I've been coming to this studio regularly for about a year and a half to do hot yoga and have been happy with the space and the teachers, who are all friendly and invested in offering good classes.
Hot yoga classes at this studio typically run 75 minutes at a temperature of 95 degrees, which is noticeably warm but still about ten degrees cooler than Bikram Yoga studios. I did not have much of a background in yoga, so I started with no knowledge and little flexibility, but the classes are taught for people at any level of ability, because the advanced poses have easier variations that can be practiced to lay a foundation for doing the advanced poses. The studio is not a judgmental place--people are encouraged to do what they can do safely and to take satisfaction from their individual effort and progress.
Since I began taking yoga here about twice a week, I've lost weight and gained strength, flexibility, and balance. I feel better on a daily basis, and my back in particular has benefited from the intensive work on my core. People tell me I look better, and I know I feel better. If I were able, I'd come more often, but I've gained a lot from only two classes a week.
Most of the yoga classes that the studio offers are not hot yoga. I haven't taken many of those because I prefer to do yoga in a heated studio, which relaxes my muscles and ligaments, makes it easier for me to stretch and, over time, has made me more flexible. Nonetheless, many other types of yoga classes are popular here and, I'm sure, are taught at the same high standard.
The studio also offers TRX and spinning classes. I've taken TRX a couple of times here but it's more stressful on the joints than what I'm looking for. That being said, I thought the classes were great exercise and taught well, and some people come to this studio primarily for TRX and/or spinning.
Some reviewers have mentioned problems with customer service, but I have not had anything but positive experiences with the staff here. I first came here when I purchased a Groupon for 10 or 12 classes in summer 2013, and I had no problems redeeming it. The studio is only a few years old, so perhaps there were some initial kinks in customer service that the studio has since fixed. My only complaint about the studio, and it's a small quibble, is that the men's locker room has such a small changing area that it can be crowded before and after class. The women's locker room is much larger, I'm told, which makes sense, because I'd estimate that about 75% of the clients here are female. As for the studio space for the yoga classes, it's an elegant room with hardwood floors and soft lighting. For better or for worse, there are no mirrors in the studio.
The hot yoga classes I attend have a nice mix of ages, although the youngest participants are typically 18 or older, I'd estimate. I never see children. Perhaps there is a minimum age requirement for these classes?
Like all yoga studios, Yoga Sakti is not a cheap way to exercise, unless you have an introductory offer or Groupon. Nonetheless, if you can afford the price and enjoy the practice of yoga, this is an excellent option on the North Shore. read more
