Bikram Grand Central

I’ve been coming to this studio on and off for the last couple of years. I started yoga as it was recommend by my spine surgeon. Bikram Yoga has worked miracles for my lower back. If you have any sort of musculoskeletal problems then you should definitely give this a chance!
As for the studio it is the only Bikram yoga studio I have ever been to, I guess this is to say I have been very happy with my experience here! The people here, including staff and members are very nice, pleasant and helpful. The instructors here are amazing, they know what they are doing and create a super positive experience. The studio is very clean! From the actual yoga room, to the towels and bathrooms. It is conveniently located around the corner from the E and M.
I will continue to be a member of this studio as long as it is open.
My only minor complaint is that the classes can get very jammed pack at times which limits the space for everyone to comfortably practice but at least in provides a lot of positive energy.
The prices seem reasonable to me and there are usually specials for long and short memberships. If you have ever thought about practicing Bikram yoga then this is the studio for you!

As far as I took most of all bikram yoga studios in this city, I was disappointed with this studio. The room was not hot whenever I took the class. Instructors were ok, but not professional as much. Although I won’t go back.

The owner Denise has an attitude and customer service problem. I called 2 days ago and emailed asking to put account on hold and no one returned my call or email. When I called again 48 hours later the owner answers phone and says they do not put accounts on hold. Then she checks my account and says no holds for groupons. Then I asked if she had gotten my email and message and she reponded sarcastically, no but I got it now. When I asked who was she she answered sarcastically — I am the owner.” I was floored by the poor desrespectiful interacation between owner and client. I am sick with a sinus infection. As the owner she could have made an exception, but instead she failed to empathize with me being ill and forgot the golden rule…“customers are the business.” Can’t wait to complete my practice here and move on to another studio. Happy New Year!

One of my all time favorite places in the world. To: Milushka E, why do you go somewhere twice and come online not once, but twice to trash it? If you don’t like someplace, why do you keep going back? Makes no sense. Like banging yorr head against the wall and expecting it to not hurt? The teachers here are great and tell you what you need to hear. After all, this is america and you have the freedom to do whatever you want, but these people will teach you how to change your mind if you give them to chance to try to help you. You can start by listening and not expecting the locker rooms to grow in size the next time you visit them. This is NYC baby, deal with the crowds = get out. All good yoga studios have crowds. Let those people in there hold you up, don’t let them «be in your way»

Wow, this review is long over due. I was there a while ago. New to the practice. I was not feeling well and one of the teachers simply would not let me leave the room! I don’t remember her name, but she repeated that I had made a «commitment to [my] body» and had to stay put. Totally turned me off to this place. Also, the locker room is tiny and I mean TINY. You can’t bend over without hitting someone else! I moved to Bikram Yoga Herald Square, which has the most pristine bathrooms, friendly instructors, and wonderful facilities.

This studio is small and simple. It got the job done and was close to my hotel. I liked the fact that they air dried the mats outside. At least in the spring summer months.

Come here a lot for yoga class. Pretty small studio, l and normally packed but convenient location.
I like most of the instructors– they keep you the full 90 and stick to the rules of water drinking and not leaving early. One instructor does keep the window open a bit too long which is frustrating since we signed up for 90 minutes of hot yoga with intense heat. Really like this place– has great deals and every once in awhile will send you 15% off coupons!

Disclaimer off the bat: I am a teacher at this Bikram location. I teach at many different studios and this one is at the top of the list. There are world class instructors here, the pricing is competitive, the studio is spacious and has a great outdoor deck for cooling off after class or soaking up the sun. The evening classes can be crowded when Joseph teaches (a former world champion yogi) but the daytime classes always have plenty of room.

Recommend Bikram Grand Central for:
* Competitive fees
* Friendly front desk
* Motivating instructors (Luke, Sara, Joseph calm but great command of their classes)
* Decent time slots throughout the week (the ones at 8/8:30 pm are not as crowded)
* An awesome outdoor deck/​patio where you can rest/​catch your breath before/​after you have completed your 90 minutes of yoga
* Be warned that the elevators are slow (in fact this week we’ve had to walk up/​down 7 flights (due to repairs I think)
* Changing rooms a bit cramped

I’m a little surprised by some of the sharply negative reviews here. I can only speak from my own experiences (of course) and motivations.
At the recommendation of a friend, I purchased an unlimited 2 month package from Groupon. My main motivation was to find an alternative way to rehabilitate my numerous neck and back injuries incurred during Brazilian Jiu-​Jitsu, and work my way back into BJJ.
I was nervous going into my first couple of sessions — I’ve still only gone to about 4 – 5 so far. However, both the students and instructors are very welcoming and helpful. I am a complete noob when it comes to yoga and basically have no idea what I’m doing, but it was easy to follow the instructors as well as some of the more experienced students.
The various poses are engaging and can be, depending on the pose and due to my injuries, quite difficult. The instructors are very understanding of this and encourage students not to over-​exert themselves or put themselves in harm’s way. I was initially concerned about some tingling I felt in injured areas, but at the end of the session, I had that familiar «runners high» that I got from BJJ that I had not felt in years. I am hooked.
The room is large and clean, and I like the rubber spaghetti floor, as opposed to a wooden floor. I know some people aren’t crazy about the locker/​shower space, but it’s NYC, you can only get so much. The patio is an awesome place to cool down and get some extra stretching in — I like to do some BJJ related stretches after class here.
I would also like to give Luke a shout out. He remembers EVERYONE’s name (even in a big class) and provides personal, helpful advice that can apply to everyone. I could also tell some of his general comments/​encouragement to the class were directed with me in mind as I was actually having some trouble this particular class. I’m looking forward to taking his classes again.
I hope I’ll be in a position where I can continue to come here after my Groupon expires because Bikram Grand Central has allowed me to make leaps and bounds in my physical and cardio rehabilitation.

One of my spin teachers once told me that «Sweat is what happens when your fat cries.»
If that is the case, then practicing 90 minutes of Bikram Yoga is equivalent to a full blown, body convulsing, crying marathon where you bawl until you’ve been completely purged of all your sorrow. And then, you are reborn.
Okay, maybe not that violent. It is yoga, after all.
But you will sweat. A lot.
You’ll also be inside a 105 degree room, asked to hold 26 poses twice, dripping in sweat, and surrounded by people wearing very little clothing because did I mention it is HOT?
The first time I tried it — I was sore for 3 days
The second time — I went home and passed out until the next morning
The third time — I drank too much water and my stomach hurt every time I held a pose
That being said, I kept going back because Bikram is actually much more of a mental challenge than it is a physical challenge. It’s one of the few things that I can do where I feel like I am completely focused in the moment. The heat is very real, and being asked to do seemingly easy but uncomfortable stretching poses forces you to be right there.
That intensity and focus despite being in such a hot environment is a lot like gripping something and then releasing it fully. It feels really, really good when it’s over.
I see why people get addicted to this feeling and want to do Bikram everyday.
I’m not crazy, so once a week or once every couple of weeks is fine for a little detox and stretching. Meditation, it is. Cardio, it is not. Keep that in mind. Also, if you are not properly hydrated, you will feel it. (1 liter the day before, 1 liter the day of, and 1 liter for the class. Don’t drink 2 hours before class.)
This location is really nice, the room where you practice is large, and there is an outside patio to relax in after class.
My only issue is that there are only 3 showers. 3 showers for 30 + sweaty people. You do the math. I’ll be running home to take a shower.

Worst yoga studio ever. Smelly and crowded. The female receptionist with short grey hair has extremely bad attitude.

I attended my first class with Denise which was my first time doing any physical exercise in a long time! It was tough but Denise was very encouraging thru the 90 minute class! The heat was on full blast and it felt great. Lovely outside balcony and pleasant staff!!!

I agree with many other Unilocalers that the changing area at Bikram Grand Central is very tight and uncomfortable. They can definitely do a little more work on brightening up the place a little bit and not make it look like a high school gym locker. With that being said, I advise you pack light. Each lock is about the size of a safety deposit box. And please don’t be selfish by taking up two lockers. Space is already tight in here and I don’t think it’s necessary to create more inconvenience by fighting over lockers. Also, save the texting and phone checking outside of the changing area. If you’re just sitting there texting while everyone else is trying to climb over you to get to their lockers, you’re just creating an obstacle. Like I said, space is tight especially during the back to back evening classes. If we can all just give up a little of our selfishness, the changing room experience would probably be more pleasant.
As for the Bikram Yoga class itself, I also agree that they jam pack as many people as they can possibly fit even if it means «violating» your personal space. One of the main points of Bikram Yoga (or yoga in general) is getting the poses right. You can’t expect to get the poses right when you can’t even see yourself in the mirror. I’m a newb so I was camping out in the back as I watched other fellow yogis hoarded in front of me. So I just followed the people in front of me with some verbal cue corrections from the instructor. The instructor, on the other hand, was probably the best thing out of the entire experience. He was very friendly and his voice was very pleasant to listen to. He wasn’t condescending unlike some other instructors I’ve seen. He even took a minute or two to demonstrate some crazy poses that were humanly impossible (for me at least). It was very inspiring and he’s probably the only reason I’ll be coming back.
Bikram Yoga isn’t for everyone. I’m a marathon runner so I’m all about high intensity cardio. But over the years, I started to appreciate yoga in many forms and so far, I find Bikram to be very relaxing. Overall, I liked my first day at Bikram Grand Central. I can surely overlook some of their flaws as Iong as I continue to have good instructors.

This space is either too small or it checks in too many people. The evening classes are too busy, it’s mat next to mat, too hot and not enough air. If you use this Bikram yoga place and your schedule allows you to take the lunchtime classes then definitely do that.
Also the changing area is too small w only 3 showers. I wouldn’t go back there unless I work or live very nearby.
The receptionists are super friendly and the teachers very good.
I only had one bad experience here: I was squeezed near the door in a very busy evening class and the teacher kept opening the door even though I asked her friendly too switch on the AC instead as I was located in this really bad ice cold draft — (which caused me to catch a very bad cough for at least 3 weeks) — but she answered me back very rude: well tough that’s the way it is when you are near the door. Her unfriendly behavior really put me off and I left the class finally 20 min early… I still got v sick from the draft. If I wasn’t on the beginners deal and had to pay $ 25 per class, I would have been extremely upset.
In general I would NOT recommend this place.

First off I got a fantastic deal on groupon for 2 moths of unlimited yoga! Yesterday was my first visit to the studio and it was a great one! The studio is not carpeted which definitely helps keep the room fresh. Lockers are provided but bring a lock (they are tiny so pack light!) additionally you should bring a plastic bag with you since they are not provided. The teacher was wonderful, I had not practiced in over 8 months but through the guidance of the teacher I felt my class was extremely rewarding and I can’t wait to go back. A lovely studio where everyone is friendly and welcoming!
I do want to add that the studio is not conveniently near grand central, however it’s not like they lie you can clearly look up the address and realize where exactly it is located.

Over a month ago I decided I was going to see what all this hot yoga hype was about. I got an amazing deal on groupon; 2 months for $ 89 and I must say it was one of the most wise decisions I have made. My first few classes I will still a bit unsure if this «practice» was for me. The only reason I continued to go back was the encouragement and motivation from the instructors. Each instructor says things a little different but they are all very welcoming and inspiring in leading you in your practice. Classes are for ALL levels of yogi’s.
Personally, my whole life has changed from this amazing practice & the beautiful yogi’s I have met at the studio. I honestly am addicted to not only the practice but also the atmosphere & positive energy!
The studio is very clean & offers classes early in the morning, daytime, evening, and late evening to ensure all yogi’s can fit a class in their busy schedule. The staff is wonderful & the owner is amazing! :) If you want to get the most out of your practice, go to Bikram Yoga Grand Central! :)))))

I went to the Bikram Yoga studio in Grand Central almost everyday for three weeks while I was in New York, and there is a reason I kept coming back. The intro pack was a great deal, and it encouraged newcomers to try different instructors.
As a first time yogi, I was definitely lost the first couple of classes. The breathing techniques and repetitive resting positions confused me at first; I was used to constant movement from my experiences with running and spinning. However, the environment was very relaxing and rejuvenating. The instructors always asked if there were newcomers before any class, and they watched me closely and corrected incorrect positions. They were not condescending and encouraged us to push ourselves but also work at a comfortable pace to avoid heat exhaustion.
As for yoga mat placement, I didn’t like how I was forced to be placed so closely to someone (especially if their feet were in my face), but sometimes it was unavoidable. I always liked sitting near (but not close) to the right side of the room because the instructors open the door occasionally to let fresh air in and cool down. Sit too close and you become cold and have to work to sweat again; sit too far and it feels like you’re choking from the heat. That was my personal preference, and I appreciated the occasional cool down.
You have to pay to borrow any yoga mats, and I really encourage bringing your own canteen of water that will keep your water cool during the workout. The changing rooms are very small with a curtain as a door (which is why I changed in the bathrooms).
One of the top reasons why I enjoyed the Grand Central location was the open balcony. You could dry your yoga mat while overlooking the beautiful city. During the summer, they set of a fresh smoothie stand that quenched your need for something delicious and cold after the workout. My favorite drink was always the grape and mint slushie.
Overall, the Bikram yoga studio in Grand Central definitely made my experience in New York very enjoyable. Do not underestimate the classes, but I encourage anyone at any athletic level to try it.

pros
* Saw some results in my body. Sure, most of the weight loss is water weight because you’re not burning that many calories, but I liked the results nevertheless
* if you get a good instructor you can really learn to perfect your form and push yourself. Also, how hot the room gets depends on how the instructor likes it. Some instructors will let more air in more often than others — probably b/​c they are uncomfortable in the heat after teaching back to back classes.
* The space is pretty big and there isn’t carpet in the room so it’s not terribly stinky
* They are reasonable about letting latecomers in. I bought a 30 day unlimited pass and was seven mins late one time because there was no parking (see cons) but was allowed in.
cons
* Parking before 7pm in the area absolutely sucks! This is the main reason I won’t be buying more packages in the future.
* $ 5 rental for a mat. Seems kind of expensive.
* Really small changing room where the drain in the sink never seems to work. Water will just be sitting there in the sink and so you can’t get to wash your face after a sweaty class unless you take a shower
* Slow elevator. i haven’t had the misfortune of experiencing a broken elevator but it does take forever and a day to come. This is an important detail when being late for class is frowned upon
* It’s possible to get a bad instructor. I am not too fond of the fast talking auction voice. Be cool and explain what we’re supposed to be doing.
* You don’t burn nearly as many calories as they claim. One instructor was like, you’re burning 1000 calories and being a fitness writer/​aficionado I was like: eye roll:

Hot yoga was more fun than I’d expected, so I wanted to try the «real thing.» I chose Bikram Grand Central for a handful of classes across one week.
Unlike many other heated yoga places, the small studio does have a funky smell. Instead of cork, the floor of the single practice room is this tangly plastic webbing that I’m sure absorbs a lot more sweat than we’d like to acknowledge. Women’s locker room is cramped and a bit shabby, with small lockers, 1 sink, and 3 showers of varying water pressure. They do have a large balcony/​patio outside, and on cooler days after class, walking out half naked and overheated onto the 7^th floor «rooftop» surrounded by tall buildings feels awesome.
Bikram Grand Central may not be immaculate like some other yoga spots, but the instruction is excellent. Joseph was amazing, amazing, amazing! Encouraging, funny, and firm — he genuinely sounded like he believed in his students, and I’m so glad I had him for my first few classes. Ashley was just as perky and encouraging, though whew she kept that room hot! Pretty sure it stayed over 105 degrees for most of the class, with no ceiling fans on. Frank was also super tough but led another great, challenging class.
The instructors know many students by name, and started each class asking newbies their names and talking them through stranger poses. This might be something specific to bikram, but many people seem to be hardcore daily practitioners, so you eventually get to know the other students and instructors. Something else that may be a bikram thing: The classes were all very diverse; almost half male; good range of ages, races, and body shapes.
Bring your own mat, yoga towel, and water. They rent mats ($ 5, wtf! kind of worn ones, too) and towels (regular terrycloth, not the non-​slip kind), and sell giant bottles of Smartwater. Try to get to the popular 6/6:30pm classes early, but you’ll probably find a spot if you squeeze in a minute before class begins.
Is bikram fun? It actually kinda is! I’d still choose hot vinyasa over the same 26 poses for the same hour and a half in the same 105 degree room… But bikram is a good way to routinely challenge yourself (and I’m of the belief that making yourself uncomfortable is always a good thing).