Baptiste Power Yoga

I was a somewhat of a regular at this studio until recently. I was SO DISAPPOINTED with how I was treated. I bought a package for 10 classes to help cut down on the costs of class without realizing that they expire. I also did not realize that once you are pregnant, you cannot do hot yoga anymore (per official doctor recommendations). So, for nine months I was unable to do yoga and then, of course, after having my baby, I was unable to workout for at least 6 weeks (again, per my OB). When I finally got the time to go to a yoga class, I was told my remaining 3 classes were expired and I would have to pay. I explained that a year expiration for someone of child-​bearing age is unreasonable but the manager would not budge. I was told I had to pay for my class that day unless I decided to buy 10 more classes. I was very upset and disappointed that this studio couldn’t see my point of view. I will not be going to this studio and if you are planning on having children any time soon, I would also avoid going!

Paula Harvey — yoga teacher extraordinaire — She is amazing taught the 9am Friday yoga. — This is power yoga where you move, and it is hot, and there is sweating. But when it is over — you will feel wonderful for hours. HIGHLY recommend.

At the Brookline studio the teachers are all so different but equally amazing!!! This place in my sanctuary! Hot, powerful, transformational, peaceful, and challenging. Pure Bliss! Check this place out, you’ll be pleased!

Billy is great!
If it’s your first class (or whatever number and you don’t have a package already bought), it’s $ 16, but that can be later applied to the unlimited month if you want to sign up.
They have marks on the floor for where you should put your mat, which is a great help for if the class is full – mine was half full and it was a crazy number of people. It would have been harder to fit everyone I think if people put their mats wherever they wanted.
The room seems to get hotter and hotter… but they do have fans… which don’t do much but make you hopeful that it’s going to end soon :) I didn’t think I was sweating until there were drops coming off me and landing on my mat and I wondered where they came from. They clean the room between classes, so don’t worry about there being sweat everywhere!

Whoa, this place is awesome.
There’s a really clean vibe here. Although it can be a bit frenzied going into a crowded class sometimes (yoga «rush hour» as I like to call it), the calmness you can cultivate here is beyond many of the yoga experiences I have had in Boston and multiple other major cities.
The instructions are clear and direct so I think newbies can always follow along. In each class there is the same general «flow» (series of movements consisting of sun salutations, balancing poses, back strengthening/​stretching series, abs, and rest).
The flow itself, a version of vinyasa yoga, is simultaneously invigorating and calming. I’ve come into the studio a ball of tangled anxiety, sadness, or just general physical tightness and have left feeling freer, lighter, and able to move through the world much easier.
All of the instructors I have had here are awesome and offer lots of one-​on-​one assistance to make sure you are doing the poses safely and correctly. There are lots of tiny adjustments they will show you that can make a world of difference.
Sam and Mark are both especially amazing. Sam brings a really passionate interest and knowledge about human anatomy, psychology and finding stillness — it is kind of a soul and mental recharge. Mark is often light-​hearted and creates a smooth, grounding class.
In addition to all able-​bodied people in the world, anyone who is a runner, weightlifter, or athlete should especially try incorporating this practice if you can stand heat. You target and reinvigorate every muscle group. For more intense stretching, I have found that the instructors are always happy to adjust and offer help so you can go deeper or get the alignment down. In sum, I’ve found this practice an incredible complement to other athletic endeavors.
I’ve also found that in the coldest, snowiest, and darkest of Boston nights, I am grateful to say that I can come here and find a peaceful flow. I recommend all people — whether new or seasoned in yoga — try it out. Love.

I travel a lot, and try to take a yoga or Pilates class in each destination. So while in Boston for NYE I thought a great way to prepare for our evening celebrations would be to sweat it out at a Hour of Power.
And sweat is certainly what occurred because this class kicked my little booty all the way into 2015.
The room was packed, the heat was just right and our petite soft spoken instructor was on a mission to kill us and I absolutely loved every minute of it… even when I was cursing her in my brain and pleading with the yoga gods for a quick downward facing dog.
The studio itself is clean & bright, has a great location in Brookline, easy parking and is centrally located if you need to run errands or grab a bite after class.
If we lived in Boston I would be coming here every week, at least twice.

Love this place! If you want to sweat out your worries I would recommend this place to you!

I have already reviewed the Cambridge Studio so this one will not be that different, BUT here is goes:
I am someone who has done Baptiste Yoga since 2004. I have completed both their Level 1 and 2 teacher training (however do NOT work at any Baptiste affiliated studio) and I LOVE this method of yoga.
Positives:
–2 hour parking and easy meters
–Saturday and Sunday 4:30pm classes are AWESOME. not crowded generally, easy check in if you come early, and great space.
–Bathrooms are clean
–Some teaches are certainly better than others (I won’t call out the «less good» ones because that isn’t fair) but generally I like things about everyone.
Negatives:
–the flow can be too repetitive at times and if and when there are changes in the flow she entire studio follows it; and I think that takes away from teaches having «individuality»
–FAR TOO EXPENSIVE. AS A GRADUATE STUDENT THESE PRICES ARE INSANE. Especially a 4 dollar rental mat; that is insane.

Please read my reviews on BackBay (4 stars), o2 (5 stars), The Breathing Room (5 stars), and Be (4 stars) to get an idea of where I am coming from.
This place is everything that I do not look for in a yoga studio. Pretentious, crowded, and expensive ($ 3 to rent a mat?). The instructors seem more like brainwashed cult members (some more than others), and the actual fundamentals of alignment and safety were never covered. I attended approx 20 classes here over a year or two because it was convenient for me.
Students in the class routinely leave before Savasana is over, as well as take it upon themselves to not follow along in class. Some of the worst offenders are teachers who take a class but think they can just do whatever they want to. Very distracting.
This is also a place to avoid if you do not want old shirtless sweaty men touching you.
The actual workout is good enough, but you do not generate your own heat, and you feel like you’ve «worked out» even if you haven’t because it is so hot.

I’ve been going to Baptiste’s Brookline studio consistently for almost three years now so it’s probably time I write them the great review they deserve.
This is hot vinyasa power yoga. Your heart will be pumping and you will sweat more than you ever have before in your life. I sweat way more in a 90 minute hot yoga class at Baptiste than I do while running a half marathon. That is not an exaggeration. The room is HOT. Physically it is an excellent total body workout. You will need a towel and big bottle of water. The beginners class is great for those who are new to this type of yoga.
Having said that, there is a strong focus on breathing and clearing your mind, so while the class is very physical, I also find it to be very meditative. It is a tremendous help when life becomes overwhelming.
All of my experiences with the staff, teachers and fellow students have been nothing short of wonderful. The teachers are informative, helpful, and encourage you to follow your own breathing and personal flow. The staff are friendly, caring, keep the place spotless, and are clearly psyched to work at the yoga studio.
Finally, I happened to be at the Brookline studio when news was just starting to break about the marathon bombing. I am still so thankful that I was in a supportive, safe environment with wonderful people on what was surely one of the scariest and worst days of our lives. Brian still held class and Tom kept the studio open for those who were there, and they were so kind and comforting. I’ll always be thankful to them for that.
If I ever move, I will be so sad to leave behind Baptiste Brookline!

I’ve been going to Boston area Baptiste studios on and off for 4 years. I previously lived nearer the Cambridge studio, and loved it, and now I’m close to Brookline so I go most weekends.
The yoga is hot, and not every instructor is my favorite, but I have yet to have a «bad» class — that is to say, one that is militant, angry, cultish or anything aside from a sweaty yoga class. Having said that, I have my favorite teachers, Sam and Pilar — they both seem like happy, enjoyable people and they give good yoga.
In the winter on a typical Sunday, the class is usually about half or less full — summer way less. I always have plenty of room and rarely have anyone up in my personal space. I am no longer a «beginner» as I’ve been going for ages, but my fitness level is not exactly off the charts, so I do tend to take rests and slip into child’s pose a lot — which isn’t uncommon if you just take a look around the room. The class is difficult for me, which is why I like it, and I always feel completely encouraged to take a break when I need it.

Best yoga studio I’ve been — which is why I’ve been with them for almost 10 years (been going since the Back Bay location was around.) This is Vinayasa power yoga, so don’t go thinking you will be here for 90 minutes of zoning out… it’s all about the flow of the movements and breathing. It’s hot in there, so do bring water and an extra towel for your mat so you don’t slip. The instructors are awesome! They explain every pose and how you should be positioned, angled, gripping the mat, pointing… etc…it’s almost like they can read my mind. There are beginner’s classes as well as all-​levels and special training classes. Don’t be fooled by the beginner’s class — it can be just as challenging because you may be holding for a little longer. Do take it once in a while because everyone needs a refresher.
For those other reviews who says this place is bootcamp style — so so so wrong.

This place is HOT. I have been doing hot yoga for about two years (and yoga in general for about 5 years), and this was the hottest studio I had ever encountered. Within one minute you are dripping sweat everywhere. Definitely bring a mat towel (even the stickiest yoga mat has no chance with this amount of sweat) and one or even two face towels. Also, bring lots of water.
I had bought a groupon for eight classes and only ended up going to five. It took me three classes to find an instructor that I liked; the first few seemed a little «militant» and I guess… strict? It was a different style of teaching than I was used to and I couldn’t really relax in class. I am all about pushing myself and I only do hot/​power yoga now, but I just didn’t really like the style of teaching in this place. The pace was fast so beginners would probably have a hard time. Additionally, there was almost always an «assistant» in the class, walking around the room giving adjustments. He was a little too touchy for my taste.
There was always a good ab portion to the class, which was a plus. I just wouldn’t buy another groupon or class pack… or go back. There are other studios in the area that are more affordable and have teachers that are more my style.

Baptiste actually got me hooked. It was my first time doing Yoga since High school P.E. and I’m planning on going weekly to start out.
Some notes on my visit:
1) The instructor I had guided us verbally the entire time. Being a total newb I was worried I’d fall behind quickly: I’m smart and just looked at other people as I was flowing. It’s like dancing: Once you learn the moves you just bingbangboom. I was proud I could get my wheel so arched as I know my back isn’t super flexible.
2) They go super fast. It’s super agressive. I loved that about it. Guys always think of some breatharian sitting on the top of a mountain or something but this was hard. Once we went over each move a good 3 – 4 rounds we put it all together, constantly building on the previous set. It was actually fun. I sweat my ass off as a lot of it was similar to pushups, body weight presses, etc. My Quads and Hip Flexors are pretty sore today.
A lot of people complain about how aggressive it is or about the other people in the studio. I was a 100% newbie that felt totally comfortable because the experience was about my beginning with Yoga.
3) That woman in the front is exceptionally cheery. Everyone’s got their thing, and although it’s not my thing at all (I’m a douche) she made the whole «first time» experience pleasant. As though I needed a super smiley granola woman to be there at that moment. Sorry if you don’t eat granola, remember (I’m a douche.)
Now I just need to find a mat and towel for this coming week!

Well, apparently Baptiste is not for everyone… and especially not me. My roommate had been going (her first yoga experience) and seemed to like it. I bought a month for $ 40 without trying it first — big mistake.
I stepped in to the studio — like any other studio — crowded, hot, and sweaty. The cubbies to keep your stuff are literally right next to the door though — a little nerve racking. The room was packed with about 50 people and probably about 95 degrees — yes this is HOT yoga.
As soon as we started I knew it wasn’t for me. It was really fast paced, repetetive, sweltering hot, and almost cultish. I just feel that, especially with all the criticisms of improper yoga practice in the news today, every different type of class needs to focus on correct movement, alighnment, and breath.
I felt so so rushed and that I was jeapordizing injuring myself just to keep up with the class. I know it is completley my fault but wow how dissappointed I am to have spent $ 40 on one class. Sorry Baptise lovers.

Remember the movie Gremlins? Gremlins were cute until you added water than they became evil
Thats what Baptiste has done to yoga (except for the evil part). This form of yoga is in a heated room. The traditional poses are not held like Bikram. It is not slow moving like regular yoga. It is fast paced, challenging and a tough 90 minute workout
Whether you will like it really depends. The place is crowded and hot, so yes it can smell as sweaty people do smell. But, you will also feel great if you survive
Try it… You will definitely have an opinion on the merits or the quirks

I’m not a fitness buff or a yogi. I’m only 31 and I have a bad back and a lot of joint aches, which is very frustrating. My entire body already feels so much better after taking just a few classes here. Because of my bad joints, cardio is really difficult for me to do. In these classes, I am able to burn calories and get a cardio workout, without throwing my back out or causing knee problems and then needing to take pain killers.
I have never sweated so much from a workout in my life. I love it. There are times that it becomes too hot for me and I’ve had to leave the room (it happens). If you can’t take the heat, get your — out of the kitchen.
I noticed some of the other reviews complaining about the clientele. I’m not able to do all of the poses and still need to rest in childs pose often, I’ve never felt as though I was being judged (I’m normally highly aware of such things). People seem friendly enough to me–

But, I do not recommend this class to people who are claustrophobic or germaphobic. The studio size is large, but there are a lot of people. The studio is very clean, but people sweat profusely during class and this may be troublesome for some people. –Just my opinion.
When I leave the class I feel amazing, both mentally and physically (clear and balanced). I brought my brother the other day and he absolutely loved it as well.

The yoga itself is good, yogi was good. A little rushed at times.
The BIG problem? They literally put people in there MAT TO MAT. All 4 sides of your mat will be edge to edge with another mat. Now, I’m not a germaphobe or squeamish about contact with other people. but this is yoga. You come here to be able to relax and do the pose as instructed. I simply could not do that. I’m 5’11″ 185lbs which is not huge by any means. You are constantly bumping into your neighbor and in poses where you are bending over and facing sideways you are literally pouring sweat onto your neighbors mat and towel … and the person behind you is pouring it onto yours. Feet /​asses in your face. This is hot yoga…
The solution is simple. Add another class before and/​or after. If that doesn’t work, GET A BIGGER FACILITY. Obviously the place is doing well and gets a lot of business. All I’m asking for is 6 inches on each side of the mat which is not too much to ask.
The yogi did a good job of making people feel at ease with the tight quarters. But in my eyes, the company is being greedy by cramming everyone in like that. Can I deal with it being that close? yes Should I have to? Hell no. Its $ 16 per class, not some $ 8 yoga class where you should sacrifice the quality of the experience. Reduce class size by 20%, problem solved.

This place is smelly. They have irregular teachers and have a high turnover at the same time they became more expensive. It’s a cultish yoga studio (even more so than others) with their only yuppy customers.
Plus, they pump through vinyasa like it’s bootcamp. Never good for the body, or prevention of injuries. I would say the only reason to go would be for the REAL baptiste experience of Gregor Singeton’s classes, other than that… go elsewhere. And by elsewhere… I lead you at a undisclosed studio in South Boston. (don’t look at me for information)

Challenging and fulfilling. I wish this place was a little closer to me, but to make my way on a Sunday morning is doable. It was full, but not crowded, but I imagine it gets more crowded during the week and will be once the holidays are over.
The place was clean although when you walk in right after the previous class, the odor is a bit too natural. They do take some time to air it out and light some incense between the class. It’s a little chaotic at the changing of the classes, but more room than most studios I’ve been to.
I took a class with Kristie who offered a great athletic style class that pushed me to my edge for 90 minutes. (I would give her 5 stars.) The heat was great and also at my edge of tolerance, so I didn’ t have to spend most of the class wondering if I would make it through.
I only wish there were showers after because I was completely drenched. I quick wash up in the bathroom allowed me to get coffee after, but a shower is really warranted after, so you don’t offend the public.