no talking.
and above all, no shoes!
Ok, seriously, a clean and clean smelling studio, a scant selection of clothing (and some seriously short-​looking boy shorts for the girly boys), a fridge full of water and coconut juice (but the icky Trader Joe’s stuff, not the cans of the Vietnamese yummy stuff), and a somewhat supportive yet drill sergeant of an instructor (Mike).
A tad too structured for me (I’m an Ashtanga fan), but definitely worth it if this is your deal.