I recently came across an article in The New York Post featuring Otto Cedana's Bikram Yoga Studio in Union Square. As you'll read in the article, Otto's style of teaching sounds more like water boarding than yoga. I had to check this place out for myself. Could he really be that bad!
Location: Bikram Union Square 841 Broadway 6th Floor NYC
;)
Cost: Pricey at $30 per class ($2 for lock rental / $2.50 for water / free towels)
Venue: bright, clean, with big windows in main yoga studio
Class: Bikram Yoga
Class size: Medium size. Not overcrowded (a few guys).
Level: Intermediate
Description: Bikram hot yoga. Room is heated to 104 degrees.
Summary: The New York Post article ran on May 2 and the lynching started soon after. Yogis, from here to Texas, are outraged by his method, and find him a complete disgrace to the "practice" of yoga.
The Otto I met really wasn't that bad at all! Maybe he decided to "soften" his approach since the article ran (probably not a bad idea). He's strict and definitely runs a VERY tight ship, but he never barked at any of the students in an inappropriate way. He pushes you to be better and more precise with your movement – which I actually enjoyed. He's smart and he definitely knows what he's talking about. I even got to see his soft side. The girl next to me was having some trouble with the heat and Otto tended to her by placing a wet towel on her back and forehead. He was very gentle and nurturing with her. He never made me or anyone else feel inadequate.
I would go back; however, I wouldn't make this my primary practice. Like everything, it's all subjective. Some people need the strict, regimented approach. I prefer a more "zen" yoga and the price is a little too steep for me.
As I was leaving the studio, he called to me from his office – "you're strong, but you need to work on your flexibility". Yep, that's me.