Empower Yoga

I have a confession to make. For the last four weeks I have purposely avoided writing a review for Empower Yoga. Why? To be totally honest, because I'm selfish and I wanted to keep this place a secret so I could have it all to myself. But I have to do what's right and give this studio the credit it deserves.

I started doing yoga in November at another popular studio in town. I did it to relieve stress, to gain flexibility, and to complement my other activities (running and cycling). I wanted to love it, but I didn't. It wasn't challenging, the classes were huge and I didn't like that part of the studio is carpeted--something about all that sweat and the bare feet ... But it did make my body feel really good and I wanted to see if upping the dosage would make a difference. I decided I would sign up for their monthly unlimited package.

Then, fate intervened and two things happened. 1. I hurt my knee and had to stop running and cycling. So, I had to find another way to stay in shape ASAP that wouldn't further injure my knee. 2. I went to the HOPE farmer's market where I met Ashley, the owner of Empower Yoga, and her sister and studio manager, Elise. They convinced me to give Empower Yoga a try. At $20 for an unlimited first week, what did I have to lose?

I was totally impressed by what a nice little studio it was and I was completely blown away by the intensity of the first class I attended--4:30 Vinyasa with Mateo. When I walked in he told me he was going to mix up the music for that evening's class with a little Nine Inch Nails and Tool. Intrigued? Yes, yes I was. About halfway through the class, I decided he was trying to end me.

When I got home that night, I announced to my boyfriend that an hour and a half of Vinyasa yoga made a 65 mile bike ride feel like a walk in the park. I then proceeded to lock myself in the bathroom with a tub full of hot water, a box of epson salt and a bottle of whiskey to dull the pain (okay, so maybe I made up the whiskey part).

Despite being extremely sore the next morning, I went back for more. I couldn't get enough. One week later, I bought the 3 month unlimited package.

It has now been four weeks since I first set foot inside Empower Yoga, and I have been practicing five times a week, every week. Every single teacher that I have tried--Mateo, Mariska, Carley, Ashley, Hannah, Brandy--is friendly and welcoming and spectacular. They are constantly finding ways to push you and help you improve. I was doing so many things wrong and no one ever corrected my form at the other studio.

It IS a little expensive, but you get what you pay for and it's totally worth it. Also, they have very nice showers, but it is a small space and there are only two. That hasn't been a problem yet, but I can see it becoming an issue when the studio becomes more crowded.

The more I go, the more I want to go and on the days I don't go to class, I miss it. If I could go twice a day, every day, I would, but I think at this point, my muscles would completely give out on me.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this studio. Give it a try--you won't be sorry. All I ask is that you leave a small space in the corner for my mat.

update after finishing my 1 week unlimited for $20 and now signing up for 3 months with the new special: $295!

again, i'm not joking when i said ashley's class and this studio changed my life. i feel energized, centered, and happier all due to practicing yoga along with my regular workouts. the difference with this studio and the 5 other studios i've tried in austin is truly the quality of instructors and their teaching style. they take the time to correct you which means they pay close attention to detail and make the effort to get to each student throughout the class. this along has helped me understand how to enhance each pose for maximum benefit, and i can feel it working!

i've been to Carley, Jeremiah, Hannah E, and Ashley's classes. Jeremiah and Hannah teach anusara which was new for me. we do arm balances, back bends, inversions, and other interesting things that have opened me up to some poses i never thought i could do. they each take the time to help us understand each pose so that we do it correctly. carley teaches the 6:30am class MWF and really wakes me up in the morning with her rigorous sequences. i struggle through it but leave for the better and always feel amazing the rest of the day. ashley is an unbelievable teacher as i already mentioned. her ability to focus on each individual's needs is what truly makes her stand out as one of, if not THE best instructor i've found in austin.

in conclusion: heart!

This is far and away the best yoga studio I have ever been to.... both in terms of the quality of instruction and the space itself. The class sizes are much more intimate than I am used to, which is one of the best things about taking classes here (and is likely a result of it being a bit pricey). The instructors are all very good at gently pushing you to go further while honoring where you are at now. Oh and the heat is an absolutely perfect mid-80's. Not too hot, not too cold.

My hope is that I can find some way to afford practicing at this amazing studio once the special offer is up. Now that I've been spoiled at Empower, it'd be hard to do yoga anywhere else!

I really can't say enough wonderful things about Ashley and Empower yoga. I have quite the story and I have used her and her amazing classes in many, many different mediums.

If you rewind almost three years ago, I randomly herniated a disc and had to have back surgery (shout out to my miserable L5/S1!). Once surgery was done and I was starting to recover, I was paranoid to do anything, and I mean ANYTHING.... I didn't want to re-injure myself. My neurosurgeon (who is also amazing- but that's another review...) quickly recommended I try Ashley's private yoga classes. Sure, they were a bit of a splurge for a student, but I figured, your health is important and recovery is important, so what the heck- that's what student loans are for, right!? OMG YOU GUYS. I see how people get addicted to this private yoga teacher/personal trainer stuff. And even more importantly...Ashley is THE BEST! She comes to your house, you use your own mat, and she brings whatever props you might need, blocks, straps, etc. She takes a long time talking with you, getting to know your body and what's going on. She has a background in Physical Therapy, so she really knows what to do to make sure you aren't going to re-injure yourself and then focuses on what to do to make your body stronger, so it never happens again! During classes she focuses on your alignment over and over again which was perfect for paranoid little me over here... Needless to say, I was totally hooked. I did the private classes for almost a year before I left to study abroad. Sure, studying abroad was awesome and all, but my body hurt and got all stiff not having regular sessions with Ashley. I tried some yoga studios in Australia, but it was not the same...

Fast forward to my arrival back in the US... I was feeling a little tight for cash as anyone who just spent 6 months overseas during their last year of grad school might, so I talked with Ashley and she suggested 2 group classes that I might join. Again, these were a WONDERFUL option. Much more cost effective, and the class sizes were very manageable, ranging from 2 people up to 4. Again, at the start of every class Ashley would focus on how we were doing that day, how our body was feeling, and if there was anything specific we wanted to work on. Then she would craft a class that was perfect for everyone in the group. Since I had been out of the yoga loop for about 6 months, and still recovering, I was always the slowest in the class, but Ashley always paced it so the other students could do more advanced moves all while I focused more on the easier moves. And let me tell you, it was SO wonderful to be back on the mat with Ashley carefully guiding you through a practice!!!

However, all good things must end... with graduation approaching and my inevitable departure from Austin, I started to freak out. What would I do without Ashley?! We talked for awhile about different options and finding a studio somewhere I moved, but I knew it wouldn't be the same. So we came up with the idea to record some of the sessions we were doing. Best. Decision. Ever. I have moved from Austin about a year ago, and before I left, we recorded two sessions. Now, I can play them from my iPhone whenever and wherever I want. If I happen to be traveling for work that week, no worries, Ashley comes with me and I still get my yoga in. One of the greatest parts of this is that my practice is still evolving. We regularly meet whenever I am back in Austin and record new sessions. So, I now am the proud owner of appx 10 different yoga classes all tailored to me, varying in levels from easy to insanely hard, focusing on different parts of my body- shoulders, hips, legs, abs, and ranging in time from 35 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes.

In summary, Ashley is absolutely amazing. Whatever you are looking for- recovery, strength, toning, group, private, audio recordings, she can do and will do amazingly well. I'm so happy to have gained a great friend and to be able to move my body without fear of re-injuring myself. Thank you Ashley!

I enjoyed Anusara-Inspired yoga with Jeremiah at Friday at the 6:30pm class. Since it was the first Friday of the month, the class cost $5 although i was a drop in, and since no one else showed up I had a private class.

I found Empower Yoga to be the whole 9 yards. From chanting to start the class to Jeremiah's very knowledgeable and intentional guidance, the class was very relaxing and beneficial. I have no doubt it was partially due to the private class I enjoyed, but I think my positioning came along more in one session than in the last year.

I will say that Empower is more expensive than the other comparable yoga studios around. Also the traffic on 5th street was distracting (street and walking) at times but for smaller class sizes (sometimes much smaller) and quality instructors it may be worth it.

I will definitely be enjoying their 1st Friday classes and probably more classes than that.

I recently had the opportunity to take some classes at Empower on 5th street. I do not currently live in Austin full time but I would not hesitate to recommend this studio and look forward to taking classes here again next visit.

I took advantage of the $20.00 unlimited first week, a great way to figure out if you like the classes and the instruction offered. I sampled 5 different instructors.

The classes are small allowing a lot of hands on individual instruction. The studio, bathrooms and shower are immaculate. I love the fountain and water sounds while practicing.

Ashley (the owner) is committed to providing quality instruction in a great environment.

all the reviews are true. this place is great.

every studio has its pros and cons and one of the major pros at empower: the small classes. it's great for a learner even though i'm sure the owner would like the classes to be a bit fuller. i loved the smaller classes. that way, you get a lot more attention. the instructors constantly walk around correcting everyone's form- getting you go a little deeper or push a little harder if you can or want to. if you're comfortable doing what you can and leaving it at that, they're equally supportive. but i like the challenge. i like the attention, what i can i say. i've had classes with most of the instructors here and i have to say my favorite two are erika and ashley. erika is really down to earth and attentive while ashley is sweet and encouraging.

even though it's downtown, there's a parking garage with plenty of free parking. the inside of the studio is nice and clean with a little waterfall in the corner that adds to the serenity of it all. the room is heated, but not too hot (feels like 80*). i like the warmth- not overbearing, but just enough to get warmed up and get the muscles even looser. even better when it's cold outside!

all these pros and what's the con? the price. the packages at empower are a little steep compared to other yoga studios around town. it's worth it if you can afford it. i don't usu dock stars for pricey awesome food, so i won't for pricey awesome yoga studios either.

Just like Sherrie N., this yoga studio also changed my life! I am absolutely addicted to vinyasa and Empower!

I tried out the week trial membership for $20 and immediately signed up for a month long membership. I would have signed up for a longer membership if my stay in Austin wasn't so short. I started out going to the owner Ashley's beginner classes, as well as the all level classes in the evenings. Ashley is an amazing instructor, and I love how she asks each person individually how they're doing before class and if there are any specific areas we want to work on. All of the instructors try to individualize the classes to the level and abilities of the students, which you would think is difficult, but not here. The average class size is 6-8 people, and the instructors are so passionate about yoga and their students that they get to know you pretty quickly. The biggest class I've been in was 10 or 11 people total, so you get lots of individual attention and plenty of space to practice. The studio really feels like a loving family.

After I signed up for my month membership, I was going to yoga 6 days a week (I told you I was addicted!) and you cannot beat the quality of the teachers here. Each and every one of them are amazingly patient, warm, and knowledgeable and are truly committed to helping you explore and expand your practice as an individual. Some complain that this studio is pricier than most other yoga studios in Austin, which is true, but you're getting every penny's worth. This is a studio for those who truly want to build and advance in their yoga practice. These guys got this total beginner yogi to pop a head stand after 3 weeks!

I've seen changes in my body faster than any other work out I've ever tried. After about 4 weeks, my stomach was noticeably flatter and butt much firmer! At the same time, these classes gently push you mentally. I feel invigorated, centered, and liberated after each class. I'm so much more aware of my body and am connected to my feelings and emotions. On the days I couldn't make it to class, I dearly missed yoga. My day just didn't feel quite right. Added bonuses are the sound of running water in the background of the studio, and the fancy showers. I've shopped around a little and tried out other studios, but I haven't found one yet that's on par.

I can't wait to get back to up to Austin. If I can, I'm moving right next to the studio. No joke.

BTW Sherrie N. is now one of my favorite instructors at Empower =)

I am your typical 26 year old male who never thought that I would ever find themselves in a yoga studio. The only reason the thought even crossed my mind is because my triathlon coach had suggested it would help improve my race time. Soooooo after doing a whole lot of research on the different yoga styles and studios in the area I settled on Empower Yoga.

After talking myself into going, I went to the beginners class and had a very positive experience. The next time I went to the all levels class with Ashley (the owner). She was very supportive and encouraging as I worked my way through the various moves. At this point I was hooked.

I had originally went to improve my triathlon times and get a workout (it is a great workout) but I found a very positive side effect. I found the relaxation and peace that comes from yoga. I feel re-energized with a clearer mind after I leave each class. It's worth going for these positive effects alone.

This is the first time I have ever written a review about anywhere but I really feel like I need to share this with more people. So guys, if you have apprehensions about starting Yoga, this is definitely the place for you.

Empower is Awesome!! The instructors take an interest in the well being of each individual. Even in a crowded class the instructors teach, rather than just leading a class. They take the time and effort to help adjust your technique so that you are getting the maximum benefits from your practice. I definitely recommend Empower for anybody that is into Yoga or wants to get into yoga. If you are just starting out, try their beginner classes. I was very skeptical of anything yoga at first because i was very inflexible, so i started as a beginner. After a few of those classes with help from the instructors, I was able to jump into the all levels classes with no problems. Havent looked back since.