★ 3

“If you’re getting annoyed because I’m being too aggressive or pushy, reflect on whether it’s serving you… or whether I’m strengthening your practice.” – Risa

I’ve been an avid yogi for 12 years. I’ve practiced all over the world and NYC is my home base, where I bounce between multiple studios. Tiny Buddha Yoga genuinely has some gems—Maureen is an absolute delight, Sylvie (back in the day) was a yoga goddess, and Rachel is a total badass instructor. Over the last seven years, whenever I’ve visited A2, I’ve come back to this studio and often had wonderful experiences.
But I’ve also had consistently poor ones with the owner, Risa. And after a recent class—and a hip strain from it—I feel compelled to speak up.

Risa’s teaching style consistently feels dysregulating and unwelcoming. Her approach is more drill-sergeant than yoga teacher, and she often leaves students feeling small or belittled, as though any discomfort or frustration is proof she’s “helping” you grow and you should feel nothing but grit and gratitude. LOL.

I’m absolutely fine with instructors who take a stricter, more disciplined approach—there’s a place for that. But there’s a line between being a tough coach with a growth mindset and being a rude, arrogant teacher. That line gets crossed often.

Even if “tough love” were the intended brand, it only works when there’s mutual trust, respect, and a baseline understanding of where students are physically and emotionally. She shows little regard for individual needs—injuries, limitations, or simply how someone is feeling that day.
In my most recent class, she repeatedly pushed us to go deeper and harder. I ended up pulling a hip muscle. At one point, she publicly scolded me for adjusting a block in pigeon pose to accommodate my body, saying, “Either use the block or set it aside and STAY STILL.”
Ah yes—nothing like being talked down to in pigeon during the holiday season. Super peaceful and nourishing, right? 😂

Risa, if you’re reading this, I truly hope you reflect on why you believe you can speak to and treat students this way and reassess whether this is the energy you want to put into the world. Not just the studio.

It’s especially disappointing because the other instructors create dynamic, creative flows with space for play, exploration, and psychological safety. It’s a shame that what’s modeled from the top doesn’t reflect that.

Sharing this as a heads-up to new or returning yogis—and as some constructive feedback to the tough-love queen herself.

Ta ta!

Source: Google

★ 5

I attended an absolutely amazing class with Melissa. She was kind, supportive, and focused. She went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. Her class filled me up with reflections of strength, power and a commitment to continuing to build endurance. Tiny Buddha is so lucky to have her energy and her challenge. One of a kind.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha Yoga has changed my life! I’ve had 5 knee surgeries, the most recent being 10 years ago. In 10 years of PT, cycling, weight lifting and swimming, my bad knee has still never felt “right”. I began going to yoga regularly at TBY about 10 months ago. For the first time in 10 years, I am walking without discomfort! Whether it’s the strength work or flexibility work (or maybe a combination of both) that has helped, both are plentiful in TYB classes. I have enjoyed taking classes from all of the different instructors, and beyond the physical benefits I have received at TBY, I am continually impressed with the messages taught by the instructors during class, as well. Classes can be challenging (in a good way!), but all of the instructors are very encouraging. I have always felt very welcomed at TBY, despite being a yoga beginner! I can’t recommend Tiny Buddha Yoga enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Back in 2019, my boyfriend ordered classes for us via Groupon. He called ahead of time to ensure it was beginner friendly, as I had no previous knowledge or experience of yoga and was open to trying something new. The experience was horrible, the class was not beginner friendly- the instructor Risa walked around while telling us to get into specific positions. Since she didn’t demonstrate what each position looked like, I turned to my boyfriend and other students to get a general idea of what to do. She yelled at me to keep my eyes to myself over and over again. I broke down and started crying at one point, and almost walked out until my boyfriend asked me to stick through it. I was suffering from major depression, anxiety, and c-ptsd at the time, and I went in hoping for a relaxing, serene experience, but was instead further traumatized. I felt so vulnerable and humiliated. After the class was over, other students approached me on the way out to apologize for Risa saying that “she can be tough,” but that I didn’t deserve to be treated that way. My boyfriend also said he was looking around at other students because he didn’t know what he was doing either, and he didn’t get yelled at, scolded, or spoken to even once. I’ve spent the past few years finding my voice, so this is why I’m posting this now. I no longer live in Ann Arbor, but I’ve still felt too traumatized to try yoga again because of this experience. Thank you for reading.

Source: Google

★ 5

I tried a one month intro pass at Tiny Buddha Yoga and never looked back! I came to the studio pretty new to yoga and the teachers were open to answering my questions about class types, offered helpful suggestions to deepen and broaden my practice, and always welcomed me with a friendly smile. As time has gone on I have gotten to know other yogis at TBY and feel supported by the sense of community that has emerged from this space. TBY provides a place for you to rest, grow, build up your strength, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. While the regular schedule of class offerings is impressive in and of itself, the workshops are also fun and creative and offer different explorations of yoga. I have tried every type of regular class offered, private lessons, and yoga teacher training and have thoroughly enjoyed them all.

At the Pauline studio, I particularly like how cozy it feels for yin restorative classes and the beautiful painted windows :)

If you’re new to yoga and don’t know where to start, try out Tiny Buddha Yoga! And if you’re a seasoned yogi, I think you’ll be impressed!

Source: Google

★ 5

I joined Tiny Buddha recently because they offer a variety of yoga classes at a wide range of times. This gives me flexibility with when I attend each week. I am inspired to work hard and I work up quite a sweat in the vinyasa, vinyasa blend, and ashtanga classes. I enjoy the teachers, the vibe, and the fact that there are two locations. It's a great option for beginners or advanced practitioners!

Source: Google

★ 5

So many great teachers here. This has become my place. Every time I walk thru the door at Pauline I start feeling a little better.

Source: Google

★ 5

they have classes for everyone 🤸‍♀️
2 locations
educated staff
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I like the classes here. Plenty of sessions to choose from, every day of the week, and the instructors are supportive and offer interesting philosophic lessons. The monthly unlimited package is a good deal as well. Recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have yet to find a better yoga studio. Amazing teachers and amazing environment!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Hot yoga with great teachers! The best yoga I’ve found — I’m so grateful to have Tiny Buddha in my life!

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm incredibly grateful to have discovered Tiny Buddha. After returning back to Michigan for a month after many years of living out of state, and in a season of transformation, I needed to reconnect with my inner spark, and Tiny Buddha was instrumental in that journey. Every teacher I had was exceptional and truly knew how to create a supportive space. Even now, a week after my last class and being back across the country, the impact of this studio is still profound. Thank you!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Best yoga studio in AA!

Source: Google

★ 5

The best yoga studio I have found! The teachers are amazing - friendly, approachable and knowledgeable- and the classes are challenging and rewarding.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha Yoga is an exceptional yoga studio. There are a variety of class styles and paces offered at a variety of times throughout the day and week. The teachers are outstanding. While they each bring their own personality and style to class, they share a commitment to providing useful alignment cues, thought-provoking ideas connecting life on the mat to life off the mat, and a genuine eagerness to help students with poses, injury prevention, and any questions that arise. The TBY community is warm, inviting, inclusive, and diverse. I can't recommend the studio highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha is the BEST! Such a welcoming community, and instructors are so helpful. Classes are the perfect balance of challenge and ease.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha is the best yoga studio around! Not only have many of the teachers helped me in transforming my yoga practice (and continue to do so) but it’s also a wonderful community of like-minded people who support one another and welcome everyone with open arms. If you’re looking for a genuine, down-to-earth place to practice I’d highly recommend this studio!

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been practicing yoga for about 20 years, in yoga-rich cities like Boulder, San Francisco, and Denver- Tiny Buddha is far and away the best studio I have ever practiced at. Risa is a true student and scholar of yoga, and her commitment is evident in every class (whether she is teaching or not). She will push you- and you will grow SO MUCH because of it. TBY is committed to helping students grow in their own practice by helping them to develop good and anatomically safe form (this is so important, I've been to other places where I feared the instruction could/would lead to injury- never at TBY). This is not a place that focuses on how yoga looks, or how you look when you do it. You may be used to practicing in a space with mirrors, but once you do it without, you'll never go back. The teachers employed here are amazing, and know what they are doing. They really support all bodies and abilities. It can be intimidating to start a yoga practice, but if you do it here, you can develop the tools to be a practitioner for life. I did the teacher training which I highly recommend as well. The community this studio has fostered is accepting, kind, and warm. When I leave Ann Arbor, I will be most sad to leave this studio- nothing comes close.

Source: Google

★ 1

Living anywhere in the vicinity of this place is an absolute nightmare. They have no regard for the fact that they are in a residential area. They blast music all throughout the day, especially early in the morning and the bass shakes the whole area. Recently, yoga customers have started getting into loud fights over the limited parking early in the morning. I cannot speak to the instruction quality but I can speak to the total lack of respect the clients and staff seem to have for everyone in the area. If that kind of thing matters to you, I would suggest going elsewhere.

Source: Google

★ 5

What I love most about the Tiny Buddha Yoga community is the welcoming atmosphere. Risa and the teachers make every student feel welcome, no matter what. The classes are breath focused and challenging, both mentally and physically, but there are classes for every amount of experience and students are able to work to their ability and comfort level. I can't recommend TBY enough!

Source: Google

★ 5

TBY has been my place to cleanse my mind and revitalize my spirit over the past 6 years, and TBY has truly allowed me to find comfort and acceptance with myself physically & emotionally. Thank you TBY I love you

Source: Google

★ 5

🤷🏻‍♂️

Source: Google

★ 5

I fell in love with yoga at TBY. I joined during a challenging period in my life and TBY classes were tremendously helpful. The instructors are phenomenal at both leading students through the physical poses and imparting yoga wisdom for greater mental well-being. I had never done hot yoga before joining TBY; now I don't want to do yoga unless it's hot. TBY is the best -- I can't recommend it more highly.

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha is the best! All of the teachers are immensely knowledgeable, have fantastic music, creative flows, and cultivate positive, welcoming energy for every class!!

Source: Google

★ 5

There's a reason this studio consistently wins "best of" Ann Arbor every year! Amazing teachers, great music, real yoga. I've been going to TBY since it opened 8 years ago, and I always leave feeling better than I did before I walked in (physically and mentally). Don't hesitate to check it out!

Source: Google

★ 5

Risa and all the TBY teachers are incredible. They are all skilled and knowledgeable, teaching all 8 limbs of yoga. The studio is welcoming and bright. The branding of YBY is excellent— I love the merch. Thanks TBY crew!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is my favorite yoga studio in Ann Arbor. All the teachers are very friendly and welcoming. There is a large selection of classes and times. I especially like the playlists the teacher make for the classes. Best part is you have the option between Pauline and campus studio.
I have been doing the virtual classes lately and they are amazing. The teachers do a good job checking on you to see if you need any assistance. I also recently did my first yin restorative class and it was excellent, I don't know what I have been doing my whole life, but this was something that was seriously missing.

Source: Google

★ 5

The first yoga class I ever took was Ashtanga with Sarah. I came in heavy, completely out of shape, and unable to touch my toes. Despite all that, I had an amazing experience. The class was challenging and I was unable to properly do most of the poses, but Sarah found a way to seamlessly suggest small modifications in rhythm that allowed me to get so much out of the experience without making me feel bad about myself, and more importantly, without detracting from the experience of others. I'll be back next Monday for sure!

Source: Google

★ 1

avoid tiny buddha they play loud music outside and disturb apartments and all surrounding houses.

they might have inside work as well but i do not know of that.

they are in a residential neighborhood and have the gall of playing music.;... no one else does for hours on end sometimes multiple times a day

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I've only been going to Tiny Buddha Yoga for about a month, but I love it! Staff is extremely knowledgeable, and definitely deserve their Best-Yoga-Studio-in-Washtenaw rating! As a beginner, the Ashtanga classes fit best for me, as they're fully lead, but even in couple of Vinyasa classes I've tried I felt like I could explore my practice without the pressure to do things perfectly. It's definitely on the more expensive side, but worth it! The teachers do their best to give you corrections without over-correcting, and challenge you to do your best. Highly recommend.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great studios in Ann Arbor!
TBY is a wonderful community of teachers and practitioners. I was relatively new to yoga when I started here and felt welcomed and accepted where I was in my practice. TBY has a really nice variety of classes, something for every mood. I learned Ashtanga yoga here and the practice and community has really improved my quality of life!

Source: Google

★ 5

Tiny Buddha is a gem of a yoga studio! Classes are challenging and thoughtful. The teachers here are supportive and excellent at helping you through class.

Source: Google

★ 5

I absolutely love this studio! I've been going since August of last year and can honestly say i've never had a negative experience. I had never done Ashtanga before and once I took the short form class with Risa I was hooked! I came to TB with very little knowledge of yoga, and loved how many different opportunities were offered for me to learn. If you truly want to learn about yoga, this is the place.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been practicing for years but just took my first class at THIS studio. So far, so good! Clean and inviting studio, helpful staff, good and compassionate teacher with fun flows. Music was a good selection and good volume level. There were a good number of other students, giving the room plenty of energy. I do wish that they had a shower, but out of luck on that front.

Source: Google

★ 4

It's all good

Source: Google

★ 2

Don't believe the hype! I wasn't impressed with the Campus location yoga studio. The studio is extremely small (only 3 windows facing the street) which makes it challenging to move with a full class, which it was in my case. Sadly, I had to be mindful throughout class to not completely stretch out my arms or legs to the side to avoid bumping someone. I've been taught that important or key aspects of yoga were freeing the mind and freedom of movement. Regrettably, I didn't get that at Tiny Buddha, hence the name, "Tiny." Also, the instructors I practiced with (at the time I didn't know one of them was the owner) just took me through the motions (asanas) no in depth teaching about the poses or the nature of yoga, just movement and breathe. Yoga is not just about posing and breathing techniques, it's a system of beliefs that are intended to guide your daily way of life. So, for me, three attempts and I'm done. However, if you're interested in a place that just emphasizes movement (limited because of space) and breathe, then this is the place for you.

Source: Google

★ 2

The instructors focus on fast flashy sequences rather than letting you sink into a posture, feeling it out, working on building strength and stability. I thought the ability level of the class would have benefited from less asanas and more alignment cues. It's not worth going to the classes in the tent as they are not properly heated or lighted. I did enjoy the creativity of the flows.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 3

Clean studios but not safe teaching practice, in my opinion, and I found the owner to be aggressive and outright rude. Many of the instructors played the music so loud it busted ear drums and it felt more like a superficial, high-energy, ridiculously hot gymnastics workout than a soothing, spiritual yoga class. Some of the Ashtanga classes are worth it tho.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Very inviting yoga studio with a great mix of clients, including both non-students and students. I appreciate this as many studios in Ann Arbor cater primarily to the large student population. Lots of class times and easy parking but the amazing teachers are what keep me going back.

Source: Google

★ 5

serene little yoga sanctuary in the west side of Ann Arbor. i come for the amazing alignment-focused yoga and stay for the beautiful community Tiny Buddha Yoga attracts.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been here for a week from out of town and have been searching for the perfect yoga practice. I’ve been to four different studios before I tried Tiny Buddha and now I know where I’ll go next time I’m in town. I have never done hot yoga prior but I do have a fairly strong practice and was a little worried but this was perfect! The teacher was friendly and welcoming (I guess you’d expect that anyway from a yogi!) and the class was strong, fast paced and I sweat a ton just like I love it. Tip: bring a towel! Thanks so much for an awesome practice!

Source: Google

★ 5

Limited parking on site. Come early to park on the street.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 4

Source: Google

★ 5

awesome atmosphere and instructors. Lovely yoga community

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google