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Balanced Body Integrated Wellness
Categories: Health and Medical Chiropractors Health and Medical Acupuncture Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Chiropractors, Acupuncture, Yoga [Edit]
2569 W Fullerton Ave(between Rockwell St & Maplewood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60647
Neighborhood: Logan Square
(773) 252-9740
- Nearest Transit:
-
California-o'hare (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 8 am - 7 pm
Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat 8 am - 12 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
19 reviews for Balanced Body Integrated Wellness
19 reviews in English
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Review from Elizabeth F.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Hot, 95 degree yoga, I have found you!
A lovely space, Balanced Body Integrated Wellness offers a variety of services. I am personally visiting Balanced Body for their hot yoga courses.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find that there is a specific "shoe" area once you enter the foyer just inside the waiting room; perfect for wet, dripping Winter boots. All the floors are beautiful bamboo; sparkling clean & obviously attentively cared for.
There is a space to hang your jacket right near the shoe racks; but they clearly recommend you take any valuables (cell phone, wallet, keys, etc...) with you into your class. Inside your classroom there is a private area at the rear of the room with primary-school-style "cubbie-holes" for you to store your personal valuables. This area is also closed off with a thick curtain so that the heat & humidity of your class does not disturb your belongings (humidity + cell phones = disaster!)
Now on to the meat of this:
The classes are amazing. The instructors are gentle & understand that there are class participants who have varying levels of yoga experience. They offer alternatives to difficult positions; they also offer alternatives to make you work harder if you feel the positions are "too easy."
Expect to work up a serious, stress-relieving sweat during this hour-long class. Deep breathing is a must, plentiful H20 is a must-must, & bring a small towel. You will want it!
During cool-down, the instructor will visit with every student & offer an adjustment. You do not need to accept it & they will pass you by if you indicate you would "rather not."
While Balanced Body does offer yoga mat rental & bottled water for sale, they do recommend that you bring your own as these rentals are on a first-come, first serve basis.
It is incredibly easy to manage your classes online; as Balanced Body requires that you register for classes in advance & also cancel your class in advance if you cannot make it. Your account online with Balanced Body is so easy to navigate & it creates a very nice calendar of your up-coming classes for you.
I am extremely pleased I chose to practice hot yoga at Balanced Body Integrated Wellness (& I am interested in their other services!) Balanced Body has a private lot for parking during class, & they are also very close to the California - Blue Line L stop.
Side note: Very surprised to discover that Balanced Body is owned by the same person who owns the FABULOUS sushi joint, Wasabi! Balanced Body has the same look, feel & general relaxed decor of Wasabi. I am now tempted to stop at Wasabi for a light dinner pre-class. :) -
Review from Julia B.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is in regards to the Massage ONLY.
Quite possibly the worst massage experience ever, I could have gotten a better massage from my massage pillow at home. I was incredibly disappointed with the service here, especially since it was a Groupon. I didn't mind the 5 pages of paperwork at the beginning because it showed that the business cares about the health of their clients, but then my masseuse, do not remember her name, barely looked at it. She led me into a nicely decorated dim room and asked me what kind of massage I was looking for and I explained that I wanted her to focus on my shoulders and neck and she seemed very open to listening. Then as I was changing I banged my elbow on a clear glass shelf that I did not see because the room was so dim. It was one of those incredibly painful elbow hits that still hurt one week later, but I was hoping my massage would take my mind off of it. But it did nothing of the sort! The masseuse just kept rubbing her hands up and down my back and that was basically all she did. I asked her to increase her pressure twice and she really didn't increase it significantly, not to the level of pressure I wanted. Which would have just been SOME pressure because I felt NONE most of the time. She never once focused on any of my knots or really my shoulders or neck at all, she just gently grazed over them. I was in agony the whole time, partly because of my elbow and partly because the massage was doing nothing for me. The only reason this is two instead of one star is because the inside was nicely decorated, free, though cramped parking, and it was clean. But I would not come back for a massage, unless their other masseuses are ten times better and they move the glass shelf!! -
Review from Joann H.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2012
Ok, I will be back to update this review depending on my actual experience in the joint. I purchased a Groupon for 10 classes for 20 bucks. AM I pissed? Well YEAH!! Its taken weeks to finally get into a class due to the maximum amount of people scheduled. There is barely a spot. So I have a class on a Friday night. Lets see how it turns out. If its worth the wait, Ill keep you posted. For now, the satisfaction of my darn groupon for this place is a 2 star. Thank God I didn't purchase a group series on my own if this type of reservation prevents me from getting into a class for weeks at a time.
Namaste! -
Review from Christy N.
Chicago, IL
4/21/2012
Don't get a massage here....
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Review from Gary R.
Chicago, IL
9/16/2011
Most of the reviews here are about the Yoga. Well, mine ain't. Mine is about Dr. Kim and his pyrotechnic chiropractic.
I went to BBIW last week after my lower spine all but disintegrated. I had a violent back sprain and spasms due a life of hard livin' and hard boozin.' (and picking up a 4 year old) I literally could not walk. My body was in total failure.
Dr. Kim quickly diagnosed me. He started bending me in strange ways, and I heard various crackling sounds. He then hooked me up to some kind of fancy taser machine. It basically electrocuted my spine back into working order. He had my life in his hands. He could have turned that thing up to 20,000 volts, but he didn't. He didn't electric chair me. This proved to me that he was trustworthy. In addition, he was thorough and showed me some stretches that would help my broke ass body.
So, this was my first time being Chiropractored. I am now a new man. I will go here whenever various body parts shatter under the weight of society and its necessary cheeseburgers. Dr Kim- fantastic. -
Review from Jack M.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2011
Not my favorite place for Hot Yoga.
I found the various teachers to be very inconsistent, and the "all levels" format to be quite frustrating. Some classes were too challenging, some were just glorified stretching. I thought Dede was a very good teacher, but the others were just not very good at all. As someone who is a new but serious student to Yoga, I need much more structure in my practice to make improvements. There are no mirrors in the studio and kind of surprisingly there are no showers. It's not very pleasant traveling home drenched in sweat. -
Review from Kaytee B.
Chicago, IL
11/13/2011
I purchased the $20 for 10 yoga classes deal from bloomspot, and was quite excited about the prospect of this place.
However, I was sorely disappointed.
One phrase: Glorified Stretching
My friends and I took a Yin Yoga class the first time we tried it out. We got to the studio about 15-20 minutes before the class started, so we could spend some time on our mat before class, stretching and centering ourselves.
However, as the other yoga students entered the room, the chatter in the room was quite loud. I approached it as an extra challenge for me. However, it is not good yoga etiquette to engage in chit chat before class when other people are trying to relax before class.
Yin yoga was exactly as it described- more stretching than most other yoga. I knew this. However, when I took the Hot Vinyasa flow class, I could not tell the difference; like the yin yoga, it was made up of 90% stretching and maybe 10% actual yoga practice.
Additionally, in the Hot Vinyasa flow class, the instructor did not posess a professional demeanor and announced that we would wait for two other students (who were already late). The late-comers arrived loudly, and the instructor did not show any disapproval of such behavior.
Also, the yoga instructor's voice was so loud in the hot vinyasa flow class, that it was distracting. When practicing yoga, it is important to feel as calm as possible.
The only reason I give it 2 stars is because I do believe the instructors do try their best; it's just that they aren't professional enough and should command the class more than they do. -
Review from Jenny B.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2012
I'm actually upset that even have to give this place one star. Zero would be much more fitting. I purchased a Groupon for Balanced Body with the intention of finding a good yoga studio in Chicago. Cannot even begin to express my disappointment. I am literally in SHOCK that anyone would give a rating over two stars.
The customer service here is absolutely horrendous from the front desk all the way to upper management. My brand new Patagonia coat was stolen from their "coat room" while I was in a 45 minute yoga class trying to relax after a long week. The area for coats and shoes is a VERY narrow hallway with a hanging bar and a couple of cubbies which only one person can squeeze into at a time. I hung my coat, went into the class, came out, and my coat was gone. There were only about 15 people in the class, so I figured someone probably took it on accident, and it would be fairly easy to contact all of the participants. The girls behind the desk basically stared at me with their hands in the air. It was 11 degrees outside, and my phone and CTA card were in the coat. They did not offer any assistance WHATSOEVER.
I left my contact information and heard NOTHING back from management. When I called again, the woman who answered the phone basically said "Sorry, nothing we can do." I asked if they would at least send out an email to all of the people who had been in the class, and she informed me that she would try but was "very busy". Two days later I received this mass email which was basically a joke. I asked multiple times for contact information for the manager/owner with no response.
Finally I got a response from the manager saying they had tried everything they could to retrieve the coat. Did not offer reimbursement for my $400 coat. Did not offer reimbursement for my 10 classes which I CERTAINLY will not be utilizing. NOTHING. I was appalled by the was I was dismissed by Balanced Body's staff and management. I filed a complaint to Better Business Bureau, and informed them that I had done so. Of course no response. Clearly one of their customers or workers is stealing from their patrons, and they don't even care to be proactive about the situation.
That being said, the studio is in a strip center in a horrible location. Both classes that I attended started 15 minutes late. The instructors seemed to be making up poses as they went along. And there was a LOUD buzzing noise throughout the entire class.
If you love unprofessional, rude customer service from 18 year olds, having your belongings stolen from you, and fake imitation "yoga" classes, then you'll LOVE Balanced Body! Do yourself a favor and stay FAR from this "business". -
Review from Charity W.
Oak Park, IL
1/16/2012
I just brought the groupon and only have been once. So far, I've found that all the classes fill up incredibly fast online, and a few times I've signed up for a class and the website hasn't registered it. The one class I went to was supposed to be a meditative class and someone was vacuuming in the other room for the entire hour. How much must Someone vacuum?? I sure hope the other classes improve and Groupon doesn't kill it...
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Review from Julie S.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2012
I really enjoy the power yoga classes here. I feel fantastic afterwards. I also like the fact that there is a parking lot. I am looking forward to trying their other services like acupuncture, massage, etc.
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Review from Michelle O.
Chicago, IL
9/21/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I went to Balanced Body last night for my first hot vinyasa yoga experience. I didn't know what to expect, since my first few yoga experiences in the city were less than great. I'd attended a couple of prenatal yoga classes in Ravenswood in which the instructor and participants spent nearly half the class talking about breast feeding (ahem, it's a yoga class ladies, and some of us don't breastfeed); and another class in Wrigleyville located on Clark street beneath the El tracks (the experience was reminiscent of John Belushi's rented room in the Blues Brothers).
So, I was not expecting much from this studio crammed into a nondescript storefront on Fullerton next to a Dunkin' Donuts. Today, I'm happy to say I was wrong! As a new participant, I purchased a month's worth of classes for $25 and my first 60-minute class was everything the others were not: serious (in a good way); serene; and really instructional. Loved it.
Pros: The room is hot enough to make stretching easy (95 degrees); the instructor (Meghan) was very personable and reminded us repeatedly of how and when to breathe for each pose; she also suggested many alternate moves for those of us who were not as limber or strong as she; the music was great: Not the timeless, eastern, sitar-strumming stuff, nor the spacey new age music normally found in yoga studios. It was more in the realm of recent and recognizable: there was some Irish, some English and some indie stuff, very relaxing. And it was (thankfully) incense-free.
Cons: Not many. The studio is on the small side, but since there were only six students last night, this was not a problem. The receptionist will insist that you purchase a $2 bottle of water if you have not brought your own. But really, you WILL need that bottle of water, so if you don't want to spend $2, just bring your own water. There is only one changing room, which is the unisex bathroom. So if that grosses you out, change into your gear before you get there.
Overall, a great experience and I will be back. -
Review from Paige P.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
Not the best location but a nice studio.
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Review from Jennifer H.
Chicago, IL
6/30/2010
Balanced Body is a newer yoga studio in Logan Square offering hot vinyassa flow classes. Hot Vinyassa flow is my jam, so I was super excited to have a studio close to home to practice at.
The studio at BB is modest but comfortable and they have made many improvements to the space to try to enhance the experience since they first opened.
The class size and skill level at Balanced Body varies week to week and from class to class. They don't offer any skill specific classes, which can hinder those looking for a more intense consistent practice. David and Rachel are both very knowledgeable and supportive teachers and have helped me deepen my own practice with their subtle adjustments and verbal reminders.
Balanced Body also offers new members an unlimited monthly special for $25 which is awesome for those wanting to give it a try without a big $ commitment up front. The only draw backs to the studio are that the heat never seems to be consistent and I wish that they had some mirrors so that I could check my alignment.
If you are in the area and are looking for a place to practice this is a solid studio. They also have an awesome receptionist who is very helpful and friendly. -
Review from Derrick T.
Chicago, IL
8/20/2010
I recently started doing hot yoga to give my robotic joints a sense of flexibility and to help in martial arts. For the past month and a half I've been attending the bikram yoga classes here as it was recommended by a friend.
The instructors are very knowledgable and help you modify poses for each skill level. They also are very supportive, always explaining "leave ego at the door".
The classmates are all very cool also. Everyone is very respectful, friendly, and offering support as well.
Overall you can't go wrong with trying out the bikram yoga here! -
Review from J J.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
I bought a Living Social deal here for 10 yoga classes. I was able to get into one class (and I agree that it was more like glorified stretching and super boring), I thought I would try another class with another instructor but I can't actually get into any classes online. I've been trying to sign up for a class but they have been full for the last three weeks.
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Review from Jacquelyn A.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2010
I live right next to this place, and was drawn in by their advertised special: $25 for 30 days unlimited yoga. As if that wasn't good enough, they also offer free community classes on Friday evenings. The instructors are very friendly and make a point to introduce themselves to new faces and say hello to repeat students, and check to see if anyone is working with any limitations, etc. (Check out David's class, if you can.)
The music they play during class is not what I expected. I'm used to hearing Enigma, or that sort of thing, but it's actually kind of nice to hear songs I recognize and know while in the class.
Overall, I think this is a great little place: clean and welcoming atmosphere, friendly people and awesome workouts. I always leave feeling great. -
Review from Ashlei M.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2010
I'd done yoga before as a class in college and really developed an interest in it. However when I moved to Chicago I fell off the bandwagon for a bit, until my boyfriend suggest I try a class of bikram yoga at this location with him and a friend. I'd never experienced bikram yoga before, and woo! was it intense, but I've become totally hooked.
I really like this yoga studio in particular because everyone is so friendly, the instructors make a point to introduce themselves to anyone who is new, they are very knowledgeable and skilled, and take the time to help students at different skill levels. Also the music they play in class is pretty sweet, not your typical yoga class music ;)
The studio offers free community classes on Friday which is how I started attending and now that I've grown to like it so much I'm planning on taking more classes throughout the week.
If you've never done bikram yoga before and are looking to try it out or you have and want to get back into it again I would definitely recommend trying Balanced Body. -
Review from Allison D.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2010
I have been going to the yoga classes at this location for the last month or so and love it. It's great for a Bikram beginner because the class sizes are small enough where you can get a lot of individual attention if you want it.
However, all skill levels are welcome and the instructors are good about offering suggestions as to how you can decrease or increase the difficulty level throughout a class.
I've had 3 or 4 different instructors and although they each have their own style, they all give great instruction and are very friendly.
The rooms are a touch cooler than a traditional class (e.g. 95 degrees instead of 105), but I don't mind now that it is getting warm outside.
Prices are very good relative to other Bikram studios in the city. They also offer a one month discount for new students.
If you've every thought about trying Bikram, or are just looking for a quality studio in the Logan Square area, I recommend you check this place out! -
Review from Marybell P.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2010
I began going to Balanced Body in 2009 and I absolutely love this place! Dr. Kim and Christina are very friendly and welcoming... Rachel the yoga instructor is dedicated to teaching yoga and the class is small so there is one on one instruction for first time yoga students. She has really helped me in my yoga practice and I truely recommend this studio!
