Bikram’s Yoga College of India Central Phoenix

I’ve attended several classes this week after my husband bought me a Groupon. I’ll get to the point: there is construction in that shopping center so you have to walk through a construction zone to get to it. There is no signage indicating that’s the place but it’s the last business on the strip.
About the studio:
It’s not the nicest I’ve ever been to so if that’s important to you, you may want to go elsewhere. You may occasionally see water bugs in the hot room, I have to say I’ve seen less since I started attending. And the room is also pretty funky but you don’t even notice it after a minute or two in there. As for the instructors, they’re my favorite. They’re some of the best I’ve had, they seem to really care about the students’ practice and have taught me many things that I’d never learned in other places. I highly recommend this place and am even going to continue to attend after my groups expires!

Yeah. I do yoga from the Ghosh lineage and Bikram was from that lineage as is my teacher so the voucher deal came around and I got it. Just to try. Did a candlelight class where I was the only one, the music was loud hip-​hop and she was doing poses I had never seen. (And I am a RYT-​200 hatha yoga teacher.). Made no sense and despite the open doors, the incense and candles (real ones! Fire danger!) the place was really really odifourous. Hated putting my face or feet anywhere in the studio space. The lobby and changing area was really nice but call me a woose but that studio whiff really gave me the heebie-​jeebies as did the perky twilight yoga teacher giving me some sequence (she called it a vinyasa) that had me twisting my spine before warmed up. She also did a physical adjustment which is a no-​no at Bikram schools.

I purchased a groupon for $ 15 for 1 month unlimited yoga, after 1 class I called groupon and had my money refunded. The yoga studio smelled like sweaty socks, it was unbearable! The instructor said the carpet was just washed the previous night. Yikes! I recommend Sumits North Phoenix instead!

I love it here! I did a lot of Bikram growing up and through high school but then went to college and never had the discretionary income to get back to it, but then I saw the Groupon. I couldn’t turn down the deal!
It’s the first Bikram studio I’ve been to (or heard of) since relocating to Phoenix, so I only have studios in San Francisco, CA to compare this one too. It’s just really great here! I actually feel like the teachers care about my well being. Instructors walk around during class and pay attention to the students, while still keeping the class challenged and motivated. Most other studios I’ve been to, the instructor sits up on a box the entire time reciting things, barely looking around or concerned with anything else but what he or she needed to say within the 90 minutes.
From the minute I walk in to the minute I leave, everyone is super friendly and helpful. The studio isn’t too smelly either and is well kept. I was scared to go in after reading some of the reviews but it is far from awful compared to other studios I have been too. The scheduling of their classes is great too! One that can fit into anyone’s schedule but more, one where students are stepping all over each other on their way in and out. There’s definitely time to settle into class and time to linger in sivasana after.
Another plus is that they offer a multitude of classes. They have traditional Bikram but also Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Sound Vibration and more! Now, I sound like I’m advertising, but I swear I’m not. It’s just an all around great place! Try it!

Started here on a Groupon and fell in love! Love love love the instructors, the studio, the owner! They offer plenty of class times to make it convenient and every instructor is so welcoming and knowledgeable that I cannot decide which one is my favorite! Bikram yoga is amazing and if you are looking to deepen your practice and heal your body this is the place to go!!!

Really wanted to like this place as it’s right in my neighborhood. The staff and instructor were super nice but I just couldn’t get past the smell. 90 minutes of dank sock meets garbage can. I just couldn’t return for a second class, despite the amazing Groupon deal I got.

I started coming here with a Groupon ($ 15 for 30 days) and have been more than satisfied. Despite all the sweaty people, the practice room does not smell moldy or harsh in any way. They have areas for your belongings right at the front door or cubbyholes in the locker room. The staff is extremely friendly and willing to walk you through the whole process. Make sure to arrive early and bring plenty of water and a towel!

I have had the opportunity to practice Bikram yoga at other locations and this was just not the right studio for me.
Facilities are outdated and it’s one of the smellier studios. I was given a groupon as a gift a little while back and I really didn’t feel as welcomed as I have at other Bikram studios out there. In my opinion, the instruction I received here was not as consistent or as challenging compared to what I was expecting or am used to.
The good thing about yoga is we get to practice yoga and there’s many choices out there! Sometimes you have to drive a little bit farther for the yoga studio that feels like home for you.

Smelly, moldy and just plain gross! It is difficult to say you’re doing something healthy when you’re staring at the ceiling and all the mold is staring right back at you… The yoga itself is great however it is hard to get over the unbearable smell of sweat that slaps you in the face the moment you walk in. I’m sure there are better places to try in town!

Phenomenal! Brooke and her staff are educated, motivating, encouraging and knowledgeable.
Get there early, the room fills up fast. Is that a sign??? I would say so. Keep it up guys are you are awesome.

Do not go here!
This place simply nasty. I have been to any hot yoga classes and this studio is by far the worst.
They have mold and such a stench that lingers through the entire place. Honestly, made me sick. It is so unkempt and dirty!
I would never suggest this place to anyone.

Oh geeze I loathe this place. It smells like a sweaty swamp full of mold, yeast, day old balls and other unidentified bodily odors. The fluorescent lights blare while the instructors yawn and fan themselves with the list of asanas they repeat session after session ad nauseum. Did I mention it’s also 100 degrees and 95 percent humidity in there? You will also huddle together as there is always a groupon bringing in the hordes. Don’t worry, you will be able to see every inch of everyone’s nearly naked body for only a few minutes as the mirrors quickly fog up with your collective sweat.

I have been practicing at Brooke’s studio for years and it is, hands down, my favorite Bikram studio! I do not use all of the amenities and cannot speak to locker room space and shower facilities. I live nearby so I come in, practice, and leave. The staff is wonderful, the teachers are awesome, and everyone truly seems happy to be there. Brooke is warm and welcoming and that carries over to her staff. Thank you for being so consistent and though I may take a break or take advantage of a Groupon elsewhere… I always feel at home in this studio. It is my happy place:)

I’ve had a few friends over the last few years that have mentioned I try Bikram yoga. I had reservations, felt as a guy I’m not sure if I could be comfortable doing hot yoga.
Well last month my friend suggested this studio that she also attends class. So I finally worked up the courage and came to a class with her.
This studio offers a $ 20 2 week unlimited intro.
I have been going 2 – 3 times a week ever since. It has been about a month at the moment I’m writing this review.
Everyone has their own favorite instructors, Justin is my favorite.
I have since lowered my blood pressure dramatically and can feel my stress levels decreasing. I think that partially has to do with one, the cardio I’ve been receiving from the class and partially the knowledge I’ve come to learn about how I deal with my stress and how I can let it go, remembering what I’ve learned in yoga.
They say at this studio yoga, true yoga starts when you leave class.
I really believe that now.
I would recommend this studio to anyone.

I love that this studio offers so many classes. They make it impossible to use the schedule as an excuse not to practice! The do a TON of Groupon and Living Social deals, so the studio always has new faces. I think it’s terrific, but be prepared for PACKED classes!
Pros
— Classes start at 6 am and run all the way until late evening. There is literally a time for everyone.
— Lots of great teachers. Only one is worth avoiding. 3 I would adjust my schedule to practice with.
— Great Central location.
–Friendly staff
Cons
— The hot room needs to have the carpet replaced more frequently. I have practiced at several studios, and this one is just a little «funkier» than necessary.
— Only 1 shower? You MUST be kidding. The «locker room» for women is terrible. I would prefer to be able to rinse off before leaving. If there were more showers, I would have the option of practicing and showering before work.
— I would really like another wall of mirrors, or reflective tint on the wall of windows. A ballet bar for pre-​class stretching would also be great.
–The hot room is small. Get there EARLY. And you still will have mats 8 inches from yours depending on the class.

I bought a Groupon for Bikram a few months ago, and just finally got around to using it this week. I had heard horror stories about how awful/​difficult Bikram is and psyched myself out about going. To quote a line from the 40 Year Old Virgin, «I put the Bikram on a pedestal.»
When I entered, the lady at the front desk was super welcoming and immediately put me at ease. There are cubbies in the lobby area to put your stuff in. They also have locker rooms with more cubbies, but it looked pretty crowded in there.
I went into the actual studio and found a spot in the corner, where I thought no one would be able to watch me make a fool of myself, which I then realized was right in front of the mirror everyone would be facing. Whoops. Anywho, I laid my mat and towel down. Yes, even if you have a mat, bring a towel to put over it because you will sweat that much. I followed the cue of others already in the studio and laid down on my mat, trying to calm myself down for the 90 minutes of torture that laid ahead.
The instructor, Gemma, came in a few minutes later, and by that point, I was already sweating – both from the heat and my nerves. Gemma was great! We started with breathing exercises, which really helped me relax. I was worried that I would be confused about how to do the poses, since in Bikram, the instructor does not do the poses along with the class. But Gemma clearly explained things, and if I was really lost, I could always glance around the room.
I was really worried about the heat, but honestly, it was tolerable. If you have ever done any physical activity outside in the Phoenix summer, it’s no worse than that. And if you have to lie down or sit down to take a breather, no one is going to judge you
After the 90 minutes was up, I couldn’t believe it was over. It definitely went by much faster than I was expecting. I went home feeling accomplished and still dripping with sweat. I don’t know if it was the Bikram or the large glass of wine I had that night, but I had the best night sleep I have had in a long time.
My only dislike about Bikram is the price. The Groupon was ridiculously cheap, but $ 160 a month for yoga is a bit steep. Still, I can see myself paying for a drop-​in class in the future, even when my Groupon is up.
Tips:
–drink plenty of water the day before and the day of. I drank about 130 oz the day before and probably about 80 the day of before I went
–don’t worry about people judging you! the class had people of all ages, sizes, and abilities
–get a spot by the door-​the instructor periodically opened the doors to let cooler air in

Like many others, I bought a groupon for this studio. I waited until the last moment to utilize it, but finally dragged myself to the depths of Phoenix. My dad warned me to bring mace as it’s quite tucked in to a little shopping center. To be honest I was a bit scared because the shops nearby are that of pawn shops and a funky little lightbulb shop. The directions on my iPhone were a little funky as this place wasn’t popping up.
I walked in and the lady at the front desk was very nice. I said I was new to bikram but had been practicing other forms of yoga for quite some time. She told me where I could put my stuff and that I could buy towels/​water. When it came time to enter the class, I felt really lost. I eventually came back to her to ask her to kind of guide me.
The class smelled awful. I sort of expected that, since you are supposed to have carpet for bikram yoga, but it just smelled like they took 20 football players and stuffed them into a car in AZ without heat and a bowl of garlic shrimp.
I ended up feeling uncomfortable in the class. She singled out the newbies to not do certain poses when I was actually familiar with one of the poses that she told us not to do and was particularly excited to do. But I didn’t. She even said my name in front of the entire class and I would have appreciated her coming over to me and quietly talking to me rather than stating my name in front of the whole class.
I will not give up hope though, it was very relaxing. I will just try another teacher. And get used to the stench.
Ways it could have been better: Possibly have the room refreshed somehow between classes.
Ways it was awesome: The schedule was very flexible.

Back in July, a few of us girls at work found a living social coupon for this place for $ 20 for $ 20 classes. Being that we all could use a little more exercise in our lives, I bought the coupon and started going to classes.
The Yoga studio is tucked away in a shopping center off Central and Camelback behind AJ’s fine foods, and next to a hair salon.
The basis of «hot» yoga is to do 26 yoga positions in a room held at 105 degrees with 40% humidity for 90 minutes. This allows you to flush all the toxins from your body, speeds up your metabolism, reduces stress levels and basically cleanses your whole body while you get a good healthy workout. Intense? Yes, but not impossible. You will sweat everything out, literally. I admit, like others here, you feel like quitting 15 minutes in because you think your going to die from the heat and your sweaty as hell, but KEEP GOING. IT GETS EASIER/​BETTER. I cannot begin to tell you how awesome I felt after my first class. Just amazing!
For starters, even if your a beginner, like me, do not be intimidated! The class is welcoming to students of ALL levels. I’ve only been to one other yoga class before in my life, and that was 4 years ago. Here are a few pointers to help you out and tell you more about the studio itself.
A) drink an enourmous amount of water before, during and after class! Especially the day before class. The day before drink, drink drink! You will sweat like no other during class, and you need to stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water after class, as your body is going to be dehydrated and you will be flushing toxins out of your body. Also, when you bring water to class, make sure its frozen before hand. If you don’t, it’ll be warm in 5 minutes and useless. The studio does sell water bottles, but its like $ 3 a bottle. You can go to Circle K and get one for a dollar, throw it in your freezer, and take it to class with you.
B) bring a big towel to put over your mat. Your going to need it to collect the sweat, and to wipe your face and body periodically during class. It also allows you not to slip on your mat when you do the standing poses for the first half of class. The studio does rent towels, but it costs a few bucks. I bring a beach towel with me and it gets soaked by the end of class from sweating!
The studio itself is spacious, but fills up quickly. You want to make sure you get a spot where you can see yourself in the mirror while you work out. It allows you to perfect your poses as the instructor talks you through the class, helps you become more limber and stay focused. I personally like to sit off to the right side because during class while the instructor is walking through the studio, they will open the doors and you can get a blast of cool air. This my friends, is the most refreshing thing ever. Sit off to the side near the door! You will thank me later!
The instructors themselves are really positive and encouraging. My first class ever was with this girl Melissa, and she made me feel right at home, explaining everything! Each pose has a benefit for your body, and she (along with the other instructors) will tell you what its for. For example, there’s one where you lay on your back and pull your legs to your chest– that’s great for digestion, another for reducing anxiety, others for expanding your lungs and so on. They also tell you to work at your own pace. Don’t kill yourself! There’s skill levels of all kinds here, and you’ll notice it in class.
I would go to classes with my friend Nicolle from work, and we had a blast. Each instructor brings their own personality to class, but you follow the same routine every single time. Some will work you harder then others, but again, go at your own pace. If you feel like you need a break, lay down on your mat, or do the downward dog position like I do and pick up at the next position after you regain your composure.
The only downside to the studio is the studio itself smells funky! I wish they would spray some febreeze in here or something, because I think it smells! Aside from that, I really enjoyed my time here, and would love to go back in a heartbeat. Staff was awesome, positive and encouraging. Plenty of class times available, and a great way to get back in shape.

Ive been practicing here since September 2011, never having done Bikram or any yoga, I instantly fell in love with it! The smell you have to get used to but you have to understand people are sweating none stop.
The teachers are all nice and helpful. Even the students are so welcoming! When I thought yoga, I thought skinny snotty rich people. With the exception of 1 or 2, that is not the case here! Its very diverse. And that’s what kept me going, I feel comfortable walking around in yoga gear. That’s saying something especially from a big girl.
Brooke the owner is an awesome person and someone to have in your life, even if its just a small part.

I have become a huge fan of Bikram Yoga. I find the asanas flow nicely and I love the heat. At 104 degrees I begin sweating within about 10 minutes of class.
This studio is large and well equipped. There are changing rooms and showers and it is well kept up. If you happen to forget the bare necessities when coming to class you can rent a towel and they will provide you with water. I can’t for the life of me see how this happens, but they have you covered if it does.
The instructors are all a bit different, and all very capable. (Gemma is my favorite).
I keep coming back here over other places in the valley because I really enjoy the class packages. You can buy 1, 5, 10, 25, monthly ect. It is very flexible and there is no time limit on them (obviously other than the monthly packages.) They often run specials 10−20% off so signing up for the mailing lists is fruitful.
If you have never tried Bikram before make sure you bring your mat, a towel and water and come WELL HYDRATED.
Good luck, and Namaste!