Bikram Yoga College of India Chicago
2736-A N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 348-9642
- Good for Kids: No
21 Reviews for Bikram Yoga College of India Chicago
F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. Went for the first time this morning and it is just incredible. Facilities are good, studio is large and not crowded when I was there. Meghan was a great instructor and was very descriptive in explaining the positions due to this being my first time. Once into it, you really are not cognizant of the fact that it's over 100 degrees in there. Very invigorating and lovely way to begin the weekend.
Walk up a narrow flight of stairs, open the door, catch of whiff of that "interesting" stench, pay your $15 at the counter (I'm a pay-as-you-go-er), enter locker room, find an empty cubbie, change into as little clothing without crossing the skank line, grab your mat, fill your water bottle, and enter... a ridiculously HOT room.
The room is seriously hot, and if you're a newbie, the heat alone will make you nauseous. Not to worry, since all the poses start off as a basic and you decide when to try the more advanced ones. The instructors are helpful, but not to the point where they're critiquing your every joint. Besides the heat, it's a pretty comfortable environment.
Bring your own mat. Drink lots of water (bring 2 water bottles). Bring a towel or two (they have them for purchase for $1).
Parking in the area can be a pain, so plan to get there ahead of time. It's also nice to stake out your area on the floor and loosen your muscles before the room starts filling up.
So, go... sweat, strike a pose, chug that h2o, and relax.. your body will thank you that you went.
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So, I have no idea what the hell Bikram Yoga is. My roommate got me into this when she returned, claiming she felt so "clean". Skeptical, I decided to try it out for myself. When you're sweating in a 104 degree room while stretching in various poses...how can you feel "clean"? I took advantage of the first timer's $29/month deal.
My first session was at 6 AM. I was groggy, grouchy, and ready to fall back to sleep. Rousing myself up, I walked over to the yoga studio. There was surprisingly 8 other people there with me. And the instructor was very, very understanding of the fact that it was my first time. I felt comforted by the fact that despite being unable to do a lot of the poses and taking multiple rests because I was ready to pass out, she just continued to encourage me. By the end of the session, I was drenched in my own sweat (ew), but feeling considerably lighter.
After taking a shower and catching a quick power nap, I woke up feeling...clean. Yes. Clean. Sweating out toxins and stretching my body did wonders. So being the masochist that I am, I returned. And lo and behold, I kept feeling rejuvenated and cleaner. It's a great way to start off the day. Each session is expensive ($15), but doing it twice a week, I really feel the benefits of the session.
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I LOVE THIS PLACE! so why only 4 stars? I cant go as much as I would like.
There is not a class from 9:30 AM till 4:30 PM ;-( I work in the service industry and it is very hard for me to make the 9:30 am class and the 4:30 PM Im at work!
However, I do love this place and the way I feel when I am able to go!
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Every blast of heat, every moment of panic when you're sure you're going to pass out, every instructor you want to kill because they're pushing you too hard...it's all worth it.
If you want to see for yourself, Bikram Yoga College of India Chicago on Clark is a great place to endure/fall in love with Bikram yoga.
I did a 30-day Bikram challenge while I was working in New York City for a month. My Manhattan-dwelling sister and I decided to do Bikram every day for 30 days. We went every blessed day to a tiny, very, er, *pungent* studio on the Lower East Side. It was a great place, but I'm telling you -- yogis at BYCIC have it *good.*
The wood floor means no smell. Other Bikram studios, like the one where I started practicing, have carpet. The whole place (until you get used to it and even after that, really) smells like musty old groin sweat because that's what's the floor gets soaked in, day in and day out.
BYCIC is sparkly clean, the towels are a buck, the staff is great, and the teachers are fabulous. They've all got slightly different styles and I learn something new from each teacher every time I take a class.
I'm not afraid to be a Bikram convert. His yoga series has changed my body -- I can't even list all the ways. My fiance is a devoted practitioner now, too. His back was badly damaged playing football in college. Bikram is fixing his back. It's incredible -- we're sort of in awe. I have more energy, I'm stronger, I look hot, I have more confidence.
And anyone who hates on Bikram is a second-hander.
Newcomers, timid folks -- don't be scared. Do it. You'll amaze yourself and the BYCIC people will help you reach goals. It's a wonderful studio that holds so much opportunity for the people out there who want to reach a little higher.
Bikram, Bikram, Rah, Rah, Rah!
BYCIC on Clark St. has gotten me on the yoga bandwagon. I started going about a year ago and this is one of the best studios I've ever found. The space is large and bright. The floor is a hard rubber gym floor, not carpet, which keeps it clean and stink-less. The locker rooms are large and the showers are hair clump free. The instructors have a wonderful range of styles from super encouraging to militant yoga. But all are really good about helping you get into the poses properly and making you feel safe starting something new.
But the real reason I keep coming, despite the packed classes, is the general feel that this yoga studio is not out to milk you for all your worth. Towel or mats for rent for only $1. A little dish of hair ties for free on the counter in case yours breaks right before class. Free tampons in the women's locker room in case you're in need. A hairdryer and shampoo and soap in the showers. Yoga isn't cheap, but BYCIC doesn't nickle and dime you into oblivion.
Tip: the early morning and late evening classes are generally less full than the late afternoon early evening classes.
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I've been to Bikram yoga classes at other studios before, but there was no way I could pass up one month unlimited for $29 - and only a block from my house! Too good to be true!
But this place was really hit or miss for me.
The first class was great - or rather, my instructor was great. Younger guy, really encouraging and calming. However the next time was rather disturbing. The instructor was a younger gal, and she seemed to have a personal vendetta against all those not at her level. She actually called my roommate out at one point for grabbing her towel and wiping sweat off her face during a pose, and called another man out for looking at his watch during another (she actually said, "You can look at that all you want, I've still got you for 40 more minutes,") I mean, at this point, I was scared to be singled out, and the relaxation gained by the intense stretching was completely lost.
I felt like she could have been more understanding, everyone is here because they want to be here, but that doesn't mean we aren't human!
Cute studio and aside from above instructor, a very friendly staff. But living in fear of an angry yoga instructor? No thanks. There's plenty of other studios to try.
(You can bring your own towel, or rent them here. Same for yoga mats, and they have a cleaning table to wipe them down when you're done. Showers are nice, changing room great. $29 for a month for new clients is hard to beat. It's worth a try! Maybe your experience will be better than mine!)
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My opinion:
Bikram Choudhury is kind of selfish and controlling. However, he put together quite the series of stretches. At the same time, his charismatic leader vibe is annoying and sorta scary. On the other hand, there are some fabulous instructors at this studio. But darnit, its not very spiritual. Except maybe if one continues to practice....also, who is Bikram to dictate spirituality to you, the individual, anyway, doesn't that come from within? Its kinda funny because its the one thing he's not being a control freak about, the spirituality part.
5 stars because it feels good, the instructors are wonderful, and I couldn't survive Chicago winters without it. Not because I am now enlightened.
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I started Bikram last night. I was really nervous, especially when I saw people coming out of the previous class in tiny outfits, drenched in sweat. A lot of the girls were really toned and skinny. It was intimidating but I also figured, if Bikram will make me look like that, I'm in!
My husband and I signed up for the $29 unlimited into month. The woman at the front desk was super nice and said that the first week we should just try to learn the poses and get used to the heat. If we ever felt hot or dizzy we should take a break and don't stress, "its just yoga".
Our class had about 25 people in it, maybe 5 guys and the rest girls. The girls were all shapes and sizes and I noticed some of the bigger girls were doing better than the smaller girls.
Some of the poses were more difficult than others. I could at least try all of them, but I couldn't get quite as much stretch as most people in the class. I can see how it would be kind of addicting to keep coming and seeing how much better I can do each week.
The 90 minutes actually went by really quick. It was almost surreal. By the time I didn't think I could do anymore standing postures, it was time to do the ones lying down. When I got tired of that, it was time to cool down.
The instructor, Connie, was great. She knew alot of people's names, was very encouraging, and helped me out a few times when I had no clue what to do. At the end of the class, she told Dan and I that we did a great job just for making it all the way through our first class.
I did sweat A TON. I wore cotton workout sweats and a tank top and I was drenched with sweat. I had brought one giant bottle of water and drank about half of it. I also brought one towel to lay on my mat, and it was soaked. Next time I'll bring another just for mopping up my body.
They do rent towels and mats for $1 each, sell mats for about $20, and you can store your mat there for $5 a month.
I plan to go at least 4 times this week, 5 next week, and 6 for the remaining 2 weeks of my package. If I look evern 1/10th as good as those girls I saw coming out of the 4:30 class, I'll be very happy.
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Really nice studio for Bikram yoga--bless the heavens for wood floors (sweat and carpet--eww!).
Instructors are generally quite good. Clients can be a little overly Lincoln Park-ish.
So far the best Bikram classes I've found in Chicago. (And Bikram is so great!)
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I'm in my second week here and I'm obsessed. The class itself is very challenging. I've felt like I was going to pass out on a couple occasions, but it has taught me to listen to what my body is telling me. The instructors are great! They don't push you and they encourage you to take a break if you're not feeling comfortable with something. I'm going to need to get a second job to pay for this once my current package is up, but it's worth it. Be sure to dress very light and bring a towel or two!
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I have a friend in DC who loves bikram yoga - we have similar childhood athletic experiences, were both serious ballet dancers, so she said I should give it a try. She said it had helped her gain back some of her flexibility and also helped work out some hip problems. So, I decided to give it a go.
I have practiced other yoga disciplines, and I was forewarned that it would be hot, but holy crap! It was hot! I was a little disappointed in myself because I got really dizzy and had to leave the room for about 5 minutes, but I went back in and was fine for the rest of the class. The teacher was amazing and very understanding - they definitely encourage you to listen to your body and work at your own pace.
I purchased the $29 unlimited and have already signed up for 3 more classes this week. It's totally worth it.
I was pleasantly surprised at the nice mix of gender in this yoga class - almost all yoga classes I have attended have been primarily female - guys, don't be afraid!
Go to the website and read the info on how to prepare for class before going and listen to what they say - www.105f.com
Hopefully next time, I'll make it through the whole class!
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I've been practicing since early June 2006. Before this I was a yoga virgin. As I type this, I'm in the middle of the yoga challenge (30 classes in 35 days) and it is absolutly amazing.
The instructors are kind, encouraging and always happy to answer questions. The facilities are top notch and clean.
If you are considering bikram or yoga, try it here. Hydrate ahead of time, give it your all and let go.
For my birthday I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone. By doing that, I went to try the 105 degree yoga class. I've passed by the place a gazillion times, and yesterday took advantage of the $29 first month of unlimited classes. Let me tell you, it was AMAZING. I felt every toxin come out of my body. I didn't know my body could sweat that much in a 90 minute period. The instructor lead the group through breathing exercises and 26 poses. It was tough, but super rewarding. It was an effective way to really relieve some stress and anxiety. The instructor was super friendly, and had an kept an eye out to make sure I was alive. She complimented I think everyone at least once, using first names! I was impressed. I think this place is gonna become addicting..
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I am not the picture of yoga.. football watching, wing eating, beer guzzler. Yet I am addicted to this place. I went along with my girlfriend and it kicked my ass. But afterwards your body feels so good. This place is perfect to accompany your gym workout because it conditions and stretches your muscles. My workouts have improved more then I could have dreamed. I guess I am just a pioneer that's breaking the mold of the yoga stereotype. Before you mock me I dare you to try it.
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I absolutely enjoy & have been reaping the benefits of doing Bikram Yoga for 3 months now. No matter what shape you're in or how you might've let yourself go (as I certainly did before starting) you honestly won't appreciate this yoga until you actually take a class. I concur w/most of what everyone wrote re: the experience...
So I'll focus on the benefits: (1) you'll sleep better than you ever have; (2) you'll lose weight & trim up b/c of the yoga practice & b/c of how it decreases your desire for junk; (3) with every class you'll feel as though you're improving even if it's marginal--some days you'll do better than others but it's how you feel that'll truly get you hooked; (4) your skin, hair & overall appearance will be more radiant & you'll ncrease your lung capacity. Y'all, I'm trying to tell you! I received so many compliments from co-workers when I first started & I didn't even tell them what I was doing. ANYONE can try it & at $29 for an unlimited month it's worth a try The more you do it the more you prefer it as your major workout too.
Lastly, the instructors are great but you'll start to appreciate one person's style over another. Lots of classes offered throughout the day & you can go b/t the Lincoln Park & Wicker Park locations. Visit www.105f.com to check it out.
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5 stars for Bikram yoga itself and the instructors here. It's an amazing workout. I've noticed such a difference in my running in regards to lung capacity and endurance. As far as the classes go. The night classes are miserable. They've become so full with new people that pile up in the back rows you cant move to do your poses right. I think they need to have a Bikram Etiquette briefing before anyone does this class for the first time. Everyone (first timers) seems to come with their BFF and want to chit chat the whole time about like "omg its so hot in here" no. really?!!
Saturday mornings are the best (when I'm feeling motivated to start my weekend at 7am)
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I havent been to many yoga places so i may not have enough perspective to give this place a 5 but i have gone many times and found it to be a nice place. Clean, good instructors and although a bit expensive they arent trying to rip you off. $1 mat and towel rentals (we all know they COULD charge more)
Above all i love the fact that they give a 20% discount to students and provide bulk buying rates for people like me who know they are going to go a lot.
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OK, so I wasn't prepared when I went there - remember, you are doing yoga in 105 degrees, people! But once I rolled up my pants (and my sports bra, if I'm being honest) and downed some ice cold water, this yoga class was amazing. The hour and a half flew by, and I swear that the teacher knew what was going on in my mind. My heart is pounding - I'm dizzy - should I sit? And she would say, "Now, you will feel your heart pound - you may be a little dizzy, that is just your body opening up the digestive tract.." Who knew? It was great, I'll be back, and I highly recommend it!
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My home away from home . . . seriously though, if you have never tried Bikram yoga you really should. I have been practicing for about a year and 3 months and this has changed my life. Physically I am stronger, leaner, and more flexible than I have ever been. Mentally I am more calm and higher self-esteem. I swear this is what kept me sane throughout my wedding planning process! It's the toughest and most rewarding activity I have ever participated in. It's not for everyone, but if it IS for you, you will fall in love & become addicted to the benefits.
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I used to practice Bikram in Florida and was excited to resume studying when I moved to Chicago. However I was disappointed by this studio. I think my disappointment is from my expectations. My old studio was very intimate, with classes never much bigger than 12 students. The class that I went to was extremely crowded. The other part of my disappointment was in the instructor. Now with all the positions being the same no matter where you practice Bikram, I figured it shouldn't matter who the instructor is. But I was used to instructors who were very calming. The instructor I had was more like am aerobics instructor than a yoga instructor. She was not calming one bit and I found her annoying. But in all fairness, it looked to be a nice studio for the right student. It just was not for me.
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