Karma Yoga

The music in some of the classes is very LOUD. During one of the kundalini yoga classes, I asked the instructor to turn down the volume, and she said that the music is for the sound current and suggested that I wear earplugs.
On other days I took a yin, karma, and kundalini yoga class with different instructors. I told them about my misophonia (sound sensitivity) asked them, in advance, if they would keep the music down, and they happily obliged. I was grateful for their understanding, kindness, and service, and their classes were top notch.
Today, I wanted to take a 5:45 or 7:15 pm kundalini yoga class but realized that the instructor on the schedule was the same one who previously played LOUD music. I still had one more class on my six-​class pack, so I thought I’d ask her again, in advance, if she would turn the volume down.
The receptionist called the owner, and the owner suggested that I take a different class.
That’s too bad, because I really liked the studio, instructors, and location, and kundalini is my favorite type of yoga.
As an instructor myself, think the LOUD noise distracts from the eight limbs of yoga, especially dharana (concentration and cultivating inner perceptual awareness) and dhyana (devotion and meditation), and the sacred sound current can be achieved with less volume.

Two stars because I loved the environment and the instructors, but I’m so disappointed by the unorganized staff.
I called in regarding their Unilocal promo: $ 99/​unlimited month + one month free. When I spoke to the manager regarding this, she informed me that it was an old promo, but that she would honor the pricing for me (even after reviewing in their system that I took part of their 11 days for $ 11 promo last year). She even left a note at the front desk regarding the authorization. Great!
I went in to the studio to pay for the promo and to start my first class. I was excited and ready to go! However, the woman working the front desk had no idea what I was talking about or how to charge me. Once she found the note the manager left, she told me to go ahead and go into the class, and that she’d get it all processed. I proceed to the class and come out with my yoga buzz/​zen, only to find out that the «acting manager» for the day negated what her boss said, and told me that I couldn’t take advantage of the promo I was authorized to get. Umm… excuse me?!
I was them told to call back the manager if I wanted to talk to her, but they couldn’t authorize the promo for me DESPITE the note their BOSS left for them. Oh and I also had to pay the $ 20 for that class. REALLY?! I called the studio and left a VM TWICE, but never heard back from them.
Note to the two women working the front desk: don’t undermine your boss, it makes you look *itchy and the entire company look untrustworthy. Why would I shell out $ 130/​mo to deal with those issues? Note to the manager: actually follow up with clients and call people back.
Save yourself the time, money, and energy. Go to Yoga Shelter… they have multiple locations, amazing instructors, a great vibe, friendly people, AND their unlimited monthly package is only $ 29 for the first month and $ 99/​mo afterwards (plus perks), vs $ 130/​mo. Angry I had to deal with this, but it led me to an incredible, trustworthy place that values their members!
Karma Yoga, get your stuff together. Shameful customer service that left a bitter taste in my mouth.

Karma is a great place to try many different types of classes! Thanks for always being so welcoming.

What really makes Karma different than other studios is the philosophy baked in to every single one of the classes and the teachers. Karma is all about the spiritual side of yoga first and the physical elements second. This is the perfect place for anyone who is looking for way more than just yoga classes. It truly is a community.

Karma was the first yoga studio I ever set foot in back in High School and the imprint Katherine, all teachers and the staff have left on my life is positively beautiful. I am so blessed to have found this open and sacred place for healing. Everyone is welcoming, students too!!! Such an amazing array of classes to explore different styles and find your niche in yoga! Through this wonderful community I took Katherine’s Teacher Training in 2011 and am fully immersed in teaching and loving yoga.
REMEMBER: Everyone has had their first yoga class and we all remember the discomfort of not knowing this or that but through Karma you’ll learn to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. I could seriously go on and on.

I am not at all a Yogi. so I will say this is a great yoga studio for all levels.
They offer multiple classes during the week and weekend and you are always greeted in a warm way.
The instructors vary a lot! Some will work those muscles and tendons out. stretching you in ways you never knew you could be stretched! Others offer a more relaxing practice and a calm pace. Both styles are great, but because I never go at the same day/​time for the basic (level 1) Karma Yoga class I never know what I’m going to get… but it’s always a good workout either way.
Look out for Groupons! They often have specials for new students :)

Don’t want to be a meanie but that Kundalini is for the birds. High-​priced Hyperventilation oh my. Can’t decide if it was the instructor or the Kundalini. I have a feeling that a true master might unleash his birch switch upon our leader for spiritual malpractice. His nonsequitars per minute ratio was off the charts. Hunh? and What? were my most dynamic moves all class. If you could actually make sense of what that man said, you’d truly be a master. He did bust out his guitar here and there and I think he really wanted to do a good job, so mats off for that. Oh, It didn’t help that the dude next to me kept snoring whenever we laid on our backs, his mastery of Kunda philosophy clearly complete.
The place is clean enough and has the look and feel of just about every yoga studio I’ve ever ventured into. Seems pricey at 18 bucks a pop though.

Not a One Size Fits All typical yoga studio: A deep yogic breath of Fresh Air.
Come get your fill of good karma!
This studio is unequivocally the best in Detroit or actually state of Michigan. Why? Because it is an all inclusive facility catered to anyone and everyone Bring your baby, husband, and/​or grandmother and begin to connect with the ancient teachings of yoga.
Karma Yoga teaches and communicates authentic, traditional Yoga that is not one dimensional. There are bona fide experts specializing in everything from childbirth to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. All facets of Yoga are taught instead of introducing a «workout.» When you walk into the sanctuary like space that has an egoless vibration, you will be greeted and addressed and pointed in the right direction without feeling like you are trying to be sold something. The air does not reek of brands of competition, just pure good energy.
Each teacher provides service (karma) to each student despite their age, physical fitness level, experience, etc. It is clear that the intention of the studio is not to cram as many students into a space in order to capitalize. Based on observation, the teachers and students here take the practice of yoga seriously without seeing a yoga class as a means to an end, but the teachings as a way of life. However, there is a lighthearted, friendly vibe so not too serious for a newbie :-).
All are welcome here and as noticed above, kindness is practiced here. Yoga is for all people here and you will be served your dose of yoga, however it may be translated to you. Lines of communication are open with the staff and the teachers will be responsive to your individual needs. In fact, the teachers make an effort to «know» you, ensure that you are comfortable and that you are aware of the modifications for your condition and your body type. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or meditator, an avid hatha yoga practitioner or one who simply wants to learn more, this is the place to go. All four paths of Yoga are lived and breathed here and all eight limbs practiced and expressed. No matter where you are in your life, I guarantee you something will appeal to you here. Living up to their name, «Karma» effortlessly achieves perfection through the action of their talented staff.

Been taking classes here since Katherine Austin opened 8 years ago. Get my spiritual and physical fitness here!

I really enjoy Karma yoga. One of my favorite places in town. It is relaxed and the people who go here are nice and easy. No weird phony people or preachy attitude. It seems to be an older crowd which I personally really like. There is no weird competitiveness here or overachiever type A attitude that you actually see in a lot of yoga studios nearby.
They have a variety of classes and I have not been to a class that has been over crowded (which i really like). Most of the instructors seem very experienced in both asanas and philosophy. They also have a variety of different styles that they teach. One of my favorite instructors here is Susan Spilkin, she will leave you feeling totally empowered and grateful all while having fun. this to me is what yoga is about.
I find this place is just the right fit for me.

I stopped in for a Vinyasa class at Karma Yoga while visiting friends in Bloomfield Hills (I live in Washington, DC). I had a GREAT practice – and thought the instructor did a terrific job of mixing spirituality with humor. The Vinyasa class moved at a great pace and was a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning!
I’ll certainly be back next time I’m in Michigan.

o o.‘s review summed up my feelings about Karma Yoga:
«Simply the best! Karma yoga is hidden gem in the Detroit area. The. .. teachers are amazing. .. They challenge you to do your best without making you feel like you have to be a yoga superstar.»
Erynn and I were going to another school’s class but when we arrived we learned the class was canceled. Luckily I remembered that Karma had a Vinyasa class starting in 25 minutes. Sweet. We had more then enough time to make it over. Slipping the CR-​V into go fast mode, we arrive with 10 minutes to spare.
Walking in, I noticed right away that Karma was not as «touchy-​feely» as I, «Mr. Strong Like Bull», expected. In fact, it was the «mellowest» yoga studio I’ve ever seen. After a quick chat with the staff we learn that while the class was not geared toward beginners, they encourage people to practice at their comfort level. SWEET! ‘Cause I ain’t no spring chicken gosh darnit! We grab a mat and head in.
The studio itself is painted a very calming purple like color that surely has a name other then «purple like». Wood floor. Big draped window. Top notch sound system. Lots of blocks and blankets for butt comfort. So far, so good.
The class began with Katherine (our leader for this session) helping us find what we planned to leave on the mat. Huh? Whatever. Let’s stretch I thought! I’m not leaving anything on that mat. That would be odd.
She fires up the requisite touchy-​feely soundtrack. Wait, this song is cool. I’ve never heard it before, but I do like it. The first few poses are easy. I am a 3 class yoga master after all!
Plank. Downward dog. Leg up. Shoulders down. Breathe. Man, I am so confused. At that moment, Katherine says, as if she could sense my discombobulation, «look at your neighbor or the person across from you. Follow their example. You can do this.» And I did. It wasn’t pretty, but I did it.
Jump ahead…
The room feels like it’s 1000 degrees. Smells okay though. Let’s keep doing yoga. I got this!
Jump a little more…
Boy, it’s really hot in this room. And my kunuder muscle hurts. I think. But Katherine appears, reassuring me and explaining how to alter the pose to meet my ability. Cool.
One last jump…
Okay, I think you get where I’m going with this review. Karma and it’s staff know how to help you have an enjoyable yoga experience. The facility is top notch. So are the people. I wanted to leave nothing on the mat at first. After a while I wanted to leave my week’s stress and pickup a little more focus. That happened. In spades. As a bonus, my eldest daughter was happy. I never asked her what she «left on the mat», but when we were done and leaving she was happy. And I helped. Thanks Karma.

Simply the best!
Karma yoga is hidden gem in the Detroit area. Kathy, the owner, along with all the other teachers are amazing, caring and help with improving your poses. They are also active in their local community and have traveled to many workshops and to India to hone their skills. They challenge you to do your best without making you feel like you have to be a yoga superstar. After an hour of yoga at karma I feel relaxed and rejuvenated. Karma offers something for everyone with a variety of classes from beginner to advanced. offer classes for children as well. They even have a teacher training program which I believe is the best in the area.
Having been to many studios in Detroit and SF, this place is the best.