LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
First off, I should have written this review ages ago seeing as how Steven was the first yoga teacher I've ever had (this was back at Base gym when he still taught there). I've been practicing yoga for almost 3 years now, go 2-4x/week, and have been to many studios in the JC, Hoboken, and NYC area. I also like trying out new studios when I travel in the US and abroad.
Steven remains one of my FAVORITE teachers and his flows are just the best. I try to drag as many friends here as I can because he is simply amazing! He is so nice and cares so much about his students. He remembers everyone's name even if you're newer to the lab and takes time to get to know each student and their style of practice. He is super patient and never, ever arrogant or judgmental.
He has this unique ability to recognize each student's level of practice by just observing. I've brought my boyfriend a few times who is pretty new to yoga and he was still able to follow because Steven is so great about placing himself in strategic areas of the room so you can see the pose he is demonstrating even if you're upside down or facing another direction. He offers variations from the very basic to the extremely challenging so despite our different levels of practice, we both got exactly what we needed out of the practice. I think this was an intermediate/advanced class too! He also never makes you feel dumb or single anyone out if there's a pose you can't quite get (my boyfriend really appreciated this). While he doesn't do a ton of hands-on adjustments, he offers a lot of tips and variations based on everyone's practice.
What I love best though, are his flows. Steven teaches vinyasa yoga with emphasis on dharma mittra. He has very well thought-out sequences and transitions that are both interesting and challenging especially if you take his advanced classes. He loves teaching funky new poses too which is really fun. His class is truly more of a "lab" since if he sees most students are taking time to try out some more challenging poses, he'll kind of pauses class to give people more time. Forward straddle and pigeon pose are always time to practice specific poses, try new things, go to the wall, etc. Steven always welcomes this and it truly makes for a fun and enriching experience.
Some things to note, this isn't your "typical" and cookie-cutter studio. It is a newly refurbished loft type studio space with concrete floors and exposed pipes. Very industrial. While you technically are flowing in the kitchen/living area, there is no furniture so there's a ton of space to spread out. He has rolling carts with all the yoga essentials and props. There's a water cooler and nice bathroom. Most people don't shower here. He always has amazing candles and with nice weather, he'll open the window and balcony door. It is somewhat heated but not hot.
Clearly I could say a lot about Simha lab but I'll just end by saying that Steven is absolutely the best and I owe much of my practice and progression to him! I've always thought to myself that if I were to move out of the area, I would totally make trips back to JC just to take his classes. Thanks for everything so far, Steven!!! read more