Laughing Lotus Yoga Center

DarWallace 

on Citysearch

13 years ago

lovin the groove... – Oh let me count the ways I’ve fallen in love with the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center - corny I know, but never the less true. I’m living in the west village for a few months, and when I leave, its one of the things I will miss the most. The space is light and airy, and the staff is super friendly whether they’re at the desk or teaching a class. The instructors really teach – taking us through the poses, explaining as we go, making gentle corrections with a smile and bit of humor on occasion, so that we get ... read more

sweeply 

on Citysearch

14 years ago

Annoyingly preachy, dangerous. – I have to 100% agree with other reviewers here. There is NO instruction on alignment, in any of these classes. And I have never once heard a teacher ask if it is anyone's first time taking a class, or if there are any injuries. The flow is often disjointed with one pose sweeping in an awkward position into another which is equally awkard. I had one teacher who was so enthralled with the way her own voice sounded, (and it sounded like she was reading poetry out of a book!) but it made me wonde... read more

fivepointer 

on Citysearch

14 years ago

Good intention; poor execution – Sorry to say, that yes there has never been any instruction (incl. Intro and Beginning classes) on body alignment in a pose. Attracts many 20-somethings which is upbeat energy, but the stupidly small dressing rooms are a real drag. Sorry I hurt my back. Shouldn't yoga instructors be licensed so as to avoid pain from bad alignment?? Not certified but a higher standard. 

nalfang 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

The Soul of Yoga, Not the Art of Yoga – I've been going to LL regularly for about a year. I started learning yoga here with Basics classes which were actually quite good (esp Heather). However after about 6 months of consistent attendance I started with the next level 2 classes, and have to say was shocked to see hardly any instruction or demonstrations from the instructors at this level for advanced poses. I attended about 15 of these classes until I really hurt my back. As a result I agree with others that you see a lot st... read more

elpa 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

i was a regular at LL (2xs a week at least) for quite some time but schedule changes kept me away for a while. since i started going back i have to say the things i overlooked before stand out over anything else about the place now. the OTT yoga decor and pseudo hippy, spacey, somewhat smug disposition of the staff is far from zen. additionally the UNBELIEVABLY over-crowded classes (you can't even move freely in your own mat space!) and TINY changing room pretty much negate any sense of "yoga" you achieved during a class. ba... read more

swnot 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

But I'd heard such great things.... – This place borders on dangerous. I watched students gleefully mangle their bodies during an evening class without any instruction regarding alignment. I am a certified yoga instructor who has been seeing a chiropractor for years; it was all I could do to keep up the pretense of taking the class through shivasana. On top of that, the teacher seemed to regard herself as a guru. Her students seemed to believe her and the result was positively creepy. When I left the class I noticed that the... read more

waterox 

on Citysearch

15 years ago

Worst yoga in the city! – I wish I could give this place zero stars. Full disclosure: I am a certified yoga instructor. Since a friend recommended me, I thought I would take a few classes. Big mistake. The worst experience was on Christmas Day, when they had one class. It was so crowded that you could barely move even on your own mat. The instructor droned on and on, for about 15 minutes, not about something interesting or relevant, but rather her own ego massaging diatribe. The music (a lot of Christmas music!) was so loud,... read more

atomicyente 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Sweet love – As of late, scheduling changes (mine and the lotus's) have kept me away. But this will always be my first yoga home. Dana and Jasmine will always be my first teachers. If you want to go deep, take a class with them. Midnight and rooftop are also rad. It's gotten crowded at the lotus, yes, but yoga means union. It's a good way to practice. 

yogagirl76 

on Citysearch

17 years ago

Best yoga in NYC – Laughing Lotus offers the best yoga in Manhattan. Instructors like Paul, Betsy, Jasmine and Edward are knowledgable and excited about teaching yoga. They are serious about what they do, but have a sense of humor that creates a relaxed atmosphere in the studio. I especially enjoy the midnight yoga classes, featuring live music. The web scheduling option makes it easy to register for classes in advance, as well as to note any instructor changes. The front desk staff is helpful, and the center encourages, and... read more