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The Yoga Boutique
Categories: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Yoga Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Active Life Fitness & Instruction Pilates Yoga, Trainers, Pilates [Edit]
655 W Irving Park RdSte 102
(between Frontier Ave & Pine Grove Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 248-0685
- Nearest Transit:
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Sheridan (Red Line)
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
13 reviews for The Yoga Boutique
13 reviews in English
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Review from Nikki K.
Chicago, IL
2/26/2010
I heard about The Yoga Boutique through a deal they had on Groupon. Dana, the owner, was nice enough to extend the expiration my Groupon so I could use up all five classes!
The studio has a pretty casual environment and offers a lot for a somewhat small space. There are small lockers when you first walk in so you can safely leave your stuff there during class. They also have mats for everyone to use which is great because you don't have to lug around a yoga mat or anything to class. There's no charge to use their mat as far as I know. Most studios tack on $2 or $3 for that kind of thing. There's also a water fountain and cups.
The actual studio is pretty nice as well. I like that they have wood floors and you can see yourself in the main mirrors from anywhere in the room. The shape of the room is a little awkward, but they make it work. The studio is sort of small, but the class size has been small, so I've never felt crowded.
I've taken one pilates and a few core connection classes. The pilates class was a good workout. They have pilates rings and other props, so it keeps it interesting.
I LOVE the core connection class. It focuses on the core, but there's a short cardio warm-up for the legs, stretching, and a lot of arm work added in. I definitely feel like I'm getting a full body workout. Linnea, the teacher is really nice. Even though it's a pretty hard class, she offers alternate exercises and really pushes you to max out your strength. Every class has been slightly different. I appreciate when it's not the same cookie cutter workout every time. We did some exercises and combinations I had never done before too. I love learning new things I can take home or to the gym. (For in-between class of course)
I'd like to try the forest yoga class sometime too. The instructor talked to our Core class about it briefly, and it sounded interesting and non-threatening for people new to yoga. If I can ever get up early enough for bootcamp it looks like a good warm-weather option!
It's definitely worth checking out with the intro class offer. I get the impression you can love one class and another might only be OK, so try a few out. -
Review from Amanda G.
12/15/2011
I love to try incorporating some "oohhhhhhmmmm!!," in my life on a regular basis and went through a stage of trying various yoga studios to see what tickles my fancy the most.
Not my favorite by any means. The instructors are alright, but not very consistent. Also, they do not offer any alternative poses for students who my not be as limber or may have a physical restriction. Furthermore, I rarely experienced the "yoga high" after each class. Don't know why.
I have had better yoga adventures at other studios in the city. -
Review from Colleen C.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 1/5/2010 1 photo
Unfortunately, I must say...I'm not as impressed anymore. Sadly, the novelty of being close/convenient does not make up for scattered service and less-than-ideal studio conditions.
I bought the Groupon, and used it ONE TIME. So essentially I paid $30 for one lackluster yoga class. I just...didn't care to go back. Even if I had already paid. And...let's be real, I never let stuff like this go...I'm a deal-finder, deal-maker, deal-girl.
The one time I came...I walk in, and no one is around. The class time starts, and finally there is one other class member. Then an instructor rolls in about 5 minutes late. She doesn't really check me in, but I tell her I have a Groupon. She doesn't seem clear as to what I am talking about. Apparently the owner is out....so we just carry on with class. Ok, fair enough.
The class was OK, but choppy. Lots of chair posing. Not my thing. It was cold in the room, and dusty. Hardwood floors...have to dust/clean often. I kept getting grit into my hands every time I touched the floor.
Last straw: My mom came into town...and wanted to do yoga. Ok, great! I figured this was a good sign that I should give the Yoga Boutique a second chance, and maybe could use my remaining (and about to expire) Groupon classes for her and I, or just me, whatever. I wrote an email, and left a voicemail. No response. So, no thanks!
Probably won't go back. If you are looking for a smallish studio, personal attention, etc. This might be worth it...but, there are much better studios with better customer service.
Namaste.Listed in: Working Out., Alternative Health., X80, baby!, Buena Park gems., Yogilates? ;)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/8/2007 First to Review
I have been searching for a yoga studio that does not require me to get into my car and drive, or… Read more »
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Review from Kate P.
9/16/2009
My back is one hot mess. Stiff muscles. Lower back pain. It's amazing how hard a desk job can be on your body as a whole. So, when I saw the Groupon pop up for a 45 minute massage, I thought why not?
Well, I'm certainly glad I went for it. Tracie Sheppard is the massage therapist over at the lovely Yoga Boutique and she is wonderful. She made me feel comfortable and right at home with her hospitality. She explained that 45 minutes isn't long enough for a full body massage, but if I showed her the places that would require the most work, she would go to town on them for me. I pointed out my lower back, mouse arm, neck and the back of my head. Then once I was comfortable on the table with my sheets draped over me, she worked her Swedish magic on all my areas of pain and suffering.
At the end she mentioned how stiff I was and that if I did more core building exercises like light yoga, I might not be as in much pain. My health is something I don't like messing around with, so now I can't wait to go back, to try some of their core connection and Yin Yoga classes.
I only wish I had known about this place sooner, since it's within walking distance of my home. However, now that I do know about it, it's a place I'll be frequenting regularly. So expect a few updates in the future.Listed in: Groupon, I HEART You!
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Review from Mary T.
Updated - 11/22/2009
OK so I've used up all of my Groupon classes and have experienced some of the other class offerings so I thought it was time for an update.
Yoga Boutique comes really close to getting 5 stars in my book, especially since they spray down the mats after every class. I mean with cold and flu season and H1N1 going around, I'm a fan of spraying every surface available; especially one I'm rolling around and sweating on.
Since my Ashtanga instructor wasn't replaced, I decided to try out some other classes with the rest of my Groupon class package - Beginner Vinyasa (4 stars), Cardio Barre (3 stars - not enough barre and I didn't find the cardio super challenging*), and Core Connection (4.5 stars). All of the instructors were very nice and informative. Dana, the owner, is also very nice and remembered me by name after only 1 or 2 visits to the studio. When I can swing it, this studio is definitely on my short list of places I would want to return with some regularity.
The one thing keeping me from pushing this place up to 5 stars is the back-to-back class schedule. I hate the back-to-back format, it really ends up gypping all, but the first class of the series out of class time. By the time you spray down your stuff and put away your equipment and the new class has settled in at least 10 minutes have gone by. Plus, to stay on schedule that means those 10 minutes won't be tacked on at the end. In my opinion, there should be a 10-15 minute gap between classes so everyone gets their full class time and money's worth.
I wouldn't hesitate to send someone looking for a yoga studio in the Lakeview/Uptown area here, especially if they are a beginning yoga student.
* I am not some paragon of fitness, running for the bus is enough to get my heart rate up.Listed in: Hello neighbor..., Let's Get Physical, I like to Groupon, Groupon!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/21/2009
I was thrilled to see a Groupon for Yoga Boutique; I love yoga, but don't really have a lot of cash… Read more »
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Review from Tara P.
Chicago, IL
8/5/2009
Spring Pilates must've spoiled me. I was hoping to love this place since it's close-ish to my home, but I just don't. The studio's advantages are lockers and online scheduling, though other studios have the latter too. There's no equipment beyond very basic (mat, ring, etc.) and the pilates classes are...a little easy. The yoga/pilates room gets primarily artificial light, and the floor was visibly dirty on my last visit. In fact, the instructor even said they were only sweeping once/week, although she did say "[the owner] sweeps every day." To be fair, the owner is currently out of the country. The studio is good enough that if I lived right next to it, it would be hard to justify going elsewhere.
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Review from Monica F.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2009
I've gone to Yoga Boutique for a couple yoga classes with Liz. I've had great experiences here, and I'll be coming back for more. The prices are great, and they sell packages of classes for a better deal. Liz is a great instructor, and explains the poses as she goes through them. It was enjoyable, challenging, and not intimidating at all. Classes tend to be small, so it feels like more one-on-one instruction. They offer several different types of yoga classes, and I love that I have a variety to choose from. The times of the classes are convenient for people who work 9-5 as well. I highly recommend Yoga Boutique.
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Review from Kelly B.
Chicago, IL
7/26/2009
So far I have only been to one Pilates class here but I thought it was great. It reminded me of my friend's Pilates studio in Houston. It's small but the teacher(s) are very knowledgeable and I felt comfortable. Prices are reasonable (the more classes you buy the cheaper the package). The first class is FREE. AND they have yoga mats there for you. I will be back again for sure. WONDERFUL workout and the location is GREAT!
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Review from Scott B.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2007
LOVE this place! They're right in my building and they are amazing. I went there to get in shape for a golf outing and it actually worked. Dana kicked my butt. I was skeptical, but this stuff is no joke. However, the high point was the massage. I had a lot of knots and Tracy got rid of them all. This is a great little business by some people who really care about your wellness. I'm going back for sure.
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Review from Sonia L.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2010
I bought the Living Social deal and was excited to try out this studio since it was so close to my place. I am not a beginner but i hadn't practiced in a while. The first time I went, I left the class underwhelmed. The studio was small but that was ok. I just felt that the teacher didn't do a great job of transitioning between poses. It was just ok, and I didn't feel like I had really relaxed as I normally do. The second time, I went with a friend who was a true beginner. The instructor/owner taught the class. She started late and gave the impression that she was in a hurry to leave. She did not give off a sense of calm by any stretch of the imagination. I think that this is important! Why else do we practice yoga if not to try to achieve some calm and balance? I felt like this was her business and not her way of life which is not how many yogis I have studied with are. I won't be using up the rest of my sessions. I'll stick with Bloom or Namaskar, a bit further and harder to get to but worth it. If you really want to practice at a serious studio, this would not be your first choice. Not impressed, sorry.
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Review from Barbara D.
Chicago, IL
4/16/2008
SO, as a not such a great fan of yoga....I use to fall asleep in class until someone told me that wasn't the point...I thought THAT was the point. "Stop snoring" my friend would nudge me. I do have to say that I love the classes this place offers. I took my first pilates and group meditation classes here. Pilates caught my attention and left my core body feeling like it went through a workout...major plus. The meditation class I probably will not do again...more like mutual mental mastrubation...but o'well. I love the location of this place....this neighborhood needed something like this....I also like the idea that in the summer they would have classes outside...I might just try yoga ouside at least once....nothing better than taking a nap by the lake, hee hee. They also had a chair massage a while ago that I tried and it was awesome....my friend had a full body massage here and loved it. Oh yeah, I love the studio here....clean and friendly and they provide you with mats!
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Review from Christy A.
Chicago, IL
3/26/2010
I tried few other yoga studios in the neighborhood, and I liked Yoga Botique the most! Most of the time I go for the Pilates class, and I like Dana teaching! Each class we do something different, and she adds some new workout moves to the traditional pilates. It's a great workout with good music playing!
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Review from Johanna L.
Chicago, IL
5/8/2008
I take pilates here fairly frequently. Dana is a great teacher. She thoroughly explains the poses and is happy to answer any questions. I've taken pilates at three gyms in the city and I haven't had a better instructor.
