RI’s Best Yoga Studios
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Ready to make your new year healthier and more sane? There's no better place to do that than in the yoga studio. Here are 6 of RI's top spots statewide for getting your Zen on.
Raffa Yoga, Cranston
If you haven't tried antigravity yoga, here's the place to try the hammock-suspended practice that will give you a thrill as well as a unique workout that goes easy on your joints. Raffa also hosts introductory courses, a juice bar, their "Urban Sweat" massage offerings, and cute boutique with yoga swag. Don't miss: New member special is $40 for 2 weeks of Unlimited Yoga. Raffa Yoga, 19 Sharpe Drive, Cranston, 463-3335.
Motion Center, Providence
The Knowledge District just gets better and better, and one of the reasons is this serious studio that offers high-quality yoga, dance, and massage therapy (talk about your cross-training). From workshops on Ashtanga yoga Mysore practice to Cesarean Scar rehabilitation workshops, you'll find the highest level of commitment here. Don't miss: Thai Massage, one of the best bodywork offerings around (and hard to find). Motion Center, 111 Chestnut St, Providence, 654-6650.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTBreathing Time, Pawtucket
It's been a great year for this standout center, and this month brings a major expansion with a penthouse studio with 20-foot ceilings, infrared radiant heat, and sweeping views of Providence. Classes that appeal to men, runners, brand-new beginners, back-care maintenance, and curvy women, make this center feel especially inclusive. There's daily lunchtime yoga, too, and it's just 50 minutes (many midday classes run two hours). Don't miss: Sunset launch party for new space on January 27. Breathing Time Yoga, 541 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket, 421-9876.
The Yoga Loft, Warren
This East Bay center offers a gentle, warm setting for practice of all kinds in a beautiful restored mill space in Warren. Newcomers will feel welcome here, particularly with offerings like gentle Kripalu yoga. Parents might enjoy getting the kids involved in the Loft's Thursday Yoga Kids Club, which kicks off January 19th. Tai chi and new bellydancing classes offer fun contrasts to yoga. Don't miss: Cool workshops, from infant massage to ENERGYSIZES five-minute routine. The Yoga Loft, 16 Cutler St, Suite 106, Warren, 245-0881.
Innerlight Center, Middletown
There's some great yoga on Aquidneck Island, but this major center for more than 15 years that offers more than 50 classes a week, takes top honors. Wedding yoga packages can keeps brides not only more limber and fit, but keep them from becoming Bridezillas (there's also a Bachelorette Party yoga offering and Radiance Rules wedding-day yoga). Don't miss: Yoga for Gardeners, which will get you ready for the spring. Innerlight Center for Yoga & Meditation, Middletown Commons, 850 Aquidneck Ave, Middletown, 849-3200.
All That Matters, Wakefield
If you're old enough to remember the 1970s (or were raised by someone who does) this gold-standard studio in South County will have special appeal. Kudos for a broad and deep roster of classes (it's the largest non-residential holistic center in New England), surrounded by holistic extras like tarot and angel readings, reiki support circles, and mind-body strategies for pain. Don't miss: Yoga for Stiff Guys weekly class. All That Matters, 315 Main St, Wakefield, 782-2126.
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