i think Crunch gyms have yoa classes and those things are everywhere in the city. i also recall seeing a place on st marks between 2nd and 3rd that offered yoga classes...good luck finding a place!
Toe-dipping, you say. Well, Jivamukti is the yogic equivalent of the 10m dive tank. The waterfall, the 'boutique', the guruji-worship...the very non-yogic competitve vibe that pervades most classes. (Not to knock any Jivamukti-ites out there, it's just a very...*particular* way of practing yoga.)
If you're looking --hoping-- to be a neophyte amongst neophytes, keeping the intimidation factor to a minimum: take yourself elsewhere. Laughing Lotus, Be Yoga and Sonic are all great studios and, IMHO, a bit more welcoming. The kinds of places that make you feel unafraid to pipe up and admit you don't know your chaturangas from your navasanas. Plus, most of these studios have very balanced classes; a good mix of the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional.
Gyms (more notably NYSC and Crunch) are good too, just expect to focus more on your abs and less on your chakras ; )
If you're looking --hoping-- to be a neophyte amongst neophytes, keeping the intimidation factor to a minimum: take yourself elsewhere. Laughing Lotus, Be Yoga and Sonic are all great studios and, IMHO, a bit more welcoming. The kinds of places that make you feel unafraid to pipe up and admit you don't know your chaturangas from your navasanas. Plus, most of these studios have very balanced classes; a good mix of the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional.
Gyms (more notably NYSC and Crunch) are good too, just expect to focus more on your abs and less on your chakras ; )
Hope that helps...?