Shri Students Have Questions, we Have Some Answers

Why practice yoga at a yoga studio and not a gym?

The atmosphere of a yoga studio is completely different than a gym in both the quality of its physical space and in the attention paid to each student's intellectual development.

First, the physical environment at Shri Studio is nothing like an aerobics or fitness room within a gym or fitness facility.  The studio at Shri is more than 2,500 square feet of open, lofty, warm, nurturing space free of clutter and mirrors.  First-time students through Shri's doors have described the space as "gorgeous," a haven, adorned with appropriate yogic relics and fixtures.  The studio is not a piece of something else; it is its own, safe environment, and teachers set a mood (tone) with lighting, music and at times, incense and uplifting readings for each, distinct class; some consider this a culture.

Second, in a yoga studio, while teachers spend much of their time on the physical (athletic) parts of the practice, time is also spent on the philosophy of yoga, its origins, breath control techniques and meditation.  In some classes at Shri Studio you will hear students chanting "oms" and "shantis" (peace).  In other classes, such as the bhakti groove practice on Tuesday nights, pop music, rock or jazz may move students through postures in a more "mainstream" kind of way, while a portion of the proceeds collected from the practice will be pooled towards a city-based charity, thus placing an emphasis on others well being, outside of the studio's immediate space.

There are many schools of yoga ... vinyasa, ashtanga, kundalini, bhakti, to name just a few, and a studio like Shri appreciates each style and teaches various styles in their own, classically appropriate methods. Unlike many (but not all) gym environments, a yoga studio, like Shri, does not lump yoga styles into a purely physical system.  While many classes require serious physical exertion at Shri Studio, each class is much more than a workout.

Also to note, a luxury at a yoga studio like Shri is the attention paid to each and every student looking to explore his or her own physical and energetic edges in a practice, with appropriate hands-on adjustments, called assists.  Students are also encouraged to study from a variety of teachers because each "guru" offers his and her own styles, which vary in pace and tone, eliminating any routine.

What sorts of amenities does Shri Studio offer?

Shri Studio is a neighborhood studio, meaning its location is central and designed for students to drop in as much as they'd like with all the props and storage space they need to fit practices into their busy days without any hassle.  

We have a reading library on yoga philosophies and systems in our lounge area for our students to study in the studio, and we sell water and soon, original health snacks for those students "on the run," fitting in a class before, after or during a busy work day.

We also have room in our studio designated for students to store their own mats when they want to "pop" in for a class, fresh off of a jog or bike ride in the neighborhood.  We also rent and sell mats, for your convenience.

Is Shri Studio a heated studio?

If a class is marked "heated" on the schedule, the studio is set to 80 degrees or hotter with our brand new, state-of-the-art HVAC system.  For other classes at Shri, the studio is set to 70 degrees.

At 3,000 square feet, however, we are not a "hot" studio, meaning it's not 90 degrees and sweaty when you immediately enter the space, but keep in mind, our students in moderate and advanced Shri Studio practices are known to sweat naturally by building up heat in their bodies from strong practices; so, for that reason, we do encourage Shri Yogis in these more advanced practices to bring towels.

What are the studio's hours, and how do I contact Shri's Staff?

The studio opens 15 minutes before each class and we answer questions and respond to comments through email.  Our email address is: staff@shri-studio.com.

We have an automated schedule by phone at: 401-441-8600.  In addition to this website, any changes on the daily schedule are announced on that line.

Any general announcements at the studio are made through this website on the appropriate page and through our email list.  

You can join our email list by signing up on the homepage, on the bottom.  

What "else" is there to do in the neighborhood of downtown Pawtucket before/after a practice?

There are several new restaurants within one to three blocks of the studio, which we urge you to enjoy before or after class, in support of our urban revitalization movement in the downtown district.

Exchange Street Cafe - coffee, tea, pastries, bagels, gourmet sandwiches

Cup N' Saucer Diner - veggie burgers, breakfasts, and Chef Christian's amazing specials ( we love the crepes!)

Village Restaurant - African fare

Tierra Restaurant and Lounge - vegan paella, fresh pastas and wines

China Inn - Chinese food and Lounge

There are Theaters:  The Gamm and Mixed Magic

And if you want to shop local:  Check out the stores and galleries in The Grant Building and the new Artee Home and Fabric Store, both on Main ... A few links below: