BELIEVE IT. I should preface this with a disclosure. I have never done yoga and while I was interested and curious about meditation, I never committed to anything beyond an app. My wife did YogaCare's FULL CIRCLE program and was so impressed by her experience that she booked me into their URBAN MEDITATION RETREAT and essentially commanded that I was doing this. I am a cynical sarcastic person, and had a worry that this would be slow torture as I'd been sent 'under duress' -- I couldn't have been more wrong. What Candice and Ulises have built is a truly warm and welcoming community. One where a complete (out of shape and sedentary) novice like me felt absolutely comfortable and all doubt evaporated in seconds. This three-day experience was absolutely invigorating and eye-opening. Ulises' approach to meditation is grounded in the "real" world without sacrificing a profound sense of the spiritual. His openness and encouragement made the three days resonate and they continue to. All of this is done with no dogmatic right or wrong -- it is all presented with a 'just try it' sense that made it inclusive and all the more impactful. Our group was made up of a newbies like me, as well as a number of returning students -- they shared the same kind and open tone that Candice set. Over the course of the retreat, we did all manner of breathing exercises, deep meditation and some yoga movement. While the movement was wildly uncharted territory, I remained open and thoroughly appreciated it. A highlight for me was after a morning session of breathing and meditation, Ulises led us down Fulton Street to the bustling South Street Seaport to see if we could maintain a meditative consciousness while surrounded by the relentless chaos of New York City. If there is any proof needed of the value of the practice -- this was it. I have returned to Yoga Care for a number of weeks now to do their breathing and meditation workshops and am beyond grateful for my 'forced' weekend in their kind care and have been inspired to make meditation part of my life as I've already begun to see the results. read more

Let me start off by saying, I LOVE THIS STUDIO!!! Dedicated yogi instructors wif hawt bodies and lovin the extreme heat!!!! Yay sweating is good! My one caveat is this, although I appreciate the full circle pulse classes, there's are just too many being offered and it is not nearly as good/beneficial as a reg bikram yoga class. I really think they should just offer it once or twice a week because it is a complement to hot yoga but when they add it in all the time during time slots that are convenient for me when I would rather be taking the regular hot yoga, well that really sucks big time and it makes me upset. And sad/mad combo if that is a thing. People who are on the same page probably get what I'm saying. Please I love the studio. For the love of Bikram yoga and normal people who want to advance in yoga and who also are not overweight or have any Heath body issues, please limit the fcp classes since I'm comming for a workout/detox generally and the fcp class just isn't doin it for me, although yes it is beneficial to take once or twice a week to keep my body in check with the alignment. Ok I have said my peace and I hope you take this into account. Gracias. UPDATE!!!!! Ok yes, yes Candace you are right about those classes just being offered twice a week and I'm sorry I wrote how it was way more times a week and how I didn't like that at all. I guess I just wish the Friday evening class was just a regular ol bikram class if I really had to gripe about something. But no biggie cuz I ended up taking a dance class at that time slot so it worked out fine. I don't know who you are but I love you Candace, thank you for clarifying and ok yeah I think you are definitely running things extremely well there! Yoga people are the best!!! I hung out wif some losers once at a comedy club who said they hated yoga people and went on and on about it, but they obvi have major issues. Weirdos. I def don't talk to them anymore. read more

I love Bikram Yoga. I love the philosophy. But clearly, the instructor was not on the same page. She was a Nazi disguised as a yoga instructor. I came here after work on a Friday evening and was excited to embark on a 90 minute yoga journey. The studio itself is nice, spacious, and clean. They also have yoga wear, books, CDs, and water bottles for sale. I like the space, but not my instructor. I haven't been to Bikram in some time (about 4 months) and the day before I ran 9 miles, so I knew I was going to have a difficult session. Running stiffens your muscles and makes it hard to stretch and to get into certain poses. As soon as my friend and I started the session, the yoga instructor continued to badger us until to the end. Ninety minutes of a stressful and non-yoga like atmosphere. Bikram Choudhury would have been very upset. The philosophy is to do what you can. Yoga is your time to reflect, meditate and to concentrate on yourself. This instructor did not get that. Halfway through the session, I was not able to get into the wheelbarrow pose. This is an extremely hard pose for runners. She kept pushing and and wouldn't just allow me to do what I was capable of. So I had no choice but to annouce that I ran 9 miles the day before and I am not going to push myself and injure my muscles. She then started to question me, "Is that a marathon?" I replied, "No. Thirteen point one miles is a half." And she wouldn't drop it. Her next retort, "well, you can see how running is so damaging to the body." I have no idea why we needed to have this discussion during a yoga session. I am sure other yogis were annoyed. But after that, she backed off. I really enjoy Bikram. It helps to loosen my muscles before and after running. But I did not like my yoga instructor. She was just too pushy. I will be back to give it another try and avoid this instructor. read more

I am so thankful to have come across YogaCare because it was exactly what I was looking for in a yoga studio. I had never done Bikram Yoga before but the instructors at the studio were very helpful in guiding us in the practice and now I feel very confident in it. YogaCare is different than other studios (in a good way) and it is so clear that their focus and mission is centered around meditation and the practice and helping everyone reach their potential. Every time I left a class, I felt more refreshed and energized- would definitely recommend trying it out. Go in with an open mind! read more

This review is for (1) Bikram Yoga and (2) the 3 day Urban Meditation Retreat at YogaCare: (1) BIKRAM YOGA AT YOGACARE If you are looking for REAL hot yoga, this is your place. No music or unwarranted pats on the back. Just a great opportunity to learn about your body and mind with incredibly knowledgeable teachers and alongside a wonderful and welcoming community. I honestly feel so lucky to have found this place. I came to NYC for a summer internship, disenchanted with yoga in general, but thought I'd give this place a try because of the great reviews claiming similar things to what I did above (and because it was located so near to my work). I knew after my first class with Suda-May, that I would be coming pretty much every day after that. This places captures the EXPERIENCE of yoga very well. A lot places I've been know how to talk a good game about it, but every person here just lives it. I loved that. (2) 3 DAY URBAN MEDITATION RETREAT Before I went to the retreat, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would it be totally hippie-dippy? Pseudo-intellectual? Etc.? Now, having experienced it, what I can say is that everything you practice and learn at the retreat is extremely USEFUL for your everyday life, and that it is about as grounded in reality as you can get. That's actually kind of the point. One of the things Ulises, the teacher/guide of the retreat, says is "just try it, see what you think." You won't get brainwashed or anything. Just try it with and open mind and see what it does for you. What do you actually do at the retreat? Each day is a series of breathwork (breathing exercises), meditation, dialogue, and yoga/movement practices. Doing them for 3 days helped me create a foundation to continue them on my own. Additionally, and I think in no small part because of the kind of space created at the retreat, you get to know the other people at the retreat on a deep level. This was wonderful because each person was such a light, and it was great to begin friendships in such a healthy and positive environment. Doing this retreat is like traveling: you never regret it. Yes, it is something new, and, yes, it may seem a little weird, risky, or out of the norm to some of your friends or co-workers (it did in my world of Management Consulting), but that is the definition of something that can be amazing in your life and even change it. I know it did for me. BIG thanks to Ulises and Candice for organizing/leading it. read more

Reading some of the reviews below (especially that talk about the neighborhood) I have to wonder if we are talking about the same place? I live down the street, and yes it IS a bit quiet at night, but VERY safe. I have been to MANY locations for Bikram in the city and this ispretty good. No, it is not the trendiest place to see and be seen. But then, that is not why I am going. I loved how i have much more real estate i have here to lay my mat and sweat than I do at the uptown places. The staff was very nice (which is not always the case at some other places I have frequented) So if you want a good Bikram work out in a clean, nice, place with a good vibe.. check it out. read more

This is the best yoga studio I have ever been to. Here are the 3 things I love about it: 1. The Teachers in the studio are very professional. They really care about students and are passionate about teaching yoga; 2. The quality of the yoga practice is very consistent. I can come to any class they have, and would not be disappointed; and 3. The owners, Uli and Candice are loving and caring people. Hope more people will come to this charming studio and try their full circle practice. read more

Had great instruction from Nicole L and it really set my mind body and soul straight! Great facility with informed teachers who push you to your goals. I highly recommend. read more

Was disappointing in booking as their website uses Zenrez, and up popped a window while on their website "the deal of the day" which I purchased as that was the class time I was looking to book. Awesome! Only to discover that "the deal of the day" was more expensive than if I ignored it and booked without it. The cleanliness of the studio is lacking. I rented a towel and mat, and in opening my towel there were long black hairs all in it. Lots of them. The studio has carpet which is not so great as I now have a skin rash on my ankles and feet. The locker room was also not very clean. The instructor was good in class, but not very welcoming upon arrival. I'm a regular Bikram practitioner, always fitting it in even when I'm traveling, and finding a studio, as I was for this trip, and this was not a good experience. read more

Great location in downtown! The studio is beautiful, friendly people, clean showers, and even a place to clean your mats after you are done with class! They also offer breathing and meditation classes, which is a nice especially since NYC can wind you up pretty tight at times, and learning to be in sync with your breathing can keep you calm and be in peace amidst the chaos. I have heard people talking about the Full Circle program, which is a 60 day program that combines Bikram yoga, breathing, meditation, and even have a nutritionist review your diet for you. Its supposed to transform a person in the mind, body and soul, to become a better person inside and out. read more

Was looking to get back into yoga again because I was experiencing back pain and foot pain. I picked YogaCare based on their reviews and distance to my apartment. I purchased their monthly unlimited and love it. It helps me practice yoga more frequently since there is a financial commitment attached to it. All instructors are top notch and recommend trying out a variety because they all teach the same class but add value differently. Facilities are clean and they even offer an area to clean off your mat before you leave. Price is aligned with value so stop looking and sign up for a class. read more

An amazing studio where the instructors are all very kind and chill. I really like how they typically give a couple of variations of a pose which incrementally more difficult than the last so that you can settle in with whichever variation works for you. Also the instructors are super nice and since the classes are small, will gladly help make adjustments. Overall great classes and people! read more

Got to be the strictest on time policy I have seen. My class is at 10. I literally arrived at 10:01 at the door and the door is already locked and there is no one at the front desk. At other studios, if this happens you would either be let in the class or at least get the credit for the next one because it's literally 1 min difference. So if you plan to attend the class at this studio, be sure you are there on time and not 1 min late. read more

I've been though many yoga studios. I finally found a studio where I call home. I have been with Yogacare for over a year now. I practice my Bikram at this studio daily. I also joined Full Circle last Sept/2016 and I am in the current Full Circle that began Fed/2017. I love the staff, the yogis and the environment. Everyone is very nice and treat you like a family. I finally found a studio where I can continue my yoga practice. Their Full Circle program is a life changing experience. Do visit this studio and setup an Intro session to find out what Full Circle is all about. It will WOW you. Thank you Yogacare, many more years to come. read more

I decided to try out yogacare since I work nearby and had recently got into yoga. I wasnt a fan of bikram but once I started attending classes here I instantly saw improvements in focus and posture so I started attending class 3 to 4x a week. All the instructors here are great. They are stern and engaged in class - which influences all the students to be dedicated to the practice and this sets an excellent environment for class. Also, the instructors provides the right amount of adjustment for the student to learn or deepen into the pose. The business owners, Ulises and Candice, are very invested in maintaining a friendly community. They are open to chatting with everyone who attends for the betterment of their practice and their experience at yogacare. I am participating in full circle at the moment. Initially I was very skeptical but am very glad I committed to it. It's fun, amazing for health, and a great learning experience to productivly transform the mind, soul, and spirit. read more

Sigh - I was hoping this place would be significantly better after the change in ownership but, alas, they only made marginal improvements. I started Bikram back in 2013 and have had the privilege of going to 3 different Bikram Yoga studios: Bikram Hartford (moved locations) in CT, this yoga studio before the change in ownership in 2015, and Bikram Yoga NYC Flatiron. In 2015, this studio in FiDi was easily the worst because the facility was SO outdated and the carpet reaked. Fast forward to present day: The locker room is spruced up and the place has clearly been renovated. Their website indicates they steam clean the carpet in the Yoga studio regularly - which is fine... IF the carpet was from the near end of this decade. There is still a pungent aroma coming from the carpet that no amount of steam cleaning will ever get rid of. It was incredibly short-sighted to renovate the entire studio with exception of the actual space where clientele practice Bikram yoga. I'd rather have a less trendy/new front office with no meditation room in exchange for a quality space to actually conduct my Bikram yoga exercise. Some additional observations are the yoga mat rentals were not updated (they seem to be falling apart) and the towels (perhaps new) are not the size of the yoga mat. This means you have to rent out 2 towels cover your yoga mat. These two items were low hanging fruit to address during the change in ownership. The devil is in the details and unfortunately management/ownership failed to devote attention/focus on the areas that count. I hope they read this message and decide to make some much needed changes - if nothing else, please ditch the carpet for the material that other Bikram yoga studios use! read more

I started going to YogaCare through their Full Circle program. It's a mix of Bikram yoga, strength & conditioning, and meditation. There's a nutritionist who helped me learn to eat like an adult, too. I dropped 30 pounds during the program (just in time for summer). It was a tough, but amazing experience. I also became best friends with the other Full Circle students. Even though the program is over, I still practice at YogaCare every week. It made me fall in love with Bikram yoga, and their studio is top notch. They're CONSTANTLY making improvements, and it's an open, welcoming place. read more

I just started a new Bikram yoga adventure to heal and challenge my body at this amazing studio, where I feel at home after just one week of everyday yoga practice. My body feels so good, so light and strong. After each yoga practice I only crave healthy food and that has made me be lighter emotionally and physically and it feels sooooooo good! The reason I chose to practice yoga in this studio is because it is clean and offers a space to clean your mat after classes. Entering the YogaCare I had no idea I would feel so much love for this wonderful community of yogis and people who just love to have a healthy lifestyle and nurture their bodies and minds. read more

Nicole is amazing! She started my bikram journey and is a really good teacher for first timers

As my previous review stated, I started coming here since 2013 and loved all the class I've taken here. But they changed management earlier this year and now it's called YogaCare. I came here this past weekend, and had the worst Bikram class I've ever had. For all the Bikram yoga lovers out there, the most important thing a teach should tell you in your first class, every class, should be it's not how deep into the posture you can do, it's about having the perfect form. The teacher I had this past Sunday, all he cared about is to get into the posture deep, he didn't care about how tight your body may be. Also, USUALLY if you are feeling dizzy, you lay down for a min or so, as long as you are not slacking off. But when I, and some other people in the class tried to take a break, the teacher practically forced us to stand back up. That defies the whole purpose of practicing Bikram yoga - you need to listen to your body, not forcing anything. I checked their class schedules, most of the teachers I liked are gone. If this place started having instructors like what I just had, the quality of classes would suffer and I will stop coming here. Such a shame. read more

I wanted to like this studio but unfortunately it is not clean and the carpet in the yoga studio stinks tremendously. I could barely get through the class without walking out. The owner was really nice, and the teacher cares about teaching the right type of postures. The facility is not how it looks on the website. Big disappointment. Carpet needs to be thrown out. The vents need to be cleaned. There is no way I could go back there. read more

The only reason why I am going to this studio is because I lived 2 blocks away. I love waking up in the morning and getting a good stretch, especially in the winter. I came here twice and I am loving it already. The instructor I had always correct my posture and encourage us to push a little further, which is what I like. I see some of the reviews complains about how dirty the carpet is but that isn't a problem to me. Maybe because I am already sweating heavily. The studio is also locked once class starts. This is the reason why they do not have any lockers in their restroom. No one is allowed to enter the studio when the practice is going on, so your stuff is safe because everyone is in the heat room. Check the schedule and make sure you come at least 5 minutes before. If you call during classes, no one will be picking up your phone. read more

I've been to many yoga studios and Yoga Care is my absolute favorite. This place has checked boxes I didn't even know I had when looking for a yoga studio. The studio itself is extremely clean. The classes are relaxing yet challenging. Plus the staff (and even regulars) are genuinely friendly and welcoming. By your third visit, it feels like you're apart of a community. Also, if you are thinking about joining Full Circle. DO IT! Just finished my 1st one and I feel completely transformed for the better. read more

I'm not a big yoga person but wanted to try this out. I thought the instructors and staff were really nice. The location was pretty clean as well. I will be coming back. read more

Great bikram class. New to yoga but I definitely felt a huge benefit even after only a handful of classes. Convenient times, spacious studio, locker room and showers. read more

I purchased a few classes last November to try my hand at Bikram Yoga. My instructor was incredibly welcoming and helpful during my first class. He encouraged me to maintain some poses when he could see me struggling, and even discouraged me from trying a particular pose because he thought I may injure myself. Definitely a good teacher for my first class. I definitely felt my body become more flexible by the time my 3rd session rolled around. The facilities are clean and the studio is easy to get to, since it's a mere 5 min walk from the WTC lines. There are regulars who attend class everyday, and you can definitely tell they are ardent bikram yogis because they can easily contort their bodies into the most uncomfortable shapes. I'm constantly on the lookout for some groupon/livingsocial deals to this studio! One can hope! read more

I haven't been to this studio since March, and I was really looking forward to going back today, but I thought I should probably check the schedule first. Unfortunately it seems that they have changed their schedule, and instead of the 5:30 / 7:30 class start times M - Th, they've now pushed it back to 6:30 / 8:15. It would have been nice if they could have kept at least ONE 5:30 class per week...I cannot stay downtown that late after work. I'll miss you, BY Downtown :( read more

So happy to find a good hot yoga studio by my job. The staff and teachers here are very nice and attentive. I've taken 3 classes here so far and got some great input and suggestions by some superb instructors (Sharleen and Yukari). My first two classes were very challenging and I thought it was because the room was too hot (even for hot yoga) but I really just didn't drink enough water. My class today was amazing! They offer several 90 minute hot yoga classes and their evening class time of 6:30 is perfect for me. It's been difficult to find this combination. The front desk has a nice layout and the check in process is fast. A few caveats: The shower water level is weak The brown carpet in the yoga studio seems a bit old fashioned but at least my feet don't slide on it so I'm getting use to it. read more

I love this studio! The instructors are great, give very helpful corrections and have fantastic energy. Highly recommended!

Was visiting NY and staying at a condo in River Terrace, and I desperately needed my Bikram Yoga. Took a Friday class at 4:30PM at this location, and I loved it! The instructor was very sweet, and she had a calming voice and good rhythm. The studio itself is clean, and it has cool exposed brick on the outer wall, which I had never seen in a yoga studio. Though the room is much smaller than what I am used to, I didn't feel cramped, and I ended up getting a great class in. Afterward, they have you spray down your mat and hang it (if you rented it, or if you want to do that for yours) for sanitary reasons, which is great. The changing room/showers are really small too, but clean and functional. Don't be discouraged by the outside of the building or the walk up. Once you get into the studio, it's clean and bright, and the instructors are happy and helpful. Tips: They provide water here, but it's pricey. Bring your own water and save your money for the Zico Coconut Water after class - you'll be happy you did. If you are here on vacation, bring a change of clothes. I walked here from the condo, and walking back through everyone in their business attire who was getting off at 6 on a Friday was a little awkward, to say the least. Cons: Class times are few and far between, I really wish I could have gone more, and I probably would have, if they had more class times available. It's also a bit pricier here than at the studios I've been to in California. read more

Last year I decided to take advantage of the intro week specials at several Bikram studios - and then, if I liked the practice, pick a studio and buy a package. I went to this studio first because it was closest to where I work - and after the first week I bought my first 6 month unlimited package, with absolutely no hesitation - I've been taking class here (and at their Brooklyn studio) for about a year, with no plans to stop. The facilities are nice, the teachers are amazing - seriously, there is not a single one I don't like. There is obviously a caring, yet challenging overall philosophy that the studio's directors have - and they seem to hire instructors that share this philosophy with them. It's a good place, you should try it. read more

I love this studio!!! It has been such a pleasure teaching at yogacare. Ulises and Candice, the owners of YogaCare, are very special and wonderful people who sincerely care about each and every person they meet. I love how they offer the full circle lifestyle program which is designed to really impact and change an individuals life by teaching and incorporating daily healthy habits. I feel so fortunate to be apart of the group of teachers at YogaCare who are all exceptionally skilled. I hope to see you here soon! read more

I've been going to Bikram downtown for over 3 years, and have always enjoyed it and felt great after the class. However, my last experience with a certain instructor made me want to write a review. If Frank is teaching the class, skip it....I found him to be very unprofessional. He made a pass at my boyfriend and asked if I wanted to leave the class? WHAT? Im a paying customer. read more

As an avid Bikram Yoga student and instructor, I am truly inspired while practicing or teaching at Yoga Care! The studio of itself always greets me with a well lit welcoming vibe. The owners, Ulises and Candice, are accessible and available to greet students and answer questions about Bikram Yoga, Dharma Yoga, meditation classes, various workshops and the studios very own unique, Full Circle Program! As the number of downtown yogis continue to grow, YogaCare will always have a deeply rooted connection and community of students who live and work in the financial district. Stop by stretch, sweat, breath and go the full circle! read more

I've practiced here since I moved to New York and love it! Experienced teachers, traditional Bikram yoga, and great community. read more

I just started going to Yogacare consistently, as it is right by my office. They have great Bikram classes. They keep the room at a steady temperature throughout class, and it is always consistent between different instructors (I have found at other studios, there were always teachers who's classes tended to run hot or cool). The instructors here are wonderful...so far I have taken classes with Nicole, Nadia, and Ilé for dharma. The studio itself feels a little dated and could use some updating; the carpeting probably needs a deep clean - the classes can be smelly sometimes. The shower area (although small), never feels overcrowded. It does need some air conditioner in there though. Even though they have hairdryers, it is impossible to dry your hair because it's so hot in the locker room, especially when you're trying to cool down after class and get ready for work in the morning. read more

Had a decent experience at this studio! I was in training for my work for about one month on William Street, with this studio right near the subway station I used. I am a member of a studio in Queens, but this was so convenient for after work during that month. They have a very lovely studio - nice welcoming entrance, clean hallway, awesome mat-cleaning station (what a great idea!) and a good-sized locker room. The BIkram room itself was heated well, and I had plenty of space for my mat and myself even during the popular after-work class times. The teacher I had both times was Aiko, the owner. She gave wonderful personal attention to my practice and did so in a non-intimidating, fun manner. I learned a lot about my posture in cobra from her class. The studio does lose a star for me for not having mirrors along the side wall (only in the front). The separate leg stretching poses have to be done by straddling your mat, which I hate - my feet slid on the carpet, annoyingly so. I have a really great mat meant for hot yoga that doesn't allow such slippage, so not be able to turn to the side and place my feet on the mat for these poses caused me some issues in class. This studio is no longer in the vicinity of my home, near my work, or along my commute route - but if that changes, I'd definitely do another class or two here. read more

I had never done Bikram before, had no idea what to expect, but I have to say I really liked it. Previously with doing yoga I have been so sore that I am almost crippled for a day, but I have to say although that 90 minutes was so intense, I don't feel awful and sore now. I think it must be because of the heated room. I do kickboxing 1-3 three times a week for weight loss reasons, and I really needed some help with flexibility and just wanted to vary things up as well. I usually *don't* do yoga because it doesn't really feel like I'm burning anything, and then there is the horrible soreness afterwards. I sweat more in this class than I've *EVER* sweated in a kickboxing class. There were several times I just had to stop because I was winded, which doesn't usually happen for me. I felt like it was a good class for cross-training and I am looking forward to the next one. read more

I'm writing 2 Reviews for YogaCare - One for their Retreats and the other about their Full Circle Program - sorry I can't figure out how to post separate reviews. It will only let me post one. Retreats: Magical Tolan is an ecofriendly yoga & meditation retreat lodge, remotely located on a quiet, private beach front with sweeping ocean views and cooling breezes from every room. Designed to deeply reconnect you with the natural world and your human connection within it. Relax, Restore & Rejuvenate. There is a common dining space & a beautiful ocean side yoga cabana where all the retreat events are held. Satsanga refers to the act of sitting in the presence of a spiritual teacher, absorbing their energy and listening closely to their words. A true teacher helps you see beyond your everyday fears, grudges, and to-do lists, and invites you to experience a higher state of awareness, so it's easier to rethink your priorities, contemplate the deeper meaning of life, and move forward on your spiritual path - The Retreats founder & teacher - Ulises Calatayud is eager to share with you the gifts of healthy living, spiritual wisdom, and the joys of practice. All of this, along with deliciously home cooked meals in a beautifully tropical setting, are just a few of the many things you will receive when you attend a retreat in Tolan. I gained all this and so much more. It was a powerful, amazing, life-changing experience. This retreat helped to solidify my newly learned practices and has made me want to dig even deeper. I can't wait to continue the journey and hope to return to Tolan for another retreat very soon. I highly recommend this experience to everyone. ~ Mar '18 Tolan Retreat attendee - Stephanie Lackey Full Circle Program: I travel a lot for work and that's not good for trying to stay and eat healthy. I'm currently on a work contract here in NYC and I finally decided to do something about getting fit and healthy - but I didn't want to go back into a gym - at least not yet. I wanted to try something different. YogaCare is 4 doors down from my apartment building. I passed by it for 5 months before I decided to look them up on the web because I felt starting out with Yoga might we be a great idea. Their sign said Go The Full Circle. Upon checking out their website to see what all they offered - there was a small blurb about The Full Circle and to e-mail to inquire. I did and that was the best decision I have made in years. I'm so grateful to have found YogaCare and the people who own it. They are amazing. The Full Circle Program has completely changed me and my life. It was exactly what I needed. I just completed the Winter 2018 Full Circle Program and ended up signing up for the Spring 2018 FC Program. I've lost 20 lbs so far and my body continues to change daily due to practicing Yoga several times a week. I'd never done Yoga before much less hot Yoga. Their Bikram teaching standards are some of the best around. The breathing and meditation classes are awesome too. I highly recommend this studio and I highly recommend that you inquire about the Full Circle Program - you won't be disappointed. It has literally saved my life and the support and community I have gained in the process is truly a blessing....Stephanie read more

I was hesitant to leave a bad review before looking in to Bikram yoga more. I have been to lots of yoga studios and done a lot of different styles but this was my first Bikram experience. It was a really bad experience. I guess having a carpet is normal in Bikram but I found it absolutely disgusting, especially as our instructor had us stepping off our mats and touching the carpet with our hands. The whole studio smells gross. The lighting in the studio is harsh LED white lighting. The instructor I had was the second person I met when I walked in the door but she didn't greet me or act welcoming in any way. There is only 1 bathroom in the change room so I was maybe 1 minute late to start the class since I was waiting in a line to use it. Once the class started the instructor didn't stop talking for the whole class. She "ordered" us to do poses with little room for modifications or rests. At one point someone had a sip of water so I did too because that's what you do in a normal studio. Moments later the instructor called us out in front of everyone and told us to only drink water between poses. There was nothing relaxing or spiritual about the practice. At one point she wanted everyone to put their hand out and say "Mama give me money" I did not partake because that phrase did not speak to me in any way. The instructor did not match the postures with breath. She gave off a very negative vibe and it felt like she was looking down on the students all the time (literally as well as figuratively). It also really bothered me that during a backbend she said "Your back should hurt, that's normal." In all of my yoga experience every instructor has said pain is a bad sign and to stop if you feel pain. It didn't seem like she was understanding of people's physical limitations at all. If you like going through a regimented drill-like yoga experience, maybe this studio will be for you but for the cost and location, I really expected a lot more. I will never go back. read more