Jaya Yoga & Wellness Ctr

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Kat L

Joined 2 years ago

My favorite yoga studio. I feel so lucky to have found this yoga studio. The beginner series is such a great foundation to the practise. And as I'm practising more, I'm finding that there is always more to learn. Jaya also has lots of great workshops, from yoga philosophy to Alexander Technique and Yoga. Carla's challenging classes are always sprinkled with lots of laughter, as she teaches with a wonderful sense of humor about herself and the world. And Kyle offers incredible insight into the workings of the body and he also teaches an amazing Deep Rest class - that made me feel like I'd had a massage. I could list each teacher & something they've offered me. I love all the instructors - they are all so knowledgeable & each one offers something different. I would suggest to try them all!

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Mark Bark

Joined 5 years ago

Om away from Om. First off, if you've never tried yoga before: I highly recommend Jaya's 6-week Beginner Series (usually Sunday late afternoons). Check their website for details. It's great for those who know little to nothing about yoga (which was me a year ago). You get the special attention that you need to learn the basic poses and lingo without fumbling around in one of their regular class.

The best part for me, as a relative novice, is that I've already learned several yoga positions that counteract my chronic lower-back pain that has been haunting me for 6 years (due to sitting at a desk all day). At Jaya, I learned several twists, bends, and inversions that have almost totally eliminated the back pain. I'm now also addicted to standing on my head.

Jaya also offers special workshops (e.g., prenatal, men's classes, Kirtan, kids' yoga, restorative classes, sound meditation, and even retreats). Money-wise, the prices are as reasonable as they can be for Brooklyn. For example: borrowing all props (including mats, blocks, straps, etc) is free, and your first class is just 10 bucks. Because of the (relatively) cheap price, the space is very minimal -- no huge windows or mirrors -- and like most studios it can get a bit steamy in the summertime. The space, though, is clean, the students are friendly, the instructors are knowledgeable, and the classes are rarely overcrowded (except maybe early on the weekends).

If you're concerned about injuries: The instructors are very accommodating by giving you options to poses that could be painful or dangerous.

Jaya is planning to open a sister studio (Jaya Yoga East) in Kensington in Oct '10.

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moggo

Joined 6 years ago

Jaya Yoga. Jaya Yoga is a great place to practice. It is small, unpretentious and welcoming. The open classes are good for both experienced and newer students and the teachers offer much in the way of encouragement, personal modifications & good humor. I have found the teaching to be thoughtful and challenging and I often leave practice there with a new understanding of the subtlety of a pose. They also offer sitting meditation practice in the mornings, I think on Tuesday and Thursday. I recommend Jaya.

Recommends

gentlereader

Joined 6 years ago

Best Yoga in Brooklyn, Best Yoga Around. This is my second attempt at a post. But here goes. I've been studying yoga for 10 years, for the past 5 almost exclusively at Jaya. It was one block from my house at the time, which is why I first went there. I was astonished to find in this small, friendly center, really top notch teaching - some of the best in NYC, in my humble opinion. The place is unpretentious and small; it is a wonderful environment for learning this ancient practice of yoga (and meditation) from people who take seriously the spiritual foundations of yoga but don't knock you over the head with new age nonsense. There is something for everyone, and a core of very dedicated students - yes, from the neighborhood, but also from places as far away as Manhattan. Good yoga is worth the trip.

PROS: class size, warm & friendly environment, excellent teachers

CONS: you can't buy a $500 buddha in the gift shop with your $80 yoga pants

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callmemister

Joined 6 years ago

Not for Narcissists Yoga. Jaya Yoga is a peaceful, friendly, welcoming place to practice yoga and meditation. Some of the best teachers in the city are working there, offering classes at every level from advanced to toddler. If your practice is your priority, Jaya is for you.

If having your ego stroked to the smell of incense is what you're after, find a personal trainer, babe.

Doesn't Recommend

allyinbrooklyn

Joined 6 years ago

Worst yoga experience ever.. Yoga really depends on who the teacher is. This could've been different on a different day--BUT... Unfortunately, my first time there I had Carla (?) and it was awful When I entered, she was reading the news on her laptop, and moaning about the world. She did not even look up when I was standing there, as a new student. She was the most NEGATIVE teacher I have ever encountered. "Don't do this, DON'T do that"; everything framed from the negative perspective. Not only does that limit more advanced students, but when one listens, all you hear is ".....do this" and you DON'T always hear the don't!! Sorry, but I won't be going back.

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rebfree

Joined 6 years ago

Great Yoga in the Slope. I really enjoy this studio. Have recently moved into South Slope area (from Williamsburg) and it is an oasis for me. I have taken with Christine, Kelly and Tina so far and have really enjoyed their teachings - total experts. The atmosphere is low key, you are not assaulted with things to buy when you walk in. It is a studio that is all about great yoga, seems like mostly vinyasa style classes but the teachers I have taken with have keen eyes for detail. Great place to get centered.

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camilus

Joined 7 years ago

Best Kept Secret In Brooklyn!. This is a great studio with a fantastic community feel. The teachers are knowledgeable and accessible: some teach in the vinyasa style, some more in the Iyengar tradation. I love the workshops and special events they host, namely the Advanced Asana Extravaganza! I can take advanced asana classes in Brooklyn and don't have to hike all the way to Manhattan. They even have a beautiful collection of Indian diety prints up on the walls right now. It has undergone recent renovation which has really perked the place up. Thumbs up.

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Cadien Clark

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review by Cadien Clark. This yoga center's certified instructors offer diverse hatha-method styles and classes ranging from beginner and intermediate to vinyasa.