9 Yoga Spots in Central Massachusetts

Friday, February 17, 2012

Meghan Ottolini, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Yoga improves circulation and flexibility. Photo: Flickr, Picture Youth

Feeling stressed? Sick of the treadmill? Or would you simply like an excuse to break in that new pair of yoga pants? Yoga provides a slew of benefits to practitioners, and Central Massachusetts has some of the best studios around to choose from.

Flowforms Yoga

Flowforms is a great family spot, offering Mommy & Me Yoga and Kid’s Yoga for future yogis, ages 6-9. They offer all levels of classes, as well as prenatal yoga. Best of all, your first class is free.
Drop-In Classes are $16, $14 for Students and Seniors. Weekly, monthly, and yearly passes are available.
195 Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA
http://www.flowformsyoga.com/index.html

Metrowest Yoga

Metrowest offers a ton of hot yoga classes, where temperatures can range from 90-97 degrees, depending on the course. The studio recommends that you attend six “Slow Flow” beginner classes before attending their popular “Flow” class. Metrowest also offers heat-free yoga for those seeking a less sizzling workout.
Drop-In classes are $16, $14 for Students, Seniors, and Military. Weekly and monthly passes are available.
32 Millbrook Street, Worcester
http://metrowestyoga.net/

Wellness Works Yoga and Healing Arts

Wellness Works is located in the Worcester Senior Center, but offers classes for all ages. Classes focus on Vinyasa yoga and Hatha Yoga, and are a great option for yogis looking for private or semi-private instruction. Active senior citizens should check out “Hatha Yoga for over 60, 60 Minutes.”
Drop-In class is $15. Weekly and monthly passes are available.
Worcester Senior Center: 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA
http://www.wwyoga.com/

Bikram Yoga Auburn

Bikram has become a favorite workout of stars like Christy Turlington, but you can practice right in Auburn. A 90-minute class includes 26 postures and two breathing exercises in a heated room. Be sure to hydrate well before attending a class, and do not eat for two hours before a class. Be prepared for fit yogis wearing little clothing.
Drop-In class is $15, $10 for Students, Seniors, and Military. Weekly, monthly, yearly specials and passes are available.
http://www.bikramyogaauburn.com/

Most studios offer intro and all-levels classes. Photo: Flickr, whitnewinchicago.

Auburn Yoga and Pilates Center

Visit this center for a variety of yoga and pilates classes, from introductory to hybrid courses that go by the names of Yochi (yoga and tai chi), and Yogalates (yoga and pilates). If you’re looking for a little cardio-kick, they also offer spinning classes.
Drop-In class is $14, $10 for Students. Monthly Passes are available.
889 Southbridge Street, Auburn, MA
http://www.auburnyogaandpilates.com/index.html

Central Mass Yoga & Wellness, Inc.

Located next to the Wachusett Reservoir, classes here draw from Hatha, Iyengar, and Ashtanga yoga. This studio has a huge selection of classes for everyone from beginners to elite athletes. More challenging classes include Hot Power Yoga and Vigorous Club Vinyasa Yoga.
Drop-In class is $17, $15 for Students. Multi-class passes are available.
45 Sterling Street #28, West Boylston, MA
http://www.centralmassyoga.com/index.htm

The Core Connection

The Core Connection offers basic yoga classes along with some unique choices, including, “Big Guy Yoga,” where “the only thing that needs to be open and flexible is the mind.” Teen Yoga focuses on boosting self-confidence, and Yoga for Athletes detoxifies muscles and improves circulation. They also offer pilates and cardio classes.
Drop-In class is $18, weekly passes are available.
290 West Main Street, Northborough, MA
http://thecoreconnection.com/index.php

Spencer Yoga

Spencer Yoga teachers instruct a range of fundamental and all-levels classes. Senior ParaYoga Teacher Lauren Jay Toolin instructs private classes focusing on everything from injury rehabilitation to anxiety management.
Drop-In classes range from $12-$17, weekly passes are available.
172 Main Street, Spencer, MA
http://www.spenceryoga.com/