- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Back Bay Yoga
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Yoga [Edit]
364 Boylston St2nd Fl
(between Arlington St & Berkeley St)
Boston, MA 02116
Neighborhood: Back Bay
(617) 375-9642
- Nearest Transit:
-
Arlington Station - Outbound (Green Line)
Arlington Station - Inbound (Green Line)
Saint James Ave @ Arlington St (192, 193, 504, 55, 555)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6 am - 9 pm
Fri 6 am - 8:30 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 8 pm
Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
115 reviews for Back Bay Yoga
115 reviews in English
-
Review from Christine A.
Boston, MA
12/20/2011
It is downright unacceptable that I waited this long to review the BEST yoga studio in Boston. I have been going to BBY for about 5 years, since they were located at their old Boylston Street location. If you are looking for a studio with a full roster of amazing teachers, a variety of inventive and challenging classes and a beautiful, multi-room studio, then BBY is definitely for you.
I cannot praise all of the teachers that I've had the joy of taking class with here enough. They are clearly dedicated to their work and practice, always meet the yoga practitioner's individual needs on any given day and are not afraid to add an element of lightness and humor to their classes. While I could sing the praises of so many of the teachers at BBY, I will say that the studio owner, Lynne Begier, teaches fantastic and inspiring Forrest and Hip Hop Yoga classes. Yes, you read that correctly. HIP HOP YOGA. If you haven't ever tried it, you don't know what you're missing! My other favorite teacher is Peter Crowley. His Forrest, Core Vinyasa and Freedom Joy Yoga classes are challenging, uplifting and truly encourage self-discovery. I feel so lucky to have found this studio and to have the opportunity to expand my practice each week with the help of such talented instructors. -
Review from Shirley Y.
Cambridge, MA
5/20/2012
I found out about Back Bay Yoga through the Groupon deal being offered and my new resolution to get fit trying something different. I have been to a few yoga classes, but nothing really serious, and it's really sad how out of shape I am when I leave these one hour long classes. However, when I mentioned to my friends how I'm going to try BBY, their eyes light up and they exclaim "I loooove BBY!". Ok, I'm convinced.
Their classes have been filled up to the max, and my coworker warned me to register online so that I could get into my class of choice. I also discovered from their website the great deal of unlimited classes the first two weeks to try out BBY. The day I decided to take the plunge, it was cake to walk in, sign up for the new member special, redeem my five Groupon classes, and sign up for my first class within minutes for Yin Yoga. Fantastic!
Yin Yoga was a little slower than I anticipated, so I was more attracted to the Vinyasa Flow classes offered. Being more on the frugal side (yes, I'm Chinese but so what), I decided to maximize the two week special by going to yoga class *four* times a week. My muscles were in perpetual pain but I love it! The online bookings on the http://mindbody.com system forced me to get into the habit of going (no more of those "I forgot my ponytail holder" excuses).
I would've given five stars, but for the facilities. The space is no-fuss, no-muss, so if you're expecting a glam space like some other yoga studios, be warned that the studios are in an older building in the historic Back Bay area. The piping, flooring and ceilings are older, along with the stairwells many people travel up and down between floors. The only signs of modernity are the backlit thermostats which display a steady 80 degrees or more. The spaces are clean, and most of the studio has the no-shoes policy. And compared to other yoga studios, no other studio in the area offers more classes and the same variety in the small amount of time after work than BBY.
The classes are a phenomenal 90 minutes long so you really get a workout in before shavasana, and they work you! The classes are full, especially at the 5.45pm time slot after work but there is still plenty of room between the mats. The Vinyasa Flow classes are typically offered in the huge 4th floor loft space with windows on only one side of the room (the dimness gives a zen-like quality to the space, and hides the imperfections in the black acoustical ceiling) but Forrest and other classes are held on their 2nd floor rooms, which are smaller. Forrest is great with Kathy, but tends to be slower (and hotter) than the Vinyasa classes. I highly recommend the soothing voice of Ame, who works you yet encouraging at the same time, and Caitlin for Hip Hop Yoga (not necessarily hip hop music, but plays an excellent selection of music to go with her vinyasa flow class). -
Review from Brooke S.
Boston, MA
2/6/2012
The weeknight vinyasa flow classes are better suited to people who already have years of practice behind them. I recognize the difficulty in teaching for all levels in these large groups, but I do think beginners are left behind. If you're a true beginner, I would recommend taking the smaller intro classes first.
All this being said, I continue to come here regularly as the class cards are extremely reasonable and I really enjoy Kate's Ashtanga classes. Ashtanga could be a good stepping stone for beginners, since the sequences are always the same and the class size is more manageable. -
Review from Andrea M.
Boston, MA
1/10/2012
I have been taking classes at Back Bay Yoga for two years, and love the classes and teachers, but don't love the people at the front desk.
The teachers here are phenomenal. Ame Wren, Peter Crowley, and Lynne Begier are so knowledgeable and make classes both challenging and relaxing. All three of them manage to offer extensive and fun classes, while still paying attention to student's individual needs. They are friendly and approachable, but still manage to offer intense workouts, every single time. These three are my favorite teachers in the city, and their classes kick ass.
The facilities are clean, the schedule is versatile, and the prices are fair. However...
I hate to call people out, because I adore this studio, but I've talked to a few people who feel the same way as me: The people who work at the front desk are consistently unfriendly and cold. I usually expect a more welcoming vibe, but I really don't get it here (both on the second and fourth floors). It's actually kind of a snobby feeling. It's so weird. The teachers I mentioned are amazing and welcoming, but the folks at the desk (usually weeknights and weekends) are the exact opposite. Maybe I'm just sensitive, but it's almost a direct contrast to all the great things I love about it. -
Review from Debbie W.
San Francisco, CA
5/25/2012
This really is a top notch yoga studio with a full schedule of classes and a great location. On a recent trip to Boston, I took a Monday morning class called Core Vinyasa (flow with emphasis on abs). It was a good class with a good instructor. The pace was great, she challenged-- without killing us. The class was not overcrowded (unlike their sister studio, Sweat & Soul). The space is nice and the drop in price of $15 seemed reasonable. But I had to pay $3 to use a yoga mat and there are no cups for water (although there is a water dispenser) means you either get dehydrated or have to pay another $10 for a water bottle. All totaled, the bill for the drop in class was $28, which is kind of outrageous. Next time, I'll be sure to bring my own mat and water bottle. Otherwise, it was a positive experience and I would recommend BBY.
-
Review from Claudia P.
Boston, MA
5/23/2012
I love BBY. So much. The classes take a very fresh, fun approach to yoga. If you haven't taken a class with Goldie- you HAVE TO go. Second that for Caitlyn Graham. I have nothing but good things to say about the actual yoga instruction here.
However, I will second some reviewers' comments about the people who work at the front desk. They are catty and rude. They are the sole reason for the loss of a star. Lucky for them, once you step into an amazing BBY class, you forget about their attitude. -
Review from Carly H.
Boston, MA
5/14/2012
I love hip hop yoga! What I don't love is when I go to HIP HOP yoga and I don't hear HIP HOP music. I am not sure why this is but if you are not going to play HIP HOP music please change the name of the class to "dubstep" or" mashups" or club/house music(sometimes I feel like I need a glow stick.) I understand a random song is needed here and there but I should here more than one HIP HOP song when at this class.
Generally speaking this is a great studio lots of classes very reasonably priced, typically clean(although I'm not always thrilled about seeing the cleaning happening while I am there)the girls at the front desk could use a few lessons in customer service, the majority seem to be very young, so maybe they are learning! -
Review from Laura H.
Brookline, MA
5/15/2012
I have been taking yoga at Back Bay for two years, after discovering Hip Hop Yoga at their offshoot location, Sweat and Soul. The vibe is lively, positive and approachable. This place has added SO much to my weekly routine, both physically and mentally. No matter what my week brings me, I show up knowing that I will leave with having had a kick-ass workout and with a better attitude. The teachers are amazing. I love the energy that they bring to class and especially their sense of humor. You can tell that they really enjoy what they do, and I can honestly say that it has been infectious!! I've brought many friends with me and they all leave anxious to sign up for their next class. I'm actually at work now, sitting with my yoga bag next to my chair, counting down the hours until I can go to my weekly Hip Hop Yoga class. I'd be lost with out it.
-
Review from Darren H.
Boston, MA
12/14/2011
I've taken a few yoga classes here. Before all of the Back Bay Yoga regulars start hating on me for giving an average rating to a place where I'm a newbie, let me explain.
I go to yoga for two reasons: to stretch out my extremely inflexible muscles, and for a reflective, meditate experience. While the first reason is decently fulfilled, the second is not. The yoga studio is packed, loud, and sweaty. I almost feel anxious squeezing around people, and some of the classes are literally packed wall to yoga mat to wall.
To be fair, this overcrowding is not really Back Bay Yoga's fault. Unlike NYC, Boston does not have a yoga studio on every block. There are very limited yoga options in the vicinity, and it looks like just about everyone goes here. I do like yoga, but for me "peace" is a big part of it. I'll come to Back Bay Yoga for a stretch, but not much more. -
Review from Madeleine C.
Boston, MA
5/7/2012
Back Bay Yoga deserves 5 stars in some areas and 1 star in others. The quality of instruction is (almost always) amazing, the space is beautiful, lots of classes, lots of $5 options, great location. They've got some great workshops too.
HOWEVER - and this is only something I can really verbalize after coming here for a while- when you get a glimpse into the "inner workings" of the studio (I have a few friends who have done work study, assisted, went through their teacher training) you see a lot of baggage/drama/ego/snobbery/etc. between the lines. Now don't get me wrong, I will continue to go for a few teachers- but many of them teach elsewhere and I'll be frequenting those studios a little more often. I feel less and less comfortable about continuing to support a place where the girls behind the desk are often snobby, catty, or at best rude, and the teachers openly gossip or complain before/after class. This includes the owner and managers, which is probably why there's toxicity in this environment. It's not just the clique-y vibe that can sometimes get under people's skin- it's the fact that much of the inner workings of the studio don't seem that "yogic."
As someone who works in communications, I found the way they handled that whole "fire" fiasco back in February to be super unprofessional. They made the best of a shitty situation and have come back strong...but some of those e-mails were quite inconsistent to the bullshit I've heard some of the teachers preach in their classes. Yoga is not supposed to be a competition but this studio fosters competition, manipulation, and exclusion. Not everyone, not every class/day- none of the people there are inherently "bad"- but I'd rather take my business to organizations I feel good about supporting. -
Review from Kelsey F.
12/22/2011
Back Bay Yoga is a great studio. I know that they have recently done some groupon type deals (how I got 5 classes for only 30ish bucks) which is why it has been ridiculously crowded. I love hip hop yoga - and all of the teachers that teach it! But when you have 50+ people in a class it gets to be a bit much. I guess for me being a beginner yogi I would like a smaller class so that I could learn a little more - but you get what you pay for!
The studio is nice. It has a good lobby on the second floor with one classroom and locker rooms. The other classroom is on the 4th. It has a great ambience and feel to it. The only difficult thing is that there are no stairs to get to the front ground level entrance. There are only 2 elevators to get out which sometimes takes a while with the amount of people in the studio.
I will say that I came about 3 minutes late to hhy one Saturday afternoon, tried to go in, did not see one open spot, so attempted to leave. As I walked by the check in desk I let them know there was no more room. Lynn, the owner, reassured me that there was one more spot that should have been open. She took me upstairs, cleared a spot for me, and got me right in! It was pretty awesome. -
Review from Kay S.
Boston, MA
3/1/2012
THIS IS HANDS-DOWN THE BEST YOGA STUDIO I HAVE EVER BEEN TO, and I have been practicing for over 10yrs. From the teachers, to the desk divas, to the beautiful space (and music!), it's a really special place to be. I'm so thankful to have found BBY and looking forward to my next class!
(P.S. Lynne, the owner, is phenomenal - try to take a class with her if you can! It will kick your ass, but you'll never forget it .) -
Review from Elise P.
Boston, MA
8/18/2011
BBY has really talented instructors. Hip Hop Yoga is genius--I love the flow and the dirty, sweaty beats. I do miss Alex Austin, who left for Arizona a few months back. His HHY classes were the best, and his playlists were pretty B.A. I'm also a big fan of their stretching classes. I teach spinning 5xs a week and I also run, so I have really tight hip flexors and hamstrings. Ame Wren's Deep Stretch and Vinyasa Flow class on Thursdays at 9am is a great mixture of a "yoga for runners" meets vinyasa flow. I also like Sarah Sturges Yoga for Runners class on Sunday afternoons.
But I have a few gripes with the studio as well. I find the bathrooms pretty gross. There are signs in the bathroom asking everyone to keep the place clean for their fellow "yogis"--I can tell you that this is not happening. Lots of hair and other gross stuff in and around the sinks in the bathroom. While the various studios have great light and high ceilings, they seem somewhat rundown and grimey to me. Paint peeling, cracks in the walls/base boards, if you look closely it seems that some of the studios are in real disrepair. If you take the stairs up from the 2nd floor to the 4th floor studio you pass a big black rat poison box on the way. This is a big no-no for me. First of all, health-wise it's totally unsafe to have rat poison sitting in an enclosed indoor space, and secondly are there seriously rodents running up and down the stairs? Vomit.
BBY, my lower back, quads, and hips thank you, but the presence of dirt, dilapidated areas in the studio, and rodents is the opposite of "zen" in my eyes. But Ame and Sarah's classes keep me coming back! -
Review from Candice P.
Boston, MA
11/1/2011
I recently started going to Back Bay Yoga and I absolutely love it. This place is HUGE. Considering the location, I was expecting a tiny little one room studio but it is far from that. I believe they have three different studios and they have a locker room with lockers, showers, etc. I have done Forrest Yoga in the front room, which I think may be the smallest studio but it is great. The bright yellow paint color in there is very energizing especially for early morning classes! I also did Yin Yoga in the back studio which is significantly bigger and it was so relaxing. Even though the studio is right off of busy Boylston Street the studio is quiet and peaceful, a great place to practice.
I have enjoyed the few teachers I have had so far. The staff seems very friendly and welcoming. The locker rooms are a little small, but that is totally fine with me. They also have nice smelling lavender soap in the showers!
I look forward to continuing to go to this studio. There are a ton of classes throughout the day and I love all the options.They have many different types of packages and the prices are pretty typical for the area. If you are new to yoga or are a seasoned practitioner, I highly recommend taking some classes here! Love it! -
Review from Irustin B.
San Diego, CA
12/3/2011
I was visiting Boston and wanted to do some yoga other than the same hot yoga i always do. My friend had been here and said that it was good. We went in a Saturday night and did a vinyasa/restorative yoga class. The room was very large and comfortable and beautifully decorated. The instructor was masterful. There was straightforward vinyasa similar to the power yoga type, but there were excellent modifications to it. She inserted several interesting and enjoyable variations and options which allowed each person to make it what was needed individually.
The restorative aspect was appropriately at the end and helped me to relax and realign my body and weary mind.
I really loved my experience here and will return if I have the chance. -
Review from Rona H.
Boston, MA
8/29/2011
I got lured here by a Groupon (or was it Livingsocial? I can't remember), and I'm happy that they brought me. The prices are reasonable, and it's within walking distance of where I live. The place is unpretentious, and it caters to a wide variety of abilities. Depending on the time of day, it draws a wide range of clients...You feel like you're a part of this yuppie club when you walk in; it's basically the prettiest women in Boston who are young professionals, who like to take care of themselves all in one place...(guys take note!)
I think that the best aspect of this place is that there's a wide range of classes to choose from, and they're happening ALL THE TIME. If you're running late from work one day and JUST missed a class, no worries, you can catch the next one!
My one complaint is that the classes can get pretty crowded. When I get there, often times, they are JUST at maximum capacity. Oh, and having to take the elevator is annoying. I'd rather just take the stairs.. -
Review from Morgan T.
Boston, MA
11/8/2011
They have a great deal for new students, $25 for 2 weeks unlimited. Back Bay Yoga has an AMAZING class schedule. They have classes that will fit even the busiest persons schedule.
I went to Madonnathon on a Saturday morning. It was PACKED, literally I don't think they could have squeezed one more person in. They also have a hip hop yoga which I wanted to try but never got around to it.
This class was SUPER fun, the teacher was very fun and encouraging. The Madonna music was a nice change to my regular yoga routine! This studio definitely seems to be a fun one, by fun meaning they look at yoga as not only an exercise for your mind and body but also to be fun! Everyone was super nice here and I would definitely go here again! -
Review from Susie G.
Cambridge, MA
7/16/2011
There are definitely better yoga studios around.
(+1): Check-in: Easy. There is usually a line, but it moves fast and is mostly seamless.
(-1): The space: Crowded, and not well managed. If I had a dollar for every time someone interrupted my practice by barging in the room and/or making noise during the class (all throughout, including staff).... nuff said.
(-2): The instructors: If you haven't been to an awesome yoga studio, this might seem ok. But the instructors are mediocre at best in terms of their knowledge. Sub-par in terms of their actual instruction, which is wack and could (in my opinion) predispose to injury if you're not well versed in yoga or don't know how to respect your limits. One instructor actually chided me (repeatedly) for modifying a position. Yikes. Additionally, the instructors are neither relaxing nor invigorating. They were obnoxious and egotistic.
(+0.5, rounded up): Affordability: They have reasonable 2 week deal on classes. If you know what you're doing, and are just looking for a place do it, maybe this spot is ok. Don't depend on the (-)'s, though, especially the instruction. -
Review from Liza R.
Lynn, MA
7/11/2011
This review is long over due! I did several personal (one on one) sessions with Goldie and she was amazing! I am very new to Yoga and she made me feel comfortable and she totally knew what she was doing. I looked forward to my sessions with her and she had the ability to give me an amazing and challenging workout all the while teaching me the correct form.
The group classes were great and the teachers very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this studio and a session with Goldie! -
Review from theresa c.
Cambridge, MA
6/23/2011
I have two friends who have been singing the praises of Back Bay Yoga for years. I finally went to a class last night and I have mixed emotions- not because I had a bad experience, but because it was amazing. Their fourth floor space was gorgeous and tranquil. The Vinyasa yoga with Roberto was as soothing as it was challenging, and I liked his repeated mantra: "Find a balance between effort and surrender." The room was really large, so they had an assistant come around to help adjust your poses. The only light during the meditation was from candles on a statue of an Indian god.
I'm never going to be able to do yoga at the Huntington YMCA again (not that I would want to... It's hard to be all, "Om, Namaste" to the soothing, calm sounds of sneakers squeaking and guys shouting on the adjacent basketball court, not the mention the Yoga Nazi.) And, it was even better than the stellar yoga classes at Healthworks. So, what I'm saying is that BBY has ruined me. You can't go back to london broil after you've had filet mignon! You can't go back to Two Buck Chuck after an Argentinian Malbec!! I shake my fist at you, Back Bay Yoga. Why do you have to be so good? -
Review from Caroline C.
Boston, MA
4/23/2011
If you find how extreme capitalism and eastern spiritality come together as American yoga interesting, Back Bay Yoga is the perfect example. They have classes in almost every type of yoga (catering to just about everyone) and often offer discounts and promotions to lure in new business. They even sell shirts that say "Spirtual Gangster"($42) and "Hip Hop Yoga". But I think it's great. Well, mostly. Here's my break down in all of the classes:
Mysore (on non-moon days, of course): okay I didn't go to Mysore. A little too extreme for me.
Vinyasa: Great. Simple, interesting, challenging, varying poses.
Hip Hop Yoga: I really don't need to be all zen in my yoga, but when rappers are yelling obscenities, my yoga gets a little off. The music is also so loud, you can't even hear the instructor. But I'm a minority in this one - the class is packed and seems to always sell out.
Arm Balances and Inversions: I think I went to this class at the wrong time - the instructor was just starting and we didn't do a heck of a lot of, well, arm balances or inversions.
Acro-yoga: This is a lot of fun. Weird, and I'm not wild that it starts off with a sharing circle - but you can learn a lot of interesting tricks. I really didn't think balancing upside down between a stranger's feet would be enjoyable, but it oddly is.
Forrest: Helpful, but not as challenging as I'd like. Athough I really can't get into the breathing exercises.
Vinyasa with Deep Relaxation: Awesome. Smooth, flowing, restful. I normally don't like sleepy-time yoga, but this was great Friday night after running in the morning. It involves blankets and pillows.
Deep Chill Vinyasa: A lot of chill. Very slow.
Freedom Yoga: Some relaxing, interesting yoga, with an intermissions of a lot of jumping around like crazy people. Seriously, just imagine being in a room with thirty-five drunken bridesmaids. And then you go back to doing yoga again.
Restorative. Beyond chill. For an hour and a half, I think we went through six poses. Maybe eight. And the most stressful position was akin to sitting in a BarcaLounger. I had just run 18 miles before joining the class, and I'm pretty sure that's what you need to do to make this class useful at all. -
Review from Melissa P.
Boston, MA
5/6/2011 43 Check-ins Here
I just finished my 14-day trial for $25 and, even though the classes were fantastic, I'm honestly happy to get back to my usual routine at my gym. I ended up going to 9 classes, mainly vinyasa or core vinyasa, but I took an ashtanga class and a Forrest class as well. Ashtanga's a great way to reconnect with the basics and focus on your breath; Forrest is all about one pose after another, without any flow in between.
What I loved most about this studio was that you can't go wrong with any of the classes or instructors. They are all top notch and you feel challenged but safe in each class. I was also really impressed that they had assistants, so you know that's another set of eyes to keep everyone on point. What I won't miss about this studio is the cramped locker room where there was never enough room to change and the cramped elevator where there was never enough room to move. To end an invigorating class with that kind of stress was just too much for me. When I leave a class, I'm usually all bleary eyed, sweaty, and totally out of it. All of those zen yoga vibes almost seemed canceled out by the chaos afterward. I would go back for a class only if I knew I could scoot in and out without getting shoved around in the locker room and elevator.
Some things to keep in mind if you are coming in for the first time: Bring a lock to store your stuff or shove it all into one of the cubbies in the rooms, bring a towel if you want to shower there, and don't ever expect to get out of the studio right when the class ends. If you're in the Earth room on the 4th floor, which is the largest and holds about 45 people, it takes a long time to stand in line and put back your props at the end.
All in all, come for the classes and hope that you can tune out everything else, which I guess is the whole point of yoga in the first place.Listed in: Sound Body Equals Sound Mind
-
Review from Thuy L.
Updated - 7/13/2011 3 Check-ins Here
So after emailing the helpdesk, the information desk, and their contact form on their website, I did get a response back from Lynne (the manager of the studio). She said that it was her first time that anyone had brought up this issue and that they would look into it. And she did extend my class allotment which coincides more with their advertisement.
I still really enjoy the hip hop yoga as it is a hot yoga class placed to hip hop. LOVE IT. You know its going to be a great class when ODB is the first song to do a sun salutation.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/7/2011
So I actually thought the classes, specifically hip hop yoga was pretty neat. What I did not like… Read more »
-
-
Review from Julie N.
Brighton, MA
4/28/2011
The studio on the 4th floor is stunning and a great place to practice yoga. The employees were very nice and accommodating. Lots of cubbies inside the studio for valuables. The instructor, Ame Wren, was brilliant. I was sore for 2 days after the class.
I totally loved this place...except, and this is a deal breaker...super crappy music.
I go to yoga classes around the city. My favorite is Prana in Newton. None of the classes I take have music involved at all. I didn't mind the music during the actual practice as much as the WORST music ever during savasana. Something about diamonds in the sun? Awful.
Having said that I recognize that it's my preference and that a lot of people like music in yoga class. The studio is fabulous. I'll be back if I can find a class there without crappy music. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
4/14/2011
I had foresaken yoga for a few years; growing tired of the new agey bs that so often accompanies yoga. No, my chi does not need realigning, kthx. And I don't really care to do that namaste bs at the end of class either. But... my doctor says yoga would be good for me. I'm high strung. I have a stressful job. I occassionaly break out in hives and have panic attacks. The usual side effects of being cray-cray. And the only thing that helps? Freakin' yoga.
So back to the chi aligning I go.
You could do a lot worse than BBY. The teachers are great and not usually overly enthusiastic about the more spiritual aspects of their yoga practice (and when they are I just meditate and ignore!). The location is extremely convenient for me. The studios are beautiful. And the variety of class options are sometimes staggering. And they've recently added some yin classes, which are my absolute favorite. I've had only one semi-bad experience with an instructor there, but I cannot, for the life of me, remember her damn name. Since then I tend to flock to the instructors I've loved: Peter Crowley, Georgia Reath, and Robert Phillips.
There are, however, some cons. Like others have said, this studio is very popular, which results in some serious cases of overcrowding. It makes what is supposed to be a stress-free experience extremely stressful. I've actually walked out of a class because of that problem. I got there early, set up, and by the time we were five minutes into the class the room was packed and more people were coming in. I could not abide.
It also isn't especially cheap. If I didn't have said stressful job I might be able to go more often and justify the monthly pass expense, instead I get a ten pass card, which is better than drop-in, but not much.
But, overall, the pros far outweigh the cons. I never cease to feel incredible after any class I take there. And that's worth a lot of hassle and well worth the expense. -
Review from Ms. Kara T.
Cambridge, MA
6/16/2011
I attended two classes here about two weeks apart (both beginning Ashtanga, one in the morning, one on Sunday evening). The space is fine, although a little crowded. Unfortunately, both times I was there, there were burning some kind of VERY strong and VERY unpleasant-smelling incense in the studio. I think it was sage, but it smelled terrible. The whole place, including the elevator, smells like it, and it made it really difficult to enjoy. It also lingered in my hair and clothing for the rest of the day. Ew.
The rooms were also a bit hot, especially in the Sunday class, and I didn't find the instructors to be particularly relaxing. Also, they added me to their mailing list after I signed in for a class so I get endless yoga spam. -
Review from Monique D.
Boston, MA
5/5/2011
I went to Back Bay Yoga for the first time last night. The studio is two floors. I was taking Vinyasa Flow with Georgia on the 4th floor. The space is HUGE. It's one of the largest studios I've ever seen, although Karma in Brighton is pretty big as well. It's decorated beautifully. There is a huge golden statue of (Buddha?) in the front of the room. There are also ceiling fans and these gorgeous lights that adorn the space. It's a lovely setting.
Georgia was a phenomenal teacher. I hadn't been to a yoga class in a couple of weeks, and when she got done with me, my body was mush. I loved every minute of it. My muscles were pushed to the limit. It's a great work-out. I highly recommend this class. My body is going to be sore for a couple of days!
I was reading one of the reviews, and the girl mentioned "yoga snobs." I laughed when I read it because that's how I felt too. There were some people in there who seemed really standoffish. There weren't a lot of smiles. Sometimes I think people take it too seriously. Something I'm not used to since I've only gone to small yoga studios around the city. This seemed to be a studio that attracted hardcore yogis. I don't like to judge a book by its cover though, so maybe I picked up the wrong vibe about the yoga snobs : )
Great studio overall. I will definitely be back. Very close to the Arlington T stop. An extensive selection of classes. Their schedule will work with anybody's schedule because there is so much to choose from.Listed in: Yoga-pa-looza in Boston
-
Review from Festher C.
Boston, MA
1/16/2011
I've been going to BBY for a while and love their schedules/classes which run late (great for me after a long day at work, their latest class starts at 7:30) and beautiful studio. Their old space over by Mass Ave was kind of yucky but the semi-new (must be at least 1.5 years old?) space near Arlington on Boylston is lovely, huge and serene/overlooks Boston by candlelight if you're an evening yogi.
Oddly enough, when I used to attend Sat. sessions, the third floor had a pole dancing class. Imagine the instructor telling the class to "breathe in the serenity of your yoga practice" while the apple bottom jeans song and the clickety click of none other than glass platform heels ripping up the floor + girls screaming madly above.
I knocked down one star for their pricing structure/validity of their 10 class sessions, which I bought a few months ago and expired into 2011. Is it out of line for me to expect my sessions to not expire, kind of like....say, gift cards since I paid with good old American tender? Also, this is probably just bad timing but I paid $130 for 10 class sessions, only to get a Buy With Me e-vite the following morning for $29 for 5 sessions. SMH. Oh well, c'est la vie.
I also took off another star for their weird elevator/entry way/sign in chaos. There are guys with iPads, two computers and also a separate station near the display area, and yet, I still end up waiting in ginormous lines just to check in.
Also, though the locker room is fab, the bathrooms need an upgrade. Just sayin'.... -
Review from Travis D.
Boston, MA
1/19/2011
I've been to just about every yoga studio in and around Boston. Back Bay Yoga is my favorite: centrally located, TONS of classes and styles (though it'd be nice to see some hatha...), and stellar teachers overall.
I was inspired to review BBY primarily because BBY mainstay Ame Wren is so fantastic. She has to be the best yoga instructor in Boston/Camberville. She has such an encouraging energy, and a clear mastery of the physical and technical aspects of yoga, making her the ideal instructor. She will guide you into poses you thought you never would achieve, and she enables you to laugh at the stumbles and falls along the way and grow from them rather than feel discouraged.
Almost all of the other teachers I've tried at BBY are top-notch as well. Particularly awesome are Georgia Reath and Lynne Begier. It's gotten to the point where, personally, if I learn a teacher at another studio also teaches at BBY, I automatically assume they're great :-) Each teacher here strikes the ideal balance between being rigorous/challenging/demanding and encouraging of mistakes, enabling students to learn from "the journey" of trying each pose (translation: shamelessly falling on your ass).
The studio itself is in a very convenient location, and they took over a second floor in their building and effectively doubled their studio space. And there are just so many classes to choose from, with some really cool specials now and then (e.g. a "Madonna/Lady Gaga-thon" and classes with live sitar, among others).
All of the people giving 1- and 2-star ratings because they don't like the scent of incense or are too important to wait for an elevator or wait in line like everybody else can grow up and shove it, because BBY rocks! -
Review from Megan M.
Rockland, MA
4/14/2011
I've been to a lot of yoga studios in the area, and BBY is one of the best. Here's why:
-Phenomenal instructors (most important point!). I've taken classes with Ame Wren, Georgia Reath, Peter Crowley, and Nicole Clark. All amazing.
-Beautiful studios-- there are three rooms and all have their unique vibe, which is helped by tasteful decorating and the old architecture. The one drawback is the pole dancing studio right above the Moon Room that others have mentioned.
-The amount and variety of classes is unbeatable in the Greater Boston area. The only other studio that compares is South Boston Yoga
-AMAZING events-- seriously, it's a FACT that no other yoga studio in the Greater Boston area has a better variety or number of events. I've taken workshops with the NYC Kula teachers as well as master classes with visiting teachers.
-Facilities are great-- locker rooms, showers, plenty of bathrooms. Yes, it can get crowded when there are concurrent or back-to-back classes but unless you go to a giganto gym, that's pretty much unavoidable
-And finally, the prices are not only comparable but better than other places. If you do auto renew, the monthly unlimited price is $99 which is the best I've seen of any yoga studio anywhere.
My only gripes are that BBY is so far from my house so this can't be my yoga mothership and parking can be TOUGH. Be prepared to do lots of laps around the Back Bay looking for legal street parking! -
Review from L G.
St Paul, MN
11/8/2010
I have to amend my post because they have fixed a few things and expanded!!
I go to Back Bay Yoga regularly. Its the best I have found around Boston!
The pros:
A variety of classes at a variety of times
Beautiful studio-bright colors, hardwood floors
T accessible
Mostly great teachers
3 Beautiful Studios
The cons:
Yoga snobs-there are many here who won't even talk to you unless you can do all the advanced poses. In addition, I feel like there is a clique of people who go here and, well, act "cliquey".
Class size-The classes are way too crowded. You literally feel like you are right on top of the person next to you. People line up outside the room and nearly trample each other to get a "good spot". In addition, get there early or it will be sold out.
Locker room is too small and hallway to back studio is impassible when people are lined up outside the door.
Class time- Although an 1.5 hours is an awesome sometimes. It would be nice to have a few 1 hour classes for when you can't commit to longer. -
Review from Carrie D.
Boston, MA
4/24/2011
It took a while for me to warm up to Back Bay Yoga, but I love the place now. Sigh, if I weren't such a broke lab assistant, I'd come to the classes every day instead of just the $5 hip hop yoga classes on my 'vacation days.'
I was a little turned off at first when the first time I came with a friend, and we presented our buywithme/groupon on the phone, and we almost got turned away completely because the lady at the front desk wouldn't let us use the printer...
Also was taken aback that day by how many people were crammed into the studio room. I still don't like how crowded they let some of the classes get at back bay yoga, but hey - goes to show how many people love it there.
I can't say enough good things about hip hop yoga and vinyasa flow classes there. If you want a place to give you a fun delicious yoga work-out with instructors who will help/correct you even in the big classes, look no further because it's here. -
Review from Devika M.
Boston, MA
11/28/2010
For those of you who, like me, cannot keep a super serene/peaceful face while attempting to balance in a pretzel like body contortion, Back Bay Yoga, is your go to yoga studio. And for those of you who want the powerful meditative form of yoga, this is the place for you too.
Having just moved to Boston, I wanted a yoga studio that was close to where I live and work and Back Bay Yoga, which is right off the Arlington T, fit the bill. Now I was expecting it to be a more or less "typical" yoga place which offers standard yoga classes and so on. Turns out Back Bay yoga has one of the best selection of classes in the area (maybe in Boston? I don't know, I haven't been living here long enough). They have two really spacious yoga rooms, clean changing/locker areas and fairly priced classes.
I personally LOVE the friday night "freedom joy yoga" class (with very trippy music) and the Hip Hop yoga class taught by Lynne on Saturdays.
As a self confessed gym rat with a tiiiny attention span, I have to admit that this studio has finally gotten me hooked onto yoga. It doesn't hurt that after a couple of months, I've actually gotten a lot fitter and I'm having way more fun doing yoga than I had expected.
They have a great deal going on for newbies, $25 for 14 consecutive days of classes. Be warned, that their classes can be a little "unconventional", but I think they can bring in some much needed jazz to your regular work out routine. -
Review from Renee M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/18/2011
Back Bay Yoga is pretty kick-ass.
Although they are a little pricey, it seems like they have a lot of deals so that's pretty sweet. I love the variety of classes and that they have a couple of classes that start later in the evening, which fit my schedule better.
I really enjoyed all of the teachers I've had- they have all been willing to help and guide my practice without any pressure or judgement (which to a new yogi is really comforting).
All of the 3 separate studios themselves are beautiful and serene - I think i especially like the one of the 4th floor- it's huge and it's really cool to have that many people moving in synchrony in one room at one time!
The only downsides are that the locker room can get a little tight (especially with a couple classes starting and ending at the same time) and that they charge $3 for a mat rental. Other than that, as long as you keep providing me with some sweet deals BBY, i'll keep comin' back! -
Review from Kristina B.
Somerville, MA
4/10/2011 21 Check-ins Here
Five for Five:
1) Classes by Ame Wren, Georgia Reath (Vinyasa) and Goldie Kaufenberg (Hip Hop). 90 minutes fly by and you come out feeling refreshed, toned and like a yoga beast!
2) Location near Arlington St T.
3) Comparable prices to other yoga studios, and they offer lots of Groupons and BuyWithMes.
4) Showers, locker room and lots of cubbies.
5) Spacious, clean studios (Earth on 4th and Sun on 2nd).
FYI:
-The elevator tries to kill you if you're not careful. Don't press the floor button unless all passengers are safely in.
-Check-in can be cumbersome, esp. on the 4th floor, where one class is leaving as another class is trying to stand in line.
-The neighboring pole dancing studio's music can overpower the calm music in the 2nd floor studio. -
Review from Lisa H.
Brookline, MA
8/31/2011
This place will change your life. Lynne (studio owner) knows how to get the right vibes in a yoga studio. Fellow practitioners and teachers alike have engaged in a lifestyle in a way that is so welcoming and exciting. I've only taken classes with Lynne, Ame Wren, Caitlyn Graham, Goldie Kaufenberg, Kate Greer. They are all stellar. And Nicole Clark will change your life.
Listed in: My Boston Life
-
Review from Dani S.
Boston, MA
10/11/2011
I've only taken a few classes here so far, but it is a nice place- fairly clean, has a wide variety of types of yoga classes that range from Beginner to Advanced. It does not seem particularly spiritual, but then again I've only been to the beginner classes thus far. The instructors and staff are quite helpful and considerate. Due to the large class sizes though, it is a little difficult for the instructors to come around to see and help everyone make sure that they are in the correct position. However, overall it is a good place to do some deep stretching.
-
Review from Claire W.
Boston, MA
11/28/2011
Ive been going here for about a year, and I love it. I live in Jamaica Plain but commute into the city just for yoga. The studio is large and well-kept. There are showers, changing rooms, lockers and bathrooms. It would be great if the locker rooms were bigger, but it's Boston-- what can you do. I've taken many classes here, including vinyasa flow, forrest, hip hop yoga, restorative, and core vinyasa, but my favorite are the led ashtanga classes. I've had uniformly knowledgeable teachers, but I go back to the ones who appreciate and incorporate some of the spirituality of yoga into their classes. I'm not into fake sit-ups, and if there's no "om" I kinda feel like they're not even trying to make it yoga.
The student rate ($12) isn't bad, and there are lots of community classes to choose from ($5), and frequent Groupon/ BuyWithMe/ LivingSocial deals that cut the rate down. They also rent mats ($3), towels ($2) and sell some clothes and props (so the time I forgot a tanktop, I wasn't out of luck). -
Review from Kate P.
Brookline, MA
6/13/2011
Ugh, what can I say? I love, love, love BBY. It doesn't matter which day of the week, or what time of day, BBY always has something to offer. I've taken many of its class offerings, from hip-hop to deep chill and they're all great.
I wasn't a yoga newby when I first came to BBY last summer, but I wasn't a serious practitioner either. I upped my practice at the urging of my boss who continually commented on how stressed I looked. I gave in and started hitting up various studios around Boston. BBY was my favorite and it quickly became my yoga home. I have learned so much in such a short period of time from the wonderful instructors here. I've regularly taken classes with Ame, Georgia, Goldie, Lynne, Sarah S., Ryan, and Alex (though he's no longer there), and I love them all. I've also done some of the workshops which have been terrific as well.
It's a practice and a place in which you get out of it exactly what you put into it. True, you can go and tune into the check-in melee, the close spacing, and the cliquey groups...or, you can appreciate how wonderful it is that there are so many yoga enthusiasts in Boston, that there is a welcoming place to practice with something to offer everyone, and that there are friends and acquaintances to be made in every class. It's a blessing and I learn something new every time I go. -
Review from Jenna D.
Los Gatos, CA
3/9/2011
I went to Back Bay Yoga because I was in Boston on business and didn't want to skip out on yoga just because I wasn't in my hometown. The staff was friendly, helpful and made me feel very welcome
The vibe is warm, inviting and Peter Crowley is an amazing instructor! I absolutely l loved his class and will definitely be back to Back Bay as soon as I am back in Boston.
