UdaGuru Yoga

I have been a member of Udaguru’s community since the summer of 2014 but I am realizing that I have never posted about my love for this studio on Unilocal,so here goes!
This studio is amazing for all levels — but particularly if you are the type of person that wants yoga to include a combination of building toned abs and arms, safely approaching difficult postures and inversions, being told that your best is enough for today, and also receiving some hands on assists and aromatherapy face massages at the end of class during shivasana. I particularly love this studio because I know that I can trust the teachers to guide me safely through new poses while also looking out for those who could benefit from some slight adjustments. I did not like yoga for years because it felt too «yoga-​y» and I always worried that I couldn’t keep up or that I was being negatively judged by teachers or other class members for holding everyone up. At Udaguru, all levels are welcome and attended to, and laughing and falling are encouraged. Some classes have music, others do not. Some classes are faster paced, others (like spa yoga) are slower paced and involve deeper stretches. This is the first studio that has ever felt like a community to me, and I always leave feeling so much stronger, happier, and more peaceful than any other workout can provide. The setting is also intimate enough that you never feel lost or forgotten about during a class, but big enough that you never need to accidentally touch your neighbor on the nearby mat.
The classes are an excellent mix of cardio and strength building, but I also love that the teachers emphasize the breath and not rushing through things — every pose is approached with intention. I find mindfulness and meditation to be extremely difficult despite all of the recent studies citing their benefits for mental health, but I find that the studio’s style of teaching really makes you focus on each pose so that the time flies by and it is difficult to become distracted by whatever else your day might entail. My commuting schedule and desk-​based job as a graduate student typically result in chronic lower back pain and neck pain and an overall sense of always being behind on some sort of research project or train schedule, so Udaguru’s classes have offered benefits for both my mind and body that have been far more restorative than I could have ever expected.
Finally, the room is heated to about 80 degrees, which is cooler than hot yoga but warm enough to be the MOST amazing refuge on a cold winter day. The studio has recently hired some new teachers so schedules have been changing a bit recently, so make sure to follow them on facebook or instagram for daily updates about any schedule changes. The studio also has great deals for students ($ 49 monthly unlimited for the month of January 2016!) so it’s definitely worth checking out a few classes to see if it works for you. Highly recommend!

Boy, do I miss this place. I got a reminder email this morning notifying me and congratulating me of my one year anniversary since joining this studio. I wish I had been going there for the full year. In August I moved to DC and have not been to the studio since.
My first class was the Saturday morning beginner class with David. It was a great class, and it being an early Saturday morning class, there were not too many people. He really took the time to show me and the rest of the class proper technique, made me feel comfortable, and made it seem like I had been doing yoga for ages.
Once I took a couple of his Saturday morning classes, I was still hesitant to take the regular classes during the week. I started going by myself which was something out of the ordinary for me as it was. It was one of David’s weekday classes. It was a great class and even though it was tough keeping up, it was a great work out and a fun class.
My second weekday class was with Sharon, who like David, is an amazing person. The both of them exude positivity and joy. Sharon’s class certainly put me through a workout, but it was fantastic.
Coming to DC there was no lack of places to go for yoga, but it is not WSPY. Next time I am back in Providence, I will definitely be heading back there.

Lately I have been seeking out the right yogi fit. New to living in providence so figured I’d drop in to a few classes at different places. I signed up for a drop in last night (³⁄₁₇) and instantly fell in love with the «go at your pace» «you rock» «smile and be happy» energy and atmosphere.
I signed up for the month to month which seems the best if you are a regular/​daily yogi. The classes are small and friendly.
I went back this morning for ashtanga fusion class and even with my hurt shoulder I was able to acquire a sense of success with my breathing and my moves followed.
Very supportive. Very relaxing. Excellent.

Wayland Square Power Yoga is my most favorite yoga studio in Providence, RI.
I have come here quiet often — 3,4 times a week — and I always learn new things every time. Sharon, David, Steven, Erica, Lois are wonderful instructors. Whenever they teach classes, I can see that their personality come out, which make the classes are very interesting and fun. I have taken friends here and they all love this studio. :)
There is also a mediation community class (5 $) on Thursday from 8am-​9am for all levels. I totally recommend everyone to come if they would like to try to practice mediation.

Wayland Square provides really great, fun, clean yoga classes for all yoga levels. The teachers are so fun and enthusiastic.
They have podcasts that are awesome if you do not have time to get to the studio or are having a more solitary day.
I 100% suggest a class here.
:)

I want to update my review because I’ve now been coming to WSPY regularly for about six months, and I cannot believe the changes in not only my body, but my strength, my awareness and my over-​all state of being.
The teachers at WSPY not only guide you through poses, they communicate a message of love, peace and acceptance. I knew yoga was good for me, but I had no idea what an impact it would have on the entirety of Me. I believe this is due to the excellence, love and guidance of my teachers who place the emphasis on doing your best for yourself, and that what you are capable of in that moment is enough. The workout, sweating and achievement are secondary to the energy you channel and sustain throughout the practice, and them carry with you after you’ve left — that right there is really the point of yoga, I’ve come to realize.
Sure, I’ve shaped up and trimmed down since practicing regularly. I can see my abs and my bum shoulder is getting stronger every week. I sleep better, eat better, feel better and laugh more. I guess you could say I’ve found my happy place.
The studio is charming — lived-​in, cozy and bright. You can rent a mat and purchase water if you’ve forgotten to bring it or are just beginning. It is hot in there — it mimics the temperature of India where this practice originated, so be prepared to sweat and bring yourself a small towel to keep the drippy sweats in check. If you’re just beginning, I highly recommend coming to class a bit early and chatting with the teacher beforehand — they’ll make sure you’re getting the instruction you need throughout the class and that you understand what’s a happening.
I cannot speak highly enough of this studio — if you’re considering trying yoga for the first time or if you’re an experienced yogi looking for new studio, this is the place. I promise.

The curative power of exercise is undeniable. There’s nothing life can throw at you that you can’t sweat out. When I need to shed some of the weight of the world, I head to the $ 5 Friday night community class at Wayland Square Power Yoga. I’m so hooked on it. After a long week, this is a place where I can leave it all on the mat, and greet the weekend feeling like a million — no, a zillion — bucks.
This review is strictly for the Friday night community class (it’s the only one I’ve attended). Arrive early for this particular class as it really fills up with fellow yogis. It’s so popular that you may find yourself bumping into a few other «heads, elbows, knees and toes» at certain points. Prepare yourself for the intensity of the heat. The first few minutes in the studio may feel stifling if you’re not used to hot yoga, but you grow accustomed to it with time. You will certainly sweat out tons and tons of toxins during this challenging, 60-​minute session.
Folks of all ability levels attend the community class, and despite how crowded it becomes, everyone is respectful and focused on their own practice. The instructor is so uplifting! Her cheerful, encouraging tone never falters and she walks through the room throughout the class, adjusting postures and offering helpful pointers to help stick, achieve or maintain a particular pose.
Hot power yoga is a phenomenal workout. It’s right up there with any other form of cardio or resistance training in terms of how it tones, strengthens and energizes. It also has an added benefit of leaving you feeling all blissed out and happy: like a runner’s high, only more… mellow.
There is a small parking lot and plenty of on street parking — so no excuses, kids. Bring a mat, lots of cold drinking water, and be prepared for a class that’s worth every penny. Namaste!

WSPY is very clean and the staff is extremely welcoming! After a few visits they already knew me by name.
The studio is not huge but it is clean and neat. It is a heated studio and I always leave feeling like I’ve had a true workout. The instruction style is relaxed and they let you go at your own pace. The instructors are open to questions and will help you adjust to get the best practice. David is my favorite instructor because while he is laid back, he pushes you!

I recently became addicted to hot yoga when visiting a friend in another state, so imagine my excitement when I came home and found out that a new yoga studio has opened around the corner from my house! I’ve only been to two classes here so far, and they were both great! I got the unlimited 1 month pass for 40 dollars which is a great deal for people who just wanna test the waters!

I love yoga. I love hot yoga. And now I have a place slightly closer than my usual studio to go to classes.
The studio itself is clean and neat. A small space, nicely heated, that can pack in quite a few people! The staff are friendly, and always willing to answer questions. The prices are reasonable, and the schedule has a lot of options (that fit nicely into my schedule, at least!). Oh! And, if you forget an elastic for your hair, there are little containers with them in the bathroom! (But there aren’t any showers, so be sure you have time to go home and shower before heading out with your friends).
In the first class I attended, a private Unilocal class, was taught in a «round robin» style, so we could get a bit of each instructors style. I was totally impressed by the enthusiasm of the teachers, and the energy they brought to the class. I also was thrilled to see spray bottles and paper towels to clean off your mat and the end of class!
Over the last month, I tried classes with different teachers. While I absolutely love the enthusiasm of the teachers, some of them seem very new to teaching yoga. I am all for challenging oneself and pushing just beyond the edge, but I was disappointed that modifications weren’t always offered if a pose wasn’t accessible (i.e. bridge instead of wheel), and that some very advanced postures were encouraged without some safety pointers.
HOWEVER, the overall atmosphere in the studio is relaxed and accepting, so when I put myself in bridge because my shoulder just won’t do wheel, or tried something slightly different that worked better in my own body, I didn’t feel any judgement, just encouragement to do my best. I will certainly be back for more hot, sweaty goodness!

Thank you, Wayland Square Power Yoga for coming to my neighborhood! I used to be a regular yogi but since moving to Providence, I was having trouble finding a good studio. Then, my life changed! The studio is warm, not hot if you’re used to the whole Bikram thing. Enough heat to warm you, a little sweat and relaxation but nothing too strenuous for any reasonably active person. The instructors are wonderful and very approachable, warm (no pun intended), kind and caring. The environment is perfect for a good work out. I also feel like it’s a work out + massage + therapy. I feel wonderful on many levels leaving and my skin glows a bit too from the heat and exercise.
If you’re even entertaining the idea of going, do! You’ll love it. It’s okay if you don’t have all the yoga gear, you can rent a mat and towel there.

I casually agreed to go to my first my first ever yoga class. When getting ready to go I said to the wife, «so we’ll be home in about an hour?» She said, «no, it’s a 90 min class. Do you know it’s hot yoga?» Me: «oh.»
All that said, I had a great, sweaty time and quite a few laughs at myself. All of the staff are incredibly kind and helpful. I really had no idea what I was doing but I didn’t feel any pressure to do it «right» — just to concentrate on my breathing and do my best!
I’m looking forward to going again soon.

So, I’m a total novice to the world of yoga and I wanted to wait until I’d had a few classes to accurately review the studio.
I came for the first time for a private Unilocal class, and was able to experience many of the teachers’ styles. I was so impressed by the experience that I bought the new student, all-​you-​can-​yoga-​in-​a-​month package.
I’ve taken several classes now, and I am as impressed by WSPY as much as I was after that first class.
Yoga is HARD, people. It looks so pretty on TV, but danggit, it’s HARD! I have so much respect for others in the classes who do it well, because I’m still that awkward kid falling out of half of the poses.
The teachers are super kind, compassionate, and respectful. As someone who’s been more of a competitive athlete than a yogi, I love the noncompetitive nature of the classes. Can’t do a full triangle – no worries, use a block. Use two! It’s YOUR practice.
I don’t have much to compare this studio to, and I’ve never done any kind of yoga, much less hot power yoga, but the studio is clean and well maintained, and I feel very supported by the staff.
I leave every class feeling like I’ve had a massage AND a workout. Lord KNOWS a tennis match doesn’t do THAT for you.
I’m so very pleased by the experiences, and I think it’s something I will continue.
Thanks,

I was trying to summarize to my mom how I felt after taking a class here, and I think it was something like post-​workout bliss combined with a massage and a warm day at the beach. I felt so limber and relaxed, completely zenned-​out.
It is challenging and hot, definitely not for those who can’t take warm environments. The instructors are completely friendly and make you feel at ease about falling over– which can happen, but everyone just makes a point to laugh it off. All in all, an ideal place for heat-​lovers to re-​center.

Welp, I’ve done Power yoga, I’ve done Hot yoga, but prior to this past weekend, I had never done them TOGETHER. Wow. It was intense. In a good way. I sweat, like really, really sweat and was exhausted enough to take a nap after (I am not a napper). For those in search of a challenging yoga workout, look no further. They also have (some) off-​street parking. Though, be careful exiting, as there is a semi-​sidewalk edge to it which is hard to avoid, and not ideal for a parking lot. The studio itself was rather small, but nice. The instructors (several took turns leading this particular class) each had a unique style — and I liked them all.

The way some people feel after they’ve met the love of your life, is the way I felt after I left WSPY on Saturday. It was my first hot yoga class and it surpassed all expectations.
(what I anticipated:) hot hot heat and anxiety at trying to bend into impossible contortions: (what actually happened:) it was warm but the temperature was at the back of my mind as I was guided from one pose to another with a wonderful fluidity. I had to take several water breaks to stay on-​target, but kept up with the rest of the class for the most part (lead by a four-​part team Sharon, Anna, Elena, and David). I was encouraged by Sharon and Anna to have confidence in my own strength and found myself actually holding wheel pose (didn’t think it was possible), Elena guided me into a more supported twisted triangle pose (I have muscles there?!), and David made me smile while going from standing leg lifts into airplane (fun!).
I was so surprised to learn that the space can support FIFTY students at once (YIKES! That might be a little too much for me!), and relieved to find no mirrors on the walls and a wonderfully well-​kept tin ceiling (no one wants to gaze up at cobwebs!). The classes appear to be «come-​one, come-​all» style (no «beginners”/“pretzel posers» specified — a little intimidating). There are several class times to choose from & reasonable pricing — though my budget is tighter than my Achilles tendon, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be swinging by for the $ 5Fridays sessions! (now all I have to do is buy a mat!)
It was love… hot steamy love.

I was really excited to see signs advertising Wayland Square Power Yoga popping up around the neighborhood — I had yet to find my yoga home in Providence, and I was a big fan of Philly Power Yoga. I stopped by during their open house and met the owner and several of the instructors — they’re all very warm, welcoming, and super-​enthusiastic about yoga. After enjoying a free chair massage and checking out their class schedule, I decided to come back to try a class soon.
I have been really happy with the classes here. The first class I took was a non-​heated beginners class — I liked it, but I prefer heated classes. They’ve since eliminated the beginners classes and replaced them with one-​hour «Power Hour» classes. The classes are still totally appropriate for all levels of yoga experience, though — I have noticed how responsive all of the instructors are, and they’ll walk around giving tips, adjusting you, giving you blocks if you need them, and suggesting modifications as necessary. During one class with David (who is GREAT and has amazing energy) I did think that a few more instructions would have been helpful, but overall I’ve always felt like classes met me where I was.
I recommend going and trying out a few instructors to see who is a good fit for your style. I tend to get very attached to particular instructors and classes, but I’m still deciding on my niche here. Single classes are $ 14, which is pretty standard. Right now they are running a special where new clients can get a month of unlimited yoga classes for $ 40 — a *great* deal and I definitely recommend it! I’ll be sad when my month is up, but the classes are worth it so I’m sure I’ll find a way to scrounge up the cash for a class or two a week after that.

Updated review (¹¹⁄₂₀₁₅): I had a negative experience with the owner back in January. I registered and paid online but when I walked in, she was unfriendly and sarcastic in wishing me a Happy New Year. I brought my thin, foldable travel mat and had forgotten my thick mat. She verbally berated me about the mat I did have, touched it and told me it wasn’t a real mat, and demanded I rent another, which I declined. Immediately after, another customer walked in. He had no mat at all. She was very enthusiastic to see him and offered him a mat free of charge. I understand having to rent a mat on principle, but her meanness and inconsistency came out of left field and I was left wondering what I had done wrong (always a sign of problems to come). After that, I avoided her and didn’t feel good about going there. She was also leading a yoga teacher training which ended up changing the tone of the studio from welcoming to very cliquey. Still, great teachers came out of the training. I carried on intermittently because the instructors WERE awesome. Were. It seems that she’s summarily fired them all and now there’s no one left. I miss the great instructors. After what has happened with all the teachers, I cannot go back.
ORIGINAL REVIEW (⁰⁹⁄₂₀₁₂):
I’m usually reluctant to go to yoga studios because I can never get into the instructors or the clientele. I’ve always stuck to pilates for this reason; however, the $ 40 first month was irresistible.
I’m totally diggin’ the vibe at WSPY. The instructors are laid back, friendly, and approachable and they transmit that vibe to the clients. Going to yoga is now fun and challenging — not like going to a cult meeting! My body feels great after the classes, which are challenging and rewarding.
If that wasn’t enough for the 5-​star rating, this should be: THEY HAVE HAIR ELASTICS IN THE BATHROOM FOR THEIR CLIENTS. A total savor when you forget yours and cannot deal with hair in your face! A very thoughtful detail!

Went to a community class this morning and LOVED the studio. I loved corepower when I was in Colorado and missed power yoga so much. The studio has great light, wooden floors and no mirrors. The teachers spend a lot of time adjusting. They all practice regularly which comes through in the quality if their classes– their breath, timing and cues are spot on. Everyone is well grounded, laid back and FUN!

Exactly what I was looking for! Just moved to Providence and was looking for a yoga studio and wanted a space where no one took themselves too seriously. I wanted a place that was challenging yet empowering. A place where I could shut off my brain and just breath.
Wayland Square Power Yoga has it all. I walked out of there dripping in sweat (classes are 90 degrees with 60% humidity), smiling and feeling so proud of myself! The instructors are fabulous, work as a team and everyone is welcomed! I would strongly recommend trying it out.