★ 5

What a great space. They have a really good variety of options in the store. Offers great classes. Instructor all have been fantastic! Felt very comfortable as a newbie too!

Source: Google

★ 1

PREVIOUS REVIEW WAS DELETED BY OWNER / GOOGLE

I’ve spent enough time at UpDog Yoga to share that while the space itself is beautiful and many of the instructors are kind, the energy of this studio is overshadowed by the owner’s dark presence. It’s important to know before spending your money here that the person at the helm of this business is, frankly, the opposite of the peace and warmth that yoga is meant to cultivate.

The owner carries a cloud of negativity that seeps into the environment, and it becomes impossible to ignore. For a practice that centers around presence, humility, and peace, it’s deeply ironic to witness how transactional the atmosphere becomes under her management. It feels like every decision made in that studio is rooted in squeezing as much money out of students as possible, rather than fostering genuine community or spiritual growth.

Yoga is about creating a space where people can feel safe to grow, breathe, and heal. It’s disheartening to see someone so disconnected from these principles running a space that should be sacred. If you’re seeking a true yoga community that values you as a human being, not just as another credit card swipe, I would encourage you to look elsewhere.

There are so many studios with owners and teachers who live their practice, who radiate the calm and compassion they teach. Sadly, that is not the case here. If you’re considering UpDog, I recommend attending a class only if you find an instructor who truly resonates with you, but know that the leadership here does not reflect the peace and mindfulness that yoga stands for.

Life is too short, and your peace is too precious, to give your energy and money to someone who treats yoga as just another business transaction while embodying none of its spirit. Let your intuition guide you toward a studio where the owner’s energy reflects the practice you are seeking. This simply isn’t that place.

Source: Google

★ 1

The yoga instructor I believe her name was Kristen I might be wrong but at the Rochester Hills location on 210 West university drive was an absolute charlatan and a complete waste of money the whole class was a façade and a joke to the practice of yoga. Horrible customer service and just cold and rude staff that’s only after your money. Would not recommend Kristen or the place that hires such cold imposters. A far from authentic experience and staff.

Source: Google

★ 1

Is it worth it if the business is only after your money? I have been a regular customer for years, including other members of my family. Several of there teachers have helped me make strides in my practice. However, when you are met with such a cold front immediately coming in it makes you think again. Upon coming to one of my favorite classes, to which i drive thirty minutes for. I was “greeted” not with a hello but with a “NAME”.
Never understanding the first time because they expect you to quickly make your way over to them before removing your shoes and coat. After my last class was used the last time i came i was neglected to be informed i was using the last class. She was not interested that i was there for the class or if i wanted to sign up for more. She was only concerned there was no credit card on file, stating i could pay with Apple Pay giving no other options or solutions. When i spoke up that i didn’t feel i was being helped she immediately gaslit me telling me i should not feel that way and remaining silent. Extremely poor customer service. Shay and Sandy are truly God sent women and i hope to find another studio with similar teachers. My money was no good here!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you learn yoga with Jill ,Tracy , Carol , Shay ,Tina and Sandy youll learn yoga the way it's meant to be.
Other studios are Aerobic Studios ...I know I switched them went right back to Up Dog in Rochester or Sterling Hgts

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

More like uppity dog yoga.

I've been there on a few occasions and each time I've left feeling ambivalent. The vibes are not welcoming. They are cold and inauthentic.
The owner, whom I now know to be the woman who carelessly and irreparably smashed my ring during a drum circle, was unfriendly and did not suggest any modifications for my injury. The yoga instructor didn't even acknowledge me. The receptionist was nice enough to help me lock up my purse, at least.
But today was the last straw. They can keep my remaining class passes. I'll stick with my usual yoga studio, where they actually care about cultivating a compassionate culture.

Source: Google

★ 5

The teachers at this studio are great.
You will easily find a class to meet your needs -- with big benefits and no regrets! Highly recommend. 😉

Source: Google

★ 2

I was quite taken back by how rude one of the ladies was at the paddle board yoga class. As a fitness instructor myself I can't imagine talking to someone like this woman spoke to my friend. The actual Instructor Crystal did a great job.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great space, kind staff, been to a drum circle here twice and both times had a wonderful experience. Parking wasn’t bad either even with it being so close to downtown

Source: Google

★ 5

Got the 5 for $15 newcomers deal and i love it! i’ve been taking basics classes so far but it’s still good and challenging. i took a monday night class with Jill and she was amazing. she was funny and motivating and knowledgeable. i’m actually going through a breakup and almost cried in class because of what she was saying. if you get the chance to take her class please do 💕

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Great experience, except I still don't quite know what's Updog

Source: Google

★ 5

This place became a fast family. The training I went through for 200-hr helped me gain something in life - YOGA 🫶🏼🏳️‍🌈🤟🏼

Source: Google

★ 5

Great Yoga Studio, plenty of variety, and consistencies of classes to maintain my practice of yoga. Ive been impressed by many workshops with great instructors and really have passion for their craft. The building where updog is located has a very calming and relaxing environment that has been decorated very nicely. Located right on main street in downtown Rochester there is free parking behind the building.

Source: Google

★ 5

Nice instructors . Authentic yoga . Good location

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

My wife went for the first time today to Updog Yoga. My mother had gone before and had had a good experience, but I have 0 positive expectations for this business following tonight.

My wife is pregnant and wanted to stay healthy for herself and our baby. Updog Yoga was offering a free first visit (positive and a great way to get people interested in their health. I won't say bad about the good they're doing). She started her yoga poses with the instructor and had strong belly pain as some of the poses were too much for her. She went to leave, but was told by the instructor she couldn't leave as it would disturb the "energies" in the room. This is atrocious behavior what person thinks it's okay to tell a grown adult they can't make their own choices let alone a pregnant woman in pain she can't make her own choices to protect her baby. This is unbelievably disrespectful to the people who on their own time and free will choose to attend your classes.

I understand this may have been a new instructor, all of the other reviews are positive (along with my mother's experience), if so I hope those who are leading Updog Yoga make it clear that this is not okay and don't let this become their new standard.

Source: Google

★ 5

It’s a great place to start your yoga practice. Awesome teachers.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent staff! Amazing Environment! Completely turned my energy around on the first visit!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Extremely nice place to practice. Knowledgeable staff, accommodating, friendly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Love Updog Yoga! Teachers are experienced, space is beautiful and welcoming. Great energy, many workshops are offered and a sweet store for clothing, crystals and misc items. The new owners have brought great energy and changes to the studio.

Source: Google

★ 5

Been attending for 6 months and the instructors are different but great in there own way. That is a benefit.

Source: Google

★ 5

Updog, my happy place. Peaceful and healing, the perfect studio.
The place you go to unwind, and just let go of life's tensions. The instructors practice with a gentle adjustment and soothing touch.
The owner Dwane is generous, often offering free classes and giving back to the community. I've been to many studios and always return to Updog.

Source: Google

★ 5

What a nice place to come and let go...

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been practicing yoga for about 6 years now and over the course of those years I’ve been to numerous yoga studios in the metro Detroit area. I can honestly say that UpDog Yoga, in Rochester, is the most welcoming of them all and my favorite place to practice yoga. Each instructor genuinely cares about connecting with their students and providing an environment that is challenging, both physically and mentally, as well as restorative. I feel completely refreshed and rejuvenated after each class.

I’ve attended UpDog for many years and I can honestly say my appreciation for the practice of yoga has grown immensely as a result. The studio has a very inviting feel and look to it. Most days it feels like my home away from home. In addition to growing my yoga practice, one of the most satisfying parts about going to UpDog is the fact that I’ve developed strong friendships with the owner, the instructors, and many other students. There is a really sense of community and camaraderie that keeps me coming back.

UpDog Yoga is definitely worth checking out!!

Source: Google

★ 5

My experience with Updog Yoga over the years has grown into a deep appreciation for the place. As a youth, I came to Updog when it was the library and spent so much of my time there that my parents would joke that they should drop me off with a sleeping bag on Friday and be back before school on Monday. It has changed a lot since then, and so have I. Plenty of my growth has taken place right inside the beautiful and professional space;

I first came as a student of yoga and have been entirely enriched simply in that experience. The teaching staff is of extreme quality. I now work as a teacher at Updog Yoga and continue to understand that my colleagues are top notch. Since I started working at Updog Yoga in 2010, I have taken on much more than teaching classes. Under the guidance of Duane Utech 500 E-RYT, owner, teacher and yogi, I finished my 500 hour teacher training (master's level so to speak, with my "bachelor" or 200 hour from Ethos Yoga in Holly, MI originally). Through this certification program I also received direct instruction from Natalie Mitoraj, 500 E-RYT. I have worked to learn the business aspect of the yoga studio. Updog Yoga made it possible for me to learn in a serene, safe, responsible and forward progressing environment. On top of all of that, I feel a part of a great team of people, even so far as to say a small work family.

People come in to yoga with all different body types, limitations, desires, professions, backgrounds, mind-sets, beliefs, needs; I have shared in bliss at Updog, I have shared in mourning and grief, I have witnessed extremely strong bodies building stronger, minds relaxing, hearts opening, some people even feel spiritually fulfilled from yoga classes. And other people come to exercise. So, I really see a lot of different types of people all going through life and it's ups and downs. Updog is a place where community comes together. I feel respected there and I feel very honored to practice and teach there.

I travel and have taken many different yoga classes. I have also taught yoga workshops in various cities and at different festivals, and events. Whenever I return from work outside of Updog, I am appreciative for the beauty of this special studio. Also, to mention the Om Squad, which Duane Utech created; a professional yoga on the go serving our underprivileged community in the Detroit area - also worked with Baldwin Center serving food for the soup kitchen, collected donations for people in need during the holidays and otherwise. This year, Updog Yoga adopted a family of 10 during the giving season.

I am forever in gratitude for places like this on Earth where people can enjoy whatever yoga experience they choose; Intro to Yoga, meditation, gentle, basic, flow classes, hot classes, traditional Ashtanga, yin, kid's yoga, teacher training and thai yoga massage training. Really, people can have any experience there they choose. But that's enough out of me....try it for yourself!

Source: Google

★ 5

INCREDIBLE FACILITY!
Dealing with the fast paced/high stress automotive industry, it is hard for me to unwind after work; Updog's environment allows even the most stressed out individual to unwind. The atmosphere & tranquility at Updog is reminiscent of a hut in the mountains.
The staff ensures centering your soul to the universe. As a disbeliever in initially of yoga, this studio changed my outlook completely. To speak specifically to one instructor, Yvonne Clark is an excellent guide and I would recommend her to any yoga level student if they welcome a challenge.

Source: Google

★ 5

There are many yoga studios in the metro area. This one is different. I've never felt so good about working hard. There's something here for all levels of accomplishment, including the just-learning. I'm here every time I come back to Rochester.

Source: Google

★ 5

Updog is a wonderful yoga studio. It has many different styles of classes for all levels. This studio is my favorite in the Detroit area because the atmosphere is welcoming and calm. A great place to begin learning about yoga or to further your current practice. The yin taught here is truly the best and the vinyasa classes are challenging, but also fun.

Source: Google

★ 5

Updog yoga studio is not just a great place to practice yoga, it's a great place to practice community. The teachers not only care about their students, they go above and beyond to make sure students feel welcome and safe regardless of their level of practice. Whatever it is that brings you to your mat, know that you will always get a warm welcome and a great practice at Updog!

Source: Google

★ 5

UpDog is my home away from home. No matter what is going on in my life, once I step on my mat, I have a clearer perspective and am ready to tackle whatever comes my way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Never thought I would do yoga - until I was Blessed to take classes at Updog. After a crazy day at work, my class always make me reflect and see what is really important in life. The teachers truly care about the students. It needs to be a way of life. Get there today!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best environment ever! Beautiful, clean and welcoming space with great teachers to top it all off. I would highly recommend this studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place to learn the basics of yoga. Nice slow flow. Teachers adjust you in a posture with a tap in the right direction.

Source: Google