Ashtanga Yoga Upper West Side

Astanga Yoga Upper Westside is definitely my favorite place in the city of New York. I’ve lived in New York and dabbled with different classes since 2007, but I didn’t really «get» yoga (or love New York) until I started to practice with Zoe and Ben.
Mysore Astanga is the best way to practice yoga– if you’re older, younger, flexible, strong, stiff, weak– this practice will absolutely be the best thing for whatever your body might need. Mysore classes are like a private class in a group setting, so you get all the attention you might need but still have the comfort and anonymity of a group setting. Come if you’re a beginner. Come if you’re a long-​time practitioner. It’s good for everyone!
Zoe and Ben are probably going to be your favorite new people in the city once you meet them. The studio is really peaceful, warm, and most of all lighthearted and welcoming because of them. They’ve both been practicing and teaching for years (more like decades) so you can be sure that you’ll be in safe hands.

I should have written this update long ago, as I’ve been coming to Ashtanga UWS for almost 2 years. I practice regularly in Boston, but when I visit NYC, I always come to Ashtanga UWS. Zoe is a phenomenal teacher! Clearly, her understanding of the Ashtanga practice is deep and traditional. It’s always a pleasure to practice with her, as she has offered her assistance to help me grow and further my practice with every posture.
My practice has grown significantly since I first wrote this review. I have gained a deeper understanding of the practice and the postures, and have been able to deepen my strength and flexibility at Ashtanga UWS. Although my first visit was a little daunting, every subsequent visit has been better than the last. I owe a lot to Ashtanga UWS, and hope to visit again soon!

It’s very rare to find a yoga studio like this. It doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is — a small, simple studio where dedicated yogis can practice. It’s small (but spacious) and makes you feel at home, particularly because it is a home. The location is in an apartment-​turned yoga studio, which gives you just the right amount of space to practice and rest. The walls are beautifully decorated with with colors and pictures that give off a sense of warmth without being distracting. Zoe and Ben (studio owners) do an amazing job assisting you with your practice. Most of the time they’ll leave you to go about the poses on your own but don’t hesitate to come when they see that their assistance will help you go deeper into your pose.
My favorite thing above all is the students. Every student treats his or her practice with such a focus on the self that sometimes I even forget that there’s other people in the room. If you’re looking for a small, intimate practice setting that will help you progress in your practice with ease, then this is the studio for you.

From the first time I walked in to Ashtanga Yoga Upper West Side, I was greeted with warmth and tenderness. Beginning the practice of yoga at 50 yo could have been very intimidating. But with the loving guidance of both Zoe and Ben, I was able to find exactly what I needed. The Shala is warm and lovely, the adjustments or assists feel magical, and today at 55, I feel better than I have my entire life. I am forever grateful to have this amazing space and teachers in my life.

When you walk in, the first thing you see is the changing area which is partitioned by curtains. When you pass through, you step into the cool blue meditation/​savasana room. Finally, you reach the fiery bright practice room which has a two row capacity. maybe 16 – 20 people max.
Zoe and Ben are great, assisting when you need their help and otherwise just quietly overseeing your practice. A place for serious Ashtanga practitioners where ujjayi breathing is the music.
Great for a deep, focused practice.

Ashtanga Upper West Side is a charming shala supporting serious yoga practice at all levels. Zoe and Ben are kind, attentive and accomplished instructors. They are devoted to the lineage of Sri K. Patabhi Jois, having studied directly with ‘Guruji’ and his successor and grandson Sharath, how great!
The shala is comprised mainly of two large pre-​war spaces with tall ceilings and beautiful wood floors. The original design and detailing lends itself to the tasteful indic décor. The separate spaces provide a clear division for asana/​vinyasa and shavasana/​meditation which contributes to the pleasant atmosphere.
My practice here for the past eight months has been immensely rewarding.
This is a real oasis.

This is a great no-​nonsense, friendly, unpretentious yoga studio for Ashtanga devotees. The yoga teacher, Zoe, is very knowledgeable and has an easy-​going attitude. In my opinion, this is the only Ashtanga studio on the Upper West Side that I remains true to its practice.

I sign up for the monthly membership and I met anther guy who also transfered from Yogaworks to Ashtanga Yoga Upper West. I’m afraid that my yoga studio list probably will end here, because I’m very happy with AYUW and I’ll stay here.