I was really torn about YogaLife Institute. Initially, I loved it because of the studio's…read morelocation: it's located halfway between work and home, i.e., coming here during the evening rush hour was a great way to hack my commute. After 90 days of visiting this studio regularly, I decided that this wasn't the place for me. It was a tough choice. I slept on it for many weeks. See below for cons and pros.
Cons...let's get the poopy stuff out of the way first
--Steep pricing; I chose the monthly unlimited for $145. Classes are not cheap here, but neither is the quality of instructors. It's the age old conundrum of you get what you pay for.
--Very cliquey: The other clientele do not tend to be overtly friendly to newcomers. This studio also attracts some very experienced, intense yogis. Sometimes these folks are a lil too intense a.k.a. they take themselves a little too seriously. This might just be a me thing though; I need a studio where the emphasis is more on human connection and joy than on entering a contest of wills to see who can breathe the loudest and be the most detached.
--Limited access to instructors: the instructors typically enter the studio right before class and beat feet immediately after Savasana wraps, which makes it hard to build a rapport with these amazing instructors and, above all, who doesn't want to build a rapport with one's yoga instructor?
--Awkward encounter: Speaking of Savasana, I inadvertently walked in on a class that was running a little bit late. Totally accidental but so not a huge deal as I was being pin-drop quiet. The instructor at the other end of the room emphatically waved her arms at me -- I suppose the equivalent of yelling with hands -- and gestured very demonstratively towards the door. I slinked out of the room. The lady apologized later, but she totally over-reacted. Her arm waving made more noise than did my footsteps. And besides, I exit and enter the studio at least once during each class to pee. Sometimes even during Savasana. I never get waved away. Probably because I'm being visibly respectful and audibly noiseless. Not sure why this particular instructor was so offended.
--I wish the studio floors were a little cleaner, but by no means were they disgusting.
Pros...and there are many!
--Instruction: These instructors give amazing instruction. I went to a variety of classes, and I was always blown away by how methodical, detail oriented, and knowledgeable these instructors are. A few of these instructors embrace a more spiritual mindset rather than physical exertion. I really enjoyed the spiritual overtures. It made for a more connected, joyful practice. I loved whenever the instructors would give a brief summary of a passage from the owner's book. Put good vibes in the air.
--The owner: The owner is exceedingly friendly and exceedingly accessible. I wish the many knowledgeable instructors at YogaLife would take a page from his book since they read from it so frequently -- especially the oddly aloof cadre of students who are working towards certification.
--The receptionist: One of the receptionists -- a younger woman -- was always super welcoming, warm, and extremely pleasant. I loved interacting with her! She has a very inclusive mindset, which I found very inviting. I found many of the other receptionists to be polite and courteous as well.
--Variety of classes: This facility boasts two massive studios in which many different offerings are available throughout any given day. Variety of levels offered here is also a huge plus.
--Location Location Location: Conveniently located off of major thoroughfares.
--Peaceful environment: Although located off of major thoroughfares, both studios are calm, peaceful, and conducive to relaxation.
--This studio offers really neat seminars. I never attended any due to scheduling conflicts, but I was intrigued nonetheless!
--Amenities: There are massage therapists, acupuncturists, and therapists/social workers who meet with clientele on-site, which is dope AF! I never had a chance to use any of these services, so I can't speak to the quality. I've also never seen most of these services collocated with a yoga studio, but this combo makes perfect sense!