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I have been a teacher for more than 40 years. I began teaching English as a second language in Paris in 1978, then painting and drawing at universities and colleges. In 1997, I started offering yoga classes in my painting studio at 111 First Street. For over two decades Yoga Shunya has evolved with Jersey City and has tried its best to serve the changing needs of the community.

I believe learning is a creative act and that the study of yoga, in all its forms, offers a deep awareness of the connection between body and spirit and between the individual and the community.
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Everyone attending studio classes will need to show proof of triple vaccination and be symptom-free. Yogis' choice to wear a mask. Pre-registration required. We are not accepting drop-ins for studio classes. 395 Halladay Street is in the quiet, Lafayette Park neighborhood. The studio is on the ground floor.
This is a class for those wanting a slower-paced session that builds strength and flexibility. We will use the support of blankets, bolsters, blocks, the wall, chairs and sandbags to open the body and the breath. Recommended for those new to yoga, recovering from injury, seniors, pregnant students and anyone looking for a gentle release from physical and mental tension. This Thursday evening class is an ideal way to wind down from a stressful work week.
The combination of Yoga and Melt helps to relieve stress, create freedom in movement and improve balance and strength. The Melt Method is a self-care technique with benefits similar to massage and acupuncture. Soft Melt rollers and balls help prepare for Yoga's deep stretching and strengthening poses. You'll leave class feeling refreshed, moving free and easy.
The Melt Method is a self-care technique with benefits similar to massage and acupuncture. We all have the sore shoulder, aching back, cranky knee at some time. That pain is your nerves telling you something is up. In this class we use Melt rollers and balls to stimulate connective tissue and reduce inflammation that leads to aches, pain and stiffness.
Reviews (20)
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Jen A.
Oct 06, 2019
First time doing yoga ( tried it before but my experience wasn't great so I didn't continue) and I am so happy I decided to do it here. Kim was awesome and very supportive and I didn't find the class intimidating at all. The place is nice and clean. I can't wait to do it again. ( Level 1 Class)
John W.
Sep 11, 2018
I initially started at this studio July of 2017 as a regular going 3-4 times a week after a biking accident because they had the most competitive prices in the area. I went there for a full year until this past July but decided not to renew because they significantly bumped up their prices. Now they are the most expensive studio in town. The classes haven't improved in quality over the previously priced classes so it doesn't make sense for me to return here.
Pia M.
Sep 24, 2017
Love Shoko's Sunday slow stretch class and Heidi's Wed eve 7:15 classes! Was suffering from lower back pain and herniated disc and sciatica issues. Found big relief by going to the classes. Teachers focus on alignments, slow stretches, learning the technicalities of the poses. Have attended various classes incl. Restorative. All the teachers are great.esp. my favs. Heidi, Ola, Shoko and Adriana
April B.
Jun 20, 2016
I had my first class with Shoko today and could not wait to write the review. She was very knowledgeable and attentive - she walked around to help everyone get the right pose. The studio is nice, bright and spacious.
Kate W.
Jan 21, 2016
This is the best yoga studio in Jersey City, hands down. All the teachers are really great about helping you with your foundation and form so that you can get the most out of your practice. Each class is different each time -- you always work on something different or new. This is real yoga as it is intended, not some formulaic class designed to make you feel like you did cardio at the gym. Elaine, Shoko & Kim really know their stuff, but all the teachers are excellent. I highly recommend Yoga Shunya!
Tara K.
Nov 12, 2015
I am doing prenatal yoga here. I've had a great time so far. The place is clean, large, bright and peaceful. The teachers are great. I love how they offer mats and props free of charge. It's a great spot. My only complaint is that there's no music during class. Sometimes at the very end there's a chanting song. I would like to continue going and check out the other classes, but I very much like to flow to music- not the bells and chimes hindu/meditation music- but upbeat, evencurrent music to keep you moving, pushing, and focused.
Monica R.
Jun 01, 2015
Shoko is my absolute favorite instructor. Her classes leave me feeling energetic, restored and the right amount of challenged. The studio itself is warm and inviting. An important note: it's on the third floor, so for those with trouble moving up and down stairs, allow yourself some extra time.
Mai L.
Feb 22, 2015
This is a great studio located right across from City Hall. Definitely a hidden gem! I really enjoy Kevin and Mark's advanced class. Shoko and Ola are great for beginner and intermediate students.
Maritza K.
Oct 16, 2014
LOVE LOVE LOVE it here! I have been going on and off for a couple of years now, and every time I go back, I just feel so at peace and loving life. All teachers there are very experienced and extremely knowledgable in the art of yoga. **spacious **big windows **mats, blocks, blankets are there for use, free of charge **two bathrooms that are used for changing as well **courteous customers, everyone who goes there goes to relax and actually do yoga, it's a positive place to be in **offer awesome workshops, check out their web site **pay close attention to detail and will adjust you if needed **show you modifications if for some reason you cannot do a certain pose **no over crowding, however Restorative class (my favorite) gets a lot of attendees, so if you do go, make sure to get there early to set up your mat and props. ** no judgements, just yoga!
Emily H.
Jun 21, 2014
I love Yoga Shunya! I've been going to restorative with Elaine for a couple of years now, and it's made a huge difference in my recovery from illness and surgeries. Shoko and Ola are wonderful too!
Kim G.
Dec 31, 2013
Since my gym membership at Club H expired, I wanted to get back on the wellness bandwagon. I had some experience with yoga at the gym - but this was my first time at a yoga specific studio. What I enjoyed: * The studio's large windows let in a lot of natural sunlight. * They maintain their mats waaayy better than a gym * The classes I've been to are never overcrowded and I feel like I get personal attention from the instructor. * Sense of community - the studio had a winter solstice celebration which sounded fun.

What might not be for everyone: * The classes are 1.5 - 1.75 hours long, as a beginner I start to lose focus around the hour mark. * Elaine's class emphasizes partner work - I didn't mind, but can see how someone could be uncomfortable working so closely with strangers. * Limited schedule -- I work 9-6 most days so I can only attend at most 1 class in the week and 1 on the weekend. SInce my schedule gets busy and I travel sometimes I can't attend a class every week. I wish they would have more classes starting at around 7PM or later on weekdays.
Monika K.
Nov 14, 2013
It was my first day and I loved it.my instructor Kevin was excellent and studio is very beautifully done.looking forward to go tomorrow.namaste.
Jeanz H.
Oct 18, 2013
I've been here a handful of times and always had a good experience. The space is clean and pleasant. The classes are never too crowded. The pace can be a little slower than I prefer. The classes are usually over an hour with long transition periods between some of the poses.
Coleen Q.
Oct 12, 2013
I have been practicing yoga for about 3 1/2 years and was visiting JC from Nashville for a reunion. Found this studio on Yelp and decided to introduce my adult son to yoga in Elaine's Saturday morning class. Great space, great class, would definitely return if I'm back!
Elly S.
Feb 06, 2012
Enjoyed yoga today. It was my first time at Yoga Shunya and Elaine was very helpful in explaining poses and willing to go hands on so you could feel what you were supposed to be feeling when you were unsure. She's quite attentive to her students. Going back next Saturday.
Alexandra K.
Aug 25, 2011
I went there for the first time yesterday and absolutely loved my experience! Very relaxing and inspiring. I will definitely become a regular here!
Chrissy B.
Oct 02, 2010
I've been trying yoga classes on and off for a few years but never really liked it. Thanks to Yoga Shunya I have a new love affair with yoga. The instructors are wonderful and patient. Elaine is amazing and has really set the tone for the studio. Andrea has a great class that not only focuses on the physical aspect of yoga, but also the mindfulness of it.

I feel amazing every time I leave. The space is beautiful and they have a lot of different class times, so it's easy to work into my schedule. I can't recommend these studio enough. If nothing else, try the Sunday evening Restorative class. It's life changing :
Marullos S.
Jun 09, 2010
This is to me the best yoga studio in the Jersey City/Hoboken area. I'm sorry that I haven't found anything close to this studio in Hoboken since I'm lazy and would love to have something of this high quality within walking distance :-) Elaine is very knowledgeable regarding everything yoga. She explains how to do every pose, what each muscle and bone should be doing, and what the benefits of the pose are.

I believe this is the sign of a truly knowledgeable teacher. She really is great. She asks about how our bodies are feeling at the beginning of the class and helps you find the modifications you need depending on your body's needs (I have a herniated disc in my lower back). I'm probably goign to start going back to Yoga Shunya even though I have to take the train to do so. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to do yoga, not just becaus eit's a workout, but because you want improve how your body and mind relate and function.
William A.
Apr 15, 2010
I've been practicing yoga for almost 8 months now, and my experience has been very positive thanks to Ola's and Eileen's help and guidance. They are very dedicated teachers and have all the patience in the world to initiate you in a good way to the world of Hatha. I enjoy every session here. The studio is always clean and tidy and provides mats, blocks, boosters and blankets with no extra charge.

During the winter, room temperature is perfectly controlled, and during the warmest seasons the AC works pretty well too, so it's comfortable. Prices are not expensive, very affordable.
Suzanne D.
Mar 08, 2010
I've been doing yoga since I was a kid, and I've had the opportunity to work with many teachers. I believe Elaine Hansen is one of the very best instructors. The studio is clean, light, peaceful, fun, and the community of people are very welcoming and friendly. Highly, highly recommended. They also have couples/partner yoga, kids yoga, and pre-natal.