An Insider's Guide to the Best Yoga Studios in New York City

New York City is truly a place that never sleeps. With endless activities to consider and chaos of the thriving city; many Manhattanites turn to yoga to achieve a little peace of mind. It is not unusual to see yoga mats being toted along with briefcases or a Hermes bag. Being an expatriate of the Big Apple, I have scoured the island for best yoga studio to get your Zen on.

Levitate Yoga is located in Midtown Manhattan. This little oasis is a tranquil yet cozy studio that is decorated in east Asian style. According to Connie Chan, the owner, the philosophy of yoga is not a restrictive way of life, but a choice made by each individual. So she doesn't mind if you do wear Louis Vuitton or the latest Prada, this simply can be your stress free zone.

OM Yoga was voted the best yoga studio in 2007 by New York Magazine. The studio is owned by Cindy Lee, an internationally respected yoga teacher. All the classes here are Vinyasa, a more vigorous and energetic than traditional Hatha yoga. However, no worries as this studio also offers Hatha classes too. There's a smorgasbord of classes here including absolute beginners series. The studio is a bit spartan like, but this is a great place to start exploring yoga at your own pace.

Bikram Yoga Union Square also known as hot yoga gets a lot of flack for being "unyogi" like, but there's many devoted students of this intense and sweaty yoga. Honestly, this is the best workout you will ever get in your life. Geared for more type A personalities; I am sure even professional Athletes will find the 90 minute classes challenging. The studio is a spacious loft with a locker room filled with shower stalls. You are going to need it after practicing in 105 degree heated room.

Jivamukti Yoga is located in Union Square and is an internationally well known studio. In Sanskrit, Jivamukti means liberation. An immensely popular studio with artist types and models which makes sense because the owners, Shannon Gannon and David Life were professional dancer and musician before they founded the school. This style focuses more on spiritual aspect of yoga by chanting and scripture reading in the beginning and end of class. The teachers are extremely talented and experienced. My only concern is that the studio seems to be more dogmatic than other studios I have been to. Eating meat is heavily frowned upon.

Laughing Lotus is a playful, creative, and vibrant yoga studio. This is my personal favorite. There is a wonderful sense of community here, and the spacious loft is stunning. It's decorated with myriads of color that makes it a happy place to be. All the classes are Vinyasa style and the midnight yoga with live music is one class you should not miss. However, do not confuse their laid back style with inexperience; the teachers here are knowledgeable and very in tune with their students.

mang'Oh Yoga is a small yet intimate studio located in Murray Hill; mang'Oh offers not only yoga classes but pilates too. Residents of Murray Hill will find this an oasis from their hectic lifestyle. Their goal is to provide a variety of paths for people to achieve optimal health, happiness and personal fulfillment.

Sonic Yoga Center is located in the theater district, this studio has gained immense popularity with the theater people and others looking for a super-friendly place to come together and practice yoga. They were rated #1 by City Search in 2005, 2006, and 2007. A Minimalistic space with a vibrant community; why not give this one a try?

With the popularity of yoga increasingly growing; there's so many options when it comes to finding your perfect yoga studio. Different schools use different methods and you should try out all the styles to see which one fits you best. The way to know when you found the right place? The teachers challenge you but at the same time you feel like the studio is your home away from home.