Inner Strength Studios

I have been meaning to write this review for a long time now… I started going to Inner Strength Studios when I found out I was pregnant — I ended up attending their prenatal yoga classes all the way up to my birth. Not only did I find the environment to be wonderfully warm and supportive, but I think the practice REALLY helped my labor and delivery go as smoothly as possible (in fact, besides the partner yoga workshop we did at Inner Strength my husband and I did not take any other breathing or birthing classes!). Bec is a great teacher — she knows her stuff and will correct you when you are doing something wrong. Since giving birth I have also attended a few of the other classes (regular yoga classes and Mommy & Me) and have found them to be just as good. I’m so happy to have found this studio and will continue my practice there for as long as I can!

I attended several instructors’ prenatal yoga classes at Inner Strength, and they were all very good. My favorite was Marissa’s Monday/​Wednesday evening class. Marissa was very knowledgeable about issues that come up during pregnancy and helped students individually if they wanted. Her classes were the perfect balance of stretching and relaxation mixed with a real workout to stay strong. I really looked forward to my classes during my pregnancy and am so grateful I found Marissa. I felt great and I think yoga had a lot to do with it.

Quite possibly my favorite yoga studio that I’ve ever been to. Unfortunately, I moved right as I was getting used to their teachers. I’ve only taken the hot yoga classes here. Two things I really really like about their style: no mirrors, and no clocks. I find myself counting down the minutes when there is a clock in the room, or feeling shy when there are mirrors, but not here. The yoga instructor went through the poses slowly, and made sure each one flowed right into the next. I’ve taken a LOT of hot yoga classes at different studios, and this was by far the best. Highly recommened!

This was another ClassPass trial; I dropped in one Thursday afternoon for a 4 pm hour of power, since the studio is fairly close to my office.
The guy at the desk (who was also the teacher) was very welcoming, but it wasn’t clear we could set up in the studio before class. A handful of students arrived and hung in the lobby, so I assumed that’s what we were supposed to do. So, a little tour or explanation of the layout would have helped.
Class itself was your standard hot yoga flow, and while I did appreciate that the heat went down about halfway through the class, I almost felt cheated, since my assumption about hot yoga is it’s supposed to be so hot and sweaty you kind of want to die.
The teacher was fine, though a little dramatic in his cueing, but I left feeling like I had a good workout. They also offer lockers with complementary keys, which was nice.
Lots of merch, too – Onzie and Alo Yoga in particular.

Went to Rebecca’s 90 minute class tonight. It was my first time taking her class and at the studio. Inner strength will definitely be seeing more of me!!!
There are two studios there, we practiced in studio A which was huge, bright, open, and very soothing. Part of the class was heated but she adjusted the temperature and lighting accordingly. The class was definitely an up level class but her dharma, playfulness, voice, and story telling made the practice extremely enjoyable. I felt so rejuvenated and energized after. I love that Rebecca’s class was relatively slow paced but yet very challenging. She offered many modifications since there were people preparing for the marathon in the room.
I also noticed that inner strength had tons of posters up for cool workshops coming up.
Bonus: they sell fresh juices, power cookies, and other delicious snacks!!! They also have a cute selection of yoga clothes. I spotted some beyond yoga branded stuff at 50% off!

I just left Lauren’s Tuesday night slow flow. Omg I loved it SO much. It’s exactly what people need by Tuesday (my opinion) she is so great, she helps you stay focused on your alignment and your breathing by guiding you through each breath. Each pose, she helps a ton if she see’s that your not up to your potential in your pose, or if you could hurt yourself, she comes over and gently assists you. I seriously feel like I hit a reset button for the rest of the week, maybe I just needed that lol, either way, I wish that class was possible every night! Lauren Star is amazing!!! :)

I was brand new to yoga. I started in November 2014 with a groupon and continued on. So I have been practicing for about 3 months now.
Lara’s slow flow class on Monday night is great if you are new to yoga or just want to be a bit more mellow. Lauren C. on Sundays at 11 is also great if you are newer.
My favorite instructor is Michael K. He provides a safe environment by trying to ensure your poses are accurate (this can be difficult if classes are full) but also gives a few modifications if you would like to challenge yourself or progress your practice. Being new to yoga, I really appreciate his classes. He corrects you, encourages you and sometimes inspires you. I feel like I am improving and I just feel good when I leave his class. I highly recommend him if you are trying to transition from a newbie to a more intermediate level or if you are seasoned.
Inner Strength is the only studio I have practiced at so I don’t have anything to compare but I love the place. Roman (the owner) and the rest of the staff are so nice. The only negative I can say is that I don’t think they monitor the attendance so I have taken a few classes that I would say were overbooked and very tight but it doesn’t happen often.

The flow classes here are perfect for those looking for a challenging class that will also strengthen you with some cardio and core work included. They have a good schedule that offers late evening classes so I can make it here after work. All the instructors are friendly and walk you through each pose while giving you some inspirational words that help you through the entire class. They have changing rooms and a water bubbler which is really convenient. This is probably one of the best studios I’ve been to in the area, it’s also good to sign up for their emails because they always have good deals on classes!

My New year resolution is to thank everyone who makes a difference in my life. Thank you Roman for the great work on my mind and body.

Great studio. All of the staff are super helpful and very friendly. They take the time to explain things and walk you through the poses. The studio is very clean and smells of tea tree and lavender. Great place for yoga if you don’t mind leaving soaked!

This studio has rocked my world!
Knowing nothing that yoga truly has to offer, I purchased a Groupon and soon realized that I had stumbled upon a top-​notch yoga studio.
As a first time yogi I was definitely intimidated but quickly lost that fear after I was made to feel completely comfortable.
My life has been positively altered both physically and mentally after discovering the power of yoga at Inner Strength. No more knee pain, no more back pain and most importantly no more anti-​depressants!
I am so grateful for Inner Strength Studios. Thank you Roman.

Clean studio with variety of classes and instructors.
They are offering packages for new students, so there is plenty of opportunity to find out which instructor/​class works best for you. Some instructors are more focused on developing strengths, others on flow. There are always options offered for beginners/​intermediate/​advanced students during class, so everyone feels challenged.
The times the classes start on Tue/​Thurs is slightly different than Mon/​Wed/​Fri, which gives you options and makes it easier to fit it into your daily schedule.

Inner Strength was highly recommended to me and after reading through many positive Unilocal reviews I was excited to give the studio a try. I’ve now been to the Watertown location about 10 times. I’ve been holding off on writing a review because I wanted to give the teachers more of a chance, but today I had another disappointing class experience.
Frustrations:
1. The teachers talk WAY too much. I am all about yoga teachers sharing philosophy/​dharma, speaking to alignment, and motivating but most of the teachers here just seem to talk to fill the space. In classes, I’ve felt like all these different, very obscure concepts are just being thrown at me, without any space for them to land, and there’s a lack of focus in the content – no overall message. I’d rather have the teachers bring us through a rhythmic flow with essential language, but instead they talk all about how «okay now we’re going to flow,» «flowing does this for you…» Let us experience this is our bodies through their leading us through the postures!
And often times the movement or breath cues are out of timing with one another.
The teachers also pace very fast around the room as they teach, creating a weird frantic energy. I’ve had teachers step on me during class, which also makes me feel like the teachers are all up in their own heads, instead of with us, present to the room.
2. The sequencing in many classes has us going through 5 – 8 postures all on one leg/​side. I’ve gone through multiple teacher trainings and have been taught in all of them never to do more than 3 poses on one side. With no break, it’s difficult to remain integrated in poses. It’s close to impossible to maintain proper alignment when one’s legs/​hips are ready to blow out.
3. The studio does not seem well-​kept. Blocks are strewn across the shelves, there’s only one spray bottle to clean your mat and no towels to clean with. The floors in the lobby have been dirty several times.
Positives:
The staff has been very friendly and helpful, which I love! Roman’s classes were fantastic, although again too many poses on one side in my opinion. Adam also does a great job at being essential in his talking and maintaining a nice rhythm in class. Prices are also very reasonable.

I got the 2-​week new member deal for $ 25 and really got a lot out of it. The instructors vary greatly, but I’ve never left a class unhappy. Some instructors demonstrate technique/​proper posture and explain each move in detail, while others treat it more like a boot camp/​cardio class.
I actually enjoyed the variety; I never knew what to expect, and I felt like the differences in each class worked different muscle groups. There was one female (I want to say Thurs evening?) that I would definitely return to every single week if I weren’t moving out of town. She’s been teaching for 10+ years and it shows.
It’d be 5 stars if they had mirrors!

My second home! I love all the instructors and am I feel a sense of peace when I leave the studio every time!

I’m a big fan of Lauren Starr’s class. She actually talks about the poses and instructs you on the «why» of each pose, and she lets you hold them long enough to feel them and get in a groove, rather than trying to confuse you with complicated sequences. Lauren has a comforting, accepting verbal patter, and doesn’t talk about herself and her own life constantly, like some of the other instructors (I don’t want to hear it!).
Lauren’s classes can be gentle or challenging, so I’m not afraid to go even when I’ve taken a break from my practice.
I’ve had less success with other instructors. Some give the impression you came to be tortured through excessive heat and throwing in boot-​camp type moves like plank into 10 push-​ups, back to plank, etc. If I wanted this, I could go to a gym. That’s not why I’m paying for a YOGA class. I avoid these guys. I go to a gym to do circuit training, not here. I also did not pay to pass out from the heat. One class was so hot and crowded I almost fainted, and I’m in decent shape, so chose your instructors well.
Definitely think $ 17 drop in is steep. Look for specials and Groupons, although the groupons expire quickly so not great.
Parking is ample in the lot on the corner, behind the liquor store.

I’ve been to five classes (three at the Watertown location and two at the W. Roxbury site) after purchasing a great deal on Groupon ($ 49 for 10 classes at either location for new clients or those who haven’t been in 6 months). Recently, Groupons are seemingly for businesses that can’t get customers in the door due to poor quality goods or services, as opposed to businesses that are new or are in a not-​so-​ideal location. Inner Strength needs Groupon because its prices are exorbitant, but it houses high quality instructors and a decent facility. Still, I can’t say that the prices are reasonable because I’m a regular at a studio located in Boston with more amenities, exceptional instructors, and less expensive prices. So, I think Inner Strength really should consider lowering its prices across the board. $ 17 for a drop-​in is crazy. And it’s barely a deal to buy a 10 class card with a six month expiration for $ 150.
Other notes:
The floors in both locations are insanely hard. It feels like there is concrete underneath the wood floors. You don’t notice it after about 15 minutes or so into class because there are so many standing postures in these classes, but it’s rather uncomfortable as you’re waiting for class to start or during savasana.
The individual class descriptions do not note heat, but they should because almost all of the classes are HEATED! I’m talking 100+degree heat. There is only one line on the website that says they are heated, which I did not see before I went so I was dying my first class. You will need a towel and lots of water. The peak time classes (5pm or later) are usually packed, which makes the heat even more unbearable. Your clothes will be soaking wet when you leave.
Every class I’ve taken started at least 5 minutes late, but some even 10 – 15 minutes late! What gives? They then end about 5 – 10 minutes late which balances it out, but I wish they would start/​end on time.
There is a definite dogma here: there are things you SHOULD be doing in your life, one of them being extremely hot, challenging yoga. I feel that some of the instructors get on their soapboxes and lecture (or borderline scold) about coming to power yoga regularly if you want to get better. I feel these comments are unnecessary in a yoga class. I like the «you did something great for yourself today by coming to yoga so be grateful for this moment» approach much better, and find that feeling of gratitude is what keeps me coming back for more.
Most of the classes have all the same structure without a lot of variations amongst teachers. You can tell that they all either received their training from Inner Strength or are following the dogma of the studio. All of the instructors are nice, understanding and don’t force you to do anything (each one has offered child’s pose) but you can tell that there are high expectations.
I gave 4 stars because even though power/​hot yoga is not my thing, the instructors are highly knowledgable, the facility is clean, parking is manageable at each location and they have various times for class offerings.

I have to admit I am a bit of a yoga snob… I only like hot power yoga– Bikram will not do and it kinda grosses me out. I was a little hesitant when I bought the Groupon to this studio but I have to say, I was not disappointed!
This studio is CLEAN and very well kept up with. The classes are HOT and challenging which I really enjoy – I like when classes get my blood flowing and heart pumping. The teachers rock and are very helpful and challenging – they push you and want you to better yourself which I like!
the only reason this studio does not get 5 stars is parking is on the street and a little confusing the first time you attend, (there are a lot of 1 hour and 2 hour parking signs which apparently you can park at without getting a ticket?). Drops in’s also seem a little pricey… I mean close to $ 20 seems a little steep? Lastly I wish there were more «hour of power» classes– I want to go to classes but sometimes it is hard to fit the whole 90 min into my busy schedule
Overall, this is a really great studio with great people and classes– i just wish it wasn’t so pricey

I’ll go here when I feel like sweating my ass off (and not just in the sauna at my new studio, which has a huge variety of classes and styles, a sauna, a gym, and showers, for less per month for unlimited). I only feel like accompanying my girlfriend who pratices at Inner Strength (I brought her there originally) MAXIMUM once a week, even though I try to hit a class five days a week elsewhere.
It’s basically the same class over and over again; military-​style, deathly hot, basically broga, chaturanga dandasana-​heavy (sledgehammer heavy). If you want to get jacked this is probably the studio for you. Unfortunately some of my favorite teachers have left or are leaving, maybe because they aren’t offered the freedom to practice a more yin style or any other style for that matter, which is a shame.
This is power yoga, for sure. After experience at WOW and BSC gym classes, Inner Strength was my first dedicated studio, and Gregor’s classes were bearable for someone who had been practicing a while but not seriously… The only style taught now is just too boot-​campy for me. I’m sure other people like that.
The remodel is nice if somewhat wasteful of space, seemingly, but the direction it’s going in is just not for me. So I will make the trek to Cambridge despite this being closer.

I came here for Rebecca OmGal’s class this past Monday and loved it – she is an extremely experienced yoga teacher who teaches in a heated room and provides a really great class. Not too rigorous but also not easy at all. My only request is that we do abs but maybe they just didn’t do it for the class I was in.
I liked Rebecca because she talks about more than yoga poses. I’ve been too all too many yoga classes at Baptiste and Prana where the teachers just talk about the poses which is pretty boring — what about the other things (like LIFE, why everyone is in the class, etc etc). So that is why I loved Rebecca.
Also upon your first class you get 50 percent off another service like massage, etc. or acupuncture which is a huge plus. I will for sure come back! Loved it!!!