davis_square | er ah yoga?

Entry tags:

yoga

er ah yoga?

So I'm skeptical, but looking to try Yoga out. Two of my sisters swear by it, and it seems interesting enough. So pretty much I am looking for info, or assurances of yoga studios near Davis. I am unsure of the terminology but a "normal" begining style is certainly for me, not sure of this O2 style and such. I have extra time now and I'm open minded, just not informed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I go to O2 yoga, and I love them. I've also done yoga before so I can't tell you how basic their "basic" class really is. But it is a good studio and if you go on autopay it's cheap for the price if you go often.

There are many different schools and styles of yoga.

I would recommend trying classes at various places until you find one that suits you. If you said more about what you are looking for in a yoga practice, that might also help folks recommend something appropriate.

Edited 2008-08-29 04:38 (UTC)

I have tagged your post, since we have had many earlier posts on this subject. Please click on the tag to see what people here have said in the past. The one thing I remember most strongly about the earlier posts is that you should avoid Dahn Yoga.

I thought the local studio was gone?

yes, but they still exist in other nearby towns.

Looking it up it doesn't even seem like yoga proper, but rather some fusion of various practices New Age types have latched onto.

I'll never forget the day somebody flatly told me something as peaceful as Tai Chi couldn't be used to kill people. Wanna bet?

I haven't tried it myself, but Om City Yoga in North Cambridge has quite a few classes that are geared towards beginners (the last time I checked, anyway), and I've heard good things about it. Karma Yoga Studio in Harvard Sq also has a number of classes that are beginner/all levels, as well as offers various styles of yoga you can try. I've also been to O2 Yoga and like it -- in my opinion, if you're a yoga newbie but physically fit, a Basics class should be fine for you; if you're just starting out with a fitness routine, you could still get something out of it but it would definitely be challenging. Personal preference for a particular teaching style and/or style of yoga makes a difference as to how much you enjoy a class, so definitely try a few different studios and classes until you find something that suits you best (or decide that yoga just doesn't do anything for you). Also, FYI- there are a number of studios in the Boston area that offer free first-time visits or special deals for newcomers, so take advantage where you can.

Wii Yoga. http://yoga.about.com/b/2008/05/16/wii-yoga.htm .

I've recently checked out a few local places and here's my take:

O2 has a pretty vigorous style, as yoga goes. You sweat a lot, you breathe heavy, you move from pose to pose. They have lots of different instructors, but the style is fairly consistent. They do an intro offer of $14/class and then you can buy multi-class passes for as low as $10/class or do a monthly membership for $95.

Om City is a much more gentle, slow practice. If you're worried about finding yoga boring, this might be a concern here. But if you're looking for a chance to learn the basic poses before everyone else has moved on to the next one, this could be a good place to start. They're also the cheapest option.

The Arlington Center in, yes, Arlington Center has classes at various levels on a term basis, so they go for about ten weeks and build from class to class. They do an open house at the beginning of each term, so people can try out various classes for free.

If you're female, then Healthworks in Porter Square has a number of yoga classes of different varieties and levels and you can go in on a guest pass for $20 to check them out. If you find one you like, their current memberships are about $95/month for non-students, non-primetime (if your schedule allows you to do that) and you have access to all their other benefits.

Those are the ones I've tried--I'm watching this thread to see if there are others I should check out.

I second the recommendation to try a bunch of different classes and teachers.

I've been to the Tuesday and Thursday morning basics classes at O2, and I really like those.

If women-only classes are an option, I also like the gentle yoga classes in Porter Square, especially the one on Sunday mornings. These are much slower and less vigorous than the O2 classes.

Whatever you try, it can be helpful to tell the instructor that you are new to yoga (some will ask if anyone is new at the beginning of the class) because then they'll be sure to explain the poses for you. The worst thing as a beginner is to be in a class where they tell you to go into a pose but don't explain how to do it.

I like the Kripalu class at Cambridge Center for Adult Education (ccae.org) down in Harvard Square, and it's beginner-friendly.

I've been attending Basics at O2 off and on for a while. I like them quite a lot. Lillibet is spot on about the warmth and sweat, but having done yoga at the Highland Y and via community ed. in the town where I work, I much prefer a warm room to one that is too cool. Cold muscles aren't happy stretching. They offer a first time drop-in @ two classes for $18 (I think).

Has anyone gone to Yoga in the Square? I don't see it mentioned here, and I was curious about it. It is in Davis, any thoughts?

And lo, I clicked the tag, and read a few entries, and got some answers. Though more personal reviews for or against are always appreciated.

If you think you'd enjoy a more vigorous type of yoga practice, look for yoga classes with the words Ashtanga and/or Vinyasa -- conversely, avoid these types of classes if you're looking for something more mellow (good bet is to look for something described as Hatha or Kripalu). Always make sure to tell an instructor if you have any injuries (past or current) before the class starts so that s/he can offer modifications for poses as necessary. Finally, never do anything that causes pain just for the sake of keeping up with other folks in the class.

1) I'm male 25 and in average form and I've only ever broken one bone in my body (my head) -grin-

2) I'm mostly looking for a pleasant relaxing atmosphere, where I can stretch, become more flexible and learn some breathing techniques. I have extra time on my hands and figured why not try yoga out.

3) I read the Dahn article and I'm pretty sure that was one of the yoga studios my sister mentioned to me, and that one of her friends went to. Freaky how something like yoga, which I thought was rather tame, would breed such eye-raising debates.
4) Thanks for all the input

For a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere, I can vouch for Soni Yoga on Huron Ave in Cambridge, Karma Yoga Studio, Prana Power Yoga in Central Sq (if you're interested in hot yoga), and the South End location of O2 Yoga. I've found that everyone at these studios are friendly and helpful, in addition to being in a visually pleasant space.

As the owner of Om City Yoga, I wanted to clarify a few things about my yoga studio.

I am a 55 year old woman who began practicing yoga at the age of 17.
To get a sense of my practice you can check out my page on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/bostonyogi

As for the classes at the studio - - Currently I teach all 12 weekly classes.

If you would like to check out our studio, here is a guide which may help you find a class that is appropriate to your skill level.

Very out of shape or injured: Start with Gentle Yoga
******************************
Reasonably fit but never done yoga
**********************************
- Take our Beginner Basics class. Physically challenging class, focuses on core strength, moves at a slow to moderate pace.

Very athletic and coordinated
******************************
- Start with Vinyasa 1 or Vinyasa 2
The Vinyasa classes will take you to your edge where you will be constantly challenged and get a great workout for the whole body, mind, spirit.

All of our classes focus on the INNER PROCESS rather than the external result.

Yoga is above all a path towards deeper self awareness and total self acceptance.

Whether you are looking for a high level of physical fitness or a deeper connection to soul, spirit, creative potential you will find BOTH at Om City Yoga.

Please check out our web site and feel free to contact me with any specific questions or concerns. http://www.cambridgeyoga.net/index.html

Dee Greenberg
Owner / Om City Yoga

For Om City Yoga:

Here is the current class schedule:
http://www.cambridgeyoga.net/PDF/CURRENT.pdf

First visit is $10 and second visit is FREE!

Introductory offer - 10 classes for $100

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

er ah yoga?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

You can also try

no subject

no subject

no subject

O2

no subject

no subject

By the way...

Thanks.

Re: Thanks.

Om City Yoga

Oops - One More thing