Finding Sukha Yoga School

12/12/10

Hidden gem of a studio...

by timlin00

I stumbled into Finding Sukha Yoga School over the summer as an initial exploration into the yoga world. Looking back, I feel like I backed into something really, really special.

FSYS is located on the top floor of an old synagogue-turned community center on a quiet tree-lined street. The studio is inviting and beautifully lit, featuring a gorgeous rose window, pristine dark wood planked floors, and unpretentious appointments. My first class was with co-owner Sarah, accompanied by only four other yogis, two of which were already teacher-trained. The intimate size of the class, as well as persistent support and instruction by Sarah, did not allow me to get lost, despite my initial self-consciousness. Constant visual, verbal, and physical assistance left me a sweaty, fatigued and stretched out mass. I was hooked.

Every other class that I have taken since has been dynamic and unique in their own way, further building upon my practice. Co-owner Shaun teaches a powerful zen-like routine, extremely different each time out. He challenges you to push yourself further than you thought possible, yet somehow knows your limit at the same time. All the teachers have an unbelievable way of supporting practices at any level. You always feel like there is a two-way dialogue between teacher and student. They are also always adding a nice variety of yoga experiences, including prenatal, restorative, yoga dance parties with DJs, and most recently, live sitar and tabla music.

What makes FSYS so very unique is its sense of community. New members are immediately welcomed with open arms. Yogis from all walks of life with varying yoga experiences – students, artists, teachers, professionals – gather, connect, sweat through vinyasa flow, share a truly unified om, and continue to mingle, not wanting to go home. I even bring my 10 year old son on occasion, and he has a blast. After class, folks routinely share practice techniques, jokes, stories, experiences, and a common energy. The Tuesday evening family dinner tradition after class in the Organic Soul Food Café downstairs further extends this sense of bonding and kinship.

Everyone purports that they love their yoga studio, but I am in love with mine. Thank you FSYS! You guys are beyond awesome.

12/10/10

If I could marry a yoga studio, it would be Finding Sukha

by jenyoganyc

When I was looking to do my yoga teacher training in NYC, I shopped around for months. My background is in Iyengar, I'd practiced for years, and I wanted to find a place that didn't mention "sweating" or "workout" in its mission statement. I tried numerous Vinyasa studios where I left with an aching back, feeling like the teachers weren't necessarily as qualified as I had hoped. I was beginning to think I would hold off on doing a yoga certification program.

That changed when I found Finding Sukha. It was everything I had ever dreamed of in a yoga studio: a small, cozy space on the top floor of an old synagogue with stain glass windows and lots of light, a basic set-up without frills or marketing plastered everywhere, and the friendliest, most well-informed teachers I had met anywhere in the city.

The feeling upon entering is that it is a studio owned by people who truly love what they do, and sure enough, the owners Sarah and Shaun are two of the warmest, most dedicated yoga-studio owners and well-informed teachers I have had the pleasure to learn from in the city.

Sarah and Shaun create a community of support, healthy practice, and fun with every aspect of their studio, from the teacher training program to every yoga class and workshop. It's worth every minute of my one- hour commute to this studio, and for those of you who live nearby who haven't yet been, walk down 6th Street now and take a class! I cannot recommend Finding Sukha highly enough.

12/08/10

Love it!

by jr1980

Fabulous yoga studio. Great teachers, great atmosphere. Try Jessica's or Sara's class!

12/08/10

FABULOUS YOGA STUDIO!

by LSM232

I love this studio!! I just moved to NYC from Austin, Texas where I had a studio I loved. I tried three studios in the city before I stumbled on Finding Sukha, and it's definitely my favorite.

The teachers are wonderful--very attentive. They are great about giving adjustments. The series are always different but generally some variations on vinyasa flow and ashtanga. Other studios I tried in the city didn't vary the sequences, or didn't work in many arm balances or inversions--which I love. The classes are great for both beginners or advanced practitioners. I would recommend this studio to every type of yogi!

06/03/10

Beautiful Space, Welcoming Community, Warm Expert Instructio

by Frances C

A truly unique experience! I agree with what has been said in the previous reviews and can not convey the magic that happens in this space. It seems that each instructor has the ability to teach to one class that reaches a variety of students where they are - beginner or advanced - with each individual leaving feeling like the class was taught for them. The space is indeed magnificent, with stained glass windows, candle-lit evening classes, and a character of its own. A class there is not just about the unbelievable teaching and sweet space, but about developing a warm supportive community. Check it out for yourself (you will not be disappointed) and try to leave enough time afterwords to have some tea and visit.