My Inner West Yoga

I went to this studio twice with a Groupon voucher, the first time was great though crowded. The second time I had this extremely rude teacher (I think she may have been the owner) I arrived just on time as traffic had been terrible but the class had just gone in and closed the door as I came to the outside of the glass doors. The instructor came from the class and berated me for being late, I tried to explain that I was just on time but she wouldn't hear it. To make matters more interesting she had a kid there (don't know if she has a babysitting side gig) but the kid kept coming in and out of the class which was quite distracting.The real disappointment for me was that toward the end of the class we were in a hard position holding a pose for awhile and as the instructor walked past she clicked her fingers in my panting face. As though she was still holding onto whatever negative feeling she had when I had arrived. I didn't want to cause a scene and so didn't draw attention to the behaviour I tried to shake it off but the feeling stuck with me and each time I think about that studio I cringe at the memory.

I have been here for three months and there are some issues I think BYIW could improve on:1. There were some small cockroaches in the yoga room one time and I hope it had been improved.2. The owner brought her small kids to the studio and it was stressful at times, I understand it is hard to balance work and life but I would much prefer to have another teacher teaching us and Jen can just spend time with her kids, it is very important to stay professional while people are paying for your 100 percent attention.3. The other teachers that Jen hired were absolute loves, especially Alexis and Ann, they did amazing job and taught yoga according to the standard of a professional yoga practice, with passion and by example. ( showing us how it was done in front of the class and adjust us when needed) I would consider to go back to BYIW if more classes are taught by other teachers other than the owner. It might be better for the business too.4.sometimes classes would be canceled last minutes, again,I understand this is a family owned small business but there is a lake of professionalism in the way they just cancel classes without having a back up plan. One time Jen shorten a 75 minutes class into 60 minutes while we are 10 minutes in the class! Just saying “ there are some schedule changes, we are now having a shorter class”.It has been too many of these instances that I decided to leave the studio despite having bought passes.I would totally support small business but please show more professionalism.And no, I am not a competitor or bought by one, I am just a disappointing customer.

Had my first vinyasa yoga session with the lovely Jen on Saturday morning. As a newbie I felt very welcomed and walked away from the session feeling both physically and mentally refreshed. Would very much recommend this studio.

I have been to many yoga studios but this is the least organised and pleasant one. The owner claimed that we would not be allowed after the class's start time and it is disclosed on the website. This warning is nowhere to be found on the website. I also never saw it in the studio. The owner often starts the class late but has no sympathy for students who are late just a bit. I was late by 3 minutes and the owner would not let me in. There were a lot of constructions nearby and the roads were closed to my surprise so I had to find a different route. When I arrived, the class was about to start. Students were standing and just began the breathing exercise. The owner saw me through the glass door as soon as I arrived but refused to open the door. I have met many yoga teachers but never met anyone who is as mean as her. She is not accommodating or welcoming at all. I decided not to return to this studio when she later opened the door to ask me to leave while telling me about the rule that is not disclosed. It was my second class after purchasing a 14-day pass. I believe it is unfair for her to refuse service based on a rule that is not disclosed on the website or informed when I purchased the pass. So I decided to ask for a refund after the class was over (I am a strong believer of consumer or civil rights, e.g., I hired a lawyer for 20× fees to fight for an unfair traffic ticket and won the case in the court). I politely let her know that the rule is not on the website and requested a refund. I even tried to be friendly by smiling. But she said things that you would not expect, including I hate you smiling" and "Don't you know it is rude to stand outside?" I am not sure why it is rude to wait outside. I was standing out of the studio so it is not even her area at all. She finally issued a refund. I will never go back to this studio."

Must say, somewhat perplexed by the 'one star' reviews. I've attended both studios over the past six years; and my experience (overall) has been nothing but positive. I've always found Jen (& teachers) to be friendly, engaged and accommodating when I required a couple of pass extensions due to injury. Give it try. Then make your mind up.

It's a shame that I couldn't attend the class, and had bad experience with the reception lady, it's my first time, I booked by text message and only got four words reply sure just turn up". So I did just turn up but locked outside for over 30mins

Very disappointed....purchased a 20 visit pass and was reassured at the time of purchase that it’d be okay to extend the 6 months expiry as I was busy planning my wedding, hence my partner and I signed up. I only attended 8 classes and was not allowed extend unless I purchased another pack. My partner and I were not informed prior to starting the class and were forced to pay for a single visit pass @ $27 each at the end of the class......Not impressed and definitely will not be returning again.

Unfortunately they have too much to learn to run a successful studio. Not paying teachers, stealing money from their students is completely unacceptable and they should be accountable by law. I'm discussed by the lack of integrity and the lies. That studio is a sinking ship, I will never set foot in there again.

Be warned - It was cold in there. Bikram is supposed to be about 40-42degrees - that is part of what differentiates it from other yoga styles. At this studio my skin was actually cold to the touch (!!!), I felt cold all class and I fell ill the day after my first class. I was disappointed to spend money to pay for Bikram and not get the service I paid for - plus derail my health by wearing hardly anything in a cold room as I was expecting a proper Bikram studio as advertised. Would not recommend.