Yoga Vida has 2 locations with the first being located at 99 University (Washington Square area) and their newly-opened studio at 666 Broadway (Noho). I can only speak to the 99 University location, as I haven't ventured the few blocks to the Noho location, but I would think the experiences would be similar. When you enter the studio you are always greeted by a friendly instructor who is eager to help and answer any questions you may have, which can be a blessing for those first-timers who are intimidated by the whole process like I was. They offer a variety of packages that may be used at both studios. If you're a student you can get a killer deal here of $80/month for unlimited yoga. If you're not a student you can get unlimited yoga for $100/month and in both cases your monthly comes with free mat storage at the studio. Just looking to drop in? It's $10 which you'll find comparable to most other studios in the city. Yoga Vida also has a "first visit" package which allows new yogis to pay $10 for an unlimited pass for a week.
The studio is modern and clean with a great little sitting area where you can relax prior to your class. It also has a changing area, but no showers.
The majority of the classes last 65 minutes (with a few 90 minute classes here and there) and they have a variety of class levels offered at the studio in vinyasa flow. I started with their Basics class which I highly recommend to anyone looking to start their practice right or re-visit the basics. They take you step by step through your basic asanas, correcting your form in a small studio with no more than 20 participants. This was key to learning those moves that so many yogis do wrong, like chaturanga, because they are never taught how to hold the pose properly. Please be prepared, the basics studio is small and can be cramped, but this is an unfortunate part of practicing yoga in the city. No matter where you practice it is usually crowded!
The Flow and Advanced classes are offered in the large studio (seen below) and can fit a class of 60+ participants. Class size does fluctuate, but for the most part, it's rare where I feel like my personal space is being impeded upon. It really depends on what time the class is. Both studios have great class schedules with a variety of options for early morning, mid-day and evening so no matter your work/school schedule you can find a class time that should work for you. Another fun aspect of this studio is all the special classes they offer like candlelit classes, or live music where a harpist plays as you move through your asanas and music themes where they play just one particular type or music or artist.
I find that the best classes are with Jessie and Hilaria. They're both very experienced and give instructions through out the class that truly make you feel the "flow" of the class, as opposed to looking around the studio at your fellow yogis trying to figure out what pose you're supposed to be in and asking yourself "Was I supposed to breath in or out on that last move??" If you're an alternative music lover like myself, then you'll enjoy Jessie's classes. She has a great playlist of Florence and the Machine, Fleet Foxes, Citizen Cope, etc. In Hilaria's classes, she allows the students to chooses a different theme of the week where she will focus on a particular area of the body and builds the practice around that area. Hilaria also does something slightly unconventional in that she adds an ab workout to her class just prior to the inversion portion of class. I love it, but it may not be for those seeking to focus solely on a vinyasa flow practice. Jessie teaches a FREE Flow class on Wednesday mornings by the arch in Washington Square Park for those of you who are looking to try out a class.
Another great aspect about Yoga Vida is all the exciting workshops they hold from arm balancing, creating a headstand practice, etc. This studio also offers teacher's classes for those of you looking to become a yoga instructor.
For more information on Yoga Vida visit yogavidanyc.com which will give you class prices, class schedules and more information on the studios. Should you try Yoga Vida please post your review for others to see in the comments section. I hope to see you all there!
Namasate!
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