Classes in Cambridge

Kundalini Yoga Boston's highly experienced instructors unify minds and bodies on the quest for spiritual growth with Kundalini yoga classes. Kundalini yoga gentle-stretch and meditation classes pair flowing motions with mantra-packed chanting, clearing limbs of pent-up stress and minds of illegally downloaded memories. Welcome a lungful of clarity with the Kundalini yoga and breathwork class’s meditative inhalations, or absorb the chi-centering sound waves of the Kundalini yoga and gong-meditation class’s titular instrument. Check the schedule for a full list of classes and times, or divine the information offline by decoding messages hidden in the phonebook.

The variety of classes at Karma Yoga Studios might seem overwhelming at first. From beginners slow-paced yoga to heated core-power yoga, the studio doesn’t skimp on diversity. Beginners, though, need not worry, as the founder of Karma Yoga developed a special introductory course called PhysioYoga to ease students into their practice. All classes are taught by certified, passionate instructors eager to share the benefits of yoga with any person or flamingo that walks into one of their spacious, wood-floored studios. They designed their studios with green practices in mind, and all locations provide free, eco-friendly Manduka mats to students.

Now celebrating 130 years of health, fitness, and community, YMCA remains true to its lasting mission of physical and social enrichment for men, women, and kids of all ages. Staff members uphold the YMCA’s core values of honesty, acceptance, and fairness as they invest in their community’s children and strengthen family bonds critically weakened by overzealous games of Monopoly. They pump up adult-fitness regimens with aquatic fitness and boot-camp classes, personal training, and a full gymnasium outfitted with equipment for basketball, boxing, and rope-skipping. They’ve also filled their fitness center with free weights, cardio equipment, and rowing machines. When they’re not helping adults trim down waistlines during yoga, cycling, and aerobics classes, staff members are getting back in touch with their inner children. They stimulate imagination, mental development, and growth as they lead children’s day camps, after-school programs, and youth basketball.

Cultural development is also a priority at the Cambridge YMCA, fulfilled through operas and plays held in Durrell Hall, the center's historic Victorian theater. This YMCA outpost further strengthens and unites the Cambridge community through its Central House facility, a 128-unit, substance-free housing complex that shelters men in need.

Bow Street Yoga instructs yogis in the ancient art of bending, flexing, and introspecting, offering classes in Vinyasa, restorative, and Yin yoga styles. All classes are conducted in a studio heated to 75–90 degrees, warm enough to encourage muscles and joints to soften and flex, but not so hot as to turn students into a soaking-wet pile of yogi. Pop into a beginner's Vinyasa class to learn the slowed-down basics of the strenuous style, which emphasizes proper alignment, breath control, and core strength, or treat limbs to a Yin yoga session, with lengthy hold times geared toward profound muscular relaxation. The meditative, healing practices of restorative yoga offer a reprieve from active lifestyles and recovery from injuries with props, long posture times, and a focus on absolute stillness.

For more than 25 years, Benjamin Stoller has shaken cocktails and perfected the foam-to-brew ratio in a pint glass. He shares his insider knowledge during fun, hands-on classes taught at the Queen's Head Pub inside Harvard's historic Memorial Hall. Courses focus on the art of mixology, or crafting inspired cocktails with balanced ratios of liquor, mixers, and paper umbrellas. They also delve into specialized skills such as how to present drinks and keep patrons safe.