V Power Yoga

I absolutely love this studio! My very first yoga class was about 6 years ago and was at this studio. I’ve been to several other studios around Columbus but always come back to V. All the instructors are welcoming, encouraging, and challenging. One thing to keep in mind is this is a POWER yoga studio… so it’s not your «traditional» yoga class. It’s fast paced and an excellent workout. This style isn’t for everyone (clearly, based upon some of the other reviews) but I personally love it. In every class you DO get to try new poses, challenge yourself, and can focus on mind-​body connection. Every class is different and every instructor has their own ‘style’ — for example, if you want a kick-​ass workout where you sweat a ton while trying challenging poses, check out Jill, Erin, or Mira’s class. If you want something a little more paced and focused on mind-​body connection, check out Sally or Lisa. Most of the other instructors fall somewhere in between. I go to different classes based on the workout I’m looking for that particular day — again, I love the variety while still getting an amazing workout. I would suggest a beginner’s class for someone who has never tried power yoga before.

Great classes and even better instructors. They take the time to assist you in form and movement regardless of your skill level. The flow pushes you and you get an amazing workout

This place helped me fall in love with yoga! Always extremely welcoming, the mixed level classes are great and a fantastic workout. These hot yoga classes are extremely refreshing and over the past serveral months I have noticed a significant change in my body and feel much stronger. Each instructor has their own flair but I personally love Lisa and Robyn’s classes.

This was better than expected based on the other reviews. I took a class with Jill, she seemed like a good instructor, offered some corrections, asked the class what they were into doing before we started, etc. She walked around and paid attention to what the students were doing. All of the normal things you’d expect. The only thing they didn’t ask was about injuries. It was a hot yoga class, but not super hot — I’ve been to some pretty miserably hot ones, so this was nice. I have a tube in my ear and it wasn’t hot/​humid enough to make me stop, which is always a win. I
For the class, we mainly did groupings of sun salutations, that were mixed up with a new pose sequence in the middle. This class was more of a cardio class and we didn’t build to a «peak» pose that we did other poses in preparation for or anything, mostly just different sets sun salutations in with five repetitions.
Usually you move through vinyasas somewhat quickly in power yoga, but all of the poses in the sun salutations sequences were cycled through very quickly. Instruction pace was a bit too quick to breathe properly unless you want to hyperventilate and too quickly to be able to settle into good alignment, though obviously you should follow your own breath anyway. Granted, alignment was probably not the goal of this class. It was quicker than your average baptiste-​style hot power yoga routine, if that explains it. I’ve done a lot of yoga all over the world and you don’t usually see people telling you to cycle through a standing sequence at a rapid pace like that. I didn’t hate it or anything, and mixing up the salutations kept it from being boring, but didn’t really do it for me. My preference to be able to take a breath to get into poses and be able to feel a stretch for a breath. At the end we did a few hip openers that were held longer, a basket headstand, and some twists. It was fine.

I found it strange that the studio didn’t have any blocks available. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a yoga studio without them. Or straps, though I know their use is of debate. It’s probably essential to have props available if you expect to teach students good form and alignment, though by the time a student could place a block you’d already move through two poses so perhaps it is not useful in this scenario.
If you’re looking for a more orthodox form of yoga, power or otherwise, this is not it. If you like cardio and sweating, it is for you. I can see people who are really into things like Cross Fit liking it. If you like the spiritual aspect of yoga, this is not for you. It’s more Denise Austin than Shiva Rae or even Tara Stiles.
It seemed like the studio does workshops, and I feel confident that the instructor had good training and was fully capable to teach it, but I’m not sure how that would come into much use if all of their classes follow this kind of format. Perhaps they vary? Maybe it’s just a thing this studio does?
It seems like a friendly studio and has a very convenient location. It’s just not my preferred style and the lack of props seemed strange.

If you are looking for a class that will have you moving and make you sweat, you will be fine here. If you care about proper alignment, a mind-​body connection, and exploring poses, this is NOT the yoga studio for you.
The instructors are in great personal shape, but are in no way yoga instructors. I think my personal favorite was when the instructor (while blasting music) went into shoulder stand and talked into her stomach to cue the class into the pose. This a pose that has many contraindications and is not for beginners. Instructor could have cared less, she was in the pose and mumbling incoherently.
In closing, if nothing above dissuades you and you don’t see a problem with playing Jack Johnson in savasana– then you will probably enjoy the class.

Heed the other 1 star reviews.
This is not yoga. It’s a workout and it uses yoga poses but it isn’t yoga. No connection to breath, no concern of proper form or safety, no corrections or guidance. The instructor did the class with her back to us so no awareness of what the students were doing. Even the most intense Power Yoga classes I’ve been to emphasize paying attention to your body, what it can do today, being present on your mat… This felt like trying to Win at yoga; hence «this is not yoga».
Save yourself $ 15 by staying at home, do chaturangas and side plank for 20 minutes, doubletime sun salutations for 15 minutes, standing splits for 10 minutes on the right, then the left, situps for 10 minutes, finish with 90 seconds of savasana and you basically have the hour mixed level class I attended. (Yes, that’s more than 60 minutes… she didn’t pay attention to the clock either.)

I will start with the positives — the owner and instructor each seemed VERY nice and the class was a very hard workout overall. I also liked the loud music.
That being said, this was unlike any yoga class I’ve ever taken, and not in a good way. The class was SO FAST and maniacal you literally could not even get into the poses. I live in Chicago and am used to doing very athletic, sweaty, fast-​paced yoga (and have been doing so for about five years now), so I don’t think «inexperience» was the cause of my dislike of this class. It was not «one breath one movement» vinyasa but more like «¼ breath one movement.» Also, pose-​wise, it was very beginner. We did no arm balances, no handstands (although the student in front of me would crazily jump into a handstand every once in awhile — I thought she was going to hurt herself or another student), no headstands, no unique sequencing, and the class was so fast-​paced that there was no time to get into deeper variations of poses. We went through the same Sun A and Sun B sequences over and over and over throughout the class, with some brief forward folds and one standing balance sequence thrown in. It was only an hour, but it was boring and seemed to go on for much longer than sixty minutes. I don’t see how anyone could ever deepen their practice by going to this class. Even the instructor looked like she had a very elementary understanding of yoga poses.
Bottom line, I would not recommend this class to anyone. Again, this was a definitely a work out, but there are other places to experience a yoga class that allows you to deepen your practice, enjoy yourself and obtain that «yoga high,» while still getting just as good of a workout.
Definitely going to stick with my Columbus yoga go-​to: thank yoga on 5^th Ave!

V Power is a fun place for yoga, but make no mistake — you’ll get a great workout! Julie and Lisa’s classes are the best! Their new studio is really nice and bright too. Give it a try!

Even one star is too much for these guys. Moved to Columbus from Chicago a couple of months ago and was looking for a yoga place. Looked up V Power on Unilocal and was lured by a Groupon.
Should’ve headed Michele W.‘s review — this class was both the most dangerous, as well as the most boring class in my life. The instructor literally moved through the vinyasas at a maniacal pace AND wasn’t doing them properly. I’ve done plenty of yoga boot camps and a variety of advanced classes and welcome a good, physical challenge but this was simply terrible, as well as potentially injury inducing. Not sure where this lady got her certification but it should definitely be revoked.
After about 15 minutes of witnessing this incompetency my girlfriend and I simply did our own thing for another 30 minutes and then left the studio. I have never before left a yoga class in my life.
I would not recommend this studio to anyone.

Great workout — but not for everyone! I was in Columbus for a business trip and decided to give V Power a try. I took the Thursday 5 pm mixed-​level class. I’ve been doing yoga for 5+ years and consider myself fairly experienced, but I found this class to be intense, fast-​paced and challenging. I felt energized and invigorated afterwards (and was sore the next day), but I don’t recommend this class for less-​experienced yogis, or for those who want a more relaxing practice. The class was set to club-​style/​dance music, which I guess was appropriate for the intensity and pace. The instructor didn’t demonstrate all the poses, and did not offer any corrections, so this class would not be appropriate for those with little experience in yoga. All that said, it’s a great physical workout if that’s what you’re looking for!

Great location to nearby hotels!
All the instructors and clients are wonderful! Very accommodating to drop in customers

I purchased a Groupon at the end of May for 10 classes hoping to supplement my current hot flow vinyasa classes on other days and times. From the description of the practice on V Power’s website, I chose a mixed level class. For the record, I have been practicing various forms of yoga since 2002, including hot yoga, power yoga and ashtanga, and I am well aware of my physical limitations and how to modify to keep myself safe.
V Power Yoga is located at the north end of downtown, and parking is metered near the studio, but free (for only an hour… the class itself runs longer than an hour) a block over. The studio itself is an impressive space, large and bright, but if you require props for your practice (blocks or strap), you will need to bring your own. There are only mats and towels available for rent.
As a new customer, I was only asked to sign a release, not fill out a health history. I found this unusual since every other fitness-​type activity I have done over the years has required some sort of health background. I had shoulder surgery at the end of January and two knee surgeries, so I made sure to let the instructor know. As it turns out, though, since the instructor stayed at the front of the room doing the practice and never supervised the students or offered adjustments or corrections, my information was irrelevant.
In the mixed level course, the hot vinyasa practice with music in the background starts with a series of movements that are done more slowly, but after the first round, the pace increases to an asana (pose) with each inhale and exhale. This was true for even the most complex reversed and balance poses that are potentially dangerous if performed by individuals without knowledge of proper form and ability to transition quickly. Since I come to the mat to focus on form and breathing and modify extensively, the practice was impossible for me at normal pace, and I determined the V Power was not for me. The instructor encouraged me to come back to a beginner class; however, those classes are only offered twice a week at times when I had conflicts. As an experienced yogi, I thought the mixed level would be appropriate, and the instructor told me I could practice at the slow pace while the class around me was practicing at the fast pace, but since I prefer to be led in a class, I knew this wasn’t for me. I asked the instructor if I could «gift» the Groupon to a neighbor who attended the studio (the Groupon package said one could be purchased as a gift), and she told me to contact the owner, Julie.
I emailed Julie and we corresponded several times. She would not permit the Groupon to be gifted since she said she uses Groupon as a tool to attract new customers and «We lose money on it. For that reason, it is for new clients only.» I then asked if she would convert it to market value– I paid $ 45 and a drop-​in class is $ 15, and I attended once – so I could pass the other two classes on to my neighbor since I didn’t want her to lose any money and didn’t want to waste my own. Again, she refused, somehow thinking I was asking for a refund.
So…I have a package of 9 more classes good through August, but I will not be going back to V Power yoga. I prefer a yoga class where the instructor takes a personal interest in my well-​being and safety, where there are props available for all students who need to modify, and where the focus is on form and deepening individual practice.

Not impressed at all. I took a class this week and left feeling very disappointed. Since the studio does not offer an introductory package, I have no motivation to try it again fearing I’ll pay another $ 15 and hate the class. There are too many studios in the Columbus area to try to waste your money on one that isn’t willing to show you what they have to offer.
There was absolutely no emphasis or even hint of importance on form. The instructor offered no assistance. I could not hear her half the time to know what was going on.
I’ve practiced yoga for a couple of years and have never been so compelled to write a review about a studio. Not to mention, parking is terrible.

I went to my first yoga class here on Sunday. I took a hiatus from practicing yoga for a few months now so this class was a refresher for me. It was a M– moderate level class. It was power yoga, which I love. Having a heated room while it’s cold outside which is great for yoga. I think the beginner class is what I will try next, but they only have 2 beginners class offered a week, so if I miss class on Wednesday or Saturdays then I have to wait until next week. I would give it another try.

As an experienced yogi, I was excited to try V when I moved back to Columbus. Price is okay for Columbus, and I like the space. HOWEVER, the yoga-​inspired exercise at this studio is not for me. It is more aerobic than anything, and I fear that the movement is so fast that it will injure the students. If you are a yogi who would like to move with intention instead of momentum, then this is not the yoga home for you. Additional note: The instructor stands with their back to the class which is impersonal and keeps them from delivering important coaching during this aerobic workout.

OK, I have one more class before my Groupon 3-​class pass is over. Yoga here is… interesting. The beginner’s class is good start, especially if you’re not familiar with power yoga. I prefer vinyasa yoga and a more calm environment, so I can’t say I love V Power. Instead of calming music (or none at all), you’re literally doing yoga to rock/​pop music. It’s so distracting!
V Power is a one large, carpeted studio room in downtown Columbus. You can bring your own mat or use one of the ones they have there.
I don’t know. While I love how close V Power Yoga is, I’m still not sold on this studio. I suggest you give it a shot, though, since it seems popular for some!

I have been wanting to try out this studio forever and finally got the chance thanks to a Groupon. I did a beginner class and highly recommend it.
I llke the very simplistic style of the studio… just a large room, all white, with great city views. I liked the flow of the class a lot. We didn’t stick with one thing too long and the instructor varied the poses so my arms weren’t totally dying (but trust me they were dying just not in the way where I start looking for an exit strategy from the class).
I’m also a fan of any place that stocks tampons in the women’s restroom. The bathroom is outside the studio space so I don’t know if it’s a V Power touch or the building, but it’s definitely appreciated.
I would give it 5 stars except I really didn’t care for the music playing during the class. It may have been a 4^th of July type mix, but the songs were distracting and not my style. However, I have two more classes to use at this place and I’m betting the music will be switched up.

Yoga is an interesting form of exercise. There are so many forms and so many methods. I find some yoga studios to be somewhat intimidating… You know who you are yoga snobs! I personally enjoy an intense yoga session… I want to sweat and be challenged. I really enjoy the beginner and mixed level classes at V Power Yoga… I am not brave enough to try the advanced classes yet. I take a variety of other fitness classes including BodyPump and Spinning and I think the workout at V Power is much more intense… even the beginner level. If you are looking for slow, relaxing yoga, this is not the place… V Power is very athletic and strenuous.
The instructors at V Power are very knowledgeable and helpful (I especially enjoy Julie, Lisa and Heidi). The atmosphere is great… There are NO yoga snobs here and the instructors make a point to know your name! You can bring your own mat or borrow one from the studio… They even have an area where you can leave your mat for your next visit.
I love the music they play while we practice… Julie made a Michael Jackson set that was phenomenal! The prices are very reasonable and the class schedule is great… The class sizes can get pretty large, so, I suggest you arrive early and relax for a bit before class starts.
I would recommend V Power Yoga to beginners and advanced yogis alike!

I’ve been sweating buckets with Julie for years. The energy of the studio is so addicting that I followed her when she moved from Grandview to the Warehouse district.
There are a handful of instructors at V, all of which began as a student. There are beginner, mixed levels and advanced classes. I also consider there to be the killer advanced classes. Those would be the hour+, Heidi-​led repentance classes (Tuesday 6:30p and Sunday 10a, maybe Thursday at 6:30p too, but not certain on that one).
The advanced class, the one I frequent, is a power hour mixed with vinyasas, poses, usually more vinyasas, balancing, more vinyasas, etc, etc. There is constant movement and flow. If you have never tried yoga, stick to the beginner class. This is also a great workout! The difference is that the instructor will talk you through each pose and you will hold them longer.
For those of you have have tried yoga before, but not quite ready for Cirque du Soleil, I would recommend any of the mixed levels classes. The difference here is the types of poses and frequency of vinysas executed in a row. With mixed levels, again-​good workout, you will see the experienced yogi’s there for a mid-​week sweat fest as well as a yogi’s from other studios coming for something different.
When you get to 5^th STREET (not AVENUE, in Grandview), you will have to park at a meter between 8−6p during the week and on Saturday. Then take the stairs up to the 3^rd floor, turn left at the top and walk all the way down. V the last door on the left. There is a shower, but you will have to ask Julie for the key to it. Most people just wipe off in the two stall bathroom and shower at home.

Julie, the owner, is a fantastic, enthusiastic instructor who combines bits and pieces of vinyasa, ashtanga, and bikram for an athletic approach to yoga. She has many dedicated students, mostly dancers, who love her style. Julie is encouraging and challenging in her instruction but allows lots of flexibility in her practice. When I take a class with Julie, I’m working hard, pouring sweat, and feeling great afterwards.
One note, since this is sort of an unorthodox practice, shivasanas are short, there is no om-​ing or chanting, and emphasis is on movement and breath. The studio is simple and well lit with natural light, great views of downtown, but one star off for the funky carpeted floor and slightly aerobic-​y soundtrack.