Unity Woods Yoga Center

I’ve enrolled in numerous sessions at Unity Woods since moving to the area in 2000. It’s an outstanding studio with outstanding teachers.

When I moved to DC, Yoga Journal pointed me to Unity Woods for Iyengar yoga. The instructors are top notch! They all have extensive training and most have also done training in India (Iyengar certification takes like 5 years!). I primarily take with Liz Marx, but have done drop ins with other instructors and found them all to be extremely competent. Of course, taking classes with founder, John Schumacher, is amazing (he primarily teaches up in Bethesda).
There are tons of yoga options in DC, but Unity Woods is different because it sticks to Iyengar’s method. This means there won’t be much, if any flow. Instructors will point you to props to help make poses more attainable — or as learning tools to get you that much closer to advanced poses. Poses are held for a long time and instructors will point out the internal workings of the muscles and joints.
If you’re serious about yoga — and advancing your practice — sign up for a session at Unity Woods. Oh, and if you live in the area, you can’t beat the $ 5 community class on Fridays!

I’ve been studying here for over five years and have nothing but positive things to say about the teachers. I mostly take classes at Woodley Park, also a few in Bethesda.
The focus on form and alignment is a great foundation for learning the different poses. I’ve learned how to work with occasional back/​shoulder problems — modifying the pose, using a strap or blanket or other prop.
The fact that we move slowly through poses doesn’t mean the classes aren’t challenging — they can be very challenging! But the challenge comes from going deep into poses rather than moving quickly from one pose to another.
I’ve taken classes in studios all over town and nothing compares to Unity Woods.

I had a groupon for this place and went to a Yoga I class with Cynthia because I had a groupon. It was one class. Blah. Waste of money honestly.
The space is really big with huge columns in the middle so you can’t see the instructor at times. Annoying. Plus there were TONS of people in this «introductory» class. Cynthia talked NONSTOP and explained the principles of yoga. Yadiyadiya. Look lady if I wanted to take a theory of yoga class, I would but this is a class where you are supposed to actually practice yoga. She showed some really basic moves and talked some more and that’s it. Class over.
Worse. Yoga. Class. Ever. I sweated more walking to that studio than during the class. The Ballston studio is not that much better. Iyengar is not for me at all.

This is by far the best studio I’ve been to in DC. All of the instructors I’ve had are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. As previous reviewers mentioned the emphasis is on form rather than speed but it allows you to develop a strong foundation for your practice. I have been doing yoga on and off for about 3 years and I found Liz’s level II class on Mondays to be a challenge (in a good way!). I will say that the one drawback is the space which is located in a windowless basement but the quality of the class makes up for what the studio lacks in atheistic.

I purchased a set of class passes to Unity Woods through Groupon. I wish I had known that Unity Woods runs their yoga classes like semester college courses. While this system has its advantages, it is not ideal for a person whose aim is to drop in from time to time.
I attended a session of the Yoga Meditation class, and the first 45 minutes was spent addressing questions from prior classes. The class seems like a great idea, but only if you can commit to the semester.
I took other classes with Joe, Giulia and Lori and found their acidic humor inappropriate for a space that’s supposed to encourage students to try new things. I was particularly offended by Joe who made fun of one of my classmates for asking a question about posture.
While I understand that yoga isn’t about the space, the basement studio is gloomy. Furthermore, the teachers don’t shut the door during the classes, which is distracting.

This studio and this certain discipline of yoga can be summed up in one sentence: If you are 100% serious about learning yoga, and I mean really learning, and studying the ancient practice, there is only one studio is the D.C. area to attend– Unity Woods. You may know triangle pose, but do you know Utthita Trikonasana? Unity is not an Americanized version of the ancient practice. The Woodley park studio is certainly no frills, but do you really want fluff with your yoga?
This studio is for those who are open to the experience and process of learning. Yes, one must make the commitment at the beginning of the session. When you do the math, the rates per class are competitive with many of the popular studios in the area. Yet what you get at Unity are rigorously trained yogis, who are dedicated to teaching the Iyengar method. John Schumacher and his staff are among the forefront in Iyengar instruction. You are learning from the best in the area, and in the country.
I have studied at Unity nearly three years– and I am still considered an «infant» in my practice. I am honored to be a part of Liz Marx’s Monday night class at Woodley, to be practicing along side people who have been doing this for decades. Don’t be surprised if you see a teacher at another yoga studio taking classes at Unity.
Some will say that the Iyengar teachers are critical, knit-​picky, and too focused on the precise and subtle movements of the body. I would say that they challenge you to reflect, offer your spirit, and your personal service to your body through the best expression of the asana you can do. Unity is a humbling studio, yet fear not! We fall down, we smile, and get back up (on the mat) again. Isnt that life– and one’s yoga practice? One cannot just throw oneself haphazardly into life and expect success, nor can it be in yoga. You must be humbled (know and accept your weaknesses) before you can be exalted. If you are someone with previous yoga experience, be patient. Like any journey, begin at the beginning. You will move steadily through the levels, as I did.
I highly recommend this studio for anyone who is sincere in their desire to learn yoga. Yeah, we’re a different and exacting bunch, but our quirks are quickly addicting!

I came to Unity Woods as a complete beginner (and not a very coordinated or flexible one, either) — and have been so happy with the improvement in my strength and flexibilty. The staff is very accomodating for those of different ages, sizes, and levels of experience.

I can’t say enough about UNITY WOODS. There is no question that John Schumacher is the best teacher in the city and is 40 years strong in his practice of yoga. Anyone can (and many do) claim to be knowledgeable teachers — but John has the true qualifications of intense study with B.K.S. Iyengar in India and the long devotion to the practice over many years. The reason it’s so important is that yoga teachers are a dime-​a-​dozen in this town — and many barely have a steady practice themselves. You can easily get injured without a serious instructor.
John is renowned for his gifts as a teacher — and his amazing abilities (even into his sixties) as a practitioner. He has a deep calm and poise and pushes his students to new depths. I go to Bethesda once a week to attend John’s class and he has made adjustments that are so subtle that no other teacher ever noticed — but that have transformed my practice. I also note — and this is a very big point — John is the only teacher that I know in this area who has a dedicated pranayama class. We are so very lucky. I used to study with John’s students — and there are many in this city. But then, I realized that to study with John — is to go right to the source.
I do love taking class at the local studio in Woodley Park — and study with Joe (amazing) and Winnie (challenging). I recommend both! There are a range of teaching styles and each teacher is different.
I have been practicing yoga for seven years — and have tried every studio in Washington DC. This studio is really grounded in technical expertise, rigorous teacher training and and that’s why it’s impossible to injure yourself in one of these classes. It’s a respite from the «fly-​by-​night» studios and is true to the classical study of yoga.
I also have to say that it’s a big studio with a good community of interesting people.

First off, I have only been to one class at Unity Woods so take my review with a grain of salt. I have been practicing all kinds of yoga for awhile and this was my first experience with the Iyengar style. It emphasizes holding postures for longer amounts of time and proper alignment as opposed to the faster, more flowing vinyasa practice that most studios teach.
I went to a free beginner class that they were offering this week (they do this once every few months for new students.) Maybe it was because it was a beginner class, but I found it pretty slow and not very challenging. Granted, this could be a really great class for someone brand new to yoga. I also found the class lacking in the spiritual sense and focusing more on the fine detail of alignment. I think alignment is very important and often neglected in many yoga studios, yet another reason UW is good for beginners.
Another reason UW doesn’t work for me is that their classes are by enrollment in a series, so you pay a set price up front for a whole class that meets at a regular time. I like to go to yoga when I feel like it and go to different teachers.
I also wasn’t the biggest fan of the space; it felt a little like being in a elementary school classroom.
All that being said, you might really like Unity Woods and I would not discourage beginners from starting their yoga practice here. Just keep in mind that if you don’t like it, try another yoga style or studio because this one if pretty different from most of the studios in town.

I’ve been to most of the yoga studios in the Rockville, Bethesda and Silver Spring area. There are always new ones opening up that I’ll keep trying. But after 10 years of trying various ones, I think this is my favorite in eastern Montgomery County for environment, the instructors, and the style of yoga. I like the views from the penthouse location. The studios face northwest so I prefer the late afternoon classes. John is amazing, but I like taking his class best because of the instructors-​in-​training in his class. It’s like getting 3 instructors for the price of one. But I’ve had other great instructors, too, and they all guide you through the posture until the class has it right — using props, clear instructions, and by modeling.
The only drawback about the late afternoon classes is the parking. There really isn’t free parking in downtown Bethesda. And this is a major deterrant.

This studio is the Real Deal. Iyengar is a strict form of yoga that will provide a strong foundation that can be applied to all forms of yoga. It’s focus on alignment can be particularly helpful for those with sports injuries (or other injuries), and the extensive use of props makes it available for all-​ages, and for all levels of physical fitness. I repeat: *all levels*.
The practice is not an athletic practice like some flow, but I find it very challenging. The space at Woodley Park is not very beautiful, and there is no boutique attached to it-​as another reviewer put it, you’re not there for shopping. This is old-​school yoga, and instructors here have been teaching for decades. The process of teacher certification in Iyengar is very long and disciplined, producing teachers who understand the minutiae of the human body, and who can unlock potential you never knew you had.
Oh, and you may find a few of your Vinyasa instructors taking classes here!

This place is schizo. Instructors are night and day.
This was my first experience with a yoga studio and I started out with Joe A. He’s an amazing teacher: really clear instructions, assists, and with a wry sense of humor. He also gave me great modifications for my weirdo inflexible body.
But then– there are the instructors who will talk off in random tangents. I remember Guilia telling us about her family’s disapproval of her career path back in the 70’s etc etc. while we were in a warrior 2 pose for about 5 minutes. She was also telling us about «correct» yoga and «incorrect» yoga. wtf???
And once I attended a restorative class with Rocky and and as I’m setting up a blanket she runs over with a raised voice saying «NO NO NO. You are folding it all wrong.» So I’m a blanket dumbass, but dude, scolding students in a restorative class… ?
Iyengar yoga is perfect for yoga newbies– it teaches you correct alignment, and allows you stay in poses and really feel them in your body. Much more difficult to do so if you throw yourself into flow or vinyasa class.
So try them out. Just go to Joe.
Also– several times a year they offer free classes at their 3 studios (woodley, arlington and bethesda) — take advantage to find a teacher that jives with you.

A caveat– I took classes in 2000 – 2001 at Unity Woods– so my experience there is hardly current.
That said, Unity Woods is recognized nationally as one of the best places to study Iyengar yoga in the US. Its founder, John Shumacher, is regarded as one of the top Iyengar teachers internationally. This is a studio that has been providing excellent yoga instruction long before the current trend, and it will continue to do so when other yoga studios have closed.
Iyengar-​certified instructors receive some of the best and most comprehensive training around, so you know that you’re getting someone who really knows what they’re doing and is devoted to their practice. I studied with Joe Adlesic, Carol Cavanaugh, Giulia Mainieri, and Ann Thomas. All are excellent, highly skilled teachers. I particularly liked the teaching styles of Ann (gentle) and Joe (more challenging).
Iyengar yoga is particularly good for people with health concerns or injuries. If you speak to your teacher beforehand, he or she will modify poses to accommodate special needs. As other reviewers have mentioned, Iyengar yoga is disciplined. It is rigorous in a very precise way. You will not jump around or sweat a lot in an Iyengar class, but you will be challenged, repeatedly, to embody each pose with strength, alignment and precision.

If you all have read my other yoga studio reviews, you’ve seen my caveat, what I hope to get from a yoga class, and what I think is so darned difficult to find. You know I have an alignment fetish, think bootcamp yoga is an oxymoron, and am downright perplexed that there is no meditation taught in yoga classes.
In reviewing studios, I allow the third of these to slide. After all, we are going to class to practice yogasana. If you get a pranayama piece, then awesome. And if you the teacher gives you a few moments to practice concentration or even several for meditation, then even better. Mostly, however, what we need to do is find a yoga studio that offers all three, along with workshops on yoga philosophy and spiritual teachings, even if they’re not integrated into one class. Welcome to Unity Woods, fellow Unilocalers… your Iyengar Yoga experience awaits.
OK, so be forewarned… this is some serious yoga. There is very little flowery language that is being used to psychologically trick you into believing that throwing yourself in and out of a misaligned virabhadrasana I while pouring buckets of sweat onto your mat is going to give you physical and energetic benefits that border on ecstatic bliss. That said, practicing Iyengar Yoga regularly — and I mean more than an occasional drop-​in — will transform the way you experience yoga, even if you do have a more flow-​influenced yogasana practice.
True Story — I dabbled in Iyengar in the late 90s, early 2000/​2001, but I thought it was energetically stagnant. Later, I found myself in Kundalini Yoga, and then finally to Anusara. Then I went to a 3−½ week Iyengar Intensive in India, where, despite having 13 years of yoga under my belt, I was one of the least experienced there, at least because of the methods I had studied. That experience changed my life. The energy shifts in Iyengar, and the physical healing, are sometimes subtle, and other times profound. But what I came away with was a deeper understanding of yoga, my body, and the way that even the more esoteric philosophical teachings are even represented in the asana practice.
Unity Woods Yoga is Iyengar Yoga in the Washington, DC metro area. Some of the best Anusara teachers in town have also studied under John Schumacher, the studio’s renowned founder and owner. Although most of their locations are outside of the DC proper, there is one small location in Woodley Park (note — compared to other DC yoga studios, the practice space is enormous). They provide props galore, an Iyengar trademark (you will know more ways to experience postures with blankets, blocks, straps, washcloths, ropes…), as well as an amazing ropes wall (experience the release as gravity works the body in rope sirsasana). The other locations are Arlington, Bethesda, and a few classes in Tenleytown. The Bethesda location has 2 studios, also very nice, but I’ve never been to the other locations. Unity Woods sells a number of yoga tools and sundries, including some great books, John’s guided practice and meditation CDs, some chanting tapes, asana sequence guides, props, and some clothing items. Overall, however, it’s abundantly clear that if you come to class at Unity Woods, you’re coming to practice, not shop.
Even if you have practiced other types of yoga before, I don’t recommend starting in a class above level II (if you have a strong Anusara background, you can perhaps do a II/​III). Don’t worry, you’ll still be doing sirsana (headstand) and adho mukha vrksasana (handstand) all the time. Just give yourself some time to experience the practice and the Iyengar style.
As always, you will need to find a teacher whose energy and style resonate with you. I have taken class with Carol, Mary, and Liz. Carol I found intensely boring. I tried to like her class, and I’m sure that it’s great for some people, but not for me. Mary, on the other hand, has a great personality, and she is a wonderful teacher. But Liz is my asana guru. She is nothing short of amazing. She actually has a bit of a following, but for good reason. Her sequencing, humor, and personality make every class a phenomenal experience. Even when I decide to go to the earlier level II instead of the later level III on Monday nights, I find the class complete, challenging, and inspiring.
Unity Woods offers classes from gentle through advanced, and a number of workshops that cover all aspects of yoga, from advanced asana practice to yogic teachings, philosophy, and ayurveda. Pranayama is also taught at Unity Woods as a separate class. Unfortunately, you must register for it separately, but the Iyengar approach to pranayama is much more comprehensive than doing some long deep breaths and 5 minutes of digital pranayama. I just wish they offered a meditation class, even a sitting group, once or twice a week. Oh, well, if you want that, I guess you can always check out the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, DC — another DC treasure!

I’ve heard some people complain that Unity Woods is too intense, as in, serious about yoga. Well, I can’t disagree with that. Unity Woods is a full-​on Iyengar studio, and I think most of the instructors I’ve had there have studied in India at some point.
But don’t you actually want real yoga, and not fake, trendy, do-​it-​in-​a-​mall yoga? Of course you do.
At Unity Woods you are encouraged to be serious about yoga, but the main concern is that you not disrupt any one else’s efforts.
Yoga has become so popular that I’ve seen yoga studios pop up all over town. I’ve even tried a few, and it’s not that they aren’t real, it’s just, I don’t know, they seem to have hopped onto the hot yoga bandwagon. It’s aerobics with a slight Hindu bent.
I prefer Unity Woods with its consistent Iyengar approach — its classes are full of a wide range of body types and abilities.
Just call me a yoga snob. That’s right, I’m the least flexible, most stressed-​out yoga snob there is.