GETTING OUT: Central Mass Yoga Studios

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

If you want to escape from the stresses and anxieties of the real world, there is no better natural way than reinvigorating your mind, body and soul with yoga. No matter what your experience, you will be sure to find a place near you that offers classes on any number of different styles for any skill level or specific need.

Here are a few places in Central Mass that could be just what you're looking for.

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Yoga for Health

119 Mass. Avenue, Lunenburg
Yoga for Health offers classes for all body types and physical needs. On Wednesdays, "Gentle" Yoga is offered for beginners and "Moderate" classes are offered on Thursdays for those with more experience. Also check out the "Rise N' Shine" Class on Fridays, where the room is heated to 90 degrees, allowing the muscles to stretch more easily, and increasing strength, flexibility, and stamina.

Photo: Synergy by Jasym/flickr

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Amethyst Point

64 Dewey Street, Worcester
This massage therapy and wellness center reminds us yoga can be part of a comprehensive program to improve your mental and physical health. Their "Basic Beg" classes introduce you to the foundations and essential building blocks of Hatha yoga. From there, one can explore a wide-range of intermediate and advanced classes, practicing a number of different poses and styles. Also check out the massage and meditation services.

Photo: lululemon athletica/flickr

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Health Ways

100 Duval Road, Lancaster
Located in the Orchard Hills Athletic Club, Health Ways is committed to promoting awareness of how regular yoga practice can be a tool of healthy and happy living by offering classes for almost every need. Check out the Iron Yoga classes which combine weight-training and traditional yoga, or practice integrating body movement and rhythmic breathing in the much more relaxed and meditative Vinyasa Hot Yoga.

Photo: Gamma man/flickr

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Flowforms Yoga

195 Lake Avenue, Worcester
Flowforms Yoga can be a perfect bonding place for families, offering Family Yoga for children of all ages, and Mommy and Me classes for mothers and their babies. Pre-Natal classes are also available. Discover Gentle, Beginner, or Intermediate level classes, in addition to Chakra and Vinyasa style classes. Your first class is free!

Photo: Flowforms Yoga

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Metrowest Yoga

32 Millbrook Street, Worcester, 69 Milk Street, Westborough
Metrowest offers a full slate of Yoga classes at both their Worcester and Westborough locations. Especially notable are their hot yoga classes where the rooms are heated up to between 92 to 98 degrees, but there are also heat-free classes offered. Also learn important stress reduction techniques. In addition, check put the Family Yoga classes for both kids and adults, and Pajama Yoga for kids!

Photo: Metrowest Yoga

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Bikram Yoga Auburn

567 Southbridge Street, Auburn
Bikram-style yoga has been called "the most challenging and effective exercise program in the world!" This studio in Auburn specializes in it, hosting a class where one practices 26 postures and 2 breathing techniques, all designed to strengthen, realign and stretch the joints of the body. This especially includes the spine. Once again, the room is heated to allow maximum flexibility and the detoxification of the body.

Photo: Bikram Yoga

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Cen. MA Yoga and Wellness

45 Sterling Street, West Boylston
Classes offered at Central Mass Yoga include three levels of Hatha Yoga, in addition to the vigorous Power Yoga program and specialized classes offering Yoga for Weight Loss, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and much more. Check out classes that combine weight-lifting and Yoga, as well as classes designed for those feeling stiffness, tightness, or pain.

Photo: Central MA Yoga and Wellness

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The Core Connection

290 West Main Street, Northborough
This studio offers your basic yoga classes along with some unique choices, such as "Big Guy" yoga and programs designed specifically for athletes based on the Ashtanga style of yoga, synchronizing breathing with a progressive series of postures. There are also beginner's classes for teens, designed to help improve self-confidence and the mind-body connection. Pilates and Cardio classes are also offered.

Photo: lululemon athletica/flickr

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Aub Yoga & Pilates Center

889 Southbridge Street, Auburn
Check out the usual gentle, power and all-levels yoga class selections, in addition to some unique manifestations including "Yochi," which combines yoga and tai ch. Also, Auburn Yoga and Pilates features Yogalates, which combines yoga and pilates. Yoga for seniors and prenatal yoga is offered as well.

Photo: lululemon athletica/flickr

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Wellness Works Yoga

128 Providence Street, Worcester
Wellness Works Yoga and Healing Arts is especially good for those who wish to stay active in their advanced age, offering special Active Over 50 classes and additional classes designed for those over 60. However, despite being located in the Worcester Senior Center, there are classes designed for people of all ages, whether they are looking for private or semi-private instruction.

Photo: Fort Meade/flickr