Blue Lotus

I was in Raleigh for a wedding and needed a good stretch and sweat after traveling from AZ. Found Blue Lotus on the MindBody App and am so glad I went to try the Juicy Flow class with Yvonne! One of the most amazing experiences of my life — no joke. Got a great workout in along with getting in touch with my inner self and had so much fun letting loose with the music she paired up with each series. A few weeks prior, my boyfriend told me I need to loosen up on the dance floor — let me tell you, after this class they couldn’t keep me off the floor at the wedding! Yvonne brought out my inner dancing queen! Wish I could visit here regularly!

Blue Lotus is such a good yoga studio. I would recommend it to anyone who is in the Raleigh area. I took Carrington’s class and it was the best workout I have had in a long time. I love to include Pilates in my week, so having a studio that offers both is so great!

This is an excellent little boutique yoga studio. When I return to Raleigh I’d definitely come back here even though I only experienced one class, a restorative one at that. The teacher was good during the class, though she could’ve maintained the mood of restoration before and after class a little better by embodying a calm and quieter state with her emotive interactions with students. Even so, it was a good class and I’d go again.

After a couple of visits now I’m really enjoying Blue Lotus. Both of the instructors that I’ve taken classes with were great. I love the atmosphere and everyone is welcoming and friendly at the studio. The space is smaller then some other studio I practice at but I like it, so far I’ve never had any trouble finding a spot.
This location on West st. is very convenient and you can find parking pretty easily. I’ve taken to Vinyasa flow classes here and they were both great yet very different. I prefer the heated flow it’s perfect, not hot yoga but your body warms up enough to get a good stretch. I love the adjustments all the instructors provide which is unlike some other studios I’ve been to in town.
Now that I’m on ClassPass I’m looking forward to exploring even more classes here from now on! Super excited about finding this studio and can’t wait for my next class.

My husband travels to Raleigh a few times a year. The first thing I do in planning a trip is sign up for a class at Blue Lotus, Carrington’s if possible. From a nondescript door in a strip mall you enter a wonderful huge studio. Plenty of mats (and cleaner), blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps to use. The community is kind, welcoming and supportive. All ages fill the class, all levels side by side.
Carrington’s classes invite me to explore my practice in a new way. As a yoga teacher I usually practice on my own or in the studio where I was trained. Her attention to breath and alignment set a foundation for a great practice. Her word choice, tone and gift of vinyasa flow can take you easily deeper than you might expect.
Blue Lotus offers teacher training so the classes can be filled with student teachers, observers or assistants. I love this. A studio that teaches has a different energy that infuses the teachers and classes.
I leave every class with new ideas and practices to explore and offer in my classes. 5 stars!

When I was looking for a studio to fit in a practice during a visit to Raleigh, I chose Blue Lotus partly due to the 5 stars across the board in Unilocal.Now I know why they get perfect ratings and I am compelled to add mine as well.
The sense of community touted on the website was apparent as soon as I arrived and continued through the practice. Mary led us through a level 2 – 3 class that was enlightening. Although I’ve been practicing 10 years I came away from this one class learning so much– unique perspectives on the meaning of yoga, new poses and new ways into poses, alignment adjustments that took me so much deeper. I can’t say I have ever been in a class that started with 5 minutes in headstand, but that was just the beginning of the 90 minute journey.
I am looking forward to my next visit to Raleigh. Blue Lotus will certainly be on my itinerary.

Blue Lotus is a beautiful oasis of calm on Harrington and West Streets off Glenwood South. You walk in to a lot of blues, purples, and greens. The smell of incense and candles is apparent, but not overwhelming. I’ve enjoyed visiting it occasionally on lunch breaks over the past few months since I recently worked around the corner. This studio is really incredible in that it offers healing yoga which is really easy on you to a more intensive power hour that my friends raved about.
I have stuck with the lighter classes, myself. I only took a couple classes, but I went there almost 10 times so I feel like I can speak to the quality of them and the care that goes into them. I loved that even after coming a couple of times, I was greeted by my name. I felt like I was coming back to friends and found that incredibly touching.
Tuesdays at 11:30am with Jenn for Healing, Stretch, and Restore. This class is accessible for everyone, regardless of experience or level of fitness. It is an excellent practice for those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone living with chronic pain. At the beginning of every class, she asks what people want to focus on. I personally have struggled with some bouts of back or neck pain so I really appreciate that Jenn, and Kathleen who teaches the Wednesday late afternoon class, seems to be aware of what sort of poses or stretches are better/​worse for some people. The class has basic postures, gentle stretches, resting restorative poses, and simple breathing techniques to soothe the nervous system and promote complete relaxation.
Thursdays at 11:30am with Kathleen for Vinyasa Level 1. Truthfully, I still don’t know much about Vinyasa or what it means, but this class taught me a lot about focus. Principles of proper alignment, breathing, and mindfulness are taught in variations of basic poses. It’s not too complicated, but it’s very much about mellow flow from pose to pose and being in-​tune with yourself. At least, that’s what I learned anyway. This class could fill up, but I never felt overwhelmed. I would highly recommend it. Kathleen is phenomenal in walking you through everything and reminding you to take care of yourself.
The owner Jenn once brought her dog to a healing class. I love how laid back the studio is. At the end of every class there are announcements about any weekend workshops or special events going on. Very communicative and caring. I can’t speak highly enough about Blue Lotus Yoga. They do have free community classes for teachers in training I’d like to check out too. Take a look at their webscheduler to sign up and get details about classes. Very descriptive and helpful in helping you figure out what’s right for you.

Went to my first Vinyasa L1 class today, and as soon as I walked in, I could just smell the relaxation.
This studio has one large room that can hold (up to) 25 people, an area to store your shoes, keys, phone, etc. as well as a bathroom and front desk area where they sell their own merchandise. And as soon as the class starts, the doors are locked, and you do not have to worry that your stuff will be stolen.
And regarding the class itself, the only thing I will say is that I have never felt so relaxed in my life. I’m thankful for the countless hours of Youtube and disc yoga to help me with the basics (especially when it came to maintaining balance), because I was able to focus more on my breathing this time around. Expect to see me at the class next Wednesday! ^_^

Carrington destroyed me. In a total good way :) Her class was packed and the vibe was good. I attempted a lot of poses that I’d never tried before. And now my muscles are making sure I’m acutely aware of those poses. Carrington wasn’t afraid to adjust pretty much everyone in her class, and I have to admit her adjustments were just about perfect.
The studio is off the beaten path, and parking was sparse. There is only one bathroom and no other changing area, so get there early if you need to change. But the space is perfect for yoga. Not pretentious, but still clean, spacious, and inviting.
Definitely check out Blue Lotus, and I highly recommend Carrington’s class, especially if you have a decent practice or just want your butt kicked. Your muscles may hate you the next couple of days, but you’ll be proud of yourself after that :)

For the last several months, I have been attending Blue Lotus classes on my lunch breaks. I have a busy schedule and am not regularly able to attend a yoga studio on the evenings or weekends. Since Blue Lotus is conveniently located downtown– right down the street from where I work– yoga for lunch is an awesome option.
I work a desk job during the day and practice martial arts in the evenings, so my body has a strange and varied bunch of kinks that need to be «worked out». I will review each of the lunch classes I have taken, as they all offer something different and awesome, and they all leave me feeling a different version of refreshed. I will start with the classes I have attended the most often:
Tuesday — Stretch & Restore with Jen
I notice a considerable difference in my body and my mental/​emotional health when I attend Jen’s class. I was previously a yoga hobbyist who enjoyed more intense, vinyasa-​based classes — I even thought at one point that the intensity of hot, vinyasa yoga was the only way I could stay interested in a class. Jen’s class changed my mind on that. The first time I attended this class was the first time I had ever been able to fully relax into a yoga shape. Jen starts and ends her classes with positions that help you find that place of full relaxation and letting go. I have a lot of lower back and shoulder issues, so normal savassanah makes it often hard for me to fully let go. Jen uses the props in poses meant to get you into full relaxation, and it works! There are so many things I love about this class, and I always leave feeling restored. It is not a class where you sweat — I do enough of that throughout the week in various other activities. I come to this class to get back in tune with my body and mind, and to let go.
Now, needless to say, I’m a huge fan of restorative yoga. When anyone talks about how they need to do yoga for posture issues (I know all about those, sitting at a desk all day!), flexibility, or to supplement heavy fitness routines, I always immediately recommend restorative yoga, and Jen’s class. :)
Wednesday — Power Hour with Elizabeth
I love this class! I have attended 4 or 5 times, and Elizabeth always caters the class to the level of her students. This class is the toughest of the lunch classes, and don’t be surprised if you sweat. This is not just your average, redundant vinyasa flow class, though — each class offers some really great postures and poses that leave me feeling open and restored, along with the perfect mix of mid-​day buttkicking. It’s a fun, well-​rounded, and well-​run class.
Monday — Revival Lunch with Margot
I have only attended this class a few times, but I enjoyed it every time. Margot generally starts with a little flow, gets your blood pumping, and then moves into opening poses and postures. Every time I have attended she has asked for attendees’ requests, and does a great job of catering class to what people ask for. This class is a great way to start the week. Similar to Jen’s Stretch & Restore class, I don’t sweat in this one, but I leave it feeling refreshed and restored.
Thursday — L1 Vinyasa with Kathleen
I have attended this class twice. I enjoyed the class both times and would recommend it for anyone who is new to yoga and interested in trying out a Vinyasa class. It is anything but boring, and great for beginners. I learned a lot about proper form when moving through a vinyasa in this class, and there was a good balance of instruction and explanation alongside the movement. I also remember liking the emphasis on breathing, which is a key component of introducing students to Vinyasa classes. I haven’t been back because I attend a hot yoga class on Thursdays at lunch, but I’d definitely recommend this class to anyone looking for an introductory Vinyasa class.
In short, I love this place. Blue Lotus truly does offer something for everyone — and that’s just speaking for their lunch time classes. Every instructor here is friendly, and the instruction feels very warm and personable. The studio has a great aura, is clean, and has great design. Definitely check this place out as soon as you get the chance.

Really like this yoga studio. It was the first studio I found in Raleigh that actually practiced true vinyasa style IMO. Im not a fan of hot yoga though, so again blue lotus fits the bill. Very clean and cozy inside. Love the front windows to let in light. LOVE the community classes! Best way to spread the word of yoga to everyone. Will be visiting soon I hope now that my work schedule is more open.

I love Blue Lotus. I always come out of the studio with an awesome case of yoga head. The instructors are fun, caring and create delightful, meditative practices.

I’ve been here a few times, but I practice daily at another studio. I like to change things up and challenge my body in new ways by taking classes at other studios and in different yoga diciplines. This studio is great and I will be back for more! The teacher I had understood the body and guided the class exceptionally well. Beyond that, she brought a really calm and present energy to the room and I felt not only physically great afterwards but very centered, clear minded and aware. I took the vinyasa L2/​3 with Carrington.

I have done Yoga for about a year. I thought I knew what I was doing. I recently signed up for Yoga Explorations with Suzanne and it has been enlightening to say the least! With small classes, interactive instruction, and more one on one attention than I have ever received, this class is a Yoga gold mine! This is the only yoga class of its kind in the Triangle!!! Thank you to Blue Lotus for being cutting edge while helping me with the fundamentals of this life changing practice!

Beyond yoga posses. Blue Lotus is a house of love.

I can’t bring myself to practice at any other studio since developing my Blue Lotus addiction. The atmosphere is very welcoming, gentle, and totally non-​judgmental. The teachers offer a variety of styles, and there are classes available for students working at different levels.
For a challenging workout with an emphasis on the mind-​body connection, take an open-​level Vinyasa class with Yvonne (she also offers great yin, deep stretch and specialty classes, like tennis ball massage). Margot’s Warrior Hour class is great for strengthening & toning – make sure you come prepared to work! Kathleen has a gentle style that’s particularly beginner-​friendly, and teaches a Level 1 Vinyasa class that’s easily adaptable to your comfort level. All the teachers I’ve had at Blue Lotus are wonderful, though – it’s a very warm and nurturing environment.
The studio also offers an invigorating space to practice in – high ceilings, lots of natural light, and soft lighting for evening classes.

Blue Lotus is one of the most welcoming studios in the Raleigh area. I have taken classes with Carrington, Jill and Kathleen and all of them are extremely warm and wonderful people.
I highly recommend this studio to everyone, no matter if you are a beginner or an intermediate!

The studio is celebrating its 5 year anniversary. It’s a one room studio so if you get there too early or late the door is locked. I thought the classes were pricey for the area at $ 16 a class, but they do offer pay what you can community classes. According to their website they designed their studio environmentally green including using only «non-​petroleum soy candles». Music is played during class which is nice.
The studio has high ceilings and tall windows, but really only comfortably fits about 15 people practicing at once, but they can squeeze in 45 or so with mats 3 inches apart from each other. They have a store in the front with lots of books, dvds, and clothing. With a name like Blue Lotus I was expecting to see a blue wall somewhere or a lotus candle, something that plays on their name in the décor, but I think they were going for a white space with minimal décor. The students that come here are all very friendly and chat with each other.

Fantastic Yoga Studio, Fantastic Community, Great Classes and Teachers 5 Stars all the way. See you there.

To ensure a fair and unbiased review, I waited a good couple of hours after my first visit to Blue Lotus to be certain my infatuation with this yoga studio wasn’t just a part of my warm, fuzzy, post-​vinyasa glow.
Nope — still in love.
And still glowing, actually. Granted, I’ve only tried out one instructor and one class (Yvonne’s Vinyasa — do it. now.), but this girl’s a little finicky when it comes to her yoga classes — and studios — and there just wasn’t a single thing that could jack my flow in this place.
For starters, they’ve done an amazing job building out the studio itself. The space is bright, fronted with big, frosty windows to let in plenty of filtered light. The entire space utilizes green building materials (I’ve never seen floors like these — elegant, practical and environmentally friendly), and the décor is beautifully simple. And the sound system? I’ve never caught myself admiring a yoga studio’s rockin’ bass during my downward dog… until now.
As for the class itself, this one was everything I’d been looking for — Yvonne’s teaching style was deft without being overly regimented, fun without being flaky. The 90-​minute length was awesome — plenty of time to get our flow on, then work on some postures I’ve been secretly mystified by and now thankfully understand. It also allowed for plenty of stretch and inversion time and a good long Savasana.
*And* on top of everything, it’s located within walking distance of my house and *both* of my jobs. The universe at it’s finest, my friends.