Bikram's Yoga College Of India

Bikram is an egomaniac dickhead. One of a long line of sleazy swamis swindling suckers. Learn yoga from some cute chick instead.

I love this studio. It's bikram so you either like it or you don't. Most every teacher is terrific. It's very clean for what it is and it's not too stinky. My complaints would be about the overcrowding at some classes and about classes taught by Otto (the owner). It's not the instruction or the additional time he takes that I find problematic, it's his tendency towards despotism and demoralization. It takes away from what could be a good learning experience. Overall though, this is a great studio with fantastic teachers and it's clean.

I have been a member of Bikram Yoga Memphis for over a year. I never liked yoga before because I could not stand the chanting and fanatical people. I have been to all the yoga studios an memphis and they all fit that annoying quality. Then one day I was complaining to my friends about all my issues and how none of the studios in Memphis are normal with cool people and that is when they recommended Bikram Yoga Memphis. What and awesome experience from the moment I walked in they had everything covered. At first I thought it was strict but after doing the intense 90 min meditation I completly understand why. They are SAFETY first and I LOVE that! ( I felt so safe I even brought my kids 16 and 18 the next time) This is an awesome workout and meditation. For 90 mins all I could focus on was me and I loved it. They did everything else. I didnt even have to think. My back pain has decreased immensely and the heat helped me touch my toes and do a safe backward bend!. The instructors ... Read more

Although the script that the teachers use is always the same, peoples bodies are not. If my thighs are huge, I cannot bring my toes and heels together.If I have tight shoulders, I cannot bring my palms together all the way to the wrists. Look beyond the script, look at the individual.

I am really shocked to read the negative reviews for Bikram Yoga here in Memphis. Here's why - the teachers are all fantastic. The owner doesn't treat anyone like a 1st grader... she is actually really funny and down to earth! All I can think is that these two women below are just jealous... many of the teachers at this studio are very good and very beautiful too. The place was very very clean and I learned so much about yoga, about myself and I just loved it. I'm a Bikram Yoga convert now and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. So, if you are thinking about it, just go and don't let the haters dissuade you from checking this place out for yourself. You won't regret it.

I have lived in Memphis most of my life and like many women, found my self looking for a way to get healthy, not only physically, but mentally too. But my time is limited. I had heard about Bikram Yoga when I was in NY on business, and searched the web to find out we have our own school here in Memphis! I gave it a try and though it was quite difficult (to say the least!), I left feeling so alive! I have since become a regular Bikram practitioner - have reduced my cholesterol, lowered my b.p., and no longer have chronic back pain!!! I have taken many classes all over the US - Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York City, Chicago, St. Louis, Arizona, New Mexico - and I have to say, we here in Memphis are the luckiest people on earth! This school is outstanding, extremely clean, efficient, strong and the teachers and staff are down to earth and awesome. Those of you reading this review - my advice is to try it for yourself. Don't let someone else's negative sour-puss attitude sway you... Read more

This studio rocks! Everyone that goes there is serious, focused and determined. All of the teachers are awesome and cool but they expect you to work hard in class! I would guess from the comments below that those people dont really do Bikram and probably go to a knock off -take it easy place..Maybe Hot Yoga studio in Nashville... Just remember if it says Bikram Yoga on the signs it is for real... Every time I go to Memphis I go to this studio it rocks!

I cannot agree with the reviews more. The owner taught my class and was out to humiliate and criticize me for the entire hour and a half because I was from another city. I have never been treated so rudely - and actually paid for this demeaning experience.

I realize Bikram Yoga is not for everyone. Especially, if you have a preconceived notion about what yoga should be, or if you are perfectionist. What I mean is that you need to find a way to rise above the negative elements in your environment (heat, sweat, voices, light, lightheadedness) and find strengths to focus on the moments. And you really don't "get" this until you take classes at least 10 times or so. Once you learn to focus on your moments regardless, you can learn to appreciate how heat actually relaxes your muscles and prevents injuries. And how sweating is not a repulsive phenomena but an end result of improved circulation. The union square facility is very clean and organized. Cleaning staff are constantly wiping, cleaning and washing! Most instructors are good, although some instructors preach too much during the poses, making it hard to concentrate. But even those instructors have good intentions (even though you want to tell them to stick to the instruction!) Some inst... Read more

I have studied yoga at many of the great studios in NYC throughout the years, but I never tried a Bikram class until a week ago. I was inspired to try Bikram's method after reading his latest book. I decided to take advantage of $20 for a week of classes offered at the Union Square Bikram Studio. The following are my impressions of my first visit to this studio. First, I was immediately impressed by the professionalism of the front desk staff and the simple beauty of the studio. The mens locker room was kind of small, people had a hard time moving around or finding a spot to sit, but there were enough lockers and three showers, which was great. Overall, the facilities and staff were very good. Now to the classes and instructors. .. okay, I knew Bikram called his classes Bikram's Torture Chamber, but damn! Hot yoga doesn't quite describe it! It was more like Bikram's crockpot! I have never sweated so much in life! I liked the sweating part though, but somewhere around the 20th posture... Read more

This place was as a good as a yoga studio can get. I have been to Bikram Yoga studios in the past,but this one is by far the best. It was su...

I haven't felt so scolded since first grade. They spend the time that you have paid for to gripe! I love Bikram and I look for a studio in whatever city that I travel to, but this was unbelievable. The poses of course were the same but the militant style of the instructors was not what I'm used to. The studio is unattractive and smells like mildew. I usually look forward to "savasana" but this evidently is there final time to scold everyone or to advertise. Most people just got up and left. What a shame.

I discovered this studio about a year ago after doing a sample testing of all the bikram studios in the city. This is by far the most well-organized and clean studios out there. The instructors are great. I would like to point out to those that find fault with any "fat instructor" should consider that those who hurl insults are often the most insecure and could benefit from some counseling (or more yoga!). Namaste!

I have been to yoga studios all over the country, and this place is one of the worst. Im used to "Bikram" studios and I appreciate the differences, but this place is special. The teacher that I had was rude and nasty. All she did was preach about negative things and she sounded like an auctioneer. The place smelled really bad and everyone had a glum look on their face. Places like this give Mr. Bikram a bad name.

I have been to many a Bikram Yoga studio around the city, and I can attest to the fact that this studio is the best in the city. It is immaculate, and extremely well run. If you want to relax and be coddled, then go elsewhere. Bikram yoga is not for you. Yes, Otto's classes are long and can be long winded, but he has the students' best interest at heart. He only wants you to do your best, and learn how to improve. All the teachers are excellent, and have varying styles from militant to soft spoken. If you can't handle the heat, get out of the frying pan! I do not go to Bikram yoga to be coddled or to be spiritual. It is a healing, physical and mental work out for the soul. Yes, the classes can be crowded, but really... you don't need that much room! And for the person complaining about having 5 inches between mats... that's a ton of space! As Becca said "whatever!" Becca, Corrine, George, Ben, Noa, Kiyoko, and yes Otto all changed my life and body. Thank you guys!

Otto the owner is a fat, arrogant, self righteous, egotistical, bloated, judgmental, hypercritical mess. Not exactly what you would hope to find in an owner/instructor. Corinne (teacher) is great and she?s hot. Stay the hell away and go to the Chelsea studio. It?s stained and stinky but the owner and the teachers rock.

I have been doing yoga since 1992 all over the United States. This is by far the worst experience I have ever had. The teachers and people who work there are rude. I told the teacher of an injury I had and that I was not able to do a certain pose before the class started. When the time came for that particular pose I was berated by the teacher in front of the class who said: "What are you just not into it?" Oh and don't measure the 6 inches between your feet with your fists like they do at every other Bikram studio as you will be berated for that and told "We don't measure between our feet here." If you have to leave the room at all for restroom or overheated, well "then you're done for the day" as they put it very rudely. I called and complained to them as I feel like they really need to reexamine what their goal is in teaching yoga. The rest of life is hard. Yoga should be a place of retreat, relaxation, and to recharge. I shouldn't feel like I need to take a valium or xanax after l... Read more

I have never experienced the negativity and bad vibes that i got from otto's class and i've tried almost every bikram studio in the city. he ranted, yelled at us, berated certain students, and generally rambled on about irrelevant things while we were at our most sweaty and vulnerable. maybe he was just having a bad day but i avoided his classes like the plague after that, making it hard for me to take advantage of my intro week to the fullest. the other teachers and staff were great, while i found the space a little sterile.

I have never taken a class that was as crowded as Sat. morning at this location. I was informed that it was not even at full capacity of 90 persons; merely 70 at that moment + students were still briskly walking in. I brought a friend for an intro week, but the sheer number of bodies + mats was daunting for a first timer + I felt uncomfortable bringing a friend to a place where there was no regard for personal space. Lockers were completely full, but the class kept accepting more students, as they piled their belongings behind the register. I understand you have a successful and popular business in the center of New York, but when I think yoga and relaxation, I think of a space of calmness and focus (for both practitioners and instructors). I saw for the first time, the franchise of Bikram Yoga synonymous with greed The staff was not friendly. Mats were barely 5 inches from the next. People made room after being instructed, but I still felt this was not how I wanted to spend my p... Read more

I've been to just about every Bikram studio in the city and this is simply the best. The staff (George and Corrinne in particular) are outstanding. The studio itself is spacious and immaculate and never has that nasty musty smell to it. The locker rooms are a bit tight, especially at the night classes, but there are 5 showers and plenty of lockers. Plus, they offer lots of packages and reasonable mat storage. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

For those who've done yoga, we all know what to look for in studios. Clean studios, clean mats, and great facilities. Great teachers are the default here. The studio director sets the bar high for the studio, and the students here benefit from the great vibe. After visiting other studios in NYC, Atlanta, and Florida there is just no comaprison.

I've tried almost all Bikram yoga places in Manhattan, and I like this one the best. The staff are professional and friendly, the place is clean and spacious (which is very rare in Manhattan), and the instructors are very professional. They let you store your mat for little money and the towels are included if you buy class cards. I love this place!