I've been doing ultramarathons/marathons, tris, etc. for almost 20 years and have actively…read moreprofessed to hate yoga through this period--every time I would be sidelined, I'd have a well-intentioned PT say "have you tried yoga?" , I would grumble, go to one or two classes, feel like every minute was torture, and then never do it again for years. I tried Bikram's hot yoga maybe 3x and found it to be similarly distasteful, maybe because I tried it in Park Slope and well, you know. Just to make the point--yoga is NOT my thing.
Anyway, I decided to give Yoga Oasis a try because my sister is into yoga and there was an amazing 10 pack deal on groupon for $40. It is tucked in a corner next to Orange Crush in Woodbury. The space is small but has a calming feel. When you enter there is a small fridge of coconut water and ionized water, also some high-end yoga merch (towels, clothing). The yoga room can comfortably fit maybe 10-15 people, it has subdued, earthy tones, a small shrine-like area along the wall. Behind the yoga room is a tight dressing area, bathroom, and one shower. No towels are provided or mats--you can rent them.
Our first "beginner yoga" class was with the owner, Mary Grace. This definitely was not an absolute beginner class, FYI. The people taking the class seemed to be mostly regulars and one had something like 2,000 classes under her belt. But Mary Grace was clearly very knowledgable and adept, her personality is energetic and off-beat, the class definitely went by quicker than most, she offered some individualized help for me because I was lost a few times. It is over 100 degrees so you will sweat quite a lot after 75-90 minutes, even in the less intense classes. After the 10-class pass expired and I also tried Yoga Flow 1/2 (which is very similar to beginning yoga--but I need to stay at beginning for quite some time), I realized the miraculous--that I actually started to like it and even look forward to it! I really loved Lisa's class--she was so helpful to those looking for technique tips. Long story short, they changed my mind about yoga entirely, and I signed up for 20 more classes.
There seems to be a schedule to suit a variety of needs except those who like to get in a workout before their commute. Only a few 7-8 AM, no 6-7, but they do have 8-9:15PM for those getting in late.