Down Under Yoga is more than a yoga school—it’s a community where people come together to find comfort, reflect, and move in ways that empower their bodies and minds. Based in Boston, MA, the studio began in 2004 when three friends started teaching in a parish hall. Today, it has grown into a thriving network with six locations across Boston and a reputation for excellence in yoga and wellness.
From its humble beginnings, Down Under has prioritized authentic relationships. It’s a place where students and teachers form deep connections that span generations. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio not only stayed true to its mission but also expanded, supporting its team and community in innovative ways.
At Down Under Yoga, people come first. The studio ensures its teachers and staff receive fair pay, full benefits, and opportunities for growth. This commitment has become a model in the yoga industry, earning recognition from Yoga Journal for setting a new standard.
Down Under is also known for the breadth and depth of its offerings. The studio provides diverse programming, from early-morning Mysore practices to ice-plunge meditations and racial justice gatherings. Its teacher training programs, developed by industry leaders, empower both new and experienced practitioners to deepen their understanding of yoga.
A Space for Everyone
Down Under Yoga is committed to inclusivity, making yoga accessible to people from all backgrounds. The studio offers scholarships for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students, yoga classes in Spanish, and monthly events like the Accomplice Circle, which fosters conversations around race, community, and healing.
Rising Above Challenges
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the world, many yoga studios struggled to stay afloat. Down Under Yoga responded by pivoting to online classes, enabling students worldwide to practice with its renowned teachers. The studio retained its entire team of teachers and managers, expanded its class offerings, and opened two new locations during the pandemic—an achievement that speaks to its resilience and community-focused spirit.
A Bright Future
Celebrating 20 years of leadership in the industry, Down Under Yoga continues to grow. With plans to open a seventh location in Wellesley by 2025 and partnerships with developers across Boston, the studio is poised to become a cornerstone of wellness in even more neighborhoods.
Meet Justine Cohen, Founder and Visionary
Justine Cohen, Director and Principal of Down Under Yoga, has built a career defined by innovation and dedication. Before founding the studio, she worked as a lawyer and directed the Youth Millennium Project with UNICEF. She has also been appointed Yoga Teacher to the United States Supreme Court and served as an advisor to Yoga Alliance.
Justine’s passion for yoga lies in its ability to comfort, inspire, and transform. Her own practice has evolved over the years, shaped by her roles as a mother of five, a teacher, and a trainer. She continues to lead Down Under Yoga with a vision to create a supportive, inclusive community where students and teachers alike can grow and thrive.
Down Under Yoga is more than a place to practice yoga—it’s a movement that uplifts its community and sets a standard for the yoga industry. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, Down Under offers a space where you can learn, grow, and be inspired.
To learn more about Down Under Yoga, visit their site or give them a follow on Instagram.
