Abhaya Yoga Studio

This review is for yoga novices, yogis who need a refresher but aren’t sure where to go, or anyone else who has been thinking about taking a yoga class but has something (fear, self-consciousness, confusion, lack of motivation) standing in the way. Consider this the nudge you need. Abhaya’s intro class on Thursdays with Joy is a revelation. It’s a beautiful studio, but more than that, Joy is a beautiful soul who is an incredibly inspiring and motivating teacher. The class is pretty low key, as a beginner would hope, and not as structured as a typical class. Joy asked questions to help her customize the session. Having had some health set-backs and very stiff limbs, I needed props and breaks, but we did just enough to get my heart rate up, work up a sweat and feel some great stretches. We worked through some basics, but also tried more challenging poses after figuring out what I was most comfortable with. Not surprisingly, there is great focus on alignment and opening your heart and you can’t help but feel immense satisfaction when you hear Joy say an enthusiastic “yes!!” after you hit a perfect pose. This is a new class, so I was lucky to get a private session before word spreads and the room fills up. The price can’t be beat (first Thursday of the month free, then $5-$10 donation). This is a great way to ease into yoga and I can’t say enough good things about my experience. I was self-conscious before, but I already feel more confident and I’m so glad I took the plunge. Can’t wait to return and continue to grow at Abhaya. Highly recommend this class.

After I moved from Tribeca to Brooklyn a few years ago, I was still trekking over the Bridge for yoga. One morning I didn’t have time for the schlep and thought to check out, Abhaya, a local studio only a couple of blocks from my place in DUMBO. That day was nothing short of life-changing. Without exaggeration, this studio is paradise on every level. The Abhaya studio is breathtaking, overlooking the glittering East River, the Manhattan Skyline, the Bridge.(Imagine doing tree and watching barges, tugs and ferries sail by; sea gulls circling in the sky) . I was fortunate enough to take my first class there with the studio’s owner and visionary, Tara Glazier, who is talented, heart-centered, compassionate and majorly skilled. But I have yet, over the three years I have been going 3 times weekly, have a teacher who didn’t offer an excellent, injury-free class. Finally, I also found a warm, like-minded community who welcome all. There is no click-vibe here which is often the case in other studios. No matter how large, or intimate, the classes at Abhaya, are always rewarding. My body has gained flexibility and strength beyond my wildest expectations, but even more my heart has been opened. For beginner or advanced practitioner, this studio is heaven on earth.