Free To Be Power Yoga

Having moved to the New Orleans uptown area in July, I’ve tried a few of the studios around the neighborhood. Free To Be was head and shoulders better than the other studio IMHO. So much so, I went ahead and signed up for 6 months.
In short, it’s a friendly, heated yoga studio that offers a great workout. I’m not the best person to review a yoga studio, but I know what I like although I don’t always get the yoga terms right. I have done about 10 or 15 classes, and there is a lot of talk about firing up your core, which seems like a smart thing to do. I get a great workout and stretch which I find is much easier in a heated environment. Don’t let the heat scare you. It’s just enough to keep you warmed up making it easier to get into the poses.
The whole place is friendly. The teachers make an effort to meet new people and show them around. Other patrons will visit with you. It’s just a nice place to spend an hour. The owner Janae says hello to me just about every time I walk in.
The studio is really clean. They have a couple of bathrooms where you can get changed. They have a space with some cubbies to unload your bag. And I believe they lock the door to the place during a class, so people can’t come in and out.
Overall, I couldn’t be more pleased with Free to Be. I would highly recommend trying it out. Check with the studio for deals. I tried the place out for 2 weeks at something really affordable.

I lived in New Orleans for 8 years and have pretty much tried most of the yoga studios in town and this studio is by far the BEST. Unlike some other yoga studios in New Orleans FTB is not pretentious at all. Everyone (including the teachers) are so welcoming and eager to introduce themselves and make friends. Each class is challenging and fulfilling, I never leave a class unsatisfied. Other than the amazing hands on power practice, I would say the best part about the studio is the sense of humor, again, unlike other studios, everyone is encourage to laugh and play (if you do not have a sense of humor this studio probably isn’t for you)!

I attended two 6pm classes with Lauren, a.k.a. The Mermaid. It was intense, challenging, soothing, and focused… perhaps all the things yoga is supposed to be! I like that my muscles get a real workout while also infusing the meditative practice. and MY FAVORITE part of it all would be the lavender towels they hand out at the end of class at this studio. SO NICE!
I also really liked how attentive Lauren and her assistant, Kim, were during the class… they wander around the room making adjustments on you, ensuring proper stances, and gently push you further into a pose, reminding me that the goal is to challenge myself while in class.
Well I am definitely feeling it the next day, but also so much more aware of my body posture and strength. Wee! Can’t wait for my next class! Lauren’s a great teacher — keeps the poses moving along at a swift pace, but thorough, and spends time with students after to answer questions about poses and adjustments.
…the room is warm, but not too warm. I always like to mix electrolytes or an Emergen-​C packet into my water to prevent feeling light-​headed in the warmer room.
And that’s all folks!

Janae and her team have something really special going on at Free to Be. I started a get in shape, lose some weight, journey with 30 days for $ 30 at FtB. It launched my inner yogi and helped me get in great shape. The prices are a bit high for me so I haven’t gone as much as I’d like to, but I am forever greatful for this great yoga experience.
One of the best in the city. A must if you like power yoga

Full disclosure upfront: Janae is my BFF. Luckily, my best bud also happens to be one of the most talented yoga instructors I’ve ever practiced with. She’s also managed to create an incredibly inclusive environment at F2B., which is why Free To Be is my community, even more than my yoga studio.
It’s like cheers, everybody knows your name! Not yet? It won’t be long, because as soon as class starts, Janae has you turn to someone you don’t know, introduce yourself, and *BOOM* you now have a new friend.
The room heats between 90 – 95, so expect to sweat a lot. Classes are challenging, although all levels can take any class. Listen to your body, and take it at the pace you’re most comfortable. The teachers are there to guide and push each student, but I’ve spent many poses tucked into child’s pose, thank you very much! Best part is sometimes when I’m taking that break, the instructor comes over and rubs my back or feet. AMAZING.
Classes are light-​hearted and fun. There’s no shame in falling out of a pose, and students are celebrated for accomplishing challenging poses (like standing up from wheel — it’s a total zombie move, and weirds me out, but I hear it’s pretty hard!).
Also, it’s just plain beautiful inside and out. Janae and Kelly put so much thought into every detail, which this gorgeous space reflects so well.
Do yourself a favor: grab your mat (or rent one here), take a class, and marvel at how your perspective can change in 60 short minutes.
Namaste