I went to this studio four days ago . . . it actually took me awhile to get a little perspective on this one because I can't really give it a good rating even though I'd really wish to. The instructor was a veteran of yoga, I asked her how long she's been teaching and she told me she'd been at the location on Mt. Auburn St. since 1967 . . . and that when she first got there she was the only one offering yoga in Belmont, Watertown and Newton. I have to say that my goal (vast ambition) is that when I am her age I am able to be as fit and flexible as she appeared to be. This would be the place I might suggest to a grandmother to stimulate her physical self.
That being said I got to class, as usual, by the skin of my teeth and it turned out I was her only student that evening. OUCH! I really don't enjoy it when that happens. I was uncomfortable a couple of weeks ago when I was one of three people . . . this time being the only one I REALLY had to stay in my head in order to concentrate. The room was warm only, with old carpet . . . I am certainly getting spoiled when it comes to a heated room and hardwood floors. The practice was meditative rather than strenuous, I never had to get into my breathing. Again, as usual, I had a few stumbles only because with any new instructor anticipating what they are going to have you do can be a tad awkward.
She was very nice and I have to hand it to her, the first class was free so for all intents and purposes she led the whole session with no pay what-so-ever . . . THAT is why I took so long to review this one. I won't go back and I feel guilty for it! I should check an etiquette book for what to do if this situation ever presents itself again . . . I also wish there were a way to get out of a class gracefully if I'm ever the only one to show up again.
score: 3 cost: $$
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Down Under Yoga, Newton MA
Last Night I went to Down Under Yoga in Newton Highlands. My most glowing thing to say about it was that the instructor Nadia REALLY tried to convince me that other classes would be better suited to my 'yoga needs'. I also enjoyed the fact that as I was coming in there was a 'kids' yoga leaving . . . how totally cute! The location was easy to find, right off Walnut St. BUT it was in a church (of all things). The entry way was small and the drop-in fee is $20 though they do offer your first visit is free. I'm not going back because the building was freezing . . . freezing, freezing! The instructor put the heat on but midway through the class an older man stated it was hot so she turned the temp down. It wasn't hot. I didn't take my shirt off AND the flow was non-existent. It was so cold that I'm surprised the people in this class where able to get any flexibility at all. Muscles weren't heated at all . . . I was creaking (embarrassing!) my joints were so cold.
This was strictly a beginner class. I've said that before but this time there was no flow what-so-ever and the poses were so basic that it was actually difficult to move into them because Nadia wanted you to do things like heel against the wall for crescent-lunge and three blankets beneath your hips for a simple Simhasana (Lion's Pose).
I hate to say it but I just can't give this 'studio' (you can't be a yoga studio if you're in a church) a good score. On the funny side there was a lot of discussion with the geriatric crowd (did I mention the fact that i was the only one in the class under 50?) as to whether there was class in a couple of weeks because Passover was coming up! Gotta love Newton . . .
Score: 3 Cost: $$$
This was strictly a beginner class. I've said that before but this time there was no flow what-so-ever and the poses were so basic that it was actually difficult to move into them because Nadia wanted you to do things like heel against the wall for crescent-lunge and three blankets beneath your hips for a simple Simhasana (Lion's Pose).
I hate to say it but I just can't give this 'studio' (you can't be a yoga studio if you're in a church) a good score. On the funny side there was a lot of discussion with the geriatric crowd (did I mention the fact that i was the only one in the class under 50?) as to whether there was class in a couple of weeks because Passover was coming up! Gotta love Newton . . .
Score: 3 Cost: $$$
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Yoga In The Square, Davis Sq. Cambridge
I went back to this studio for an evening Mind/Body Yoga class last Friday. I have to say it was both very interesting an very uncomfortable. It began with my walking in and only the instructor was there . . . I hate it when I can't immediately ascertain if there is a class about to begin or not. So, two other students show up, young college boys and the instructor began the class with just the three of us.
I was very pleasant, a work out indeed . . . much more medative and esoteric than I ever enjoy though. But, that is my 'Zen' issues, not the instructors. The stillness at the end of the session was, of course the hardest for me. The instructor at the end of the class said that this was a 'donation' welcome sort-of class . . . apparently it wasn't covered in the $20 for a week special. VERY awkward.
I went back to the studio Monday and had a very 'aerobic' instructor . . . challenging even though it was a beginner class. This time it was six other young women and I was using my new mat (so I wasn't shedding tiny blue bits) and it was slippery. I am trying to wash it but I was a bit awkward in this particular class because of it.
If I need to shake up my practice I'll go back but I did get a parking ticket (even though it was after 6:30) soooooooo, maybe if I need a Davis Sq. burrito too!
score: 6 cost: $$
I was very pleasant, a work out indeed . . . much more medative and esoteric than I ever enjoy though. But, that is my 'Zen' issues, not the instructors. The stillness at the end of the session was, of course the hardest for me. The instructor at the end of the class said that this was a 'donation' welcome sort-of class . . . apparently it wasn't covered in the $20 for a week special. VERY awkward.
I went back to the studio Monday and had a very 'aerobic' instructor . . . challenging even though it was a beginner class. This time it was six other young women and I was using my new mat (so I wasn't shedding tiny blue bits) and it was slippery. I am trying to wash it but I was a bit awkward in this particular class because of it.
If I need to shake up my practice I'll go back but I did get a parking ticket (even though it was after 6:30) soooooooo, maybe if I need a Davis Sq. burrito too!
score: 6 cost: $$
Inner Strength Yoga, Watertown
Inner Strength seems to be my fall-back studio. First of all because when Roman, it's owner, was still working at a local gym and hadn't opened the studio I thought he was a terrific instructor. Then after he opened up it was my go-to studio for several years . . . so now it was sort of my launching off point to this 'going-to-every-yoga-studio-in-town' idea that I've had.
I've recently gone to their Slow Flow and their regular Flow classes. Of course i enjoy the Slow Flow because the pace is such that I can hold the pose without being sloppy with it AND last night when I went to the regular Flow class I'd been to a class on Thursday that wiped me out . . . so the fast pace was definitely a bummer.
Their studio is very mellow, with cubby holes to stash your belongings and a great staff that really makes an effort to learn your name. Roman, though it had been like 3 or 4 years since I'd been there last did remember me. The average temperature is 90 degrees. Hot enough to make you sweat but not crazy enough to make you pass out! Plus, as long as you are respectful you can creep in five minutes late and they certainly won't make you stay if the heat is too much or you're feeling badly. There is a cat that hangs around, very mellow. Having a cat there is not my thing but I can see how it would work for some people.
Lauren, the other instructor I had is very hands on, adjusting your alignment, and unobtrusively helping with blocks (somehow I don't find it as jarring when she does it as when other instructors tell me what to do!). I even asked her last night about making my new yoga mat stickier. I was sliding all around on it, even though I'd washed it once. My options seem to be either wash the heck out of it or buy an cloth sticky mat to go over it . . . I'm going to wash it and hope that A LOT of future use will improve it.
I've purchased the package of 10 classes for $130 but have since lurked around their website a bit (you can reserve a spot before class online, which you don't have to do but definitely holds you towards getting your butt into class) and found out they have a student special for $110 for 10 classes. Next time! Otherwise their drop in fee is $15.
I enjoy the fact that I'm using them as a fall back . . . if I can't find/get into another studio . . . which is what happened the time I was turned away from the Birkram studio in Harvard Sq. They are comfortable for me without ever being easy. Their classes are an insane workout.
Score: 9 Cost: $$
I've recently gone to their Slow Flow and their regular Flow classes. Of course i enjoy the Slow Flow because the pace is such that I can hold the pose without being sloppy with it AND last night when I went to the regular Flow class I'd been to a class on Thursday that wiped me out . . . so the fast pace was definitely a bummer.
Their studio is very mellow, with cubby holes to stash your belongings and a great staff that really makes an effort to learn your name. Roman, though it had been like 3 or 4 years since I'd been there last did remember me. The average temperature is 90 degrees. Hot enough to make you sweat but not crazy enough to make you pass out! Plus, as long as you are respectful you can creep in five minutes late and they certainly won't make you stay if the heat is too much or you're feeling badly. There is a cat that hangs around, very mellow. Having a cat there is not my thing but I can see how it would work for some people.
Lauren, the other instructor I had is very hands on, adjusting your alignment, and unobtrusively helping with blocks (somehow I don't find it as jarring when she does it as when other instructors tell me what to do!). I even asked her last night about making my new yoga mat stickier. I was sliding all around on it, even though I'd washed it once. My options seem to be either wash the heck out of it or buy an cloth sticky mat to go over it . . . I'm going to wash it and hope that A LOT of future use will improve it.
I've purchased the package of 10 classes for $130 but have since lurked around their website a bit (you can reserve a spot before class online, which you don't have to do but definitely holds you towards getting your butt into class) and found out they have a student special for $110 for 10 classes. Next time! Otherwise their drop in fee is $15.
I enjoy the fact that I'm using them as a fall back . . . if I can't find/get into another studio . . . which is what happened the time I was turned away from the Birkram studio in Harvard Sq. They are comfortable for me without ever being easy. Their classes are an insane workout.
Score: 9 Cost: $$
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Yoga In The Square, Dvis Sq. Cambridge
This morning I went to my first official Advanced Vinyasa class. Seriously, seriously advanced. It was a small class (I was one of six) and clearly they were tall and slim people but OK, that might happen in a class that size . . . but I WAS seriously out of my league. I did enjoy the tone the instructor set, telling us that yoga was enjoyable and not to force the poses. I get the irony that the night before I'd gone to my most Basic class and then flip that over to the most advanced. She did Side Crane Pose (Parsva Bakasana), Forearm Headstand to Spider (Pincha Mayurasana), Shoulder Pressing Pose (Bhujapindasana), etc! This instructor was amazing, her movements into each pose was effortless and she incorporated dance moves into her flow. I really wish I was in shape enough to do her class justice.
The studio was lovely, a second floor walk up with large front windows and sky panels on the ceiling. As in a dance studio there is a full wall of mirrors which while I enjoy the light, I can't say it was everything a girl wants to see of herself as she does squat poses. I got the $20 seven day trial pass (I enjoy that because when it's a challenging practice I have no choice but to go back).
So, all this week I'm going to try different classes . . . this particular class wasn't heated to the extreme but because it was a workout I was sweaty. Plus, I hate to say it but my blue mat shed all over their pristine hardwood floor. I think I need to get a new one before I show up there later this week!
Score: 8 Cost: $$
The studio was lovely, a second floor walk up with large front windows and sky panels on the ceiling. As in a dance studio there is a full wall of mirrors which while I enjoy the light, I can't say it was everything a girl wants to see of herself as she does squat poses. I got the $20 seven day trial pass (I enjoy that because when it's a challenging practice I have no choice but to go back).
So, all this week I'm going to try different classes . . . this particular class wasn't heated to the extreme but because it was a workout I was sweaty. Plus, I hate to say it but my blue mat shed all over their pristine hardwood floor. I think I need to get a new one before I show up there later this week!
Score: 8 Cost: $$
Monday, March 16, 2009
BaptisteYoga Mass Ave. Cambridge
I'm writing this Blog a bit later than the date that I actually went to the classes offered by the studio . . . only because I went to four classes and it took me awhile to process (I went from 3/6-3/11). I started out with their free seven day trial on a Friday afternoon. Little did I know that Baptiste specializes in hot yoga so the room was 105 degrees. Yes, I know, I know . . . I should know better! I did try it though. The receptionist was very encouraging and as any yoga practitioner knows HOT is subjective. I melted . . . and only made it through a half hour. The flow was fast and I'm definitely not up to the stamina it takes to combine fast flow AND heat like that. The receptionist was kind enough to give me a schedule where she circled the low-heat classes.
OK, I'm on a free trial so I'm determined to try again. So I went back two days later for a Sunday morning class. It was really great actually. Not cool by any means . . . I was dripping sweat by the end of the class but the instructor had an amazing voice and the poses had a great flow to them. The only issue I had was the small studio FILLED with people. I'd never experienced such a full class. Yoga mat to yoga mat. So crowded that the instructor modified his poses so that we didn't hit our neighbors (such as when we did a forward bend).
The previous class was equally as full and so was every successive class. I'm not certain if it was because of the free trial or if it's always like that. I am planning on going back there during one of their 3pm teacher instructor classes which they call 'community class' to see if it's always elbow to elbow. If it's less of a crowd, I'll raise the score posted below.
I had the same instructor for three classes and he varied his routine enough that I wasn't bored but began to understand where he was going in his flow by the third class. He had different teacher assistants for each session, two of which were very unobtrusive while adjusting our poses. One, however was abrasive . . . when I (as usual!) didn't use the block during Sage's Pose (Marichysana III) she put it in my hand and said, "Everyone in the class is using it!" Yes, I add that with exclamation points because a few students looked over at us . . . totally breaking our flow.
I am occasionally going back, if the class is less crowed, because I enjoyed the moderate heat (90 degrees) and it was an excellent workout. They have a shower and changing area but the lobby gets very crowed if there is a class going as the new one is coming. They do have some very nice yoga wear for sale . . . along with a sale bin which is always tempting! Also, the parking is two blocks away . . . not a problem if you like to walk, like me, but harsh when you're entirely wet from the session and have to walk to the parking lot in our NewEngland freeze.
Score: 6 Cost: $$
OK, I'm on a free trial so I'm determined to try again. So I went back two days later for a Sunday morning class. It was really great actually. Not cool by any means . . . I was dripping sweat by the end of the class but the instructor had an amazing voice and the poses had a great flow to them. The only issue I had was the small studio FILLED with people. I'd never experienced such a full class. Yoga mat to yoga mat. So crowded that the instructor modified his poses so that we didn't hit our neighbors (such as when we did a forward bend).
The previous class was equally as full and so was every successive class. I'm not certain if it was because of the free trial or if it's always like that. I am planning on going back there during one of their 3pm teacher instructor classes which they call 'community class' to see if it's always elbow to elbow. If it's less of a crowd, I'll raise the score posted below.
I had the same instructor for three classes and he varied his routine enough that I wasn't bored but began to understand where he was going in his flow by the third class. He had different teacher assistants for each session, two of which were very unobtrusive while adjusting our poses. One, however was abrasive . . . when I (as usual!) didn't use the block during Sage's Pose (Marichysana III) she put it in my hand and said, "Everyone in the class is using it!" Yes, I add that with exclamation points because a few students looked over at us . . . totally breaking our flow.
I am occasionally going back, if the class is less crowed, because I enjoyed the moderate heat (90 degrees) and it was an excellent workout. They have a shower and changing area but the lobby gets very crowed if there is a class going as the new one is coming. They do have some very nice yoga wear for sale . . . along with a sale bin which is always tempting! Also, the parking is two blocks away . . . not a problem if you like to walk, like me, but harsh when you're entirely wet from the session and have to walk to the parking lot in our NewEngland freeze.
Score: 6 Cost: $$
OM Yoga Mass Ave, Cambridge
Tonight I went to a yoga class that was advertised as a Basics class at the OM studio.
Brrrrrrrr . . . . and the funny thing is my last post was all about a studio that was too hot! The class was Basics up until the end when the instructor did poses that were advanced. Not a simple tree pose but extended hand-to-big-toe pose, which in the temperature of the class was extremely difficult. My joints weren't warmed up enough to attempt it. She did pause for straps and was very clear with her instructions . . . I as usual shunned the strap use-age and it showed when I tipped over as I saw the beginner yoga practitioner in front of me wobble continuously. I could feel my toes cramp up because of the cold and I never broke a sweat. Which NEVER happens to me once my core temperature heats up.
I did find a parking space very easily. Dee the instructor was very friendly and we had a nice chat after class. The studio was long and thin with an unused stage-like section that wasn't used. Like most studios in Cambridge the noise from the street was pretty substantial but like living near a hospital you get used to tuning it out.
The class size was small with enough space to stretch out . . . I did like that!
So, my plan is to go to the next class which is free (the initial class is $10 with the second one free) and making certain that I go to one of their advertised HOT classes. Plus, I'd like to try their $5 Saturday afternoon class just for the heck of it.
This is probably the easiest entry to yoga class I've been to (minus the balance poses!) . . . if only they would crank up the heat, they'd have a higher rating from me.
Score: 5 Cost: $
Brrrrrrrr . . . . and the funny thing is my last post was all about a studio that was too hot! The class was Basics up until the end when the instructor did poses that were advanced. Not a simple tree pose but extended hand-to-big-toe pose, which in the temperature of the class was extremely difficult. My joints weren't warmed up enough to attempt it. She did pause for straps and was very clear with her instructions . . . I as usual shunned the strap use-age and it showed when I tipped over as I saw the beginner yoga practitioner in front of me wobble continuously. I could feel my toes cramp up because of the cold and I never broke a sweat. Which NEVER happens to me once my core temperature heats up.
I did find a parking space very easily. Dee the instructor was very friendly and we had a nice chat after class. The studio was long and thin with an unused stage-like section that wasn't used. Like most studios in Cambridge the noise from the street was pretty substantial but like living near a hospital you get used to tuning it out.
The class size was small with enough space to stretch out . . . I did like that!
So, my plan is to go to the next class which is free (the initial class is $10 with the second one free) and making certain that I go to one of their advertised HOT classes. Plus, I'd like to try their $5 Saturday afternoon class just for the heck of it.
This is probably the easiest entry to yoga class I've been to (minus the balance poses!) . . . if only they would crank up the heat, they'd have a higher rating from me.
Score: 5 Cost: $
Friday, March 13, 2009
Bikram Yoga JFK St. Cambridge, MA
Today I went to the Bikram Yoga Studio in Cambridge, MA to try to take advantage of their promotional yoga package of $20 for 10 days of unlimited access to classes. This is what happened to me . . .
I find the studio rather easily, though finding a 2 hr. parking space and feeding it 8 quarters was more challenging actually. It's a second floor walk up, clearly marked sign-age. The lobby is small but not crowded even though I'm only eight minutes early. There are two women at the reception counter . . . basically one was asking for the same 'deal' that I was so it was easy to approach the woman passing out the clipboards for our information and tell her that I too was interested in 'joining up'. Now this is where it started to get interesting . . . as the girl starts asking the girl behind the counter questions another one walks up and states that she needs to leave the class ten minutes early to make a 5pm appt. (The class was starting at 3:30) She was told no . . . she couldn't exit the class early. At first I thought it was a joke. I'd never experienced that before! So the girl walks out . . . she needed that ten minutes.
So, I go up and pass in my clipboard and as I start getting a bad feeling as the first girl decides that she isn't prepared for the class either and walks out. Now two people have left, in as little as two minutes. I'm about to hand over my $20 when I remember to ask about the temperature of the room . . . which is HUGELY important to me as a yoga practitioner . . . and serious heat wimp. She informs me that it's 115 degrees in the room . . . holy crude!! With this practice it's 26 sustained poses in an hour and a half class . . . OK, maybe I can do it. Maybe. I waver a bit and ask the receptionist if I can't leave the class then can I just try it before I commit to the ten days? I mean it's possible that with only 26 poses I might make it . . . or I might not.
Her answer, no . . .
She rudely tells me that the studio I'd been trying out earlier in the week was only kept at 96 degrees and if I couldn't handle that temperature, then I wouldn't be able to handle theirs . . . these are her words not mine!
And that was that. In the course of less than five minutes she turned away three new clients. I mean sure, I personally know that 115 degrees is probably no my 'cupa tea' but what if the other two became inspired by it and decided to become lifelong clients.
Bad form, Bikram Yoga!
Score: 1 Cost: $$$
I find the studio rather easily, though finding a 2 hr. parking space and feeding it 8 quarters was more challenging actually. It's a second floor walk up, clearly marked sign-age. The lobby is small but not crowded even though I'm only eight minutes early. There are two women at the reception counter . . . basically one was asking for the same 'deal' that I was so it was easy to approach the woman passing out the clipboards for our information and tell her that I too was interested in 'joining up'. Now this is where it started to get interesting . . . as the girl starts asking the girl behind the counter questions another one walks up and states that she needs to leave the class ten minutes early to make a 5pm appt. (The class was starting at 3:30) She was told no . . . she couldn't exit the class early. At first I thought it was a joke. I'd never experienced that before! So the girl walks out . . . she needed that ten minutes.
So, I go up and pass in my clipboard and as I start getting a bad feeling as the first girl decides that she isn't prepared for the class either and walks out. Now two people have left, in as little as two minutes. I'm about to hand over my $20 when I remember to ask about the temperature of the room . . . which is HUGELY important to me as a yoga practitioner . . . and serious heat wimp. She informs me that it's 115 degrees in the room . . . holy crude!! With this practice it's 26 sustained poses in an hour and a half class . . . OK, maybe I can do it. Maybe. I waver a bit and ask the receptionist if I can't leave the class then can I just try it before I commit to the ten days? I mean it's possible that with only 26 poses I might make it . . . or I might not.
Her answer, no . . .
She rudely tells me that the studio I'd been trying out earlier in the week was only kept at 96 degrees and if I couldn't handle that temperature, then I wouldn't be able to handle theirs . . . these are her words not mine!
And that was that. In the course of less than five minutes she turned away three new clients. I mean sure, I personally know that 115 degrees is probably no my 'cupa tea' but what if the other two became inspired by it and decided to become lifelong clients.
Bad form, Bikram Yoga!
Score: 1 Cost: $$$
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