I'm not going to say that I was EXTREMELY reluctant to take classes at a studio which not only…read morepromotes contorting your body in ways you otherwise thought impossible, but also does it in a minimum of 100 degree temperature. But I was reluctant.
That being said, they do offer a FREE WEEK OF UNLIMITED CLASSES, and I just can't help myself when FREE is involved. So, naturally, I signed up.
What can I say, I'm hooked. I am. I feel better about myself when I'm dripping in sweat, I suppose.
Try this, folks. Trust me. You just need to experience the first week and you'll be sold.
So reviews you can use:
Location: It's located on the back outer edge of Old Orchard Shopping Center, so parking is VERY convenient.
INTERIOR:
Seems small when you walk in, but this place has full-service locker rooms for men and women. The women's locker room has all you need. Lockers (must bring own lock), showers, bathrooms (duh), and...hair dryers, brushes, mousse, gel, hairspray, hair ties, bobby pins and cotton swabs. If you go before work or another engagement, you can ready yourself right there and then. Sweet.
STUDIO:
The studio is dedicated ONLY to hot yoga practice, so the rooms are set up with built in humidifiers. This is a plus, I've gone to other hot yoga classes when mini portable steam machines are used and its just not the same.
INSTRUCTORS:
Super nice. Emphasis on the nice. They are informative during class and assist you with positions when needed. They walk around the room during classes to check that everyone is in correct alignment and are extremely accommodating to those who need to regress to easier positions. Honest, I've been one of those people, so I know firsthand. I have to give a special shout out to the location manager J.S. (you know who you are). You're sweet, pleasant, understanding and an excellent instructor. Thank you.
OTHER COMMENTS:
THE LEMON/LAVENDER TOWELS!! Good Lawd. This, I recently learned, is unique to suburban locations only. At the end of each class, when you're not really sure you'll ever be able to walk again (or dry off the sweat for that matter) the instructor walks around a places an ice cold lemon/lavender towel on your forehead. After my first ever class, I teared up. No joke. It's orgasmic. I say that with all seriousness.
Unlike smaller "non-corporate" studios, here you have to pay for towels and mats if you forget yours. So, if you're trying it for the free week, either borrow a mat from a friend and remember to bring a towel (and a bottle of water) or the FREE will be null and void.
There's also apparel, mats, towels and lotions available for purchase. The prices are just as high as one would expect, so bring your money if you a ready to invest.
