Synergy Yoga Studio in Encinitas, California, is closing after 16 years of business amid allegations of abuse and brainwashing, reports 10news.com. Some students and employees claim the studio's founder, Peri Ness, is running a cult and considers herself a prophet. "People had to bow down to her. They were instructed to basically worship her. If she walked in a room, everyone needed to be silent. It was very bizarre behavior," says former student Terry Rondberg. Yoga teacher Outi Pulkkinen explains, "In martial arts, you honor your master. You honor the teacher who has trained the teachers below them, who then pass on their learning and it's unchanged. It would be ridiculous to call all martial arts studios in global earth cults." What do you think? Anyone have the inside scoop?

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Hong Kong-based Pure Yoga, in conjunction with Equinox fitness clubs, is planning on opening studios in the U.S., the first one in Manhattan, reports New York magazine: "The new club will be 'design and amenity driven,' which means the usual Equinox high-end gloss, five rooms simultaneously offering classes in different styles, and an emphasis on customer service, including the ability to book the exact floor space for your mat online." Has anyone had any previous experience with Pure Yoga?

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