Bikram Yoga Ann Arbor

The environment of the place is not pleasant or calming. I am really not excited about carpets in 90 degree heat with random people sweating on it (germ and odor galore). I also don’t care for the style of instruction– they get you do things the way they want you to instead of encouraging you to follow your own body intuition (big red flag). I would recommend finding a place with infra red heat and hardwood or stone floors. It’s overpriced for what it is too.

As a beginner in the practice, I can say that I made the right choice when picking out this yoga studio. A few coworkers and myself decided to try bikram when we saw that they had a $ 20 special for 10 consecutive classes for new students. $ 2 a class is something you cannot beat– and if you don’t like it, you’re not wasting a ton of money on a membership. That being said, I LOVED every class I have taken here so far!
The instructors are very helpful and encouraging. I felt very comfortable in the studio. I was surrounded by students of all skill levels– some who have been practicing for years, others it was their first class, no one was judgmental, and I felt very free and in tune with my body throughout the class.
The studio is very clean– the locker rooms are well maintained with showers, sinks and hair dryers. The smell… well it is something you have to get used to– but what do you expect when you’re doing yoga in a 100+ degree room?
The only reason why I cannot give this studio 5 stars is because of the pricing. I cannot afford to practice here regularly. They do have a $ 5 drop in class on Friday, which will probably be route when I decide to come back.

I love bikram yoga. It provides a challenging workout while also building your ability to concentrate and meditate.
This studio, in particular, is a wonderfully supportive environment. Each teacher brings their unique perspective to the class. And the community of students provides a extraordinary energy.
I have been coming to the studio for over seven years now. I love it! Thank you, BYAA.

Least favorite yoga studio I’ve been to. It smelled awful when you walked in, the vibes were not peaceful, the room was carpeted, and the instructor was rude.
I felt like the focus of the instructor was «do it my way or don’t do it at all.» He was being condescending and he did not uphold the value of «do what feels right for your body.» I felt like I was being shouted at during the class, people were yelled at for taking sips of water and wiping their sweat, and the tone of the class was very aggressive.
This class did the opposite of easing my mind. Also, after feeling like I was suffocating and about to actually pass out, I had to step out of the room and decided my body was feeling too ill to return back into the room. As soon as I walked out, the front desk employee tried to pressure me back into the room (without considering how terrible I was feeling). This might be the right studio for some people but with the gross atmosphere/​studio and pushy employees, I had a very negative experience.

I have used a few Groupons here and been pretty pleased. The owner seems pretty nice and knows a lot of the regulars. One of the two teachers I’ve had recently (a man, don’t know his name) was super positive and helpful in his corrections and encouragement during the class. He went to the trouble to learn everyone’s name and that was impressive! I wish they had a wooden floor which could be easily cleaned instead of carpet which just gives me the creeps! I always wear socks into and out of the room because I wonder how often the room is vacuumed or cleaned. Other than that, bikram is a crazy challenge. It’s really tough, but pretty rewarding.

Bikram Ann Arbor is great! I was very new to yoga and Jen the teacher of my first class was awesome. She made me feel comfortable and helped with any thing I was unsure about. The updated facility is so nice and I would reccomend Bikram Ann Arbor to anyone who is wanting to try something new!

I love this place. I have been practicing here for 4 years now. I am writing this review because I am so impressed with the expansion– thank you for all the upgrades. The infra-​red heating system makes me feel so good. The new carpet and totally updated space is exactly what we needed. The locker rooms are huge now and I really enjoy the private locker’s and shower’s. The energy in the studio is so great, it is so clean and fresh. I am an early riser, I appreciate the early classes so I can still get to work on time. I call this Yoga my AA for Attitude Adjustment. Bikram Yoga and mediation are my secret ingredients for keeping calm, patience and level headed on a daily basis. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers. Thank you to the owners for investing in this studio it is truly appreciated in our community and it is a Bonus to be able to walk right across the parking lot to get to Whole Food.
Namaste

I’ve been practicing Bikram for five years. I’ve only been to the studio once. The staff was friendly. The practice room did smell sweaty as others mentioned but that didn’t bother me so much. I must admit the smell was much louder than other studios where I’ve practiced.
The instructor was nice but her rhythm was totally off. She didn’t announce the proper terminology of the poses. She also tripped up the instructions on nearly every pose. This really impacted my energy. Also the instructor’s guidance helps the practitioners smoothly transition in and out of the poses. Their instructions also push you to make small adjustments as you work to perfect your form.
People were allowed to drink during postures. Some people talked and were not reminded that everyone should be in a meditative state. It began to feel more like a «workout class» than a serious mind, body, spirit experience. The uniformity was lacking. I must say, it’s the first time in 5 years that I have been disappointed with a Bikram class. I’ve practiced all over the country and studios outside the US. I’m not a stickler for the facilities as long as they are clean. I do really depend on the instructors to be following the Bikram «way.» Because this instructor didn’t announce the formal names of each pose, had very poor timing and fumbled the instructions of each pose, I began to wonder if she had been formally trained. For nearly $ 30 per class… this is not ok.

I came here because I wanted to start regularly practicing yoga again and they had a class near the time I was available that day. When you first walk in you are confronted by serious stink. I know bikram stinks, but this is like they made no effort to ventilate at any point. I later found out the stink is because the office building it is in actually doesn’t have ventilation options and they have CARPET in their bikram room. Ammentiies wise they seem pretty slim with few places to sit except some high stools. They also had a tiny changing room and single shower.
I could overlook all of this, but I can’t really overlook all this plus the fact that I stood there for 15 minutes walking all around and touching things and making sounds and no one came. The first day I went I didn’t even have a chance to talk to them or try a class because I left after 15 minutes. The second time I returned they gave me a tour and no part of it seemed special so I declined the opportunity to take a class.
Overall, there are so many options for yoga in Ann Arbor that I see no reason to subject yourself to the stink and mediocrity of a yoga studio in an office park. I also felt their prices were much higher than the other options available

The studio is brand new and very inviting. The staff is awesome, I love it when they push and correct the students. I’m there for a workout and want to have correct form! Awesome classes I will be back.

I used to be so grossed out by this place that I drove all the way to Farmington to practice Bikram even though I live in Ann Arbor. I remember walking in two years ago, taking in the stench and seeing the tiny cramped practice room complete with sweat-​stained outdoor carpet under fluorescent lights and walked straight out. No amount of «Bengal tiger strength» would get me through 90 minutes breathing in that cess pool…
I’m pleased to announce that the studio has undergone major renovations– the new practice room is huge with great lighting and beautiful blue (antibacterial) carpet that keeps the odor to a minimum and is a pleasure to practice on. Floor to ceiling mirrors. Cool blue and white water bottles for sale add a nice touch. The women’s locker room has blue metal lockers with holes for breathing (nice touch) and three nice showers.
Overall, a few solid renovations have turned this studio from the worst in metro Detroit to one of the nicest.
I would give this studio 5 stars except for the fact that there is still no toilet in the locker rooms… come on, guys… don’t tell people to drink 2L of water before class and then skimp on the loo… there *is* a bathroom available but you have to exit the studio and dart down the hall of the office building barefoot… a little awkward when you need to pee after class and run straight into a construction worker while wearing your wet bikram shorts with sports bra… c’est la vie… I’m now proud to practice bikram in Ann Arbor…

I’ve been going here for almost 9 years, now. Needless to say, I’m addicted. It’s a good, well-​rounded practice. And, the community is great!
If you’ve never been before, it is hot, so dress in the smallest things you think you might possibly be comfortable in, drink a lot of water before hand, and bring some with you to class. (You’ll also want to drink a lot after.) And, bring a mat or a towel (or you can borrow them). You do actually get used to it and even come to crave it after awhile. At least, a lot of us do.

After I completed 8 days of my introductory 10 days for $ 20, I purchased a one year unlimited. This is absolutely the best exercise program any adult can do. (Leave your kids at home) After meeting Bikram at a clinic I was even more convinced about this yoga program!

I’ve been doing yoga here for the last 3 years or so. I usually buy a package because it is cheaper in the long run!
I love all the classes they offer throughout the day. I tend to go early in the morning because it’s not as hot and smelly. After a while you learn to block out the smell and the heat. If you are new, I suggest you put a scented essential oil under your nose.
You need to hydrate yourself BEFORE and AFTER class. If you think you’ve had enough water… drink MORE. Coconut water after or adding electrolyte powder to your water will replenish what you’ve lost. For me I like to have a snack an hour before class, its a long 90 min so you don’t want to be hungry during it.
If you are new to the studio you should go more then just 1 time to see and feel the benefits and also experience all of the different instructors because they all have something different to offer as they lead the class.
I like to comment about some of the negative comments on here
1) Certain instructors will correct you in the postures. Amanda is one of them =) She even knows me by name. (shes great with names)
2) Any posture you do, including the breathing is always lead the same way. They will always talk you through it and sometimes demonstrate it if several people are doing it the incorrect way.
3) How many times do you hear «lock your knee, Lock your knee?» I hear it several times EVERY class so you don’t hurt yourself. I can give many more examples. Yoga is dangerous, but if you take your time and ease into it, not rush, you will be fine.
4) The first 45 min is the balancing series and the last 45 min is deeper stretching and you take a short savasana and then get back into it.
5) Bikram Yoga doesn’t have music because you need to concentrate and focus.
The shower room does lack. 1 shower? Def. could use several of them along with an attached bathroom.
I’ve found the breath towel mat is the best and easiest. It soaks up all your sweat and doesn’t drip when you pick it up. When you get home you just toss is in the wash machine and its clean.
All of the instructors are friendly and down to earth. They are always willing to help and answer any questions you have.
Thanks!

I tried this place 3 years ago with the 10 days (consecutive) for $ 20 new comer special. This was the first time i have ever done bikram. I remember how hot it was but i loved it.
I just moved back to michigan from san diego and immediately bought the groupon deal a couple weeks ago. I enjoy bikram. I don’t do it often but I do it to take the water weight off before big events. Since my engagement photo shoot and wedding is coming up i plan on coming to this site often. While I was gone back home in cali, i went to other bikram places as well.
Pros:
The instructor is calm and very nice. She explains everything well.
The space is smaller, but it makes the session more intimate. THe last place i went was bigger and it was just too many people creating more body heat.
I don’t know if i’m just used to bikram now, but i feel like it’s not as hot?
The outside lobby is air conditioned to a nice crisp temperature. So after the 90 min session is done, it feels so good walking outside.
There’s a lot of parking space!
Cons:
It’s carpet flooring. so the smell is a bit more than the other places i’ve been to where it’s wood.
Tip: the bathroom is a shared bathroom with the other stores in the building. So wear your slippers when you’re using the bathroom.

Bikram yoga is exhilarating. I’d like to refute most of the negative comments posted before me. I think that I can add some enlightenment to your experience this way.
First, before you contemplate Bikram Yoga practice, ask yourself if you are looking for a way to let go, check out, and heal your body mentally and physically. Then, ask yourself if sitting meditation just doesn’t do it for you. If it doesn’t and you are a more strength training and active type of person, you will enjoy this type of yoga. For example, when I go for a run or work out, I cannot cannot do a few sit-​ups and walk for 15 minutes on a treadmill and not break a sweat. If I don’t get my heart rate up or break a sweat then I don’t feel like I am getting any satisfaction. Perhaps, I am addicted to the endorphins lol.
If you are ready to sweat and to go deeper in your workout experience, then try Bikram yoga. It is a commitment. You can see results fairly quickly, but the commitment to continue to go more than once really pays off. Also, start your practice knowing that all the complaints are legit. The complaints are actually a sign (to me) that people are truly being challenged. The whole point is to be present. This means to block out all of the distractions and focus on what your body is doing at the moment. For people who noticed the pools of sweat, smells, and felt itchy or dirty, they were not present. They were not focused on their bodies and breathing and mind. For instance, when I practice bikram yoga and I start to think about how close my mat is to another person’s mat or how smelly the place is or my arms and face start to itch from the dripping sweat, this is a sign that I am reacting to the heat and the heat is beating me. When you get in that place, the heat and humidity are purposely uncomfortable. Your heart starts to race and some people panic. They will try to get up and leave, maybe feel sick. If they just focus on breathing slowly and calmly and not on their surroundings, they will feel more comfortable. So, when you go and try it, remember that if you begin to panic, it is your mind’s reaction to the challenge of the heat and humidity. Beat this challenge. Ignore everything around you. Ignore your to-​do list or personal worries. Be in the room. Be in your body and stay in the hot sauna room.
Benefits of going: Endorphins are so damn great! I love the feeling! Afterwards, you are energized and happier. Your mind clears! Secondly, it may be a lot of water, but the weight-​loss is very noticeable. Just drink three times more water than you normally do. You will see your body become very toned! You will also sleep better and restore your sore joints and bones to a place of renewal. I used to never ever be able to sit on my knees and lay down backwards, but I can now after 3 years of practice! It is great for your digestive system and detoxifies you every time. After a weekend of partying and drinking, then yoga on sunday or monday, I notice a bit more pain and some night sweats as my body is continually detoxifying even after the class!
As for a recommendation for which studio to attend??? Ann Arbor is greater than Northville because the instructors are down to earth and know their shit. They are a close community and very helpful. They spend extra time afterwards to talk and hang out around the Ann Arbor community with other teachers and students. It is a very trusting place. I really didn’t enjoy my experience at the northville studio because they hired some caddy, air-​headed teachers. Ann Arbor’s studio is smaller and the amenities are less, but you don’t go to Bikram to hang out in the Amenities. You go to work out, then leave. You will not find many studios with more than one full shower because you really are not supposed to spend much time in the changing room. It is an in-​and-​out kinda experience. They are not a luxury gym spa selling amenities. They are selling the methodology and philosophy of the practice.
Studio Differences in clientele: Ann Arbor is largely college students and 40% older adults. Northville is mainly all older adults/​non-​students. Seattle Sweatbox Bikram is spacious and mainly older adults. Breathe Hot Yoga in Seattle is all young students and everyone is in super shape. The Center for Yoga downtown Ann Arbor is all college students. The Center for Yoga on Maple Rd. in Ann Arbor is half and half and super crowded. The studio is tiny but the sauna and changing room/​amenities are deluxe. I’m super busy and don’t usually spend much time with amenities.
I hope my Unilocal helps you all!
Namaste!

The instructors are wonderful. The studio itself can use a little work.
If you’re not a fan of sweating, or being near someone else’s puddle of sweat, I wouldn’t recommend Bikram Yoga. Never knew I could sweat so much… I hated every minuted of it, felt trapped and claustrophobic. The only upside of it was that my skin felt great and moisturized the next day from all the sweating. :)

I thought this was worth a try as a welcome back to Ann Arbor — let’s get back in shape place. I’ve done yoga before in some small areas, but this place can packed.
And it stinks.
Not just sweaty, we’re all working out; but fetid, poor circulation of air; trying to run a yoga study in a facility that was clearly not designed for it.
Will not be using the rest of my «$ 20 for 10 days» package.

In 2010, I signed up for the new student special of $ 20 for 10 classes over 10 days, or something like that. I really enjoyed it and I planned to enroll on a more regular routine basis. I believe in its philosophy of sweating out the toxins and ills of your body — it is a great stress reliever. I was finally able to have the extra money to buy a 15 class packet. I’m a Grad student now, and working at a job that I don’t like anymore, so my stress levels are VERY high.
I went on my birthday, as a gift for myself (⁹⁄₃₀) and bought the 15 class pack, and to my surprise, I was given a renewal discount which saved me $ 18. What a nice gift. My first class session in over a year went very well. It was the Friday 6:30pm class and it was a perfect time for me to go because there were only about 30 other people there, giving everyone space, and it ended a very hectic week/​day for me. It was hard, and I have a lot of work on my knees and legs, but I did all the poses (attempted), and didn’t wimp out. The instructor took the time to get to know my name and offered me support and guidance w/​o embarrassing me.
I look forward to going there every Friday, perhaps on Tuesdays as well, so that I can start benefiting from this marvelous form of exercise. I think the space is used well and like others have mentioned before, it has a ‘work out smell’, but you get over it quickly. I live just right across the street from this location, so it’s perfect for me to take my sweaty butt straight home to shower.

I love Bikram yoga, and recently starting practicing at this studio. If I could, I’d give the instructors 4 stars, and the facility 2 stars. Because I can’t do that, I’ll split the difference.
The studio itself is fairly clean, and rugs in the practice room appear to be cleaned regularly. Yes, the studio is musty. EVERY Bikram studio is musty. Think about it. Each person that goes into the room loses about 4lbs of sweat! The Ann Arbor studio has an average level of mustiness compared to other locations I’ve been to. Totally acceptable.
However, I find the facility surrounding the actual practice room to be excessively cramped. The changing room fits maybe 5 people, only has one shower, and you have to leave the studio to use the bathroom down the hall. And the «foyer» is totally cramped after practice when everyone is trying to cool down.
As for the instructors, I’ve had 4 so far. Three were great, one was not. Joe is a talker, likes to talk while the students are in asanas, even savasana. And don’t mean Joe is talking about how to improve technique within the postures, he’s talking about his family, his life, cracking inappropriate and un-​funny jokes, etc. Really? I’m trying to meditate over here!
Also, their rates are higher than any other studio I’ve been to (hooray, Ann Arbor)!
Overall my review is kind of negative. But I love Bikram yoga and driving to Farmington Hills in not an option for me. So the Ann Arbor studio has me by the balls. And I’ll keep paying them to practice because the benefits I gain from Bikram FAR outweigh the negatives of the studio itself.