I always love the fresh start that comes with the beginning of a New Year. While my 2019 started off with some illness (a long-lasting cold, plus that nasty stomach bug that has been going around), along with some necessary (yet unpleasant) dental work, I’m finally starting to feel better and get back into the swing of things, which is a very welcome relief.

But while the year may not have started off exactly how I wanted it to, it got me thinking a lot about wellness and steps I can take to ensure I’m living my healthiest life in 2019.

While in the past I’ve made New Year’s resolutions around things like losing a certain number of pounds, or fitting back into my skinny jeans, this year I’ve been thinking a lot about health and wellness from a more holistic perspective. And while certainly part of that is physical – eating right, working out, keeping up healthy habits – it’s also partially mental. I sometimes forget how important it is take a step back from the non-stop hustle and bustle of everyday life and give myself time to simply breathe. Sound familiar?

ASANA Charlestown: An Overview

While focusing on overall wellness can seem like a bit of a daunting task, I recently found a little sanctuary right in my neighborhood of Charlestown, called ASANA. The yoga, Pilates and Barre studio offers a number of different types of classes that are open to anyone, whether you live locally or are just visiting the Boston area. It’s a beautiful, peaceful studio with light wood floors, tons of natural light, and pretty turquoise light fixtures for a pop of color. The studio features some great instructors who are well-known around the city – Lauren Hefez (@sweatwithlaurenhefez), Jessica Diaz (@jessicadiazwellness) and Meagan Fitzgerald (@meg_thrivebody), to name a few. But there are also a few things that make it stand out from other yoga studios around town.

Studio space at ASANA Charlestown / Image courtesy of ASANA

A Focus on Community & Wellness

First, a focus on community. While classes are certainly attended by many Charlestown locals, I’ve noticed that a lot of participants travel from other parts of the city (and even outside of the city) to practice here. Everyone receives a warm welcome at the front desk. And every time I’ve taken a class with an instructor I haven’t met before, they’ve made an effort to introduce themselves, talk a little about the class and get to know me a little before class starts. Classes are filled with both men and women of all different age ranges. Many know each other and greet each other enthusiastically. With workshops, instructor trainings and special events seemingly happening all the time, ASANA is centered around building relationships and community, and it shines through.

Along a similar vein, ASANA offers a true focus on wellness of both body and mind. While classes like Pilates Sweat will definitely get your blood pumping, ASANA Charlestown also offers restorative yoga and meditation classes. The studio also offers special classes and workshops that focus on a holistic approach to wellness and helping to create life balance, including music therapy and workshops on mindfulness. It’s a quiet, peaceful place to breathe, restore and rejuvenate.

Reception area at ASANA Charlestown / Image courtesy of ASANA

An Inside Perspective

Instructor Jessica Diaz, who teaches Barre at ASANA, along with teacher trainings and seasonal workshops, spoke with me a little about why she finds ASANA such a great place both to teach and to practice, starting with the beauty of the studio and the amazing community that fills the space. “From the owner, to the staff, to the members of the studio, I feel encouragement and support which inspires me to always want to do my best.”

Jessica continued, “One thing I love about ASANA is how the studio continuously strives to enrich both the employees and the members experience through workshops, retreats, and trainings. They are also always filling the studio with new fitness, fashion, beauty and wellness products. I truly feel grateful to work at such a special place.”

Classes at ASANA

Whether you’re looking to sweat in a Pilates class, connect with your breath in a yoga class, or quiet your mind with a guided meditation, Asana has offerings to meet all needs. A sampling of some of my favorite classes follow below.

Pilates Sweat

Pilates Sweat class at ASANA Charlestown / Image courtesy of ASANA

One of the first classes I ever took at ASANA, Pilates Sweat will certainly do what it promises: make you sweat! Described as “cardio-blasting and core-toning,” the hour-long class includes classic Pilates moves, along with infusions of cardio. While each class is different, you’ll likely use a Pilates ring, along with light weights and resistance bands.

I recently took the class with instructor Meagan Fitzgerald. While definitely challenging and fast-paced, it was also a lot of fun. The 60 minutes flew by. We did some classic Pilates moves using the ring (and a fair number of planks). We also did moves like push ups, jumping jacks, high kicks and burpees. Pilates Sweat is currently offered on Saturday mornings at 8:30am and Sundays at 11:30am (though always make sure to check the schedule online for availability and any schedule changes).

Asana Flow

While ASANA offers a few different types of yoga classes, Asana Flow is a rigorous Vinyasa based class. It includes a flowing sequence of poses with a focus on the breath. Be prepared to work up a bit of a sweat in this fast-paced class.

Each class differs from the next in terms of what you need, but typically you’ll use your mat, blocks, a strap and perhaps a bolster or blanket (all of which are supplied by ASANA). Be prepared to move through some sun salutations and warrior sequences, along with the infamous Chaturanga Dandasana (which I still have yet to master) and plenty of downward-facing dogs (though remember that child’s pose is always there for you if you need it at any point during class). Each class ends with a relaxing Savasana, providing a few moments to be still and reflect. Sign up for Asana Flow at 12noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, along with various other times during the week. Be sure to check the schedule before you go!

Barre

Barre instructor Jessica Diaz at ASANA Charlestown / Image courtesy of ASANA

The first time I ever took a barre class, I honestly felt a little silly. I remember moving my leg up and down a quarter of an inch at a time, thinking to myself, “what is this really going to do to help me get fit?” But then the next day, boy was I sore! Barre is one of those classes where your form is crucial to getting a good workout. So finding a good instructor is paramount.

While ASANA has several really good Barre instructors, I’ve really enjoyed taking Barre classes with Jessica Diaz. Warm and friendly, Jessica always makes sure to correct my form and offers modifications if any of the moves are too difficult. Classes usually start with some light stretching. And move into a few series of moves focused on a specific body part, including glutes, thighs and abs. While it’s a tough workout, I always leave feeling stronger and glad that I went! (Asana also offers a 45-minute Barre Sweat class, which includes cardio moves interspersed with the barre work.) Barre is offered quite a few times a week at Asana, so make sure to check the schedule online.

Meditation

Prior to coming to ASANA, I had never tried a meditation class. As someone who struggles with anxiety from time to time, my mind tends to always be “on”. And the idea of meditating has always felt daunting to me. So when I learned that ASANA offers a weekly guided meditation, I was excited to check it out.

The guided meditation is led by Fez Aswat, who has been teaching in Boston for nearly 20 years. Classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15pm on a drop-in basis. Fez starts each class with a bit of reflection. And then takes the group through a 21 minute meditation, broken into three 7-minute segments. While the group starts sitting up cross-legged, you’re welcome to take whatever pose is most comfortable for you.

It was actually more difficult than I thought it would be to spend 21 minutes in stillness. But it was also quite therapeutic to clear my mind of all the “noise”. It was nice to to concentrate on my breath and focus on clearing my mind for a half hour. While I can’t say I fell into a deep meditative state the first time around, it was very calming. I left with a greater sense of peace than when I first walked in. It also motivated me to try doing short daily meditations at home. I’ve been using Headspace and Calm, which is a welcome addition to my daily routine.

What to Know Before You Go

ASANA Pilates, Yoga and Barre studio / Image courtesy of ASANA

Whether you live locally in Boston, or are just visiting town, ASANA is definitely worth a visit! Go to www.asanacharlestown.com to learn more, and be sure to follow the studio on Instagram at @asanacharlestown. Located right in City Square, new members to ASANA can enjoy a two-week unlimited pass for $45 (a great deal!). Single-class drop-in rates are $22 for those who have been to the studio in the past. ASANA also offers a variety of membership options, including a discounted 10-pack. Purchase passes online or at the studio, and sign up for class in advance to secure your spot!

Classes at Asana are offered 7 days a week. Workshops and special events are also offered regularly throughout the year. See the special events page for more details.

Asana Charlestown
20 City Square
Charlestown, MA 02129
www.asanacharlestown.com

Have you been to ASANA Charlestown or are you planning a visit? Let us know what you think in the comments below!