Bikram Yoga Tenleytown

The third and I think final bikram studio in DC I’ve tried. The place is decent, although they only have two showers and you’ll have to wait in line with a pretty cramped space while other people’s naked butts stick out in your face. The occasional watermelon slices after class are the best — thirst-​quenching and refreshing, just what you need after 90 minutes of extreme heat therapy.
After having done bikram for so many times now I wonder if there is ever a place where the instructors don’t nag. There are things that are clearly bs and impossible to do (i.e., «reach all the way to the back wall/​ceiling» — come on, even by the stretch of imagination that’s unfeasible, and it can just be annoying when I know I’m already giving it my best and still told «lock your knees, lock your knees, lock your knees» or «go back, way back, all the way back»). I’ve just about to have had enough of this bikram nagging. If there’s a studio whose instructors can just be quiet in between poses, saying nothing more than necessary when instructing us what to do, I’ll become a member without hesitation. That being said, the teachers here are decent; Adam tends to be a bit challenging, but not overbearing.
Bring your own water if you don’t want to buy their bottles of water. They don’t provide a water filter. On my first visit I had to have them take $ 5 from my credit card because that was the minimum, although I only needed a mat and water which was $ 4, Max told me he would place the extra dollar on my account for future use, but when I asked about it the next time I wanted something, Debbie told me apparently there was no dollar on my account. I explained what happened; she just told me to ask Max next time I saw him. I mean, it’s a dollar; and if it’s one of your colleagues’ negligence to put it on my account, it shouldn’t be a big deal to honor it considering the slight amount at the customer’s request. I didn’t bother; and I didn’t see Max again until the end of my five-​class pack.
The place is a hike from my home downtown, and round-​trip metro fare is $ 4 – 5 per class. Considering the fact they don’t even provide complimentary filtered water, I don’t think I’ll return; though mainly it’s because it’s just too far out of my way.

More like 4.5 stars.
If you’re unfamiliar with bikram, 90 minutes, hot box, 27 poses 2x each. I’ve only gone to the 6am class Mon, Wed, and Fri. I had a 6 pass Groupon, which I plan to use for another week of 6am classes.
This is a great studio. The instructors are unique and I’ve yet to had a bad one. They are prompt. Their tips are helpful.
Like all bikram studios it does stink during (and you stink after). Why? Go to a class and find out for yourself. The instructors do what they can to help…
I wish they had watermelon after the 6am class cuz let me tell you, they don’t!
While the changing area is clean, the women’s only has 2 showers and a very tiny little area in front of a mirror. I just go to the office and shower/​get ready there.

I cannot rave enough about bikram yoga in general and Bikram Tenleytown in particular. I should say that I’m a middle aged man, not particularly athletic or flexible, and not a yoga practitioner when I started. I had been receiving increasingly bad results at the doctor, including borderline hypertension and borderline diabetes, which prompted me to start bikram at Tenleytown about a year ago.
After coming in 4 – 5 days a week for just one month, amazingly, my blood pressure was not only back to normal but on the low side — without medication. I saw my blood sugar levels drop to normal, as well. Since then, I try to keep my practice up 4 – 5 days a week. I’ve seen amazing results — benefits which keep deepening month after month. I’ve lost nearly 30 pounds. My muscle mass is toned. And, perhaps most importantly, a lifelong issue with anxiety is GONE. I feel a sense of calm and well being now. And I sleep much better at night.
Bikram truly provides wonderful benefits to the patient practitioner. I say patient because I don’t ever try to overdo it – I just come in regularly and keep my expectations low and do the best I can, and I continue to be amazed at the results.
Now, practicing bikram takes patience with oneself and a bit of stamina, and that’s where I can’t rave enough about this studio. In the way of comparison, I’ve practiced at other studios during the past year when traveling, such as in Miami. Bikram Tenleytown studio is hands-​down the best I’ve been to. The instructors are AMAZING. They are caring and patient, and they take the time to help you with postures and technique. I always learn something new from each class I go to. There’s also a really nice vibe at the studio — not the regimental strictness one often encounters at bikram, but nurturing. There’s definitely an adherence to the bikram system, but it’s done with warmth and humor… which therefore tends to attract a nice group of people to the classes. I often enjoy chatting with my fellow practitioners after class, and over the year I’ve struck up many friendships.
So – if you are new to bikram or a long-​time practitioner, I cannot rave enough about Tenleytown Bikram!

I came here for a free class during Yoga Week, totally new to Bikram, though not to yoga. I’d been wary about practicing in such a hot, confined space – seemed like a recipe for a panic attack! Both the owner and the instructor were there when I arrived, and they immediately put me at ease, even putting my mat right inside the door in case I needed a quick escape. They were very supportive, told me not to push past my limit, rest when needed, and just try to stay in the room. And I did! The heat was very cleansing. The next day my whole body felt as relaxed as if I had an intense massage. I definitely will be back. Clean studio and great group of people.

I’m an occasional yoga practitioner and have been to a few studios, but I always return to Elaine’s in Tenleytown. The teachers have a balanced sense of knowing when to push you hard and when to encourage you to ease up and bring your breathing under control. I learn something new about how to do a pose each time I go. The studio isn’t big, but I always have enough room and seldom feel crowded. I like the carpeted floor, the heat, and the renovations that were completed this past year. Most of all, I like the welcoming feeling I get when I walk in the door and the support and encouragement I get from the teachers once we get going.

Someone else said newbies to Bikram should not be writing reviews. I totally disagree because a reasonable percentage of people looking at Unilocal are newbies and wondering what this will be like for them.
I just finished my ‘Intro Week’ at Bikram Tenleytown. Intro week is just $ 20. They don’t charge you to rent a mat during intro week so you don’t feel like they are nickle and diming you as you decide if you like Bikram and want to continue, which is a nice touch.
I’m still not sure how I feel about Bikram (though I did extend my intro week to an intro month!) but I am sure how I feel about this studio. It is amazing, and very beginner friendly. I have enjoyed all 4 instructors that I have had. They are all very kind and I do not get a ‘militant’ vibe at all from any of them. I have been given a few corrections, all of which were very helpful to me.
It says on their website that they encourage everyone to do their personal best whatever that may be, and that is 100% true. My personal best is currently not so good (I have sat out what in reality are substantial portions of all 4 classes I have taken) but I have not felt bad about that at all, either from the instructors or from anyone else. The other people who practice here are friendly and welcoming, and were very encouraging especially after my very first class.
Weekends seem more crowded than weeknights; weekends also provide a broader range of ages and body types at least in my limited experience. However, I do think people of any age or body type would feel accepted in class at this location.
The hot room is well maintained with nice windows that let in natural light. The changing areas and bathroom are extremely clean and well maintained. The owner is frequently there and very friendly and genuine.
Read up before you go about Bikram and what you are getting yourself into. No, the room does not smell like roses and daisies and is quite hot. No, you will not feel great during your first class (or, if you are like me, your next few classes either). However, I will say that I feel fantastic after class and recommend giving this a try.

I am somewhat new to Bikram Yoga, but I became obsessed with it after my first class at Bikram Yoga Tenleytown. I love going there — the teachers have always made me feel so comfortable, and they are so encouraging. I can see why the clientele keeps coming back for more and more! There is definitely a sense of community here.
The two bathrooms are beautifully renovated and very clean, and the studio has never been smelly. Overall, I am really happy with my experience at Bikram Yoga Tenleytown, and I’ll definitely be going back regularly!

Awesome experience all around. Bikram Yoga Tenleytown got me addicted to bikram yoga, and has kept me hooked over the past 15 months. The teachers are all excellent, the studio is clean, and the environment is very welcoming. Also logistically, the volume of street parking is impossible to beat and it’s right off of the metro too. Definitely the best Bikram studio I’ve ever been to!

Haiku # 32
Burning inferno
Sweat pours down my face and neck
Yoga S&M
An on-​again off-​again yoga junkie for about 8 years, I was always curious about the infamous Bikram yoga, often referred to as «hot yoga» by friends and foes alike. I knew it would be intense – 105 degrees, 90 minutes, plus rules about eating and drinking before class. On gathering some intel, it seemed that it’s one of those «you either love it or hate it» kinda things, so take this review «with a grain of salt.»
I’ve been going to BYT for about a month now and I absolutely love it! First, BYT is super welcoming to Bikram newbies – they are supportive in answering any questions, giving tips, and are sure to pay special attention to new faces during class to be sure those of us who are still green around the edges are on track and don’t wind up hurting ourselves. Plus, the instructors (I can say this about three different folks) are simply great in general – they are calm, focused, and thoughtful, and do a wonderful job encouraging BYT students throughout the 90 minutes of extreme heat and intense postures.
The studio itself is also really nice – simple yet functional front room (cubbies for belongings, showers, nice bathrooms (soothing gray walls and black and white photo-​art), and a great yoga studio with a long wall of mirrors. The only downside I can find is that you have to pay $ 2 to rent a yoga mat. Maybe this is a DC thang, but where I’m from (Ann Arbor, yes, yes-​I know it’s the Midwest!) when you pay for yoga classes you get to use the studio mats gratis.
Aside from my momentary outburst of frugality, I really have no complaints. Plus BYT makes up for the mat fee with the complimentary ice-​cold watermelon slices provided as a treat for making it through the class. Seriously, I don’t know if it’s the heat, the 5lbs of water I likely sweat out each 90 minute session, or the watermelons themselves, but these are the best damn watermelon slices I’ve ever eaten in my life!
Thus, if being in a 105 degree room for 90 minutes isn’t enough to grab you, do it for the watermelon. For real.

I have been practicing Bikram for years, and this is by far my favorite place to go. The instructors are great (off the top of my head I really liked Elaine and Debbie), and they always have a positive and welcoming environment.
Some classes are definitely more crowded than others, but it’s not like Tyson’s Bikram where you have to watch where you move or else you’re going to bump into someone.
This is also a great place for first timers, they really take the time to help correct and explain more difficult positions, without holding back more advanced yogis in the room :)

Updating my previous renview… now that the studio has been renovated it is fabulous. Same great teachers and setting, with fabulous new carpet and ceiling tiles. Plus, it is the right temp — some Birkram studios in the DC area aren’t hot enough… this one is PERFECT!

Kudos to Elaine the studio owner for making fabulous renovations to this studio. New zen bathrooms and great improvements to checkin and the studio layout. This is my first review of BY tenley but pre renovations would have been three stars at best.
So what makes this studio five stars???
— a real sense of community. There is a nice hang out area which is decorated with knoll inspired mid century modern furniture.
— freshly renovated studio with great heat and humidity. This place is not for the faint at heart. If you need cooler, stand by the windows.
— great instructors — Elaine and her son max are there because they love it. Louis is also a terrific instructor.
— parking! And tons of it. This is my knock against nearby Bethesda
If you are Bikram curious or a regular practitioner, Bikram yoga tenley is one of my tops for studios.

The teachers and classes are great, but the location is a little lacking… It shares the same building as a dance studio so often your relaxation is interrupted with thumping and dub-​step. I also think I share the opinion of some of the other reviewers about the carpet…

I don’t think that Bikram yoga virgins should be writing reviews about studios. The teachers are supposed to talk fast, the room smells like rainbows and butterflies compared to some yoga studios (Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill’s studio literally smells like Bigfoot’s dick), and many yogis love the personal attention of the instructors when they’re helping to correct their poses.
I had a wonderful experience here. One of the walls is lined with windows, allowing for plenty of natural light, their prices are PHENOMENAL and they are close to Tenleytown metro (woot red line!). I can’t wait to go back tomorrow!

I have been coming to this studio since December 2010 and have yet to have a bad experience. In fact, this studio is more welcoming and no-​nonsense than my previous Bikram experiences, especially with Bikram Yoga Dupont.
The instructors are top-​notch, helpful, personable, knolwedgeable, and caring. They always provide you with individualized tips and suggestions, especially Debby and studio owner Elaine.
I have purchased an unlimited yearly pass and am always excited to get rejuvenated here each day.
I highly recommend trying this studio if you’re new to Bikram, experienced, or just looking for a tried, true, and non-​nonsense approach to the practice.

This was a decent bikram studio. It was a little old but the instructors were good. I appreciated the personal attention. It was a little militant like but that is a good thing sometimes.

My first and only Bikram experience, and to this day I’m still wary of a repeat session.
The instructor was a rushed, loud woman whose demeanor wasn’t exactly calming. When I signed up for class at the front (she seemed to be the only person there), I told her I was new to hot yoga, but not yoga in general. I suppose it was then that she made a mental note to watch for me during class.
Not even 10 minutes into it, while she was yelling the names of poses into her microphone (think: public-​auction style), she notices that I’m not quite mastering the pose, saying, «No, Lily… like this… LILY, not quite. Like THIS.» This went on for awhile, until she finally came over to me to physically fix me.
Granted, I’m no wilting flower when it comes to criticism or getting corrected on poses. I mean, isn’t that what yoga instructors are for? But together with my inexperience to Bikram and the whole microphone thing, the situation was stressful to say the least. Oh, and the carpet’s pretty gross.
If you’ve got Bikram down pat, then maybe this class is for you. In that case, I’d recommend the $ 10-​for-​10-​day intro special through their site. Otherwise, I wouldn’t count on a good first-​time experience here.

This studio is amazing! I started doing Bikram about a year and a half ago, and this is the only place I will go. True, as some of the other reviews have mentioned, this is a no frills space. That being the case, the instructors more than make up for it by being incredibly nice, very supportive, and NEVER rude (Monica is flat out wrong). I have taken multiple classes with each of the instructors and they all have distinctive styles, each one adding something unique to my practice.
The studio itself is clean and perfect for what it is, namely a place to work your ass off (literally) and sweat for 90 minutes.
Had this studio been as described by the more negative reviews, I never would have gone back, and I certainly never would have become hooked on Bikram. Everyone there is amazing and supportive, no matter your fitness level and no matter your experience.

My gripe with this studio is the carpeting. Why is there carpeting in the studio where everyone sweats a lot on the carpet? It is actually pretty disgusting. especially in the floor poses when you can’t but avoid the wet dirty carpet smell. It is very unsanitary. Other than that, location is convenient for me, price is actually pretty good and hours offered are good as well. There is a big difference between instructors so try a few before you decide whether you like Bikram yoga or not.

If you’re new, there is an introductory price of unlimited yoga for a week for ~$ 15. Otherwise, that’s about how much it is a class. Come prepared with water (lots), sticky mat, and towel. Be sure to arrive early otherwise you will be locked out!
The location is pretty small, kind of old, but still it is a great class. Only a few blocks from either Friendship heights metro or Tenleytown. If you are driving, street problem is usually never a problem (metered).