Decatur Yoga & Pilates

I moved to Atlanta a month ago, and right away I wanted to find a great studio where I could practice regularly and feel at home. I had been practicing yoga for a little while before this -- sort of nervously, since I have never been very active and am just starting to get in pretty good shape. DYP has really given me an opportunity to get into the practice and meet myself where I am. As a non-fitness-oriented person, there are a few things I want from a yoga practice. I want yoga to be an ""experience"" and not just a workout. I want it to be zen but not overly spiritual. I want to feel accepted no matter how imperfect my practice is. I want it to always be okay if I sit out a pose, but I also want to be gently challenged at just the right time. I also want safety to come first. I have gotten all of these things at DYP and more. I have practiced with almost every instructor at DYP by now -- and although each of them have quite unique styles (something I really appreciate!), all of them have been kind, straightforward, safety-oriented, and quite knowledgeable. I have always felt welcome and at home. The vibe I get from the studio, the gentle instruction, and of course the lavender towels after the hot classes, have turned me into a genuine yoga addict. more

I practiced my bikram Yoga during a couple business trips at this studio and although I enjoyed a few classes (without being screamed at): Unfortunately I encountered a couple quite mean teachers who seem to be really enjoying screaming at you and force you to do things their way regardless your capabilities. more

Hmmmm, I started coming to this studio 3 months ago after being a regular at one of the Bikram studios mentioned below. I'll admit this studio's Bikram isn't as hardcore as a true Bikram studio but if you've truly practiced Bikram, it won't matter. You either know the yoga or you don't, the instructor shouldn't matter. The other styles of yoga are wonderful and a great compliment to a Bikram practice. I have found the instructors to be very safety-focused and they do a great job of thoroughly demonstrating the more difficult poses prior to having the class move in to them. If I don't know a pose and they're not demonstrating, I've simply asked and they come right over. I also found practicing at a Bikram studio was actually giving me repetitive stress injuries. Since widening my yoga style focus, the numbness I was experiencing has left. I purposefully take the Bikram classes at DYP because their instructors aren't militant about you following the instruction to a tee. The changing room could be a big larger but oh well. I'm enjoying how friendly everyone is and how few egos I've encountered. People talk to you and there's a real community. A huge change that will keep me coming back. Plus, I'm loving the strength I'm building from the new styles I'm being exposed too. All in all yoga is a personal journey and this studio does a great job guiding you to find what's best for your body vs. what fits their 'dialogue'. more

This studio offers substandard instruction and facility. The quality of hot yoga instruction is substandard compared to nearby Bikram yoga studios such as Bikram Yoga Decatur or Bikram Yoga Marietta. Furthermore, restroom is small and dirty, and the studio is not well maintained. On top of that, people who run the studios are crooks. I paid $150 on August 10 for unlimited one month pass, to expire on September 10, 2010(written on the receipt). On August 22, 2010(12 days later), I was told that my pass had expired and that I had not paid for the classes, LOL. If this was not all the problems with this studio, that would be OK. However, on top of that, instructors at this studio SUCK BIG TIME and quality of the instruction is substandard, to say the least. I lost track time of the time instructors at this studio told me that I'm able to do this or that advanced pose with ease because of natural flexibility. I happen to be a relative beginner suffering from severe back and knee injury, as well as chronic illness. I used to be super stiff before beginning yoga and is able to do advanced pose with ease due to superior yoga instruction I received elsewhere. If I had to depend on the instructors at this studio to learn how to do advanced poses, I would suck big time, LOL! If you want your yoga to SUCK BIG TIME unless you are naturally flexible and also be billed twice, try out this studio. Otherwise, go somewhere else. Both the quality of instruction and condition of facility at Decatur Yoga & Pilates is third rate. On top of that, their billing process is crooked and this business deserve to be driven into bankruptcy. My sincere hope and prayer is that Decatur Yoga & Pilates go out of business soon, driven by more ethical and well managed competitors. Namaste. more

The previous reviewer obviously had a bad experience with a yoga instructor who was at Decatur Yoga and Pilates for a short time and is no longer there. The encounter happened outside of the studio. That said, the yoga and Pilates instructors at DYP are all highly trained and hold a minimum of 200 hour certification--most have surpassed this--and continue their learning with workshops and other continuing education. Decatur Yoga and Pilates is a great place to practice, learn, and grow as a yoga and/or Pilates practitioner and as a person. The studio offers four types of Hot Yoga: Bikram, Hot Core Power, Hot Vinyasa, and Hot Pranakriya, four types of not-hot Yoga: Pranakriya, Restorative, Anusara-Inspired, and Prenatal, and Pilates, including Yogalates. The previous reviewer is also mistaken--""Lotus Yoga and Pilates"" does not exist. There is a Studio Lotus, and they offer Pilates, but not yoga. Please disregard the previous reviewer's comments. They are in no way a representation of the studio as a whole or the vast majority of people's experiences there. Pros: Qualified teachers, great variety of classes more

Decatur Yoga and Pilates has an amazing staff, excellent class structure, and of course, the wonderful wet towel dipped in lavendar oil that is placed over your forehead after your hard work in the hot room. I have been to many yoga studios around the metro area, and I immediately felt at home here. ALL, and I mean, ALL of the instructors are approachable, knowledgeable, and humble all at the same time. I am completely hooked on this studio...and not to mention, because of how I feel about the studio, I go no less than 4 times per week..yoga and DYP has changed my body and my life. Pros: class structure, instructors, overall vibe is relaxing and easy Cons: classes and ladies locker room can get a bit crowded more

Atlanta is blessed to have some great yoga studios and this one is the best of the best. The studio is tucked away in Decatur down in an underground hidey hole--like a diamond in a mine. After years of trying Bikram off and on, I love the Hot Core Power classes which are flow classes with breath and bodywork to music--very inspirational. The attitude at Decatur Yoga and Pilates is nurturing and positive--Bikram for true yogis (no competition, no judgment, listen to your body, go at your own pace) rather than Bikram by negative slave drivers (too many rules.) I was a cardio-funk/step aerobics instructor and personal trainer for 7 years and can tell you that this studio delivers a challenging workout. Get ready to sweat! You will get out of it what you put into it. If you are a beginner come early because out of consideration for everyone they lock the door once the class has started. The teachers are well educated. I have been 20-40 lbs overweight and I have never been intimidated to practice here. The lavender soaked towel at the end of class is worth the price of the drop in fee. I feel great every time I leave, having done the work I was meant to do. You will, too. Pros: Service, parking, instructors, hot classes Cons: schedule is a bit light right now, smell in hot room more

I'm a 5-year veteran of Decatur Hot Yoga, a lovely studio conveniently located near downtown Decatur. At 59, I feel more fit, calmer, and more confident than ever before. Teachers at DHY are professional and knowledgeable; classes are small and flexible enough that teachers can give individual help and guidance where needed. They make an effort to get to know you and what your body needs. DHY offers a wide variety of classes, both hot and non-hot (Pilates included!), and you're invited to sample in order to find the right fit for you. You can be as challenged or relaxed as you like. GIve DHY a try; like I was, you'll be hooked! more

I've been practicing yoga off and on since I was a teen in three or four cities, and this is by far the best studio I've tried! Pros: Great atmosphere, friendly teachers & staff, wide variety of classes, great value, classes from 6:00 AM until 7:30 PM more

Decatur Hot Yoga offers challenging classes, great instructors and a clean and friendly environment. I also don't find myself getting bored with the class selections. There is something for everyone! Pros: Hot Yoga, Hot Core Power, scented lavender towels, clean Cons: class schedule more

I have nothing but positive comments for Decatur Hot Yoga. It is a soothing haven of relaxation. Every teacher that I have studied with was positive and helpful. It caters to every level of experience. I always leave feeling as though I can conquer my day. The hot yoga is a wonderful experience. Being from Texas, it always reminds me of home. Pros: Ambience, Service, Instrutors Cons: The only possible ""con"" is that it is a bit busy during peak times - you can always call and ask for help picking a less-busy class. more

I found that I could not get a good workout at this studio except in hot yoga, and that's just because of the nature of hot yoga, even it varied per instructor in level of intensity. The pilates and the non-hot yoga classes were more about feel-good fellowship with the regulars and the instructors. But, I can see that some folks really like it that way. Don't get me wrong, everybody is pretty friendly and it's definitely not bad, but just don't go there if you think you're doing it strictly for the exercise. The hot yoga is still something I enjoy but for conditioning pilates or yoga, look elsewhere. Pros: hot yoga facility Cons: non-strenuous classes more

I took my first yoga class at Decatur Yoga and Pilates about a year ago, and I fell in love. I especially enjoy the hot core power classes. They give you a real work out (you will be sore the next day), yet are relaxing at the same time. Pros: Lavender scented cold towels at the end of class; Great teachers; Clean; Welcoming more

I have been a practicing since Debbie opened her doors five years ago. Each time I attend a class, I walk away with such a great feeling. The teachers are incredible and so experienced. The entire environment is warm and cozy. I am so happy to see how much the studio has grown. It is truly the best yoga studio. In this fast paced world, it's so nice to find a relaxing spot to find yourself! more

This place is so cool! The staff is friendly, the website is super easy to use and the teachers know what they are doing. It also has a very peaceful, safe feel to it. I think it is pretty cool that they offer both hot and not hot classes, as well as pilates and other types of workshops if you want some variety evey now and then. Pros: parking, clean showers, ample cubbies for personal storage, great service more

This is what a yoga studio should be --- welcoming, accepting, challenging and diverse. There are lots of different classes to choose from and different instructors. The variety ensures you are never bored. Also, taking classes with different instructors allows things to ""click"" in a different way. One instructor may explain something in a way that doesn't really gel for me but another will explain or demonstrate it in a way that it suddenly makes sense. After a hard day at work I want to work out hard and de-stress. The instructors understand that and try to meet each student where they are that day. As the owner said in my first class, ""Wherever you are today, that's your yoga."" Whatever expression of the posture works for your body and mind is welcome; there's no pressure to do things you're not comfortable with. Pros: parking, facility more

So many classes offered and all the teachers are great. They sell cool yoga clothes too! You can sign your kids up for YogaKids and you can take a yoga class at the same time. They even have showers! Pros: online sign-up more