I prefer the classroom in Birmingham versus West Bloomfield. It is smaller and more intimate instead of a big space filled with people. Elaine is the ONLY reason I go to the West Bloomfield location. She could teach on the moon and I would find my way there. I've been practicing yoga with Elaine for over a decade. It's true that a yoga instructor can make or break your session. It never fails, every time I stray with another instructor it ends up being a huge disappointment. This past weekend I did slow flow with an instructor who didn't warm the group up at the beginning. We jumped right into difficult poses and raced through them. They also didn't give good instructions either people were flopping all over the place. It was stressful yet again that experience validates my earlier point about the instructor. Not to preach but hands down Elaine is the best teacher at Yoga Shelter. She just gets it and understands what moves are best for your body that day. She quickly assess the class and tailors each session appropriately, It is not one size fits all. I highly recommend Yoga Shelter for all your yoga needs :) read more

So here's the sweet sweat deets on Yogashelter. I went in to try out a complimentary beginners balance yoga class. The class instructor Marni Stone was informative, knowledgeable and positive which added to the overall experience. I had never been to a yoga class but once I found out that they offer a free 'Yoga 101' class once a month I figured it was worth a try. When you arrive you are greeted and given the lay of the land. They have a book section, chairs and comfy bed to entertain yourself before or after yoga sessions. Just a little ways down are cubby holes to put away your stuff, then grab your loaner mat (they have them there in case you don't wish to invest in your own one at first). The class comprised of 11 students whose experience ranged from none (me) to 50+ classes. We went around the room and introduced ourselves and stated what we had hoped to get out of the session. The things that the teacher advised we would get out of yoga would be mindfulness, focus, better breathing ability and awareness to the present moment. The class lasted about an hour and included a range of positions. I found it challenging but achievable and at the end I felt more energized than depleted (which is what I tend to feel after an hour in the gym). I stayed behind to talk to Marni in more detail about the benefits of yoga and sign up for a promotion they have going 30 days of classes for $29 including one free trial for aerial yoga at the Grosse Pointe location that I'm hoping I can get to by day 30. read more

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I really wanted to like Yoga Shelter. My old placed closed last summer, unable to whether the low revenues of Covid and being closed, and this place is really close to my house. I liked their one-time first-time promotion prices as well. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. This might just be a pet peeve of mind, admittedly, but the instructors clearly have favorites and the favorites, like the instructors, are all beautiful, young, white people. (I'm white, but it still bothers me.) Besides the cliquish vibe I got from before the class started to its final minutes, there is also no accommodation for folks at different levels. I'm at about a medium, but even for me, the instructor didn't make any offers/suggestions of adjustments for moves that were waaaaaayyyy out of my league. For some of the students who weren't as capable as me, well, it was difficult to watch these poor souls struggle without the teacher making any attempt to offer adjusted poses, offer encouragement, etc. After the first-time limited-time (short term) offer, the prices are not competitive at all. It's also inside a shoppig mall - maybe just me, but kind of weird/off putting for a practice that is meant to be a spiritual retreat as well as a physical workout. read more

Great experience so far. I've taken a few classes at the WB location and have enjoyed them. Today's Slow Flow class with Matt was great. He helped position me so that I got the most out of poses where I may have not quite have had the best form. Very helpful for sure! The fruit at the front was also key, as I had come from a run, then took the class, and fresh fruit was a great touch. read more

Being from out of town, I have only taken 3 classes here when I was visiting family. The style of the classes I went to were Vinyasa focused...flow focused. And the energy of the class was great. The staff was very helpful, the studio is very spacious (which was really nice since the studio I go to at home is quite small!). I took a basic flow class and the "yoga rocks" class which was yoga to upbeat music. It sure did help in getting my mind off of how tired those downward dogs are! The teachers I had were very good at teaching and making adjustments. I'll be back in Detroit in a few weeks and plan on taking some classes while I am there. read more

BOLD Flow - West Bloomfield Studio - Yoga Near Me - West Bloomfield, Michigan

I have been going to Yoga Shelter for nearly a year. I like it. Some instructors are more intuitive to the class than others, but all bring something different and challenging to my practice. The staff is friendly and I always feel welcome. They moved into a new smaller space which is nice, but not as zen as the old space in my opinion. A karate studio is moving in the old space so hopefully there is some good sound proofing. read more

Life is full of crazy. Life is full of the unexpected. Sometimes its nuts and sometimes is pretty good. Once in a while, I find myself inviting a healthy amount of crazy into my life, however there are still times when the craziness is totally unwelcome and completely unappreciated. So what happens when bat-shit, completely off-your-rocker crazy enters in my life? I'll probably get pretty annoyed, and fairly pissed off. But then I decide to seek shelter and get my Om on. And Yoga Shelter is perfect for that. I, too, was one of the unwashed masses that bought the amazing groupon a while back. However, I never felt unwelcome by the staff. Nor, did I feel like the the classes were too jam packed. Sure, there are some crowded classes; I think it depends more on the instructor and the time slot vs. how many groupons were actually being redeemed. This particular studio offers one huge room which is often divided so two classes are being offered around the same time. It seems like the really popular classes/time slots will take up the whole room (sans divider). I have found that very late evening classes and weekend afternoon classes are the least crowded. Also, if you can make it to a late morning class, you'll find it almost empty. I typically like going on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings. I absolutely love Chris' Sunday Fusion class, but sadly, me attending is a rare occurrence. Almost all the classes are great...I've only gone to a few classes which I haven't completely loved. However, shelter doesn't come cheap. Classes are expensive but often they will have packages and promotions where it makes it somewhat affordable. The staff here is great and most instructors are absolutely brilliant. They also have a small retail area offering clothing, yoga mats and other accessories. So despite the somewhat steep prices and sometimes crowded classes, I still will seek shelter and the Yoga Shelter is perfect for that. read more

I was hooked after my very first class! Rob was a great teacher for my introduction to yoga (vinyasa classes). I took my first class with Matt the other day and enjoyed the variety in teaching styles. Class is always different and challenging. Looking forward to expanding my knowledge and practice! My only gripe is students coming into class after it has already started. read more

Wow...what an amazing place. My wife and I have to going to the Shelter for several years now, and I can truly say this place R-O-C-K-S! Instructors are cool people, the studios are always immaculate, showers with actual hot water, and super-friendly front desk staff. From the moment you walk into the West Bloomfield YS, you're made to feel right at home. I cannot think of anything negative about this place; I truly can't. Occasionally, a fellow yoga student may forget about social mores, but the instructors always deal with a faux pas with grace and humor. In the end, yoga is about far more than 'I'; it is about 'us'...you can find no better group of 'us' than at Yoga Shelter. It simply draws out the best in all of us. read more

Love this place! I started coming here because the yoga place down the street screwed me over, and boy am I glad I found them! I purchased the unlimited package: $29/mo for the first month, and only $99/mo after that. You have access to all studios and you can bring 2 new guests a month. I'm into it! The deal was good enough to join, but the instructors make you want to stay. Matt and Najee are incredible! You get a great workout while relaxing, and their playlists are spot on. The other yogi's are friendly. The space is huge and they have a little lounge bed while you're waiting. It's in a little strip mall, but it's such a gem. Worth your time and money! read more

I don't understand what Emily is talking about......the rooms are huge and so are the classes...if u didn't find a place to sit its prob because u didn't get there a tad earlier. I love the slow flow class. Eliane Braden is amazing. I just love everything about her and her clas from start to finish. And if you can get into a slow flow class with Caren Paskel we'll then u just stuck gold......and make sure you are there 20min prior to class......Carens classes fill up amazingly quick. One time I had to be sqeezed it.....but I didn't care, I was just estatic to be there. And caren was sweet enough to make sure they made room for me. Eliane is my all time fave though. I only go to her slow flow class. Thi place rocks. Been going there for years! If you see me in elaines class I'm always wearing a "I love karma shirt" in gray and red......don't be afraid to say hi! Xoxo Namaste :-) read more

Overall one of my favorite places to practice yoga in Michigan. Staff is super friendly and the studio feels like home. Overall all classes are great for all who want to practice yoga from beginner to intermediate level. If you're looking for a good burn I'd recommend Matt's Vinyasa or Fusion class. Matts is pretty helpful with modifying your yoga poses plus he has killer playlists. Whether you're training competitive or recreational I'd recommend integrating Kate's Slow Flow class for a healthy recover session. read more

BOLD Flow - West Bloomfield Studio - Yoga Near Me - West Bloomfield, Michigan

The new location is beautiful! And the staff is always very warm and inviting. I'd recommend this place over and over again!!

I've been going to the WB Shelter for years and loved the Zen feeling I got the minute I walked in the door. The Asian decor was stunning and filled me with peace. Today I discovered they moved into a small space next door that is sterile and lacked any personality. The space is crowded, lacked ambiance, and there was only one small room that would hold only a small portion of the people that energized the classes that I've attended next door. I for one, do not like to be squished like sardines into a sterile room designed for about 25 people (max). Eric Paskel (founder) would be sorely disappointed in the direction this has evolved. (yes he packed them in but there was an energy that filled you with soul. The instructor spoke in a monotone voice so quietly that you could barely hear her over the fan. The slow flow was definitely slow and without feeling, challenge or a feeling of spirituality that I often feel when practicing. So disappointed in the new space & the Monday instructor. (maybe she was new at this) I have a lot of classes left, but will definitely search out other studios that bring back a feeling of Zen. read more

Love going to yoga! The teachers are amazing and I love being able to relax and take time for myself for an hour! The facility is very clean and well taken care of. read more

I love Yoga Shelter! Everyone is so friendly here. The yoga instructors are great and yoga has positively impacted my life here. I take around 5-8 classes a week, and all of the classes are great!!! read more

I'm one of the great unwashed masses who was at a class today via Groupon. I have suffered from chronic, almost unrelenting lower back pain that 3x per week visits to a local chiropractor can only partially relieve. I was so desperate to find another avenue for relief that I bought the Groupon deal on an impulse. After one class this morning I am nearly pain-free for the first time in over a year, although I know that yoga is not a miracle cure. Thank God that Yoga Shelter decided to offer this deal to the general public so that people like me, who would never have darkened the door of a yoga studio otherwise, could take advantage of its benefits. I have a feeling that my interest and attendance will continue after Groupon is over. I'm sorry that some of you feel crowded out by us neophytes, but the benefit to my well-being is enormous, and I am already a "loyalist." I hope that's some consolation, at least. read more

Amazing! Superb! Just what I needed. I hadn't practiced yoga for several years and joined with the new member special. Super friendly desk staff, amazing instructors and not too crowded in any class so far. The slower classes are challenging enough to feel that you are definitely working and the Fusion classes are a GREAT workout. I cannot wait for the final relaxation - even those 5 minutes - makes a huge difference in my day. If you think yoga is only for non Type A people, don't kid yourself - you guys need it the MOST! Take the time for yourself and come to the Yoga Shelter. You won't be disappointed! It truly is a safe space just for you! read more

Gross, gross, gross. I've been looking for a yoga studio in michigan for a while, and I guess I'll have to keep looking. I'm so glad I was able to use a groupon for this, otherwise I'd feel mega ripped off. I attended a Yoga Rocks session. The place was a SAUNA, even before we began. There's a huge difference between keeping the muscles warm and overheating the body - but this shelter had not learned that yet. When I work out and sweat, I want it to be because *I* am creating heat, not because the room is being heated. While going through the Yoga Rocks class, popular music was being blasted, so while I was trying to move through my poses, I was aurally being treated to phrases telling me to "smack that bitch" and "slap her across her ho face." During this the teacher was trying to tell us to reinvent ourselves. So while I'm sweating buckets for very little work and being treated to all sorts of hate-speech (through "music") I'm supposed to be paying attention to this zen BS? Get real! Today I tried a Slow Flow, hoping it would be like many of the other yoga classes I'd taken. No dice. Slow Flow? What a joke. Holding a pose for 5-10 breaths is hardly "slow" in yoga - it's standard! Once again the room was BROILING. After one minute of downward facing dog my clothes were drenched in sweat. And it wasn't just me. It was incredibly distracting to watch all the people around me have to pull themselves out of their poses to wipe themselves down, or listen to the person next to me panting like a dying rhinoceros because the air was so thick. Once again the music was pop music though thankfully not as terrible as the previous class. So yeah, I'm incredibly disappointed with this studio. They seem to be trying to take all the "cool" aspects of yoga and make them easily accessible to the public. No thank you. Another yelper said this seems like a rec center's yoga studio....and I have to agree. The storefront is much yoga-themed but the actual rooms are terrible. There's a different studio (not a yoga shelter) in Novi...it's further from my home and more expensive, but the music helps to add to the experience and when I sweat I know it's because my body is working out. read more

I have been going to the shelter for over a year . The shelter is clean , people are all very friendly . The classes are excellent . The teachers are wonderful !!! I wish they would have a class between the hours of 1and 3 in the afternoon ! read more

Overall a great place. Both Brittney and Rebekah are great instructors!

I had my first yoga class at this studio today and I loved the positive energy! I never wanted to give up because for me and not for anyone else. The practice gave me such a great sense of self :) definitely the best yoga class I've ever had! Matt is a great teacher and made me feel both mind and body positive :) read more

Yoga Shelter is THE place to go if you're wanting to work out and work IN. The teachers are all amazing and the studio itself is beautiful! Great environment to sweat your ass off or work on self transformation - a variety of classes to meet your needs. I love the Vinyasa classes the best...the teachers play awesome music and give great adjustments. LOVE IT! read more

I love the friendly greeting from the front desk when you enter the door. The yoga shelter had a variety of programs. The teachers are efficient and effective. Everyone is very proficient and professional. The music is delightful. The room is clean. I always leave my practice with a positive thought. read more

This embodies why you go to yoga. Zen, soulful, mindful, relaxation and perfect studio. Used 4 yoga shelters. Other goals have me currently at a larger gym. If I was independently wealthy,I'd happily spend an hour daily here soothing my soul. read more

Large space, lighting, music and great instruction. Love the Monday night slow flow class.

Convenient location challenging class slow flow Monday 11:15am class. Engaging male instructor. Good sequence. Room wasn't horribly hot but warm. read more

Ive been at this location for probably close to 10!yrs by now. I enjoy the workout, the dedication to a spiritual and independent practice and I like most of the teachers, I think this is some of the best staff they've had in years! The staff is always pleasant and very helpful! read more

My favorite classes are slow flow with Matt. Always a different but enriching experience that leaves you with positive energy for the day. Best relaxing music playlists too! read more

The calmness, the unique flow sequences that vary each class, the music, the instructors and their messages, the temperature of the room (perfect)... I love everything about Yoga Shelter read more

I have been a regular yogi at The Yoga Shelter since the beginning of December. Being new to the area it gave me an opportunity not only to practice great yoga but meet people as well. I have read some of the other reviews talking about how crowded yoga shelter is - I have practiced in other cities where the mats are less than an inch a part. I have been taught that yoga happens on the mat. If that means making an adjustment so that you do not hit the person next to you then that should be a metaphor for life. If you have to make an adjustment then do it! Some of the teachers are extraordinary (Suzanne, Shellie and Elaine, Sarah, Matt) I feel that when they are speaking they are speaking directly to me. The other teachers are OK but I do not seem to connect with them as much and find my self seeking the classes of the above mentioned. I have also taken classes at the Yoga Shelter in Birmingham and Royal Oak. I like those studios but the parking isn't as easy. read more

I made the right decision when I decided to join this yoga studio. The teachers and front desk staff are very nice and helpful. The studio is very clean and they offer class times that fit my schedule. read more

Yoga shelter is a great studio. The teachers and staff or very nice and professional. Great environment!

Went to the shelter after about a year hiatus (I moved to another state). I always loved going to Caren's classes; she was my go to guru. Due to the storm my 'omie and I couldn't make it across town to our new place so we decided to try it out again. The storm front was disorganized, sparse, and outdated; the space did not speak yoga but more going out of business feel. We didn't feel comfortable leaving our phone and wallets since we're not familiar with the studio and the teacher interrupted me during a shape to make sure my phone was off - she was messing up my vibe. As a yoga teacher myself the teacher was also doing extremely dangerous transitions for a group of mostly novice yogis. She tried to internally rotate my hip during an external rotation and then about 6 internal to external rotations on the same leg - yikes!! I also rented a mat and it was torn up and smelly. Glad I brought a yoga towel to cover it. Will not go back; will keep following Caren to her news studios. By the way the student discount is still $17.00. Boo. read more

I went about 6 times in one month. I liked the studio and the warm temperature. I preferred some teachers over others but that just takes time learning which instructors are more my style. Staff was friendly. Facility appears clean. read more

Five years ago I decided to give yoga a try to help with my chronic back pain brought on by years of activities which I undertook to improve my fitness but in reality resulted in the deterioration of my spine, shoulders and feet. At the Yoga Shelter I gained a knowledge of a form of fitness that was previously foreign to me. After some time, and with with constant struggle, I have learned to leave competition at the door in the endeavor of self improvement and personal expansion into something more than physical fitness. I appreciate the environment staff and teachers as well as a schedule that is very accommodating. I have to admit I absolutely hated yoga the first few times I did it (read too competitive), but grew to appreciate it and eventually love it. If your reading this review to decide if this is the right place for you I recommend that you try the available free week and visit frequently during that period. If you're like me you'll be glad you did and look back fondly on the opportunity read more

So many things! I love that the classes are affordable and welcoming for everyone - beginner all the way to expert! I love how friendly and personable the staff is and they always have the best music! I also love how clean the studios are. I could go on and on... Yoga Shelter rocks!! read more