Bikram Hot Yoga Houston

I absolutely loved this. I never knew how relaxing this would be. I know at least 3 people who lost a ton of pounds by doing hit yoga 3 times a week.
The instructors are calm and helpful and I can’t imagine not doing this.
Plus the rates are amazing.

So my friend and I just finished (or attempted to finish) the 10-​day beginner session. I am giving it 3-​stars only because of the friendliness of the staff.
On our third session, the smell became absolutely unbearable. There are obviously people who don’t conform to standard hygiene practices (i.e. not bathing so it seems). This smell in addition to the smell of the carpet in the room was really overwhelming. It is very hard to try and focus on the positions when you are trying to hold your breath in order to not inhale the fabulous (sarcasm) odor of the guy to your right who smells like poopoo and the carpet that smells like the accumulation of sweat. While I completely understand that the Staff cannot control the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of the students, there must be some kind of way to better the carpet smell… maybe replacing it with some kind of hard floor…
Needless to say, this place has potential. But the tipping point was when a cockroach decided to participate in the yoga session, scaring the crap out of me. Please improve the cleanliness of the studio and I’d be happy to reconsider coming back here.
(Oh and beginners beware: You will see people in speedos so prepare yourself for some quite disturbing images as you bend your body tons of different ways…)

This place is great! I felt better after one class but have now been to three and feel even better. I will defiantly be adding this to my regular routine.

I have been a Bikram Hot Yoga Houston student for many years. A year ago I had back surgery to remove a bone spur from one of my vertebra that was pushing into my sciatic nerve. The surgery took care of the bone spur, but it caused another back issue that I had to have an epidural for. About 2.5 weeks ago, I felt like I was ready to begin my Bikram practice, so I took two classes on consecutive days. The classes felt so good that I didn’t realize I was pushing myself too hard. Needless to say, the day after my back to back classes, my back was screaming at me. I went to the Bikram studio to tell them that I didn’t think I could continue my practice, and then I received the sweetest email from Joanie, one of the owners. She reminded me that Bikram Yoga is all about healing, and gave me specific instructions on how to modify several of the poses. I’ve been practicing ever since, and today I received an email from Joanie, just checking in to see how everything was going. I told her how much I appreciated her wisdom, kindness and sincerity, and how fortunate I am to have such a serene and wonderful place to exercise and heal. Every day my back is feeling better and stronger and I’ve noticed that the aches and pains are becoming fewer and farther in between. I also must mention the incredible staff of highly trained and knowledgeable instructors who are always there to help and encourage. It is also such a pleasure to walk in the front door and be greeted by the smiling, happy front desk staff. I can credit this to the consistent practice of Bikram Yoga. It is a truly healing, energizing and invigorating way to get yourself back into shape, lose weight, improve your posture, and of course sweat!

This place is Amazing. The staff and the instructors are friendly and amazing. They really know their stuff. I’m new to Bikram, so I thought it will be a typical yoga poses, but I was wrong. The instructors are super nice. They made me feel at ease, they didn’t pressure me or called me out. They are there to help out.
They have this deal. $ 20 for 10 classes straight. I took advantage of going to class every day. It’s def. your money worth.
I would go back soon.

I just saw a negative review by a Deanna person. I strongly disagree with almost everything she said. I do yoga at this school and have never ever experienced what she says. I have always been treated with respect and kindness. So please experience this studio for yourself.

I have practiced hot yoga now and again all over the U.S., and the only awful experiences I have had are at Bikram yoga studios — the Houston Bikram yoga studios on Fountain View and South smell filthy and disgusting. The smell is NOT necessary, as there are clean hot yoga studios that do not stink all over the U.S. Some have carpet, such as Your Body Center in Houston, and it never stinks (and has great energy and a kind owner). The Agoura Hills Bikram studio also does not stink despite having carpet. Other studios have flooring, such as Malibu Hot Yoga, which smells great all the time. I also saw the Houston Bikram owner (the female) being nasty and rude — the owners seem to be angry and unhappy people. I have not seen any yoga instructors or owners being nasty anywhere other than at a few Bikram studios (most are great), and in the yoga world, the Bikram instructors are known as «yoga nazis.» The Houston Bikram studios are truly the lowest form of hot yoga.
I saw the owner’s response. No one ever asked me to leave this studio. I was there on a number of occasions a few years ago — she apparently has no idea who I am. Her response is therefore misleading and inaccurate — a «canned» response because her reviews are so awful. This is exactly the type of person I personally observed — and I asked at the time who owned the studio and she stated to me that she was the owner (I asked because I was going to report her to the owner).

I have to agree with one of the other reviews about the «carpet like material» on the floor. It stinks. It stinks bad. While there are definite pros to this studio i.e. the class times, the teacher (I only had one class with Lynn and thought she was lovely) the location and the fact that they teach classic Bikram hot yoga I just could not bring my self to go back to having my face (and nose) close to their floor again. Their ventilation also needs some help. I would happily return if they did some updating but until then I will look elsewhere for my Bikram yoga needs.

I can’t stop singing the praise of Bikram Yoga. It had been years since i practiced… I jumped head first into a challenge. It was OK the first day… HATED everyone in the class and who worked there the second day ;-) but by the end of the first week… I could feel the changes. And they continue to come! My racing mind has slowed… My headaches have gone away… My body temperature has cooled… My diet and cravings have totally changed. Your body will love it… It’s you mind that gets in the way. I learned to keep my thoughts under control, only allow the teachers voice to direct me and the time flies by. Yes it smells… yes its hot as hell… but nothing has made me feel better.
Thank you to all staff at Fountainview… your amazing!

I love hot yoga but I do not like this studio at all! I wasn’t a fan after the first class but I have taken lots of hot yoga classes (which I love) so I went back a few more times to be sure. For one, it smells awful. I had to put some Tiger Balm (menthol ointment) under my nose just to get through class. The instructors call it ‘your practice’ but its hardly yours… they call the shots. Bikram suggests you are supposed to drink water at certain times during the class but some of the instructors here are very strick about when you can drink water. They even called a few people out during the class and told them they could not have water til later. According to
you can drink as needed. I like to use a small rag during class and I was told not to do so. Also, according to bikram you can use rags if needed. I was so mad by the end of the class I decided not to ever go back. I’m going to try Yoga One and I have a feeling it will be much better. It certainly couldn’t be worse than this place.

I just took a class today — the 8:15am class – and I guess I expected better instruction if I’m going to pay $ 20/​session + water.
I am a native Houstonian currently working and living in New York City for the past 4 – 5 years. I am here in Houston visiting family for the holidays. For the past 2 months, I’ve been practicing bikram yoga as a way of meditation — to recalibrate myself after day-​to-​day stress. So I have a good benchmark of comparison to what a good session is vs. a bad session.
Let’s just say the 8:15am class by this instructor did not meet my expectations.
* First off, the class was anything but meditative. In the past I’ve encountered numerous bikram yoga instructors who are more personable, with soothing voices, who are supportive in their demeanor, etc. This one instructor however sounded more like an auctioneer… not soothing at all. At one point, he talked so fast… he tripped on his own words! I’ve never seen such a thing in all my times doing bikram…
* Also after the period where we were allowed to take sips of water, I get called out in class for taking a sip of water during a posture. Ridiculous! My body is telling me I’m thirsty so of course I’m going to take a sip of water.
* I did not like the way the instructor spoke to me. Also he called me out for sitting on my heels, deeming it was not good for me. I get that but later in the class, at least twice he instructs the class to sit on the heels. Another ridiculous thing.
* What I think this place could improve upon is making the people in the class feel more welcome. From my past experiences, the instructor will come into the room early and walk around with a notepad — greet each student, write down names — and actually remember names when instructing. This instructor did not do such a thing.
* Also during the «Savasana» pose — twice… the instructor left the room – I have never encountered such a thing.
* Towards the end of the class — he wraps up with what I felt like a marketing speal that made me not want to come back to the place at all.
* Prior to the class, I felt pressured into considering the «traveler’s package» since I am visiting from out of town… I politely declined and said that I would like the chance to try the class out for $ 20 first. I felt like what was coming out of my mouth fell on deaf ears even though the lady pushing it was kind…
On a side note, I brought a close friend to class — I wanted to introduce her to bikram yoga and thought this place would welcome her the way I had been welcomed when I had started in New York City… I guess things are done differently at this studio. Ususally there is a round of applause for those new students who attend class for the first time — just to give a round of support.
I understand that there were 60 students in the class but I’ve seen classes of this size go quite smoothly — it all just depends on the instructor. And this one did not meet my expectations. Sure he started off explaining the postures in detail but was not consistent in explaining the postures toward the end.
Because of this instructor I will not be returning and will discourage any one to return. The reason I did not give this place 1 star is because the facilities were actually the best I’ve ever seen… the shower and changing area was clean. That was the only thing I liked this morning.
(The other day, I wanted to take the 4:30pm but I was late for it. The lady at the front desk, Trinity, was super kind and understanding. She walked me around the facilities and helped me with my paperwork. She even introduced me to Yogitoes — and I bought one — great investment if you ask me. My point is that this place needs more people like Trinity who make the place more personable– and who doesn’t aggressively market the classes/​packages — because as a consumer, it is a huge turnoff. The only reason I showed up for the 8:15am class today was because of her encouragement to come back.)
But for someone who cares more for the instruction and the meditation aspect of bikram yoga… I will NOT be returning to this location.
What I found funny is that as I was leaving the front door, the instructor tried to be polite and said, «Nice to meet you.» … My thoughts on that are — How can you even say that to me when you don’t even know my name or even cared to ask?
Wow — that experience I had today was nothing I had expected.
I expected more if I’m going to be paying $ 20 for a session.

This past year, I made a solemn vow to myself to try a lot of different things when it came to fitness, and see what worked for me to get myself in a solid routine.
My old hairdresser, recommended Bikram to cleanse my soul (its going to take a lot more than a hot yoga class, sucka!) Anywho, I recruited my co worker sidekick that is up for anything and off we went to hot yoga.
I tried it twice, the first time was a bit difficult, but definitely do able, even someone who is a bit out of shape (cough! cough) and the instructor was SUPER DUPER nice, and explained everything from start to finish, which really made me feel comfortable. The whole breathing aspect is a little tricky, since I have only tried a handful of regular yoga classes, but again, the good thing is, is you are having issues, take a deep breath and try again. Patience, my dear.
A lot of hard core hot yoga peeps practice here, its no frills, but I didn’t notice any stench, actually it smelled like Downey – or maybe that was me.
1.5 hours of sweating your butt off (literally!) is the best way to describe it. Sure, its not easy, and at the end you want to go outside and jump in a pile of snow you are so flipping hot, but its not as murderous as I thought. Manageable even.
The prices are a bit more steep than some of the others inside the loop,(I know, I know its BIKRAM) so in the New Year, I do plan on giving hot yoga another twirl.
I would highly recommend it if you are interested, as everyone in this class looked pretty lean and mean! (and there were a couple of cuties too!)

Sniff. Is that me? I know I showered last night. I don’t want to fidget because I know we’re supposed to be «still.» Let me investigate a lil.
Oh, good. The floor series, no one can really see me investigate during floor. Turn my head to the left. Turn my head to the right. BINGO — that smell is the «floor.» (EDIT: I’m sorry, owner, I accidentally called it carpet though I know better — nonetheless the following statements still stand.) It smells like super wet outdoor dog. On a scale of ten — the odor is about a thirteen point seven five. (I’m feeling exact.)
This is the most ill kept studio in the Houston area that I have been too. Not only that but the owner and the front desk pressured my friend and I for about ten minutes after our class to buy packages. Don’t think so.
I didn’t feel the light within them saluting the light within me. Just the business person within them reaching out to grab the one month package dollar signs within me. Fohgetit.

I love this studio.
This is one of the best Bikram yoga studios I have ever been to in the country, including a Bikram-​owned studio in the SF Bay Area.
Sheri is excellent and amongst the best Bikram yoga instructors that I know. She is super friendly and genuine, knows her dialogue perfectly and has a melodious yogic voice to match, and inspires you to do your best. She always starts the class by reminding us that «yoga is about non-​judgment of yourself … enjoy your yoga!»

I just started doing hot yoga again because of a bum knee, and I’m totally addicted!!! I primarily attend early morning classes, but the afternoon class is great too. Stay hydrated, friends, and check out Bikram!

I never thought in a MILLION years that I would try yoga, let alone hot yoga. My cousin has sworn by it for a long time and so I figured, «what the hell?»
This place happens to be around the corner from my house so I stopped in one night in «yoga clothes» and signed up for a class. The guy behind the counter was about as muscular as I am so I was less intimidated about being the «big guy» in the room.
I learned quickly that BY is the great equalizer. I mean, I work out at least 5 times a week and I’m that annoying guy that grunts under weights that are probably too heavy for me anyway. After ten minutes in the hot room… holy crap!
As it’s been said, the beauty of BY is that there are 26 poses, the poses never change and they are done in the same order every time. The heat takes a bit to get used to and can be overwhelming at first.
Some advice for newbies:
1. Dress comfortably and understand that you will SWEAT!
2. Stay off the front row until you’re confident enough to be a reference.
3. Learn the etiquette.
4. Bring iced water. Your cold water will be warm at the end of 90 minutes.
5. Stay for the final savasana — it’s worth it.
6. Don’t compare yourself to others! I learned overtime that some people are very good at some poses and some are good at all 26 but everyone has their limits.
BY is a very personal experience. It truly is about your yoga and your mental journey. This is a great place to start out because the staff are very accommodating and extremely patient and helpful. Try it out… you’ll love it!

Very Intense Yoga. I usually go to another studio, but my friend urged me to try Bikram so I went for it. Let me tell you, this class is not for the faint of yogi’s! The room is 105 degrees and you are doing pretty rapid yoga poses the entire class. They do give you a few water breaks, but urge you not to be distracted throughout the class other than those water breaks. I agree with the previous post about how they are instructing you throughout every pose to «stretch harder, reach harder, harder, harder, harder «throughout the poses. I did find this slightly distracting as well, but I think this is their method of yoga. I feel pretty beat up this morning, so it definitely did something for me! I will be back as I generally very much enjoyed bikram!
And Marvin was our teacher and he was great!

I’m a diehard Bikram convert. If you need to heal old injuries, detoxify your body, and stretch out shortened muscles, this is the class for you.
The Bikram practice is the same everywhere. Basically, 90 mins, 26 postures, roughly 105 degrees Fahrenheit (not Celsius or else we would bake instead of steam in our own sweat) and very humid. I’ll be honest, I’ve done this for 4 years and took classes in studios all over the country. Joani and Mike, the owners of the Fountainview and South Boulevard Bikram studios, are FAMOUS for being disciplinarians (Yoga Nazis if you will). The room must be arranged from front to back, you will not wipe your sweat, leave your mat during a posture, or drink water when you aren’t supposed to. I LOVE IT. Trust me, when you really get into the practice all that stuff distracts you and makes everything harder. Most importantly, the teachers at BYCI Houston are consistently the best I’ve ever experienced. They’re funny, knowledgeable, and will call you out to push you to improve your posture.
There are two drawbacks to this location. First is parking during dinner time or weekend brunch. There are some popular restaurants in the shopping center that can make finding a spot really difficult if you don’t give yourself enough time. Trust me, you want to give yourself enough time because once a class starts they lock the door and don’t let anyone else in. Second, the shower and changing facilities have one bathroom stall and three showers. This sounds like a lot, but it can get backed up in peak classes where there are around 40+ yogis. The area is also kind of small so there can be traffic jams. However, if you live close and can quickly go home and shower this is not too much of an issue.

First, let me tell you why I like yoga and why this place was totally not for me:
I love yoga because I love challenging my mind and body. A good vinyasa class will not only work you out but also give you peace of mind, connect you to your breath and calm you down. I like the those transcendental beats studios always play. I like disappearing for over an hour and just focusing on the moment and my body.
Why I disliked this practice:
It was like boot camp for yoga. I haven’t actively tried to pass out or throw up since college and the heat definitely makes that a possibility. The instructor stands on a platform and wears a head mic… and it’s not like there were that many people in the class when I took it. The lights are on pretty high and there is no music. Worst of all is the fact that I the instructor talked continuously while the class is holding a pose. It was like a yogic drill Sargent yelling «GO! GO! GO! STRETCH! STRETCH! STRETCH!» even though I got the pose 30 yells ago and just want to enjoy it. They also plug buying a package pretty hard right before you are in your final resting pose.
The ups: They were really nice there. They knew it was my first time at their studio and took the time to know my name and call me out during class. They happily showed me around and people who practice there seem to love it. It just wasn’t for me. So if you want a yoga whooping Go for it. I am certainly sore and it was a good workout.

I started doing Bikram Yoga here a little over a year ago and made it a point to pop in anytime I was back from Austin for a weekend. There is ample parking and the location is great (well, it is for me considering I live about 5 blocks away).
I definitely recommend trying it out if you’ve never done it before. I think everyone has a different reaction to it, but personally, I come out completely refreshed and ready to take on the world after each class. The classes are fit for first-​timers or experts, and the instructors are kind, patient and ready to help you get the most out of your «90 minutes of hell.» In those 90 minutes, you complete 26 postures in a room is heated to 105 F. The only part that sucks is cost, but they have different packages/​options that can reduce it a bit.
Check out their website for details!