Artemus Yoga
Artemis Yoga completely renovated the former rug store in Coolidge Square, including the new front lobby.
The storefront on Mt. Auburn Street in Coolidge Square next to Dunkin Donuts sat quietly for a few years, but now it has been refreshed and has a new life as a yoga studio.
Owner Liz Padula opened Artemis Yoga in mid-December after completely renovating the former oriental rug shop.
The studio offers two spaces for yoga, one on the ground floor and one in the basement. Artemis offers a variety of classes for people with a range of experience.
“I hear that all the time – I am not flexible, I have no experience,” Padula said. “We have classes for the basic level, or for people with an injury they want to nurture.”
A recent class at Artemis Yoga.
The studio provides yoga mats and other equipment for people, though they are welcome to bring their own.
Another offering is a class for teen girls created by the Boston College women’s head soccer coach Alison Foley called Soccer on the Mat. It teaches footwork as well as other exercises to keep girls in the game.
“It is to prevent soccer related injuries,” Padula said. “A lot of kids are doing soccer year round. We want to integrate yoga into other things people are doing.”
Yoga for Teens and Tweens is another class offered at the studio.
Padula said businesses can also bring Artemis Yoga classes into the workplace with corporate classes.
At the studio, there are classes morning, noon and night, and the schedule is available on the Artemis website, www.artemisyoga.com. There are monthly memberships, or people can purchase 10 classes at a time, and can choose when they come. Or you can just drop in to take a class.
The building has been in Padula’s family for generations. It was owned by her grandfather Carmino Padula, who lived with his wife Carmela on Barnard Avenue for nearly half a century. Padula grew up in Milton, but now lives with her family in the Auburndale section of Newton.
“I grew up coming to Watertown to see my grand parents,” Padula said.
The store looks much different from before. The ground floor feature light wood floors, a large studio, and lockers. A trap door leading to the basement was replaced with a stairway, which leads to another sizable studio.
Artemus Yoga
Teachers, family and friends – including owner Liz Padula (center, wearing glasses) celebrate the opening of Artemis Yoga in Coolidge Square.
Padula said she already feels welcome in Coolidge Square.
“It is a vibrant area,” Padula said. “There are so many people in this area, and it seems like people are anxious to have businesses in the area.
“It is so close to Tufts (Health Plan) and not far from athenahealth, so people can come after work or before work.”
Currently, Artemis offers classes Monday through Saturday, and Padula said she plans to start offering Sunday classes in January.
Artemis Yoga is located at 639 Mt. Auburn St. in Watertown. For more information go to www.artemisyoga.com, call 617-393-3590 or email info@artemisyoga.com.
Thanks Charlie for the kind words. Just wanted to add that if people want to come in before Dec 25th, that their first class is free. Thanks again for the support. Liz
What a great story, Liz! You are giving a gift to the whole community with this yoga studio. I love your focus on girls and teens. We need more healthy options for young people who want to strengthen their bodies and minds. Bravo! Here’s to a great 2016 for you and your studio!