If this is what hell feels like then I promise to be good from now on. 90 minutes in 105 degree heat next to a studio full of other stinky, sweaty people. Not my idea of a fun Wednesday night. Kirby led the first class I attended. Don't let her soft voice and smiling face. Once the door to the studio closes, she will do her best to keep you in. Her encouragement helped me last 75 minutes before I had to call it quits before I lost consciousness. I came out dehydrated, "pruney" from being soaked in sweat, and with numb hands and feet that I couldn't move due to cramping from electrolyte loss. Learn from my mistakes: -drink gatorade or vitamin water throughout the day before coming -come 15 min early to lay your mat out in the studio but don't stay in the room (believe me, an extra 15 min in the heat could make the difference of you surviving the whole class) -don't take huge gulps of water during the class, your tummy will get full and you'll feel nauseous Don't forget to bring: -mat -big towel for your mat -little towel to wipe the drip off your face -plenty of water (think about leaving it in the freezer a couple hours before class) read more

AAAAAMAZING!!!! I workout daily, and I have NEVER sweat so much in my LIFE!!! This is such a great workout. It will definitely change your body from inside out. This 90 minutes of hell is worth EVERY SECOND. It is tough at first, but now I am ADDICTED!!! The body just feels so refreshed right after the class and the day after. People get great results from taking this class! If it's tough the first time, don't give up, go back, it only gets easier! LOCK YOUR KNEES and BREATH!!! =) read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I'll admit that I'm a little (ahem, a lot) out of shape because I love food. It's an obsession, really, which may also be why I'm a yelper. But despite my beginner yogi status, I feel welcome whenever I practice here. The instructors knew my name by the time I started dripping sweat (so like, five minutes into class). The first couple of sessions were more about me trying to wipe the waterfalls off of my 'brow while practicing the postures. Then, by the next few sessions, I realized I was actually zoned into my breathing and correcting my stance more than fidgeting with myever-increasing sweatiness. Although, make no mistake-- I was still sopping up some of dat nastiness all class long but I know you're not supposed to (sorry). Yep, this place definitely smells like sweat. So what? Why should you care?! You're SUPPOSED to sweat here just like any other gym. If it smelled like tulips and daisies I'd worry about how much they push you in class which would mean no sweaty pits (and toes, and legs, and...). Anyway, they have reasonable prices and even give a discount for students which is great. Come here! Torturing yourself for 90 minutes is worth the feeling of overwhelming joy once you step outta that door. Support small business and stretch your spine and make yourself happy and go back, way back, fall back and SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS!!! read more

I love Bikram Yoga, I would practice more often if I could afford it.. but when a groupon came my way I couldn't resist ;) A couple reviews below mention that it was "loud and abrasive" and Bikram Yoga is not your typical calming, elevator music, put-me-to-sleep yoga (that I particularly don't care for). Some may describe it as "militant" but it is anything but, in my opinion. Anyone who is unfamiliar to Bikram Yoga should know this: The yoga teachers follow the same script and it is branded so that every Bikram Yoga class anywhere around the globe is the exact same- same exact script, same postures, and for the same amount of time. It's not supposed to be easy and it's not a cake walk. It's about teaching your body to slowly perfect the postures, and that is done with repetition and continued practice. For some, it's too much, but for me, it's both challenging and peaceful-- I always leave with a clear mind and an open heart. read more

While I have never gone to the St. Charles location, I go to a class weekly at the Palatine location. I used to have really bad anxiety, and a doctor recommended hot yoga. I have never felt better mentally, and physically after a class. The staff is great, smart, and awesome teachers. They provide a judgement free and relaxing zone. Their student rates are great. The facility is clean! I really love this yoga studio, and it is my favorite workout! read more

Bikram St. Charles is very professional & they just got new carpeting :) It's one of THE BEST workouts ever at first the "torture chamber" scares you but I swear you end up missing it if you stop going :) Drink & bring plenty of water & remember to BREATH! Namaste read more

I've been going to the STC Bikram Studio for a little over a month and have had a wonderful experience with the instructors and exercise. I will admit that it took a few times to get the whole routine - leave the shoes at the door, place your mat in the room with the tape line in the middle of your mat, etc. - but like anything new, it becomes more familiar as you come more often. I've enjoyed all of the instructors and have found the majority of the class participants are very nice and happy to answer any questions about the studio or classes. But the BEST part is the workout! It's not easy, but I feel wonderful after! read more

Renamed "New Level Hot Yoga" (ahem, Agata/Doug, you may want to update this on Yelp!) :) Absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! If you're skeptical about hot yoga, give it a try - wear minimal (but covering the important parts) clothing, bring a towel to stand on (i.e. - a beach towel), a towel for your face (i.e. a washcloth to wipe sweat from your brow), and an iced water bottle. Prepare for an intense and relaxing workout! The teachers are phenomenal! They monitor pace and energy level and provide verbal encouragement throughout. A typical session is 90 mins in a room that's 105 degrees with ~34% humidity. Fear not, though, if you get overheated, simply lie down on your back and relax. Heck, I spent my first few classes mostly on my back! The locker rooms are tiny on busy days. The lobby and hallways are always clean. The studio is cleaned regularly, but considering the amount of sweat that happens in there, it does smell a bit, but once you're in there you get used to it. I understand they steam clean the carpets regularly. The overhead fluorescent lighting is straining on the eyes, but again, after several sessions you get used to it. The aftereffect of "yoga brain" is delightful. Give it a try and visit New Level, you won't be disappointed. read more

First rate Bikram studio. Real Bikram instructors that care. Well appointed facility. Positive karma.

Stress-free, ego-free, intense, cathartic. These are all words that I would use to describe Bikram Yoga. I can't even count how many times I've been told by a friend of mine that I need to try Bikram Yoga, and how many times I've just brushed him off. I am happy to say I was wrong. I just took my second Bikram class at the St. Charles school, and I can't wait to go back! I practice martial arts (primarily grappling), so the benefits I'm looking for are increased flexibility and muscular endurance. Grappling is really tough on your joints, and guys I train with get shoulder pains, knee pains, etc. all the time. This is what I'm looking to avoid, and after two classes, my body feels amazing, sorta lithe and graceful. Bikram Yoga will kick your ass, it is intense, it is a torture chamber, and that's what is so great about it. 90 minutes of strenuous yoga will give you 48 hours of feeling like a million bucks. I was kind of afraid to go to the class, not knowing what to expect, but the instructor was really cool. She really explained what the poses did for your body, and she pushed you as far as you could go, but not an inch further. There were people of various shapes, sizes, and ages, and they all seemed to be doing very well. I got the first week unlimited package for $25, so I am going to take advantage and go a few more times. One piece of advice, drink a LOT of water before you go. read more

I love everything about this studio! It's clean and super friendly. After one class they know you by name which could be a bad thing! Haha!

I am addicted to this. At first a lot of what they tell you sounds a bit far fetched, but Bikram Yoga really is some kind of magical cure for most of what ails you. read more

Ok. SO I have heard about Bikram yoga for years and was always afraid to try it. Well Groupon had a deal and I can not say no to a groupon so my sister and I tried it. I have to say the torture chamber is well intimidating but the people are awesome. I have herniated disks in my neck and back so basically any workout is a painful struggle but the mantra mind over matter is key and well as remembering to BREATHE. The two instructors I have experienced have been awesome and would like to take their classes again. The studio is currently in the process of a remodel and so far I like what I have seen. My only complaint is the carpet in the torture chamber. I have recommended this yoga studio to everyone that I have come across. The workout is amazing and my skin has never looked better. Not to mention the feeling of peace is fantastic! read more

Love this place!!! I've been to Bikram studios all over and this one is definitely one of the nicer places decor wise. Not to mention all of the teachers here are really good. Some I've been to have the "tell a 5 minute story" teachers... here they're all business and by business I mean yoga of course. read more

On day 14 of the 30 day challenge, and I'm lovin Bikram yoga. The instructors are all very knowledgeable. The classes are an amazing workout. I'm seeing benefits: increased energy, less asthma and allergy symptoms, weight loss and over healthy feeling. Drink lots of water! read more

I hate working out. With that said, I am addicted to Bikram Yoga, the most intense workout of your life. Perhaps it is the owners of the establishment that cultivate and share positive energy that keep me coming back. Perhaps it is the community of yogis with their friendly faces and constant encouragement that keep me motivated. We're in this together right? All enduring the 90-minute torture chamber together. It is worth every second. I have lost a few pounds and even more inches from my waist, and I've noticed the nice addition of some serious muscle mass! Whether you are motivated to change your body or not, give this place a try. In the time and space I am allowed here, I can not begin to tell you how amazing this place is! Give it a try! read more

Located near the Q Center (You know who you are) this brand new location (As of 10/08) has a HUGE studio. The classes are limited since they are just starting up but I was impressed with it none the less. The room was well and evenly heated. The only complaint was the humidifier that made a buzz you needed to get use to. The instruction was classic, smooth and on time. The men's changing room has two showers and a larger changing area. This in located on the side of Illinois Ave behind the Wachovia Bank in a commercial building. Come on in and support this new business and you will not be dissatisfied. read more

Discovered this from my BFF Amy, who lives in the area. Stay tuned for a more detailed review with pictures.

I've been attending this studio on and off since it opened...It's the only yoga I have ever done...and I LOVE it!! GREAT staff!! Super clean facility! Recently they are offering different classes; 60 minute sessions. I think everyone should do this a handful of times before deciding how you like it...My flexibility, energy, and skin appearance to name a few are greatly increased after I take a hot yoga class. read more

Wonderful place, clean and everyone is very friendly and helpful. Very warm, so if you don't like the heat stay away.

Does it stink? Heck yea. Is it hot? As hell. Did I kind of feel like I was dying and fantasize about myself running for the door? Oh for sure. However, I absolutely loved both the practice and the enviroment. As one fellow yelper said before, there is virtually no ego in this place. I literally could have been in class with Mother Theresa and I wouldn't have known because I was so intensely focused on my practice. You will exert yourself to the point of exhaustion but the benefits are innumerable. The class is described as a "90 minute torture chamber" but the way you will feel upon leaving is worth every second of it. The instructors are intense and you almost feel as if they are yelling at you kind of at first, like "hey, this isn't the laid back namaste schtick I'm used to" but you realize a lot of it is rhetoric once you complete a couple classes. Besides, if they weren't somewhat hard on people, they'd be dropping like flies. They repeat themselves a lot but it keeps the class moving and helps you maintain the postures. If you are looking to go beyond your strength, beyond your flexibility, Bikram Yoga of St. Charles is the place to engage in an intense workout perfect for all bodies. Bring water and a towel and wear as little as socially acceptable because you are going to be dripping sweat from every pore on your body. read more

These people seem to think that a good yoga class just makes you sweat. If you want to be screamed at by someone for 90 minutes in a sweaty room then look no further. I popped in here when I was working in Chicago for a few weeks. I don't know where Peggy trained to be a yoga instructor but I've never in my 7 years of practice had to endure an instructor barking out orders on a mic. Underneath the horrible blaring lights, the smell of the carpeted flooring (that has likely soaked up years of sweat) only adds to the horrible experience. There was no flow to the practice, and no focus on breath. When I tried to do some poses to stretch my back out, I was told to stop because it was distracting for the others. Fine by me. I just left and did a much better practice at home. Sure, I didn't get to pour my sweat into the nasty carpet there, but my mind and body felt much better without a poorly trained yoga instructor constantly jabbering at me. read more

This small studio was very unfriendly and somewhat dirty.. However I love HOT yoga but will not be going back to this place. They should think of becoming a more educated in teaching these classes. read more

Bikram yoga is all hype. I suggest trying out a studio where the instructors actually want to see you grow and transform on your yoga journey. These "teachers" could care less about you as an individual! Every single class is word for word and pose by pose verbatim. What fun is that? I forgot what instructor I had, but she seemed miserable and bland. I will not attend another bikram class. read more

I was just given a year of unlimited classes for Christmas. Never thought I would say this ever "The best gift anyone could ever give me". I am an avid runner and have worked out for years. I have had no better work out ! Being locked in a heated room for 90 minutes and doing yoga is the best therapy for your mind, body and soul. The benefits amaze me and my body craves it. The hardest part is getting there. Once you go, you are always glad you went! read more

Very nice owners and teachers. No pretense. Good vibe from the place. Instructors seem to care about you during your practice. They always manage to give me a powerful workout. I leave there feeling exhausted yet refreshed. I'd recommend trying this place! read more