Blue Sun Yoga is a group of yoga instructors, but for purposes of this review, focuses on Wendy…read moreAtteberry and I guess you could consider her the main person. This review also focuses on the Acroyoga class offered Thursday nights at the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic/Community Center (other classes are offered through various studio locations in the North Shore area). See listed website's "schedule" area for a full detailed listing. Acroyoga combines some aspects of acrobatics with yoga, as well as Thai massage. It sounds a lot scarier than it actually is! If I can do it, just about anyone can! Wendy has a Vinyasa yoga background and that comes through in the practice as well. Class feels more like play time, and you'll wonder where the 90 minutes went. Class starts off with some asanas to warm the body up, and then progresses into partner yoga to do the acroyoga poses. Don't worry if you aren't bringing your own partner; we pair up in class with whoever is there. Many of the poses are very therapeutic and relaxing. How far you want to progress and daring you want to be is entirely up to you! I started off at a different area studio where Wendy used to be, and followed her to this location where she has since decided to focus on Acroyoga. Wendy is a lovely, supportive and communicative instructor. I've never felt like she wasn't approachable. She always advises how to adjust poses based on differing ability levels, so don't feel like you can't attend if you're not Gumby-flexible! Based on her personality, I think she's attracted similar type people to attend class. Every one is laid back and ready to have a good time and try new poses. Suggested donation for the class is $10 - where else can you find a price that good around here? As far as I know, Wendy is one of the very few acroyoga instructors in this area. It's still a discipline that's gaining a foothold. Why not give it a try?

I have been coming here since May 2018. It is my favorite yoga spot! The quality and kindness of…read morethe teachers is what really makes Blue Sun Yoga stand out compared to other yoga studios in the area. In the beginning of class, the teachers always ask if you have any preferences or areas of concern that you'd like to work on, and they happily make modifications or give you tips throughout the practice. The teachers are so generous in giving adjustments. My favorite is adjustments during savasana (final resting pose) when the teachers incorporate essential oils - it is SO calming! Yoga is an important part of my self-care routine, and Blue Sun Yoga is a space that allows me to feel comfortable, calm, and centered. The teachers are great in teaching and encouraging mindfulness and gratitude. I have learned so much from their teachers and I have been able to enhance my yoga practice at home. Although I have been practicing yoga for years, I hadn't known of yin yoga and acroyoga until Blue Sun. In my opinion, an yoga center should feel like a warm, welcoming place. Blue Sun Yoga achieves this through an entire wall of available props that are *free* for yogis to use, unlike other studios that require $1 to use a mat. They also have mat cleaner and cloths to wipe your mat down. In addition, they offer bolsters, blankets, straps, and cushions. There is even more advanced props (a dharmawheel) for you to try. A major plus is that the classes are affordable AND Blue Sun Yoga regularly hosts donation classes and gives back to the community. Once again, yoga should be about community, and that is what Blue Sun is all about that.

Great studio and yoga in charming downtown Lake Forest! I would highly recommend this studio…read morehaving done yoga for over 20 years all over the country.

The BEST YOGA , instructors and community for 15 years! Come join this amazing community, no…read morematter what time of day, every class is special Namaste

I have been coming to Blue Sky Yoga for kickboxing and yoga since April of this year and I…read moreabsolutely LOVE it here. All of the instructors bring unique teaching techniques to each class, keeping the classes engaging. Angie, the owner, is so high energy and brings so many positive vibes to each class - think Poppy from Trolls - I highly recommend taking her Monday morning class! The best part about Blue Sky is that everyone becomes a part of your extended family in such a short period of time. I love being a member here!! The only downfall is that there is only air conditioning in the yoga room, so I often found myself skipping kickboxing classes when the temperature crept towards the 80's and 90's, because I have no wish to faint during an exercise class. Other than that, you're truly missing out if you haven't scoped out this studio yet - AND THE FIRST CLASS IS FREE!!

This is the only studio in town that offers a free weekly community class. If that isn't enough to…read moreraise your curiosity, you haven't looked up the cost and schedules of other studios nearby. THIS IS THE ONLY STUDIO THAT OFFERS A FREE WEEKLY COMMUNITY CLASS. Blue Sky is worth checking out. It's a small studio storefront on Cook, near the shuttered Runners Edge store. You can park in the back or on the street. Your first class is always free. I tried a yoga class and then took advantage of the October special - $25 for a week of unlimited classes. I tried kickboxing, hot yoga, warm yoga, and I brought my husband and daughter in for a trial class as well. Bottled water and snacks are offered for a voluntary donation. Free small towels, use of mats & props, and free hot tea as you leave. Lexi Wynn yoga bags, yoga accessories and jewelry by local artists are also for sale. I've been in a rut at my gym so I checked out Blue Sky to see if mixing things up might get me motivated again. I tried & loved the kickboxing class because you are actually kicking and punching a bag. There is nothing as satisfying as finally getting to your workout and finding that your jab/uppercut has some oomph to it! Angie, the owner, teaches both kickboxing and yoga, and I've appreciated the sense of community she is trying to build both by being a resident of L'ville and business owner but also in taking the time to get to know her clients (by name) and connecting clients to the community. This month she was taking donations of gently used and new bras to donate to The Haven. Next month will be donations of non-perishable food items for the food banks (and free Friday Happy Hour yoga with a food donation!). She also offers some fusion classes, and family classes that would be great for parents with younger children. Prices are very competitive. And, a little secret. You can share a multi-class pass with family members! I actually had no intention of sharing my pass with my daughter and husband, but what a deal! My only fear? Blue Sky classes will get so full I will need to get to class early to save a spot! No worries. Just tell Angie that Kathy sent you. And save me a spot if you go!

I had been wanting to try a Barre class for some time, but due to being extremely intimidated by…read morethe stock photos of the extremely fit women in generic Barre classes, I always found an excuse not to go. After staring at my veggie food baby that had been growing over the winter, I finally decided that it was time to take a chance and face my fears. I scoped out Yelp and came across Orinoco. They have the best introductory prices in the area (first class) and I could actually afford their single class fees ($16/class) and multiple class packages without having to sell a kidney ($78/6 Barre classes). They have a variety of classes from yoga and mat Pilates, to Tai Chi, to my new favorite, barre. I also love that the class times actually work with my schedule, as most gyms only seem to have schedules that fit a stay-at-home mom's (or dad's) or student's daily schedule. I dragged one of my friends to my first 10:05 Saturday morning Barre class (because who wants to be scared and tortured alone?!) Ana, the owner, greeted us as soon as we entered the doors and was very friendly and personable (she even remembered me the next Saturday when I brought my sister in with me). She went through their schedule, pricing, and special events that were coming up, but didn't pressure either of us to signup for anything which is UNHEARD of anymore. Maria is an amazing instructor and teaches the Saturday morning classes I have been attending. She truly pushes you to do your best, but makes sure you do not over-exert yourself at the same time. She's constantly adjusting posture and techniques of each individual student so that you truly get the most out of your workout. And let me add that this is probably one of the cleanest gyms/studios I have been to in the surrounding area! Love it! I'm so glad that I found this place and cannot wait to start adding more classes to my workout schedule! I highly recommend Orinoco for anyone who is looking for a new gym that features group classes.

I was looking for a non intimidating place to workout and have fun at the same time. I love to…read moredance so I decided to try Zumba classes at Orinoco. Best decision ever! Also, there are no hidden fees and gimmicks like other fitness facilities. Love this place! I started going for Zumba but have added Barre to my workouts. The place is welcoming, the instructors are very friendly and helpful! Definitely 5+++ stars.

Great studio with a nice variety of teachers/classes. There is something for everyone, from new…read moreyogis, to yogis with more experience.

Great yoga classes for all level flows. Love that it provides Vinyasa Yoga, Hot/Warm Yoga,…read moreKundalini Yoga, Ashthanga Yoga, Sound healing, reiki and more in their nice studio downstairs (main) and upstairs. Owner and founder is amazing, humble, and always give back to her students and the society more than we expect. Teachers have different styles as in all yoga studios but they are committed and genuine. Prices are very agreeable in my opinion, and parking is easy. I love the kindness, gentleness and the goodness of the people there. I enjoy my classes and I feel there is a place for me to practice, to meet myself on the mat.

I recently completed Yoga Teacher Training with TBY Yoga and The Yoga Effect (Grayslake, IL). The…read moreexperience far exceeded my expectations. In October I enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program which was sponsored by TBY Yoga and The Yoga Effect. Julia Jonson, Andrew Gurvey, Sally Gill and Anna Ottolino are authentic and have a deep understanding of this ancient practice. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have gained from Julia and Sally's teaching. Their techniques capture the yoga philosophy and presence of movement that calms my mind and I appreciate the positive atmosphere they create. I know as I continue on this path my yoga teaching will keep strengthening my mind, body and self awareness. Having practiced in both studios, I can say with confidence that they each have a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that is adaptable to all levels. The instructors are excellent and they make you feel like you are the most important student in class. Their clients' wellbeing is at the center of everything they do. After completion of the program, I feel fully prepared to teach effective and meaningful yoga classes.

Love this studio! High quality instruction, welcoming and great ambiance. Julia is an exceptional…read moreteacher and she has hired a team of great teachers! They also have a wonderful Yoga Teacher Training. Highly recommended!

This is a great studio in Lake Forest! The teachers are great and very help! Highly recommend!read more

absolutely love Club Pilates. Whenever I am having a bad day, walking into class always lifts my…read moremood and helps me reset. The instructors are encouraging, the environment is positive, and I always leave feeling stronger and better than when I came in. I love the 2.0 classes because they challenge me, keep things interesting, and push me to learn new skills. Club Pilates has truly become something I look forward to each week!

I've been away from Yelp for a few years since moving from the city, but realize that the suburbs…read moreneed reviews too! Initially I wanted to review the new Vernon Hills location, but as their Yelp site is not yet active, I'll start here. I've been to both barre and cycle classes at the Lake Forest location intermittently for about 2.5 years. Rebecca, the owner, and all the teachers and staff are incredibly welcoming and warm. I've found the other women taking classes to also be friendly -- TDM definitely creates community. I always have a great, albeit intense workout when attending classes. Each of the barre classes is different - music, routine, etc. However, you can expect four sets of abdominals, some planking, seat work, thighs, and arms/back in every class. My muscles work so hard that I end up shaking! Cycle classes are also unique - each instructor plans their ride and music for the class. The studio is professional, the changing room always very clean, and its easy to park (street parking) as well. The studio is very safe, so nothing to worry about when going early or leaving late! I recommend trying TDM!

The Dailey Method Lake Forest is fantastic! Instruction is top notch! The studio is spacious and…read morelocker room is spa-like. This location has the best retail of any TDM studio I've been in! I had to run out of class but next time I will definitely pick a few things up. Tina, the owner, was an instructor at the Bucktown location in the city. Before we get to the the actual instruction, please know that she has the *best* playlists. Okay, okay... Tina has the best cadence as an instructor. I love her classes. TDM is a full body workout. Although the class is basically - warm up/arms/thighs/seatwork/abdominals/cooldown - full body training is sprinkled throughout the entire class. Each area is strengthened and lengthened. I was a longtime runner with knee issues. I had been to physical therapy to alleviate my knee issues but I never achieved the recovery that I needed to be successful until I started TDM. It is truly a challenging and rehabilitative workout. I have never seen results with any workout - yoga, pilates, running, strength training, etc - like I have with TDM. Such tiny movements - such big results. As a former dancer, the movement appeal to my dancer-nature. Flexibility and strength is the main focus, but your heart rate will be high (especially in Tina's classes). There is a focus on the breath as well and the studio strives to be a truly positive environment. I don't respond to people who tear me down - TDM builds you up.

Phenomenal owner/instructor along with all instructors. Very personalized and attentive!read more

Over 60. Used to cardio workout and weights. Did not know pilates or yoga. A beginner…read more Receiving very thorough instruction and encouragement. Skeptical at first about the kind of workout but convinced it is a extremely beneficial and a enhancement to any routine. Beautiful studio. FG

I had the opportunity to take two free classes at the Barre Code. I enjoyed the friendly nature of…read morethe staff and the studio was nice. I felt that the classes were a great workout to, but I didn't like the setup of the room -- due to the direction the windows face, they get blazing sunlight. As a result, the window shades were closed -- I like natural light. To compound matters, both classes I attended were done in the the dark with a blue/black light type atmosphere that just didn't do it for me. Because the studio is in an office building, the bathrooms are outside the studio and managed by the building -- they didn't have soap the time I used them... I really did like the workout, just didn't love the vibe from the setup and the class scheduled didn't meet my current schedule. I do, however, encourage you to go to the studio and give it a try -- you will get a GREAT WORKOUT!

Barre: It was great! In my class, we used a 5-lb kettlebell and a mini-band. It was a unique…read moreworkout, mostly little movements for toning. I love that they are rolling out with a pregnancy series! Brawl (kickboxing): There were too many steps for me. It's not like I could move at a slower pace because the entire class will move one step to the right or left and roundhouse kick. lol. If you have a pre-existing love for classic boxing, this cardio class with inspired moves might be infuriating. I find this similar to commercial yoga sculpt classes which are cardio with yoga-inspired moves. Total body conditioning: high intensity interval cardio. We also used a body bar and a puffed out plastic disc, which were new to me.