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Yoga studioAbout the Club
Women-owned and operated, the Shala serves as a space for daily practice and community growth. Kristin Leigh and Barbara Verrochi opened the Shala Union Square in 2002 and expanded to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, in June 2011. The Shala’s core offerings include daily Ashtanga and vinyasa classes, meditation, and pranayama. Asana classes are taught with consistency and authenticity under the guidance of certified teachers. Additional offerings include philosophy talks, anatomy lessons, monthly kirtans, 200-hour and 300-hour teacher trainings, a unique mentorship program, and international retreats.
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Reviews
Peter Branton
★ 5
Gavin was an excellent teacher and we had an amazing class. We really enjoyed the atmosphere. There were some new if challenging poses that really helped us get a good stretch. Everyone was very nice, would highly recommend.
Source: Google
Elise Rosenberg
★ 5
I love this place. No frills, nothing fancy, just old school mats on the ground and practice. Genuine knowledgeable instructors, classic yoga, truly nourishing for the body and mind and spirit.
Source: Google
Xifan Yang
★ 2
Great classes and very skilled and attentive teachers. However when I had an issue with my pass I emailed twice and called five times over a week without a response resulting in losing the chance to take my remaining classes. It was quite frustrating that the studio did not respond to inquiries at all.
Source: Google
Saravanan Krishnamoorthy
★ 5
Thank goodness for The Shala in Brooklyn! As a blind New Yorker who has been on a mental health journey, this studio has been a safe space for me. I try to go daily in the early morning for mysore ashtanga. I am quite physically inflexible (I can’t do a full lotus and am getting toa half lotus, as examples) and have had iliotibial band and other areas of limited stretching for decades. The instructors I have learned from, Barbara, Kristen, and Sherri, all are patient, helpful, and encouraging to me as a beginner. They also help me with my visual impairment and create space for me by the window and help retrieve props like yoga blocks and blankets. My time at The Shala enhances and accelerates my mental health efforts, including speaking with kindness to my protective parts and build Self energy. In addition, I have time to do activities that enhance my quest to build unconditional self love, including Tonglen during savasana. The other members are welcoming and helpful as well. In addition, as someone who is gender non conforming, I find The Shala community to be a wonderful place where I can be myself.
Source: Google
Alexandria Martin
★ 3
I took an all-level class a few months back, and it was not beginner-friendly. The instructor went fast and led everyone into inversions at one point. When I said I couldn't do that, she obviously gave me an alternative and was kind about it. I got the vibe that everyone there was advanced regulars but I felt like the odd one out. They leaned heavily into the spiritual side of yoga, which is not my thing personally but I don't really mind it to some extent. The instructor started out with some inspirational reading. Okay, this is nice, I thought. Then, they broke out into a sing-songy type chant, and I was the ONLY person who didn't know the words. I feel bad saying it made me uncomfortable, but I just wanted to do basic yoga.
Source: Google
Elise Mendelsohn
★ 5
The community classes are amazing! It's hard to find high-quality, affordable yoga in Brooklyn, and I'm so grateful to have found this studio.
Source: Google
Pance
★ 5
One of the only places that you can do Ashtanga yoga in the city, and the instructors remember you and what you’re working on. I haven’t gone to a vinyasa class here so I can’t speak to that, but I LOVE the Ashtanga community. And the free yoga they do in the park on the weekends. It feels like a real community center which is a great thing to have in our neighborhood.
Source: Google
Alistair Schwab
★ 2
Interesting studio. As a male I felt uncomfortable and not very welcome. The class was lined up with two rows going down either side of the room. You did your poses directly in front of the other row. A lil weird.
In the beginning I had mixed up warrior 1 and warrior 2. The instructor told me loud enough for the whole class to hear ‘don’t worry buddy, what counts is you are here’ which felt condescending.
Towards the end we were going to do a partner stretch. I was one of two males in the room. Felt uncomfortable doing it with a female I only briefly made eye contact with especially considering it was a more - uhh how to say this- intimate partner stretch.
Do not smell the blocks or put them by your face. I don’t think they are regularly cleaned. Maybe ever?
It was a vinyasa class but it was maybe more ashtanga which I suppose moves faster. I’ve done over 100 vinyasa class, this class moved so fast that I couldn’t really get into the poses much or find a flow. Especially considering you’re also trying to avoid eye contact with the row of people directly in front of you. Also seemed a little dangerous with how deeply we were going and how quickly. At one point I heard someone fall out of a pose. And she said she had a leg cramp, the pain in her voice was audible. It made
me wonder how many people have gotten injured at this studio.
Kinda seemed like giving instructions rapid fire was a power trip for the instructor. 🫤
The studio is beautiful though with lots of plants!
Source: Google
mcLa twofivesix
★ 5
active
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Elien Becque
★ 5
One of the best yoga studios in NYC. A gorgeous community nexus with so much heart and feeling. 🤍🌸🙏🏻
Source: Google
Alexandra Spieth
★ 5
Amazing studio and community. I have practiced here for around 6 months and recently got a membership. The amenities, instruction, and space are one of a kind. Highly recommend.
Source: Google
Jill Martin
★ 5
Was totally wowed by Maria's class! Will be back soon!
Source: Google
Alyson D'Souza-Richetto
★ 5
The Shala is the best yoga studio in NYC. My fiance and I have been practicing here since we moved to Clinton Hill in May, 2022, nearly two years ago. We had no idea what we were getting into and started attending the Mysore classes with Kristin, Barbara and Sherry. Since then, we have been guided along the Ashtanga Primary Series with so much guidance, patience and kindness. Both my partner and I have a lot of sport related injuries and all of the teachers there have been so mindful with us.
I always had an idea about Ashtanga yoga that it was too difficult or intense, but practicing regularly at The Shala with these ladies has broken down all my prior ideas.
The Shala also offers Kirtan, Buddhist Studies, daily online (FREE!) meditation, vinyasa and restorative classes. From time to time they have workshops and they host yoga retreats in beautiful locations.
The studio is cozy and everyone is accommodating when it comes to making space, especially in the Mysore room in the morning.
The Shala and all of their instructors are a gift to Brooklyn and NYC. They sincerely practice what they preach by contributing to the community via donation classes and their individual volunteer efforts.
An absolutely amazing community.
Source: Google
Belle Durkin
★ 5
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Alex Rattray
★ 5
Rigorous, grounded, spiritual yoga. Cozy and intimate with a warm community.
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Kelvin
★ 5
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Christie Young
★ 5
I love the shala!
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Ali Hickerson
★ 5
I can't say enough good things about The Shala. I've been practicing yoga for years, but I've never been more consistent, because of how welcoming the community is, how rejuvenating and spiritual the classes are, and how cozy the space is.
The style of practice differs with each teacher, from physically demanding to flowy. The physical adjustments given at The Shala are also the best I've experienced. The teachers all have a phenomenal eye for alignment, and with their guidance, I've been able to consistently take on more challenging poses which is so satisfying.
Thank you for all you do for Fort Greene and the yoga community!
Source: Google
Matthew Puntigam
★ 5
Great studio with wonderful, dedicated teachers.
Source: Google
Elena Szajewski
★ 5
SIMPLY THE BEST. I cannot say enough good things about The Shala. I've been practicing yoga ~8 years, at many studios in the city, found this one after the pandemic, and finally felt like I found my home. Open, comfortable and friendly space that challenges you, but follows your lead, meets you wherever you are, and can be physically challenging, but doesn't do the "white-woman work-out-pilates-yoga" thing. Appreciate their community involvement, and multiple options regularly available to practice via donation, free classes in the park or work-study for those who cannot always afford the drop-in price. Cannot say enough good things, highly recommend this studio and big shout-out to my fav teachers Ashley, Dom and Maria <3
Source: Google
Jessica Chang
★ 5
wonderful teachers, wonderful energy. i've found a new love for ashtanga yoga here :)
Source: Google
Jessica Manna
★ 5
Dropped in for a Mysore class with Barbara while visiting Brooklyn. Was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome. Great space and enjoyed my practice here with helpful assists and recommendations.
Source: Google
Sushiil Shettigar
★ 5
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Caleb Teicher
★ 5
My favorite yoga studio in NYC or anywhere! Consistently excellent classes by great teachers.
The studio is no-frills in the best way… No fancy merch, no toxic positivity, no Taylor Swift-themed HIIT+yoga classes. They’re committed to the authentic cultural lineage of yoga’s asana practice.
Source: Google
Molly
★ 5
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Jamie Burkart
★ 5
First time here — walking home after the class I felt more grounded in our neighborhood than I have in ages. Thank you
Source: Google
Olivera Jokic
★ 5
A lovely place I’ve been going to for years, for excellent teaching and a great vibe among students.
Source: Google
Margaret Ruth Croft
★ 5
annie piper might change your life <3
Source: Google
Amy Suto
★ 1
Unfortunately, I didn't have a very good experience at The Shala. The studio was stuffy and not well ventilated at all (the windows and far AC unit were closed/off for the beginning of class) and I noticed they didn't wipe down the floors in-between classes which is super unhygenic. The class was not super inspiring, the instructor not very welcoming. As a yoga instructor myself, I'd recommend skipping this studio and find another.
Source: Google
Nadia Lamchachti
★ 5
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Rafael Cevallos
★ 5
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Melanie Jane
★ 5
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Janet Huang
★ 1
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C W
★ 5
Classes here tend to be Ashtanga inspired and physically challenging but you never feel pushed to perform. If this excites you, you’ll have a hard time finding a better studio anywhere. The owners - both pillars of the yoga community - are delightful, fun people who still teach multiple public classes each week (all too uncommon for established studios). And, administratively, this place is so, so together - transactions are always smooth and accurate. The Shala takes wonderful care of its students and quickly becomes a peaceful second home.
Source: Google
Adam Dougherty
★ 5
I love the Shala Yoga House and community. I am new to practicing yoga and the Shala is very informative, welcoming and supportive. They have many different amazing teachers and classes to choose from. I highly recommend practicing at the Shala.
Source: Google
Harris Salat
★ 5
I've been practicing yoga at the Shala for the past two years and it's been truly transformative. The teachers here are amazing -- serious and super accomplished but also incredibly kind and patient. This warm vibe translates to the Shala community as a whole, a nice respite from the hustle and bustle. My yoga has become so much deeper! I highly recommend the Shala to anyone interested in yoga at all levels.
Source: Google
Ari Rothschild
★ 5
Calm, focused attention and correction, this is really the place to build yourself as a person as well as a solid yoga practice.
Source: Google
Zack Yorke
★ 5
Source: Google
alena
★ 5
Loved it! Barbara played harmonium!
Source: Google
Rubii Pham
★ 5
Super cozy place if you want to practice Ashtanga. I go here at least once a week. Definitely not really for beginner yogis though.
Source: Google
Alexandra Press Maguire
★ 4
Beautiful studio, no AC tho so I avoid in summer
Source: Google
Ryan K
★ 4
Source: Google