The yoga instructor was patient and motivating. Each pose was explained clearly, and I actually enjoyed stretching for once.

I loved my first hot yoga class with Stephen and look forward to attending more soon. The studio is inviting and easy to locate. Stephen is an extraordinary instructor with passion and wisdom to share with his students. I was welcomed instantly by Stephen as if I were an old friend. I felt comfortable and confident as a "newbie" to hot yoga. Stephen encouraged each of us to utilize the class as our personalized class and to make modifications and adjustments as needed. I am blown away by how Stephen and the other educators/healers have created a supportive community. I am incredibly thankful to have found a home away from home. I highly recommend scheduling one of Stephens's yoga classes! A friend recommended Stephens's class to me and I am grateful. read more

I decided not to support this yoga studio because of their sexist policy written on the FAQ tab of their website. They state "Bra tops are helpful with a cover up for your modesty. Males are welcome to not wear a shirt..." I'll determine what's modest for my body, thanks. Despite their high ratings, this blatant sexism turned me off completely from even taking a class here. read more

I am addicted to my Wednesday morning Kundalini Yoga class. I had put off a deal I purchased online for right under a year, and finally got my butt over to The Yoga Circle so I wouldn't miss out on what I spent. I had no idea what I was going to stumble upon. I attended Kerry's Monday morning Kundalini class and fell in love with this challenging practice. Over the years, I have created a routine of running, Zumba(ing), and weight training. I didn't think I would be able to calm down for a yoga class. This training offers the opportunity to extend your abilities in yoga, but also come out with a peace of mind and a well-balanced physique. I need this class. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow me to attend the Monday class often, but I do make it to Gabriela's Wednesday 9:30 class regularly. It's wonderful that it's in the middle of the week and gives me a chance to be re-energized and leave with a clear head and standing up straight!!! :) Caution, this is a unique and challenging form of yoga. The Yoga Circle offers other classes and one can see a schedule on their website. Stephen (the owner) has built a great studio with a strong staff and a loyal following. Check it out!! read more

Ever wanted to do hot yoga that isn't too hot? This is the place. I tried Bikram yoga, but the full-on lights and the military-style teaching didn't match my yoga vibe. Then I heard about Yoga Circle from a friend, went in for a class, and fell in love. The room is heated to various levels depending on the class (but it is always warm), they offer a range of yoga styles (vinyasa, hatha, proper hot yoga at 105 degrees, etc), and have a pretty good number of classes each day. The setting is fantastic- a dimly lit room, sometimes with background music on, only one mirror in the front (I don't always want to see what I look like from behind while in eagle pose), and a window. It is peaceful and calming, while the classes are challenging and leave me feeling nicely worked out and flexible. They lost a star for organization- it is a bit chaotic. I prefer studios that let you sign up for and view classes online (usually its the MindBodyonline system, but any system would be good) and that lets you know how many classes you have left in your package... Yoga Circle uses sticky notes with your name on them if you are out of classes... a bit inconvenient! Otherwise, awesome place, knowledgeable instructors, the perfect workout :) read more

I was searching for Bikram Yoga when I ran across this place. Upon seeing the Hot Yoga and Vinyasa classes, I decided to give one a try. I did the hot yoga today and walked out feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. My body really needed this class! The instructor, Stephen, was very helpful and relaxed. The instructor's energy sets the energy for the entire class so this is very important. I will recommend this place to people(: read more

Best yoga in Birmingham! Experienced & inspiring teachers, awesome room, and a variety of specials, events, and classes. Stephen, Christine, and Shannon are my favorite teachers but I really never have gone to a class there I didn't love! I would definitely recommend Yoga Circle to anyone. This is a place for all levels and an environment for healing and rejuvenating. Namaste. read more

Fantastic place for many different yoga practices. All of my teachers have been awesome. I definitely wouldn't consider myself a regular here but I've been randomly over the past 8 years and always have the same great experience each time. The facility is awesome and you can book online from there website. read more

I recommend both the Hot Yoga and Candlelight Flow! Hot Yoga- wasn't as hot as some of the other studio's in Birmingham but still a great class. My one complaint is that it tends to run over schedule a bit so if you are on a strict schedule you need to remember that. Candlelight flow- its literally what it sounds like. There are candles all around the walls of the room and the light is very dim. It's very relaxing class and is perfect if you need to unwind after a long day. The room is warm. read more

Beautiful studio with expert direction! Probably one of the most challenging yoga classes I've ever taken, but not so hard that I didn't feel like I could keep up. I felt like I got a great workout and a deep stretch. The perfect yoga class! read more

I had been to yoga several times--and to classes at the Yoga Circle's old location!--but I was never convinced. And then the Yoga Circle ran a great Groupon deal for a month of unlimited classes. That was it for me. I attended about 17 classes that month, and when my pass was up, I downgraded to a 16-class package. I quickly discovered that it wasn't enough, and I've been on the unlimited plan since. (Note: According to its website, the studio now offers an introductory month unlimited for only $40. If you're not already a regular, I highly recommend taking advantage of this competitive offer. Yoga classes are expensive, and you'll pay much more than this for a regular unlimited package, but in my experience, it's absolutely worth it.) I love the simplicity of the studio and the variety of classes. I prefer a vinyasa flow-style class, but sometimes my upper body needs a break. It's easy to add a hot yoga class to my schedule, or to change things up with a Kundalini or Ashtanga course. The instructors have distinctive styles and personalities, but they are consistently helpful and welcoming. I went from being intimidated by yoga to feeling at home in less than two months. The Yoga Circle has become my oasis in the heart of the city, and I've become a bit of a yoga-vangelist, constantly inviting friends to attend classes with me, both here and at other studios. Oh, and bonus: The facility's showers make it easy to clean up after yoga and dash off to whatever else the day may hold. read more

I'm a complete noobie to yoga, but Stephen has been wonderful, accepting, and caring.

Before traveling from Massachusetts to New Orleans, I reached out to two dozen yoga studios along my driving route to offer live music during a class. Stephen at The Yoga Circle was the first person to get back to me; he is obviously a great communicator who puts time and energy into the studio. When I arrived, Natalie (the teacher) and the students were friendly and made me feel welcome. The space itself was clean, warm, and cheerful. The studio is a gem, and I hope to visit it again. Thanks to everyone who makes The Yoga Circle happen! read more

I have a hard time rating this place. I am an out of town guest, and only came twice. Rates were inexpensive and they offer a second class free, which is a nice introduction to the space. Align + Awaken with Kim Drye was one of the most intelligent, subtle yoga classes I have ever taken. Very much alignment based, definitely Iyengar, and beautiful. Much slower pace than I was anticipating, but I worked hard and it was lovely. I basically floated out of there. She was attentive and kind and offered TONS of personal attention. I felt very seen by her and I think everyone else in there did too. She knew people's names and created a great atmosphere of community and ease. I was so happy to have actually LEARNED something in a yoga class that I rushed back the next day to take a second class. I took Fierce Flow with Natalie and was really excited because the description mentioned arm balances and challenging postures. Great- I love arm balances and generally have a very strong physical practice (and am myself a vinyasa teacher, so I thought this would be a great fit). Unfortunately, this was probably the worst yoga class I've ever taken. Absolutely unsafe, unintelligent sequence, no alignment cues whatsoever, she forgot things between sides, pumped loud music, and shouted things like, "Great job rockstar yogis!" which made me cringe. The energy was frenetic and weird. After looking around the room and realizing that everyone was doing something completely different and that half the class looked midinjury, I actually left an hour into this 90-minute class. This is the second class in the eight years that I have been practicing yoga that I have ever left early. I was so disappointed. If I return to Birmingham I would definitely return to this studio, as I loved my first experience, the studio itself is clean with minimal decor and nice natural lighting, but I think the range between teachers was strange and unpredictable. read more

The Yoga Circle run by long-time hot yoga instructor and massage therapist is my favorite studio for practicing hot yoga - 90 minutes in a 100 degree room. The practice consists of 26 postures - each repeated twice. Stephen brings something to the table (floor?) that I've not found anywhere else. He brings his heart and soul with him. I've been to plenty of hot/Bikram studios and have participated in many great practice sessions. Stephen has a way of describing the experience and guiding you through the process with helpful insights and encouragements and absolute knowledge. If you can't stand the heat, don't go in the studio. But, seriously, I encourage anyone who enjoys good health through a discipline/practice that focuses on unity and breathing to try this out. Great new studio opened this year. I can't say enough good about it. Find out for yourself. read more

I took a few yoga classes here and had a great experience The class was challenging, with enough modifications to the poses so that it was accessible to people of all fitness/yoga levels. The instructor (Cheri) was really helpful and encouraging. read more

I'm a newbie to formal yoga classes and I must say that the Yoga Circle of Birmingham is a great place for beginner and advanced students alike. The studio is clean and has minimal but modern interior design elements. So far I've taken a few classes with this studio and I always have a positive experience with each different instructor. The beginners class and power flow (with heated rooms) have been challenging but exhilarating experiences. The instructors always are kind, accommodating, and gently guide students through each mediation and practice movement. I never feel inadequate about my level of proficiency, strength, and focus in each class. Every visit has left me sweating yet energized, renewed, peaceful, and with a reinforced sense of comfort about my yoga practice. I look forward to returning and recommend The Yoga Circle to anyone uncertain but curious about beginning a yoga practice! It's also a plus that the studio has clean mats and props for people without personal yoga equipment! read more

I dropped in for a class on a Sunday morning. The single drop in rate is reasonable compared to some other studios in town. The class was an ashtanga flow blend, which was kind of a nice way to mix things up. One star removed for no water for sale and trying to charge for water refills. I'd take off a half star for the off putting notes on the free mars and the blankets - the one "encouraging" you to bring your own may is flat out rude. Fortunately, the instructor had none of the nasty attitude of the owner's notes. read more

The Yoga Circle is one of my favorite spots in all of Birmingham. The owner is a SUPER guy and the teachers are absolutely impeccable. The one teacher that kept me coming back is actually Natalie (Peach Sydes Wolf). She is hands-down the single most amazing yogi and human I have ever taken a class from. Her energy and sincerity got me absolutely hooked on yoga. Because of taking her classes and being inspired by her, I've actually decided to become a yoga instructor myself. The challenging poses and fierce energy of her classes is like no other I've experienced. You won't be disappointed taking her class, especially if you love to challenge your mind and body. Namaste yogis. read more