Kula Yoga Project

Recently moved to Tribeca and was excited to try this studio so close to my apartment. Was happy to see they offered a 3 for $ 30 deal. Not so happy when they failed to honor it.
My first class was a 1.5 hr kula flow. The teacher was more barky than guiding, and the class is combined with people doing the kula hour, so there’s an interruption midway through to allow for them to transition out. I would say this particular class was more beginner-​intermediate than intermediate-​advanced. My second visit was a weekend flow class in a warmed (but not bikram hot) room. The teacher was much better, challenging and well-​guided, but the class was uncomfortably packed.
On my third visit, after an 80 hour work week and in particular need for some stretchy zen, the receptionist said that I’d have to purchase a single class at $ 25. I explained that I purchased a 3 pack series but she said it was expired (by only 2 days!). This was never mentioned when purchasing, and any attempts to explain were diverted and ignored. I hadn’t brought my wallet w me and left yogaless, feeling swindled.
I really wanted to love this place since it’s right down the street from me, but the reception was consistently snarky, the classes underwhelming, the amenities lacking, and the vibe altogether unwelcoming.

I have been here twice. First instructor was Ariel, complete jerk. Asked the guy in back of me if he spoke English when he didn’t understand what Ariel wanted us to do. Put his dirty feet on a girl: s hands when they weren’t flat enough in her down dog. Believe it or not I tried another class, this time with Peiling. What a difference! Encouraging and supportive, Peiling recognized ability differences in the room and helped students find the appropriate level of a position.

This studio is fantastic and is a great place to practice.
Take my review with a grain of salt– I’m by no means an experienced yogi, though I have gone to Yoga classes off and on over the last 4 years in Fitness Centers/​community gyms that offer them. Though they can be good places to start yoga, I’ve always thought I was simply going through the motions to work-​out without much spiritual or athletic instruction during poses.
I like Kula because the instructors are knowledgeable, kind, and offer quality help. The community is also welcoming and warm, as is the gym– you will sweat as they keep the studio warm, but this is not Bikram by any means. Maybe I’m just especially sweaty, but I promise not to step on your mat.
Though somewhat expensive (10 classes cost $ 170/​$ 17 a class), I’ve felt deeply satisfied incorporating yoga at this studio into my weekly regimen.
Shout out to Cristina and her Basics class– she is an AWESOME teacher. Very communicative, helps with the fundamentals, and does a great job talking you through poses. I’ve improved my flexibility and chronic back pain by taking her class.

I’m a hard core jiva fan and have enjoyed kula during my pregnant prenatal yoga days. My 6 month pass expires a few weeks ago and the receptionist was not even the least flexible when I told her I had a baby 5 months ago and that my husband had surgery and I lost track of time and forgot my pass expired. She absolutely did not make any exceptions. Just so rude. All the teachers are super nice but front desk is always so rude.

I’ve been here a couple times. The yoga classes are interesting but the girls at the front desk have serious attitude. Especially the girl who was there last Friday afternoon/​evening. Like a friendly hello & helpfulness should be part the experience. Unfortunate her attitude left me unlikely to ever come back or recommend this studio!

I took my first ever yoga class at Kula back in 2006 while living in Tribeca. Since then, I have taken yoga at dozens and dozens of studios in Manhattan, Brooklyn, California and Washington DC and Kula is simply the best. I’m a fitness instructor myself (Pilates and barre) and am always impressed with 2 things: 1) the instructors’ ability to deliver the most relevant anatomical cue at the exact right time that helps you experience the pose as it is intended and b) the inventive and creative sequencing. I have been to far too many yoga classes with the standard sun salutations, warrior 1 to warrior 2 to reverse warrior to vinyasa, etc… yawn. I don’t teach yoga but I feel as if even I can teach this tired sequence with my eyes closed. Kula’s sequences are looooong and ever changing. I know how difficult it is to assemble a long and creative sequence, and then repeat it on the other side without forgetting anything. These guys are clearly taking time to plan their lessons, and I appreciate that as an instructor but also as a client. The classes are challenging and sweaty but not inaccessible. As some other reviewers mentioned, it’s not overly spiritual but I’m OK with that. I also love the temperature. I’m not a fan of hot yoga but I also don’t want to be cold. The temp feels to me to be in the low to mid 80s which is in my opinion perfect. I live in Brooklyn Heights now and only take yoga occasionally, but happily travel to Tribeca to do so. I have never had a bad instructor there but some really good ones off the top of my head are Jillian, Jen G, Benn and Oceana. Also the prices are extremely reasonable. Definitely worth checking out!

Incredibly knowledgable and careful teachers here who circulate diligently to give hands on adjustment and observe from different points of view. Exceedingly reasonable rates given that many classes are 90 minutes or even two hours. I’ve tried all the teachers and my favorites are Nikki, Magi, and Ariel, but you really can’t go wrong with anyone.
This is safe, smart, rigorous yoga – the real deal! A very special place and perfect for anyone who wants more than mindless, infinite sun salutations.

The teachers here are awesome.
Nikki’s class was crowded but she still got to me and really got in there to adjust my pigeon.
I also like the varied sequence that the teachers here offer. The studio is stocked with quality props.
Highly recommended.

Thank you Cristina for an amazing practice! Will definitely visit Kula Yoga Project again.

Kula is where all the dedicated yogis practice and that is something special. I took a class there last Sunday with Nikki and I was so inspired by all the yogis around me grooving within her creative and purposeful sequencing. Kula is truly a freestyle Vinyasa studio. You won’t get your hand slapped if you respectfully express an asana in your own way that fits your practice and the theme of the sequence. In Nikki’s class, anyhow, there were several yogi’s choice moments that let me really work on everything I wanted for my individual practice.
The only con is that the classes are super packed. Luckily, my neighbor was an old teacher of mine, so it was cool to practice with her like the old days. However, I felt that I was a bit limited at times and was a bit thrown off as I didn’t want to kick or swing into any classmates.

Jen G leads a great open level vinyasa flow. Always expect to sweat profusely in a Kula class– it’s a vigorous practice and they will turn on the heater in the winter as well. The studio is located in a walk up (I think there may have been 4 flights to go through?) and is a great spot in the community for yogis who want a thoughtful and challenging flow. Mats are available for rental, and there is a seating/​waiting area by the front desk.

Yoga studio was quiet and great for settling into your mind’s eye. Even though I usually practice in heated studios, this class worked my butt off! The students and teachers give off wonderful vibes. Wish they had lockers that locked as this is NYC but still enjoyed my class and practice.

Great studio with wonderful, helpful teachers. Studio could use a minor update but then again it might be a part of the charm !!

Great instructors here!
It’s hard to find unless you know exactly what you’re looking for ;P
It does get very hot and doesn’t feel air conditioned at all. It’s hot because of the number of people in there generating heat.

Customer service is one of the worst I have ever encountered. Maybe their employees could take a lesson in what «Zen» actually means. Lady I spoke to was sooo nasty. Felt like I was dealing with a junkyard employee. Steer clear of these guys at all costs

This place is like an crunchy urban treehouse.
My favorite instructor, Jen, is gentle yet leads the most challenging yoga class that I have found in my practice. She keeps me coming back every week despite my ongoing beef with studios in general: charging to use towels and mats. You can however pay an annual fee to store your own personal mat there.
The 3 for $ 30 new student deal is a nice starter package. After that, 95-​min drop in classes are $ 20 a pop ($ 16 for 65-​min classes) but decrease when you buy in bulk.

My favorite yoga studio in New York. Classes are never disappointing and always provide a challenge, making savasana that much sweeter!!!

I just loved this place. Beautiful, big studio with tons of old-​city charm. Gorgeous stained glass windows & buffed, old wooden floors make
The place feel cosy and warm. The lighting is low and calming. I took a 95 min class (odd length, I thought) which turned out to be closer to a
Decadent 1 hr 45 min flow. The creative, challenging sequencing kept me interested, and the vibe of the studio made me want to return. You will get a work out at kula, but the emphasis on breath work and body awareness is very centering. This class is perfect for the vinyasa yogi who
Wants to try something unique.

Best vinyasa classes in the city. Very talented teachers, great energy! Do need to show up on time. Classes fill up fast.

The basics class was fine, the instructor was nice, but it’s not necessarily a place you would go back to given all the other options in the city.
Their 3 class package deal only lasts 30 days and they don’t make any exceptions, even if you haven’t used any of the other classes. As a first time customer, Kula’s lack of flexibility took away any chance I’ll go back.
Sorry!

Just moved to NYC from Chicago and have been here a handful of times. Finding a studio and new teachers to practice with takes time and can be frustrating. I took advantage of their intro offer for new students and ‘discovered’ Nikki C and Magi who are both amazing! Straight to the point, knowledgeable yoga instruction from authentic people. Seems easy, but we all know easy to f*ck up.
Headed there today to practice and purchase a class series and look forward to ‘discovering’ more gems at Kula.

Let me start by saying kula is a beautiful studio with lots of beautiful people doing beautiful yoga. I’ve been practicing yoga for almost 15 years, periods on and off. I have a round supple strong healthy body and like many struggle with body image. I was intimidated by the long leggy modelesque yogis at first, but THEN I took a class and realized kula has the most amazingly beautiful class flows with outrageously challenging and creative sequencing and precision verbal alignment cues. It was like yoga heaven, and I feel connected to my body and breathe in a powerful way, so much so that I can let go of my body dysmorphia and really meditate. Kula is not for beginners unless you take intro classes, otherwise you’d be crazy not to try them out. I especially love Alex and Oceana’s classes. Can’t wait to try out more teachers.

Good studio and very good instructors. Can feel a little cultish. Crowd seems to be a good mix of beginners and experts. Not too intimidating, actually comfortable environment. Would recommend.