Dhyana Yoga

While I've not practiced at this particular studio, I have practiced at the Chestnut Street//West Philly/Uni City location enough... and here's what I have to say about that... I agree with aaning1994 & milkshakekitty… pls see their posts…. Indeed, it seems so few of these reviews is close to my experience with this place. So many stars and happiness… eh?.. what happened to healthy dissent?... While I’ve had some fun, yes, Dhyana had its good moments, like with Alex, still, it was never my regular yoga studio and trust me, I’ve tried/go to lots of different studios. Dhyana was never my regular place of practice in large part bc of poor ventilation &heat issues. Twice I had to leave the studio bc I was sure I’d faint from the heat. And I like to do some yoga when I’m in my element… maybe why all the instructors at Dhyana tended to always single me out? To ask me who I was and where/what I practicing?... What I mean is that despite my best intentions to blend in as best I could when I did go there and even hide behind the pillar, I always got noticed. I almost hated it because I didn’t want to explain myself. Tip: Don't practice there in the summer. I eventually began bringing an extra set of clothing because I’d come out drenched in sweat and sometimes, that’s not what kind of practice you need that day. So I’d tried my best to be adaptable to the situation. Notwithstanding, what you will read here is honest stuff, ppl, from someone not associated with the studio or who even believes in karma and thus MAY or MIGHT have written a great review to skew the ratings here…. So I'm just gonna post the email response I got from Dhyana (at the end) when I got truly annoyed over the heat (the end). more

I was referred to this studio by my hairdresser who raved about it and said Yoga helped ease her back pain and cramped hands from work, so I went to work out some kinks in my own body and was surprised I really liked it so much! The first class was hard because I didn't want to take my socks off but the second class I didn't care and I took them off and stuck to the mat much better. The teachers come around and do little things to put your hands and feet in the right place and sometimes you get a little massage at the end. After going there for months now I'm realizing it's not just my back that feels better, I feel stronger inside and out. I never expected all that, but it's great and I'm glad I found this studio and plan on going forever! more

I started coming to Dhyana in October after starting school at Penn (I mostly practice at their West Philly studio). The atmosphere of the studio is so welcoming and the teachers keep their classes a challenge for everyone in attendance. I have learned so much about myself and grown alot in my practice since starting here. If you have a class card it can be used at any of their locations thru out the city, which is a major plus. They also run periodic specials (""dollar days"") on 3 months passes at a very discounted rate, which makes it a steal! I would highly recommend this studio to anyone, especially classes with Alex, Gina, or Mariel! Pros: multiple studios, many classes, AMAZING TEACHERS more

First time free Fridays. A great way to test the waters, your first time practicing is free so long as it's a friday. Great locations and friendly staff. Love the teachers they pull in from around the world. Dr. Harran is the coolest guy I may have ever met. Pros: Kick a** teachers more

There are a few reviews on Jonathan D out there and I agree with them. He is a great teacher. I recently became a new student at DY and got unlimited classes for only $30 for two weeks. So I took every teacher I could during this time. And you know what, Jonathan stands out the most. He has a big brain for yoga and he teaches in a way that I understand and in a way that I want to come back for more. Jonathan stands out among all of the teachers with his humor, talent for teaching and deep understanding of the human body. Jonathan's a Gem and the reason I go to Dhyana. Pros: big yoga brain more

I started doing yoga at DY in May. I generally thought the teachers were capable, competent and approachable (Katey, Jason, Gina and Bruno) except for one who could be gruff and impatient (Maria). I stopped going to DY in late July because it is not air conditioned. It is on the fourth floor of a four-story building, which makes it even hotter. And, they don't open the windows or keep the door to the studio open in order to increase air flow. They do have ceiling fans, but a ceiling fan in a hot, sweaty, closed room is essentially like a convection oven. The 6:00 pm classes feel like it is 90 degrees in the room and extremely humid. Maybe I will go back once the weather cools down. Also, there are a few people at the front desk (Maria again, and a thin woman with brown hair and button nose) who are very unfriendly. When I left a class after almost fainting due to the heat, the woman with brown hair basically did not acknowledge me except to say that I should go back in the class for shavasana. She was more concerned about the sanctity of the class than about me remaining conscious. Anyway, before it got too hot, I was enjoying the studio, but the lack of climate control is a huge drawback in the hot, sweaty Philadelphia summer. Pros: Capable teachers Cons: Studio is not air conditioned; rude front desk people more

I visited Dhyana Yoga for the first time a couple of months ago and found it to be exactly the type of yoga studio that I was looking for. After taking yoga classes for over two years at various Philadelphia gyms, I felt that Dhyana was a great place to go to learn about all of that insightful yoga stuff that mainstream gyms leave out. The group of people that make up the Dhyana staff are one of the greatest groups of people I have come across in Philadelphia. Everyone is very talented and educated and each teacher offers something entirely unique. I think that for anyone that feels a connection to yoga (and not just a way to workout) they should give the classes at Dhyana a chance. If you ever wonder if you are doing the poses correctly or wonder why do we do this? -Dhyana is the best place in Philly to give you those answers! Pros: amazing staff, beautiful space, central locations, fair price Cons: n/a more

For the past 5 months I have been attending classes in Rittenhouse and Old City studio. I love the feeling of Old City space. Jonathan is amazing teacher and Alex is top notch. Pros: trained teachers fair price plenty of variety Cons: some classes are packed more

honestly, i'm surprised to see so many positive reviews. i attended several classes at dhyana yoga and was extremely disappointed. people seem to forget, yoga has become a business, any place that charges 15 dollars per class is using this intricate philosophy and way of life for their own profits. the presence of celebrities such as Moore and Posi is a clear indication of this studios role in a media and profit driven environment. worst of all is dhyana's cruel treatment of employees of which i have heard several accounts. Cons: cruel owner, crowded classes, too much talking during class more

Having traveled all over and been to quite a few Yoga classes, I was surprised to find the best one every in my own backyard! Recently I was in a class at this studio and Demi Moore and Parker Posey came in, and the students were all buzzing but I have to say the workers in the office at the studio handled themselves so well, they were just as friendly to me when I signed in... that says a lot. I heard Dhyana is opening 3 more studios and can't wait to find out where. Pros: You can use your class card at both locations and there are TONS of classes, & it's so affordable more

\r \r Sincere, passionate, caring, instructors... simply a beautiful, peaceful environment. I personally appreciate how they emphasize proper alignment. Pros: Everything else Cons: I miss Marni! more

I've done some yoga over the years but never stuck with it consistently, but now that I found Dhyana Yoga something finally clicked. I generally don't feel too confident about my body but the friendliness and encouragement of the teachers at this particular place really helps me forget what I look like and concentrate more on what I feel like, WHICH IS GREAT! I would not suggest coming too early for class and they don't really have a place for you to wait more than 10 minutes or so prior to class starting; and I wold suggest taking class with Dhyana if you can, she's really spunky and funny, or with Mia who will make you sweat and laugh the whole time. Pros: Great teachers Cons: can't think of any more

just the atmosphere i was seeking...\r i took an intro workshop with Dhyana, the owner, and it was pefect. Not only was her passion for yoga obvious but her calm, friendly demeanor and fun personality combined to create a top-notch atmosphere. Dhyana's approach and energy will appeal to the seasoned practitioner and most apprehensive and nervous of new- comers. I highly recommend the beginner workshop when available if you are new or fairly inexperienced with yoga. this will give you an opportunity to learn about the roots of yoga and receive a gentle introduction to basic poses and how to make them work for your level of practice. and the studio is spacious, beautiful and airy! more