BodyMindLife Surry Hills - Surry Hills, New South Wales

Shelley Ginzburg

Very disappointing experience unfortunately.

The Instructor didn’t show up, and after waiting 10 minutes, had to seek out the yoga instructor in the other room to find answers. She was very considerate and offered us to join her class however it was a 75 minute vinyasa hot yoga flow which wasn’t an option for me.

Another instructor was there for the first 4 minutes of class packing up her things but barely acknowledged us before leaving.

Looking at other reviews, it’s clear this isn’t a one-off issue.

Wish I had a better experience!

Amber Olivia Thompson

Not very beginner friendly and absolutely stinks of feet ? really unsettling experience walking into the studio and you get hit in the face with the smell of foot and sweat. I think it’s because everyone can leave matts there and there’s not much cleaning after the classes. I couldn’t use up the expensive trial classes in the end because I was dreading the smell so much.

Kerryn Dom

I used to absolutely LOVE this place and was an avid advocate of them for years. Whilst I still think their teachers are amazing, their admin is woeful. I was a member for over 10 years, then this year had my rates increased by 80%, had my online login not work and reached out via email (6-8 times), in person (once), attempted to call (phone number advertised online is no longer connected), and via the help bot - all without reply (albeit the in person request tried but the teacher had to run the class and suggested I reach out again to the office - which I did a few more times unsuccessfully). Feel like I’ve been dumped by a vengeful partner who’s keeping my record collection…! I purposefully kept my membership active over COVID knowing how hard they must have been doing it and would’ve stayed a member for many years to come, but it’s apparently now been cancelled so I’m off to find my next yoga studio…! Super poor user experience.

xue shan

Not beginner-friendly at all. It was my first time at this studio but the instructor (Ivan) did not bother giving a rundown or introduction at all. During the pilates session, he also kept talking to his regulars and mostly checks on his regular's forms and not bother about the rest. I've been regularly going to to KX Pilates and they do a much better job at making people feel welcomed. KX also gives out the sanitary wipes at the end of the class, so that we won't have to take it ourselves. The lady beside me, who the instructor kept chatting with, abused the trust and did not even bother wiping up the reformer and equipment after the session. Shows how dirty and unhygienic this place actually may be. Very disappointing. Won't come back.

The studio is also very cramped, there is no designated space for the sitting box at all.

Hoang Nguyen

Firstly, I am deeply grateful for the journey I've had with BodyMindLife Surry Hills, lasting four years. Initially, BML was a renowned studio in Sydney, well-connected with remarkable yogis, teachers, and students. It evolved into an unforgettable community with cherished memories, back when it was situated on Mary St.

Following the relocation to Elizabeth St, we were notified this was a temporary studio, where managers would find their new permanent home. However, it seems this temporary arrangement has extended into its second year. Simultaneously, membership payment upgrades have been implemented, even though the studio's quality has declined.

1. Instructors: Senior teachers are leaving, which is unfortunate. I must inform you that Norma's class is no longer available on the schedule. An influx of new instructors, who may not possess the same skills as their predecessors, continue to fill the timetable.

2. The non-inviting studio: As an experienced student, I found it necessary to familiarize myself with the new location independently, without any staff or reception desk assistance. There is a lack of seating and areas to engage in casual conversation. The bench for shoes, located near the Pilates room, leans against the wall, requiring silence and caution. The floor is often dirty, causing my bare feet to change from white to black on the way to the dressing room. The female dressing room is not adequately ventilated, and the unisex bathroom, consisting of two interconnected rooms, has been in poor condition for an extended period (with clogged drains causing water to rise to the ankles during short showers).

3. Occasionally, new staff appear to assist with the sign-in process, but their assistance can be less than helpful. Recently, after the software transitioned to a new system, I had renewed my membership just a few days prior via direct debit. However, when I arrived, a staff member announced loudly, in front of everyone, that I needed to purchase a membership before booking a class (despite my inability to book through the new system).

4. The most uncomfortable aspect is the studio door, which remains shut for 99% of the time. The door opens only 10 to 15 minutes before class, occupying a space similar to half a yoga block. If a yoga block isn't placed to prop the door open for the next visitor, it shuts and locks from the inside. Unfortunately, everyone has experienced waiting outside, exposed to cold air, rain, or windy conditions, hoping someone will open the door.

I want to clarify that I am not sharing these concerns to bring you down, but rather to express my uncertainty about my continued presence and my hesitation to explore alternative options with better facilities for my passion. Norma and Danielle have been excellent teachers, making it difficult to find comparable instructors. I must admit that I am disappointed in the current state of BML, but I still hold onto hope for improvement.

I have shared my thoughts here because I believe in the potential for positive change and hope that BML will transform into a welcoming space, fostering a stronger community as it did before. I genuinely believe that, with a focus on heartfelt values, BML could excel in creating a more inviting environment for its members.

- Hoang Nguyen.

PP cnx

I attended vinyasa class with Norma when I was in Sydney, I would say she is one of the best teacher, good flow, good rhythm, good tips. I have tried more than 10+ studio in Australia and totally recommend this studio to everyone who looking for a good vinyasa flow.

sophia noh

I have been a member of BML for over a year now, and I really enjoy practicing here. All the teachers are amazing and the classes are of high quality. I am very sorry to give a one-star bad review but I just think that no other person has to experience this again.

There was a lady with long black hair who was quite rude to me. I assume she is some sort of admin staff as she isn't a teacher.
I had just finished a yoga class and was feeling refreshed, but after talking to her, my day turned horrible. I asked some questions about the new payment cycle from the new platform that BML recently introduced because my loyal membership code wasn't applied. But she wasn't very nice throughout the conversation. She gave me an attitude and treated me as a dumb non-English speaking Chinese person just because my phone was set to a language other than English. It wasn't even Chinese. Bad customer service and racism.

Linda

The instructor did not turn up for a class. I waited with a group of students who said it was not the first time it happened for this class. As an out of area person I was looking forward to practicing so was very disappointed. It was highly unprofessional.