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(Photo: Courtesy of Dharma Yoga Center) |
FOR BEGINNERS
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- Om Yoga Center
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826 Broadway, 212-254-9642
Pluses: Big, bright studios; classes that often mix various types of yoga; showers.
Minuses: A lot of in-class chatting and question-and-answer sessions; teachers tend to talk about their personal lives.
Star teachers: Christie Clark, founder Cyndi Lee, Frank Mauro, Margi Young.
Cost per class: $18.
FOR MEETING PEOPLE
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- The Shala
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815 Broadway, 212-979-9988
Pluses: Minimal chanting and lecturing, morning Mysore-style Ashtanga, a real community feeling (the Shala organizes retreats and trips to tropical destinations), good challenging Vinyasa classes.
Minuses: Cramped dressing rooms, no showers, two unisex bathrooms.
Star teachers: Founders Barbara Verrochi and Kristin Leigh, ex-Jivamuktis Kelly Morris and Cliff Schuman.
Cost per class: $17.
FOR THE CHALLENGE-HUNGRY
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- Dharma Yoga Center
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297 Third Ave., 212-889-8160
Pluses: Dharma Mittra, a 67-year-old yogi who can stand on his head with no hands, teaches a two-hour advanced class Monday through Thursday. Expect twenty forearm stands in the first hour.
Minuses: Cramped dressing rooms, one bathroom, scary-looking shower.
Star teacher: Dharma Mittra.
Cost per class: from $13.
FOR HIPSTERS
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- Kula Yoga Project
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28 Warren St., 212-945-4460
Pluses: Excellent Vinyasa classes, minimal lecturing; candlelit evening classes; young vibe.
Minuses: No shower, and the studio can quickly go from cozy to claustrophobic.
Star teachers: Studio director Schuyler Grant, David Regelin.
Cost per class: $17.
FOR SERIOUS SWEATING
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- Bikram Yoga Soho
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150 Spring St., 646-613-1674
Pluses: The studio is heated to about 105, so you will lose at least a pound of water weight. Simple classes make it good for beginners.
Minuses: Drink a bottle of water before, during, and after class or you will get a dehydration headache. There’s a mad dash for the three tiny showers in the tiny locker rooms.
Star teacher: Raffael Pacitti.
Cost per class: $20.