Finally! A Newbury Street Yoga Studio

Karma Yoga signage on Newbury.

It’s strange to think that Newbury Street—a thoroughfare filled with high end fitness options like Btone, Boston Body Pilates, a few personal training studios, specialty gyms, and even chains like Boston Sports Clubs—doesn’t have a yoga studio. But that will change November 1st when Karma Yoga officially opens it’s doors. Until then, you can check out the space and classes throughout the rest of October with a $5 drop-in deal for any class.

Karma Yoga opened its first studio in 2001 on Mass Ave. in Harvard Square. Twelve years and three locations later, Karma has kept its original commitment to environmental and animal welfare. All of the studios (Harvard Square, the South End, Allston, and now, Newbury Street) are constructed using repurposed and renewable resources. The studio’s founders, partners Doina Contescu and Jesse Winder, started Karma to generate income for the animal rescue work they perform through their non-profit C.A.R.E. Initiative (careinitiative.org).

Known for its innovative programming, here’s what you can expect at the new Karma location:

• Mat Nap at Midday opens a two and a half hour period of practice for walk-in/walk-out restorative yoga, with sound therapy, Reiki, or just a plain old nap.
• Sunday Service Yoga fuses the ritual and fellowship of weekend mass with the spiritual practice of yoga.
• Yoga Drive-Thru is a get in, get out 30 minute yoga class for the busy yogi on the go.

The Newbury Street location will stick to the status quo when it comes to yoga and programming. The space is airy and filled with light; there will be changing rooms and four bathrooms (which is a lot if you’ve ever been to any shop or restaurant on Newbury Street); yoga props are all eco-friendly; mat rentals will cost $3; yoga mat storage will be available; and all classes are taught between 72 and 78 degrees.

The classes will also be on par with what Karma offers at its other locations like Core Vinyasa and Yin or Gentle yoga, Anusara, Forrest, Power, Jivamukti, and even AcroYoga. The science-focused PhysioYoga style, which so far has only been available in Cambridge, will jump the river and make its way to Newbury as well.

338 Newbury street, 3rd Floor, karmayogastudios.com