I have been practicing hot yoga with Donna at bodenyc (formerly bikramyoga nyc) for 23 years. This yoga has been an integral and essential part of my life for the past few decades. Donna is a wonderful teacher, who is both passionate and intensely knowledgeable about the practice. I was introduced to hot yoga while I was a musical theater performer, and my consistent practice allowed me to maintain not only physical health, but a sense of incredible vitality and mental focus.  

I continued to practice while getting my masters in speech pathology and sustained my energy and health while working many, many hours in a hospital. I suffer from ulcerative colitis, which, at times, is debilitating. Practicing hot yoga at bodenyc has been an incredibly vital tool in maintaining my health and energy. The benefits are endless. I have witnessed improvements in joint mobility, internal health and mental clarity.  Practicing regularly with Donna has definitely changed my life and I intend to continue for as long as I am able to.

- Sophie A

I was first introduced to hot yoga over twenty years ago and was immediately drawn to it’s benefits. Practicing in the heat was reminiscent of taking dance classes in non-air-conditioned studios, while growing up in New York City  – the body’s strength and flexibility are fully activated. As a dancer I began using the hot yoga series as a warm-up on performance days. The practice gives me a mind-body-spiritual connection like no other, though there is no mention of spirituality in the class. The class has become my moving meditation/prayer. Owners Donna Rubin and Jen Lobo run a tight ship, Bode’s facilities are well operated - always bright, clean, and welcoming.

All the instructors are top-notch, Donna Rubin’s no non-sense approach to teaching creates a productive environment, inviting students to strive for their very best, while leaving space for first timers and modification if needed. Though the classes can be arduous, once completed, the ‘feel good’ payoff is like no other. As I now transition into a ‘seasoned citizen’, my hot yoga practice keeps me strong and focused. I am grateful for the amazing service and sense of yoga community Bode has established.

- Byron Easley

Make no mistake you WILL get feedback when you teach the Original Hot Yoga from a multitude of sources, i.e. students, teachers and studio owners. The two best things you can do are 1) seek out a teacher/mentor to help you learn how to process and implement the feedback you are receiving and 2) grow your relationship with this trusted teacher so you are clear about your understanding of the feedback as it relates to your practice and your teaching.

I have been teaching Original Hot Yoga for twelve years and I have searched for this type of support throughout my tenure of teaching, and I feel fortunate to have found Donna Rubin. She took my class and then made herself available to discuss her thoughts with me immediately after the class. Donna was sensitive to where I am in my iteration of teaching, which is important because she clearly understands that egos can easily be bruised. She was, however, relentlessly direct in pointing out the changes and improvements that are necessary for me to make in order to evolve my already well-established style.
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Asking for and being open to receiving feedback from a coach or mentor is one of the most challenging elements of continuing to grow as a strong Original Hot Yoga Teacher but what is more challenging yet is finding a mentor to begin or continue that process. I can guarantee you are on the right path if you choose to work with Donna Rubin.

- Jen Russell

My first hot yoga class was during my last year as a professional dancer, and how I wished I had discovered it sooner! Aside from the physical benefits of simultaneous, no-impact strengthening and stretching, I learned about breath, meditation, and connecting to myself. Not to mention the post-practice feeling -- No wonder we keep going back.

All of these positives became even more important as I transitioned from a dance career to having children, going back to school, and teaching, all activities that steer us away from self-care to give to others. The rare yoga class at that time was a refuge and a treat. Eventually, I carved out three times per week as a non-negotiable necessity, and through many milestones, joys, losses, covid, divorce, yoga has been a constant that helps to reconnect me with my body and my self. An old ritual  that helps me keep learning and letting go of what does not serve me.
I am filled with gratitude for the practice and for the community at Bode -- I've practiced alongside you for almost 25 years! That first class with Donna at the midtown location in 1999 changed my life forever. She is amazing. And I can't imagine living without it.

- Nicole Duffy Robertson