I'm so thankful I found this place. I am a pretty high stressed type A person. I would say that I hate calming down and I take offense when people tell me to "chill out" or "stop stressing out". Obviously things build up and I needed a way to release all my pent up stress, anxiety, nerves, emotions instead of channeling it back into activities. I found Body & Brain Yoga on Groupon (they currently have a 10 sessions for $39.00 special). Body & Brain is incredible because it focuses on the meridians and energies of the organs, using ancient Far Eastern concepts on energy. I did a private session today with owner, Julia Chung and I just signed up for more classes. Julia is a kindred spirit. She's highly educated (PH.D./engineer) and left her cushy corporate job to pursue her soul's passion. She's really funny, really smart and incredibly compassionate. She's also a Life Coach and is patient and an amazing listener. I'm so thankful to have met her! As for the class. The "wooden pillow" class was interesting. It's definitely different than anything I have taken before but it's a lot of meditation, breathing, and using a wooden "pillow" as a massage tool. It's kind of like "myofascial release" in personal training where you use a Styrofoam roller to target key muscles and your lower back/temples. Julia also uses aromatherapy in her classes and ends each class with a circle and healing tea. The entire session was perfect because my stress was gone and it was a different experience than traditional gym (running/lifting) as well as Hatha yoga. I definitely recommend that you try it because it's an experience that I can't describe. I look forward to trying the other different classes (they have tai-chi, dahn yoga, energy classes, etc) and learning about new ways to not only de-stress but also get in touch with my true self! read more

Body & Brain - Yoga Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

I attended a class and really enjoyed it. It was very relaxing but then all that went away when Ken was very insistent that I sign up for the very expensive membership that they do not post on their website. I insisted since it was my first time I wanted to just try some drop in classes to see what I like. The most I could probably do is once a week. The membership didn't seem to make sense for me. Ken held me up for about 20 minutes trying to push the membership. It was all very uncomfortable and disappointing to experience. I didn't want to be rude so it was really hard to get out of it specially because I was giving him a ride back from the park where the class took place to the business. Since then I've tried other places and they post their prices online. That's how it should be. I know it's a business but it was really disappointing. read more

I was in Skokie for 10 days and wanted a yoga studio or gym for my fitness. I tried a few in the area, but Body & Brain ended up being where I spent almost all of my time. I had never tried Body and Brain before or Tai Chi, but I fell in love very quickly. The classes start with warm-ups, with a focus on warming up both muscles and joints. It moves along to a variety of movements to build strength, flexibility and balance. Sometimes we meditated at the end with great meditative music, or we used some of their specialized props (wooden pillows, healing wands), or we would even dance! After savasana members often gathered together for tea and chatting. Overall a really uplifting and unique experience. I came out of class feeling energized, open and grounded. Everyone I met was wonderful and there is a real sense of community at the center as well. I took around 7 classes while I was there and I only took classes from Chris, who is the manager there. He was very engaging, changed the flow from class to class and gave one on one assistance when it was needed. He has a strong personal practice and he would be able to help anyone from beginner to expert level. I recommend any of his classes but especially his Tai Chi classes! They were exceptionally powerful. Overall, an excellent teacher and I would love to take his class again. I highly recommend this studio. It has it all with a great and unique practice, highly skilled teachers and a very warm community. Will be back! read more

I've been going ever since the Covid virus. I love the variety of online, outdoor and inside classes. I'm particularly impressed with Ken Hong's Powerup and Dahn mu do classes. He is knowledgeable, experienced and enthusiastic. I also love the variety of online and in person classes. My favorites are wooden pillow and vibration where we do free form dancing. read more

I'm updating my original review that was pre-covid. I seriously believe that Body and Brain has saved me throughout this pandemic. As a senior, sheltering at home, this has allowed me to exercise and meditate on a daily basis. I've been going to one or two classes a day. I have friends who have put on weight during the pandemic, but I have lost weight and gain strength through these classes. The human connection with the instructors and the other folks in the zoom classes is heartwarming and encouraging. The focus not only on body (flexibility, strength, etc) is as important as the sense of calm and positivity I gain every day. Honestly, I think everyone would have something to gain attending their classes. BTW, now they are beginning to resume some limited classes in person and outdoors as well, but they are continuing online. MY ORIGINAL REVIEW: Starting to go to classes a few months ago has been truly a life changer for me. My instructor Ken has been such an inspiration for me. As a senior with two knee replacements it is critical that I exercise and expand my mobility. The tai chi and yoga classes have been perfect for me. I am moving with more joy and peace and less pain. Being in class makes me feel alive. I love the diversity among the students. Whatever your age come and try it. Call Diane and she will welcome you into this marvelous community. read more

Wonderful instructors. Place feels zen like and calming energy. Variety of classes and times. Great workshops too.

To start off I don't really respond 2 advertisement on Facebook. However today it was the first thing I saw "Skokie body and brain yoga." I responded to add and impulsively found my way to this new place with an old soul! I went in with butterflies in my stomach and joined in 2 a very warm energy force . Welcomed with open arms feel I will continue my meditative practice in this beautiful environment! Ask and you shall receive thank you julia and you're wonderful class! There's so much to learn I want to learn to heal both myself and others! Thank you read more

I wasn't familiar with Dahn Yoga before getting involved with the Skokie studio. I needed to make a commitment to my mental and physical well being, so after taking the Introductory session, I became a member. Since joining, my focusing has improved, I am sleeping a lot better AND I have tapped into a reserve of energy that I didn't know existed. Julia has such a positive energy and is so attentive. I highly recommend Brain & Body yoga. read more

I am always intrigued with trying new things and Dahn Yoga was indeed a new experience for sure. I stayed for the introductory session at the grand opening and I was amazed at how energized and alert I felt the next day. It was as if a switch was flipped inside me. I was willing to try another session to see if I would feel the same alertness again. And I did. And i was able to have a better work out at the gym. I am trying to control my blood pressure and lose some weight. I figured this would be a good supplement to my gym sessions. The class starts with a warm up and then you take your place by forming two lines and perform different movements to wake up the energy or get energy flowing through the body. So be prepared to get out of your comfort zone and your head space. Then members in the class take turns counting as we hold certain poses and stretches. That helps you not focus on the time you are holding a pose and everyone's personalities start to come out. Then the last 10 mins or so is a cool down with floor stretches. It's hard to believe, but you do end up using a several muscle groups while exercising both sides of your brain. At the end of each class you get a min to reflect on what you got out of the session. Which I appreciate because it helps you to stay present in the moment. Julia and Ken are informative instructors. Their personality and energy levels are different but you will learn a lot from both of them. They make sure you get the most out of each session. I also enjoy the aura reading just to get a baseline of where you are in your chakras and what areas need work. I was pleased to see that I had minimal blockages but could still use a little work. I would recommend giving Body and Brain Yoga a try. read more

Amazing, positive energy the moment you step through the door So grateful to the centering and healing Chris the teacher brought me. Class was fun and powerful read more

I found that the classes have been so helpful for grounding myself and giving strength and overall energy!

I've tried yoga and tai chi at other places and was never impressed. When Body & Brain Yoga opened, I thought I would give them a try. This place is great. You get yoga, cardio, meditation--the works. Since I became a member 2 months ago, I am more relaxed, have more energy, and my stomach problems are going away. Julia is a wonderful leader: she motivates you with encouragement and humor. I always look forward to class. I highly recommend. read more