Before recently, it had been months since my last hot yoga class. I'll admit: I got burned out of the Bikram world a while ago, where the same dialogue leads every class (and you do the same 26 postures each time).
Then I discovered DownDog Hot Yoga in Evanston, a new studio with a budding community of hot vinyasa flow yogis.
Photo via DownDog Hot Yoga.
It feels great to be back in the heat. I love the comforting feeling of walking into the room and knowing my muscles are warm and ready to stretch. The cozy atmosphere is a welcome break from the cold outside.
Plus, I leave class glowing -- every muscle group worked, my systems detoxed, my mind clear and calm.
That's Neil, the owner at DownDog Hot Yoga in Evanston.
Local Evanston yogis, I hope you'll check out DownDog Hot Yoga! Here's what I love about the studio:
- The staffers are friendly, upbeat, and encouraging.
- The teachers know how to challenge you in class (believe me, you'll leave dripping, with a puddle at your feet!)
- The facilities are gorgeous, and the studio is on the second floor, overlooking Sherman Street in Evanston. It's a beautiful view of one of my favorite spots around town.
- The prices are reasonable and DownDog offers a free first week to new students.
You can read The Daily Northwestern's review of the studio here.
9-10:30am Hot Yoga flow at DownDog Hot Yoga in Evanston
(1508 Sherman Ave - 2nd floor - Evanston, IL 60201). Please arrive 15 minutes early to get your spot and get set up.
11am-12pm Evanston Farmer's Market at the corners of University Place and Oak Av.
See you soon! XO
i been to down dog hot yoga in evanston and i also been to many other studio's and its not challenging at all.... especially if you have been doing yoga for a year or more..IF YOU ARE NEW TO YOGA AND WANT THE SAME CLASSES OVER AND OVER ITS PERFECT!!!!! Plus the owner is always looking @ the young girls... weirdo your two times there age..NOT A REAL YOGA STUDIO!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous, thanks for sharing your opinions, but I disagree. DownDog very much IS a real yoga studio. Granted, the style is not necessarily for everyone, but the teachers and yogis here are building a community with heart. It's sad to me that you can't see it that way.
ReplyDeleteI've been practicing for almost 4 years and I still find these hot classes challenging. I think what can happen if you only practice one style of yoga is that you will plateau in your practice.
Studios offer consistency, which is why you'll find classes to have a similar flow that gets repeated. I believe it's up to you as a yoga student to seek the variety you need to keep your practice invigorating, to keep challenging yourself to try new poses, and to deepen the meditative aspects of your yoga flow.
I hope wherever you practice, you're able to connect with the yogis around you. I wish you well. Namaste!