Updog Yoga - Rochester (MI)

1 /5 sara cornwell: PREVIOUS REVIEW WAS DELETED BY OWNER / GOOGLE I’ve spent enough time at UpDog Yoga to share that while the space itself is beautiful and many of the instructors are kind, the energy of this studio is overshadowed by the owner’s dark presence. It’s important to know before spending your money here that the person at the helm of this business is, frankly, the opposite of the peace and warmth that yoga is meant to cultivate. The owner carries a cloud of negativity that seeps into the environment, and it becomes impossible to ignore. For a practice that centers around presence, humility, and peace, it’s deeply ironic to witness how transactional the atmosphere becomes under her management. It feels like every decision made in that studio is rooted in squeezing as much money out of students as possible, rather than fostering genuine community or spiritual growth. Yoga is about creating a space where people can feel safe to grow, breathe, and heal. It’s disheartening to see someone so disconnected from these principles running a space that should be sacred. If you’re seeking a true yoga community that values you as a human being, not just as another credit card swipe, I would encourage you to look elsewhere. There are so many studios with owners and teachers who live their practice, who radiate the calm and compassion they teach. Sadly, that is not the case here. If you’re considering UpDog, I recommend attending a class only if you find an instructor who truly resonates with you, but know that the leadership here does not reflect the peace and mindfulness that yoga stands for. Life is too short, and your peace is too precious, to give your energy and money to someone who treats yoga as just another business transaction while embodying none of its spirit. Let your intuition guide you toward a studio where the owner’s energy reflects the practice you are seeking. This simply isn’t that place.

1 /5 John Michael: The yoga instructor I believe her name was Kristen I might be wrong but at the Rochester Hills location on 210 West university drive was an absolute charlatan and a complete waste of money the whole class was a façade and a joke to the practice of yoga. Horrible customer service and just cold and rude staff that’s only after your money. Would not recommend Kristen or the place that hires such cold imposters. A far from authentic experience and staff.

1 /5 J D: More like uppity dog yoga. Ive been there on a few occasions and each time Ive left feeling ambivalent. The vibes are not welcoming. They are cold and inauthentic. The owner, whom I now know to be the woman who carelessly and irreparably smashed my ring during a drum circle, was unfriendly and did not suggest any modifications for my injury. The yoga instructor didnt even acknowledge me. The receptionist was nice enough to help me lock up my purse, at least. But today was the last straw. They can keep my remaining class passes. Ill stick with my usual yoga studio, where they actually care about cultivating a compassionate culture.

1 /5 Hayley M.: Is it worth it if the business is only after your money? I have been a regular customer for years, including other members of my family. Several of there teachers have helped me make strides in my practice. However, when you are met with such a cold front immediately coming in it makes you think again. Upon coming to one of my favorite classes, to which i drive thirty minutes for. I was “greeted” not with a hello but with a “NAME”. Never understanding the first time because they expect you to quickly make your way over to them before removing your shoes and coat. After my last class was used the last time i came i was neglected to be informed i was using the last class. She was not interested that i was there for the class or if i wanted to sign up for more. She was only concerned there was no credit card on file, stating i could pay with Apple Pay giving no other options or solutions. When i spoke up that i didn’t feel i was being helped she immediately gaslit me telling me i should not feel that way and remaining silent. Extremely poor customer service. Shay and Sandy are truly God sent women and i hope to find another studio with similar teachers. My money was no good here!

5 /5 Melissa P: What a great space. They have a really good variety of options in the store. Offers great classes. Instructor all have been fantastic! Felt very comfortable as a newbie too!