How Did Souk Score Overall?
The full client experience at Souk was good, achieving our Recommended rating.
The class experience was positive and also achieved our Recommended rating.
Souk is featured in our article The Best Yoga Studios And Classes In New York.
The Highlights
For those beyond the beginner level, the class experience was a particular stand out with a passionate and attentive instructor.
The disco ball was something different for a yoga studio that made us smile!
What Our Evaluator Had To Say
“I enjoyed the engaging warmup, which involved some chanting.”
“The coach clearly had a passion for yoga and enjoyed teaching.”
“The mic stopped working at one point, but the instructor handled it very calmly and professionally.”
What To Expect From A Souk Session
Souk, one of New York yoga scene’s newer additions, offers 65, 75 and 90-minute classes, as well as a 2-hour sound meditation session. Their instructor team offers some of the most well-known and popular yoga practices such as Jivamukti, Iyengar, Ashtanga as well as Vinyasa classes.
The Reception Service
The phone inquiry provided basic information about the studio, but the experience lacked polish. While the staff member explained the facilities and pricing with confidence, the rushed pace and interruptions made the interaction less professional.
On arrival, the receptionist greeted our evaluator promptly and completed the registration efficiently. A brief orientation was offered, pointing out key areas such as the lockers and water refill station, but the setup felt informal. Proactive guidance on where to wait would have enhanced the experience.
The departure experience was underwhelming, as there was no staff present to follow up or inquire about our class experience. Though staff demonstrated knowledge during the visit, the absence of personalized interactions did not create a lasting impression.
The Class Experience
Souk received our Recommended rating for the Class Experience.
The yoga class was led by a knowledgeable and skilled instructor who demonstrated a clear passion for teaching. Her ability to connect with participants through individual adjustments and verbal cues ensured a smooth and enjoyable class flow. While the class was enjoyable and offered modifications for advanced poses, it lacked beginner-friendly elements, such as a clear introduction or an injury check. The late class finish was inconvenient for our evaluator.
Pre-class preparation was professional, with the studio set up efficiently and participants welcomed into the space. However, opportunities to enhance personalization, such as learning and using client names or speaking with first-timers to understand their needs, were missed. The absence of a structured explanation of the class format detracted from the initial experience.
During the session, our instructor provided clear guidance on form and progression, ensuring participants could adjust movements to their level of ability. Individualized attention and discreet adjustments were highlights of the session, showcasing her technical expertise and attentiveness. Encouragement was provided throughout, contributing to a positive atmosphere. However, the lack of breaks and an ambiguous flow between poses made it challenging for some participants to take pauses when needed.
The class concluded with a structured cooldown and a warm thank-you. While our instructor remained available for questions after the session, there was no follow-up with first-time clients to check on their experience. The class provided a sense of community, supported by participants' interactions and the presence of a community board.
The Equipment And Studio
The studio offered a thoughtfully designed space and high-quality equipment that contributed to a positive workout experience. The natural lighting through the windows, coupled with dim lighting for ambiance, created a pleasant atmosphere. Branding elements like the altar, harmonium, candles, gongs, and even a disco ball added a unique and memorable touch to the studio, enhancing the overall sense of identity.
While the equipment was clean and in excellent condition, it lacked branding elements. Additionally, the crowded layout of the class, with mats placed very close together, limited the comfort and space for movement during the session. Despite these gripes, the environment was fresh, welcoming, and supported by a high-quality sound system, leaving our evaluator with an overall positive impression.
The Facilities And Public Areas
The public areas were well-designed, featuring an industrial aesthetic with tiled floors, exposed pipes, and dark paint. Branding elements were limited to the studio name above the check-in desk, which could have been enhanced with additional touches throughout the space. Lockers with numerical locks were provided, and the area included a small changing room, two showers, and two restrooms.
Workout towels were not available, while shower towels were offered for $3 and thoughtfully handed to clients by staff. A complimentary water refill station was available, but there were no paid beverage options or snacks.
The showers were well-maintained, offering hot water and strong pressure, and came equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. However, the amenity selection in the locker room was minimal, consisting only of hand wash and lotion. The layout of the changing area was compact, with insufficient bench space to comfortably accommodate multiple clients.
Digital And Technology
We were impressed with the ease of making a reservation and the abundance of information available on the club’s website. The landing page provided clear access to the schedule and FAQ section, which helped our evaluator feel prepared before their first visit. However, post-booking communication fell short, offering little guidance about late penalties or recommended arrival times.
The club’s social media presence was less informative compared to the website. While the posts aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, they lacked details like class schedules or direct booking options. Emails received were plain text with no branding or tone consistent with the club’s values, and they originated from a third-party system.
The availability of live-stream classes was noted.
Pricing
Souk offers students an introductory offer of one week of unlimited classes for $48.
If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, an unlimited monthly membership is available for $280.
Drop-in sessions are available at $30 per class ($35 with a towel), as well as smaller commitment packages which range from a four-pack for $112 to a 20-pack for $500