I wrote a review about Shiva Shakti a couple years ago when I first arrived in Northampton. And in my review I just projected my frustrations alllll over Shiva Shakti for literally no reason. I decided to delete it and rewrite one now that the studio has reopened its doors post-pandemic. Shiva Shakti instructs in the Baptiste style of yoga. It isn't my favorite type, but I've still really enjoyed taking classes here! Lots of chatarungas, lots of flowing, toss in some core work and tons of sweat. That's what you'll find at Shiva Shakti. You will work your BUTT OFF! *cash (or check) only. If you forget, there are at least 3 ATMs within a 3 min walk. *fill your water bottle up at home! There's nowhere to refill your bottle at the studio. *no showers, but there are changing rooms! *class times are limited due of the size of the town, but they still offer enough to fit anyone's schedule. There are 3x classes/day during the week, 1x Saturday, and 1x on Sunday (2x in fall thru spring). *my favorite teacher is Matt, for no major reason that I can pinpoint. He has a really welcoming vibe, and he can coax hard work out of you without being overwhelming. He also pays close attention to students on their mats and is great at remembering everyone's name. *Brandon is a fun and intense teacher- he has this super thick Boston accent and is always engaging the students during class to keep us on our toes and present in the room. And he will absolutely crank the heat up on you with no regrets! Haha *Naima leads a really delightful class. There's something about her voice that feeds you strength in a posture while simultaneously being really soothing. She's also really good at remembering students names which I so so appreciate. Some big positives at this studio: -The heat and humidity is DOPE AF. It gets steamy in the studio, and I love it! -The teachers know when to send in the cool air and it is always much appreciated. -The floor has mat markers that are color coded according to where the warmest/coolest places are in the room, so it's easy to ensure that you'll get the exact level of warmth you want. -They have a student discount! It's not huge, but it brings the drop-in class rate to $15 and monthly unlimited to $120/mo. Overall: I highly recommend this studio. I'm glad it's here in NoHo. And I'm so thankful that Naima and Brandon keep this place running and offer such delicious heat/humidity and fun classes for all of us. read more

Shiva Shakti - Back porch entrance - Yoga Near Me - Northampton, Massachusetts

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You definitely have to be into Baptiste yoga, a fixed series each class, and pretty intense heat, so it's not for everyone. BUT Naima is a great teacher and after no IRL yoga since 2019, it felt amazing to do hot yoga, even though I generally prefer a bit less heat. The folks in the classes are friendly, and it's nice to get back to a feeling of yoga in community. I'll be back! read more

My early experience here back ten years ago was amazing. Brandon and team created a space and experience that really opened up my body - a stiff guy that was in need of flexibility. After a while though the studio became popular and very crowded to where it was hard to do the yoga routines. I have not been back in a while so that may have changed and the original experience may be there again. If interested, I suggest going to see for yourself. read more

I was fortunate enough to take classes with Brandon, Naima and Rachel during a week visiting family for Thanksgiving. Like another reviewer, I came to the studio with (gulp!) 30 years of yoga practice under my belt. However, this made me appreciate Shiva Shakti that much more. I found each class to be challenging, the instruction professional and a welcoming and friendly vibe to the studio. Thanks, guys for making my visit home that much more enjoyable! read more

The beginner's class is very focused on making you feel comfortable when you are unsure, and voicing your concerns when you are upside down and worried that your butt is in your neighbor's face. The class had a nice pace, was filled almost to capacity, and the instructor (Naima) was really hot and very serious. I'd also have to take a star off for the changing/bathroom/spiral stair case situation. But if you are in the area, it is a great place to practice. read more

Yaaaaahooooooooooo this place is the greatest thing since Anotnio's slices of pizza! The studio is HOT! the instructor Brandon was super high energy and pushed us through the difficult poses and had me walking on a cloud when I left the place. I will be back very soon.... next time I am in Western Mass this is a MUST DO! I even got myself a Shiva Shakti baseball sleeve shirt! I love this place and love Northampton! read more

Shivi Shakti rocks my socks. I brought 5 people there so far and recommend it to anyone that will listen. Brandon is increds and this is yoga like you never experienced. A perfect balance of instruction and explanation of how our practice manifests into our lives. The most real, non new-agey class ever. GO! read more

I recently attended Brandon's workshop in Brookline a few weeks ago and try to catch him anytime he is teaching in the Boston area. Years ago he taught in Brookline on a weekly basis and although I only attended one class per week I remember feeling strong days after and looked forward to that class. Brandon offers a lot of heart and personality in his teaching. His all levels classes are challenging but Brandon usually offers alternatives to the postures. Similarly he has adjusted his classes according to his read of the room. Based on the other attendees the practice can ratchet up or down. Like some other reviewers posted - I too have brought friends and even my toughest of friends have had positive experiences. I visit the Northampton studio once every couple months and love the area. I usually make a day of it and go for lunch and a short hike nearby. The studio is clean, bright, and offers lots changing rooms. I have asked for a shower area but like many other studios it is not available. I miss attending Brandon's classes as frequently as I used to since I still live in the metro Boston area. His partner Naima taught the last class I attended and some of the nuances she mentioned regarding postures are now part of my practice. I recommend attending one of Brandon or Naima's classes. Namaste! read more

Brandon is the most amazing, inspiring teacher EVER and this studio is wonderful. When he moved in 2007/2008 from Boston to Western MA I made a point to visit the studio. Brandon is skilled, professional, incredibly funny and passionate about what he does. While I understand he is not everyone's favorite teacher (i.e. Bill's Yelp! review says it all) I think it is worth a chance. Love it or leave it, but at least don't knock it until you try Brandon's class. I have done yoga at the Baptiste studio with Brandon since 2004 and commend this studio for opening and staying in line with the goals of yoga: to inspire people and push them to new levels! Go go go! read more

I had a negative experience here as the teacher was very condescending. I haven't had that in years and try to keep a mental red flag when this happens. I live in Manhattan and New Yorkers are so much cooler and nicer than these people. I am closely tied to Jivamukti, Dharma Mittra, Yoga Vida, Yoga Works, all the top schools in the country and this one was truly disappointing. When I signed in, I had come after reading that the temperature was going to be set in the mid 90's but when I signed in, they said oh no it's going to be hotter than Bikram. I have been doing hot yoga and Bikram for the past 8 years and know a lot about it but these girls were ridiculous. So I mentioned that I get headaches from (dehydration I am sure) the room when it's too hot and they did not care in the least and offered no suggestions, usually people will offer some sort of banter. Anyway, I did the class, it was okay except for when the teacher who took herself way too seriously must have said the word "Like" (while teaching) at least 10 times (I have never heard a teacher do this) and sort of acted like we were wimps. Doing a hard flow in a room hotter than a Bikram studio is sort of dangerous by the way - anyway, I am so not that person who would jump up and leave before a class is over, or during a Savasana (which leaving during Savasana is open at that point, from ALL the Bikram classes I have been to in NYC and LA many people leave before I do) but after she did 3 long OM's and then the Namaste'ing with the door still closed and the HIGH HEAT still full blast, and started talking about future events at their center, I got up and moved towards the front and she told me to sit down like I was a naughty child. BIZARRE. anyway, I only went to this class because no other centers had afternoon classes in Northampton where I was staying at the hotel there for one night. I am super open to liking good yoga centers but this one was BAD. read more

Summary: I went regularly from '12 through '16 when I moved away from Massachusetts. I've been to many studios in Colorado and Texas and have yet to find one that I love as much. I was new to yoga and immediately loved how physically challenging these classes are. This is not warm fuzzy relaxing yoga with lots of dharma talk or any music. This is a serious physical exercise in a hot room that will get your heart racing. You'll burn calories, sweat puddles, and be challenged. It gets messy and hard...but your body will love you for it. The owners (Naima & Brandon) take their practice and studio very seriously and it shows. Everything about the studio is well thought out and cared for. Everything is very clean, the floors are cleaned after every class as well as all the blocks. I have never see that attention to detail in any other studio. Over the years they have really helped me improve my practice - always giving encouragement and keeping me from being complacent. This practice really helped me off the mat - helping me deal with a stressful career with long hours in front of computers. True, there are not showers but they make excellent use of the space and there are many changing rooms. If you are new to yoga, or hot yoga, you might want to start with the beginner class. Definitely hydrate before class. Can't wait to visit again. read more

I've been doing yoga in and out for about 8 years now and this is the first hot yoga studio I've been in. I don't have a threshold for the temperature of hot yoga studios but it gets REALLY hot and even if you think you barely sweat (like me), there's just no way you won't! I got the unlimited classes for a week for new students ($20) and had both Naima and Brandon as instructors. Both their classes were challenging in a good way, and they don't really explain the poses so I wouldn't recommend it to beginners (I'm intermediate ) unless they do the "Basics" class, I presume? Brandon was more chatty than Naima, and he welcomed me when he noticed that I'm new. I didn't know that they are both owners. His classes are more fast-paced if you're into that- more like cardio-yoga. I like being challenged so I liked it, while I appreciated Naima's no-nonsense approach. She asked me how it went at the end of the class and I said "Great" but all I was thinking was "Wow, I'm sweating like never before and I can't wait to get out of here but I feel amazing". read more

I have never experienced an instructor that has as much ego as Brandon. The primary goal of teaching yoga is to serve. It is the responsibility of the instructor to create a safe and supportive environment to all students. To hold a space in which students can flourish in their own practice. I was really shocked and disappointed in Brandon's teaching. He was condescending and constantly spoke about himself throughout class. He felt it was necessary to chastise me during class for being in down dog rather than up dog in a really unnecessary and nasty way. I nearly walked out, but out of respect for my own practice stayed. It was really upsetting to see Brandon guide a class out of pure ego with little awareness of how his behavior and language may affect those around him. It is even more disturbing to know that he is responsible for guiding students through a teacher training in which they see him as a mentor. Apart from his condescending attitude, he practiced as he taught and wasn't able to mirror the class, which was confusing if you needed visual aid. He held his left and right side for noticeably different amount of times, and his sequencing was pretty dull and cuing poor. Despite other people's warning to steer clear of this studio I really wanted to practice in the heat, so decided to check it out. After taking a class with Brandon, I totally understand other people's apprehension with regards to practicing at Shiva Shakti and do not recommend this studio to others. read more

The egos of the two owners is incredible. After class, I explained why I didn't do a certain move that they wanted me to do. I explained that it could bring up some trauma for me, and that I was not in a stable place that week. I said that in a couple of weeks, when I felt better, I'd be prepared to work on that position. She found this unacceptable, and that i should do it immediately. My LISCENSED therapist urged me to stay away from these two dangerous fools read more

I used to practice here. I decided to leave because of the manner in which Brandon addresses people. He is condescending and inappropriate. On more than one occasion I observed Brandon make an example out of a student in a very negative way in the class if they weren't "up to snuff" in his opinion. I witnessed a student who was unwell and respectfully and quietly left class (without disruption). Brandon felt the need to make an example out of her. In my opinion, that's not what should happen under any circumstance. A person's yoga practice is his/her own and students should be encouraged to embody what is and feels suitable to him/her. It goes without saying that a studio instructor is in the wrong to question that. read more

This studio is the BEST! Very very Hot!!! Brandon is a one of kind teacher and motivator! He has a very good focus weather you are a beginner or advanced student. High energy and fast pace power class + great results toward transformation. This is a must do while in the Western MA area. I really enjoy Naima's class as well. She is a breath of Fresh air!! Best Yoga studio by far!!! Namaste! read more

This practice offers a great workout, very dedicated instructors/owners and the price ($15.00 per class) seems fair enough. The room is very hot and very crowded (mat placements are only inches apart) and VERY smelly! People are literally sweating on your mat.....GROSS! This is what I don't like about this studio but I have learned to deal with it. I read the bad review from Ann B. and yes Brandon does run the flow very fast. He is a drill sergeant-like teacher which I guess some people may find off putting. Perhaps because I am old enough to be his mother this doesn't bother me. I see it as his passion for what he does. read more

Shiva Shakti is a great studio! The studio is very clean and the instructors are inspiring, friendly, patient, and helpful. They keep the room at a nice temperature and also blow fresh air in periodically. The Vinyasa flow poses are relaxing and a great workout. Highly recommended! read more

Naima's class keeps getting better. Definitely a great yoga class and studio!

Love it! its a bit intense at times. Naima's voice is so soothing and Brandon kicks ass! Best feeling when you leave!!!!!!!!!

I visited Shiva Shakti today for the first time with a friend. I have practiced Baptiste yoga for about 2 years, on and off, with the last year being off. The studio that I used to frequent became too far a travel due to a recent move. I did research and found Shiva Shakti after looking through several studios websites looking for a "good fit". We arrived around 8:45 for a 9AM 90 minute "all levels" class. Karen was the instructor. The room was HOT, hotter than the traditional 95 degrees if I were to guess, but that was fine by me. The hotter, the better. For 90 minutes we put in the work. We got on our mats, twisted, rinsed and repeated many times. The class was challenging, more challenging than any practice I've experienced in my past. Karen's soothing voice, gentle way of correcting pose imperfections, and her positivity were AWESOME. I recommend this studio. It's a cool space with a quirky vibe, an in-house pup and at least one awesome instructor that I've met so far. I can't wait to return tomorrow! read more

I only took classes taught by the owner, Brandon, so this review addresses only those classes and him as a teacher. I have been a serious practitioner of yoga for five years and usually attend an excellent studio in San Francisco often considered to be one of the most "hardcore" and challenging in the Bay Area, so I am used to, and like, strong challenging "power yoga." Here at Shiva Shakti, Brandon had little to no warm-up, which is very dangerous to the body, especially to the lower back. His vinyasa sequences, at one point, were ridiculously fast and there was no possible way to align breath with pose. In one class, my last there, listening to my body (essential in all yoga classes), I slowed down to a sane, healthy vinyasa pace, knowing I could easily "meet everyone in down dog" at the end of the sequence. Brandon came over to me and loudly exclaimed: "Cant you stay with the class?! Dont you LIKE us?!" I replied that I was staying safe, to which he retorted: "You're TOO safe!". A few minutes later, I walked out of the class. (In five years of taking yoga almost daily, at studios all over the world, I have only walked out of classes before the absolute end, about three times.) This man should have his studio shut down. It is shocking for him to address any student this way. When I think of all the spectacular true teachers I have had out there, not one would dream of speaking to a student this way, but then again they wouldnt teach in such an unsafe way. When yoga first began, centuries ago in India, there were many fakes and charlatans. This is the tradition Brandon carries on. I wont even go into what an ego-inflated blow-hard he is who spouts contradictory factoids of what he thinks are yoga wisdoms, a mish-mosh of utter nonsense. read more