Yoga has never been more popular. These days, just about everyone you see downtown is toting a yoga mat and sweats, and it's no wonder. New York City is teeming with some fantastic yoga and pilates studios. So, whether you're a hardcore yogi that wants to sweat it out, or a beginner simply looking for a gentle stretch and to relax, we've got the perfect spot for you. Below, we've listed our favorite yoga and pilates studios in the West Village and Greenwich Village. Say ommmmm!
The Shala Yoga House – For quiet, restorative yoga
Have you ever been distracted by music, or chatting in the background, when you are trying to concentrate on yoga? Don't worry. Here at The Shala Yoga House, you can enjoy your yoga in complete silence; the space is perfectly quiet, so you hear only breathing, chanting, singing and om-ing. The classes are at a slow pace, and it’s a diverse mix of yoga fans, not just a young crowd looking to impress. First time students get a bonus of an unlimited $100 monthly plan.
Integral Yoga Institute – Yoga for all levels
Integral has a huge selection of classes for yoga fans at all levels. Most are for an hour and all focus on gentle stretching, chanting and breathing, with time afterwards for discussion. Classes are $17 each, or you can also buy bulk sessions at a discount (ten classes for $150).
Art of Breathing – For highly personalized yoga
This highly-personalized yoga practice focuses on meditation and healing on physical, emotional and spiritual levels. The individual programs are pricey (a session is $130, or $175 at your house) but enthusiasts swear by it to restore health and well-being, particularly those suffering with lower back pain, chronic fatigue syndrome and other illnesses. Reflexology and Reiki are also offered. Martha Stewart is a fan.
New York Private Yoga – For private classes
This studio is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, but teachers come to your home, or office, for a 45-, 60- or 90-minute class. It can be entirely individual, or for groups that you personally organize. The style of yoga taught in private sessions is Jivamukti yoga, one of the nine world-wide recognized styles of hatha yoga. A 45-minute private session is $100.
Elise Constantine – For a tight, toned body
Elise Constantine is a rare gem in Greenwich Village, providing yoga as well as Pilates classes in a wonderfully sunny and serene environment. The practice is challenging, but not forceful, while being simultaneously relaxing. The studio also offers Thai massage therapy and acupuncture. The 11.30 a.m. yoga class on Fridays is extremely popular.
The Best Yoga and Pilates Studios in the West Village
Integral is located at 227 West 13th Street, between 11th and 12th Streets.
The Shala Yoga House is located at 815 Broadway, between 11th and 12th Streets, 2nd Floor.
Art of Breathing is located at 80 East 11th Street, near Broadway, Suite 435.
New York Private Yoga is located at 60 East 9th Street, between University Place and Broadway.
Elise Constantine is located at 80 Fifth Avenue, between 13th Street and 14th Streets, Suite 906.
