Laughing Lotus Yoga Center

06/08/11

lovin the groove...

by DarWallace at Citysearch

Oh let me count the ways I’ve fallen in love with the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center - corny I know, but never the less true. I’m living in the west village for a few months, and when I leave, its one of the things I will miss the most. The space is light and airy, and the staff is super friendly whether they’re at the desk or teaching a class.

The instructors really teach – taking us through the poses, explaining as we go, making gentle corrections with a smile and bit of humor on occasion, so that we get it right. While the space is great it’s the people there that make yoga class a real pleasure. Also the music is a real plus sometimes a little chant-y and sometimes a little rock and roll.

They also have special events at the Laughing Lotus Yoga Center with music and dancing – and they always make me feel really welcome. I have to be honest, I always wanted to try yoga, but it took me years to get there and now I’m wondering what took me so long.

08/06/10

Annoyingly preachy, dangerous.

by sweeply at Citysearch

I have to 100% agree with other reviewers here. There is NO instruction on alignment, in any of these classes. And I have never once heard a teacher ask if it is anyone's first time taking a class, or if there are any injuries. The flow is often disjointed with one pose sweeping in an awkward position into another which is equally awkard.

I had one teacher who was so enthralled with the way her own voice sounded, (and it sounded like she was reading poetry out of a book!) but it made me wonder if the class was about the student or the teacher!

Overall, I just don't get the feeling that the teachers are very experienced as they are in other places like Kula and Om. Kula is hands down the best studio in NY. IMO. I'm not going back to LL anyway due to the poor quality of the classes and the snotty reception I have had and see others have - by the front desk.

03/08/10

Good intention; poor execution

by fivepointer at Citysearch

Sorry to say, that yes there has never been any instruction (incl. Intro and Beginning classes) on body alignment in a pose. Attracts many 20-somethings which is upbeat energy, but the stupidly small dressing rooms are a real drag. Sorry I hurt my back. Shouldn't yoga instructors be licensed so as to avoid pain from bad alignment?? Not certified but a higher standard.

• Pros: late night classes
• Cons: 20 classes 2 pose examples, never on alignment

09/17/09

The Soul of Yoga, Not the Art of Yoga

by nalfang at Citysearch

I've been going to LL regularly for about a year. I started learning yoga here with Basics classes which were actually quite good (esp Heather). However after about 6 months of consistent attendance I started with the next level 2 classes, and have to say was shocked to see hardly any instruction or demonstrations from the instructors at this level for advanced poses. I attended about 15 of these classes until I really hurt my back. As a result I agree with others that you see a lot students just mangling their bodies at this place and no doubt suffering some injuries (myself included). I recently started going to an Iyengar school to start really learning the correct poses and that has been great. However I do miss the LL vibe so still like going their occasionally for a fun or just relaxing class. I just wish LL would provide better instruction beyond Basics class.

• Pros: Positive and welcoming vibe, nice instructors
• Cons: Very limited focus on alignment and correct poses

03/25/09

a factory

by elpa at Citysearch

i was a regular at LL (2xs a week at least) for quite some time but schedule changes kept me away for a while. since i started going back i have to say the things i overlooked before stand out over anything else about the place now. the OTT yoga decor and pseudo hippy, spacey, somewhat smug disposition of the staff is far from zen. additionally the UNBELIEVABLY over-crowded classes (you can't even move freely in your own mat space!) and TINY changing room pretty much negate any sense of "yoga" you achieved during a class. basically it's a yoga factory decorated to make you think otherwise.

while the teachers are all truly lovely, it scares me how little alignment instruction they give - it really borders on negligence (i have been practicing for about 10 years so i consider myself somewhat knowledgeable regarding these things).

the classes are upbeat and definitely different if you are experienced and looking for something fun for a change but, i'm sorry to say, other than that it doesn't do much....

• Pros: different
• Cons: way too overcrowded, very "un-yoga" like