Okra

Got the CREEPIEST, most uncomfortable «massage» here a couple of weeks ago. I was so upset afterward that I could barely keep myself together. When asked by the receptionist «How was your massage?» I told her it was «awkward, uncomfortable, terrible.» She asked if I wanted to speak to the manager, but I was so upset that told her I just wanted to go home. She asked if the manager could call me later and I said yes. She told me the manager would be in touch, but I never heard from her — even after I filled out and returned a review form that came automatically in my email after my massage. Even after I said how I had been inappropriately touched, and felt too vulnerable (laying there naked) to do anything but try to maneuver away from touches WAY too close to private areas. Please understand — I’ve had HUNDREDS of massages in my lifetime; and the best massages have been from male massage therapists — but I’ve NEVER before felt uncomfortable, and certainly never felt violated before. I will never go back.

Staff friendly. Wish they gave more direction to new people. Awkward not knowing where to set up (visual line to teacher, etc). Enjoyed the class minus the teacher texting during savasana (the glow from her phone lit up our darkened room)

I took a chillax class, and it was wonderful. It’s so refreshing to take an actual yoga class where the instructor reminds you to coordinate your movement with your breath and doesn’t try to entertain you while you practice. Ahhh. It was my first time, and they let me borrow a mat rather than rent, which was super nice. I will definitely return when I’m back in town!

This update is in regards to the massages. I went back for a second one recently. Since I was so happy with my last hour deep tissue massage, I decided to upgrade to a 75 minute massage. Unfortunately, Rebekah does not work on weekends so I was assigned to someone else. I was rather disappointed this time around. I have never had an issue with too much pressure (in fact I usually ask for more pressure) and this time around it was quite painful and I had to ask for her to use less pressure. I cannot pinpoint the style difference, but it just didn’t have that idea flow and relaxation effect that good massages come with. That evening, I had dark red bruise like spots on the areas she had massaged before asking her to go lighter, and felt quite sore. not the «to be expected» kind of tender after deep tissue massage either. Massages sure aren’t cheap in general and are my splurge every now and then, so it was quite disappointing.

My boyfriend and I received the 60-​minute couples massage and our massage therapists were Tabitha and Janice. This was our first time at Okra and we were very excited considering it’s so close to where we live. Tabitha and Janice were amazing and my boyfriend and I look forward to booking massages at Okra soon. I, also, purchased and redeemed the $ 25 for $ 50 Unilocal coupon available for first time customers.
Okra is a great little sanctuary tucked away on Commonwealth and I can’t wait to go there and try out their yoga!

I love Okra. It’s the perfect fit in Plaza Midwood, as its comfortable, welcoming and warm. The yoga classes are diverse, offering a variety of options from beginner to advanced. I have also received massages from multiple massage therapists there and every session has been amazing. I highly recommend checking out Okra!

I went for a Deep Tissue Massage with Tabitha as my therapist. I have not found many therapists in the area who are capable of doing deep tissue to my specifications, but Tabitha was wonderful, and had a grateful, humble presence.
The studio has limited parking, and there is also a tea bar on site. They sell various items for Yoga (props, clothing, etc.) and are located in NoDa.

I have been to Okra for a massage and a yoga class and have really enjoyed both. The massage rooms were quite large and cozy, very clean too.

This review is for Okra’s massage therapy, but the venue’s location, beauty, and peacefulness deserves a shout-​out as well. After my first massage with Okra’s Janice Peery, I immediately signed up for a subscription to a one-​hour massage at $ 59/​month. A gifted massage therapist, Janice applies the perfect mix of gentle and firm. Soundlessly, Janice works from back to front and left to right, relieving ever body part of tension. Highly recommended!

This is a clean, well kept, well decorated, welcoming studio space with lots of historical charm and character. Prices are reasonable, instructors and support staff friendly, and there is a decent selection of retail items too. I really enjoyed my first visit (attended Deep Stretch class last night — the instructor had us do some interesting exercises against a wall, something I had never previously done) and look forward to going back!

Okra provides a much more intimate yoga experience compared to some of the larger studios in the greater-​Charlotte area. I really like the space, including the yoga room and the tea/​coffee bar.
I’ve taken deep stretch, chillax flow, and a heated vinyasa class. I adored the deep stretch and chillax flow classes, but the heated class simply didn’t get hot enough for my taste –it was uncomfortably warm but not hot enough to get a good sweat.
I really enjoy the light in the studio, the professionalism of the instructors, and the general vibe and pace of the classes. Okra is a very welcoming and peaceful studio, you should definitely give it a try!

This is a review of the coffee and tea bar.
My second visit so I thought it merited a review. The ambiance here is wonderful. Since they focus mainly on massages and yoga, there are not a lot of seating options, but the seating that is available ranges from comfy chairs to table and chairs. All of which have a great view of Commonwealth Avenue. There is abundant seating outside with umbrellas!
Modest selection of coffee and teas. Coffee is supplied by Pure Intentions which is a Charlotte based roaster. I had an excellent pour over, but you can also get it in french press. Loose leaf tea is provided by TEARex also from Charlotte. Prices very fair!
Staff are really really welcoming!
I will DEFINITELY be back!

I adore this studio. All of the classes I’ve taken have been enjoyable. This studios approach to yoga is so much more holistic and comprehensive compared to other places. The teachers teach with poses and modifications, but they also often have a theme for the class or a reading. They make the experience a treat for the mind and body, rather than just the body. They offer lots of different workshops that are fun to go to. I just wish they were cheaper/​offered yoga as cheap as some of the other places in town. I go to another studio more frequently bc of price:/

Smaller studio that is perfect. Instructors are more traditional yoga, just my style! They want your practice to be yours. April is an excellent instructor for Chillax Yoga.
Like how quiet the studio is so it make it easier to not be distracted.

I was in town just for one night and wanted to create a little vacation for myself, so I booked a massage at Okra. Their new client deal is great, and the massage with Jamie was AMAZING. I’m pretty sure I fell asleep a few times… It was exactly what I needed.

I booked an hour massage here with Claudio. I work as a barber so I like to get massages regularly for my shoulders and legs. Claudio has a degree in sports & exercise science so he knows muscles inside and out. He worked muscles I had never felt before. It is INTENSE but I have never felt this awake or relaxed. Highly recommended.

I’ll start by saying I have not actually participated in a yoga class but attended a special event at Okra. It was a guest speaker on Healthy Living.
Okra it’s self is a cute place. It has a retail place on the street level with the studio down stairs. The retail space sells coffee/​tea, clothes and other items. The studio space down stairs is fairly small.
The speak i attend was just okay. She was very nice and I respect her life style choice to eliminate sugar. I guess I went in expecting a little more on the how. I’m not sure if I gained any additional information from this.
I would like to go back and try yoga with Okra.

I stumbled on this studio when I first moved to town, and I an very grateful for it! They offer a variety of classes at a variety of times– I just wish I was able to attend more of the weekday ones.
I really enjoy the instructors, and there is enough variety to not get «burned out» on any one, and to be able to take a little something different from each.
If you are new to yoga, nothing to fear– it’s an environment that embraces all levels!

Okra is gorgeous. I have been peaking in the window for weeks and finally made it to their Monday night deep stretch class last night. What a great start to the week. Bonus this class is $ 5 and at 8:15pm. I really appreciate later classes so I don’t rush in like a maniac straight from the office. Okra also offers massage, coffee and tea. Décor is lots of natural and organic elements. Wood everywhere. A very relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Stop by but disregard the schedule they have on the door — the yoga class times need to be updated. Online is correct. Overall a terrific addition to the heart of Plaza Midwood.

I recently purchased a Groupon for a 60-​minute massage. Plan Breathe is in the Plaza Midwood area in a brick building on a corner… without really any signage on front. I had to interrupt a next door yoga class to figure out where I was supposed to be (sorry, yogis).
There is a small waiting area next to the yoga studio and next to the waiting area is the massage room. I was promptly greeted by my massage therapist and whisked away to be pampered. The massage itself was very good. Cat did great work focusing on areas to help relieve tension from a stressful week at the job. Since the building is shared by the massage area and yoga studio, you can hear sounds from the class, but they try to minimize distractions by posting a sign in the waiting room to encourage quite voices and they have soothing music playing in the massage room.
There is a nicely decorated bathroom connected to the massage room… with even a shower.
There are two parallel parking spots directly in front of the building. There’s plenty of parking on the street on the side going into a neighborhood.
WIthin the next month or so they’ll be moving to a new location not too far away. Hopefully they will have plenty of space to further separate the massage from the class… I just like less distractions when getting a massage. All in all, I was relaxed by the time I left.