YogaWorks Chestnut Hill

YogaWorks, the first of many studios to join SoulCycle and Equinox in Chestnut Hill has finally opened. The studio is located on “The Street” and neighbors up to The Container Store and MiniLuxe. But don’t go looking for the studio in the cluster with the shops it is tucked away in the freestanding medical building next to Sports Clips. Stepping through the studio doors we were welcomed into the bright calming beautiful space. This is the first YogaWorks studio in Boston that was built from scratch and not a takeover of another studio. The suburbs look good on you YogaWorks. The Hip Hop Yoga class is simply yoga to good solid beats. The music is loud, the energy is high and the poses are accessible to all levels. Unfortunately, there was no dancing although if you want to bust a move in class we won’t stop you.

RUNDOWN

WORKOUT

Walking into the Hip Hop class we were surprised to find it wasn’t heated,  we definitely could have used a Waffle Crew to keep us warm. Class started off with an nice extended Child’s Pose. Some classes rush you through this pose, we were happy to enjoy a few extra breaths as we eased into class. Sun A salutation began pretty standard with mountain, forward fold, downward dog then got a little playful with crow being cued in the beginning of class. The third song was yogi’s choice which meant for the full song each yogi flowed through their own sequence. We opted to keep it simple as it was still early in the class. Sun B salutation had a great rhythm to it, we flowed 4 times on each leg around the world aka change directions on our mats. We continued with basic poses – think warrior two, extended side angle, triangle, crescent lunge. For increased difficulty option for half-moon was cued. The goal of the class wasn’t working up towards a difficult pose just moving and flowing to the beat of the music. While we enjoyed the sequences the class had to offer we didn’t work up a sweat, which you know we love to do. This is the kind of class to take post spin or for an active recovery day.

Note: After class we spoke with our instructor who mentioned that she toned down the intensity of her sequences for opening weekend but typically ranks her classes as middle of the road in terms of difficulty.

INSTRUCTOR

One word to describe Carrie. Positive. Opening new studios comes with challenges, the sound system is finicky, the line is out the door to check-in, you know the usual, but Carrie kept her cool and walked into class calm and ready to instruct. Even with a packed class Carrie seemed totally at ease in front a large class. Her instructions were clear, when there was a change in the flow sequence she provided additional cues so we weren’t stuck in Warrior 2 wondering how the rest of class ended up in Horse Pose. The playlist was killer with was a mix between 90’s throwback and Today’s Remixes.

SPACE

The medical office building setting is surprisingly Zen and is the perfect haven from the hustle of the Chestnut Hill shopping scene. The path to the studio is not the most direct, we suggest adding a more signage. Stepping into the studio you are immediately greeted by the  check-in desk which leads you into the main lobby area which is huge. Not your typical cramped boutique fitness space. Suburbs baby! There is a seating area along with a decent size locker alcove, coat room, and small retail area. A big bonus is the mat storage area which is reserved for members. The bathrooms are modern but minimal, there is only one shower. There also isn’t much space set aside in terms of a changing area, we recommend coming to class in your yoga pants. There are mats and towels available for rent, water for purchase and free parking.

The actual practice space is bright despite lacking natural light. It is one large studio with a slight L shaped space. Even on opening weekend there was plenty of room between mats which meant we could enjoy our practice and not feel cramped. There is also a second studio which is smaller and equipped for a barre classes.