The Giving Tree Yoga Studio

A non restaurant review!
Got 10 passes from a really good group-​on deal. Please keep in mind that I am not flexible at all but I really wanted to add a calming exercise to my routine and something to help me sleep better. This did a trick.
Some of the classes are slightly more intense than others but the instructors were all nice and helpful. It’s a quiet little studio. Although it does get a little noisy being next to a subway platform, the sometimes nice smell of pizza from Artichoke Pizza downstairs is an added bonus.
4.5 rounds to a 5.

I came to giving tree to find a beginners yoga class to help with my almost constant neuromuscular pain. They have a terrific introductory offer for new students, and I began taking Matthew’s gentle flow and restore class.
I was terrified, having never done yoga before… Matthew was kind, understanding and just TERRIFIC!
I’ve never taken a class with any of the other instructions, but I can tell you that one month after taking Matthews classes twice a week, I am pain-​free!

I came to the Giving Tree for a prenatal massage. I had never been here so I didn’t know what to expect but my husband had read great reviews online so he convinced me to go. At first I was taken back by the proximity to the loud subway station but once inside I didn’t hear a thing. Being 6 months pregnant the long stairs to get upstairs was also a little intimidating. But boy was it all worth it! Anthony was absolutely amazing! The massage bench was not one with the hole for the belly and I was so grateful for that because I had a massage done in the past that way and I never thought it was comfortable. He made me lay on my side with many cushions to support me and it was really comfortable. He also adjusted the AC for me many times and kept asking me if I was comfortable (to all pregnant women out there, you know that’s pretty awesome). He applied good pressure to all sore points and helped me immensely. Highly recommend him to all preggos out there!!!

Massage: Giving Tree is very professional, first asking if I was comfortable with a male massage therapist. Anthony was top-​notch from the moment I met him and he asked what I wanted to focus on. I’m a dancer, so I need deep tissue or sports massages for maintenance, and really need someone to release tension and knots DEEPLY. Anthony has strong hands and a keen sense for finding trouble spots. He incorporated heat and assisted stretches for my specific needs, making my massage feel like a custom experience. I walked out feeling released and serene and I can finally breathe deeply again. I’ve lived here for 8 years and finally found my go-​to massage therapist!

I started going to this studio after getting an incredibly priced groupon — 30 classes for $ 20.
Since then I’ve gotten a month long pass. I’ve loved almost every class I’ve taken with various teachers, and the ones I wasn’t as fond of were just personal preference: the teachers were still high quality.
Most of the classes I wouldn’t recommend to those new to yoga, as there can be little instruction beyond direction. However, this is ideal for someone with a strong yoga practice.
There is a nice variety in class structure, and no two teachers have identical classes. Highly recommend you check out a few different styles and see what you enjoy the most.

I wish their restroom did not have rugs on the floor. I also never understand going to bathroom bear food since it carries lots of germs to workout area. They can offer one time use slippers for bathrooms.

I really miss this place. I moved to RI a couple of years ago and I haven’t been able to find a great Yoga studio. The Giving Tree has it all: awesome teachers, good prices, friendly people, and a great location.

POSITIVES:
— Nice studio with friendly, well-​trained instructors!
— LOVE their Sunday afternoon class.
— Plenty of extra services for those who are interested.
— A genuinely nice community of members and many chances to get involved
NEGATIVES:
— Steep $ 150 price tag for monthly pass with only a few class offerings per day (I’ve seen prices this high, but usually with several more classes per day)
— Website is not user friendly, badly designed, and sometimes their system which displays the schedule does not function. (Note: I work in the marketing field, so my «quality of customer experience» sensor goes through the roof when I look at it… my feeling is if you want to charge $ 150 a month, you better look like you deserve $ 150 a month…)
OVERALL:
If you can afford it, I think it’s a nice place full with wonderful instructors.

This studio is really awesome and the groupon deal was totally worth it. Unfortunately for me. I can’t afford to go to this studio at the regular price but I definitely would have continued if the prices were a bit more economical. I wish I was able to get more out of my groupon (you have 30 days to use 10 classes– which is totally doable if you have a lot of free time). I came on what I calculated to be the final day (hadn’t been able to come prior to that) and they were gonna charge me the full $ 17 for the class. Had to turn around and leave (really kinda sad about that). Other than that, this place is awesome!

Love love love their restorative class on Sunday’s. If there is one reason why I would want to move to Astoria it would be becus of this place. Perfect vibe and great atmosphere. Great instructors as well. I been here a few times via class pass and wool def keep coming back! Highly recommend this studio!

Not enough good things can be said about this place. Instructors are amazing (anne margaret and elizabeth in particular). the place is cozy, calming and super clean. tried a few different studios in the area but this one has quickly become a favorite.

First time doing yoga in nyc– great little studio here in Astoria! Matthew was great for the beginner class, and I am excited to go back and try more of their classes. A bit noisy in the studio since it’s by the train, but it was okay. I’d recommend this place.

All of the instructors here are great, but Anne-​Margaret (one of the co-​owners) was born to be a yoga teacher. She offers constructive criticism in a positive, sweet manner that will improve your technique. This studio makes everyone feel welcome, regardless of their skill level. There’s also a great variety of classes offered at many different times. As a side note, the noise from the nearby train doesn’t bother me at all.

I purchased Groupon for 10 classes and could not be more satisfied. The studio is very clean and cozy. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I liked absolutely all the instructors I went too, especially Elizabeth. Overall, I enjoyed going to the giving tree. I only wish their regular prices on classes were a little bit cheaper.

It’s fair to say that the giving tree is one of the reasons I would love to move to Astoria! As soon as you walk into the studio you feel so calm. Their relaxing atmosphere allows the guests to start forgetting about what’s out on the streets. Problems become non-​existent. Your bad day turns into a great day.
My first time in the studio was this summer and Anne Margaret was the instructor. And boy, was she challenging. My friend is a regular at the studio and invited me to join him for two, back-​to-​back, classes that afternoon. However, 30 minutes into Anne’s class I looked at him and said «there is no way we are staying for the next one». Anne believes in you. She pushes you to the limit (she thinks there is no limit). And her voice is soothing, and it will talk you into doing things you did not know you were capable of doing. Your body will twist, turn, flip, bend in 100 ways. I left the class feeling challenged, relaxed, calm and energized (not enough for another class, though). Thank you Anne!
Now let’s get real, the soreness the next day, and the next, and the following day felt amazing. It’s the first time in years of doing yoga on and off that I actually felt that I worked out every muscle in my body.
The Giving Tree is the most welcoming and warmest studio there is.

I have been practicing yoga on and off for about a year. I saw The Giving Tree on ClassPass and decided to try it out. I went to the 12pm Beginners class on Sunday with Matthew. The class did get crowded, but the studio is a pretty good size and it didn’t feel like everyone was on top of each other. As other reviewers have said, this studio is directly across from the El (like reach out and touch it) but after a while, I stopped noticing the sound of the trains. And honestly, I am not sure a yoga studio exists in nyc that is completely quiet.
I really enjoyed Matthew’s class. In my past experience, whenever I have had a male yoga teacher, their class always seemed too advanced for me. Even though this was a beginners class, I was still a bit nervous. Matthew asked if anyone was brand new to yoga, and no one was, so I think he tweaked the class a bit so it wasn’t a complete basics class. I really liked it. We weren’t holding the poses for a crazy amount of time, and he had us do a lot of good stretches. The temperature in the studio is fantastic. It was a very cold and windy day so I was grateful for its warmth when I first walked in, and was equally grateful when the A/​C went on towards the end of the class. I almost fell asleep during Savasana, thats how relaxed I felt!
Although this studio isn’t totally convenient to travel to from my apartment (can someone please open a yoga studio in Sunnyside?!), its not a bad trip on a weekend and is a nice start to my week!

I took the prenatal yoga class here. I felt really comfortable in the studio, and I thought the class was just the right amount of challenge. I walked out feeling so energized and happy each time.
My only negative point is that there’s only one dedicated prenatal yoga class and it’s right smack in the middle of the day on Saturday, so I have to plan my whole day around that. Also, if you want to save by buying multiple classes you have to use them fairly quickly. This is inconvenient for me as we usually visit family every other weekend, so buying a discounted class card isn’t even an option. But I love this place and will definitely be going back for more prenatal yoga. :)

This is the studio that converted me from a person who was very skeptical about yoga to a person who now goes to yoga classes three times a week.
There is a wide variety of classes, and I’ve explored a lot of them. I especially enjoy Matthew’s Restorative Yoga classes (good for beginners, as well as for experienced students who want something relaxing and calming). The instructors are great at working with students with injuries or special difficulties. And the studio is beautiful, with lots of bright green plants at the front of the room.
I noticed other Unilocalers have complained about the noise of the trains, which you do hear during class, but honestly I don’t find that sound so bothersome. The only thing that annoys me is when they do a Groupon deal and the next week classes are so crowded that students end up putting their mats in the entryway by the front desk (I wish they would cap the class sizes at a certain number so this doesn’t happen). But just avoid the Groupon weeks and you’ll find most classes are not overly-​packed and you will get lots of personal attention from the instructors.

Having bought a 20 $ for 20 classes deal on groupon, I didn‘t expext much of this yoga studio but they proved me wrong.
Although it‘s a rather small place (hallway, reception, bathroom, massage room and one room for the workouts), the studio is very welcoming and warm.
Teachers are friendly, they are interested in their students and they seem that they really know what they are doing.
I particularly like the fact that they have different classes each month and a lot of workshops and community events. As I person, I get bored of the same workouts and/​or teachers easily, so ‘Tree giving‘ is the best choice for me. Note, that there are some regular classes for those who like consistency.
Excellent choice of music during classes which varies widely. BIG fan of the candlelit yoga wt live music class.
Different types of tea, yoga mats etc for purchase at the studio.
The only disadvantage is the noise of the trains. The train station is right next to the studio. Prices could be cheaper, too.
Overall, very good studio!

I can’t say enough positive things about this studio (full disclosure, I work there as a work study student, but it is only because I liked it to so much that I became a work study student).
I’m new to yoga and I love that there are so many options to beginners (although there are certainly a lot of advanced classes that I’m not ready for yet as well). All of the teachers are really nice while having their own style. In addition to the classes I did a couple of workshops which were really helpful. The owners really care about their students, the studio and the community and it shows. I tell everyone I know who is interested in yoga to check it out, you won’t be disappointed!