BREATHE Cambridge — Local services in Cambridge

With graduation coming up, I have been reflecting on what got me through grad school. BREATHE is at the top of the list. Working out used to feel like an annoying chore that detracted from my time. But since discovering BREATHE, it has become a way to recharge and, in that sense, a way of adding to my time.

There are many different places to work out in Cambridge, but BREATHE is special for three reasons:

1: the culture is somehow both non-judgmental and motivating. BREATHE is a good laboratory for learning how to cultivate the right attitude toward self-improvement. It’s a great place to learn how to actually enjoy pushing yourself without fear of failure. 2: instructors are consistently high quality. Each class has a carefully designed flow or routine, and I always feel like it is time/money well-spent. 3: instructors make a genuine effort to learn everyone’s name (I still don’t know how they do it!). This small but thoughtful gesture creates a nice community vibe. I didn’t even know I was a “community vibes” person… but it has really helped me feel encouraged in my practice. I think this norm also naturally facilitates more personalized instruction, which has been super helpful.

Bottom line: I can’t recommend BREATHE enough.

If you’re new to the studio, I recommend trying out a few different classes to find the style of class/instructor that suits your goals. Make sure to read the descriptions/look up styles on Youtube so you know what to expect. This is how I describe some of the classes in layman’s terms: ~Hot26 = yoga with only verbal instruction and it’s extra hot and extra meditative. I never thought I would survive -- much less enjoy -- being in the heat for 1.5 hours and repeating the same 26 moves each session, but it's really so lovely. You learn so much about yourself. ~Any other yoga class, such as Power or Align = yoga like the type you see on TV (with Downward Dog, etc.) ~Inferno Hot Pilates = intense tabata type thing that actually isn’t really pilates. Don't let the word 'inferno' scare you -- it...

Breathe's owner, Shelley, and the rest of Team Breathe are absolutely amazing. I am a decidedly non-athletic individual and it is a real testament to their exceptional teaching skills and the extraordinarily welcoming and supportive atmosphere that they have created that they have actually made me miss whimper-inducing workouts.

I had never done hot yoga before walking through Breathe's door, and precious little yoga or Pilates. Not once, however, have I felt uncomfortable or embarrassed while practicing. If you are a newcomer too, don't be surprised if you feel a little overwhelmed by the heat of the studio at first (or even occasionally later on) - just take whatever time you need to collect yourself, hydrate and keep going. The studio's instructors manage to strike the perfect balance between demanding and encouraging - they keep me pushing hard but never make me feel crummy when I am having an off day or fall behind the more practiced students. And, by golly, the sense of accomplishment you get at the end of every class is fantastic (and thoroughly addictive!).

Between the high calibre of the instruction and the wonderful sense of community at the studio, I suspect you will find Breathe as welcoming and as good for your mind, body, muscles and sense of balance as I have.

Other things I like: sunny studio mats and towels provided occasional guest teachers and special workshops water bottle fountain on premises

Of the instructors I have had, I'd definitely give a special shoutout for: Shelley C., Sophie A., Steven P., Lily H....

LOCATION: Upstairs through a set of glass doors (currently under construction Feb-Mar 2024)

SPACE: Small, one-room studio; humid throughout whole studio & common space as they ONLY offer hot yoga

FACILITIES: Men & women's separate shared bathrooms. Women's bathroom equipped with ONE shower and two stalls

AMENITIES: • two towels provided as a newbie; returning students bring their own towels -- you'll need it • store personal belongings in open closet in common area (rods for coats & space for shoes) or in open cubbies in (women's) bathroom • water “cooler” available to refill water bottles (not super cold because of hot yoga humidifiers • yoga mats are provided, if you need it (NOTE: ones closer to window are clean, ones closer to door are marked "sweaty")

CLASSES: Breathe Power Flow with Sydney Wise • You should have AT LEAST a basic to intermediate knowledge of various yoga poses to make the most of the classes • modifiers for different skill level are guided 25% of the time, best to already know what modifiers can be applied to what positions • MUST WEAR PANTS (i.e. no underwear); men can be shirtless, women can be in their bras at minimum • arrive 5-10 minutes early as the classes get PACKED and if you're late it's hard to find a spot (and get a clean mat)

Warning Hot classes means HOT. Feels like Boston on those deadly sweltering hot days in August. Class gets to 100+°F/35+°C Due be wary if you're anemic and/or...