Yoga to the People II

Teachers focus on their own poses more Han students’

Studio is a gorgeous, minimalist space, it was the home of Dharma Mitte Yoga for almost 30 years and you can feel the good vibes of so much yoga in here from the moment you walk in. The instructors are knowledgable and passionate about what they teach and the variety of classes has something for everyone, from beginners to advanced yogis. Bring cash, they have mats and water you can buy when you check in. By far my favorite studio in the city!

Where else in NYC can you find a yoga studio offering classes for only $ 5?! No membership fee required either? It’s a blessing!
I’ve been a loyal follower of Yoga to the People since discovering it in Berkeley, CA. When I learned that there were multiple YTTP studios in NYC, I was really excited! I’ve walked by the one on St. Mark’s Place multiple times, but this particular location is just a few avenues away from my apartment so I decided to check it out. :) I have to say that one reason why I love ‘chains’ of any sort — although I’m not sure YTTP really counts as a yoga ‘chain’ — because I can expect a certain standard of practice wherever I go. YTTP II definitely did not disappoint!
The studio is large and airy, with a set up similar to the studio I frequented in Berkeley. The instructor’s mat is lofted so that you can see him/​her even if you are at the far back corner of the room. There is a lot of natural sunlight in the studio — both from the huge windows facing 3^rd Ave and also the skylights. I love that they are on the third floor and can take advantage of all this light! They do a great job of maximizing space and keep the studio floors surprisingly clean (ie. I could walk around barefoot without feeling like the bottom of my feet were picking up a lot of gunk).
I took the Core Yoga course Saturday morning, and although I’ve never had a yoga instructor with such dry humor, it definitely made the practice much more enjoyable and go by more quickly! It was a great workout, and a good way for me to restart my yoga practice after a long recess.
They keep the online class calendar up-​to-​date, which is another huge plus!

Classes are extremely instructor-​specific, classes also vary from extremely difficult (with a crowd of very experienced, flexible, hand-​standing yogis) to relaxing and chill (with a mixed crowd of beginners and aforementioned yogis).
I try to attend classes with Yoshio, Jacyn, Alejandro, and Nikki C. The more popular instructors have more crowded classes. I’ve enjoyed classes with other instructors, but the before mentioned deliver the toughness I’m looking for.
Some of the instructors are experienced yogis but are not the best at teaching. I specifically AVOID classes with Sean. Sean doesn’t instruct on steps to get into difficult poses and seems to prefer to show off rather than teaching students how to get into the pose he’s showing off. He is cold to newcomers and just not a good teacher — either you get into handstand, or you don’t. Can’t do it? Just push up. NO STEPS IN BETWEEN.
While I assume the $ 5 classes would attract newbies, instructors seldom correct poses or take the time to walk people through beginner poses. I’ve been attending classes here for almost two years, and have been practicing yoga for about three years.

One thing that LA has over NYC is a plethora of really, really high quality yoga classes on a donation-​based system. Though I always ended up paying a generous amount, it was nice to know that doors were open to anyone who wanted to practice regardless of their financial situation.
Though I have yet to find something as comparable both in value AND in quality in New York, Yoga to the People II is the closest so far. First of all, it’s $ 5. Pretty extraordinary considering the astronomical prices for workout classes these days (see: all of my SoulCycle reviews).
I noticed that they featured some classes with Bryan Kest, who runs Santa Monica Power Yoga, my go-​to on the west coast. The classes I’ve attended with Sam have a similar vibe but just less intense. They’re a great way to end a work day on a peaceful and rejuvenated note. The classes do get crowded, but I’ve learned that’s the trade off with affordable/​donation-​based classes. Luckily the people in the classes seem to be chill, considerate people — no obnoxious space hoggers, cell phone leaver-​oners, etc.
Even when I went in the wintertime the room got pretty steamy, so I can imagine that it’ll get pretty swampy in the summer. I’m not a huge fan of heated yoga so I wish it was a bit cooler, but I also like the open space a lot with the huge windows. It gets great light in the evening, making the practice even nicer :)
FYI, you can rent a mat there for $ 1 (they seem to be in pretty good shape), and it looks like you can keep your own mat there, though you need to remove it when they’re doing cleanings (they post signs beforehand so you know). All in all, a really relaxed and unpretentious vibe that I’ve been looking for in a yoga class!

Fantastic!!! What more can I say about YTTP. Never been disappointed by the amazing and knowledgeable teachers! If you have a yoga practice this studio should be a part of your weekly practice! Thank you YTTP 2!

It makes me so sad to write this review. YTTP II was my first yoga home in NYC. Jared, Talia, and Nikki will always hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to the world of yoga and guiding me through my first asanas, helping me to access more flexibility and strength.
However, this semester my schedule didn’t often align with their classes, so I have been taking with other teachers. My experiences have been overwhelmingly negative and disappointing. I’ve received major attitude and rudeness from Sean and Azriel, at least those are the two instructors whose names I know from checking the schedule, though there have been one or two others who were pretty awful. I get attitude just paying for class and asking questions.
I took Azriel’s class today and since I had never taken with him before, I tried to introduce myself before class and ask him some questions about what type of yoga we would do. He seemed not to understand why I was introducing myself and when I tried to ask questions, seemed bothered and I think he even exchanged eye rolls with some girl in the class who already knew him about the fact that I was trying to find out what I was in for. The class was just meh, and I was so deeply disturbed by his attitude, rudeness, and stand-​offishness. Heartbreaking because I used to love this studio so much and unequivocally associate it with positive experiences.
Sean is just not a nice person, has a very cold aura, and makes you feel like you are invading on some kind of exclusive yoga club where he just wants to be teaching his friends, which is totally against the ethos of the studio and again, really sad.
My experiences have been so bad with these instructors that I am slowly transitioning out of attending YTTP 2, shopping around for new studios. The price at YTTP has been so good to me and I truly loved my first three teachers, so if you are interested in trying this studio, do try and go for one of Jared, Talia, or Nikki’s classes — Yoshio is also good, Alena is great as well. But avoid the instructors I’ve named and for others, be prepared that you may suddenly feel like you’ve walked into some kind of exclusive zone where you don’t belong, or you may get a lot of rudeness, coldness, and attitude that will prevent you from being fully open to the instructor’s class after your exchange with them.

Very much highly recommend it. I go here many times during the day while on break from work. The instructors are nice, the price is beyond reasonable, the layout is calming and spacious, and I always have a good workout and relaxation session.

unprofessional, teachers are very self involved, this isn’t about your yoga it’s about their yoga. i don’t understand why i’m paying to watch them do the postures. not a place to grow and improve

For a measly $ 5, this is such a great concept because A) it’s for an hour, and B) you get a great workout!
I’ve never been to any other YTTP location, but it seems that this location is less crowded than the others. I’ve only ever taken Core Yoga with Jacyn (who is a great instructor, by the way! She really tries to keep you motivated!) at 6PM which is usually a very busy time, but finding space is not a problem.
As for the class itself, OH BOY did it kick my ass. It’s a cardio-​packed yoga-​infused workout for a full hour, so make sure you have bottled water next to you, and be prepared to burn. I really like that Jacyn incorporates traditional yoga moves with actual core exercises, so you get the best of both worlds.
As much as it kicked my ass, I decided to go again and this time, I took my boyfriend since he didn’t believe me on how tough the class was. Imagine the satisfaction I felt when I saw that he found it just as challenging as I did!
I will definitely be returning to try the other classes. Although I found Jaclyn’s workout a little too challenging for me, I’d love to return once I get stronger!

I am a Yoga to the People fan, they are meant for all. No judgements. They teach in very human, relatable terms for all levels and YTTP2 is a great avenue to go a bit further. The teachers here? Undeniable. Some of the best. Nikki. Sam. Brian. Talia. A roster of fabulous teachers that make it about you, your practice– the true journey. And $ 5 really? in NYC? True yoga for a true deal. No attitude, just the yoga. Awesome

I love yoga, but yoga for $ 5 in NYC? That just takes the cake! No mat? No problem! You can rent one for $ 2. Classes are offered everyday and there’s no need to sign up. All you need is to just show up at the door!
This studio is much larger than the one on St. Marks and a lot less crowded. I chose the Kripalu Flow class and it was a nice mix for both beginners and more advanced practitioners. The instructor stood on the windowsill so everyone could see his poses and suggested variations. I loved that the yoga studio was quite warm, because it helped me work up a good sweat. If you don’t like the heat, be cautioned that the room was probably warmer than some bikram hot yoga studios I’ve been to!
Schedule can be found here:
So what are you guys waiting for? Go check it out!
*TIP: This Yoga to the People is $ 5 as opposed to the free one in St. Marks. I would gladly pay the $ 5 though since it is a lot less crowded!

The price point and the location (if you live in the neighborhood) can’t be beat. The power yoga is wonderful, straightforward and as tough as you want it to be. The instructors are almost universally excellent, helpful and personable, sometimes offering a little personal assistance so you can achieve your top form or really get into a stretch.
I first started attending classes at Yoga To The People when they first opened on St. Marks Place, and they seem to have only gotten better. Seems like I’m not the only one who thinks so, since they’ve expanded to the west side and to Williamsburg, as well as extended their hours to accommodate those of us who work late.
I’d probably go every day, three times a day, if I could fit it into my schedule. It’s that good.
If you don’t try it as soon as possible, you might end up kicking yourself … although your foot might not reach since you haven’t maximized your strength and flexibility!

I’m so glad to have found this place. The instructors have been nothing less than amazing and studio is beautiful. Nice variety of classes, $ 5 each, $ 2 mat rentals. I leave sweating but rejuvenated. Hope more class times open up!

I really, really, really wanted to like Yoga to the People II. $ 5 classes, supposedly less crowded than the other YTTP locations, and diverse classes (Kripalu, Dharma, etc.)? Count me in!
If you’re familiar with YTTP, you know that it’s usually so crowded that your face is literally in someone’s rear. But there are few donation-​based yoga studios in NYC, so you get what you pay for.
This one is simply $ 5, $ 2 to rent a mat, and there is a bathroom and 3 changing rooms in the back. It’s a pretty small, no-​fuss studio with big windows.
Similarly, I found both classes to be tightly packed but instead of conventional rows facing the instructor, there are two rows facing each other. I find that to be a little awkward, but oh well. The instructors both seemed to neglect the far end of the room and in one class she even said, «Oh no! I forgot about you guys back there.» Luckily I was in the front, but I can see how that would be frustrating to not be able to really hear or see what’s going on.
The two classes I tried were Core Yoga and Flow Into Flexibility. Core Yoga was taught by a very skilled yogi who could demonstrate amazing poses, but Flow Into Flexibility was a little more all over the place. I sweat a lot in both and they were a great workout, but I did find it odd that there was little to no spiritual component in these classes. I’m so used to starting classes with an «Om» or at least setting an intention, but they just jump right in. So this may be a good fit for those who do yoga purely for the physical aspect.
My main complaint about YTTP, including this location, is the lack of adjustments and focus on alignment. I guess instructors are just more hands off, but they introduce some advanced poses that could potentially be dangerous for beginners. Inversions, for instance, need to be taught carefully, with guidance. Someone could easily attempt one and throw out his/​her back in the process. It all moves very quickly though.
Though I love how the price makes yoga more accessible ($ 5 instead of the $ 20+ at most studios), yoga should still be safe, so I do have some reservations. Still, if you’re not willing to drop a lot of money on yoga, this is a totally affordable and adequate way to get your vinyasa fix.

I never write Unilocal reviews, but I left their Doorways class early in mild outrage. If you’re looking for a true, centering, holistic yoga practice, this is not the place. The instructor focused on circus acrobatics and contortions, leading us through various head/​arm/​handstands into scorpions with no guidance or counter-​bend to balance all the extensions. With some experience, I could keep up with some of the poses, but there was no help available when I found myself in need — no tips were broadcast, and certainly no hands-​on help was provided. It isn’t just annoying but dangerous to lead students through these advanced poses with no guidance, especially with all the backbends involved.
Atmospherically, I was warmly welcomed and they made sure to emphasize that it was a «judgment-​free» zone. I found that to mostly be the case, except for a number of pets who guarded the teacher’s attention and filled the room with their voices. One girl even helped herself to my props! («Can I borrow this? Thanks,» no pause for my response… then she practically threw it back at me when she was finished without a thank you.) You hear stories about «crazy yoga bitches» and boy, this is their den.
The studio itself was pretty nice. Do take the other reviews seriously when they say it’s hot. I was dripping in sweat after an hour. (Classes are supposed to run for an hour, I left after an hour and fifteen, when there was no sign that final resting pose was coming soon.) The music they chose was beat-​oriented and a bit too intense (Purity Ring, Chvrches), I felt, for the unwinding practice I was seeking; but I suppose it was suited to the gymnastics.
The whole production felt very undisciplined and unfocused such that I would not describe it as a yoga class. If you want a place to show off tricks (that you’ve already learned, you ain’t gonna get help here), this is the place to go.
**Just read Tatiana (?)‘s review below (she also gave it one star), & her story re: the headstands and the house music was exactly my experience.

I have been going to classes here for several months now, and have really enjoyed my experience thus far. I am a beginner and find many of the classes to be challenging, yet still manageable, and always an excellent workout!
At first I was pretty intimidated. But you will find yogis of all levels in the classes, so don’t be afraid to jump right in. As a beginner, I often have to modify the poses to be suitable for my level. I find the instructors to be welcoming, judgement free, and very accomodating to yogis of all levels. Not to mention the price is unbeatable. I would definitely recommend trying this place out.
TIP: Although this studio isn’t ‘hot yoga’, the temperature is usually pretty warm and I find myself sweating quite a bit… so I definitely recommend bringing a small towel with you to class.

I don’t generally write reviews but my experience here was so amazing that it called for an instant review.
First of all, I am not very flexible and have only done minimal yoga which was expected of me as part of my curriculum in high school, growing up in India. Due to my mom’s constant nagging, I decided to start yoga and picked this particular studio due to proximity from my apt and awesome Unilocal reviews. Let me tell you, the reviews didn’t lie.
The studio is very conveniently located, has a very peaceful environment and Sam is the best instructor ever.
I told him that I was new and had never done much yoga before. He took time to explain me what to expect and also taught me a few stretching asanas prior to class since I had mentioned that my back/​spine was a trouble area.
I had an awesome one hour and will definitely go back!

I was scarred by my high school semester of yoga; we did yoga in front of a big mirror, and I could see how pathetically incapable I was compared to everyone else. I guess everyone else was into it because they were flexible … and I really was not. After that, I decided that yoga probably wasn’t for me, even when a lot of my friends started getting into it.
Stephanie K. talked about YTTP in such warm, inviting tones that I couldn’t help but be intrigued. We had a mishap in terms of attending the hot vinyasa, so we ended up coming here for the flexibility class with Nikki at 3:30pm. It was absolutely amazing. She had such a soothing (but not soporific) voice and was obviously an experienced instructor. She suggested several complicated positions for those who were more experienced (but gave us plenty of encouragement and emphasized that we were to do whatever we were comfortable with), and hopped up onto the ledge to execute those positions flawlessly and gracefully. Incredible. She came over to adjust my position firmly but gently once, and it felt so much better. I liked that she would occasionally fix people’s positions, but didn’t impose too much so that we would be comfortable.
It was an excellent transition back into yoga, and I am totally in love. Since then, I’ve attended hot vinyasa at another YTTP location and outdoor yoga in Bryant Park. I do have to say that she didn’t really go over the positions in terms of how you’d do them exactly; you should have some sort of yoga background before you start, though you can always just look at the people around you. The routine was fast-​paced and focused on back bending (with a few minutes on forward bending), and I loved every minute of it. Just when I was getting tired and wondering when it would end, we wound down — perfect timing.
Totally worth it for $ 5. Can’t believe this is real. :)

Amazing kripalu class with Sam!
I really did not want to write this review. It’s such a gem. Now everyone’s going to know about it (because of me har har har har har).
$ 5 collected at the beginning of the class.
Clean, wide space, perfect for yoga.
There’s one bathroom. 2 curtained spaces for changing. Lots of cubbies for your stuff.