Shiva Shakti Yoga Center

Here’s the short version: Gwen and Shiva Shakti Yoga Center are great. Gwen’s teaching is inspired and the community that she builds in her classes is something that sets this yoga studio apart from others. Go and take a class and see for yourself — you will be so glad that you did!
Here’s the detail if you’re interested in hearing more:
The Shiva Shakti Yoga Center is a stone’s throw away from Waltham Common (so lot’s of bus access and close to the commuter rail), there’s 2 hour street parking right on Main and if that’s full, there’s a garage across the street (fifty cents to park). The studio is bright and open and there’s always a welcoming vibe there.
Gwen’s teaching style is really unique — she caters to all ability levels, taking time to break down complicated poses for beginners while still challenging the most experienced in the group. She’s uplifting and manages to tailor the classes to the needs of the students in the room. Her class feels personal — she tries to help each person, all the while encouraging her students to do more and go further. The student’s are kind and are very open — they make you feel part of the group right from the start. Gwen is a natural at cultivating the community.
Gwen has a dog («Luna») who hangs out in the studio. Luna is super friendly and a great presence in class — she has a way of keeping things light during class. When Luna is not there, she’s missed!
Finally — I came to Shiva Shakti Yoga Center totally wound up and stressed, looking for some way to get more centered and, frankly, highly skeptical of yoga and all of the related mumbo jumbo. After 20 or so classes, I’ve done a complete 180 and I have found much more than what I was originally looking for. I’m more centered. More calm. I really enjoy practicing yoga and have found a kind, empathetic and experienced teacher in Gwen. If I could give this place six stars, I would.

I am very surprised by all the positive reviews for this place. I purchased a Groupon for 5 classes at Shiva Shakti Studio based on all of the positive reviews. I am a true beginner to yoga and I was looking forward to working with an instructor who would help me with my form (rather than an app or DVD), and the idea of improving my skills in a studio rather than in a sweaty gym was appealing to me.
The instructor, Gwenivere, was very nice when I arrived. I told her that it was my first yoga class EVER and she assured me that I would be fine and that everyone there was very supportive. When the class began, however, it quickly became very clear to me that this was not the yoga class I was looking for. The instructor did not explain any of the positions that she was calling out and did not provide any guidance as to the poses, leaving me on my mat in pain and wondering what I was doing wrong. It was literally painfully obvious that I was not keeping up with the class, but not once did the instructor give me any guidance or even call out modifications for those of us who were having difficulty.
Even worse than all of this (yes, even the pain from the poorly done poses) was the running commentary from the instructor throughout the class. I wanted to try yoga to work toward pain relief, increased flexibility, and experience the overall stress reduction benefits from doing the exercises and deep breathing. The instructor spent most of the time talking about her own religious beliefs, and told the class that she wanted to take us all to a Hindu temple and that we were being drawn to yoga because the Hindu deities offer protection (especially Ganesh — apparently during some previous classes she has asked her students to present «offerings» to Ganesh at the end).
I was so disappointed and frustrated, both with the pain and the constant spouting of religious beliefs that don’t match my own, that I got up and walked out in the middle (during downward dog, no less), which I have NEVER DONE. I might as well have just set fire to a couple of $ 20s for all the benefit I got out of being there.
TLDR: if you already have a good foundation with your yoga practice and have a remarkable ability to ignore your surroundings, then this may be a good fit for you. All others, save your money and STAY AWAY.

I bought a 10 class yoga pass from groupon after reading these reviews because this place sounded great… but let me tell you BEWARE. I was Jedi mind tricked. I mean, really, what is up with all the 5 stars?! is this for real? CLEARLY her friends have been helping this a long.
First of all, I have been practicing yoga for a while now and I have been to tons of studios in the Boston and surrounding areas. I was extremely disappointment with my experience at Shiva Shakti… So much that I never ended up returning after my first class.
Here are the concerns in sum:
–The instructor swears in a way that is offensive.
–The instructor does not correct or assist with poses… AT ALL! Even when there were several people in class doing the poses incorrectly and unintentionally hurting themselves.
–The instructor preaches about her religion at length. I am VERY spiritual and like when things are presented in general terms not specific to a specific religion or belief. Her speech tended to be self-​driven rather than for the purpose of those attending her class.
–I did not perspire. If you are looking to get a workout… this is not the place.
–I love dogs… a lot… but a yoga studio is not the place. I was aware the dog would be there… I was not aware it would be allowed to sit on my yoga mat and shed it’s hair before my practice and lick my legs during my practice. I ASSUMED the dog was trained.
–Hot pink curtains… hmmmm
–No parking.

On the positives, the instructor Gwen is very good with explaining the techniques and pointing out how some of her poses are different from traditional yoga and how she prefers to offer new techniques with time. She encourages interactions with one another, which is quite refreshing. She also changes the pace of the class if she realizes the energy level around is not 100%.
Along with Yoga, there is always some random philosophical instructions going on that may or may not have any relevance to the pose that you are doing.
Be aware that her dog comes into the class very often. If you are not a dog lover, this is not the place for you.
She is also not punctual with her classes. I have received a parking ticket because she finished her class 20 minutes over the scheduled class end time just because she started late. I am all for 1 hour 30 minutes sessions and interacting with one another, but they should start on time and finish on time. I stopped driving to the class because I could never predict when a class would not start on time and I’d have to bear an extra $ 25 for parking penalties.

I’ve been at Shiva Shakti a couple of times a week for years. Gwen’s steady instruction of what to be paying attention to, how to hold all parts of your body (even those you wouldn’t think are involved in a particular asana) and example by doing (she is tireless in her practice) makes for a great environment. She is an open, caring and lovely woman. Shiva Shakti adds to my life.

I tried this studio for the first time recently and I did not enjoy the experience. I guess I’m the voice of dissent here– I read the reviews afterwards and they’re all glowing. Maybe it was just an off-​day for the instructor, but for me, it was an awkward and uncomfortable experience all around. I left the class more stressed and stiff then I’d come in. It’s one of the only unheated studios around, so I’m bummed that I had such a bad experience here.
I entered the studio and the instructor was at her desk. She didn’t even raise her head or say hello, just handed me a clipboard with the waiver. I got a warmer greeting from her dog, who was wandering around the reception area. I asked if there were student rates and she said that her rates are so low that she doesn’t offer student rates. $ 15 for drop-​in is absolutely not low for the area.
What followed was the strangest yoga experience I’ve ever had. She seemed to know everyone else’s name and greeted them and asked about their personal lives– but she never even asked my name. It felt really cliquey. And as for the yoga– honestly– I felt like she was making it up as she went along. She had us doing very difficult maneuvers from the start to «loosen up” — for example, jumping to a handstand. She often confused left and right and gave unclear descriptions of what to do– often she just said the name of the pose in Hindi and if you didn’t know it, you had no idea what to do. I’ve done a lot of yoga and I know basic pose names. These were not basic. She often suggested ways to intensify the pose, but she did not ever suggest modifications or let us know what to do if we were unable to do the pose. She swore (mildly) several times, which was pretty unwelcome in a yoga environment. She was doing the yoga along with us the whole time and never made any adjustments– she barely walked around or looked at our forms. Also– I’m a dog lover, but her dog walked in and out of the studio sniffing at us– ew!
Last but not least, the class ran almost 20 minutes longer than scheduled. That’s incredibly inconsiderate.
I never write reviews on here, but this experience was just too bizarre not to. I live close by and I had high hopes that this would be a great place for me. But I was honestly worried that I’d hurt myself with the difficult poses and non-​yoga moves, so there’s no way I’ll go back. The search for reasonably priced, friendly, non-​heated yoga continues!

It’s been 2 years since I first started at Shiva Shakti and it keeps getting better! Gwen continues to be a phenomenal teacher and yoga mentor, and her knowledge and love of the practice is truly inspiring. The place attracts many interesting folks, both introverts and extroverts, which is great because there’s a place for everyone. The workouts are always different, challenging and sometimes even restorative, as she caters to the group each and every class. I love seeing Luna (her dog) at the studio, who is an absolute sweetheart! The more I go, the more I want to go… definitely addicting, but in a good way! :-) I can’t imagine going anywhere else and I feel so lucky to have found the studio! Thank you Gwen!

Gwenivere is an excellent teacher. She takes the time to get to know her students, and works hard to understand their needs and meet those needs in class. She will adjust the class based on who is there that particular session, and what is best for the group.
As a beginner she gave me a lot of instruction when I really needed it. Including details of which muscles to flex and how to position my joints. Also where to put my breath, concentration, and attention. More recently she gives less instruction and challenges me with more a more demanding flow.
Her classes proved to be a great workout. I’ve been amazed at what workout is possible within the space of a yoga mat. For the first three or four weeks of going three or more times a week, after each class I would feel like I had gotten a great aerobic workout. My lungs would be tired. I might be kind of wiped out the rest of the day, but I also felt great. After that I’ve grown strong enough that I’m less exhausted. I’ve developed so much more core strength than I ever had before. Support muscles are there. My abs are rock solid all around my trunk for the first time. My legs and shoulders and arms are all stronger too, and I’m more confident in my balance and strength. I’ve lost weight and tightened my belt.
It’s also a great community, and I’ve liked the other students I’ve met.
I highly recommend taking classes here.

I was lucky enough to discover this studio through Groupon and I’m so happy I did.
Our family was visiting the Boston area for a month and I was looking for a yoga studio close to Bentley University, where my daughter was attending summer school. Based on all the 5-​star reviews on Unilocal,I knew this would be a great place – but had no idea how much I’d love it here.
We’re from Los Angeles, where yoga studios are almost as common as Starbucks. Yet I’ve never found an owner/​instructor as down to earth, talented, and truly compassionate as Gwen. It was an honor to take classes with her.
I was only able to attend 5 or 6 classes at Shiva Shakti, yet each class was challenging and different. Gwen took the strengths, limitations, and challenges of each student into mind and crafted a unique practice each time I attended. The workout pushed me each time, but with the added benefit of improving my poses and increasing my awareness of movement. I’ve been struggling with a hamstring injury from a bootcamp class and needed a workout that would be kind to my leg, but still give me some good exercise. Gwen took this into consideration and helped me achieve my goals.
The people who practice here are friendly and welcoming and I felt very much at home and looked forward to coming here. The other yogis in my class ranged from novice beginner to pretty advanced.
The studio itself is large and friendly, with lots of natural light. Gwen’s dog welcomes you and provides some loving attention and comic relief.
Looking forward to next summer in Boston and a return to Shiva Shakti.

This is the best yoga experience I had. The space is very calming and inviting. The teaching goes beyond the poses extending to the mind and body awareness. I have never looked forward to the exercise, but I look forward to each class at Shiva Shakti Yoga Center. I can tell that my body performance is already improving after just 2 weeks. It’s a nice place.

I went here for a few trial classes and ultimately decided to continue my practice elsewhere, but the studio space is gorgeous and Gwen is a really talented teacher. I think for me, it came down to personal preference. I did about 4 classes on different days, with different descriptions, but each included work with a partner. I just wasn’t comfortable supporting, or being supported by, a sweaty man or woman I’ve never met. Obviously you can opt out of the exercise, but I felt awkward doing that because I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb. Then I realized I was worrying about whether I’d have to work with someone during class, and it seemed counter to why I do yoga in the first place. So, not for me– but a very nice studio.

I first started at Shiva Shakti back a couple years ago after finding it through a deal on Groupon. (Keep on the lookout for these! They come up often for newcomers!)The studio had just opened and I loved it from the very beginning. Gwen is extremely warm and welcoming. She makes a real effort to get to know people in class, finding out what we’re hoping to work on that day. She also is great about introducing people to one another in the calm, serene setting.
There are lots of different options as far as times for classes– mornings, evenings, weekends, etc. It’s easy to get to, you feel very welcome, and it’s always a great experience. I have brought my fiancé with me before to a class which he enjoyed (a hockey/​lacrosse player who didn’t think he’d be into yoga), and I can’t wait to bring more friends and my mom who’s also into yoga one day soon.
Check out a class– I bet you will be signing up for more after!

My first experience with Yoga, Gwen is Thoughtful and receptive to the needs of the class.

It’s been 2 years for me since Gwen introduced me to yoga and I can’t be grateful enough for that. Every time practice makes me a happier person.
Gwen — the owner of the studio — is a wonderful yoga teacher and an awesome person who puts her heart into what she does.
Not only she teaches beautiful postures and proper breathing, she also inspires people for greatness and lights up their eyes. Every single class is filled with positive energy, enthusiasm and happiness.
That’s why I love Shiva Shakti!

Love love love Shiva Shakti. I attended my first ever yoga class at this studio about 2 months ago. I expected to be intimidated and self-​conscious at my first class, but this was not at all the case. Shiva Shakti is a very warm and welcoming environment.
Being so new to yoga, I am surprised at how comfortable I am getting with certain poses, and I attribute that to Gwens teaching style. Even if there are a lot of students in a class, she manages to pay attention to everyone and really guide each person through the session.
Much love to this place.

So let me preface this review by saying that prior to finding Shiva Shakti Yoga Center, I was extremely intimidated by yoga (and group exercise classes in general). It took me awhile to summon up enough courage even to walk into this studio. I guess I assumed everyone would know what they were doing and that I’d stand out as the «new guy» or as a klutz. All I can say is, thank god the first studio that I walked into was Shiva Shakti Yoga Center!
Gwen is an amazing motivator and teacher. It is clear that she believes in the power yoga and has dedicated her life to the discipline. From my very first class, Gwen has supported and encouraged me (as she does all of her students). One month in and I can do handstands and stand on my head — things I never would have believed I could do or have even attempted a month ago. I swear Gwen could tell me that she believes I could do a back flip and I’d be able to pull one off! I should also mention that while Gwen pushes us to our limits in every class, she is also very good at making sure that we do things properly so that we do not injure ourselves.
I have also found the more relaxed parts of the classes to be quite helpful in my personal and professional life. Gwen has a talent for emphasizing and imparting the mental and spiritual aspects of the practice. I generally leave class feeling as though I have had an hour long massage or really good meditation session.
Anyway, if you are on the fence, I highly recommend that you give this studio a try. Gwen and Shiva Shakti Yoga Center have seriously changed my life for the better.

I went to the Monday night ‘slow yoga’ class with Meghan and it was excellent. ‘Slow yoga’ might give you the idea that it’s easy, but it’s not at all. Instead, this class focuses on really getting into to the positions and stretching in them while moving slowly through Vinyasa flows. I really enjoyed the pace of this class and felt like I got an awesome workout from pushing myself in each pose.
This is a great studio – HUGE room that feels very warm (both aesthetically and temperature-​wise) and not crowded. It’s nice to have a big waiting area as well to hang out before class starts. I live in Cambridge so it’s a bit out of my way but I really enjoyed my experience and would definitely come back.

I have never practiced yoga before and didn’t know exactly what to expect. I had a sense that it would be relaxing and challenging, but i never expected that both could come in a complete and whole package.
In the beginners class, our instructor took us through wide range of stretches which included one stretch where we worked with a partner. In several of these positions, I felt my body and muscles move in ways I never have before. We were instructed to «bring our body to a new area or dimension» with each class. Basically — to teach and enable our bodies to move safely in a way they have never moved before.
I was so impressed with how easily our instructor was able to explain what we should do and how to enable us to go further. Sure, there were a few times where I was lost but I had imagined that this is what my entire first class would be like. It was such a pleasant surprise to find what I was capable of doing and what I never knew I could!
The atmosphere is slow paced and relaxing, at some points of the stretches I could have fallen asleep while at other points my whole body would shake to maintain the pose! I can honestly say that my body had a great workout. This workout was nothing like the cardio that I am used to, but my muscles feel like it could have been!

I found this place after trying several yoga studios in the area. I was happily surprised to find such a wonderful place! Gwen is the owner and instructor for some of the classes. She is what makes this place so special. When she teaches she really tries to get to know everyone in the class (if she doesnt know you already:) and tailor the class to the students needs. So you know that no matter what time slot or class you show up to you will be getting what you need! Gwen also likes to have a theme to class which I love. It creates an atmosphere that is comfortable. I am not what I would consider a yogi so sometimes instructors can be intimidating but gwen makes class seem like a conversation with an old friend :) I will continue to go to this studio even after my deal runs out.
The space is also beautiful and very inviting!

This is a very large and beautiful space. I took my first class yesterday with Gwen and she is such a warm hearted, wonderful teacher. I say teacher instead of «instructor» because she did way more than instruct us through a class.
She listened to our needs, and built the class around us as individuals adn created a class that was wonderful. She «taught» us more about how bodies, and how to open and release tension in the areas we are all so tight in.
I can’t wait to go back!