Such a wonderful community and practice! I drive all the way from Oak Park to attend this Zen…read moreSangha. After zazen (sitting meditation) is a thoughtful class. Tricia Teater is a knowledgeable, welcoming teacher who constantly finds new ways to work with Buddhist teachings, using both ancient and contemporary readings. Her experience with bearing witness and chaplaincy, as well as a background in chanting practice contribute to the Sangha's practice. Everyone contributes to class and there's a strong sense of community. This Sangha and zen center make such a difference in my life. I'm new to posting on Yelp, so still sorting out some of the details about posting. Completely recommend this zen center.

Udumbara Zen Center is accessible and warm with solid Buddhist background, teachings and meditation…read moretraining. The space is handicapped people accessible and easy and there are a variety of set ups for sitting meditation. The activities and classes are fun and the people are lively and artistic and genuine. There is something here for everyone, whether you are being introduced to practice or want advanced study. I'm very thankful to have found this sangha.

Have been taking classes with Ramaa since 2014. She is an amazing teacher and storyteller and so…read morefull of wisdom. She has such warmth and a great sense of humor too. She is a true master who has been at this for many years and it shows! She is the real deal. You are going to love her!

Peace, self-awareness and renewed sense of self, all compliments of…read more Ramaa Krishnan of Full Bloomed Lotus Studio in Wilmette. Each class Ramaa teaches is filled with the positive and restorative energy that make her studio a haven. As a dedicated student of meditation, I have had the pleasure of participating in several classes at Full Bloomed Lotus over the past year. From Meditation 1 to Manifestation to Hindu scriptures, Ramaa shares humility, humor and warmth in her teaching. She welcomes each student as part of the community and encourages an atmosphere of both personal and spiritual growth. It is no exaggeration to state that my life is richer because of Ramaa's gifts.

A truly wonderful place, I got accupuncture here while going through chemo many years ago and it…read morewas a huge support for a difficult process. Very caring, soothing environment.

Total hidden gem. No, really, it's actually hidden. There is a door, I think it's red, across from…read moreBennison's Bakery and this is Heartwood (upstairs). I didn't know this place existed until this summer. The yoga classes are great! The owner is welcoming and kind. Grateful Yoga, Nick and Lela Beem, teach here. Their classes are excellent and refreshing. I have not explored all of the services they have to offer but I hope to in the coming year.

When work gives you a wellness reimbursement & you know you've been potate'n too long? It's time…read morefor yoga! Being a desk warrior isn't good & prior to that, I stood all day at a previous job. Any extreme will take its toll on you... & my daily aches & stiffness remind me of such. I've attended 3 classes so far, all virtually - which I appreciate so much given the winter weather & the pandemic. My absolute favorite class is Candlelight Yoga with Aasha. I find ending my stressful week with this class so necessary & I feel refreshed & relaxed after. I love that we're asked what parts of the body may need attention & we'll work through some poses to help... & they do! Despite being hyper mobile, I can still get a good stretch & be challenged. Class ends with meditation & before you know it, any drama & stress from the previous days are gone. If you're on the fence of starting a new healthy habit, give this place a try. Your mind & body will thank you for it!

I had the pleasure of finding this place -on Yelp, of course! I wanted something different for this…read morepast News Years Eve and they were holding a candlelight yoga class early in the evening. It was really cool! Not only did it give me much needed time to reflect and relax before the new year, but it was just such a pretty, quiet, positive and motivating experience. I really liked our instructor -she explained the poses very clearly so that even a novice, like me, could follow easily. I also liked that the studio was comfortably warm and there were all sorts of props to use to aid in the poses (which was a new experience for me). I also liked that she had some unique twists in the class -starting off with an inspirational quote, ending with a poem. It was very thoughtful and clearly planned out. Overall, great experience -I really liked this class and plan to check in when I'm in need of a little reflective centering.

I'm so thankful I found this place. I am a pretty high stressed type A person. I would say that I…read morehate calming down and I take offense when people tell me to "chill out" or "stop stressing out". Obviously things build up and I needed a way to release all my pent up stress, anxiety, nerves, emotions instead of channeling it back into activities. I found Body & Brain Yoga on Groupon (they currently have a 10 sessions for $39.00 special). Body & Brain is incredible because it focuses on the meridians and energies of the organs, using ancient Far Eastern concepts on energy. I did a private session today with owner, Julia Chung and I just signed up for more classes. Julia is a kindred spirit. She's highly educated (PH.D./engineer) and left her cushy corporate job to pursue her soul's passion. She's really funny, really smart and incredibly compassionate. She's also a Life Coach and is patient and an amazing listener. I'm so thankful to have met her! As for the class. The "wooden pillow" class was interesting. It's definitely different than anything I have taken before but it's a lot of meditation, breathing, and using a wooden "pillow" as a massage tool. It's kind of like "myofascial release" in personal training where you use a Styrofoam roller to target key muscles and your lower back/temples. Julia also uses aromatherapy in her classes and ends each class with a circle and healing tea. The entire session was perfect because my stress was gone and it was a different experience than traditional gym (running/lifting) as well as Hatha yoga. I definitely recommend that you try it because it's an experience that I can't describe. I look forward to trying the other different classes (they have tai-chi, dahn yoga, energy classes, etc) and learning about new ways to not only de-stress but also get in touch with my true self!

I attended a class and really enjoyed it. It was very relaxing but then all that went away when Ken…read morewas very insistent that I sign up for the very expensive membership that they do not post on their website. I insisted since it was my first time I wanted to just try some drop in classes to see what I like. The most I could probably do is once a week. The membership didn't seem to make sense for me. Ken held me up for about 20 minutes trying to push the membership. It was all very uncomfortable and disappointing to experience. I didn't want to be rude so it was really hard to get out of it specially because I was giving him a ride back from the park where the class took place to the business. Since then I've tried other places and they post their prices online. That's how it should be. I know it's a business but it was really disappointing.

UPDATE: I'm disappointed that a factual review of a policy…read moreresulted in a personal attack from the owner. My critique was simple: I didn't expect a small studio to require a 2 month minimum contract, which feels more aligned with a large corporate gym. I paid for my 1st month and attended 3 virtual classes, but realized it wasn't a a fit. While I didn't ask for a refund for time used, I hoped for flexibility regarding the 2nd month. To be told I am 'the reason running a small business is difficult' for sharing a warning I wish someone else had left to assist me in making a decision on joining, is unprofessional and confirms this isn't the right environment for me. ORIGINAL REVIEW: Warning: do not sign up for monthly. When you are ready to cancel, they will insist on taking an additional month of payment before considering yourself canceled. Additionally, I do not recommend selecting this studio if looking for virtual. In some of their classes the number of props required for max benefit is extensive (multiple blocks, etc.)

Really beautiful space, and the instructor Amy (?) Was great, but I only came as a guest with my…read moreSIL (I do not live in Chicago), and the studio is verrrrrrryyyyy aggressive with emails. It would be nice to come as a guest and not have to sign up for any communication.

The yoga practices at Urban Yoga are transformational, and the community is the most welcoming and…read moresupportive. Urban Yoga has been pivotal in my growth journey, and I am beyond grateful. This is WAY more than a yoga studio. It is truly a community of authentic, genuine friends who support each other in being themselves. Oh and the delicious plant-based food that always seems to be around ... :)

Great yoga studio! Friendly, clean, awesome teachers.read more

Shana Marie Stitzel is an extraordinary teacher with an expansive view of the role of yoga,…read morebreathing, and meditation in the daily practice of life. She quickly assesses the abilities and needs of each new student, then guides them on individualized paths of learning and self discovery. Her classes are always therapeutic--never about driving students to attain some arbitrary or out-of-reach goal. Perhaps even more amazing is that she accomplishes so much of this personalized instruction through the live Zoom classes she offers almost every day of the week. The classes are small-group, allowing for chats before and after the session. For students who are seeking even more customized lessons, Shana offers one-on-one sessions in person. She has helped me address numerous issues related to mobility, posture, and pain over the past few years. I can't recommend her highly enough.

While visiting from San Francisco, I was happy to take a yoga class, yet shockingly disheartened by…read moreShana's treatment of me. I've never been so horribly treated by any business owner. Ever. At yoga of all places?!? I arrived early to figure a log in issue, so I could sign up online. I had not been able to log into my account after attempting several times at home and also there. In front of the class she stated that there was something wrong with me, and not the computer. I'm tech savvy, it was the archaic website. Simply put -- I was there for yoga, not to be berated. Central Street Yoga is not a place to practice yoga if the owner does not care about exercising kindness to those who support her business, or anyone for that matter. This attitude exemplifies everything yoga is not. Unless she's in a good mood or likes you, her mission below is not in practice. Kindness wins every time. The world gets better when these small things are handled with grace, not hostility. Namaste. "Our mission is to provide an environment for you to explore inner peace, creative expression, and to cultivate a deeper sense of you through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness."

Kim Wade is insightful, compassionate, gifted and overall a wonderful human being. I have used her…read moreprivate coaching lessons, yoga classes, reiki and I am a member of her Inner Circle Women's group. She is a great teacher in all aspects of life. If I could, I would give her 10 stars instead of 5.

Kim is an outstanding teacher. I loved her classes in person - pre-COVID obviously - but her…read morerecorded/live classes are just as good. She has the great ability to speak to YOU across the electronic boundaries that we are dealing with during this time. Her classes meet you where you are, push you to your limits just enough, and are accessible for all. Highly recommended!!!