Prana Power Yoga

I have never had a bad work out or disengaged or over worked instructor. Lauren is my favorite but Danielle this morning had some interesting different twists and felt great. Thank you all of you!

I started yoga practice at this location right when it opened years ago and I have seen teachers come and go. For the most part, I’ve had great classes. The quality of teachers are based on luck, some try to vary their classes, some are more hands on and help students get better, others are totally hands off and never touch anyone. Tonight I had the most displeasure of taking my third and last class with an instructor who is relatively new: ALECIA DAYGER. Due to my work schedule, the last three classes including this past one have been with her. I’ll give her credit for switching up the poses. However, when it comes to «making a true connection» as she writes on her public profile on PPY’s website, I’m gonna give her an F for effort-​how can you make a connection teaching when you don’t even care for the safety and wellbeing of the students? Albeit the best classes I’ve had are with teachers who are more hands on, however, sometimes teachers can’t get to helping everyone if the class is PACKED. Tonight’s class was moderate in numbers-​plenty of personal space for everyone’s mats. What I’ve noticed about Alecia is that she only helps two people in the class, one is a lady who likes to do handstands every chance she gets who only practices in the upper right hand corner of the studio, the other is the assistant who helps check people into classes. Everyone else she does not bother to help stretch. Earlier in the class, I felt my shoulder starting to ache so I tried to take it easy. Towards the end of the class, the pain became excruciating, as I lied down for my final resting pose-​a pose which is supposed to bring peace and relaxation, I tried to place my shoulder in a position that would not cause much pain. I really thought I had popped my shoulder, panicking, I raised my hand while still lying on the floor hoping that Alecia could check for me. The first time I raised my hand she did not see me, she was on her way to help stretch her BFF. After she finished I raised my hand again, higher, hoping to catch her attention. She saw me this time, and instead of asking me what was wrong, she stuck up her pointer finger, signaling for me to be quiet and wait. When we sign up for yoga, we also sign forms saying the studio is not responsible for our injuries, but shouldn’t the instructor be worried if a student in their class hurts him/​herself? Her response paralyzed me. She walked to the front of the room, just a foot away from where I was lying, sat down, surveyed her kingdom nonchalantly. As I lied on the mat watching her blank expression, I couldn’t stand my shoulder’s pain anymore, and I decided to leave. At this point she announced the rest phase was over and people begin waking up from their slumber, I was walking to the back of the studio to hand in my block. When I picked up my mat and tried to leave as quietly as possible, she looked at me again with her blank and condescending expression, «Can you just sit for a moment?» Not only did she not care what was wrong, I needed to stay so she could finish her class. I mouthed «why» at her, still in disbelief. She said, «I’m about to close the class.» Now I’m not a professional yogi, but I have taken yoga for a number of years (actually more years than Alecia has-​she started in 09), and I do respect the class environment. I get annoyed when people talk a lot, it disturbs the rest of the students. I can sympathize with her for asking me to stay an extra minute so she can close the class for everyone remaining. Not wanting to disturb everyone else’s peace, I put down my pride and sat back down on my mat, my shoulder still throbbing with pain. When she finally finished her ohm’s, and her words of enlightenment, I got up not even folding my mat to leave. She comes up to me again, «Did you have a question?» I don’t expect my yoga instructor to be my mother, but when a student is in pain and raises her hand, shouldn’t you at least ask what’s wrong? I’ve taken classes where I’ve had to leave early, and in every situation the instructor would come up to me and ask «are you ok?» They want to make sure the student is ok, because let’s be real, no one wants someone to die or get sent to the hospital in one of their classes right? I’ve seen instructors on countless occasions go help other students even at the expense of extending a pose for everyone else. Yes you want what’s best for the class, but aren’t you there to help as many people as possible to get better and FEEL GOOD? I was already bothered by her favoritism to THE only one student of each class, and after this experience, I never wish to take a class with her again. Yoga is not only about improving the body in my opinion because if that’s the case, we can all just practice by ourselves within the comfort of our homes. We come to a class to be part of this community of relaxation at the studio with other people, but if the instructor of this community has no care for us, why bother wasting the money?

I should preface by saying that I am fairly new to yoga but have been consistently coming to classes at the Winchester/​Woburn studio for the past couple months. I really enjoy coming to this studio. I feel like I always get a great workout, the people are always overly nice and knowledgable and there is no judgment on where you are in your yoga practice (newbie to expert). There are definitely certain instructors who I prefer to others but, even with that being said, I have never had a «bad» experience with a class here. I also really like that you never really know what you’re getting in the class until you get in there and actually do it. It is also really conveniently located with lots of parking which is always a huge plus. The studio itself never seems dirty to me, which is another plus considering most people are covered in sweat the entire time they are in there. I find the classes both challenging and relaxing and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for hot yoga in the area!

First of all let me say that the only reason I gave Prana 2 stars is because the teachers are excellent. The ownership is where the problem is.
In the 5 months since I started going here I have liked it less and less. I have a major issue with the groupon, living social, etc deals that they are constantly offering new customers only. I understand the need to attract more business but the past few classes I have been to have been so packed with «groupon users» that there is just no room. I am paying full price and do not have the space to do all of the poses because the people next to me are so close.
My other major problem is with the prices and expiration dates. The prices keep going up (it’s $ 17 for a single class now)! 1 month ago when I bought 10 classes there was no expiration date on them. When I went to buy more I saw there is now a 3 month expiration on them. I am sure I will use them in 3 month but it is just the principle.
Prices are going up, rules on class use are getting stricter, and I feel like I am getting less. Meanwhile the person next to me is in my space and paying the groupon price of $ 5.80 per class. Offer the groupon to everyone or get rid of it! Loyal customers end up suffering.

This would be 4 stars and possibly 5 if not for a few simple things. First off let me say I am new to yoga and I’m a man. No problem there. Men seem as welcome as women do, so that fear was unnecessary. The teachers have all been super. I have read other reviews and I for one do not feel as if they are all too similar in style. Here’s my complaint, and it’s two fold. Groupon. Since the Groupon deal classes are so crowded. I understand the need to attract new business but they should have limited it to maybe half of what they did. Secondly, i was a new student when the Groupon offer was being offered, but because I don’t do Groupon, I wasn’t aware of the savings. I paid $ 140.00 for 10 classes while the people around me paid less than half that. I mentioned it the last time I was in but the woman behind the counter didn’t seem too interested. Maybe I’m wrong. I’ll see what happens and report the outcome here. Let me add for the record I did sign up for 1 week unlimited for $ 25.00 so that be why I wasn’t considered a «new» customer.

I think people that have give 5 stars to Prana do so because they consider it a great workout, which it is. Then again, go into a sauna and do some exercises for an hour and see how much you will sweat there.
Nowadays, I go there strictly for the convenience of parking. That just doesn’t cut it anymore as there are many problems with Prana Power Yoga, in my humble opinion. They sure have changed since I started taking classes (at the Newton studio) when it first opened. I’ll outline the issues I have with Prana below:
1. Loud studios filled with gossip before and after class. Yoga studios used to be sacred and you were told to be quiet inside if you were loud — that means no loud talking with your friends or talking on the phone, before or after class. The volume before class INSIDE the studio can be deafening. I’ve heard more gossip than I care to hear especially in a place of «letting go».
2. Mat placement is an issue. If you have X’s on the floor, which no one apparently abides by, have the teacher or the front desk personnel train the students to place their mats in a certain place. I was the first person in class the other night and once the class started to fill up, I had a student obliviously place a quarter of her mat on the front of mine. Mat placement in the entire class was inefficient even though there was plenty of room
3. The flow is stale. I realize Prana teaches their instructors a flow they believe — one they copied from Baron Baptiste — but have the experienced instructors bring their own creativity to the class. What joy it was to take classes with Jene and Jacqui when you didn’t know what to expect and everyday you took a class you were learning something new.
I believe Prana has developer a big ego (ironic isn’t it?) with branding, books, etc., and has lost sight of what’s important. In turn, it has attracted a crowd of former gym fitness goers that value «getting my sweat on» over what yoga is really about. No, it’s not just an aerobic workout. Until things improve, I am finding another studio to practice.

Great hot yoga experience! The room we were in was large, with high ceilings and very comfortable. Our instructor was great! I’ve done many different types of yoga over the years, but this was only my second hot class and it felt great (especially on a cold February night!).

Best place for hot yoga. Location is convenient with plenty of parking.
Right across from whole foods, so after class pick up something healthy for lunch/​dinner.
Great teachers and an intense workout. Bring you mat, a towel and plenty of water because you will be sweating!!!

I like the location and the teachers are nice.

Can’t beat it. Best yoga studio in the Boston area. Classes never disappoint.

Prana is awesome! I have been going there since last fall and I love it. The heat is certainly intense but you walk out feeling amazing (sweaty and gross too but oh well). I love that they have night classes starting at 7:30. Try one with Micheal he is amazing!!!

So far, I really like this place. I’ve taken two classes, and I get a great sweaty workout, without feeling embarrassed that I can’t really keep up. (I’ve been to places where the instructors actually yell at you for not following all the poses at the correct pace, accusing you a interrupting everyone else’s flow). I bought the 10 day $ 25 unlimited class use, and am looking forward to starting a practice here.

I am a huge fan of yoga and have been doing it for many years. Prana power yoga is pretty much the only studio I will go to anymore. I love the teachers and the atmosphere is very inviting. I feel that the instructors care about giving you a good workout and having you leave awakened and refreshed. There is only one shower, but I usually wait till I get home anyways. I suggest trying out all different types of classes and instructors as they all seem to put their own twist on the practice.

I sweat more in the Hour of Power class than I ever have during any workout. This class kicked my butt! If I hadn’t already been doing yoga for a few years, I would have been totally clueless, as it is fast and there’s no specific instruction about how to hold the poses. I would definitely recommend the Fundamentals class for anyone who is new to yoga.
The classes at this studio aren’t Bikram, what I traditionally think of when I hear «hot yoga.» They are actually standard flow/​vinyasa-​type classes, with lots of repeated sun salutations, but the room can go from a balmy 92 degrees to a scorching 102 degrees within minutes once the class members get going.
Things I loved about this studio: It has a community feel to it and people are pleasantly packed in. I liked hearing so many people chant «om» together and it is motivating to hear all the breathing done simultaneously.
One thing I so wish I could change about this studio: There is only one shower. How on Earth did this ever make sense to someone designing this place? With so many people slick and dripping with sweat after a class, it seems cruel to force us all back into our winter gear without any hopes of rinsing off. I tried my best by splashing around in the sink, but I still had to put my sweater and jeans on over my drenched yoga clothes, which was another workout in and of itself.

As a «newbie» to hot power yoga I was a bit apprehensive and overwhelmed about where to start and how. I stumbled upon Prana while searching through the internet and it seemed like a good fit. There are multiple locations, a variety of classes, and I liked the philosophies they put forth on their website. I was hooked when I read they didn’t believe in mirrored studios because it, «only leads to suffering, ego, and competition.» Sign me up!
My first class was an «all levels» class with Lorraine and she was great. I was skeptical as to if the class would really be «all levels» and I was happy to find out it was. Sure there were seasoned pros doing advanced poses, but I can honestly say there is no pressure to push yourself and most instructors enforce the idea that it’s your practice and you can make it as challenging or easy as you want. I also took a class with Heather and she was very inspirational as well.
I would also recommend the fundamentals class with Susan, if you are just starting out. It’s a great class that goes at a bit of a slower pace and really focuses on the breathing aspect… but still kicks your butt!
Today was my first class with Molly Powers and her name says it all! She is probably the most challenging instructor I’ve had in my 3 short weeks of practice, but it was also very rewarding. She has a great sense of humor that helps lighten the mood in the room, especially when you feel like you’re gonna collapse into the lovely pool of sweat surrounding you.
The location of the studio is great… there is tons of parking and a whole foods in the same plaza. The studio itself is also great and always clean. There are 2 showers and 2 bathrooms which make life a bit easier if you are heading somewhere after. One of my favorite details of the studio is the skylights! It makes for a beautifully lit space and how nice is it to look up every so often and see clouds floating by!
So glad I found this place and looking forward to many more classes here!

Prana Power Yoga gave me the confidence to start, as I had longed to for some time, a regular, formal yoga practice. I’d previously had some mediocre experiences at one yoga studio (very nice people/​instructors, but very light workout) and unsettling experiences with Bikram (amazing workout, but the mirrors, etc. made me feel extremely stressed out and sad… not very yogic!!). Prana provides the perfect balance, for me, at least. The workout is fabulous and, for me, relaxation cannot occur without first burning off that nervous energy. The studios (I’ve only practiced in Woburn/​Winchester and Cambridge so far) are bright, beautiful, and happy! The instructors are fabulous! I always feel lighter, brighter, and happier when I leave, and I carry this with me throughout the day. This yoga studio was my breath of fresh air during a time when I needed a change, and through the practice of yoga, I find myself making positive changes in other areas of my life, daily. I am so grateful to have found this fabulous place. :)

Love hot yoga, love a challenge, love comfort, and love prana.
I have been to 7 yoga studios in boston and metrowest area, this is by far my favorite studio. The variety of teachers is a very special thing that you do not get at many studios.
While all classes follow the same template, each teacher adds their own flare, and the level of difficulty can vary depending on how challenging you would like to make it for yourself.
Great for beginners because there are always accommodations that can be made for each posture.

I am now addicted to hot yoga.
I had never taken a yoga class in my life before. My friend Zach told me about Hot Yoga a few months back. He insisted it was one of the best work outs he’s ever had and that afterward he felt incredible. I told him he was completely unhinged.
First of all, yoga? «Please, I am not meant to look like a pretzel» claimed I. Second of all, exercise in a room at 95 degrees? «Are you crazy?»
After a while though I realized Zach was not the only crazy person who liked to sweat themselves to death while trying to position themselves into awkward looking poses. I read up on it and finally decided it was worth a shot. I made my boyfriend, who practices yoga on a regular basis, come with me to the Woburn location of Prana Power Yoga.
I won’t try to tell you that it was all bliss and that I never even noticed the heat or some bull like that. It was HOT and it was HARD. In some situations the combination of those two things can be extremely enjoyable. I’m not sure enjoyable is the word for this but it was awesome.
It really made you work and despite the fact that sometimes I was wondering when it would end I could feel what a great work out I was getting. The instructor was very patient and had a calming effect, so despite the fact that you were working hard and suffering form the heat, she was able to keep me focused throughout the class. It wasn’t really spiritual or anything, if anything it was very body centric, which I appreciated. All your focus was on your body and what your body was doing.
I often had no idea what i was doing but we’d gone to a beginner class so there was plenty of guidance and explanation. The heat helped me stretch a lot further than I probably could have normally. My boyfriend loved it. he said it was one of the best yoga experiences of his life. After the class we felt incredible. Loose and strong.
We returned several times and plan to keep on coming!