A dear friend of mine became so much dearer after she got me to do a Saturday retreat at Yoga…read moreUnderground! It was WON-DER-FULLLLLL!!!! While I was drawn to Indian religions in hs and college (taking courses in it), I never made it around to yoga. I tried it once at a Club Med, long before it came into its current fad, and I really dug it then (out on the sand, under some palms). Then, tried it again a few years ago, but the approach of the studio where I tried it was all physical, with no explanation of the philosophy, nor psych/emotional work that traditionally accompanies it. Well, third time's a charm! My experience at Yoga Underground the other weekend got me enthused about doing more! Yoga Underground is located in the Chadds Ford Barn Shops. Danielle is the studio owner, who does some instruction, but Susan was our Yoga instructor for the rigorous morning session that day. I was mom-frazzled getting there at 8:30am on a Saturday, and forgot my mat. No problem, they have all kinds of accessories right there for anyone to use. Susan likes heated yoga, so the heat lamps were on. OMG, that makes it harder, IMO! I appreciated the challenge, and everyone was so nice, saying I did really well for my first time. Even the seasoned ladies there said it was a workout. My friend was balancing like a pro, could stick her leg straight up in the air like a ballerina. I was all over the place, BUT, I steadied myself after a struggle, and I could not believe what positions I was able to do. Maybe the heat helps? Or, they have mad positive vibes going on here! Maybe both! I recommend being somewhat in shape before attempting yoga if you want to get the most out of it. I have been jogging 4-6 miles as many times per week as my mom-schedule allows, for a few months now. I am okay with my fitness level, but I still don't have my pre-preg body back yet, so the more fit you can be, the better. But this studio is so welcoming to any level of experience, and instructors and classmates alike, took me under their wings. Such a good feeling! After our yoga workout, we did a written manifestation exercise, setting positive intentions for life improvement. The exercise was developed from books on Dharma, and was so well done! Perfect therapy! Our included lunch was al fresco, at the adjacent Chadds Cafe. It was a huge, delicious salad with spinach, squash, sweet potato, peppers, orzo, and other awesome stuff. Absolutely delicious. The chef, Pam, came out with a bowl of watermelon chunks and mint. Then, also zucchini muffins with lemon curd to douse all over them. Amazing food! After lunch we had a nature walk with a yogi named Mason, who knew all kinds of interesting horticultural and earth science stuff. Mason brought us a local Pawpaw fruit from the nearby farmer's market. He offered samples to everyone. It tastes like a cross of banana and mango. Mason's nature walk really helped me feel more settled and in tune with my surroundings. After that, we returned to the studio for Thai yoga. Thai yoga is a partnered massage exercise, which was the perfect cool down for the day. Danielle led us through this exercise, giving each partner 45 minutes as giver and taker of the massage. It was amazing to me how relaxed you can get on a yoga mat with all your workout gear and sneaks on, I was just as relaxed as I'd be on a table/derobed/oils, etc. As masseuse, I was so pleased that my partner said she had just as relaxing of a massage! Danielle led us through each motion, with excellent instruction, and we even walked on our partners using the hanging bars they have for aerial yoga. I learned such cool techniques and tricks! Worth so much right there! We also had a visit from a local woman who makes/sells holistic tinctures. I forget what mine was (my brain was in vacay mode by the end of this fabulous day), but it was powerful and I felt good afterward! To close the retreat, they had a little wine, cheese, and other hors d'oeuvres at a table just outside the studio. I am not a wine drinker but everyone else loved it. The hors d'oeuvres were great quality. It was the perfect close to the day! The whole day was $165, and it was money well spent. They offer the tools for you to make so much of your day, physically and emotionally, and you take away a great sense of balance and direction. LOL, I've kind of lost my "buzz" of those feelings, but I think that's why people go back for more! I'll be back! Yoga Underground offers Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Hatha yoga, as well as Aerial sessions (very cool)! They have regular classes, with package deals (monthly unlimited classes for $95!), also private sessions, and training programs if you want to learn to instruct. Join their email list, and you will get offers for very cool retreats, both local at the studio, and international week-long yoga getaways! Note: Sorry I have only a couple pictures. This was a totally unplugged day, in the best of ways!!!

Love everything about yoga underground! The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable about the many…read moreaspects of yoga. A wonderful place to practice.

My friend invited me to a hot yoga class on a Monday morning. The space is nice and clean. A shop…read morein the front, multiple showers, bathrooms and changing rooms. The studio is self is spacious. I enjoyed the class as it was just what I needed. The instructions were very clear and the flow was enjoyable. I felt amazing after. The chilled eucalyptus towels provided at the end were such a treat! Great way to end a session. Look forward to attending again when I'm in the area.

I love this place and the yoga is exceptional. The studio is beautiful and the instructors are…read moreamazing!

Brandywine Yoga in West Chester is amazing. The staff is so knowledgeable and I felt very…read morecomfortable even though I am new to yoga

If you want to soak up and share good energy, get to Brandywine Yoga!! Amazing teachers who are…read moreeducated in all areas, and a fabulous yoga community! Quiet, warm, clean and aesthetically pleasing environment to practice.

I cannot recommend Empowered Yoga more highly…read more I was totally new to yoga when I first walked through EY's doors. I was so nervous, out of shape, and positively convinced that I was going to make a fool out of myself that I almost turned around in the parking lot. But upon entering the classroom, it was immediately apparent that the EY methodology is based in safety, strength, and education. They've managed to find the perfect balance between body and mind that seems to be lacking in other yoga studios. Meaning: EY is not a fitness boot camp nor is there an overemphasis/push to subscribe to a common spirituality. You are given the freedom to pick and choose what you're comfortable with, which allows you to make your yoga practice about *you*. It's truly a beautiful thing. Just bring yourself and an open mind: the instructors will do the rest, guiding everyone gracefully from pose to pose, offering individual help and modifications as needed. Everyone at EY, including the members themselves, have been consistently kind, respectful, and welcoming. **I'd also like to point out that the Brand New Beginner's (BNB) course is PERFECT for people (like me) that find confidence in knowledge and appreciate the extra assurance. Ask questions, take things slow, and learn the "how & why" of yoga in a safe, positive environment. It was one of the most rewarding decisions I've ever made. The best part? You've got nowhere to go but up within EY. They give you plenty of opportunities for growth: from Vinyasa to Balanced Athlete classes to workshops on the weekends....I've no need to ever step foot in a gym again. How do people practice yoga anywhere else?

The instructors work great with newbies. Take the bnb class and be comfortable in this non judge…read moremental method of instruction. Seriously these guys can make you feel totally comfortable very quickly and enjoy this. Take the class with Dominick and Johnny.

Absolutely beautiful space. Flooring, lighting, sound and ambiance are all of high quality. Props…read moreare provided bolsters, block and blankets. Great class. Cold towels at the end.

I did a class for the first time tonight. What a wonderful place. This is what the yoga…read moreexperience should be. Lex and the other patrons were warm and welcoming. The class was hot Vinyasa. The studio is clean, peaceful, and pleasant. I loved the class, even though I'm an amateur. I highly recommend. Can't wait to go back.

The Yoga Barn is peaceful, inviting, and a simply wonderful experience all around. The setting is…read moretranquil and the people are happy. It makes a difference when you walk into a yoga class and you can feel the warmth of the room and positive energy around you. Anna Dorwart is a treasure. I am so thankful to practice at this studio and to be a part of the community. Yoga and meditation classes are all fantastic.

I've been here twice while visiting the area and really enjoyed both visits. Classes were $15 each,…read morewhich was a little steep for me, but they had membership packages available that offer a better deal if you can go multiple times a week. It seems like there are plenty of class times, and you can reserve your space online, so if I lived here year round I would strongly consider that option! Also - your first class is free! During my first class the instructor made me feel welcome and adjusted my posture when necessary. It was relaxing, and a good workout. I could feel it in my muscles the next day for sure. The instructor for my second class seemed like she was new to being an instructor, or maybe she was having an off day. Still a great time, it just wasn't as fluid as my first class. Anyway, both times I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and centered. Like I said, I'd go back if I lived here!

I have been practicing here for 13 years. I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in…read moretrying a yoga class and advanced practitioners. There is a class here for everyone. You will learn something from every teacher on schedule. It is a safe space with a beautiful supportive community. Don't miss out on this amazing place.

I just love the yoga tone classes and the barre classes. Leslie's guided meditation has really…read morehelped me through some extremely stressful times. I also love the way Leslie makes accommodations when I need them. I have been doing yoga for 28 years, and Leslie's classes are by far the absolute best!