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 the only place for hot yoga in the area. It's always very crowded so you are basically…read moredoing yoga on top of your neighbor. There are lots of men that come here so if you are next to one, prepare to get his sweat on you. It's a decent place but most of the instructors play the most God awful music. I attend their power yoga classes and instead of upbeat music (POWER) I hear country music and folky type music. It's way too mellow (and downright annoying) to match the amount of exertion needed to complete the class. I'll keep going here though because there are no other true hot yoga studios for miles.

One of the best vinyasa practices and the only solid hot studio in Vernon hills. So sad they closed…read morethat location!

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 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.

This is a great studio with great teachers. Kris, the owner and a regular teacher, is so…read moreknowledgeable, and the studio is so calming. I love the variety of classes including hot yoga. This is real hot yoga with heat coming from panels in the ceiling. Also, there is no judgement here. If you need to take a minute and do something different than the rest of the class, the teachers make it so comfortable for you to do so.

Absolutely the best yoga studio in the area. The space is beautiful and calming.The teachers are…read morekind, professional, and fun. I feel so good and so lucky after every class. Definitely worth a little bit of a drive for me. Shout out to Kris & Tabitha!!! Thank you girls for being such amazing teachers! Can't wait to expand to more classes.

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 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.

Vidya is the best yoga instructor. The hour class goes very fast and no two routines are ever the…read moresame. I feel more flexible in just my first few weeks. She gives attention to every student. So glad I found her wonderful classes.

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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