Fresh Yoga was the first and remains the best yoga studio in New Haven. Every class is great, you don't have to worry about which teacher is teaching when...just show up and get a great class. I also love that they offer sliding scale fees...it makes yoga accessible much more broadly. It's a very welcoming place without all the frills that can make yoga intimidating for first timers. Whether you are an established yogi or a first timer, Fresh is a great place to practice! read more

I started practicing yoga over 18 years ago, after a move from Florida to Connnecticut in 2006, I was keyed into Fresh yoga by a more local yoga teacher at a smaller studio that soon ended up closing. Even back in 2006, finding Fresh was one of the best things that came out of my 9 years spent in that part of Connecticut. Fresh started as one studio and after a short duration of having 2 studios, is back to one. Erector Square is large, clean, comfortable and easy access off the highway with parking that is easy and no additional cost. Fresh always had tremendous diversity and that has been one of its greatest assets. Whether you want a high intensity, strength based class, a gentle flowing class, or more restorative option, there is something there for you if not today, tomorrow. Teachers are highly trained and unique in getting pose cues and placement tips across to students. They are (in "normal times") great with hands on adjustments but also respect everyone's personal preference and almost all with ask permission before offering physical adjustments. There is overall excellent knowledge of injury warnings and appropriate modification offerings. After I left the area in 2017, I lost "contact" with my favorite studio, but I never found anything even near to its caliber. I completed 3 teacher trainings at Fresh as well as did a year long mentorship with the owner. I was blessed by chance, in this time of cyber class offerings only to return to "class" at Fresh and am only more impressed than I had been over 10 years ago. I love that classes are offered at 3 different price levels to allow for spending what you feel classes are worth but also to balance not being too strapping on a limited budget. The teaching has progressed amazingly and just the voiced cues on Zoom classes help me feel better positioning and adjustment in my body. Over the past week, I've done 2 Forrest yoga classes, a core connection class, a Fresh flow class, 2 very different vinyasa classes ( no more sun salutations AD NAUSEUM at this place!) 2 very different Yin classes and a Yoga Tune up class! What more can I say. I am excited to return to the studio when its up and running again. I just wanted to post a stellar review online in this down time because these virtual classes so inspired my desire to take up yoga seriously again! read more

The teachers at Fresh are excellent, but the atmosphere is business, business, business. no discounts for shorter classes, no community classes. no transfers (even spouses). expect to pay $16 for a walk-in, students can get it down to $13 per class if they buy a 10-class card. sales at the beginning of each semester. Kirsten, Peg, and Christina teach inspired vinyasa; there is anusara, one asthanga class, and forrest yoga. also relaxation and pre-natal. yoga for babies. Despite the impressive lineup of classes, this studio is the only game in town, and what New Haven desperately needs is Yoga For The People; if you are reading this and have been thinking of opening a studio somewhere, know that there is room for another studio here, and we will welcome you, open armed. Shanti, shanti. read more

Pros: Both studios are very lovely, peaceful and clean-- the Erector Square studio is particularly spacious. They offer a $5 community class each week, which is certainly nice of them. The music that was occasionally played was very relaxing. -One of the teachers I had was particularly brilliant (Melissa) and I'd go back to Fresh just for her. Cons: I took the "Forest Yoga" practice class for the 1st time-- the instructor (apparently owner of studio) didn't get off of her mat while she practiced yoga. She gave instructions without walking around room to check in on the practicing yogis (not even once.) Give me a break! It seemed pretty unprofessional and off-putting. Another class I had lacked creativity and seemed a little sterile. The teacher just seemed to be going through the steps, without making the class truly unique or sacred. There seemed to be a bit of a disconnect. Also, most of the Fresh teachers I tried out very rarely made physical postural adjustments on their students. (I definitely think they should more often-- this can only help both beginner and even experienced yogis.) -I didn't experience anywhere near the same sense of family and friendliness at Fresh that I have experienced at another yoga studio in Westville. Though all in all, I'm glad I did the Intro special for $30. For the 1-2 awesome teachers/experiences I had at Fresh, it was worth it. If they can make improvement on the issues mentioned, this place has a lot of potential. Namaste! read more

One of my new year's resolutions is to practice yoga in 2010, because my body started to feel off-kilter by the end of last year. This morning I bought the 3 for $30 new student discount at the brand new Fresh Yoga location on Orange Street, in the developing 9th Square of New Haven. Unfortunately they do not offer a new student "try before you buy" option, which I had hoped for since yoga and I had not interacted before (I used to be more of a Pilate's gal). However, $10 per class is a steal in New Haven, so I think it's still a fair way to start out, especially since there are 2 locations with twice the class schedule to choose from, which is perfect for a student's busy schedule. My first Vinyasa class with Melissa was really great - only four other students were there, and she recognized after starting the class that some were new to yoga and provided (what I assume to be) more detailed descriptions of poses so not everyone had to look up or at someone else to figure out what to do next. She also provided many opportunities for students to take a break or do a more relaxed pose. It was a really lovely introduction to yoga. The physical space of the studio is very open, airy, with lots of windows for light. It does border Crown Street, which can have some loud foot traffic, but I did not find that disturbing. The main studio's walls are painted a neon green, which isn't the most calming color, but that will definitely not deter me from returning. There is adequate cubby space for many students to leave their coats and bags while in the class. They have a lot of options in the class schedules: anusara-inspired, yin, hot power practice, ashtanga vinyasa, prenatal yoga, core connection, advanced practice, and forrest, many of which are available for multiple levels of experience (new students, intermediate, and advanced). Parking near the Orange Street location costs $1 after ticket validation by the studio, and is free after 5pm in one lot and free all day Sunday at meters in New Haven. Also, a friend of mine signed up for a work-trade position, where a student can work certain hours per week and receive free classes in exchange: this is offered at varying times via the studio newsletter. The session definitely worked a lot of muscles I don't use when running, so as long as I can roll out of bed tomorrow morning and stand comfortably, I'll try another session! read more

Fresh Yoga - Yoga Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Fresh Yoga is, as has been noted (a) overpriced and (b) somewhat more business-oriented than you might expect of a yoga studio. There is a plethora of yoga studios (in my opinion) relative to the size of New Haven. That said, this is one of the few studios that focuses on the gentler types of yoga, predominantly Iyengar and Anusara styles. The advantage of this studio is that it does offer quite a lot of classes and at different times, the studio is conveniently located, at least the Ninth Street one I use on Orange Street, and the studio is light and spacious, which you would expect for gentler yoga. Overall, I think with Fresh it comes down to the teacher. I have heard great things of some (Leslie, Melissa) and mixed reviews on others that will go unnamed. If you do plan to take a class, I think it is worthwhile to get the 3 for $30 for new students, which is cheaper than taking just 2 classes on their own. read more

Ellen's restorative yoga class on it's own could keep this studio afloat. I adore adore adore her restorative yoga class. it's like going to church- if you got delicious massages during the service- and the service is silent. It used to be Sunday nights which was a sacred treat, but now it's Tuesdays. I have taken many classes here but Ellen's Restorative Yoga class is what puts this place on the map. (I also appreciate all the yoga celeb's that put on workshops here) read more

All studios should aspire to this. Clean, uncluttered, warm, affordable and educational. Community: I attended a $5 Friday community class. Firstly, kudos to Fresh for doing this. Very few studios offer this and generally only do so for a short time when starting out to attract students. Fresh has been around forever and certainly doesn't need to do this. Space: large converted factory with high ceilings, but they managed to have it toasty warm in there, with large heaters running. It was beyond pleasant to look out large symmetrically placed windows, in an uncluttered space. Class: our instructor was very present, continually circling the room, demonstrating poses, and never forgetting that she was TEACHING. Her instruction, tips, and breathing prompts were spot on and she never once sunk in to her own practice like I've seen many teachers do. She was specifically teaching Forrest Yoga, and she somehow managed to be focused and still fun. It really was masterful I am blown away. read more

I have tried a few classes at the Fresh Yoga studio in Ninth Square. The classes were OK, but nothing special. My main complaint is that the more popular classes are very, very full and held in a huge room. The first class I tried, a mixed-level yoga class, probably had about 50 or 60 people. Although it wasn't difficult to see the instructor, it was nearly impossible to get any help or corrections. It also felt incredibly crowded and uncomfortable with so many people around me. I am guessing that this is an issue of being a new studio, but one of my classes also ran out of straps and blocks. The teacher had some creative solutions - having half the class do a pose with a block, giving the other half a different pose and then switching. Unfortunately, this resulted in the class being hectic and more like an aerobics class than a yoga one. I will certainly give this location of Fresh Yoga another try. I'm hoping that as they get everything sorted out, the classes will be better and more organized. For now, I will probably stick to less popular classes in hopes that they'll be smaller. read more

I'm really falling for this space. Industrial-type room with high ceilings and big windows. Great instructors - so far! I dig it. Every Saturday is no minimum donation so affordable too. read more

I've only been to the 9th Square location, and have experienced a handful of different instructors so far. GOOD: The instructors seem to care. The space seems like it'd be promising. And it's soooo nice to walk to yoga rather than drive. BAD: (1) While the instructors care, they're very inconsistent across the board. I would say that 2 out of 5 of them (Christine, Kirsten--but she's leaving) were actually good at choreographing a smooth practice, explaining, and guiding proper alignment: how to push yourself without getting hurt. The other 3 I've tried are not so hot, a sort of better-than-nothing kind of situation. (2) The space, while promising, is atrociously run? You won't know until you show up that there is no ventilation in the room unless the instructor feels like cracking open the side door (to date, no one has). There are no fans, no open windows--nothing to keep the air moving. It's STUFFY, so stuffy I *dread* going in. As a related factor, it is hot. Sessions not listed as "hot" are still stifling hot--the thermostat says it's 90 degrees. What seems to happen is that the room is set to be heated at a default of 90 degrees, and a few minutes before class, they turn it off. As you may expect, the room will stay at 85-90 as people's body heat fills the room. In the middle of the day, if it's sunny, expect the completely dark side of the room to be full of people trying to avoid the searing sun streaming in to char you. The only time the room was actually pleasant and not stuffy was when I went to class in the late evening, and the instructor not only turned off the heat but actually *turned on the air*. If I wanted hot yoga, I'd go to hot yoga. I don't need air conditioning, but there should be air circulating so we can breathe (is this why the competition is called *Breathing* Room?!). FANS! DON'T TURN THE HEAT ON TO 90! That's all I ask. They won't let you bring a "personal" fan in, and if you talk of this they just tell you to go to the other location as if it's uniquely my problem. But I took a friend to yoga one morning (9:30a) and she also thought it was unpleasantly stuffy, and all we did was Gentle Yoga. It's hard to get a real workout going when you feel oppressed by the atmosphere. I've signed up for the month so I'm stuck. I might suck it up and go to the other location, but I just didn't sign up to drive to yoga. read more

I went through a Teacher Training at Fresh Yoga, and I am writing this review in hopes that I can help anyone else who is thinking of going through the same training. The training manual has been poorly put together and is not well organized, there are mistakes throughout it, the content is unclear. The methodology Is very critical in nature. Every weekend at least one student left the studio crying. There is no return policy, so while many wanted to leave, we would have lost a significant amount of money. One of the students found out her mother had a serious illness after the first weekend and she could not get her money back. It is altogether unnourishing and punitive. Students were injured physically and psychologically. During our five hour afternoon sessions, when a co-teacher was not present, we were given only two ten minute breaks and were yelled at if we had to get up. The teacher did not talk to us outside of class and in fact completely ignored us. Halfway through the course, she still did not know many of our names. When we tried to confront her, we were not heard. Very few students teach when they come out of this program because their confidence is so broken. The instructor admits her own mental illness, but still struggles with it in a very external way in the classroom. I did manage to go through another training right after this, it was personal, warm, nourishing, thorough and had a brilliant approach in terms of methodology. If you do well with hazing, this could be just the ticket. Otherwise I would be really careful. read more

They say if you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen. Well it pains me to say that I am getting out of Fresh Yoga for good due to the unbearable stuffy temperatures. If it's not hot yoga, why is the room heated to 80 degrees? I realize hot yoga is even hotter, that's why I avoid it. I've done yoga in many different studios/cities in the last 15 years and I have never had this problem. I've tried a variety of classes at Fresh and they are all too hot. Yes, I have complained and been told to "bring a damp cloth and put it on your neck". Really? In the winter time, it's nice to be warm, but not in June. Adios and namaste. read more

Best yoga studio in New Haven. They offer all sort of classes from beginning to advanced, from Forrest to regular old vinyasa to Power Yoga to Iyengar and Jivamukti. The teachers are all awesome. read more

I moved to Oakland from New Haven last year and miss Fresh Yoga sooo much! The classes are challenging mentally and physically, and the instructors do a great job of guiding you to take your yoga to the next level. Kirsten and Heidi are particularly wonderful teachers. read more

I'm a 53 year old male and I have been going to Fresh since 2009, averaging about 75 visits a year. I am very surprised to see negative reviews. I've only attended about five studios regularly so I can't say that I know for sure whether Fresh is a 4 or a 5 but a 1 is totally absurd. I have always found the Erector Square space to be a delight. I do not enjoy hot yoga above 85 F and because of its enormous volume Erector is usually in the high 70s. They sometimes open the windows on nice days to get a lovely breeze blowing through. It is so spacious that you always have room to spread out and not conflict with anyone. The 9th square location is smaller and usually warmer but normal level 2 vinyasa classes rarely get above the high 80s which isn't too bad. As for instructors, There are some I enjoy, some I really enjoy, and some not so much, but that's the way yoga is everywhere. You try different classes and instructors and find what fits. During the Monday-Friday work week there is never a day that I can't find a class/instructor that I enjoy. As far as the clients go, they have all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities. I notice that after 7 pm classes tend to be more aimed at the Uber yogis but all the other classes have a mix of people that anyone should be comfortable with, with lots of beginners. As for price, yes $19 drop-in is expensive but not out of the ordinary. I have never paid close to that and only a few times have I paid $80 for 5 class pass. Several times a year there are promos that allow you to buy 8-12 classes for an average of $12 or less. And they have continued to keep the $5 community classes for those that want to economize.. I should add that Fresh has convenient changing stalls and lets clients borrow a mat for free, They're the only studio I know of that does that. read more

I got the amazon local special with Fresh Yoga, and liked it so much I bought another month. I primarily go to the Erector Square building because it has parking, and is a beautiful space, and the windows and lighting is perfect. One night I took a class at 5:30 and the sunset through the back as we went through the class. People at the front desk are friendly, and so are the instructors. Nancy's classes are great and she plays good music before the class starts. Instructors go out of their way to remember your name and say "hello." They also help you in the middle of class without making you feel like you're being called out or uncomfortable. I would definitely suggest Fresh to my friends! read more

I'm new in New Haven this fall, and I've had a rough start with this yoga studio, which, unfortunately, is the most convenient one to my school. OK. First, the good news: there are two fantastic, very different teachers there: Peg and Kristin. These women never "phone it in." They deserve five stars, teachers worth going back to again and again. I have tried to put aside the astonishing way this place is run. It's a lesson in equanimity, I guess. I'm working on it. But, I still feel as though if the owner hears from enough people about the business issues, that she will re-think the rigid mindset she brings to the studios (there are two locations) perhaps all will benefit. There is no metta / lovingkindness at this studio's heart. It's a BUSINESS -- fair enough -- but you will never forget it. Honestly, a yoga studio is the one place I would MOST like for the business end to be invisible, whether I am paying $20 or $10 a class. Yet the people at the front desk are trained in the business model -- about all the unbelievable number of policies and rules. Or actually know where the promised "free" parking is, or even, knowing you're a student, suggest that a student package might be half the price of what they just sold you. They just know how the computer system works, and if it doesn't work in a fair or logical manner, they just shrug and explain...yes, "that's the way the computer system works." I get the sense that they may actually just be bartering; they check people in and then just come in and take the class. I wish now I hadn't "looked behind the curtain;" I went to the owner with a simple issue, expecting it to be sorted out rationally. I asked her to let me use a single class pass I currently had AFTER a month's unlimited special I had bought. The single class didn't expire for three months so it wasn't an unfair request and only arose because of the computer system design. But she just flat out said no. She cut/pasted a list of rules and policies into an e-mail and told me if I didn't like the arrangement she'd be "happy to help me find a studio with fewer options and less rules." I truly hope that she will at some point learn that running a business, and the controls required for that function, should never interfere with the quality of the client experience. Customers deserve to feel a sense of good will when they support your business -- whether it's a yoga studio or a car dealership. read more

Traveled to New Haven to check out Fresh Yoga and take a class with Peg. Was greeted by smiling attendants at the desk who were well informed and very helpful. Peg led a great power class with a nice flow of strength, balance and twisting poses. She has great style and was clear in her instruction and motivating. I look forward to returning soon. read more

As mentioned in other reviews, I have to concur that this studio is both overpriced and excessively business oriented. A few years ago I want to a couple classes, and they were nothing special (though Yoga is a highly individualized practice, and it's possible some of their other teachers are better!). I just moved back to the area, and tried to use a Living Social deal for a 10 class card. Because I had taken a couple classes two years previously at the Erector Square Location, I was no longer a new student and couldn't use the voucher at the 9th square location. These strict rules were ambiguous at best, and misrepresented in their description on Living Social. All that aside, my appeal to the owner was handled with much less courtesy and understanding than I would expect from any business owner, especially a Yoga studio. If I am paying for downtown New Haven's laughably overpriced Yoga classes I expect stellar quality and courtesy from those who claim to teach it. I can't wait to check out Breathing Room Yoga Center! read more

Though I live out-of-town (formerly New Hampshire, and now, NYC), Fresh Yoga is an oft-destination for me because I love the trainings, intensives, and community. I've been studying with the wonderful owner, Heidi Sormaz, for a few years now, and I feel like I'm coming to one of my homes every time I'm there. I've been so lucky to study meditation and asana with her and the teachers she brings into the community. I've met so many wonderful people there who have become friends, and I've learned so much from the offerings she holds at the studio. I'm so grateful, and I'm definitely a better student of my body, spirit, and mind, as well as teacher, because of Fresh Yoga and the space/trainings Heidi holds here. I also truly respect how she shifted her business model to sliding scale-- I think this is a truly important element in our world that enables people to attend classes where they may otherwise not be able. A boon in a capitalist society. read more

After a horrible customer service experience at Fresh Yoga, I started going to Breathing Room and wish I hadn't spent two years at Fresh. Even before this recent incident when I decided never to go back, I had experienced lukewarm welcomes and just a weird vibe. I recommend you save yourself the time, money, and frustrations with Fresh Yoga and head straight to Breathing Room where they are warm, welcoming, and know what customer service means. read more

I think Fresh is great. Fresh isn't for folks who are into hot yoga- even the heated classes at Fresh are still cooler than any Bikram studio. For the most part, Fresh's vinyasa classes are slow enough that your breath can still keep up with the flow of the poses. Things I like about Fresh: At both Fresh locations, classes are in a bright, sunny room. The clientele is low-key, and I've noticed a wide range of body types and clothing styles- not everyone wears $118 yoga pants! I work full-time but because there are a ton of class times, I can find a class to attend nearly every day. I've found that even the more fast-paced classes still have enough cueing for the beginner student. I haven't had a single teacher at Fresh who I disliked- Christina and Liz, especially, I adore. It seems that in the past few years, Fresh has moved away from the corporate-oriented model that some previous reviewers noted. There's now a weekly $5 community class as well as a good deal for new students- I've never felt that the studio was overly business-focused. It is also true that some of the classes can be crowded. Nancy's Saturday AM Erector Square class, for instance, is often packed. But if you shop around, Fresh definitely offers classes with more individualized instruction. read more

I am glad I stayed for the yoga class because Julie is an excellent teacher (I almost walked out while trying to pay for the class). My girlfriend and I attend yoga classes regularly and I have never been more turned off by the front desk staff than at Fresh Yoga. When we first walked in they were not very welcoming - my girlfriend showed her student ID and the staff argued that it was expired...for a lousy $4 discount on a $19 class. When my girlfriend paid for her class another worker pronounced "best deal ever". NO I have been to many many many great $8-$15 classes. The yoga was great but unfortunately not worth interacting with the unfriendly management. Unimpressed with the first impression. read more

Its rare that I leave a review, negative or positive, for any business but after thinking about it all day I've decided it's necessary. I am a total yoga newbie. Walking in to this studio I had no idea what downward facing dog was and when someone said Namaste, I replied with "bless you". With that being said, its been on my never ending list of things to do for years and I finally got up enough courage to put on those yoga pants that had never seen a yoga studio and try my best. Being overweight and feeling all too blah in general I walked into Fresh Yoga with a smile, excited to check something off of my "do something good for you" list. I have to admit, I was immediately intimidated by the "regulars" who came in with their super cute yoga outfits and even cuter yoga mats but I tried not to let it phase me. I thought the $30 2 week unlimited class fee for new students was a good deal until I realized that they would not extend the pass for missed classes due to them canceling classes because of recent snowstorms. Really? Also, 2 weeks for them would not be Monday to Monday. It conveniently expires the Sunday before. I have no control over the weather, nor do they, but its bad business not to allow classes to be made up(my opinion). Also, $19 per class seems a little astronomical. In addition, if you're looking for a friendly, welcoming environment I would keep it moving. The instructors were nice enough, in the 2 words that were spoken to me but my yoga neighbors, not so much. Maybe it's because my downward dog looked like backwards chicken. Even a HI would've been nice from someone, anyone. I won't check yoga off the list completely but I think I need to find a studio where I dont feel like its survival of the fittest while draining my wallet. read more

The classes here are generally decent, although the room seems to be ridiculously hot most of the time and despite numerous complaints by multiple teachers and students over different weeks, that hasn't changed. The main reason this place gets a 1 star from me is the customer service, or lack thereof. I had spine surgery 1 month ago and was told I couldn't do yoga or anything involving my neck for another 2 months. I had a 10 class card that was expiring during this time. I called the studio and asked if they would simply put my card on hold until I was medically cleared to return to yoga. I offered to provide a doctor's note confirming this. I received the canned "that's not our policy" response. I tried to patiently explain that I had not twisted my ankle, but had my NEUROSURGEON telling me to not do anything with the neck. I wasn't asking for a refund, just to not lose the bulk of a 10 class card I'd purchased 3 months earlier. I stated I just didnt' want my card to expire and that if that wasn't possible, to transfer it instead to a friend. I explained again the seriousness of my situation, that I was literally trying to get to the point where I could carry something more than 10 lbs in my hand, and thus it wasn't safe for me to do yoga. Their perspective was that people called all the time with different reasons and excuses and they couldn't differentiate. Which, I suggested, was patently ridiculous and a sign that maybe they ought to learn how to parse subtlety in their lives. After much bitching, kvetching, and multiple phone calls, I was offered a whopping $18 credit for the remaining classes and told to be grateful since this was a policy exemption. I think how a business treats its customers says a lot. If your policy is so obtuse that you can't differentiate between people calling for an extension from ennui and those who are trying to get enough strength back to do a single push-up after having their freaking spinal cord operated on, you have a problem. More importantly, you're setting yourself up for one heck of a karmic payback. So, enjoy Fresh. Just be sure you never actually get hurt or need any sort of flexibility (yoga pun) on their part. Won't happen. read more

Good teachers, decent space, but awful owner and business model. I practiced yoga there for several years before deciding that I would never spend another penny there. The last time I was there, I sat in a class waiting for the instructor to arrive and she never did. About 15 minutes after the class was scheduled to start, it was announced that the class was cancelled. There was no explanation and the weather was perfectly fine. Of course, the expectation would be that I would not be charged for a class that didn't happen, but the owner (Heidi) refused to allow me to take a make-up class. It is unfortunate that she has such a poor sense of fairness in business practices. read more

I haven't been to Fresh in quite a while. I joined the BEST gym EVER almost two years ago (see my review for In Shape in North Haven), and they offer yoga there that is perfectly acceptable at a much lower price. As for Fresh, I had an amazing series of classes with an amazingly talented instructor, Tara Starling, who, I believe, has since moved back to her own studio in Northampton, Massachusetts. I took her class every Saturday morning for quite a while, and I know this sounds corny and new-age, but it was a transformative experience--exactly what yoga is supposed to be about! I haven't been to Fresh in a while, but I understand Peg Olivera still teaches there, and her class is super challenging and rewarding, too. Be ready to sweat your ass off, do backbends, and amaze yourself with your body's ability to twist itself into amazing pretzel shapes. She plays funky music, too. In the end, Fresh was too expensive for me, but they do offer discounts for students and they do donate some money from their profits to charity. Heidi and Tori started New Haven's best yoga studio, and even though I'm no longer a member, I have only good things to say about it. Check it out if you are the least bit interested in yoga--it can change the way you see the world and your place in it! read more

i am visiting new haven for the summer and used yelp to locate a "good" place to take a yoga class. the class was pretty good, challenging with a nice flow and sequencing. it was a big class - maybe 40 people which is a nice way to silently bond on a sunday morning my only complaint was the vibe at check-in, the ladies working the desk were not super welcoming and it gave me the sense that i might have arrived at a yoga factory...that was a hard way to start the practice the other thing that came to mind was the challenge it must be to creatively and safely build strength for some of the postures that are suggested. i told myself i was going to take it "easy" since it has been awhile since i have seriously practiced yoga and there were a couple of asanas that i opted out on. i noticed that the misalignment and balances in the weak shoulders of other people practicing and it made me wonder if there is detriment to pushing/holding a posture you aren't strong enough for is how you get stronger or how you hurt yourself. i am looking forward to checking out a few other classes at fresh while in town, i would recommend it but limit my three stars to the fact that i have pretty high standards when it come to a great yoga class experience read more

I wouldn't think I would have to write a bad review about a yoga studio, when it's primary focus on aura, energy, good spirits, and meditation. However, I stopped by this location to simply check out the facility and get more info on the program before attending a Martial Arts session in the area. Only to be "greeted" with the most unpleasant and dismissive service that I've encountered in a very long time. I thought maybe I misread the energy, but my guy confirmed the extremely poor customer service as well. I am not sure if this was due to us being AA or simply she was a little too busy to remain focused on potentially new clientele. Regardless, I will never encourage another person in the area to visit this establishment. Very, very unpleasant encounter, that I would never want in my space again. read more

I was surprised this place did not live up to what I'd heard people say. It is smelly inside - and not the friendliest. I would NOT recommend it. read more

I've practiced yoga for a few years (mostly vinyasa and/or Ashtanga, but also Bikram) and was excited to try this studio in New Haven upon moving here for school. While the Ninth Square location is fairly convenient, the classes are so disappointing. The "hot power practice" classes, which are the only advanced-level classes offered in Ninth Square, are uninspired; the teacher spends the entire class robotically leading students through a flow in a hot room, has never once offered anyone an adjustment, and plays a cloying lite rock soundtrack. Other teachers lead classes so boring I've nearly fallen asleep during the flows. Teachers will routinely forget flows, insist on a child's pose between each asana, and generally fail to live up to the astronomical per-class charge or give you anything resembling an invigorating, challenging class. The general dearth of yoga in the area can be the only explanation for Fresh's continued existence. If you'd like a fun and actually challenging class with an inspired and delightful teacher, try the power classes at Breathing Room studio in New Haven. read more

I was a regular at Fresh Yoga on Peck St for approx. 2 years. I went 3 days per week to Peg's class. I moved to Dallas about a year and a half ago and have tried several classes and NOTHING compares to Peg's class. She is amazing. I desperately miss her insightful, profound and encouraging practices. The music is fantastic too! I would encourage Everyone to try one of Peg's classes, I don't think you will be disappointed and it might just change your life! read more

Hi, I agree with several reviews here -- this place is about business, including their strict expiration policies for a series of classes. For example, I bought a 20-class pass ($260), but then got injured and couldn't do yoga for a while. The classes (money) will be just lost, they don't care. This happened to me before with another pass. I've tried 4 instructors and liked only one (Peg). The quality of instruction was pretty low compared to what I experienced in Los Angeles when I lived there (best place for yoga). This place would not survive competition in California, much higher standards and expectations among clients there. All said, I failed to find a better place in New Haven, so plan to continue (but only Peg's classes).. read more

I travel a lot and am only in New Haven once or twice a year. However, whenever I'm in town I make a point of taking a class at Fresh. I can't speak to many of the teachers (too many to try in too short a visit) but I can say that Heidi's classes rock. I've also only tried the Erector Square studio, so not sure what classes are like in their second location. I love that Erector Square has bathrooms right in the studio. Nothing worse than getting sweaty and having to run down a cold hallway to a bathroom in the middle of class. Drop-in classes are also a bit pricey but I've paid more for less competent teachers. read more

Fresh Yoga is a GREAT studio! The teachers are consistently excellent, with classes that are doable, interesting, and challenging all at the same time. No matter what type of practice you have- whether you're a newbie or have been taking class for awhile- there is something available for you, including their amazingly reasonable $5 Community Classes on Monday and Thursday at Ninth Square downtown, and 4:30PM on Fridays at Erector Square. Those are an excellent option if you're thinking of giving Fresh a try. I highly recommend this studio- I started practicing regularly here about four years ago, and the wonderful classes have had me coming back regularly ever since! read more

The teacher and classes are good. However, I am not a fan of the studio's business practices e.g. under no circumstances are you allowed to use 'expired' classes, even within a few days. I understand that the studio doesn't want to encourage their clients to buy cheap classes and try to use them a year later, but in situations where the studio on couple occasions cancels classes offered only once a week (e.g. pre-natal), experiences occasional teacher no-shows, or sends substitute teachers not trained in that particular type of yoga and still meets the client's understanding, I figured allowing me to use an expired class within a few days of its expiration date would be the right thing to do. The owner disagreed with me referring me to the policies e.g. no extensions on passes even if the classes are cancelled due to weather conditions, no transfers, etc. It really rubbed me the wrong way - in my mind, if you cancel classes for no reason, then I should be allowed to get a week worth of extension or transfer the pass to my spouse who could have used it within the expiration date (at this stage I can only attend the pre-natal yoga offered only once a week). Needless to say, I am searching for a new yoga studio. read more