Yoga Vida – Union Square

I went for a basics class at 6pm where the class got so packed that is felt uncomfortable. We had to be incredibly close with the rest of the people who were practicing.
In a basics class, I expect some attention and time to practice the poses — at least this is what I’ve experienced with many more other studios in nyc on their basics classes. Which of course didn’t happen and especially when they let so many people in to practice.
I would go to other studios in the neighborhood with 10 times better classes.
The only thing that I liked was that if you don’t have any cash and want to rent a mat you can owe it for the next time you go since the debit-​credit minimum is $ 6.

I came here for a class recently and loved it. Super cool staff, very friendly at the front desk, great instructor. Took Will’s Flow class at 7:30 on a Thursday and it was definitely full but not overly crowded. I’ll definitely come back!

I always find that any workout studio’s reviews to be hard to read — mostly because everyone has their own unique personal preferences (I think).
I signed up for the $ 20 new student deal for 2 weeks of unlimited yoga, and signed up for the 10am Saturday flow with Kajuan. For some reason, I thought he was going to ask if there are any new yogi’s in the room, and I was hoping to tell him that my lower back is injured (too), but didn’t get the chance (we just dived right in).
This studio also gets packed. Like, really really really packed.
I had a hard, impactful workout, but would have loved more moments/​opportunities for silence/​contemplation. And unfortunately my work schedule didn’t allow for another visit.

As a ClassPass user I went in to the studio as a beginner and I’m pretty sure I came out a yogi pro, this class was amazing, very challenging, I did not expect to be challenged and break a sweat like I did. The instructor was very helpful and guided me to perfect my practice, will definitely be going again as I loved the challenge.
For other ClassPass users the class is an open level/​beginner but come prepared to push yourself !

I LOVE this place — really great music and vibes. All the teachers are instructive, friendly and helpful. This doesn’t make Yoga seem as intimidating as it could be. It’s a clean, chill and affordable studio. All around awesomeness.

I took Hilaria’s class on Wednesday night and it was so different than any yoga class I’ve ever taken before. First, the class was huge. We were packed in like sardines, but despite the close proximity to my neighbors I felt like I had plenty of space. The only time this was frustrating was when the line for the only bathroom before class was rather long. Second, rather than starting in mountain pose or in a seated position, we spent the first few minutes of class doing jumping jacks and other cardio bursts on our mats. Definitely unexpected, but it was a welcome change! The class moved very quickly-​there is nothing slow and contemplative about this yoga practice! After five minutes I was sweating.
After moving through some fast paced sun salutations, we rotated through warrior series, did some ab work, worked on the glutes, and then spent the last 5 minutes in a wonderfully peaceful shavasana. I really liked Hilaria’s choice of music. It wasn’t the music you have probably come to expect in a yoga class, but I appreciated the difference (especially Andrea Bocelli!).
Overall, it was a good workout. The first half was a bit fast paced for my liking, but I don’t think I’ve ever left a yoga class feeling so tired. Hilaria doesn’t do the whole yoga-​teacher-​super-​calm-​voice thing, and I liked her energy.

Really good!!! The person who teaches Yoga is fascinating and really engaged 100% with it. I felt really good after 1 hour of yoga in this place!

Yoga Vida… (for both locations). You guys set a very high bar for other yoga studios around the city. I love the diverse teachers and teaching styles, frequent classes, accessible locations, atmosphere, and etc… And your $ 20 two week trial pass is a very generous. Thank you

This place is great.
I started going when I was about 16 weeks’ pregnant, so this review focuses on the prenatal classes.
First of all, the instructors are mostly fantastic. I was a regular in Megan’s Sunday morning class and have taken Neelu’s class and Claire’s class once or twice, too.
All of the classes for pregnant women or 90 minutes long. They include an element of relaxation and a little meditation — which is very welcome when you’re expecting! — but the main focus of each is a great and personalised workout for the pregnant body.
Every prenatal class begins with a check-​in with each woman to see how far along they are and what in particular they’d like to work on (if anything). And as all pregnant women know, usually there is some sort of ache or pain to work on any given week. The instructors then tailor a class to cater to everything — sore backs, round ligament pain… Even indigestion and swollen feet.
I left every class feeling recharged and relaxed. It made pregnancy much more manageable.
A note on the studio: while the staff seem nice enough, they don’t seem to answer the phone.

I schedule my workouts very carefully, based on my work schedule and other workouts that week, and I especially plan yoga when it fits into the middle of a hard week. The first time I came here, I liked the class and the flow, but the fact that the air conditioning was not on in September on a warm day bothered me, but at least the room was breezy, so I stuck it out and was fine.
Today is very humid, 79 degrees, and I have to go back to work looking halfway decent. The room was hot before class even started and I had to just leave. The fans were in, windows open room sweltering. I wish studio managers or teachers would take temp into consideration before class and make adjustments. I was not going to stick around and ask for a.\/c– it really should be a no brainer on a day like today. Either way, I wasted my precious lunch hour and time for working out today, for nothing.
I have to find a yoga studio close to a train, that uses A/​C all the time when it is above 70 degrees outside (you sweat when you workout!), and has a good vibe/​flow.
I should have asked for my $ 2 mat fee back.
Wish me luck! Maybe I will see you in the winter Vida, unless you pump the heat. Whomp, Whomp.

Mike — you’ve single handedly changed my perception about the level of service at your studio. Thank you for the kind note and the patience in understanding that the way I was received was inappropriate.
Folks. The owners here care very much.
Mike — see you soon and thank you for the prompt reply.

I booked this class via classpass and cannot tell you how rude the front desk was when there was a glitch in the system regarding my reservation. The front desk was unaccommodating, passive aggressive, and condescending giving me a great distaste in this yoga studio.
I have been using classpass as a way to try different yoga studio and find one to become a member of. Of all the yoga studios I have visited thus far, this front desk was by far the least professional and was the most rude receptionist I’ve encountered. If this is who I’ll have to deal with to explore memberships I definitely will not waste my time or money!
Do not recommend this pompous studio whatsoever. Yogamaya is amazing and I will be looking for a membership there.

5 stars for Matt Sweeney & his morning Mysore class! I have been going to Yoga Vida off and on for 3+ years predominately for their flow classes. I cancelled my Vida membership last year, but what drew me back this summer was the addition of the Mysore classes in the mornings. I am relatively new to Ashtanga (just started a committed practice this spring) and very new to the Mysore style. Matt has made the whole practice so accessible and inviting which is very hard to find in general, no less in a city like NYC. If you are curious about Ashtanga or Mysore, I would encourage you to try Matt’s class — he works with all the newcomers closely in addition to remembering what each student needs help with and jumping in to assist during those asanas. The Mysore practice does take getting used to, but there is so much magic to this style of teaching… and you really do get addicted to it.
Also 5 stars for the mobile app! But Yoga Vida — can you please offer a mat package with the Vida membership? Most studios do this, and for whatever reason, the Vida membership is the only membership without a mat package!

Yoga Vida is an awesome place for all yogis, from beginner to advanced! Every time I come to Yoga Vida, I’m always impressed by the friendliness of their staff and the quality of their teachers. The classes can get crowded, but, its just because its such a popular place to practice!

Cannot say enough about Yoga Vida! Both locations are equally amazing but 99 Uni is my home base. Beautiful space, some of the nicest and most knowledgeable teachers I’ve met, and a really great atmosphere. They provide top-​notch mats for $ 2, and you can also pay to store your mat there too. This studio is much smaller than Bond st. but I have never had a problem with not getting into a class. I have some favorite teachers but I can’t say I don’t like any of them.
Bonus: If you live in the area and have some extra time on your hands, and if you are a committed yogi, ask them about their Karmi program. As a Karmi, you work at the studio (cleaning, organizing, and whatever else needs to get done) a couple hours per week in exchange for unlimited yoga. Being a karmi has been the best!

I had partaken in a Basics class with Andrea Russel this past Monday and left feeling like I could fly around Manhattan! Not only was she beautiful and aspirational as an instructor, she taught at a pace that made me feel comfortable as a beginner.
The playlist she played was perfect for the practice and made the experience of bending into positions more pleasant. The class ended with a candlelit Savasana and calming music that made me forget I was in the middle of a hustling city. I’d recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Can’t wait to sign up again for her upcoming Basics class!

I really love Yoga Vida. And I write this as someone who sucks at yoga. As in, has done yoga on and off for eight years and is still taking Basics classes. Voluntarily.
I’ve tried out several yoga studios around the City, ranging from the super fancy (Exhale) to the moderate (Om Factory) to the totally non pretentious (Yo Yoga) and I just cannot cheat on Yoga Vida. The front desk people are so friendly, there is ample room to leave your shoes, change, and hang out (who has couches and tables to straight chill in before class?!). It’s worth noting that the Noho location is more spacious. The bathrooms often have samples of new products. It’s conveniently located to several subways. Hilaria Baldwin is honestly probably superhuman and it’s not fair that she got to be beautiful, amazing at yoga, and smart. But anyway.
The classes, while they can be quite full, are typically not too overbooked, and they rent mats for $ 2 (Jade mats, at that. Ballin.). The blocks, bolsters, and blankets are all of better quality than at most places (I throw mad shade on the fake styrofoam blocks). But what really makes this place is the instructors. I’ve taken multiple classes with Laura and Jen, but I have yet to have an even mediocre instructor — everyone is amazing. Just this evening, I straight up fell asleep in a Restorative class. I rest my case (see what I did there?).

I wasn’t a big yoga person until I went to a flow class at Yoga Vida. I realized how people can get addicted to it. How you can literally focus on your breath and trust your body to do what it is designed to do. It is also the perfect complement to a running routine which I was trying to do consistently and helps stretch out the muscles after a number of strength or other cardio intensive classes. I also love doing yoga on Sundays… to set up my week for relaxation and peace.
The class is great. Every teacher is different but so far, I haven’t had one that I did not like. However, the class is also very packed. Every class I’ve gone to has just been overflowing and while I appreciate being able to book a last minute class because there are so many spots for each class, I don’t appreciate being 2 mins late because of a train and having my spot given away (a minor point, I know).
The ambiance of this studio is great. I feel at peace immediately upon entering and everyone definitely tries to keep it a sacred place by removing shoes immediately as you enter the studio and keeping voices low.

A sweet downtown spot for yoga– there are Noho and Greenwich village locations. The instructors here do vary in their teaching styles– my favorite so far is Kajuan. Never before have I heard Warrior Poses I, II, and III described as «One is you raising your sword, two is you chopping your enemy’s head off, and three is you popping it up on a stick for display.» This description was capped off with a «Yoga is hard work, no one said it was supposed to be peaceful».
Wise words.

Super affordable, welcoming and always a great time. I am not a yogi but I am always impressed at how professional the instructors are and how helpful they can be. I have taken donation based classes and truly love how small those night classes are. I also love Hilaria’s class though she only teaches once a week. Everyone is very qualified and it is always such a great experience. I wish I had time to go more often. It is my go-​to yoga place and it doesn’t break the bank which is how it should be no ?!! Highly recommend it.
The location on union square has kids yoga which is great. My niece really enjoyed it! I prefer the 666 Broadway location because it is larger and more spacious but both have been great.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this lovely studio!
I came here with ClassPass, and I really loved the space – close to a lot of trains, huge studio space, relaxing atmosphere, helpful staff, and lovely clientele. I will admit that the blankets seemed a little old and dirty, but otherwise, I really, really liked the whole vibe.
I’ll definitely return!

I have taken many yoga classes throughout the years, but never felt passionate enough to call myself a «yogi.» After a «Flow» class at Yoga Vida, however, I may have to elevate myself to that status!
I attended a 12pm class with Krissy. The studio was packed (I would say there were about 40 people), but not uncomfortably crowded. The 65 minute class was an open-​level Vinyasa Flow class, where the instructor keeps the structure simple enough for beginners, but suggests optional variation to engage and challenge all levels and abilities. Indeed, I felt relaxed, invigorated, and challenged all at once during the class. Krissy also had an assistant who walked around the room to help set up poses. This was also my first time sweating from doing poses! (Other than Bikram yoga, of course).
There is no shower, but I don’t live too far from the studio so I am fine with 5 – 10 minutes of being stinky: p

While the prices here are cheaper than most yoga studios, you will be crammed into the beautiful room. Your yoga mat will literally be touching another person’s yoga mat. I hope you will not be behind someone who has smelly feet, because you will be able to smell it and if they are tall, they might cross the boundaries of their yoga mat and hit you.
Want to stretch to the side? Don’t stretch beyond the boundaries of your yoga mat because someone’s smelly armpit will touch you. I got there early and only had a spot at the back, which made it hard to see the instructor. I spent most of the time following the people around me.
There is also some sort of class where they have live music. As a person with perfect pitch, you can tell the live music sounds completely made up on the spot, mainly by repeating the same chords a million times. The singing isn’t very good either.
I would honestly rather pay more to have space so I don’t have to smell someone’s feet and armpit.

The best things about this yoga studio — location, various times to choose from, great teachers, and beautiful studio. I had Kajuan and Aditi. Both excellent. The moves were not too easy yet not too hard. The positions varied but we repeated a lot of poses for continuity. It was a bit spiritual and their talking focused a lot on breathing. Their voices were soothing and they seemed very knowledgeable. I would definitely come back to take their classes! Based on other reviews, I have not tried the afterwork crowded times.

Yoga Vida is a beautiful, open studio, but its biggest downside is that it gets absolutely PACKED.
I went to two Flow classes here using my Yoga Passbook, one on a Sunday afternoon (taught by Stephanie) and one on a Monday night after work (taught by Cat). Both were a really great workout, and more focused on the physical aspect than the spiritual. As someone who only started yoga the beginning of this year, I thought Stephanie’s class was pretty challenging — lots of new poses that were definitely geared more towards the experienced. Cat’s class was the perfect level for me, where I was able to work up a sweat without struggling too hard with anything. Flow classes are definitely not recommended for brand new beginners though.
Both classes I went to were in the big studio, which is really nice and spacious… until they cram about 70 people into the room and there is almost no space between you and your neighbors. Even if you arrive 20 minutes early to get a good spot (which is highly recommended), you’ll end up having to shift your mat to make way for people coming in later. While the classes themselves are pretty good, the crowdedness of Yoga Vida’s classes are the main thing that would keep me from coming back.

I like the space and the price. If you are a student the classes are very affordable and teachers are good.
I mainly like the yoga studio in the 99 University location. The room is big and overlooks the city. It has a good calming energy about it.
The level of practice is beginner to intermediate with little arm balances (at least in the classes I took).
Young vibe, mainly college students.
I took a few vinyasa classes and restorative. The restorative teacher was very sweet. She was even understanding when I came in a few minutes after class started and helped me set up. I didn’t feel like I was called out for being a few minutes late.
Location is great — right in union square. I mainly enjoyed the morning class. There is something magical about Union Square in the early hours of morning.
Give it a try — especially is you are in a budget and a student it is a great place for you.