The Well Street Station Yoga Studio

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: $$

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: $$$