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).

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.

Beautiful Young studio with talented teachers and small class sizes. Offering a variety of classes…read morefrom Beginner, to Spa, Hatha, Flow and restore, Family and teen yoga. Tai Chi classes, massage and Accupuncture are also offered. I have tried Susan's skillful 6am, Kathryn's poetic and precise movement 7am, Michelle's traditional energetic 9:30 am, Masha's lovely brave Camel Climax with awesome assists (she was a sub for Michelle's 9:30 ). Masha also teaches a Flow and Restore I can't wait to experience! Alex's Calming wonderful Spa yoga is not to be missed at 7:30 Thurs and is offered another time also.So many classes offered and with unlimited classes for 2 weeks for $25 you can't go wrong! I hope to get to all the classes offered! Verna Gurwitz

" 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.

Beautiful studio with plenty of street parking. The instructors are kind, attentive, and make every…read moreclass feel welcoming. One of my favorite spots to recharge!

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"....

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

Please be very careful understanding the commitment membership when you sign up for it. I was a new…read moremom just resuming my work outs when I signed up for it. 8 months in, I barely used 1-2 classes so I called to cancel it. The cancellation fee was $240 ($30 for each month that the membership has been in place). Totally my fault for not reading the fine print but very unreasonable in my view for the minimal use. In addition, the classes are often overpacked and unless you sign up with a lot of anticipation you are unlikely to find slots for the same day or even the next day, specially on weekends. Life happens and you want a place that sees you as a person, not a monthly payment they will squeeze as much as they can.