I live in LA but travel through Baltimore often and love this studio. Similar to my LA studio, the floor is not carpeted which definitely minimizes lingering odors. If you are used to practicing regular yoga, i.e. without heat and on a wood floor, I can see why you might detect a sweaty odor in any Bikram studio. But since the point of Bikram is to sweat, most studios will have some odor and humidity. I've been practicing Bikram for 4 years - this studio is clean, not smelly, roomy and cozy. The teachers are uniformly excellent and they keep the room hot. Everyone is extremely nice and welcoming. The bathrooms are clean and there are three showers and numerous lockers if you want to lock up your stuff. I'm grateful to have Bikram Baltimore my home away from home! 11/1/19 - still love this studio. Consistently good teachers, clean and professional. If You are used to bikram yoga, you will find it a pleasure. If it's your first time, it's always a challenge but everyone here is nice and supportive read more

I just got back from my first Bikram Yoga class ever. I've done Ashtanga yoga before, but never hot yoga. When you first walk into the room, it's of course hot (as it's supposed to be), but smells like a wet dog. The floor is carpeted, and people sweat all over the carpet, but it honestly smells like they don't ever clean the carpet. It's honestly disgusting. On top of that, I went with a diabetic friend who also had never done hot yoga. The instructor, Barbara, recommended that we stay in the room, even if we can't do the moves, to receive the most benefit out of the class. She also told us it is normal to feel nauseous or light-headed during class. After about 15-20 minutes of class, my friend wanted to step out for a minute because she didn't feel well. Being diabetic, it is really easy to get dehydrated and she wanted a bit of fresh air so she could try to last through the whole 90-minute class. Barbara asked her to stay, and she didn't because it's ultimately her choice as to whether or not she steps out for air. After a few minutes, Barbara had us take a brief water break and stepped out to talk to my friend. She came back in shortly thereafter and made a few comments about how wrong and inappropriate it is for people to leave class. I don't care who you are or what business you're in, but it is NEVER appropriate to talk badly about a customer in front of other customers. Ever. For any reason. I asked my friend what happened after we left, and she told me that Barbara came out and just basically yelled at her for leaving class. She said she talked to her like a child, and told her she can't leave class and she can't be hanging around there because "she might steal something." She came out a while later and walked up front, diddled around at the front desk and kept an eye on my friend, making sure she didn't do anything wrong. Barbara never bothered to ask if my friend was okay (and she knew my friend was diabetic), she never asked if she had any blood sugar problems, or even tried to encourage her to finish the class. She barked at her like she was a dog and then accused her of trying to steal. In addition, after she came back in the class room at one point, she was going on and on about how different people have different thresholds and different capabilities and such. Yet, somehow, it wasn't okay for someone who didn't have a high threshold for heat to step out for a minute and catch their breath. I can tell you one thing, I will never give them my business ever again. Even if we had enjoyed the class and wanted to come back, after being treated that way as a new customer, it makes me not want to come back. How can you honestly treat new customers that way? I don't understand how someone can be so rude. I've never in my life had a yoga instructor be anything less than encouraging and caring. But if one instructor there is like that, I can't imagine what the others are like. read more

Which location is better or has less offensive odor, downtown Baltimore or Cockeysville? I purchased 5 classes before I checked out the downtown studio. For the first 1/2 of the class it was hard for me to concentrate, the smell was so bad. How can you have a carpeted exercise room where people are expected to sweat so much? I want to use all the classes I paid for, but I'm afraid to go back.... read more

I came here almost 20 years ago when it first opened and nearly passed out after a hot yoga class. Surprised they're still around given the antics of their creator. They were offering a free yoga special as part of their grand opening and there were more people in the room than there would be otherwise. Hot yoga is definitely not for me. Be sure to bring water. Good luck. read more

Be ready to sweat. This is hot yoga. I've done yoga a few times in different studios but this was my 1st time in a heated studio of 105 degrees. It was tough going through all the poses in the heat. I now see why everyone wears next to nothing to do this yoga. You sweat!!!! The instructor was really great and helped me get through the class and provided alternatives for my less than flexible body. A couple of my fellow students were encouraging after my 1st class which was nice. Yes, the studio has an odor - a combo of wet dog and sweat. I smelled it as soon as I walked in, and I was often reminded when I couldn't focus my hot and sweaty body. I would have given the studio higher marks if it weren't for the smell. read more

This review is for the Cockeysville location. The location is nicely located, the staff was friendly to me, a beginner, even though she originally said don't over exert yourself, then in class kept trying to push me to do more. She explained that she would not be demonstrating the moves, but giving verbal instruction. The workout was very challenging, but left me feeling like I have been to a great massage. The only bad thing, which is keeping me from looking forward to returning for my next class is the studio smell. Can't the studio purchase something like fresh wave (or another brand) neutralizing crystals to absorb the smell? The smell in the studio is a cross of musty mold and someone's dirty ass. It would be equal to going to a gym and not having the staff wipe down the equipment periodically. The smell really made me begin to question how sanitary the location was being kept. (Also a dead mouse was found in the fan in the men's locker room before class.) When you first enter the studio, the smell almost knocks you down, then it goes away, only to periodically greet you again and NOT in a pleasant way. I would give the location 5 stars, IF they take care of their odor problem and make sure to keep the rest of the facilities clean as well. Which is contradictory to the front desk area, which looks very well kept. read more

I've practiced Bikram on and off since 2010. Never has a studio hooked me as much as Bikram Yoga Baltimore though. The studios are always clean, calming and very professional. While I was sad to see the Harbor East location close, the Cockeysville location is wonderful. The bathrooms were recently renovated and are pretty nice. The studio is large, HOT (the way it should be!) and has a lovely quote at the front of the room. Emily and Eddie (owners) are great.. both extremely communicative even throughout the winter when classes needed to be cancelled because of the snow. I go through phases of Bikram, little "binge" months, and this studio is completely addicting. The class itself is wonderful but the community and instruction is the best of the best. The staff is extremely encouraging and really just good people. Love this place! read more

Where would my life be without Bikram Yoga! I love this place! I'm a weekly attendee (don't judge me) and by far I get the best workout in 90 mins that I could ask for. You work every fiber, muscle and part of your being. Yes the room is heated, yes your neighbor will be sweaty but you won't be focusing on that as you are trying to master each pose. If you haven't tried Bikram yoga, grab a groupon or drop into one of the discounted classes on Mondays and Wednesdays (last class) and come with an open mind. You won't regret it especially when you wake up the next morning. read more

Today was my first day at Bikram Yoga (Cockeysville location) with instructor Fi Sanchez. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! Fi and everyone else were beyond welcoming and helpful. Studio: NO SMELL AT ALL! Maybe the upgrade I read about stopped the smell but there was absolutely no odor in the class I attended (also last class of the day). It was very clean and well maintained. I couldn't be more pleased! Instruction: FI WAS INCREDIBLE! She made me feel right at home and helped me along as I adjusted. It being my first experience in such high heats for an extended period, She encouraged me to break when needed. She congratulated me when she noticed achievements. & assisted when she noticed my looks of confusion. I am overly satisfied & will continue my Bikram Yoga Adventure. Overall: It was nice stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new. I couldn't be happier with the business that helped me along the way. I am ECSTATIC that I purchased the 20 class deal on Groupon and didn't just go with the lesser values. I think I will be a new regular to Bikram Yoga Baltimore & I'm excited about venturing out to the other studios they have as well :) THANK YOU! read more

ATTENTION! This is HOT yoga. You are placed in a room with an average temperature of 105 *F with 40% humidity, for an hour and half (90 minutes). Now, lets get one thing straight. There is NO scientific evidence that hot yoga is better than regular air-conditioned yoga. So this really is just about preference. With that said, moving on. Their website is easy to navigate however, information on their instructors are hard to find and offer little to no information, so its really a hit or miss as I personally believe instructors help make the experience what it is. The male owner, goes faster than some of the female instructors and some of the female instructors are more intuitive and interactive with participants (correcting position, encouraging, etc.). The experience itself is quite mixed for me. Classes are sometimes back to back offering little time for clean up. Which, with the heat and humidity, some people sweat beyond their mat and towel. The smell is what it is.....people are sweating....it smells. This shouldn't be a surprise so expect it. The biggest thing I found unappealing about this Bikram Yoga Studio is that leaving the class for anything but an emergency situation is considered disrespectful. Instructors will tell you to suck it up, that you'll get used to it. Sure, over time you may. However, don't throw up in a 104*F room! Leave if you feel sick! Always remember that it's your health and as long as you're not interrupting the class, if you need out then get out. You paid to be there and you know your limits. Don't faint, puke, or make yourself sick just to avoid to be able to say you made it threw. This is intense. Other hot yoga studios are an hour or less and in the 90*F with less humidity. If you like it hot and humid, then by all means, this is for you. Second thing I found unappealing was how instructors kept telling participants to "lock knees". There is an enormous difference between straight legs and locked knees. Locked knees, if done incorrectly can cause serious damage to joints and surrounding muscle. Coming in new, if you don't know, this can really mess you up. Terminology is everything and shows expertise which after hearing really makes me think twice about trusting them. Also, unless you're a regular (and maybe it's just the instructors I've had), coming in new they just tell you to keep up best you can and try but they don't spend time correcting you or guiding you, you're just watching other people) My last personal experience, I stayed in the entire time but my face was beat red and I could barely breathe. My mind was just starting to freak out. Instructor asked me if I was hot..........(ya...in 105*F with 40% humidity.....are you hot?....naw, just chillin'). When I got my things together to leave I said I might bring in one of those little hand held fans to just get a breeze so I could breathe and was told absolutely not. Even if I didn't upset others, its not allowed. Just bring more water....I'll stick to regular yoga. read more

So I finished my 3rd class yesterday and I feel great. I still have 7 more to go until my Groupon runs out. I would highly recommend this to anyone. So I read all the reviews here on yelp and I had to comment. I didn't think it was fair to the studio that it was getting murdered again and again. Yes, this studio has smell. But what do you expect when bunch of people are sweating so much? It's part of the experience, besides you should be concentrating on yourself. Yeah it makes it worst when someone does't shower for 5 days and decides to put perfume/Cologne on. They tell you not to put cologne on before coming, but some people decide to do it anyways: I know right, Idiots. First two time, the studio smelled, but not yesterday. One person commented here about Carpet and how it smells. Unless you wanna fall on your butt and do a unintentional somersault, They need to have carpet for gripping to perform the poses. When doing yoga poses, your feet need to have grip. Hard wood floors with water/sweat and gripping don't go together. Try spilling some water on hard wood floor and do triangle pose: Now you get the idea. The staff is great and awesome here as well. One person here commented about going there with a diabetic friend and how instructor was super rude. First of all, if you have any health problems, you are suppose to tell the instructor before class. If you can't do a yoga pose, you can just sit there until you catch your breadth, you don't walk out of a class. Trust me, I know how much it sucks after 8 or 9 poses. It gets super hot, super sweaty, and your face is on fire, and you just want to get out of there: But you know what, that's the moment that determines if you can push through and stay in room OR you are one of those who is a quitter and punk out on every little thing that happens in life. Trust me, you won't pass out in the room. No one in the history has so far. Besides, if there is someone walking outside while I'm in class, I would be worried about my phone, wallet and car keys that's staying in open in changing room: I don't wanna loose my $400 iPhone. Overall, I LOVE IT. Yes, smell sucks sometimes, but the studio does it's best to keep all of our sweat smell away. Besides, when i weigh smell Vs. Bikram yoga benefits, benefits always win. Oh one last thing, before going to Bikram Yoga, I didn't even know it was possible for a human so sweat a river. I do Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and CrossFit, and amount of sweat doesn't even come close compared to Bikram Yoga :) read more

I have lived in California, Washington and have spent a great deal of time in Boulder, CO as well. I have been to many yoga studios here, there and many places in between. None of them compare to the complete renewal of body, mind and spirit that I experience every time I go to Bikram Yoga here in MD. It is hands down the best place around with the best staff around. If you want the complete yoga experience (body, mind and spirit) from your practice, then this is the place for you! read more

This was the most disgusting yoga studio I have been in years. The smell was full of Clorox, sweat and carpet. I have been to hundreds of studios and I don't understand why they can't get rid if the carpet. The teacher was excellent and the location was good but the smell was unbearable . I have practiced yoga for 10 Years and have an advanced practice. read more

Ignore all of the complainers below. If you want a serious workout, with great long term benefits, then brave the heat and come to Bikram Yoga Baltimore. I don't understand why anyone would complain in some of the reviews below about not being "allowed" to leave the room. The instructors encourage you to stay in the room so you can push through and become better/stronger. It is also distracting to everyone else in the class who are there to focus and improve themselves. You don't get results if its easy. Over the past year, I have significantly improved my posture, flexibility, and become more lean. You don't bulk up from Bikram, but you tone and tighten. Plus, I can assure you, that for the 90 mins in class you will be so focused that you will mentally shut off all outside distractions (so much so that it is like a 90 minute mental holiday from work/life). Finally, the owners--Emily and Eddie--and the staff are knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend this to anyone--even if you aren't athletic or into working out--who wants to improve themselves. read more

While the class and yoga itself are great, the owners seem only interested in enrolling high paying customers, misleading me as to which value card could fit my busy work schedule After several attempts to find the best value for multiple class options with the owners, I finally went with the Groupon. Upon arrival I was turned away because I "had already been to three classes". This was extremely disheartening because my last visit the assist was able to confirm I could join with the Groupon b/c I'm still so new. Unfortunately, the business owners can see beyond and have lost me as a long-team customer. read more

This review is for the Cockeysville location. I do yoga several times a week... but this was my first time doing "hot" yoga. The instructor said she would not be demonstrating the moves.... only giving a verbal instruction which was OK. My big complaint is regarding the strong smell of the room... it smelt of dirty sweat socks. It hits you in the face as soon as you enter the hot yoga room. What makes it even worse is you are supposed to breathe through your nose to prevent you from getting light-headed.... yeah right, I wanted to vomit. This said, it really makes me question the cleanliness of the facility. This REALLY needs to be addressed. My other complaint was that they lock the doors and you are not allowed to leave once the session starts (no joke!). So, you are locked in a smelly, sweaty room for 1.5 hours... I can think of a lot of other things I'd rather do with my free time. read more

Personally love this studio, the owners, and the instructors. Location is great; easy to park. Hey, the store next door even sells yoga mats and shorts for $5 in case you forgot yours! Convenient! To anyone reading all the negative reviews: Many of them are outdated! For one thing, there isn't carpet anymore, but a rubber flooring that doesn't hold the smell. You also need to understand that many of the people commenting didn't seem to like the fact that it wasn't easy (you were warned) and that the class didn't revolve around them. In yoga, there is a reason for everything. The reason you are "not allowed" to leave the hot room, even if you feel dizzy, isn't because the instructors are sadists...it's because it's BAD FOR YOUR BODY to experience a 40 degree temperature swing without a proper cool down, and guess what, you're gonna feel even MORE dizzy and nauseous after that. They will let you leave the room if you GENUINELY think you're going to throw up, but honestly it's most likely in your head, and shouldn't happen unless you had hot wings and a bloomin onion for lunch. Also, it isn't just about you. There are usually 10-30 other people in the room, and when you are running in and out of the room to cool off you are distracting EVERYONE and ruining THEIR experience. I've had classes where I felt very dizzy, but after sitting down and taking a break (which you are ALWAYS allowed to do) I felt much better. They are very encouraging to beginners and encourage them to take frequent breaks of sitting on your mat and relaxing, just without leaving the room. People don't understand that this exercise routine is also about learning self control and balance. It's not for everyone's taste. Some people hate it (obviously) but it's not because there is anything wrong with the studio or practice. It's just not their cup of tea. So give it a chance despite the negativity. However, even though everyone may not LIKE it, everyone CAN do it. You don't have to be flexible or in shape to start. I've seen 250 lb women accomplish more in this class than body builders on their first day, because it's all about adjusting your body little by little. It's hard, but it's worth it. For me, the weight loss was a huge factor. And I just felt great. Lost a lot of aches and pains, had more energy. read more

Cockeysville - I really love this place. I even love the smell. It smells like bodies at work. It smells like a hot yoga studio... I have really bad allergies and would prefer no loud fragrances. This yoga feels so good after your finished. And you should not leave the room... Trust me, I tried. You end up feeling worst. The temperature change is too dramatic. It is better to sit down in the room. Plus the instructors are really good at opening the door peridically. Love bikram yoga! See you guys soon! read more

I've been going to this studio for about a year and a half. If you have no idea what you're getting yourself into, then you probably do want to run screaming from the room. Seriously, stay inside. The instructors will encourage you to stay in the room because it's a shock to your system if you leave and there is an instant 35 degree drop in temperature. Just sit down, slow your breathing, and calm yourself. Do what you can each day. The instructors are all great in different ways. They know all their students by name (which was very surprising to me) and are very encouraging. As you come more you really start to become part of a yoga family. Bikram Yoga is a discipline so don't expect to go and have a picnic. You'll be working really hard and the people around you expect you to be a considerate person. I can't help but think that the people who are on here complaining were talking to their friend and moving all around being a distraction. Come ready to work with a good attitude and you'll be amazed with what you can accomplish. Bottom line - BYB is an awesome studio with wonderful people. After you try it you might be thinking of your life as "before Bikram" and "after Bikram." read more

OMG the odor in there is horrendous... I had to leave the room twice because I started gagging... it smelled like wet dogs... the floor had nasty sweat stains on the floor i was bracing and my mind kept wandering to the fear that I would get a staph infection... I never returned!!! The Yoga was pretty good but the odor ruined the entire experience.. my friends go to a place downtown that don't smell like that... AWFUL... I will never return... EVER I wonder if anyone has ever called the health department on them that has to be ULTRA unsanitary!!! YUCK read more

I attempted my second class to see if I could give it another shot. Eh, Methinks not. I have done hot yoga at other studios in the past, but the atmosphere at this studio is a turn off. While the instructors are genuinely nice people, they absolutely, positively, will not let you step out of the class. Being someone a bit more on the how do I say? Anxious side. Having the feeling of no exit whilst trapped in a 110 degree room, barley able to catch my breath, doesn't fair well. I understand the beneficial concepts of trying to work through your session.. but getting called out, told do not leave the room, while treated like a child is a tad ridiculous. Not to mention this studio is seriously hotter than any other bikram class I have done. I don't know if it's the shape of the room that just traps the heat and mugginess completely inside and makes it swelter, or if it's the amount of people that are jam packed in trying not to hit walls and neighbors as they strike their poses. As if the daunting fear of no escape in a unbearable heat, jammed in a small room, with too many people didn't completely do it for me, it could have been the creepy man, literally staring in through the window of the busy shopping center that was defiantly strike number two. This man was standing in the dark, staring in a.. how do I say... not so friendly way, if you catch my drift. I can understand that they have open windows, being in a shopping center and all, but the constant distraction of people and families stopping and gawking at you as you're sweating uncontrollably make it a bit much. Blinds perhaps? Even some curtains? Anything to prevent the gawkers from looking in at you scantily clothed would make a serious difference. I do not think I will return to this studio again. I now have realized that all yoga studios are not the same and will be returning to my favorite, 2nd story, not unbearably hot studio, with much appreciation in the near future. read more

The Cockeysville location is okay. Would go again but need to bring my flip-flops if I do. It was my second different Bikram studio in as many nights on a trip near Baltimore. The good: 1) Eddie (money!) Garner. I think this was the teacher, and it would be a star or two less without him. Huge energy. Corrected some, celebrated others and was accepting of everyone. No judgment if students left the room, even the dude who was trying so hard he left about 6 times. Positive. Good humor. 2) No smell...this location must've removed whatever smelled from previous reviews. The floor in the hot room looks like it was a modification. Well, it worked as the windows were steamy and there was no stink. 3) The heat...It was robust tonight. Eddie even opened the door to fan cold in as needed. I don't think that's a bad thing since I'd rather have a studio that gets the heat going than otherwise. And I realize it's hard to cool down. 4) Five Guys next door. Is this really a bonus for the studio? I don't know, but it was my treat night and Five Guys is about a 2 minute walk and I was ready for it. Improve: 1) Cleanliness...consistent cleaning appears to be conducted, but many corner and crevice areas clearly needed to be vacuumed and scrubbed. 2) Maintenance...This studio is showing some wear and needs to be loved. Baseboards in the bathroom are missing. Some of the 'new' hot room floor seems to have duct tape holding it? Or left over...from what? That type of stuff. I usually/always shower after Bikram but I skipped it this time. Will go again here but will bring my Olukai's. 3) No water fountain?...('bubbler' as some of us call it). Hydration is so important in Bikram. Maybe the most important thing after showing up and breathing. Cockeysville even sells Hydroflask bottles but students need to go back into the bathroom (without baseboards in bare feet) to fill a bottle? I guess most students just buy the plastic bottles which is a shame since yogi's seem so conscience about the environment and even Eddie made some jokes about the Burger King outside changing to an organic market someday. 4) View into the men's room...passersby can see into the changing area of the men's room when the door swings open. A screen maybe? Partition? Doesn't bother me a ton but can't imagine that would fly for the women's room. Overall not a bad experience and I'd go again. But without a dynamic teacher I'd probably find an alternative. I hope they make some improvements. read more

As a student who has taken many yoga classes at this location and other locations I decided to talk a bit about my experience. I had taken yoga classes for a few years before coming to this studio but I can honestly say that I never understood the yoga postures or knew how to do them to attain maximum benefit until I came here. In most yoga classes I had taken previously, the instructors simply called out the name of the asanas -- you know up dog, down dog, warrior 1, warrior 2, etc. but no explanation was given on how to do the postures. In these Bikram classes, the instructors give specific instructions on how to do each posture. After practicing here for a few years, my posture has improved, my strength and flexibility have improved, I am less stressed and I understand my body and its capabilities much better than before I began this practice. I learned more about my body after just a few classes than I did lifting weights for decades. I read through the other comments and some surprised me. Students are certainly encouraged to stay in the room throughout class as this is part of the discipline but I have never seen a student who was in physical distress forced to remain. New students should be aware that this is hot yoga and that the room is hotter than the normal body temperature. Be ready for a physically and mentally challenging class. It usually takes new students a few classes to acclimatize. For students with injuries and pre-existing conditions be sure to tell your instructor about this before class. Try to stay in the room and if you feel a bit overwhelmed just sit out a posture or two then rejoin the sequence when ready. As for the smell, all three BYB studios have anti-bacterial flooring that is odor-free. Students will sweat in class. Certain compounds in foods have an odor and some of these compounds can be exuded in sweat. The instructors are not rude. They will, however, encourage experienced students to go a bit deeper in the postures. They also may correct the postures of students when they see the student doing a posture in a way that could result in undue strain or injury. Some new students may interpret this as rudeness but those students who have practiced many times know better. Be glad that the instructor cares enough to be interested in what they observe. Finally, I would encourage anyone who is thinking about taking a class to give it a try. It's an investment of 90 minutes that could start you on a road to a life-changing experience. read more

I loved the teacher in Cockeysville but I agree about the moldy stench. If we are to take in such deep breaths for 90 min what are we breathing into our lungs? I have been to a Bikram studio in Norwalk, CT and they never had that problem. Perhaps the studio owners should contact them to see how to properly ventilate or clean the studio. Good luck. I would be a regular member if they can kick the problem. read more