I used to be a hot yoga freak some ten years ago. I'm talking going every day and sweating…read moredisgusting amounts in a tiny room with a strong stench of BO. Then I stopped and started doing more cardio-heavy workouts, which, incidentally, has given me a lot of tightness and kinks that yoga would have sorted out. The upshot of my spiel is - I'm back to yoga now. I certainly notice a difference after intentional stretching and I'm not disciplined enough to remember to do it on my own. I tried Restore at YogaSix and it was AMAZING. I loved the focus and time spent on individual poses. I've done vinyasa before and it was all right - the flow sometimes gets too fast for me and my wrists don't like too much time spent in down dog. This class was super relaxing and restorative, not too strenuous at all, and incorporates blocks, a bolster, and a strap. It's very heated but because you're moving pretty slowly, I wasn't sweaty afterwards. I appreciated the instructor gave a heads-up that she'd offer hands-on assistance but she'd respect any indication if that's not your thing. I've taken a few classes before where the instructor will get right up in your space - I don't mind necessarily but I know that's not others' cup of tea. The next day, I took Sculpt and Flow and it absolutely kicked my butt. I was a puddle halfway through. It had been a while since I had sweat pouring out of every pore from a workout. The class is heated, which feels nice in the beginning when you come inside from the cold, and then rapidly becomes a furnace. The sequence is extremely fast, with minimal breaks, and while you're encouraged to go at your own pace, I couldn't keep up with the latter half. Two very different yoga classes but I liked the variety and schedule here. They run some good specials on classes/packages, especially if you're a student in the area. Mat rentals available but I think most people brought their own. Lockers and cubbies for putting away shoes and coats. Really nice, clean yoga space that didn't have the stereotypical hot yoga funk. Giant parking lot.

This Sunday I had an amazing slow flow class with Whitney! She was a great instructor with a cool…read morevibe and a killer playlist.

Tooooo hot. I get the theory of sweating out toxins and…read morefocusing on nothing but breathing and being present....but for 90 minutes today, I couldn't help but wonder why I was so moist as I sweated, wiped my face with a t-shirt, looked at the shirtless men next to me jealously, and sweated some more. I've recently been to a couple of heated yoga studios, and they were not as hot as this one...I'm guessing 92-94 degrees. Now, if I'm just a wimp, that's fine. Anyhow, the studio itself is a little hard to find (its entrance is really on Church St, the street behind Central), but it's spacious enough. I was underwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the girl checking me in; she didn't really welcome me and then asked if I needed anything without even telling me the general direction in which I'd find the studio, restrooms, etc. I did notice the sign advertising a cost of $1 to fill your water bottle with poland spring bubbler water, so I made my way to the bathroom and used the tap. Other fancy waters are on offer, and they rent mats, towels, and Yogitoes (which was cool). I attended Pilar's 90 minute power class, and she was good about talking us through class but spent a lot of time talking about the heat and how we should push through it....which only reminded me that my ass was sweating off and I was hopefully losing tons of water weight. We ran through a handful of sun salutations and some other standing poses and balances, and then focused on back bending and stretching- similar to the 'en vogue' power classes I've experienced at Prana Power. Not bad, but I wasn't able to focus as well as I usually can for some reason. Also noticed pilates stations(?) and a sauna on my way in. Based on my experience, I'd recommend getting here at least 10 minutes early to grab a good spot. Also worth noting we started about five minutes late, but came out about 15 minutes over...so you are definitely getting your full 90 minutes. Mehhhh.

Hot yoga on Wednesday's with Jordan are fantastic! I always leave relax and centered after taking a…read moreclass with him. I have never taken a class here with anyone else and I've never been in a crowded class so I can't speak on any of that. I used to go a lot a few years ago and came back for the first time during my winter break from college. That class made me wish I was going to a college closer to Wellesley so I could pick up my Wednesday routine again. Only cons in my experience: 1 shower, no towels, and the room can get stinky because the ventilations isn't that great.

If you are a beginner ... do not go to Andrea's class. She's a yoga snob, and will criticize your…read morebody.

Yay, another visit on my Passport to Prana card!…read more I wouldn't normally make the trek from Somerville to Wellesley, but this studio is maybe 15 minutes from my office in Needham, and the yin yoga/meditation class sounded like it could be just what I needed last Tuesday night. I made my way to Laughing Dog, which is in the same building as the decrepit Wellesley Driving School, of which I am a proud, accident-prone graduate! So, you go inside and the building is old and gross, but inside the studio, the space has really been made up nicely. Cynthia, my instructor, was very welcoming and informative as I signed in and got myself situated. What I didn't know upon going in was that yin yoga is a verrrry slow, low-impact practice; holding twists and other restorative poses for periods of time as she talked us through muscle release and general relaxation. We were able to come into one downward dog, too. The class ended with a long, silent meditation. Not bad, and I know the studio offers other (mainly anusara and vinyasa) classes. Kinda odd, but they charge different amounts for different length classes-- so a 60-minute class card would cost less than a 90-minute one. Guess I got my free money's worth going to a 90 minute class! Moral is check out this studio if the location is convenient. Seemed nice enough and likely offers something for nearly everyone.

Went here for a private event, and Gina the teacher was excellent, welcoming to a population of…read morelearners who mostly did not have prior ballet training. She was very supportive, and very expert at communicating core moves. The studio is nice and cozy and seem to have a lot of classes and activities going on.

I can't say enough good things about the studio! The staff are so welcoming and the other clients…read moreare so warm. They even make weight training fun. I love taking classes here!

This is a great studio but one thing that keeps me from coming more often is that it is only hot…read moreyoga. I wish there was at least some normal or lower temperature classes offered here. I don't always do well with a 90+ degree heat combined with the strenuous flow. I love the teachers and the challenging flows though - the best studio in the surrounding area! Please consider a "warm" or normal classes. Thank you!

Another yoga studio hops on the Prana Power bandwagon…read more Welcome to HYP's Needham outpost, where I ventured for a 75 minute "warm" power class last Monday. As I entered the waiting area, the "hot" flow class was leaving, super sweaty and sticky. The girl checking me in was friendly enough, and the paperwork to get my Passport to Prana card swiped was quick. I can't believe they only have one changing room and a bathroom for each sex! Classes easily hold 40 people, many of whom who need to change into their Lulumon gear beforehand, and who want to get out of those sticky sports bras immediately after. So, it was packed getting in. I found a spot to lay my mat; they've got tape on the floor showing you where to line your mats for optimal sardine squeezing. Why these power studios don't have you stagger your mat to allow for a fuller range of motion, I'll never get. My instructor was Jordan, who was nice enough and didn't say too much touchy feely bullshit. I did laugh a bit when he referred to wimping out on the yoga pushup as "cheaturanga." He had an assistant adjusting, which was cool, but she was a little forceful and pushed me a bit too deep into the asanas. She also didn't adjust the same student's pose on both sides of the body. We went through the typical Sun A, Sun B, triangle, side angle, tree pose, bow, pigeon, and some back bends. I sweated so much I turned part of my white Yogitoes towel the black from my mat underneath. Gross. It was a decent practice, and just enough heat to really make me work. I usually don't practice hot yoga. I was feeling all zen and shit until I was heading over to my mat with the mat wash spray and a grabby student tried to take it right out of my hand. I didn't like the vibe from the students practicing there. But, if you're close to Needham and want to hop on that hot power yoga train, here's another crowded spot for you to try.

I've gone to a few classes at B/Spoke in Wellesley and it's such a great studio!!! (and have also…read moretried their Southie and Eastie locations) I actually first found them through their monthly free community class, which I'm not sure if they still do but should bring back if they don't! They have a great variety of classes and times. my favorites are Strength: Full Body and Yoga Sculpt. At Wellesley I've only gone to Kate, Carolina, & Cams classes but they've all been incredible instructors. Love the dark, color-changing studio, comfy mats, and well-stocked bathrooms. Front desk staff is always SO nice too! Highly recommend!!

4.5 - so close to 5 if not for the painfully blasting music. Another day, another way too detailed…read moregroup fitness class review! PRE-CLASS: I booked via ClassPass and they automatically slot you into one of the four front-most bikes closest to the instructor. Thinking that the spots would be way too close to the speakers, I opted for something a little further away in the first row. Shout-out to the wonderful girl working the front desk on Saturday morning, who helped me set up my bike to the right seat and handlebar height and also got me a pair of shoes when the pair I brought (SPD-SL) turned out to not be compatible with the pedals. CLASS: Pretty standard cycling class, heavy on the choreography. It took me a good chunk of the class to be able to follow along and try to match the moves with the beat, but it's also totally fine to just pedal without the moves. (That said, if you're more accustomed to outdoor cycling with greater resistance, the super high cadences where you're essentially bouncing up and down in your seat is going to feel extremely silly.) A much bigger issue: the music is SO loud. Like painfully, blasting loud. Next time, I'm going to bring ear plugs. INSTRUCTOR: I liked the playlist and I thought Allie did a good job of mixing up the various cadences. Also seriously impressed by how much time she spent on the bike with us while shouting encouragement and cues - I was out of breath just following along. Lots of regulars. I was a newbie and not expecting her to go out of her way to say hi, especially when the class was crowded, but at one point she asked, a few minutes into class, if anyone was new and one person raised their hand and ... that was it. COMPETITIVE: Nope. The bikes don't even have the monitors showing RPM, time, or distance, so you can truly zone out. On the other hand, if you're into stats or tracking progress other than by feel, this was an obvious absence. FACILITIES: Lockers, with cubbies to put your shoes. I counted four showers with toiletries. However, the place on a weekend morning was an absolute zoo with multiple classes starting/ending at the same time. I imagine there would've been a line for a shower and opted for a stinky, sweaty car ride back home. PARKING: Lots of street options and, right behind the studio, the Waban Street parking lot, with dirt-cheap parking. Download the Passport app so you can pay w/o quarters. OVERALL: 9/10. Good for beginners and regulars alike. If you're at all self-conscious of the dance moves, the bikes in the back row are a good idea (but more importantly, no one is paying attention to anything except themselves so you might as well have fun).

Rachel's Spa Yoga on Sunday nights at 6p is such a treat! Her calm presence guides you through an…read morehour of stretching, breathing, and healing energy. It's a beautiful and rejuvenating way to start the week! Highly recommend.

Blue lotus is a smaller yoga studio in needham center. The classes are peaceful and really hit the…read morespot when you need a quick stretch. I know they do acupuncture and some other treatments but I have only had experience with their yoga classes. All the teachers are super nice too. Would definitely recommend for someone who is newer to practicing yoga or wants to pop into a class every once and a while.

This place is a true sanctuary in Newton. From the minute you walk in you know you're in a sacred…read morespace. The design and lighting is all so beautiful and has a simple elegance. The front desk staff almost seem like saints or gurus with their cheerful welcoming greeting and even their words of simple wisdom. The teachers are on such an advanced level that you feel their experience right away and their patience and compassion shines through. I was fortunate enough to have the unlimited month special and it was totally worth it. Thank you all, Namaste!

" I really enjoyed the beginner class here" I was…read moreintimidated to go to yoga . Thinking I have to be super fit and flexible like Gumby. An avid nerd I am none of the above . I am aware I wanted something physical. Plus something to relieve stress . This is the activity. Here they are helpful with anything you need . You feel welcomed . It's a friendly vibe. I definitely recommend this establishment.

Tatyana is a seasoned Kripalu-trained yoga instructor who provides a wonderful yogic workout…read moreexperience in her classes that will invigorate you physically and spiritually. She is extremely dedicated and has a true gift for helping others to reach their potential. I have noticed an amazing difference in my stretching since joining. She is so kind and compassionate, taking each individual's restrictions into consideration. It is like a small "family" there, the environment is very friendly, warm and inviting. I am a fan :)

Tatyana Vinnikova is a skilled yoga teacher and a consummate professional. She brings to her…read morestudents the clarity and lightness of yoga's ever complex world of poses, concepts, and other aspects. She teaches you how by bringing yoga into your everyday life, you will start to live and deal with life's problems in a calm, serene way. Every class I take with Tatyana I learn something new and she is very much in tune to any physical injuries her students have had or are dealing with at the present moment. She includes alternate ways to ensure that certain poses can still be done if an injury keeps you from performing the regular pose. I recommend you attend one of Tatyana's classes, you will walk out of feeling enlightened and will say to yourself, "can't wait to take another one of Tatyana's classes"....

I have been coming to Hometown Sweat since they were in their old location on Huron Drive…read more Honestly, the vibe has changed since reopening in the new space. Not only is the heated room smaller, it smells ripe all the time, the staff are forgetful and sometimes moody, some of the patrons are rude, the continuous waitlists are annoying, and the "feeling of community" is all a farce. I enjoyed the Sculpt classes taught by Sami on Thursday mornings but due to my schedule, I had to resort to the noontime class taught by an instructor who is consistently forgetful. It has become a running joke among her students whether she's going to remember the right side plank or hydrant after completing the left side or vice versa. The biggest issue I take with this studio is this idea of community and their so-called studio rules. They are unwritten (but apparently are stated rules). If you ask an instructor about these unwritten rules, beware... you could be considered aggressive for asking...and have your membership canceled without even a conversation. What are these unwritten rules you might ask? Surprisingly, these unwritten but stated rules that everyone should know or be able to hear in a crowded room with blasting music and loud conversation is about the positioning of students in the studio when it gets crowded. Of course, this might seem obvious that one would stagger with their neighbor if they felt like there was any danger to oneself or the neighbor. But no...these unwritten rules state that the staggering is led by the person on the complete opposite side of the room. For example, if you have placed your mat in the farthest right corner of the room by the mirror, it is your job to follow the lead of a person on the complete opposite side of the room, someone you cannot see, especially given how crowded the studio is which is why there is staggering in the first place. This happened to me. Another class member came up to my mat at the end of class and confronted me because I did not follow the "rules" to give her daughter enough space. She yelled at me in the class and was very aggressive to me, telling me that she was going to have the instructor explain to me these "rules". After I cooled off on my mat, I found the instructor and asked her about these "rules". She informed me that these "rules" were unwritten but stated at the beginning of each class. I cannot remember ever hearing that these "rules"even existed, maybe because she might have forgotten to say them that day, maybe because I couldn't hear her over the music and the conversations that were happening, or maybe something else. But my asking clarification on these rules became an issue and rather than understanding the facts about the situation, the owner (who was not even present) left a voicemail that my membership was cancelled. I sent an email explaining my side and to express my disappointment about her lack of a thorough review of what happened from all parties , and asked her to provide a written explanation of the cancellation without a review. I also asked that "rules" should be written and not just stated. Not only was I the one who was treated aggressively by another member, but the owner's complete dismissal of their own community member without a thorough review negates the whole "community" that she sold us on, and to do it all over voicemail. She has yet to respond to my email, but left another voicemail. Who does that?

Best workout! I love the high energy, sweat and supportive community around me! Dedicated…read moreinstructors. I love going.