Discover the Best Yoga Classes in NYC
New York City is an amazing, sprawling city that is a lot of fun if you have the right temperament. However, some residents may need an outlet for big-city anxiety, such as practicing routines like yoga. Yoga is a powerful exercise that helps mitigate emotional issues, improve physical health, and make your life better. It’s something you can easily practice in a NYC apartment and can be learned in either in-person or online courses.
Why You Should Learn Yoga in NYC
Learning yoga provides New York City residents with a powerful relaxation tool. Living in NYC is hectic and yoga can help calm any emotional turmoil you may experience. Even better, yoga provides a focused exercise routine that can improve your physical health as well. It’s much easier and safer to practice yoga at home than it is to jog around a packed NYC block. That’s a major benefit if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of activity.
Even better, earning a yoga certification can help you make more money on the side. Living in NYC isn’t cheap (costing, on average, $6,193 per month) but you can earn up to $40,700 annually as a yoga teacher, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You can earn cash on the side or even start a new yoga business to expand your earning potential and mitigate the expenses of New York City life.
In-Person Yoga Classes & Schools in NYC
If you’re interested in mastering yoga, there are many ways you can learn. However, in-person classes and schools are one of the best methods available. They include lessons based on experience level, as well as interests. For example, some may focus on hot yoga, a unique training option that uses high temperatures to improve your workout.
In-person courses provide many benefits, including hands-on support, small class sizes, live help from a skilled professor, and socialization opportunities. In a busy city filled with millions of people, it can sometimes be hard to meet friends with similar interests. However, yoga courses provide a unique platform that you can use to expand your social network.
Thankfully, there are many in-person yoga classes and schools in New York City that can help you master these skills. Read through the courses below to identify one or more that interests you. If necessary, visit each class description by clicking on the included link to learn more about pricing and other details that interest you.
Yoga (Beginner)
Yoga (Beginner) is a 92nd Street Y class on 24th Street in Chelsea focused on beginners. You’ll learn alongside 11 other students in an in-depth class that covers basic poses, breathing exercises, and much more. Other lessons include meditation and other useful techniques.
As you learn, your professor will adjust your learning method to meet your unique abilities. For example, if you struggle with certain poses, they’ll help you find ways to do them that don’t strain you. In this way, you get the support that you need to workout properly.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is a 92nd Street Y class on Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street on the upper east side of Manhattan. It focuses heavily on building strength and flexibility and includes more advanced poses than the beginner level class from the 92nd Street Y.
Expect class sizes of about 12 people, depending on each session. Though masks aren’t required, they are heavily encouraged to help limit COVID-19 spread. An updated proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not a requirement for attending this class.
Gentle Yoga
Gentle Yoga is a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center course on 24th Street in Chelsea that covers more relaxing and comfortable yoga techniques. While it’s very suitable for beginners and seniors, even advanced students may find its softer techniques enjoyable.
You’ll learn modifications of classic yoga postures and breathing techniques that put less strain on your body. Expect a class size of up to six and lessons that last about 30-60 minutes. This option works well for people recovering from injuries or who can’t handle harder yoga poses.
Adult Yoga
Adult Yoga is a Tiger Strong NYC program on York Avenue in the upper east side of Manhattan focused on teaching adults of all ages about the joys of yoga. You’ll learn about your balance, how to improve it with yoga, and the breathing exercises that improve your routines.
During each lesson, you’ll learn how to use yoga to communicate between your mind and body more effectively. Your teacher will help you and six other people learn these and other techniques and guide you through a hands-on learning experience.
YogaProse
YogaProse is a 92nd Street Y program on Lexington Avenue in the upper east side of Manhattan focused on combining yoga poses and writing exercises. Lessons try to tap into your inner creativity using the relaxing power of yoga routines.
These include pranayama exercises, meditation, guided pose support, writing exercises, and even games. When you’re finished with a lesson, you and your professor will sit down and talk about your experience to ensure that it meets your needs as a person.
Candlelight Yoga, Sound Bath and Tea Ceremony
Candlelight Yoga, Sound Bath and Tea Ceremony is a Bat Haus class on Grand Street in Williamsburg that teaches up to 10 people how to relax using yoga. During this two-hour session, you’ll journal your intentions, enjoy tea, and practice yoga techniques.
Then, you’ll relax in a candlelit sound bath that includes seven crystal bowls. As these bowls are sounded, they’ll create a more soothing atmosphere that can minimize your anxiety. Anyone struggling with difficult emotional troubles may find this class very beneficial.
Inversions Workshop (Intermediate/Advanced)
Inversions Workshop (Intermediate/Advanced) is a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center class on 24ths Street in Chelsea that teaches more complex yoga techniques. Try this program if you already have some yoga experience or have finished beginner-level courses.
In this class, you’ll learn headstands, handstands, shoulderstands, and the scorpion technique. Your professor will help you understand the symbolism of these asanas and give you the strength you need to master these sometimes challenging poses.
Fundamentals in Flow, Balance & Stability
Fundamentals in Flow, Balance & Stability is a Balance Arts Center program on 30th Street in Chelsea that covers fundamental movement patterns to improve coordination and flow. This 90-minute course includes floor time that helps expand your yoga knowledge.
You’ll also spend time on your stomach and back to learn comfortable, but beneficial, poses for your practice. Furthermore, you’ll also master in-depth breathing patterns and comfortable meditation techniques that make your yoga experience more beneficial.
Balance & Stability: Fall Prevention
Balance & Stability: Fall Prevention is a Balance Arts Center class on 30th Street in Chelsea focused on giving people more strength and confidence in their balance. You’ll learn how to improve your coordination through various exercises to prevent serious falls.
These lessons include fun balance exercises and games, as well as yoga poses that increase your strength and stability. Furthermore, you’ll also practice beneficial breathing exercises that increase your mindfulness and help you balance more effectively every day.
Mastering Sitting Positions
Mastering Sitting Positions is a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta course on 24th Street in Chelsea that covers classic sitting poses for yoga practitioners. During this program, you’ll learn classic meditative poses, including the classic lotus, as well as various warm-up postures.
Then, you’ll learn how to get in and out of these postures, how to vary them to make them more interesting, and methods for increasing or decreasing the challenge. Though sitting down might seem simple, this course will teach you how it can enhance your overall health when done right.
Virtual Yoga Classes & Schools
Do you want to learn yoga in your apartment to avoid NYC traffic? Online courses can provide you with the help that you need. These virtual programs teach you yoga in the comfort of your home and often cost less than in-person classes. Even better, you can take them wherever you want, meaning you could practice even if you went back home to visit your family in Iowa.
There are downsides to virtual learning, however. The biggest will be your material expenses. Unlike in-person programs, you’ll have to pay for things like yoga pants and mats. Furthermore, you’ll have less personalized attention and fewer socialization chances. That said, if these disadvantages don’t bother you much, you should seriously consider online yoga classes.
The following courses require a computer (for streaming videos), as well as materials like comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. Some professors record each session, meaning you can reference them later or watch if you can’t attend. However, it's best to go to your live classes, when possible, to get the most benefits from this learning experience.
Gentle Yoga and Qi-Gong
Gentle Yoga and Qi-Gong is an Essential Evolution Holistic Wellness class that combines yoga and Qi-gong, an ancient healing practice. Both use gentle and graceful movements that improve your energy, expand your concentration, and decrease your stress levels.
All experience levels are welcomed in this class, meaning you can join even if you’ve never practiced yoga. Class size is typically about seven people, meaning you get lots of personal attention from your professor. That should improve your experience immeasurably.
Slow Flow
Slow Flow is an Essential Evolution Holistic Wellness course that focuses heavily on vinyasa yoga. This slower-paced style integrates controlled movements, long poses, and gentle breathing to relax your mind and strengthen your bodily awareness.
Each lesson includes deep stretching, strengthening, and relaxation techniques. You’ll learn how poses and breathing work together to provide real long-term benefits. Just as importantly, you’ll practice at a pace that suits you. Expect up to seven people in this class.
Slow Hatha Flow
Slow Hatha Flow is an Essential Evolution Holistic Wellness program that teaches up to seven students about slow hatha yoga. This method focuses on slower postures held for longer periods of time. As you hold each pose, you’ll control your breathing and relax your mind.
Other lessons include personal reflection and choosing proper yoga clothing. You’ll also learn about how healthier bodies create stronger minds and vice versa. Many people transition to more advanced classes after finishing this unique course.
Private Group Yoga Classes in NYC
Are you looking for group exercises for your employees that will not only improve their health but enhance their teamwork? Private group yoga classes for businesses can provide the training support that you need. These classes work well for NYC office-based employers and can provide many unique benefits that make them worth your investment.
For example, Virtual Guided Group Meditation teaches up to 500 people how to use yoga and meditation to improve their lives and work together better. This 30-minute course covers topics like yoga poses, holistic awareness, compassion, and various pranayama exercises. When complete, your team will be able to meditate on the job to stay focused on the task at hand.
Virtual Chair Stretching is another yoga course, one that focuses on office employees. It teaches desk-based yoga stretches, as well as chair exercises that your employees can do without standing up. These routines can help improve their physical health and reduce fatigue. Up to 500 people can attend this simple, 30-minute program.
Are you interested in a yoga course that offers something a little different than these options? Reach out to CourseHorse using their online communication portal to learn more. They can help you set up classes that meet your unique needs or they can identify any that interest you. Just as importantly, they can provide many other benefits that other platforms can’t
These benefits include: no booking fees, 24-hour confirmation notices, multiple supported platforms, and adjustable class sizes. In fact, CourseHorse lets you change your class size up to the day it starts. Even better, they carefully research each lesson to ensure that it provides a high-quality experience that your team will truly appreciate.
