Hydra Yoga Therapy

A couple of massages with Kelly gave me relief from a scoliosis related headache that physical therapy, meditation, prior massages, myofascial release and saunas hadn't ever alleviated. She has a great knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. She worked intensively on specific constricted muscles as well as on areas of the side body that seemed key to the resultant relief. It was a small miracle to walk out the door of her studio without a pain I've lived with for around 15 years. It hasn't returned, two weeks out! Kelly's a gem of a yoga teacher as well. She guides at the perfect pace and maps each class to feel cohesive but fresh.

Kelly is a highly skilled, exceptionally knowledgeable and effective massage therapist. She is a healer and set the standard for excellence. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in a truly therapeutic treatment.

Kelly is amazing both for yoga training and for massages! Highly recommend her and, true to her tag line, she definitely helps me be happier, healthier and walk through the world with ease.
Kelly's tag line:
"May you be happy, may you be healthy, may you walk through the world with ease."

I've know Kelly as a physical therapist and healer for many years. She has been serving the greater health of the community with the outmost care and attention to detail. I would recommend a session with this professional any day.

Kelly was amazing!! My experience was so relaxing and also educational. Kelly makes you feel comfortable and she brings a calm energy to your session. She took her time with me and answered all my questions thoroughly. without a doubt she's full of experience and great at what she does. I will definitely be going back for more yoga sessions and massages

Bliss! Treat yourself right with regular massage, your body will thank you.
The therapist, Kelly, has many years of massage experience and is in tune with your body, while listening to your reports of trouble spots. I have went to plenty of massage therapists and she is one of the best.
In addition to massage therapy, the studio offers yoga sessions, a friend of mine says it's great. The studio is in a large historical building right off the freeway with convenient parking, plus it's close to public transportation.
If you care about supporting small business instead of the large and impersonal massage and crowded yoga studios, you will appreciate her offerings. Go here, it's woth every penny.

Kelly is passionate about massage! And very good at it. I've had a problem with my back for what feels like forever and she is working her magic so that I can sit and walk without pain again. First time in a long time that I feel like something might help!

Kelly is Amazing. She really understands how my body works and what to do to help me run better. I had trouble running consistently before she started working on me. Since then, my running has consistently improved, in quality, quantity, and speed. I could not recommend her highly enough.

Thank you Yelp for this great find! I was staying at an Inn just a few blocks away and was happy to find a hot yoga studio in walking distance. Tucked upstairs on Main St. in the Downtown Mall area is this boutique yoga studio. I signed up online for a drop in 60min hot flow class.

This is definitely a boutique studio so don't worry if the doors are locked someone will be there to let you in I promise. I was greeted by Kelly the founder of Hydra Yoga Spa she walked me up to the studio and was very sweet. This is a very small studio but has a relaxing feel to it and a lot of character. I got spoiled with only one other student in the 9am class we enjoyed an almost private class with hands on instruction.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced yogi you will feel comfortable at this studio. I loved how challenging Kelly made the workout and really enjoyed a few new positions I've never done before. Kelly is also a massage therapist and she spoiled me at the end of my practice with a little massage. If I lived in Charlottesville no doubt I'd be here everyday. I can tell that Kelly is really passionate about her yoga and massage and she makes you feel really comfortable.

If you are looking for that local spot to really enhance your practice and release your mind then come check Hydra Yoga Spa out, you won't be disappointed. Take advantage of the $5 off Yelp check in offer as well for drop ins and $65 for $80 deal on Yelp!

Review is only for the hot yoga classes. Disclaimer: I hate working out. Yes, yes, I know exercise is good for you and I'm sure that rush of endorphins makes you look all hot and glowy, but to quote the almighty Ann Perkins of Parks and Recreation, God, at what cost? The cost of sitting on the couch and eating fries dunked in cookie dough ice cream. (Sidebar: someone once told me that her drunk food splurge was carrot juice. I like carrot juice as much as the next rabbit-person but my face uncontrollably seized up into a WTF expression.) But I don't want to be all floppy and soggy in my bits when I hit the big 8-0, so I turned to what I thought would be the least strenuous "sport" of all, yoga. I mean, it's only synchronized stretching, duh.

Let me tell you, Bikram yoga kicks my butt three times to Sunday. The hot yoga classes here are insane: orthodox Bikram consists of a flow of 26 poses, but depending on the instructor and the class, they throw in crunches, planks, and standing half-moon splits. Yeah, it's where you balance on one foot and one hand, with the other foot and hand sticking up in the air. It's super sexy unless you're hopping and flailing around like me. The room is heated to a nice toasty 90 degrees and if you're not slipping in a puddle of sweat by the time you're in your tenth downward dog, you're doing something wrong or I seriously envy how much you save on deodorant.

Teachers here are very laid-back and caring. They'll ask who's new to yoga at the beginning of the class, so don't be shy and definitely don't try to pretend you're all experienced when you're not. The crow pose separates the men from the boys, the chaff from the wheat, the former gymnasts from the couch potatoes. They will also give modifications which I truly appreciate when my hamstrings are killing me and I don't want to do king pigeon, thanks. Sometimes the music selection is a bit ... odd. Like playing 1 Direction's What makes you beautiful. Great song, but I want to hear some Tibetan monks chanting when I'm trying to convince my arms to do one more chaturanga.

Flow into Warrior 2.
(*You're insecure, don't know what for*)
Remember your ujjayi breathing.
(*Everyone else in the room can see it*)
Knit your ribs back.
(*NAH NAH NAH NAH NAHNAHNAHNAH*)

The yoga room is small and windowless, but that just means you'll get to know your neighbors very well when you can't figure out whose sweat droplet just landed on your back and is now rolling verrrrry slowly down your arm. Bring your own yoga mat and towel, because they only keep a few spares.