This write up is about the Sunday 11am Vinyasa All Levels class with Charles Barone.

Studio: This studio is located on the Roslindale/West Roxbury line and is brand spankin’ new, opening its’ doors on Sept 7, 2014. This studio is the creation of my good friend Julie Starr, so this studio has a special place in my heart, just like it’s owner does. I discussed with my Starving Yogi partner in crime and we scheduled our yoga date to check out Starr Yoga’s 11am Vinyasa All Levels class.
You walk through the door of Starr Yoga and into an adorable reception area where you are greeted by a smiling Julie who checks you in. There is a funky light fixture that your eyes immediately gaze towards, along with adorable little live plants in cool glass fixtures on the wall. After checking in, you walk down a hallway where there is a rack to leave your shoes on before entering the yoga studio. Beyond the shoe rack there is a ledge that is the “friends and family wall”, where photos of friends and family of Julie’s are colorfully displayed (we LOVE this personal touch!) Julie’s 5 year old daughter and mini-her, Izzy, is also proudly displayed amongst the photos.

The studio is filled with wonderful natural light that flows through the large front windows, don’t worry about peeping Toms, the windows do have curtains up that allow for maximum light to shine through while simultaneously providing a privacy from onlookers peering through the busy street. There are cubbies to the side of the room to place your bag/purse, along with blocks and other props. There is a restroom at the back of the room as well. The space is small, lovely and charming. White walls provide an airy, crisp, feng shui minimalist vibe to help get you into your Zen space. The studio has a very homey and boutique-y feel to it.
Mats are available to rent for $2, and they have water available for purchase for $1. Juice and iced tea are coming soon.
The studio is unheated and the room is kept between 80-85 degrees.
Class: (This write up is about the Sunday 11am Vinyasa All Levels class with Charles)
The Starving Yogis have taken Charles’ classes at Inner Strength in West Roxbury and Watertown, where he currently teaches a wide variety of classes and we are big fans of his style. This is an hour-long class (as are all of the classes at Starr Yoga) and every moment is filled with pure yoga bliss. Charles incorporates a philosophical layer throughout the class and isn’t simply instructing you from one pose to the next. His cueing is stellar, and very clearly explained. The “flow” pacing is quick so you move from one posture to the next with purpose, meaning, and speed! Although this room is not heated, we were quickly sporting that glowing glisten of sweat that we know and love so much. Hour long classes are typically “efficient” and this class definitely fits that bill. In and out in an hour, yet we still had a great flow to unwind the mind, work up a sweat, and still fit in a thoroughly rewarding savasana as the class came to an end. Not to mention, we had also worked up an appetite for our brunch at Rox Diner.

Is this class for me?
This class is really is ALL LEVELS as the class title “Vinyasa All Levels” states. If you are more of a beginner you can take the flows at a slower pace. The on-point and ample cueing is helpful for any beginner all the way to seasoned veteran yogis. Charles offers modifications on ways to make poses more advanced as well, for those that are ready to take things up a notch.

Tips: There is usually ample street parking in front of the studio and it is non-metered.
Restaurants nearby: Check out Roslindale Village or West Roxbury Center, both a few minutes away from the studio. Plenty of options for the Starving Yogis and for anyone looking for great eats post-class!
There is a wide variety of class offerings and class times, along with a slew of instructors to chose from. There is even a kids yoga class called “Circus Yoga”. Starr Yoga boasts a second studio space which is located on the floor below the yoga studio where barre classes are held, “Starr Barre”. Julie is also a nutritionist and the studio doubles as her office. http://jswnutrition.com. Julie is a Lululemon Ambassador and a spunky ball of light-hearted energy and glow.
Price point: $15 per class (drop-in rate)
The studio is offering some great introductory deals along with it’s Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, October 18th, classes are free all day long, along with fun festivities. Details below:
Free classes all day, trunk shows, mini-spa treatments, awesome food, juice “bar”, raffles, music, and HUGS.
Here is the schedule:
8:00 Pranavayu yoga with Laura M Parrott
9:30 Vinyasa with Hannah Landes
9:30 STARR BARRE with Laura
12 Vinyasa with Adena Muncey Yoga
2pm STARR BARRE with Courtney Strakosch
4pm “Pop-STARR” flow with Julie Starr-Wood
6pm-8pm Music by Jordan Lashley, food crafted by the The Traveling Feast, and juice by E.t.c. juicery
Pre-registration is definitely recommended- you can sign up online:www.starryogaboston.com, under events.

Studio Information:
Starr Yoga
339 Belgrade Ave Roslindale, MA 02131
Ph: (617) 816-2947
starryogaboston.com