The studio looked like every other yoga studio but the instructor of the class was absolutely…read morehorrendous. In all the group classes I've taken (yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, etc.), this instructor had to have been the most disengaged and disinterested. My cousin and I went to a Vinyasa class because she found the studio online and wanted to give it a shot. I've done a bit of Bikram and Hatha Flow sporadically and she had never done yoga before (maybe a free group class or two). We walked in and the receptionist was nice enough. We go inside the heated room and do a bit of stretching before class. The instructor walks in and says his name is Austin and that he's subbing for someone named Justin. My cousin and I have never been to this studio before so that means nothing to us. His shirt had a Buddha on it with "Let Shit Go" underneath and I internally groan: Buddhism is an actual religion so slapping a deity millions of people worship on a t-shirt with a basic saying underneath just reeks aloofness. But that's besides the point. He notes that my cousin has never been to yoga or Vinyayas before. The class begins and he walks us through a long series of postures once and then said something like "Now do that flow for the next five minutes." Besides two people in the class who seemed to be regulars, everyone else was entirely lost on the sequence and generally had really confused and lost looks on their faces. Meanwhile, after his initial quick listing of the poses, he doesn't do anything else. He says absolutely nothing and just looks bored. He makes no effort to explain the poses, guide the class (the vast majority of whom were struggling), to correct anyone's postures, to offer advanced alternatives for the only two people who seemed to know what they were doing, or do anything an instructor is expected to do. He just checked out after listing the poses once. The dude literally just stood against a wall and stared into space, only resurfacing two or three times during the entire one-hour class to add more postures to the sequence and say "Now repeat this for 10 minutes." If we wanted something with no engagement, we would have happily stayed home and watched YouTube videos, which quite frankly are better because they at least provide some instruction and guidance. I'm also not sure why he bothered asking if there was anyone new to yoga in the class when he threw that out the window immediately - luckily, my cousin is athletic so she was able to catch on as much as anyone can in that situation. This studio needs to train its instructors better. I've gone to many group classes of all varieties for years and never have I had an instructor that was absolutely disinterested in guiding, teaching, or even minimally engaging with the students. My cousin had bought a series of classes and regretted it after this first class.

I was a beginner yogi last July. 2019 was about trying new things that are good for health. I tried…read moresomething new every month. Yoga was July. I would try for 30 days and see if I liked it, felt health benefit, and would keep the new things that had the most impact. I was nervous because I had never done yoga, didn't know anyone, and did not own any yoga pants or other gear. I had signed up online and when I walked it the environment was simple and non threatening. I was greeted warmly, assured I would be able to follow along just fine. It was gentle Yoga. Grab a block, a strap and legs up the wall. The class was awesome for slowing down the mind. Amy was the instructor and her voice was calming and her instructions precise. At times she will throw out a suggestion and you have no idea if she is talking to you. Pretty much if one person needs to soften the knees someone else needs a reminder as well. I finished out my month and felt more confident and peaceful in my mind. I decided to sign up for an entire year. 6 months into my year long member ship and I have no regrets. I never miss my classes. I go three times a week. My body is stronger, leaner, more toned, my balance improved, my breathing is softer, I sleep better, I'm more flexible and my mind is at ease. The facilities are tidy. Instructors are skilled. There are a variety of classes for all skill levels. Modifications are always provided. Parking is ample. Rest rooms on site. Service is professional. Really great value for the money. Practicing Yoga has contributed to a healthier and more enjoyable me.

Have been to this studio for workshops and classes over the past 10 years. Came in today since I…read moregot a free birthday class email. The person at the front desk informed me that my birthday is in February, and it is now March (no way!) I showed the email that said 30 days expiration that was sent on February 21st. Not a great way to start a yoga class when you already don't feel welcomed from the start. The class was good, but unexpectedly the teacher trainer was observing the yoga teachers in training. They had to randomly start teaching part of the sun A. I wish it was explained that was going to happen prior to the class & would've loved to support new teachers. Overall felt confused.

The studio was nicely decorated and clean. As a new client, I did have an issue upfront about the 5…read morefor $15 (as it's only for ONE studio so beware of that) but the owner was nice and provided further insight. The instructor was ok although did not talk to me before or after class as a person new to the studio. Did break a nice sweat though!

This was my first hot yoga experience - I tried out the Original Hot 90 class, and Anne Marie did a…read moregreat job making me feel comfortable! The class was challenging, but fun, and was a great start to my day. Be prepared to sweat (seriously!) in the best way!

I got a patronizing, holier-than-thou attitude from both the desk attendant and the instructor…read more Waste of $65

I've driven by this place a million times and finally bothered to check their website out. While…read moreit's not my typical form of yoga, it was a really nice studio and I ended up doing a yoga workshop for forgiveness. They have tons of different classes here and the owner Brian is super nice. The locations very relaxing when you first walk in and smells fabulous. They have a lobby area where you can buy different items and some clothing, and it's really spacious here. The class I did was about a hour and a half long and really helped me feel better. Even though I prefer heated courses, Brian did a fabulous job of getting us where we needed to go. I will return in the future for other events as the studio really is fabulous.

I never had a yoga class before, am not in good shape, and have limited flexibility. I had an…read moreabsolutely lovely experience from website to taking my first class. The website has great functionality and was very easy to gather information from and to schedule a class. When I arrived the person at the front desk must have gathered I was a new student, greeted me by name and helped direct me and introduced me to the instructor. The instructor was very kind, making note of my limitations and gently helping me understand things I was doing wrong, giving instructions directly and indirectly. I actually surprised myself being able to do things I didn't expect I was capable of. You don't have to be able to everything perfectly, just what is comfortable. It was also more meditative than I expected which I really enjoyed. After the class some very nice classmates were very complimentary and welcoming. I am sure I will get more out of these classes as I become more familiar with yoga. And I definitely will be continuing. I did a pretty wide internet search from rec center to other schools in the area and am glad I settled on this one. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Badass! Some super cool instructors…read more Clean, and so Zen. Relaxing and very well put together. Love it. Thank you.

Came into the Vinyasa 3 class expecting a challenging and sweaty class with inversions and arm…read morebalances. Instead it felt like I attended an almost basic vinyasa class. I understand the heat was turned off due to it being summer but the room was almost chilly with barely any sweat broken by the end of class. The teacher was ok minus her wanting the students to take the complex sequence on their own. IMO, a student is paying to be told what the sequence is while doing it instead of having to remember what you have to be doing. It also surprised me that they do not offer towels nor cold towels at the end with it being a "hot" yoga studio.

First, I purchased a new student class pack with a short expiration period. I came down with the…read moreflu and asked for an extension and they never responded. Second, I took a Hatha class and mentioned to the teacher that I just started Ashtanga yoga last year and the studio closed. She said very sarcastically "This is not Ashtanga yoga!" Which made me feel unconformtable. Third, the class had 0 sight lines. You cannot see the teacher. Direction was very wishy washy. Fourth, I won't be coming back.

I was a yoga newbie when I started at the studio at their longtime location in downtown Royal Oak…read moreover seven years ago, and was very excited when the studio moved to 13 & Rochester, gaining more space & their own parking lot. The space is really lovely, warm & welcoming, as are all the staff, front desk, owners, teachers & classmates. Experienced attentive teachers & a philosophy of 'adapt the post to your body, not the body to the pose'. I'm very happy with the instructors I've had & am constantly learning & challenging myself, which I really enjoy. Being part of this beautiful community of yogis means a lot to me & I've met some wonderful people here. Thank you, Namaste!

Great place for your yoga practice. They offer a ton of…read moremixed level classes. If you're a beginner, I would suggest basic beginners, gentle yoga, and either restorative or yin. If you're looking for a more of a challenge, or have some yoga knowledge of the asanas (what the poses are called in Sanskrit) then I would suggest either their vinyasa flow or hot yoga. Be warned hot yoga is called that for a reason, the room is heated to 95*. The heat of the room allows your muscles and tendons to open up, which allows for greater flexibility and movements. Being a advanced practitioner myself, with nearly a decade of practice. I tend to the more advance classes, and I've taken both the vinyasa and hot classes here at Santosha. I liked both classes but being a teacher myself, I find that my "attachments" get in the way...... If you've ever taken a class, it's likely you know what I'm taking about. What I think is great about this yoga studio is that they truly offer something for everybody- and I mean every BODY. People have this misconception and the stereotype yoga is only for the skinny, female, flexible types. But it's not true. Yoga is truly for every body type. You don't have to be flexible, be able to touch your toes or ever learn an arm balance or inversion (if you want to though, that's welcome!). Yoga is about being present. Letting go of the past and not worrying or obsessing over the future. Santosha is a very welcoming yoga studio. The teachers are patient, encouraging and knowledgeable in their specific classes. Like I said this yoga studio truly offers classes for every level of practitioners. From first timers, beginners to advance practitioners or even people with limited mobility or injuries (chair yoga offered!). There is a class for you. If you're looking to expand your yoga practice, they offer yoga teacher training here. Whether you just want to learn more about yoga- the history/lineage/8 limbs etc., take your practice deeper or if you're looking to become a teacher yourself. Then you could take YTT and get your 300/500 hours in. Drop in classes are $16, which is great. A lot of other studios these days are charging $20-$25 for 1 class. If you want to save even more money buy a pack of classes, or get an unlimited month or multiple month package. Be sure to bring everything your personal items- mat, water bottles and towels (for vinyasa and hot yoga), but know that they do provide props, should you need them. In a world where yoga studios are becoming a dime a dozen this one is definitely worth checking out. Namaste!

Omg the massage I had with Pam helped my aching body/bones tremendously. So much so I came home…read moreand took a nap. I never had a Swedish massage before and I will definitely be back.

A wide range of classes to choose from. I've enjoyed every class I've taken thus far. Prices are on…read morepar to other studios in the area.