O2 Yoga Studio Cambridge

Beware their advertised mommy/​baby yoga classes are merely «mom doing yoga while baby is laying on a blanket in front of you».
I envisioned mommy/​baby yoga class would incur bonding, interactive poses that include baby, i.e., your baby benefiting and enjoying the class.
Most mommy/​baby yoga classes over the world are customized to babies six weeks to almost walking but NOT this one. It should be specified and clarified on their website as «postnatal class, babies up to 6 months old allowed».

I came to yoga at the behest of my mum and several girlfriends after dealing with some very sad life events. Since O2 is just up the street it made sense to start there. I have always resisted yoga because I am definitely someone who lives high energy/​heart pumping activity (running, swimming, lifting weights etc). However the classes here have proved me wrong and I have found that adding yoga has helped me be stronger in a way I didn’t expect. I do basics classes and took Devon’s pre-​natal and mummy and me baby yoga classes which were all awesome. I miss that Shira doesn’t teach the Friday night class anymore :(but have found other instructors I like (just tried Edwin’s class last week and it was awesome!). All the staff here are very welcoming and even though I am somewhat new, I have never been made to feel that I don’t know what I am doing. The lesser star is because I wish they had more classes, especially on the weekends. There have been several classes where it has been packed to capacity and it makes it difficult to do some of the poses without whacking your neighbor in the process. I know there is really only one large room in the studio, but it would be great to add some more classes so maybe they wouldn’t be as crowded. I have a baby so would be happy to attend a 6am Saturday class, since I’m awake already :)

I had a disappointing experience in one of Devon’s classes. She was 15 minutes late and started the class standing in the doorway while taking off her coat. She didn’t apologize for being late, merely joked about a «parking crisis.»
I took my first yoga class in 1995 and have practiced in many places and with many teachers. I found Devon’s sequencing badly paced, poorly described/​articulated and, overall, not something I would want to do again or recommend to anyone else.

Given that aside from my brief visit to M tonight, I’ve been playing Ms. Monae’s booty-​bumper, Yoga, since I left class, I can only assume this means I’m supposed to namaste the eff out of a review right now.
It had been many moons since I’d been to O2 — and while my initial dabblings with yoga were at YTTP in Berkeley, a place where there are at least 40 sweaty coeds packed in like sardines, downward dogging to Bön Iver or Bob Marley or whatever — since then I’ve developed a real appreciation for the simplicity of a studio that lets you just flow — which is what O2 does — it’s pleasant, clean, no frills — minimal music, the energy of the class is mostly driven by the gentle hum of everyone’s ujjayi breathing (really reaching new levels of D-​bagness with that sentence) — the instructor probably won’t have a cult following of blonde babes in fancy spandex hanging on her every word, but more importantly, it seems to be a friendly, supportive community founded in solid principles.
J took us to the intermediate class (rajas hour) — though I used to practice daily, I’ve fallen off a bit recently — and even despite this, I was easily able to follow — it requires some level of knowledge of poses (warriors, triangle, eagle, tree, etc) — but, you can also just throw your mat in the back and watch what ppl do — and the instructor will wander throughout, adjusting as needed. That said, I wouldn’t take a never-​ever to this one — but they also offer foundational classes, as well as the more advanced astanga and «power» classes for those who are kicking ass and taking names with their inversions and such.
Oh, obs I’ve also been to the vegan café in the front of the studio — if you want to get your smoothie on, drop dollars on the spicy monkey (nana, peanut butter, cocoa, cayanne, cinny, almond milk) or green bliss (kale, gigner, lime, apple, spinach, pina juice, avo, dates, almond milk) — the sandos I remember being fine (tofurkey melt, seitan ruben), as are the salads.
While smoothies are tres chere ($ 5.95), the ingredients are good and if you do it properly, filling as well — the salads are $ 7ish, sandos are $ 5.5−8.5 — reasonably priced for the quality.
For classes, drop in rate is $ 15, cheaper for packages — and now they’re on classpass! Overall, a great studio for someone who wants to do a little deep breathing, sweat all over the place, and develop a killer warrior two. Worth a trip — though I’ve heard that classes can fill up quickly, so book online if you’re considering it.

A solid yoga studio in Cambridge! Im only in town a few weeks out of the year but like to come here to keep my regular practice going. Ive had several instructors who are great at explaining poses & adjusting. They tend to do long flows which I enjoy & find quite different than any other studio or workshop Ive gone to. The danger in this is that they might forget a move or need a moment to remember which side they did in a move. If they adjust one pose they try to make it back when you do the opposite side. Theres always enough room to lay down your mat and people tend to be pretty helpful in making room for you if the class is full. You can rent a mat for a $ 1 donation if you don’t have one. They have discounts for students if you get a package.

O2 Cambridge is a great yoga studio — welcoming, unpretentious, professional, reasonably priced.

While in Boston for a 5 day visit, I visited O2 yoga with a friend who’d recently purchased some kind of pass to try out the studios. I purchased a two class pass for $ 20 and also attended a 30 minute meditation session for an extra $ 5, preceding one of the Basics classes.
I enjoyed all three sessions. I’ve done some yoga before (NYC– Yoga to the People) but am not a yogi. Both classes had different sequences and positions than I’d experienced before, were paced at an extremely accommodating speed, and built up in challenge throughout the class. I went on a Thursday evening and Friday mid-​day, and neither class was too full, the room was quite spacious, and the instructors were attentive and helpful. This feels like a judgment free zone, where anyone could build their technique and strength.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Karen’s guided meditation on Thursday night and highly recommend it as a great segue into her yoga class which follows.

The culture here trumps all other studios I’ve been to in the area. Paired with high quality instructors, great class times, and a big convenience factor (I work within a few blocks), practicing here for the past couple years has been a no-​brainer for me.
Can I do a handstand yet? Nope. Is that on O2? Yea, it’s probably their fault. (I’m super kidding, guys. Despite what my body might be able to do, my brain is just «LOL, no thanks, gurl»). The great part is that even my non-​handstanding self is welcome in all classes, including power.
Elliott, Devon, Emily R and Holland are my favorite instructors, but I’ve yet to take a class I didn’t like. Go and check ‘em out!

Beautiful space. Very spacious and calming. I bought a 2 week pass as a new student for 40 dollars. I have done similar new student passes at other studios in the area and I can usually get my money’s worth and go often. But for some reason, I barely made it to this studio even though I live close by. I’m not sure if it’s my own schedule or the studio schedule that makes it difficult for me to attend classes. The schedule is not very robust and they are cutting it down for the summer. I feel like the basics and intermediate class is not vigorous enough for me, so I’ve been trying to attend the power classes, but they are not offered daily at times for someone with a full time day job. The studio may be a good fit for others, but I’m not sure I’ll be back once my two weeks are up.

I’m so busy that I often don’t make it to yoga, but when I do have time, I make sure I go to O2. I go sporadically, generally when I have days off or I’m under-​scheduled, and I always go to the Basics classes.
I generally go at about 7 P.M., which you would think is a problem, but it works well for me. There are sometimes a lot of people, but regardless of how many people there are, the instructor is always available for alignment.
Yoga is supposed to be a peaceful, meditative experience, so I make sure to take my watch off every time I come to this place. I feel very much at ease, and I enjoy the experience. The instructors are all very warm and friendly. Also, there’s apparently a massage therapist who works at the O2 (and probably other alternative healing practitioners– a chiropractor, maybe?). I have seen neither of these practitioners, but it’s cool to think that I can go to the same place for a massage, alignment, and yoga!
I’ve tried other local studios– the Breathing Room and Karma, and O2 is definitely my favorite. I wouldn’t call myself a die-​hard yogi, but when I need a separate space to get a good yoga workout, I come here to get it. I recommend it to anyone who is just starting yoga, or who has done it in the past and would like to start again.
It’s not hot yoga, but it is a little bit hotter than some people might be used to. I think they say it’s heated (?). You’ll appreciate it after you finish the class, though you might find yourself angry while you’re in it.
I wish I had more time to make it here more regularly!

I came for a Basics class with Karen on a Wed at noon. The class was packed but there was plenty of space. The class flow was perfect and Karen showed different poses depending on the skill level.
My favorite thing about Karen was the fact that she walked around the class and readjusted people to put them in the correct position. She also knew people’s names and took her time learning the new members.
When class was over, you walk into the café, which smells amazing! I didn’t try anything this time, but will do so after the next class I take.
I will definitely be coming back!

I am a big fan of the style taught at o2. The instructors are thorough in explaining poses and safety, and there is a good amount of classes at night and on weekends. The emphasis is on locks and on breathing, not necessarily on «pushing the limit» of what you can do, although the astanga and power classes will certainly do that. I’ve taken dozens of classes here over the past few years. My other reviews for yoga studios are (see my reviews):
Back Bay — 4 stars (I took about 5 classes here)
Be — 4 stars (I took about 5 classes here)
Baptiste — 1 star (I took about 10 classes here)
I hope these are helpful for you in your search for a place to practice.
Oh, the café at o2 is key, especially after a long practice!

This is by far the best yoga studio I have ever frequented.
Before starting here I mainly practiced hot, do whatever feels good style yoga. Although this was a positive force in my life, my skill plateaued.
I used to think that Ashtanga was too austere and boring but Mimi’s style is really unique and engaging. The teachers really understand and enforce alignment. There were so many things I was doing completely wrong before and no one told me. They do adjustments really well here.
Another cool thing is that although the classes are tailored to skill level, an advanced practitioner could go to a basics class or a novice could go the intermediate class and have a good experience.
If you come a few times they will learn your name and treat you like a person who is part of the community. If you become a member you can leave your mat and they have glass jars to use for water. This makes going to yoga on the fly way way more convenient. The café is also awesome, great a snack or smoothie after class.

I love the space! The instructors are really good — very thorough. They make sure everyone gets attention and some adjustments. They have a great sense of humor. I really enjoy going.
AND, the vegan café has super yummy food. The lentil soup was excellent! I can’t wait to try the nachos. They look amazing!

This is a long overdue review. O2 has been my go-​to studio for many years, the Somerville studio, also, for close to the last 10 years. This is a fun studio, with excellent, conscientious instruction. Mimi and her team share an approach that is accessible, aware of individual limitations and opportunities and always great fun, easing us into positions we didn’t think possible. No judgement, ever.
When asked by friends and Boston newcomers where to go, this is top of the list for where I recommend.

i like this studio a lot. i come here for postnatal/​mom and baby yoga on thursdays (they offer it twice a week, mon/​th). it’s such a great way to hopefully get a good workout/​stretch in, baby permitting, and meet other new moms. you can bring your baby so it’s the perfect thing to do during maternity leave when you don’t have childcare. i’ve also started coming to non postnatal classes occasionally, which i like– basics and intermediate. the style here is different from most other vinyasa classes i’ve taken. typically other classes i’ve taken have started with sun salutations, moved into standing postures, seated postures, savasana. in o2 classes you continue moving through vinyasa all through class which i didn’t expect. but it keeps you sweating =) it reminded me of an ashtanga class i took once, but not as rigid.

O2 has excellent instructors, a variety of classes, time slots, and the two locations are a tremendous bonus. The places are clean, warm, and the classes are fun!
There is a sweet deal for newcomers: 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $ 40. The instructors made me very welcome and I immediately felt comfortable at O2. I’m now a member (monthly, unlimited classes) and love going to classes after work M-​F. It’s a great way to let off stress or ready yourself for a busy day.
The instructors are superb in orchestrating the classes and just really friendly people.

I just came home from the Saturday am intensive class with Mimi. I really, really wanted to like this studio as I’ve been searching for a yoga spot near my new cambridge digs (just moved from boston). first, 02 itself: nice studio, really kind instructor, lots of regulars… so even though the drop-​in was $ 20 for the intensive, i was pumped — everything was looking great. alas, the class really didn’t emphasize breathing or alignment, so i really wasn’t able to drop into a meditative place during my workout OR really feel that my yoga practice was better for going here (versus doing home practices). as for straight-​up workout quality, it didn’t feel intense. I didn’t even break a sweat.
all that said, the thing that really made me drop two stars was that we went into scorpion pose 4 times total (handstand base and pincha mayurasana base) but we were never taught how to align /​get into the pose safely. most people were just kicking themselves up. that’s pretty dangerous, and something you expect in a gym class, but not in a yoga studio. i will not be returning.

I had mixed feelings about checking out O2 in Cambridge. All fears have been abated and I love it.
The basics, if you don’t want to read my novel: it’s huge. There are classes (for now) just in the main studio, but there is a second studio, a third floor with massage suites, and the ground floor will soon house a vegan café. You’ll see all the great yoga instructors from the Somerville location teaching here, as well as a few new teachers. You’ll also find this a destination for cute, comfy, ethically US-​made yoga gear.
If you have a membership or class card to Somerville, it’s good at this location, too.
More detail:
It’s located on the outskirts of Harvard Square, so I knew parking could be scary. Here’s the skinny: go on Sunday mornings and you can park at meters or in resident areas, no problem. Also, the stretch of Mass Ave right in front of and around the studio has 2 hour meters til 6 pm. So arrive after 5:30 for one of the 6 pm evening classes and parking’s a whopping $.50. Ka-​ching!
I was hesitant to try the new teachers. Ok, all new teachers I’ve tried so far are AWESOME. I’ve taken classes at Cambridge with Kristen, Emily S, and Kate and they’re great. Kristen is super sweet, Emily cues really clearly and is funny, and Kate gives fabulous adjustments.
I was afraid Somerville would close the second this studio opened, and I’d be left with no neighborhood, go-​to yoga studio (which is important to me; I practice almost every day in lieu of physical therapy, and having a studio that meets my exercise needs perfectly a mile from my house is key– and infuenced my move this fall). Totally an irrational fear! I even asked studio owner Mimi about it on Cambridge’s opening weekend, and the end of Somerville is nowhere on the horizon.
The schedule is designed to complement Somerville, so there might be a power class here when basics is happening there, or vice versa. Gives me more options. They also will have classes starting maybe 30 minutes earlier or later between studios, so again, if my schedule changes during the day, I might have an option for a class I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Members get awesome perks, like a free guest each month and 15% off all retail. I am OBSESSED with O2 retail. I kinda want to buy all my family and friends yoga gear for Christmas, but I don’t think they’d get it.
I also can’t really describe it, but the two locations have distinct energies for me. Somerville is comfortable and a part of my routine, but Cambridge is friendly (seeing teachers and students there is kind of like when you see someone from work in «street clothes» and realize they have a life outside work) and a treat for me to get to.
Bottom line: if you’re a regular at Somerville, get your butt to Cambridge to check it out! You’ll be impressed.
If Harvard or Central Square is near where you live or work, practice here. It’s awesome.

This is a bigger, badder version of the one in Somerville. This time they have a TON of space for your asanas, including 2 studios and whole massage therapy wing. I think that a bunch of the same teachers will be rotating between both locations.
Nicely done, O2. Way to take it up a notch! (I mean that in the most non-​competative, karma conscious way possible.)