I was in Philadelphia for the weekend. I went to Practice Yoga and the studio was nice and clean. Ellen is very knowledgeable, however she came out a little rude. In the middle of the class she started talking about politics, then she looked at me and asked me if I was Republican(in front of everyone) like trying to embarrassing me. I don't think a Yoga studio is the right place to talk about politics. I have been practicing yoga since 2010 and I have been in many studios, I am still learning (we never stop learning) I am ok with corrections in a nice, respectful way; but Ellen was rude and with a condescending tone. Not a friendly atmosphere. read more

This is an interesting yoga studio with very nice classes in a great Queen Village location.

I found Ellen to be quite harsh in the way she provided feedback to people in class. She criticized the class several times for not listening better to her instructions and not implementing them exactly as she had explained. This made me not want to try challenging poses out of fear that my attempts would be criticized in a rude way. Would not recommend going here for an affirming yoga experience. read more

After I've tried 12 yoga studios in Philadelphia, now I can say I definitely buy packages at Practice Yoga Studio. The teachers focus on each student and help each one to be in the correct alignment. The practice is not easy which helps me to be aware of my own body and I believe I will have a better and stronger body. read more

Practice Yoga Studio - Yoga Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We are so lucky to have Practice Yoga in Philadelphia. The level of teaching is beyond compare (and I have tried many). Ellen, Rebecca, Jodi and Ji-Sun are all excellent. Each is a well trained,serious student of yoga and it shows. Ellen is extremely dedicated. The community she has created at Practice is a labor of love and I am so glad to be a part of it. Also, check out the amazing workshops. Ellen brings in the top Iyengar teachers from all over the world. One final word, if you have never taken an Iyengar class, do yourself a favor and try it. read more

The best yoga experience I have ever had; practice yoga is definitely committed to the practice of yoga. Sounds obvious but so many other studios are committed to the "work out" of yoga--they go fast, they don't focus on the body, they talk like yoga is about spirituality, when really, it is about their toned body. This is not some hippy-dippy wanna-be yoga studio. This is the real deal. For that reason, dont go to a level II class if you are beginner. Even if you have done yoga before, if Ellen doesn't know you, she will kick you out. This is not necessarily because she is mean (though it should be noted that others have said she is too harsh), but because she wants to get to know you before you start working with her. If you have any kind of injury, go here. Don't mess around. read more

When i first started practicing yoga 15 years ago, it was at an Iyengar studio. My first teacher training was a week-long Iyengar intensive. But then I moved on to other styles & other studios & other teacher trainings. I thought I missed the precision & detail of Iyengar classes. I was wrong. While I value that my roots are in Iyengar because it's given me great alignment, my experience at Practice Yoga Studio reminded me why I stopped practicing with Iyengar teachers. Truth is, they're very very firm...kind of bordering on mean. I saw this in the past with my Iyengar teachers in Miami, I saw this at Practice Yoga Studio, as well. That being said, it IS a really good practice. I learned a lot at the one class I took here. And I highly recommend Iyengar for beginners so you don't become one of those power yogis mindlessly rushing through their vinyasas. I bought a 3-class package for $25 (it expires in 3 weeks), it's a new-to-the-studio special. I kind regret not just doing a 1-class drop in, because I probably won't go back (if it was a little closer to my apartment, I'd probably go, but a mile+ walk in the cold (both ways) to a yoga studio I don't love isn't really worth it to me when I could be practicing closer to home with teachers I adore). Again, I DO recommend this studio because you can learn A LOT about your yoga practice & your body...just make sure you have a thick skin. read more

Practice Yoga Studio has been my home studio for nine years, and even though I don't get there so often anymore, I still call it my home studio. There is no doubt that Ellen is blunt and direct, and she is not the teacher to go to if you're looking for a soft, relaxed, "ohm" experience. What you will find at Practice are amazing, skillful teachers, an emphasis on asana and correct alignment that is based on in-depth study and many years of experience, and a studio where community is real and has been developed over time. That said, it is certainly not a studio for everyone, and it's not always the right studio for me. Iyengar yoga is a particular practice that does not move quickly, but works in great detail, and uses very fine adjustments and many, many props. It takes patience, and discipline, and can be an incredibly frustrating practice, but it will absolutely give you the best foundation for whatever kind of practice you are looking to develop. Ellen's studio is, in my opinion, THE studio in the city to build this foundation. read more

I have practiced yoga off and on over the years, usually in a gym setting. Yoga was never something that I could commit to for longer than a few classes. My flexibility is poor and my muscles are weak, so I was always struggling. In these fitness-style yoga classes I got very little personal instruction from the teachers, so I never knew what I was doing wrong and what I could do to improve. Fast forward to 8 months ago when I first started taking classes at Practice Yoga with Ellen Greenberg. Ellen is amazing. Ellen makes you want to do good by your body and treat it how it deserves to be treated. At Practice Yoga, props are used to accommodate varying levels of flexibility and strength. The pace of the class is focused on correct alignment and posture versus aerobic motion. If Ellen notices an individual struggling she will come to assist. If she sees the whole class struggling she will break the pose down by muscle group using props, partners, and whatever means necessary to get people to THINK about what their bodies are doing in the pose. Ellen will not coddle you, so don't expect to get away with anything but YOUR best. Finally, you don't have to be fit, flexible, and young to practice at Practice Yoga, and the benefits are both physical and emotional. I couldn't recommend this studio and it's teachers more. read more

I love Practice Yoga Studio. I have taken classes with several different instructors and they were all friendly and took time to make sure that each of us were getting the poses right. They always ask if anyone has any injuries before starting, which is very thoughtful. The studio itself is a wonderful place to do yoga, with a high ceiling and big windows. It's on the first floor so you can sometimes hear street noises. read more

I "discovered" Practice Yoga Studio in July, 2013. It's a trek from central Bucks County for me but worth every second I spend getting there. I now consider PYS a Philly hidden treasure. Ellen has a deep background teaching Iyengar Yoga. She has a very relaxed but engaged style of teaching. She has the ability to assess each student's practice and offer alignment corrections that can cause flashes of deeper understanding of Yoga. Her instructions are clear and easy to internalize. Ellen brings in nationally known senior Iyengar teachers to her studio several times a year. I'm sure we would not have access to these senior teachers in Philadelphia if not for PYS and Ellen Greenberg. read more

My favorite yoga studio in Philadelphia, hands down. For a drop-in yoga studio, Practice has truly wonderful, knowledgable, patient teachers. They also bring in a good amount of yoga master practitioners to teach, the kind that in DC or New York teach workshops to a hundred instead of the intimate 20 at Practice. The style of yoga is Iyengar, even if all the teachers aren't necessarily certified at that level yet. Most have been doing yoga quite a long time. Despite living excruciatingly close, I don't make it there as often as I like. What can I say? I work out in the mornings, and they don't have any early AM classes (something I miss about DC). They have a fairly good new student deal, and the regular class prices are a bargain for the amount of attention you get. Highly recommended. read more

Practice Yoga Studio is real yoga. Learn from expert teachers and fellow local yogis in a fun environment. No frills keep the costs low and the focus here is on alignment and overall health, not a good sweat. Highly recommended. JLC read more

I have been frequenting Practice Yoga for a couple of years. My awakening to Yoga has been slow and quite explorative. From hot to chichi froufrou studios, I have tried them all, but now I can say with confidence that I have found my style, the right philosophy, teachers, studio and community of fellow practitioners. If you want an unassuming studio with good technical and personable teachers Practice Yoga Studio is the place. I crave explanations the "why and how" of a posture and I get them there. Besides behind attentive, constantly correcting and advising students, Practice Yoga Studio teachers infallibly exude savoir faire, knowledge and the last but not the least a real unpretentious passion for yoga. read more

You say "I think yoga will help me" this is the place to get that help you need. Ellen and the others will get you to better understanding of your body. read more

I had my first experience at Practice this morning and I hope to have many more. The name says it all. I'm not going to sugar coat this: Ellen is blunt, direct, and not afraid to tell you what you are doing incorrectly. You may be taken aback by her forthright approach at first, but you'll realize before class is over that she knows what she is doing, and she she truly wants you to do it right. Rather than ignoring the alignment mistakes that are overlooked in so many yoga classes and studios, Ellen actually WORKS and puts your yoga practice before hers while she is teaching. Again, you will work and practice your poses here (and I don't care how long you've been practicing yoga, you're probably going to learn from Ellen that you've been doing something wrong). This is a hands-on approach folks. There is no hiding in the back of the room or behind the person next to you here. If you want candles, incense, and/or soothing music more typical of the "Western" style yoga classes (which, sometimes are more concerned about style than anything else), than this isn't the place for you. I spent a month in Rishikesh, India studying yoga and my morning class at Practice took me right back. It's the real deal. Yoga is not always easy, especially if you are looking to improve. Even if you prefer the cushy, relaxing atmosphere of another studio, I recommend coming here to get your asanas corrected. The knowledge and personal feedback you'll receive at Practice is worth it. That is, if you put your ego aside and come open for some tough love. read more

I have taken classes with Ellen and Jonathan, and they are both fantastic. I have been doing yoga on and off for many years, and there are some very basic things that I never knew I was doing wrong. They take the time to really make sure you are getting the full benefit of a pose by making adjustments as you need them. At the same time, they are completely unintimidating. It is an utterly non-judgmental atmosphere. This is the third yoga studio I have tried in the city, and third time is definitely a charm. They actually take the time to learn people's names and ask about injuries beforehand. I leave class feeling challenged, confidant and happily exhausted, whereas at other studios, I have left feeling weak and discouraged. The only negative is that it is on street level, so the street noise tends to disturb things sometimes. It is easy enough to get caught up in the practice, though, and be able to filter out the sounds. read more

I'm a big fan - with a warning. I have looked for a long time for a small yoga studio with trained teachers. Young teachers have energy but they don't really know how to deal with older bodies. I loved Rebecca and Practice Studio. She's warm. The class is welcoming. She was very watchful without making you feel awkward. I got totally spoiled. Galit is not my style. She likes to kind of make fun of you in class, particularly those of us who aren't thin and fit. Yes, it was a beginning class. So I'd just stick to Rebecca and Ellen's level 1 classes. Those are totally worth it.. read more

I don't live in Philly anymore, and I've continued my yoga practice at other places. None have met the standard that Ellen sets for Practice Yoga. Yeah, she's intense, but she doesn't care what your level is, so don't feel intimidated if you have no experience. What she does care about is that you do it right, don't get hurt and give it your all. What I learned from her, I'm realizing now in hindsight as I have other yoga experiences, is priceless. read more

Practice Yoga is by far the best yoga studio and nothing has made this more clear to me than working out of town for the last 10 months, practicing at other studios. I have never encountered another studio where you learn as much, have as much fun, and every one's needs are met, from beginners to advanced students. Each teacher makes a unique and studied contribution to the overall quality of the studio, providing a variety of classes that are each instructive and invigorating. I really appreciate how much i've learned and how much more prepared I feel to take other classes when I don't have the privilege of practicing at Practice Yoga. read more

This studio completely transformed my 'practice'. I learned what it meant to do a pose properly. If you are looking for a sweaty yoga session, this isn't the place, but if you want to improve the fundamental poses check it out! Definitely a warm addition to my yoga practice. read more

A great home for my yoga practice! I've been meaning to come here for years, after hearing so many great things about this studio from true yoga practitioners. It's lived up to my expectations and exceeded them. I've attended regularly classes at several other studios with vinyasa classes, but I've been going through the motions -- perhaps establishing some bad habits. Here, the instructors truly teach you and guide you. The instructors seem to really care about yoga, you and your practice! Ellen and Rebecca are first rate. I can see why a previous poster noted that the studio 'transformed' her practice. I agree absolutely! read more

The best yoga studio I have ever been to. Go here for personalized attention from wonderful teachers. Check out Ellen's classes! She is an amazing teacher: smart, funny, kind, and pushes you to do your best. Ellen truly cares about your health and I have never felt better after practicing here. Amazing workshops from senior teachers are often offered as well! read more

I've been practicing at PYS for a while and I have finally found a yoga home. I previously practiced at 2 other Philly studios that were too commercial with classes averaging 15-20+ students where there was minimal individual attention. The first time I went, Ellen was teaching and she got me hooked! I loved the constructive criticism in an entertaining fashion...she is very exuberant and knowledgeable and truly has an intense passion for yoga, her studio, and her students. She has become my "yoga mom." I also appreciate the numerous props available and their constant utilization. Also having a lot of individual attention has helped improve my practice and ensures every students' safety. I can't say enough positive things about PYS...I highly recommend it! read more

Looking over some of these reviews, it seems that what we need here is a little clarification. Practice Yoga is more like Instruction Yoga. Classes open and close like regular practices, but that's where the similarities end. In between, the instructor demonstrates a pose. Class does the pose. Instructor walks around, checking and correcting. Lather, rinse, repeat. When I started doing Yoga I took a four-week intro course, and this feels startlingly similar. It's a great approach if you want to work on your mechanics. But the best yoga is more than just the physical poses--it's flows, breath work and clarity of mind as well. And that's just not covered here. The result is an experience that, for me at least, is severely lacking. If you'd like to bone up on your fundamentals, or correct some flaws in your techniques, by all means give Practice a try. The instructors. Ellen included, are definitely knowledgeable and passionate about yoga. But be aware that if you value more than just the physical aspects, this probably isn't the right place for your everyday practice. read more

Amazingly attentive teachers. So much attention to allignment and getting the basics right. Very iyengar based which I love. They use a lot of props especially if you have issues as I do. Anybody who is a little curious about yoga but afraid of their inflexibility should try this studio. They have different level classes. Beginners should try level one or restorative. This style of yoga is for everybody read more

Not very welcoming or inviting to new faces. Will try Amrita yoga instead, as I've heard great things.

Practice Yoga Studio is the place to learn. Ellen quickly learns what you need - to be pushed or pulled back. She pays attention to the needs of each student in her class. And I really like her directness. I've been to other places where I a class feels like an eternity, but at Practice, I am always sad to see the 90 mins gone. I leave feeling refreshed, relaxed, strong, and peaceful. I highly recommend PYS. read more

Nice studio, location, and prices, however the experience with the teachers here left a bad taste in my mouth. A lot of the other negative reviews say similar things- the teacher I had was humiliating to a degree that brought me back to preteen era ballet class brutality. I welcome being corrected, but there are ways to do it respectfully rather than picking on one individual in the room out loud in a condescending tone. Not all Iyengar teachers are this blunt and harsh. In fact, I'm reading Iyengar's book 'Light on Yoga' now and haven't come across any passage talking about humiliating students.....maybe that's more of a zen practice. ;-) Anways, save some time and money and go to Amrita! Best classes, teachers, and facilities in town! They have Iyengar offerings and many other styles to choose from. read more

I've been to yoga studios all over the city and Ellen Greenberg is the best teacher in Philadelphia! At other studios, the teachers barely pay attention to what you are doing and leave it to you to figure it out. If you want to learn yoga the correct way with proper form, go to Practice Yoga Studio. read more

After only a few classes with Ellen, I'm impressed. She truly cares about each student, and gives plenty of attention to each person in the class as it is needed. I'm new to this style of yoga, and appreciate the precision. I've been to too many vinyasa classes where I mostly learned how to imitate the teacher and those around me, with little one one one feedback from the teacher. At Practice, you are taught body control, and to be mindful of your positioning. In the beginners series the instructor breaks down every pose to its smallest parts to ensure you build your own practice from a solid foundation. I also really appreciate the use of props to ensure everyone can reach each pose properly. Great studio!!! read more

Hallelujah! I love this studio. This place works if you are a beginner (they have a class to teach the basics) or a seasoned student of Iyengar, far along in your practice. This is IYENGAR yoga, a Hatha yoga practice whose focus is alignment and strength. Iyengar is perfect for everyone especially athletes looking to strengthen and enhance their most precious piece of equipment (one's body) as well as those on the opposite end of the spectrum who may be totally non-athletic but want to move their body and increase their chances for a long an healthy life - a life with increased flexibility. This studio is very low key and unassuming. The teachers are well trained and have sufficient hours logged in the discipline to qualify to teach you. I have my favorite teachers but I suggest you take a class from all of them to see who appeals to you. Iyengar teachers tend to be a bit stern and demand that you LISTEN and are present in your practice. This can be daunting to some new students but ultimately this is personal preference and you just need to find the Practice yoga teacher that suits you best. This is NOT a "power yoga" studio and while you may sweat you will not be racing through asanas you're not sure you're doing correctly and getting your heart rate over 150 bpm. While I appreciate that some folks dig this "style" of yoga this is not what is practiced here. But come on and try holding an asana for a few minutes WITH correct alignment and you'll see the challenge and beauty in this style of practice. And you will certainly break a sweat! read more

If you are serious about getting your allignment back this is your place.

I came to Practice Yoga after studying iyengar yoga for several years with master teachers who retired to South America. I became a yoga orphan. I was more than lucky to find Ellen and all the other amazing teachers at Practice Yoga. There is joy, there is fun, and there is serious attention to your development. When traveling I have taken classes in California and Santiago, Chile. Returning to Practice Yoga feels like returning home. Finding a fit with a studio and a teacher takes time as you get to know each other's styles. I highly recommend taking that time at Practice Yoga. read more

Four years ago, I decided to start up yoga. I had no idea where to start, and took classes all over the city until I found my home at Practice Yoga. Practice is an Iyengar based yoga studio where you learn how to do poses safely and correctly. When you practice at the studio, you receive lots of personal one on one attention and corrections; the teachers here truly care about your safety and improving your practice. Level 1 classes build the foundations for the more challenging Level 1/2 and 2 classes. (Check out Traci's Level 1 classes!) Take my advice, spend time in these Level 1 classes and then attend one of Ellen Greenberg's (the owners) more advanced classes. It is impossible to leave her classes without learning something. She is one of the most amazing teachers I have met, and has helped me with my back and tight hamstrings. Her humor and intelligence make the hour and a half classes fly by. In addition, this studio offers some of the best workshops in the city from amazing teachers across the country. After having taken some of these workshops, I can definitely attest it is worth spending the money; the workshops have taken my practice to another level. When I first began yoga here, I was stiff, not flexible, and had poor posture. Through many classes over the years with the wonderful teachers at this studio, Iyengar yoga has changed my body and mind. I am healthier, more flexible, stronger, and more toned. This is the best yoga studio in the city, hands down. read more

I've been practicing Iyengar yoga for 8 years now and I must say that Ellen is truly one of the most knowledgeable teachers around. If you're looking for a teacher that cares about teaching you the right way of doing things then I highly recommend her studio. Additionally, she has other master Iyengar teachers from all of the world teaching workshops in her studio. read more

I love this studio, over the years it has become like home. Every class is different allowing me to challenge myself in new ways. The teachers are attentive to each student making sure that they are using proper alignment and avoiding injury. Many different aspects of yoga are included in the training here allowing you push both your own personal physical and mental limits. read more

Truly wonderful studio! Ellen and co. have helped me a lot over the past 1+ year...they work closely and carefully on practicing yoga correctly and safely, not just getting a sweat going (though you will work hard here!) and I appreciate that. Best place to practice yoga I've ever been to or heard of, and I've been to a few places in Philly and elsewhere. Very helpful, fun, and rewarding 5 stars!!! read more

Love love love this studio! It had changed my life. I use to be incredibly stressed out and within 2 weeks I felt immensely better. Thanks Jen & Galit. read more

I travel all the way from Northwest Philly to Practice because of Ellen and the general standards of alignment in Iyengar yoga. I am a yoga teacher myself (of a different style), but I come here to LEARN. Really learn. I never feel more like a student than I do in an Iyengar class, and Ellen does not disappoint. I read other reviews here and, yes, she is direct and does not sugar-coat her teachings. But that is exactly what they are: teachings. Not criticism or judgment. When you sign up for a class, especially in this style, you sign up to learn the precision and alignment of the postures. Ellen brings you there, with firmness and--yes--humor! Her style is completely in line with every Iyengar teacher I've ever encountered. So, if you want to flow and sweat and move to music (and I LOVE to do that myself, and teach that way often), then this is not the studio for you. If you really want to learn how to practice with integrity and safety, then come here. read more