Bikram Yoga Bethesda

I've been practicing yoga for years and I've tried many styles (hatha, vinyasa, hot, anyusara, etc.).. Bikram yoga is NOT for me and I won't be back.

That said, I've got nothing against this studio or its staff. They're friendly, professional and knowledgable. If you're looking to detox, build balance & strength and increase your mental endurance, give this a try. If you don't do well in the heat, don't bother coming here. I sweat very easily & it doesn't take much for me to get overheated. Halfway through the class, I felt like I was going to die! I'm in shape & was well hydrated but I still couldn't finish the class. For that reason, I'm not motivated to go back, it was just a miserable experience for me.

I'm glad I gave this place a try & would recommend it to anyone interested in Bikram yoga.

Bikram Yoga Bethesda has undergone new ownership and management, and they seem to be taking the right steps towards improving the studio. Please note, that my last rating was DATED and yes, when the studio first opened it did deserve five stars relative to other studios in the area. Over the ensuing two years however, Tenley renovated and Bethesda was not built to last (it should have been downgraded to 2-3 stars).

The owners have addressed persistent heat issues and the new resin wood looking floor is a welcome change over the nasty carpet seen in most Bikram studios. I also love the cool towels at the end of class. Nice touch!

Where the studio still comes up a bit short is the following:

1) inconsistent instruction - Adrian, Elizabeth area great. Others, not so much. My others bucket simply recites the dialog with no awareness of students and striving for corrections and improving poses.

2) Locker rooms seriously need work. The showers were done on the cheap and xx #s of showers later it shows.

I'd say the new owners are doing a good job at improving BY Bethesda. Just a bit more efforts, and I'm back at five starts.

I was going here for about 6 months in 2011. The study was great, always fresh. The instructors were encouraging.

I would still be going if I didn't live so far away. I had to find a yoga studio closer to my home.

I found promotion for new customers to get 6 sessions for $25, and boy was it well worth it! I purchased two packages, one for myself and one for my mom. Package includes full 90 minute sessions, yoga mat and towel.

First, parking in Bethesda as you may know can be very difficult so finding a more than 2 hour space on a Saturday was not easy. I eventually gave in and parked at a 1 hour metered space and took a risk, didn't want to be late for the first session!

The studio is very new, modern and clean. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. The employee behind the counter was super nice. He reimbursed me for my 1 hr parking that I had already paid, and directed me on where to move my car to a parking lot that had 15 hour spaces. He was more than accommodating and helpful!

The locker room area is small but cozy. A little uncomfortable when it's busy. They have nice natural soaps, body oils and lotions to sample which I enjoyed. There is actually no private spaces for changing which I don't like. Fortunately, I assumed that this would be the case based on my past yoga studio experiences and dressed prior to arrival.

The studio was spacious and yes it was very very warm. I thought the humidity and heat balance was just right. However, it was my first time doing Bikram so I'm not sure if it should have been more of one then the other. The instructor was super friendly and great. I liked her a lot and thought she was very understanding in the sense that my mother is Deaf, and it required me to interpret for her.

I definitely look forward to coming back!

I've been practicing hot yoga for awhile, and I must say, this studio is one of the best. For those who are new to hot yoga, Bikram Yoga is the hottest you'll find. Getting used to the heat is part of the battle, but after you've adjusted, you'll be addicted! Your body will change after just a few classes.

What I specifically love about this studio is the community vibe. The studio director, Adam, is the heart and soul behind the operations. Chances are, he'll remember you after coming only a couple times, making you feel connected right away. The perfect blend and diversity of instructors is an added bonus. Each instructor is quick to know how to push you into a pose or how to help you ease up. Isabelle, Rachel, Altin, Elizabeth, Adam.....you really can't go wrong with any of them!

Additionally, the studio space is clean, fresh and welcoming. The individualized attention I get when I'm in this studio makes me feel like I am instantly part of this tight knit community. If you're looking for a down-to-earth hot yoga studio, with instructors that care and a charismatic, dynamic studio director, this place is for you!

I found this studio to be VERY friendly but, also VERY new. . . The Desk staff assured me several times they would be adding humidity and give em a break, they just opened on the 1st of Jan (4 days old). The space is beautiful and the locker rooms are large and cleaner than all other studios in the area (though they may be crowded). I'm sure in a few days the heat will be figured out. I'm looking forward to see how they evolve in the coming weeks and months.

Daria M

OH yelp, how I missed thee. I was on my way to attaining nirvana at Bikram Bethesda the past few months that I have neglected you. But don't worry, I'm back.

Bikram yoga: the best exercise you can get when you just to detoxify, feel good about yourself, and stay in the present. it's a series of 26 poses, each done twice, in a ~105 degree fahrenheit room. Glimpse of the poses you do can be located here: http://www.bikramyoga.com/BikramYoga/TwentySixPostures.php

1) I love this Bikram Studio. It's such a simple, serene place to do your yoga practice. No excessive decorations, everything feels clean (especially when you see people cleaning the studio right away after class), it gets plenty of sun from large windows, it's just you and your mat.

2) The front desk people are great and friendly, and provide a pleasant experience when entering the studio! Although I do admit that the huge computer monitors on the counter where you check in upon entering the studio is kinda awkwardly placed so that it blocks your view of the staff unless you stand to the side... or you're super duper tall.

2) The instructors are knowledgeable and are approachable after class for any questions. My favorite by far was Misty, she exudes so much warmth and positive energy while providing a great challenge in her class.

3) Locker and shower space is not very big, but you can easily adapt.

3) Coconut water ($3), mats ($2), towels ($2) are all available for rent if you every forget yours. Everyone needs a large towel to put over their mat during their practice.

4) I recommend taking the metro here, because parking can be sometimes tough.

Namaste!

Pros: friendly/knowledgeable staff, clean studio, good temperature, central location (downtown Bethesda)
Cons: difficult parking, and by far the SNOBBIEST students in any of the DMV locations! More on this...
...I referred my best friend to this studio who's a seasoned brazilian jiu jitsu fighter. She walked in warmly welcomed by the more experienced students. Finished her first class with flying colors (think HYPER-FLEXIBLE!) and after the class, the same "ladies" who greeted her so warmly before class suddenly either (a) cornering and drilling her with questions, which made her extremely uncomfortable or (b) ignoring her completely. I've been doing Bikram for 3 years and I now finally understand where these types of students come from. Go to Bikram Yoga Rockville if you're looking for more friendly fellow yogis/yoginis!

I've taken classes from Hanna, and let me tell you she's a fantastic instructor! Very friendly, precise, and willing to help you in your positions. I've noticed that other teachers prefer to yell across the room. Hanna will come up and ask if you need help.

The room itself is very large, with high ceilings and adequate space for each person. This is a big plus, especially in comparison to Dupont.

This facility also makes it a point to have everyone focus on themselves, not other people. Its great if you're shy and value privacy, and will keep you from feeling uncomfortable while practicing.

The locker room is very small and somewhat cramped, which can get a little awkward right after class. It's very clean though, so that makes up for the tight space. The lockers themselves are huge, which is another plus. I was expecting them to be the size of a shoebox!

They offer water, electrolytes, and other little necessities at the cash wrap. There's even the option to borrow a lock, which comes in handy in case you forget yours! The staff does a good job of watching your things in the cubbies outside and in the locker room, but that extra measure of locking everything makes you feel safe.

I believe they also have their own workout clothes, which are located towards the middle of the facility. They looked pretty cute, so I'll definitely be checking them out.

All in all, practicing yoga here is very pleasant, especially when they bring you a cold lavender washcloth for your face once class ends. Such a classy touch :)

My only complaint would be parking. The meters right by the studio are only 1hr, so if you park there you'll get a ticket. There's some around the corner and a garage further down, so finding decent parking may depend on the time you go. That has nothing to do with the studio, just a tip so everybody is aware and can plan ahead. Classes always start on time and the instructors are very punctual.

Pros:
HUGE studio
Spotlessly clean
Fun instructors that take the time to help you
Large locker rooms w/ three showers (!!!)
Free water to re-fill your water bottles

Cons:
Parking (but BYB is a short walk from the Bethesda stop on the red line)

I love this place. I usually rotate between Bethesda and Rockville, but I prefer Bethesda because of the location, especially since I metro to work. Adam, the director, is one of the nicest, most upbeat people that I've ever met. His classes are super fun and he is very helpful and attentive to new attendees.