Shri Studio

I’ve been going to Shri for almost a year now. I’d been looking for a studio where I can practice in peace and Shri has been perfect — the classes are small and there’s room to stretch and breathe and be at ease in my practice. The atmosphere is gorgeous — soft sunlight streams through the windows, the floors are spotless, and the décor has a light touch that just seems to whisper «balance», «ease,» and «grace».
I’ve taken classes from a number of teachers at Shri, but always come back to Alison’s Saturday morning class. She has us rate how we’re feeling in the beginning of each class and it never fails that when I come in at a 5 out of 10, I always leave at a 10 out of 10! The class is vigorous yet balanced, and always ends with Alison playing the harmonium and singing — a wonderful treat!
I think what I love best about the studio is its conscious focus on being in service of the community. Alison is as beautiful a person as she is a beautiful personality, and you can tell that all of her work is dedicated to improving the lives of the people in this community, from her teaching to her volunteer work in the area. I think that, more than anything, is what fills the studio with such positive energy. So if you’re into feeling good AND feeling good about yourself, you’ve got to head over to Shri Studio in Pawtucket!

A friend brought me to Alison’s class at Shri when I first moved to Providence two years ago, and I’ve been a big fan of Shri ever since. The studio is expansive and bright, and with enough space that you never feel packed without enough room to move around. About a year ago, a different friend brought me to Caroline’s class, and I think I’ve been an almost regular Monday/​Friday student ever since – there’s no better way to begin and start the week and Caroline is a gracious, encouraging, and challenging teacher. Plus, I definitely see and feel the change over the year – my hips are finally becoming more nimble, handstands are super exciting, and I’ve now got a number of tricks up my sleeve for my tight shoulders.
In my previous years of on-​and-​off yoga, part of what always let me walk away from the practice was classes that didn’t seem to change much week to week, let alone month to month. Although there are definitely standard sequences in both Alison and Caroline’s classes, there is always something new and exciting to try. I actually find myself trying things at home, inspired by my experience at class to try something outside of class – that’s a huge step for me, and I’m grateful to Shri for the encouragement!
I really appreciate the friendly atmosphere at Shri, the variety of programming (Caroline has lots of live music classes throughout the season) and exciting guest teachers, and all that the studio does within the community of Pawtucket. I’ll also say that I’ve found the studio to be kind and flexible about all variety of things – timing, sign-​ups, the «where’s my punchcard?» moments. I moved to Providence from Boston, where there is a plethora of busy, mildly competitive yoga studios (exciting, but somewhat anxiety provoking nonetheless) – Shri is such a breath of fresh air, and a nice, warm place to come «home» to.

Before I get into my review of Shri Studio, let me explain: I go to yoga to de-​stress. I love taking an hour or so out of my day to relax and unwind in a nonjudgmental space. I’ve been practicing yoga for about two years, so I’m no expert, but I’m not a novice either.
From the moment I dropped in on a class at Shri Studio things didn’t go quite how I had hoped. I was greeted by the instructor who tried, right away, to push me into buying some sort of package deal for classes. Not cool. Once I paid, I realized that only one other student was there. I thought maybe more people would show up at the last minute… but no one did. I should have left right there and then, but I foolishly stayed.
Instead of leading the two of us through a series of poses as is the usual, the instructor decided to focus all of her energies on me: giving me a weird massage, pushing me deeper into poses (even though she did not know me or my abilities), and making comments that made me feel very uncomfortable («ohhh we’re going to have to work on this!»).
Of course, I realize that there are other instructors at Shri, and that, at every yoga studio you go to, you have to find someone who is the right fit for your personal style. But honestly, I just thought this woman was downright unprofessional. So I will not be going back to Shri Studio, which is kind of a shame, because the space itself is so beautiful, and parking is pretty easy.

I have been practicing yoga off and on for five years, but shri is the first studio that I like enough to drag my ass out of bed on weekend mornings. I love the space — it has huge windows, very tall ceilings, and warm light wood that makes the room very soothing.
I really appreciate that the owner/​staff is trying to help revitalize downtown Pawtucket — as far as I can tell they go out of their way to be involved with and give to the community.
Obviously every instructor is different (and everyone’s taste in an instructor as well), but I have found the vinyasa classes I have attended were great for students of almost any skill level, with the instructor (Allison) providing alternate poses for beginning-​intermediate-​advanced students.

If Unilocal had hashtags, then #nosoupforyou would describe my experience with Shri.
They get points for opening a spacious studio with a good slate of classes and at least one pleasant, competent instructor in Mary in what is a pretty depressed town, but demerits for locking the door and giving the evil eye 4 minutes into a class. 4 minutes, really? The light in evil-​eye instructor told the light in me to take a hike. I felt the sudden rush
And, indeed, it is a bit of a hike from here to Synergy Yoga in Barrington, but it’s an awesome Baron Baptiste-​affiliate power yoga studio where they actually want you in the class.