Soma Yoga Center — Local services in Boston

In a neighborhood better known for cannoli than cork blocks, SOMA Yoga has carved out a sun-drenched sanctuary on the third floor of a historic Hanover Street building. Here, where the aroma of espresso gives way to gentle incense, instructor Meredith Wadsworth channels the metaphysical musings of Baltimore's beloved Sarah Cook with a distinctly Boston twist.

During a recent morning flow, Wadsworth's teaching style evoked Cook's Katonah-inspired wisdom while guiding students through warriors and triangles with architectural precision. Her commentary on "house levels" as metaphors for consciousness and bodily "currency," hallmarks of Katonah yoga philosophy, might sound esoteric to the uninitiated, but somehow makes perfect sense when you're balancing in tree pose three stories above the bustling North End streets.

The space itself is a study in mindful design: industrial-chic shelving houses an arsenal of cork blocks and charcoal blankets with the organization of a Zen monastery. Sunlight streams through tall windows, creating natural spotlights on the gleaming hardwood floors, while Buddha and Ganesh maintain silent vigil over practitioners' attempts at pyramid pose.

SOMA's early risers can start their practice as dawn breaks (6:00 AM on Tuesdays, for the truly committed), and night owls can flow well into the evening. The studio has thoughtfully included showers for the post-practice dash to office or aperitivo, this is the North End, after all.

Wadsworth's extended arm holds and perpetual pep talks might leave you wondering if you've wandered into a philosophy seminar disguised as a workout, but that's precisely SOMA's charm. As their entrance sign proclaims "this is the way in," and indeed, whether you're seeking physical challenge or Katonah enlightenment, you'll find your path here, assuming you can climb the stairs. $3 mat rentals. On ClassPass.

256 Hanover St, 3rd floor Open daily, with weekday classes starting at 6:00/6:30...

If this review were based purely on the yoga experience alone, my review would be higher.

However, I am giving this studio 1 star because of a deeply concerning and unfair pricing policy that the studio explicitly advertises on its website. Which, should be noted, is illegal as it violates the Massachusetts Public Accommodations Law.

Soma Yoga offers a substantial, race-based discount (25% off) on all classes and pricing options exclusively to individuals who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).

While I appreciate efforts to increase accessibility, this policy of differential pricing based purely on a customer's race to be a clear instance of pricing discrimination. It creates two separate pricing tiers for the exact same service, which is not only unfair but, violates the principles of equal treatment in public accommodations.

Using racial classification to determine how much a customer must pay, fundamentally undermines the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere Soma Yoga claims to promote. Until this discriminatory pricing structure is removed and all patrons are charged the same rate for the same service, I cannot recommend this studio.

I hope Soma Yoga will recognize the legal and ethical implications of this policy and adjust their pricing to be truly equitable...

I am currently doing a trial here for 79 dollars for 2 wks. I cycle here from Cambridge and find it takes literally 12 minutes and I park my bike right out front. I like their schedule a lot and find the 12pm class great. They have a variety of teachers across the Boston Area that are coveted and people really love; everyone seems so prepared and professional. The space truly is lovely with the big windows, fig trees, and how CLEAN it is. I am pregnancy so began coming here b/c I cannot go to hot yoga anymore but have been really happy with this space and studio. I do wish there was no $3 fee for a yoga mat rental; when I bike over I have to also buy a mat which does add up over time. I wish it was more like $1 to rent especially b/c the non hot classes really make the mat not that gross or sweaty. All in all very happy here and would recommend to anyone in the Boston or...