Pure Yoga

It looks like I’m not the only one who has had a frustrating experience with customer service here. Don’t be swayed by the pretty space; you are not valued by this place.
After almost a year as a member, I was a fan of this place… until today. Pure Yoga lacks customer service that actually serves customers — and as someone who has worked in customer service and hired customer service managers, I have both a personal and professional bone to pick.
Last night, I called to inquire about canceling my membership; as much as I enjoyed (most) classes, the cost is exorbitant and as a teacher, I simply can’t afford it any longer. The representative I spoke with told me that if I came in today, June 1, I could cancel for the month of July and just pay one day of July, no problem. Only because of that information, I then booked a new, cheaper gym to start saving cash, as my new gym had a sign-​up deal that expired last night and I am trying to save as much as possible.
Fast forward to today, when I went in person to Yoga West to cancel. I was told that the representative had given me erroneous information, and that I would now be responsible for paying through the month of July. I told the Customer Service Associate, Chad, that I made a decision based on that false information I was given and that he was essentially telling me I had to pay for a month that I was assured I would not be responsible for. He said «there’s nothing I can do,» and stayed mostly silent. In fact, I got the feeling he doubted my story, though another rep corroborated that I called the night before. When I said explicitly «What I’m looking for is an understanding that your organization has made a mistake and is now telling me I need to pay for an employee’s error,» he just sat silently and stared at me. Clearly, as a canceling member, I am no longer valued by the organization, despite the fact that I am still paying to attend classes for June (and, according to them, July). The organization is forcing me to cough up a few hundred dollars because, well, they can.
Two things have incensed me about this exchange:
1) I was made to feel unimportant and, further, like I was a nuisance for even requesting that someone listen to my concern. There was no attempt to find a solution. I had to ask (because I was not offered): why can’t you cancel my membership as was promised, what is the specific obstacle (software? legal?), who do I need to talk to in order to resolve this? I told Chad that as someone who worked in Customer Service, I wanted to feel heard and that I didn’t. He just stared at me (again). Customer service is all about empathy. If you’re going to screw over a member, at least make them feel listened to first. I felt nothing but annoyance and a complete lack of concern from the representative I spoke with.
3) If you make a mistake, do not make the customer pay. I have no interest in getting anyone in fired; I’m simply asking for the company to pay for the error their employee made. This is Customer Service 101. I’m surprised that an organization as established as Equinox hasn’t prepped their representatives better.
I hope to resolve this issue with Equinox; until then, I must warn you all: don’t be romanced by the nice facilities and the smiling faces behind the counter. When it comes to your treatment as a member, you’re just a number to them. For an organization that relies on membership — aka long-​term, repeat purchasing and loyalty — this is a critical error that will surely come back to bite them when their renewals dwindle.

Disgusting customer service! I told them I will pay cash every month after became a member while they insist me to give them my credit card just on file and promise no charge. It turns out that they charge my credit card every month 23^rd automatically and refuse to refund. So bad attitude.

The custom service is so poor. When they persuade me to be the annual member, They promise that I can cancel it or degrade it anytime I want, but the truth is that they have various excuses to prevent you cancel it. I became the member at 30^th March and I paid 260 $ on that day. When it comes to May 23^rd, they failed to charge my credit card. I told them I wanna degrade my membership for next month. But they insist that I have a balance of 260 $ for May. I told them I already paid on 23^rd April. They said that is for April and the money I paid on 30^th March is for March. It make no sense that I paid 260 $ just for 2 days in March! What’s more ridiculous is they stop me to go for class on that day and very rude attitude to me. By the way, they promise you gift card while it’s just a trick to let you in. They will never send you the card if you don’t ask them again and again.

Nice bathroom with everything you need, high class moisturizer with lockers etc… Yoga classes are too crowded, literally hit each other in the face, also, I don’t feel yoga vibe at my hot yoga class. It’s like competition boo. Barre class otherwise is excellent for your body, highly recommended just for figure 4 class.

Just have to follow up and say that I have had subsequent interactions with Alexandra and she has been lovely and very helpful. Also, all of the front desk people have been helpful too.

Very nice place, clean, nice amenities. Seems like it could get really crowded but my class wasn’t. Did the hot vinyasa ²⁄₃ class. Pretty good !

Mat slammers and Talkers.
Terrible all around experience.

I once loved this studio. Now it’s full of gossiping in the studio prior to class (not conducive to meditation) and a really corporate feel. My yoga teacher friends warned me about this and I should have listened.
Not to mention the AWFUL customer service when trying to cancel. It’s as if I signed my soul away. I was told over the phone that I’d have to come in to cancel. I explained I had moved and didn’t get any help until I emailed asking if the cancellation paperwork could just be sent. A few weeks later I finally get a response and the cancellation process started, only to be told I would be charged for all the time they took to actually cancel my account.
Don’t do it. It’s not worth it.

If you want to feel pampered and get a good workout in, this is the place. I came here at 7am for the Figure 4 barre class led by Ashleigh and I definitely shook and sweat my way through the morning. The moves and structure of the class were slightly similar to a class I took at Physique57 but otherwise, very different from the other well-​known barre studios. There was a large emphasis on core workout which I appreciated. Ashleigh was also great at helping us with adjustments if needed. I can imagine the afterwork ambiance is way more hectic than a morning class, so I am glad I got in early.
The space immediately put me at ease; it’s beautiful, serene, and very spacious. With 10 showers, tons of lockers, multiple bathroom stalls, blowdryers, Kiehls products, toiletries, and mirror space all around, getting ready for work was no hassle. The only thing which struck me as odd was that you had to bring your own lock, only because most fancy studios have a digital locker system in place. This of course is not a deal breaker in any way. In fact, I look forward to coming back again.

If you want to feel pampered and get a good workout in, this is the place. I came here at 7am for the Figure 4 barre class led by Ashleigh and I definitely shook and sweat my way through the morning. The moves and structure of the class were slightly similar to a class a took at Physique57 but otherwise, very different from the other well-​known barre studios. There was a large emphasis on core workout which I appreciated. Ashleigh was also great at helping us with adjustments if needed. I can imagine the afterwork ambiance is way more hectic than a morning class, so I am glad I got in early.
The space immediately put me at ease; it’s beautiful, serene, and very spacious. With 10 showers, tons of lockers, multiple bathroom stalls, blowdryers, Kiehls products, toiletries, and mirror space all around, getting ready for work was no hassle. The only thing which struck me as odd was that you had to bring your own lock, only because most fancy studios have a digital locker system in place. This of course is not a deal breaker in any way. In fact, I look forward to coming back again.

I was very disappointed when I read the ratings for Pure because I don’t believe they do it justice. Pure selects consistently excellent yoga instructors. My favorite is Adam who teaches a wonderful Iyengar class. The facilities are immaculately clean and beautiful. I have been a member of Pure for a couple of years now and I feel lucky that it is in my neighborhood on the upper west side.

Very bad tips for delivery guys! Very bad tips for delivery guys! Very bad tips for delivery guys!

The facilities, locker room and teachers are excellent. I wish the monthly membership was more affordable.

Tried out a class today. The class was good. Good teacher, fun sequencing, kind demeanor. That being said, I’ve been equally inspired by teachers in a studio I go to in Harlem where I pay $ 5 a class.
But here’s the real deal.
Some people may like the luxurious facilities and the heavily curated décor. That’s great, if that’s your thing. As for me, I’ll get my curated experience the next time I go to a MUSEUM but when I go to take a yoga class I want an experience that brings me to a point of focus with my body, my sense of spirituality, and a connection to the people around me. Pure seems more focused on ambience and an almost embarrassing display of wealth and luxury than looking at why we REALLY return to our mat every day. Just food for thought. To me, this isn’t what yoga is about. :\

I went to Pure Yoga for a Figure 4 Barre class on a Sunday at 10:30am. As suggested, I arrived 15 minutes prior to the class starting where I had to fill out the first timer form. The girl at check-​in told me to take a bunch of lefts and I would be either in the studio or the locker room. Based on her directions, I found my way to the locker room where I was shocked that no locks were provided. I had not brought my own lock, so I was forced to bring my belongings into the studio with me. I left my shoes in a cubby outside the studio.
I must have looked out of place as the instructor, Ashleigh, immediately pegged me as a newbie. She was friendly and explained the props that we would need for the class and told me I could store my bag where all of the equipment was located. I found a spot at the barre and class soon began. What was different from most barre classes I have taken was that we began the class at the barre and then moved to the center of the room to do weights, abs, and thighs. Then we returned to the barre to finish up the class. I liked that the flow of the class varied from other barre classes I have taken and that the portion at the barre was not all in succession. Ashleigh came around the room and gave corrections to positions and did so in a way that was helpful and not critical.
Overall, I was satisfied with the class and I do plan to return in the future. The Pure Yoga facility is clean and well-​kept, but until they start providing locks on the lockers I cannot give it five stars.

The class at Pure Yoga was fine, but their customer service was anything but zen. Because I came as a guest, they made me give them my brand new drivers license (So I didn’t steal a yoga mat???). After class I went to collect my license and was told it was not there. Instead of apologizing for losing my license, they basically denied they had ever taken it and told me several times to check my wallet. They have an entire drawer full of lost ID’s! They also promised to call me in the morning when the manager was back, and that didn’t happen either. Needless to say, I won’t be becoming a member.
Also just a minor annoyance, but a facility of their caliber should really have lockers with locks on them so you don’t have to bring your own.

I have been a Pure West Yoga member for over 2 years. I have always had a positive experience. The staff is lovely, accessible and always willing to go the extra mile. Jared, the assistant General Manager has been most helpful with helping me find the exact classes I need and want!
It’s clean and the studios are just beautiful. The yoga teachers are top notch and the classes at Pure West are incredible. Pure West also offers such a variety of classes. From Hot Power Yoga (which I love) to Meditation, Restorative Yoga and so much more.

Pure West staff are the worst and the reason I am quitting the studio after only one year. They are condescending — particularly the general manager of the studio — and not at all member accommodating. My experience at Pure has not been pleasant as a result. One time, they didn’t let me into a yoga class that I had already pre-​registered for because on their clock (not mine), I was one minute late. They also refused to let my friend into a class because she was a few minutes late. She was trying out the studio but will not be joining as a result. Another friend is also quitting after five years with Pure — partly due to the staff. What’s very odd is that the staff at Pure East is 100% the opposite. My advice is to only go to Pure East if you are interested in this studio. Don’t even bother with Pure West — go to YogaWorks instead if you are on the west side. Much nicer and empathetic staff.

I did a trail class (or, a few classes) here when trying to figure out what yoga studio to join in the area. Unfortunately, they don’t have drop in rates (it’s members only), which is what I was hoping for (so I can try more than 1 – 2 of their classes), but Pure Yoga was kind enough to let me try a couple. I tried the Yoga Nidra, Meditation, and Hatha Yoga classes.
If you’ve never done yoga nidra, PLEASE try it. I’m a very very anxious person and I’m completely impressed at the yogi who managed to calm my breathing and consciousness to a point where I was «asleep», but still awake. It felt very much like meditation, but honestly I haven’t tried meditation other than here. I’m the person that rambles inside my own head of all the things I have to do for the rest of the day, week, month, etc, where I stress about things I have no control over, yet the yogi master was able to control my thoughts so subtly! I couldn’t believe it. If I could pay a lower rate just to do yoga nidra, I totally would join this studio. The facilities are nicer than any gym or apartment I’ve ever stepped into. I mean, seriously guys. Huge locker room with such nice amenities.
Unfortunately, it’s just out of my price range (I think $ 160, or $ 140 if you’re a student — per month), and if it came with an actual gym as well, I would join. However there are plenty of places (Equinox, for example) that costs that much and also have unlimited class usage.
If you’re a serious yogi, and can afford this place, I would highly suggest trying a class or two here. But the lack of one star is probably just the pricing, and the fact that they don’t have a one or two week trial period so you can try multiple classes without making them feel like you’re taking advantage each time you ask for another trial class.

2 stars for the facility. The locker rooms and shower area are pretty clean and the space is nice but they really need to upgrade the props. The mats have holes worn through and the blocks have sweat stains. EW. It seems many of the good teachers are no longer there. The other teachers and staff just seem to be showing up to collect their paycheck and get it over with. I stuck it out for a year but for what you get it’s not worth the price.
At the end of my contract I wanted to cancel. Better plan ahead and do it in person — I was traveling quite a bit and they apparently are not living in the digital age. Better get down there to sign «the triplicate form». When I asked why I couldn’t just do this via email or online form the manager informed me that «This is a contract — just like a mortgage» Um, really? This is a yoga class not a $ 2 million mortgage. And I wasn’t even trying to quit early! Save your money and go somewhere else.

Pure yoga shouldn’t receive less than five stars. It’s just simply amazing! I love how hygienic they are; mats are cleaned after every yoga class! Showers are cleaned after the big crowd uses them (After popular classes like hot yoga or Ashtanga showers get busy).
The instructors are great and extremely nice.
Studios are big and smell nice always!
Beautiful and zen place.
Eucalyptus infused towels by the launching spots
Conclusion: Pure yoga is awesome!

Extremely fancy yoga studio. To be fair I only tried one class here but then again being able to afford a membership to this studio while also belonging to a regular gym seems like a big financial commitment. I would definitely recommend it if you are serious about your practice. They set up the rooms with mats even before you enter so no need to bring anything except yourself. I tried a hot yoga class which was great– good amount of heat. My only compliant would be that for a private elusive studio they really pack their classes to the max. My class had about 40 people so there wasn’t really much personal attention which I would expect from a studio like this.
The facilities and locker rooms were top-​notch and of course the damp eucalyptus took post yoga bliss to a new level. You get what you pay for here but be warned that you will be paying quite a lot.

My five stars are strictly instructor-​specific based on classes with these three: Jimmy, Jacob, and Ariel. Fantastic yoga teachers with a deep commitment to study and personal practice, strong leadership skills, excellent spoken instructions, they will challenge you but not in a «Simon Says,» rapid-​fire kind of way, they maintain good flow, good pacing. They have a keen eye for reading the students bodies, and can make excellent intuitive appraisals, give little hints on alignment or manual adjustments that will give you an «aha!» moment (Jimmy did something to my shoulders that made me realize the pose was actually incredibly pleasant with correct alignment and I had always hated it because I was making it unnecessarily difficult for myself.) its a pleasure to study with them. They will bring your practice to the next level. If you have the opportunity to join one of their retreats — GO!

Nasty staff. I never write reviews but Pure Yoga is awful. I live on the UWS and the sales managers and instructors are full of it. They just want your money to go to their over-​packed classes. The instructors for Barre are extremely snotty. They don’t care if you have injuries, need help and they only like their favorites. Spend your money on Physique 57 where people have hearts and souls. I feel like I’m entering hell when I go into Pure Yoga. Nasty staff. I’m paying good money to go here, and the customer service is worse then any fitness center I have ever been to.

I had quite a decent experience with pure so it’s sad that I am leaving with such a sour taste. The classes are really good, though there really aren’t enough options for the exorbitant amount they charge. The facilities are nice, but nothing spectacular.
The customer service is so poor that it changed my entire opinion of pure. Upon joining I was promised a gift certificate and not only did they not follow through, they were very rude to me when I inquired about it. Their cancellation policy is also absolutely absurd, so read the fine print very closely. I certainly regret my time at pure west, if you’re going to spend that kind of money go to Equinox or basically anywhere else.

Pure Yoga is a wonderful place to practice with top-​level instructors (SO many incredible teachers to shape and define your practice).
Specialty classes:
Figure 4 bar with Lindsey Miller was incredibly tough, rewarding and FUN. This instructor knows how to motivate.
PXT with Alison O’Connor is sensational! One of the best, most inspiring instructors and she also teaches yoga.
Facility: Very clean zen-​like spaces and a very welcoming staff, perfect schedule + nice locker room facilities.
Just wish they would prevent latecomers to yoga class :)

Thanks to my dear friend, I attended my first Figure 4 Barre class here. As a yoga fanatic, I have not incorporated much other types of exercise, and I was thrilled to find that Barre was the perfect supplement. After this one hour class, I felt that my entire body had an incredible work out, and I definitely felt the burn throughout class. I will definitely try to incorporate barre into my routine from now on.
As for the studio, I love PURE YOGA. It’s been awhile since I felt I was transplanted to some sort of health/​fitness oasis since my time at high-​end fitness centers in Asia. Pure Yoga brought me back to times where I can look forward to spending hours at the gym to relax. Whether it be taking one class, resting on the super comfy lounges, sitting in a steam room, or getting ready in their awesome spacious locker rooms.
The customer service at the front desk was friendly, and despite the «corporate business model,» I still think it is a good place to get away to practice yoga & do barre. There seems like there are tons of classes available for the busy professional.

Yes, this place is a franchise and yes it is a high-​end yoga studio and yes, you will get an excellent workout here.
I came here with my pass from Yoga PassBook 2014. So I can’t tell you how much the monthly membership is…
I joined the 4:30pm Hot PowerYoga (2) with Loren Bassett. I already anticipated that it was going to be a hard class. I have never taken a class at Pure Yoga that has not kicked my ass…
But, what does not kill you will only give you a tighter ass and stronger legs. I was sweating out bullets and my heart rate was definitely up 15 minutes into class. This class is no joke. Only serious yogis please. It is high intensity in a warm room, so be well hydrated and be ready to work.
I really liked that Loren didn’t mind going around touching sweaty bodies and adjusting poses. I have a very hard time getting into modified lizard pose and Loren helped me just a bit and I was able to reach my hand to my feet and get a really deep hamstring stretch. In fact, I can feel the effects of the stretch now while writing this review.
This studio is beautiful. Quite a few rooms for different classes all running at the same time. Locker rooms are immaculate. Complimentary towels for your use. Blow dryers, mouthwash, cotton ear swabs, razors all available for your use.
I would consider joining this yoga studio as it is very serious about yoga. But the dilemma is that I live downtown and it isn’t always convenient for me to make it up here… and well, I have commitment issues…

Hoooo this place is fancy! In comparison, Yogaworks looks like a tumbleweed dragging itself through the dust.
OK, not really, but between NYC’s two biggest yoga chains, I expected there to be more of a fair comparison. But it’s clear which is the more luxurious. Yogaworks Soho (Yogaworks’ largest and prettiest location in NYC) looks like a nicer, specialized yoga studio. In contrast, Pure Yoga Westside looks like a legit hotel/​spa: sleek wide corridors, soaring ceilings… just a total sumptuous sprawl in the middle of the Upper West Side. What real estate prices?
Like YogaWorks:
— big soulless corporate chain
— barre classes in addition to yoga
— free towel service
— plenty of showers (but with clear doors, boo)
— membership-​only, so no drop-​in students
Unlike YogaWorks:
— THIS BEAUTIFUL SPACE GOTDANG
— hot yoga classes available
— the 3 practice rooms are a little smaller than Yogaworks Soho’s 3 rooms
— you can register online for classes
— mats provided free of charge
— no digital lockers, so bring your own lock
— Yogaworks offers a free first week to newbies, but Pure has no such deal. A guy at the front desk wanted to try out a class, and they wouldn’t let him without some sort of commitment
— I haven’t gotten repeated phone calls and emails about membership
I like Yogaworks’ instruction better (granted, I have very different sample sizes). The instructor for a Pure Hot Power Yoga class was okay, but went through poses too quickly even if it had been a non-​heated class. In a Level 2 class, other students seemed pretty advanced and there were plenty of opportunities to get into more complicated poses if wished.
Saving the best for last: A cooler to the side holds cold damp towels scented with eucalyptus oil! This was the best thing ever — bringing the towel in to class and then chilling on the couch later with a second minty towel on my face. My version of heaven has a fridge with neatly rolled eucalpytus-​scented towels, too.