Citizen is the best yoga studio around. Kacee Must is an amazing teacher and a great person too!

Love coming to Citizen Yoga whenever I visit Michigan. Melissa in particular is VERY personable and knowledgeable about yoga poses. She makes it a point to introduce herself to any new students. She always asks the class if there's anything we would like to focus on for that day, to which she immediately responds to using improv to cater to your needs. Her hands on adjustments are subtle yet engaging and allows you to deepen your practice significantly. She is a tremendous asset to Citizen Yoga. The other instructors and receptionists are also very kind and personable, they never meet a stranger. read more

Citizen yoga is my favorite studio in the royal oak area. They have several class types and each instructor brings something different to the table. I find their class times to be convenient. My favorite instructors for vinyasa are Melissa and Alice but I've never taken a class that I didn't like. There are slow flow classes for beginners as well. I think they usually offer a 5/25$ class deal to new students so it's great to get started! I recommend parking in the garage behind the building (first 2 hours free). read more

Ok ok ok, let me start off by saying what is good about this place! There is a free class if you live in the city of the studio and there is a new student special which is 5 classes for 25$, the usual is 14-20$, the atmosphere is very friendly and the people seem nice. Ok now for the not so great things: the classes are not as beginner friendly as they say they are, despite what "slow burn" says online, the class moves at a fast pace and I would not recommend for beginners. The people seem nice but also will glare at you if you do not do the movements properly. Lastly this place does have sort of a culty feel, but my review might change the more I go. TLDR: good price, nice people, not beginner friendly read more

Updating my review because I haven't been in for a while. I attend Dayle's Thursday morning yinyasa so this is mostly about that - I like that the class isn't too crowded so I can get a little socially distanced nook. Dayle offers modifications and has a wonderful, encouraging energy. Citizen also offers online classes and has a lot of different class times. read more

I have been coming here for years. This is a top-notch-studio with best-in-show teachers. Melissa and Soojin have been crucial to my continued growth inside and outside of the studio. They are the best. read more

Casey Miller is amazing, kind and attentive! She has helped me tremendously. So very grateful for her. Everyone that I have come in contact with at Citizens have been extremely kind. Such a wonderful place to be apart of. read more

Citizen used to be the best of the best, but have been nothing but disappointed in all my classes back post pandemic. Teachers have lost all their authority, every cue sounds like a wishy washy suggestion, and laced with profanity. Only time I've ever heard "Fuck" in a class (A. Fancy--Vinyasa) since Jonny Kest times, and definitely the only place it's been used 3+ times in an hour, in my 10+ years of practice. I used to have the upmost respect for Kacee, the owner, but seeing what the business has become, I'm mostly repulsed. They became everything they promised they never would be. Anything to make a dollar, not to make a person. read more

I've only been doing yoga for this year and this place is not good for beginners. They class sizes are full and be ready to have your mat side by side with others. They instructors are nice but don't always demonstrate the pose so there's some I still not sure what they are. I would not recommend if you are new to yoga or if you easily get claustrophobic. read more

My first class was great! I had somehow turned off all of my Citizen Yoga email notifications, so I freaked out a little when I realized the class was starting in 10 minutes and I I didn't know how to access it because I never got the confirmation email. I tried calling the studio a few times but it went to voicemail. Luckily, I received an email from Shannon, informing the class that there were intermittent issues with Zoom and the software needed to be updated in order to access class. I replied to Shannons email about 5 minutes before class in a massive panic asking her if she could help me log into the class. I will admit, I wasn't as nice as I should have been in my email (sorry Shannon) but she was still helpful and nice! She helped me get into the class by sending a link and she also turned my notifications back on so that I will be able to access class in the future. Before the class began I was tired and dragging. It was a dreary day and I didn't know if I still felt up for the challenge! I hadn't done a yoga class in a while and I was very nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up. The teacher was extremely helpful and had great energy. Even though my camera wasn't the best, she still helped me fix my form when she could and provided really easy to follow instruction. I left the class feeling aware and more awake, also feeling calmer than I was before the class started. I am definitely going to add Yoga to my routine! Thanks Citizen Yoga and Shannon for being so awesome! read more

I am a fan of this community. The class times and options work great for my schedule. Sometimes there are too many chaturanga's but I feel comfortable modifying as needed. I am more into the relaxation, stretching and the spiritual/ mind, body, breath connection side of yoga than I am sweating, working out hard and headstands etc. If you are a beginner I suggest trying Bashi, Soojin or Erica. Very supportive with an emphasis on modifying and listening to your body. Also Kacee the owner is very engaged and open to feedback. read more

Class this afternoon with Dayle was just what I needed after a red eye flight. Her Slow Burn class was the right pace: it starts off with a bunch of poses that help warm up the muscles and then it progresses into more advance poses that really challenge my stability and flexibility. The room was heated but not to the lengths that Bikram classes usually are which I appreciated because I probably would have felt faint. Dayle has a really good energy, definitely gave me vibes of a zen Amy Poehler if that makes any sense: she gave good direction but was also sure not to make the class too serious. Nothing major to really critique, though I would say the studio bathrooms and showers get quite busy after class and the space could benefit from an open sink area for people to wash their hands after class. Definitely check out the space if you want to try a yoga class that's not pretentious and has really good vibes overall! Tips: 1) Parking in the Z lot can be validated by the studio as long as it's within the two hour window 2) The studio rents mats for $2 but does not provide towels so bring your own! 3) There's a water filter so bring a bottle to replenish after class read more

Been in search for a new yoga studio since moving to the area, I bought the new student package of five classes. Pros: - Location is great; right downtown RO - Lots of class options and times - Staff is friendly and knowable - Trendy studio that is updated, clean, and fresh - Young, creative, crowd Cons: - Classes in the evenings get really, really, full. Im talking two inches between mats. It's strange to me that they don't monitor this better since you have to sign up for classes. - The two hour cancelation policy is a pain; sometimes things come up and the last thing you don't have time to worry about canceling a yoga class. - Parking is an issue. When I first visited I was told there was a lot behind the building that offered free two hour parking only to find out that was only before 5pm. Parking is free on Sunday's though. - The cubby area where you put shoes, coats, and bags gets very busy between classes. There is absolutely no room to walk, put on shoes, or coats. Citizen is a great place to practice it just it's 100% what I am looking for. read more

Your first class is free, so check it out. The parking situation is absolutely horrible at this location, but I guess that is to be expected for downtown Royal Oak. Be ready with change to pay for the meter. I went to the Citizen Standard Class. I used to do yoga quite regularly and I'm trying to get back into the habit. This class was very aerobic and a very good workout but I wouldn't recommend it to a beginner or someone who doesn't have experience with Vinyasa. The staff were very courteous and friendly and helped me set up my account. read more

I've practiced at numerous places across the country over the years, and I've never once had sanitation complaints. But the Royal Oak location is absolutely the dirtiest studio I've ever been in. It's so, so gross. I've been there on 3+ separate occasions, just to see if the situation would improve or if it was just a one-off thing. Every time I go in, there's pools of dirty water and salt that we're just expected to walk over with bare feet. For me, the breaking point was getting a piece of road salt stuck to the side of my cheek while practicing. I prefer to leave yoga with the feeling of being cleansed. Nothing breaks that inner sense of meditative zen quite so much as getting up from shavasana to find a piece of literal road salt in your hair. I shuddered in revulsion. You cannot go 10 minutes without brushing salt off of your mat. And when I glanced around the room, it was obvious that I wasn't the only one with this problem. The practice is fun. The flows are challenging. The nearby parking lot is certainly convenient. But a yoga studio should provide more than just asana. It's irreverent that a sacred space has students writhing in residual traffic pollution. My previous mentors would never have found such conditions acceptable. Overall, I guess if you find the amount of road salt in Royal Oak to be of a reasonable amount (which sounds totally bizarre to even type out...) then I think it's a good place to visit. There are many available formats and times, as well as a large roster of teachers. Also, if you don't feel comfortable in a small class setting or if you just prefer being in a denser group of people, Royal Oak has that type of "crowd" energy that might inspire your physical practice. On another note, there is hardly any space between the cubbies and the aisle. Overall, an indication of poorly planned interior design. I don't see it as being accessible for people of all sizes and abilities. Back when I was practicing yoga therapeutically because I couldn't walk, I honestly don't know how I would've been able to get through. read more

Citizen's Yoga is an excellent studio. All my teachers have had a wide breadth of yoga knowledge and share it well with others. All their classes were smart, alignment-based, fun and safe. Plus, they made me feel good. I love walking into their comfortable, clean and well-designed studios- that includes child-care and showers! And as a former Detroiter, who comes back on occasion, I really appreciate Citizen's affordable out-of-town drop-in rate. It's a rare offer but one that makes me feel welcomed and just adds to my gratitude for such a great studio. read more

From the moment you step into any 3 of the studios, the staff immediately makes you feel like you belong. It is such a welcoming community. Citizen Yoga and Kacee Must deserve all the stars! read more

Beautiful studio, excellent teachers, and good experience overall. But in the grand scheme of yoga experiences I've acquired, there's room for improvement at Citizen. Their monthly memberships are $30 to $45 greater than other yoga studios in the Metro Detroit area, and their merchandise is equally as high-cost. I talked to a group of yogi girls who wanted to keep practicing at Citizen, but they are going back to another studio due to high costs. Then again, they do offer showers and day care. I've also attended many classes here in a very awkwardly crowded room to the point of someone's big ol' butt being in my face during standing forward bend and touching someone else's arm during savasana. I don't mind human contact (hey, I go for massages frequently and love hugs), but when I'm paying the price to practice here, I'd like to have a comfortable experience. They say they limit class sizes on a first-come, first-serve basis, but I've yet to see this and I've overheard others mention the same. Man feet in my face during downdog is just yuck. Another lacking aspect of Citizen Yoga that I've experienced at other studios include personalized touches during relaxation pose, an optional lavender eye satchel, a quick but effective acupressure touch by teachers to ease neck and shoulder tension, and the option of blankets in cold winter months are not offered at Citizen. These small touches go so far. More class package discounts at a reasonable price will definitely help keep people returning and not passing along to another studio once their current package is up. P.S. - Thank you for not blaring Beyonce during practice like Yoga Shelter. Nothing against Queen B. read more

After going to two amazing yoga classes in Springfield, MO -go figure- I have to say I'm not overly impressed with Citizen Yoga. I was really hoping for something different then Yoga Shelter but essentially they have taken some Yoga Shelter teachers and moved them to a new location for exactly the same classes. The studio is definitely nicer than YS and at least they have more changing areas. However, there are still no lockers...no offense to fellow yogis, but I prefer to keep my purse and car keys locked up. I definitely don't like the flow sessions where they just let us run through the poses and then have us go through it on our own. I need more motivation and it seems like the teachers are being lazy. Some suggestions (which may or may not be welcome): make the business more unique. One studio I went to in Springfield placed cold washcloths over our foreheads at the end of class...it was a very classy touch. Also both studios misted us with peppermint spray at the end...again, little things that we yogis appreciate. I also liked the fact that one studio had the teacher doing the poses with us in unison. I was impressed. Lastly, I didn't feel like the classes at CY are particularly intense. I think they should be more challenging if we are only spending 60 minutes per session. The prices fall in line with what most other yoga studios are charging. Guess I was just hopeful that this place wasn't going to just be a refurbished Yoga Shelter. read more

I started going to Citizen Yoga a few weeks ago. So far, so good! The first class I tried was the Slow Burn with Kacee and I was really impressed. It was a packed Saturday morning class and that would be my only small gripe is that they packed a lot of people in a small space, but overall I really enjoyed the class. The teacher is really easy going & positive and she played great music that wasn't too intense or too chill either. She led the class through without making me feel pressured and helped to correct my positions along the way. They do keep it pretty hot in there in general, so for sure bring towel and a water bottle, along with your yoga mat. Oh and they provide Yoga bricks for those who like me are not advanced yoga practitioners & need the brick boost in certain poses. The second class I went to was a Vinyasa class. I didn't like that one quite as much. It's just my personal preference but I didn't like the parts where the teacher no longer guides you and you're on your own to do the various repeated cycles. Some of the exercises were off the wall too. Literally. I didn't really feel 100% comfortable there and probably should've sat out but ended up going for it anyways. I didn't get to that same level of blissful concentration & physically IN IT moments that I experienced with the Slow Burn. Also, I am one that likes the guidance all the way through since Yoga in general is still a very new practice to me. I'd say, try out some different styles and see what you like. It's pretty subjective and neither one was bad per se, just different! Overall, Citizen Yoga has a very welcoming feeling to it. The space itself is kind of urban loft feeling- open with lots of light. The staff is very friendly and helpful too. I also really like that you can book classes online and see the schedules for each day there. I think I might have just found a new favorite Yoga spot in town & that makes me happy! :-D read more

Tuesday Night Blend Class is a blessing. Give Citizen a try! You will NOT be disappointed.

I remember the first time I went to Citizens... I was meeting a friend, I was nervous and in my own thoughts about my physical restrictions and the idea that I wouldn't fit in.... Fast forward a few months later and I'm in love!!!! Thank you for providing a space for mental, emotional and physical healing read more

I LOVE THIS STUDIO! The space is honestly beautiful, relaxing, and inviting. They have a lot of cool merchandise to buy and reasonably priced. The girls who work at the front are always really nice and accommodating. One time I had to cancel my reservation last minute and they were able to fix everything for me. I like that this studio uses the Mind Body app so you can register for classes on your phone and it will send you a reminder. i also like that you can buy classes online and keep track of what classes you have been going to. The teachers are great! Unlike other studios, they make it a point to learn your name, explain the poses, and adjust you when needed. I feel like they push you to deepen your practice as well as be welcoming to all students. I also feel like I am getting a great workout! Favorite teachers are Kacee, Paul, and Rachel! Price wise, pretty reasonable! They have a great new student special, 5 classes for $25 and the first class free. They will do Flash sales also and they make buying classes pretty affordable. My one complaint is sometimes the classes are really full. I just make a point to come early to the classes to get a good spot. This only really happens at the RO studio so sometimes I'll just come to the Detroit studio which has a bigger space! The RO studio is near a parking garage and the parking in RO is free in the mornings until 11am and there are always spots in front. The detroit studio has 2 hour free parking and it is pretty safe. I haven't used the showers yet but I like that they are available in case I want to go out in RO after a class. Overall, I love this studio and how it has helped me deepen my yoga practice! read more

Wonderful studio with fantastic staff. Teachers and staff make everyone feel welcome, they get to know their students and always great you with a smile. Highly trained teachers that know how to work the body safely while making you work up a sweat. Love my citizen kula. read more

I started practicing at Citizen Yoga in March of this year. I have grown in my practice and honestly feel like I've become a better person. My first experience with Citizen was during an inversion workshop in Detroit. The instructors, Kacee and Sitara were extremely helpful, and it was a great experience where I left feeling much more knowledgable on my practice. I'm pretty dedicated so I try to go to class at least 4 days a week. Every teacher has their own flair on the flow and they are always willing to help you in certain postures. If you want to see a change in your practice and your body, come to Citizen! I feel so much stronger with my body and mind, and look forward to every one of my classes. The instructors are helpful, extremely friendly, and really create a community for the studio. read more

I went here twice because of a promotion they had where the last two weeks in August were free, so I thought I'd try it out. First of all, the entire space of the entrance, bathrooms, cubbyhole area, etc., had sort of an urban industrial feel, which was interesting. (Also there are two bathrooms and one shower room for those who are interested.) The yoga space itself also had that same sort of feel, but the area is on the small side, so as long as there isn't a ton of people it should be fine, but I'm not used to very cramped yoga spaces. I wish it was a little bit brighter or more inviting somehow, but it's decent. The first class I took was a vinyasa class. I didn't love it. I felt it was very fitness-y and exercise-y, as opposed to what I would consider pure yoga. Some people like that or it fits their fitness goals but it's not what I like. Also I didn't really love the instructor, but again that's subjective. The second class I took was the blend class with Justin. I liked it a lot more. He explained things well and came over and gently corrected my posture a few times. And I liked his music better. I would recommend trying it and see if it's a good fit. I haven't been to some of the other yoga centers around the area, but I have a couple of Groupons, so I'll be visiting those soon. I based my score off of a combination of the space and the class itself. I had an enjoyable second class, and even if it wasn't free, I would consider it "worth it" to to have paid the drop in price and I'd consider paying a monthly fee. read more

I started practicing at Citizen Yoga the week they opened, and shortly there after got myself a founder's membership. I love it. The studio is welcoming with a unique vibe and beautiful accents. The floors could be swept a little more often, but other than that everything is always clean. The class schedule accommodates almost anyone. There is also a great variety of practice styles and skill levels, in each class and from each instructor. Instructors support students to push beyond their comfort levels to just try. I've practiced at other studios in the area, and I don't see the same focus in class that we practice here. Moving though the fear, pushing through the hard work--it's a lot of fun. And, I'm defiantly seeing results. I also want to add in that their office staff is always eager to help! I'm always over joyed by overall good customer service, and the staff of Citizen Yoga always have students desires in mind. read more

I have been attending Citizen since the opening in August and am so thankful that a studio like this has opened in Royal Oak. The staff is very welcoming each and every time. What I like most about this studio is the consistency of the teachers. They are all alignment based, not in an effort to perfect the pose, but to make sure we are not damaging our bodies. I have not found another studio in the area that has this approach. I would recommend this studio to both new and experienced students. read more

Travel for business often and try to experience a studio in each town. Citizen was by far the most friendly welcome I have every received!! Great space, super friendly people. I will be back!! read more

I took my first class today and I will definitely be returning! I took slow burn with Ann, and it was incredibly enjoyable. Ann is very kind-hearted and she is very passionate about her job, which set a non-judge mental tone. The pace wasn't too fast or too slow either, which I appreciated. I feel great; not too over or underworked. I'm excited to go back to Citizen Yoga next week! read more

Went to Ann Fancy's slow burn for my first visit here, and I had a great experience. We were in a decent-sized room with enough room each of us. Ann's teaching style is great and she accommodates very nicely for beginners and offers additional challenges for those more experienced. I loved her teaching style and would definitely recommend her class to others. All in all a great studio. They have a cute front desk girl too. read more

3 years later and I still call Citizen my yoga "hOhm" and my favorite teachers remain the same and are all still there...how many yoga studios can you say that about? ;) read more

I went to a yoga class here on a Saturday morning, so it was SUPER packed. That being said, I really enjoyed the instructor and the great workout I received. I'm new to yoga and the flow of her vinyasa class was somewhat challenging, but enjoyable still. I would have given it 5 stars, but there was literally no room between the next person and me. I felt like my butt was in their face, because I know for sure hers was in mine. read more

When I travel, I find home away from home @ Citizen Yoga. Awesome yoga instructors. Knowledgeable & kind.

If you only have time to go to (1) Yoga class per week (like me), then the Sunday 9:45 am Blend Class, with Todd Tesen, at Citizen Yoga, is the class for you. Todd has years of yoga knowledge and he shares his knowledge in a very comfortable, playful manner. He focuses a lot on proper alignment and practicing your yoga within your limits. He especially understands some of the physical limitations of us older folks but is 100% supportive of where you are in your practice, on that day. However, if you decide to attend, come early as the class fills up quickly. I now have ventured out and taken a few other classes with other instructors and I have found each of them to also be very knowledgeable and supportive of your individual Yoga journey. If you are unable to attend the class on Sundays with Todd, I would recommend either Megan Slattery or Soojin Kim. Both of them are also excellent instructors. Since I am coming from a few miles aware, I sometimes find that Royal Oak Parking availability and Traffic can be challenging ((other then on Sunday mornings) but I am now doing a little better job of planning my trips to Royal Oak. Nice restroom and changing facilities (and a shower) so it is easy to attend a class and then head off to another activity. The ownership group does a great job of notifying me (via email) of all upcoming events and activities (and there are many) and I have attended a few of them and really enjoy the atmosphere and friendliness of the people and the events. Also, the Citizen Yoga facility in Downtown Detroit is awesome! Great Space! Bob S. read more

What is important to remember in this review is not intended criticism or harshness, simply perspective. If you are a beginning student, meaning less than 6 months into practicing yoga, DO NOT COME HERE. I have had 10 yoga classes at Namaste which is absolutely wonderful and the teachers are extremely professional, caring and honest. I wanted to try Citizen because I heard they are more hands on for posture and form. That is a joke. With 25 people in a very warm close environment and 1 instructor it is almost impossible to be noticed particularly with the rapid pace of this class called "slow burn." Which brings me to the 2nd issue I had. I specifically said I didn't want an exercise class but a precise yoga class with attention to posture and form. I was told this was EXACTLY what this class was about and this was from the owner and another girl when I showed up for class. I was ill prepared. This is an exercise class with yoga postures and terminology. The instructor, Sitara Bird, never asked at the beginning of class if there was anyone new, anyone with any injuries or things they would like to mention. And as I spent most of the class not making half of the postures she only approached me towards the end to help me find an alternative position to a movement as I was struggling.I was left alone for the balance of the class. A very poor experience for me as the yoga I have been practicing has been therapeutic, energizing and almost cathartic. That said, if you're 20 something and looking for a great workout and have plenty of yoga experience, this would be the spot to attend. Dress in cool clothing and expect a big crowd. read more

Loved this place! Vinyasa flow is super fun and just the right amount of work out while also pushing you to look inward. Be sure to take Paul's class- one of the best I've ever had and I'm a teacher myself!!! The attention to detail in the studio is great- it's trendy and beautiful with plenty of space and showers. Highly recommend :) read more

Citizen's yoga teacher training program was not a good experience for me. I do not recommend it. I found the program disorganized and unpleasant to describe it extremely nicely. Multiple people quit during the program. My assumption is those people lost their deposit and tuition money ($500 and $2700 respectively). Think twice before spending your time, money and opportunity at Citizen Yoga. It will be very difficult for you to hear a full spectrum of opinions since most people who had negative experiences will not be the people supporting the studio on social media and at the brick and mortar. My training occurred Nov-Feb 2014. Before my time at Citizen Yoga I practiced regularly at studios in my area, at home and at workshops and events starting in 2011. I practiced at Citizen Yoga for a couple of months before signing up for their yoga teacher training program. I no longer practice at this studio. read more

Had a great first experience at CY last night in Nick's R&R class. I've been looking for a new studio and really think that I've found "the one"! I was greeted with a smile and given a tour as soon as I walked in. Each person I interacted with, both employees/instructor & other yogis, were pleasant and welcoming. Thank you so much for a great practice - I can't wait to come back :) read more

Tried the free class on Sunday . The instructors name was Kara she was amazing I loved her positive energy! I couldn't believe such an amazing experience didn't cost me money. It's every Sunday at 7pm. They are. A MILLION times better then the yoga shelter . read more