THE GOOD:
The…read moreteachers are mostly excellent (detailed, patient, and mindful of student's varying levels). The front desk staff is mostly helpful, cheerful, and welcoming. The studio is conveniently located near the Porter Square T stop and has plenty of nearby parking, making transportation easy. And, importantly, it's a judgement-free zone. If you need to modify your practice or take unscheduled breaks in class, no one will bat an eye. In fact, teachers encourage it. All great things.
THE NOT SO GOOD:
My first time at the studio, no one helped orient me to the space. I found myself asking dozens of questions, gradually annoying the front desk staff. I wish someone recognized I was new to Down Under and provided a brief tour.
Down Under also seems to disregard the comfort of its students. Recently, the water fountain and upstairs bathroom in the studio were out of service. Only the basement bathroom had running water. For a hot yoga studio, providing access to water seems essential. But, during the water shutdown, the only option was to go to the basement and fill up your water bottle from the bathroom tap (which only dribbled lukewarm water). Worst of all, the water issue lasted for several days. The whole experience wasn't just inconvenient, it also felt callous of Down Under to not provide a basic thing like hydration. They could have offered bottled water (even for a fee) or put up a temporary water station with one of those large Gatorade jugs. But, no: the only option was lukewarm tap water from the dank basement bathroom. Every day I went to class, there were at least 2-3 students waiting impatiently (often dripping in sweat since the studio is regularly heated to 105 degrees) before and after practice.
The Porter Square location is also just janky. I've heard staff describe it as "old school" or "vintage." These are euphemisms for what it really is: an aging space lacking amenities.
I've been to the more modern and amenity-filled Down Under studios in Harvard Square and Central Square. Changing rooms, tiled private showers, pilates rooms, etc. exist at these other locations. In Porter Square? You'll have to change clothes in a curtained off area that barely provides privacy. I've had someone walk in on me while changing twice. More annoying is the fact that the changing rooms in the studio are often pitch dark. Since they are in the corner, little daylight reaches them and staff do not turn on the corner lights before or after class. So, you're stuck changing in the dark. With all the investments made in other studios, you'd think Down Under could upgrade basic things in Porter Square like changing spaces with latched doors. Nope. Yet another example of the studio's disregard of students' comfort.
Still, I retain my monthly membership. Why? Well, I was initially drawn in when I read Down Under's website which proudly proclaims it is "America's Best Yoga, Pilates, and Fitness." I disagree. It's not America's best. It's just the least worst option in Cambridge.
