"I checked out several Pilates studios before joining Joschi Body Bodega. It is very convenient and classes are scheduled often enough I can make several during the week. The studio is lovely, well maintained and managed. The teachers are wonderful, especially the gifted Joschi. His classes are thorough and demanding but never intimidating. I can even say the classes are fun. Fellow students are friendly and very loyal to this studio. You'll see. I began Pilates in hope of relieving back pain. It did that inside of three months and every month thereafter my strength and wellbeing has improved. I even sleep better. Thank you Joschi and Monika." - Carla S.

"I used to be the person who didn't like sports much (I have tried several sports, including Yoga), and I had pretty much decided that walking around the city and partying on weekends would be enough sports for me. Then came the day when I was dragged to Joschi by my mom. It was love at first sight. The studio is super clean and perfectly organized, Joschi's classes (Yoga and Pilates) are outstanding, and Monika is always very helpful. I am a regular now (2 - 6 times a week) and I feel great. It is also the first time I have started classes and didn't feel like I was born with two left feet and zero coordination. I always leave the Yoga Lounge feeling very calm, relaxed, and happy. Joschi's Body Bodega is probably the best thing that has happened to me here in NYC. Special thanks go out to my mom :D, Joschi, and Monika." - Hilary A.

"Hello! I have been practicing Yoga for 5 years, at home and in numerous studios in my travels. I wanted to find a place that gave me a sense of comfortableness, similar to what I get from my home. When I came across Joschi's Yoga Lounge, the studio immediately became my home practice away from home. I love Joschi himself, Monika, and all the teachers that have been carefully placed by the studio. Their knowledge of teaching on all levels that each of them possess is amazing. I love the studio so much that I decided to attend the Yoga Teacher Training program this winter. Even if you do not want to become certified to teach, I recommend this training just to deepen your practice. I am amazed how much knowledge I have consumed by all the wonderful people who work for the studio, and how it has helped me with my asana's and mental well-being. To say the very least, you must check out Joschi's Body Bodega. Come see for yourself how you will benefit, especially as a beginner, by experiencing a class with Joschi or one of the amazing teachers. If anyone knows how to make to you feel what yoga is...they do...and you will definitely get to know and feel it here." - Ann C.

"I'm quite new to yoga and was really interested in finding a studio that would cater to newbees like myself. In addition, I was looking for a studio where teachers were quite friendly and encourgaing. All of my needs are completely fullfilled at Joschi Yoga Lounge!!! Classes are quite amazing, never boring and challenging (but always within what your body can do during that practice). Monika always greets you with a smile and somehow always remembers every student's name when you walk in! Joschi is a wonderful instructor and you can appreciate his sense of humor during class too!!!" - Steve G.

strength and flexibility
many people think that in order to change their body they need to use the latest exercise machine or run several miles every day. while some people find results with those methods, you will find results through our classes because of their natural, holistic approach.

postures strengthen and lengthen the body's connective tissues. it doesn't matter if you are flexible or stiff, weak or strong, our classes can transform your body and mind and improve your overall health.

stress relief
the stress and pressure of our daily lives can lead to serious illness and disease if left unchecked. a regular practice of any of our classes calms the body and mind, boosts the immune system, and eliminates the toxins that stress creates.

breath control
the quality of our breath is directly related to our mental state. when we are upset, the breath tends to be fast and shallow. when we are at ease, the breath is usually slow and deep.
the regular practice of our classes helps students to be able to maintain deep, consistent breath throughout their entire practice, regardless of the physical posture they are performing.

circulation
oxygen is the source of life for every cell in the body. it heals our wounds, kills germs and bacteria, and ensures the strength and vitality of all living tissues. blood is what carries oxygen throughout the body, and physical activities like yoga, pilates and core conditioning raise the heart rate and increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood.

what makes all of our classes particularly beneficial is that it also boosts blood circulation to often-neglected areas of the body like joints, connective tissues, and internal organs. deep stretches, twists, backbends, and muscular contractions signal the body to send blood to those specific areas.

detoxification
toxins are all around us - in the air, in our food, and in the water - but fortunately, our bodies are designed to naturally eliminate these poisons through the skin, the breath, the blood, and the organs of elimination. So how does this relate to our classes?

in almost every yoga or pilates class, you sweat, you breathe deeply, your heart rate rises (increased circulation), and you massage and stimulate the organs of elimination through twisting and bending postures. for detoxification, a regular practice is extremely effective.

weight loss
many students report that after practicing regularly, they feel less hungry and make better choices when eating. as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, our classes are a great way to cleanse the body, increase metabolism, stimulate waste elimination, and reduce food cravings.

overall fitness
all of our classes focus on form, posture and alignment to promote whole-body wellness - both physically and psychologically - without creating the imbalances that lead to injuries and complications later on in life.

frequently asked questions about yoga and pilates

• why is it important to be on time?
walking into class after it has started is extremely distracting and disrespectful to other students and the teachers. moreover, if you arrive late, you may miss the warm up postures which are critical to deeper postures.

• why is it important to stay until the end of the class?
our classes are systematically planned to leave you feeling rested and energized. leaving in the middle of a class before completing the full sequence could make you more susceptible to injuries from not cooling down properly, and is disruptive and disrespectful to the rest of the class.

• why do teachers make adjustments to alignment?
to help achieve the correct alignment and to help avoid possible injury if the posture is performed incorrectly.

to avoid injury, it is important that you only go as far as you are able to. although the teachers will encourage you to go further, you are the only person who knows what it feels like to be in your body.

• can yoga help insomnia?
yes it can. yoga helps to balances the body's melatonin levels, the chemical which regulates your body clock. physical exertion and mental concentration of yoga helps to relax your body and reduce stress.

• will the classes promote weight loss?
many people find their weight finds a healthier level through our classes. for some people this means they lose weight, for others they gain weight. remember that weight is not a good way to judge health and fitness. especially as our classes help strengthen muscles and muscle weighs more than fat.

• why is it important not to eat heavy meals right before class?
some people may feel nauseous if they have eaten a meal 2 to 3 hours before coming to class. other people can eat half an hour before practicing and feel fine. if your stomach has food in it during class, the movement and postures might cause the food to pushup against your cardiac valve at the top of the stomach. in the long term, this might damage your cardiac valve.

• why is it important to drink lots of water before and after class?
drinking water is the single most important thing you can do for your health. our bodies are 80% water and most of us are dehydrated already. every cell of our body contains and relies on water to function properly.
working out, it is important to be fully hydrated before class and re-hydrate after class.

• there are many different classes on the schedule. which one is the right one for me?
talk to the receptionist or the teachers to understand the various classes we offer and if they're suitable for you. then just try it out.

• can beginners attend class?
yes. we have created an encouraging environment in which all levels and abilities can attend class. we do recommend our basic classes for beginners who are just starting out and encourage beginners to pace themselves in class. we recommend beginners commit to attending three classes in the first week. this will create a solid physical base and an intellectual understanding that will eventually help build strength, focus, stamina and flexibility.
please ask for our 101 beginner workshop.

• how many times a week should I take class?
this is a very individual choice and depends on many factors including your health, fitness, available free time and personal commitments. basically the more regularly you practice (up to a maximum of 6 times a week) the greater the benefits.

• what if I am not that flexible?
we encourage you to develop a flexible mind. you don't need to be physically flexible. all you need is to focus on letting go, sweating, breathing, moving, and respecting your limitations.