By: Alyssa Wieting
The Mantra
Main Yoga was built on the fundamental yoga philosophy of fostering spirituality and inner growth, in which they strive for self-development. While speaking with a few of the instructors at the studio, I could feel their conviction for the art and practice of yoga.
The Space and Vibe
Main Yoga is hidden in the back of Ambassy Compound near the pool on Huaihai Lu. Although it was a bit difficult to find at first, it was worth the visit.
The yoga studio itself is quite simplistic with modern décor, having two changing rooms (one for each sex) with lockers, one shower, and a separate small bathroom. They provide each guest with a mat (which are in very good condition and clean) and a towel at the end of your class to those who didn’t bring one of their own. Although the yoga studio is quite small overall, this is what the staff and instructors pride themselves on. One of the instructors explained that they have tried to get away from the commercial aspect that many yoga studios nowadays have become. Main Yoga strives to provide an authentic, intimate setting for their clients, straying away from the trend of becoming a mega studio and chain.
One thing that certainly sets this studio apart from others is its support for local artists in the area. In the lobby of the studio they feature a new artist monthly, trying to support local talent in Shanghai. They occasionally have art shows and clients are able to purchase the art at any point off the wall.
The Classes
The studio offers a wide range of classes to suit a variety of needs. The studio has 12 teachers in all and teaches classes such as yoga therapy, water yoga, Yin yoga, and Ashtanga yoga. The studio mainly consists of beginner to intermediate students, but they hope to gain a wider range of levels as their current students progress and they broaden their membership.
I opted to try the core power class, which was a moderately challenging class. Although the teacher did not speak fluent English, she used a very hands-on approach correcting students and assisting them to obtain the correct technique and position. I found this to be very helpful and I think other students in the class did as well.
The studio has many options for mothers and soon-to-be mothers. In addition to offering both prenatal and postnatal yoga classes, they also offer family yoga classes every weekend for mother and baby. If interested in the prenatal or postnatal yoga, you will need to first speak with the instructor to discuss your needs and assess your wellbeing and limitations during the class. For family yoga, mothers are welcome to bring their babies (must be at least 3 months old) to join in a mother and baby bonding yoga session. The family yoga instructor explained that mom and baby yoga is designed to comfort both the mother and child. Often soon after birth, a mother is hesitant to leave her newborn and can have anxiety or is distracted during postnatal classes. This option allows a mother to be focused on her baby while doing yoga, often using her baby as a prop or weight during the class. The sessions also usually include small baby massage sessions in class in order to learn your baby’s pressure points and other ways to calm a child.
// See a listing for Main Yoga here.
