The best!!! A yoga sanctuary located on Evanston's charming Central Street, Central Street Yoga is truly a genuine space to initiate, cultivate and explore your yoga practice. As a yoga teacher, it can be challenging to find such a place, as your awareness deepens and you become sensitive to the most subtle nuances. However this is by far one of the best (and favorite!) studios/teachers I've had the pleasure of finding. I only wish it could be folded up, put in my pocket and brought with me everywhere! If you live in the city, or anywhere in the vicinity for that matter, it is absolutely worth the visit. I'm from Michigan, and will always find a way to come back when in Chicago. The studio is easily accessible by metra, el, car (w/ plenty of street parking available), and plane. ;) Knowledgable, kind and incredibly engaged in the moment, owner and instructor Shana has created something very special at CSY. From the peaceful and thoughtful ambience of the environment to the affirming words of wisdom tucked throughout the space, it's easy to see and feel that she gives from the heart with joy. On my first day, I noticed she not only knew every student by name, but specific details about each person's life and practice. She welcomed me and offered the same level of attention, always following up with me on my practice and needs; a significant, but often overlooked, gesture that reflects her deep sincerity. Shana's ability to connect and respond on an individual level, yet maintain presence and a broader awareness for the class as a whole, is a rare and unique gift. She has a way of gently and lovingly providing the kind of individualized support and encouragement that pushes you in all of the right ways, whether through adjustments, a simple word or her presence. Classes are led with thoughtfulness, intention and a healthy dose of spontaneity, adapting to the needs and energy of the students. Overall, the energy is positive and through and through, she allows you to be exactly where you are on your journey, without judgment or pressure. She embodies and radiates love, peace and kindness, so it's no wonder CSY has become a kind of "tribe". Thank you CSY--I'm incredibly grateful to have found your studio, and be a recipient of your loving guidance, light and wisdom. You helped me rekindle my practice and love for it! Wishing you the same love, peace and kindness you radiate onto others. :) read more

I wrote a review for Central Street Yoga (CSY) back in July of 2016. I feel compelled to write another one today, just over two years later. Since my last review, my initial experience has changed in that it has only deepened my appreciation for this beloved studio I often refer to as my "second home." In this space, and with Shana Stitzel as my teacher and mentor, my practice has grown both on and off the mat. The community that has flourished at CSY is one of support, generosity, fearlessness, curiosity, love, and laughter. This may sound over-the-top, but it is the truth. Shana has created a space where each of her students - whether you come for one class or are a consistent practitioner - has the opportunity to be where they are, who they are, and grow themselves and their practice in their own time and in their own way. Be where you are and Shana will meet you right there. I've come to the studio angry, sad, exhausted, joyful, calm, tapped out, agitated, energized, silly, baffled, and everything in between. On my mat I have discovered how to honor where I am, move and breathe with it, allow it to change, dissipate, and welcome it all, because at first, and now, Shana has held space for me and others to do so. I cannot give a yoga teacher or a studio a higher recommendation. With a bow of gratitude. read more

Central Street Yoga is one of my favorite home away from homes. It is beautiful and peaceful from the moment you walk in. It feels more like a sanctuary for yoga, growth and inner peace than your typical yoga studio. Shana, the owner has created an environment for students to grow their practice and spirituality. The community of central street yoga is a variety of dedicated yogis from college students to grandparents and Shana can teach to all levels at the same time, still addressing the individual needs of each student. Her care is genuine. Her classes are nurturing and challenging at the same time. She has a kind and therapeutic approach in her teaching style which is very unique. I followed her as a student in the city before she opened the studio in Evanston and her non-judge mental views and consistent encouragement of growth has taken my yoga practice to an entirely new level. She makes it easy to take yoga beyond the mat and into daily life for home practice and a positive attitude. I am grateful for Shana and the yoga sanctuary known as Central Street Yoga. The community is just aw welcoming. Everybody is genuine, real, welcoming and nice. I look forward to going here each and every time. read more

I first started going to Central Street Yoga as part of my 2017 New Year's resolution to find a way to be more mindful. I was working a stressful job and needed some balance. I can honestly say that Shana and the community at Central Street yoga have changed my life. I have since switched jobs, practice regular self-care(yoga), take time to enjoy my family, and I am happy! The studio is cozy and mindfully decorated with a calm, peaceful ambience. There is always a lingering smell of essential oils, and my favorite part are all the plants in the window box . In a practice where you are always reminded to breathe deep, I welcome the ample supply of fresh oxygen. The class sizes are intentionally small so that each student can receive individualized attention. Shana's style is supportive and intuitive, defined by creative flows and deep knowledge of the body and alignment. She is able to translate the practice to students in a clear, exciting, and infectious way, giving us the confidence to try new things. Her classes are challenging, spiritual, inspirational and addicting.  I always leave feeling much better than when I walked in the door, I am so grateful to be a part of this yoga community read more

This is an amazing Yoga studio. Shana, the owner, tailors each class to the needs of the students. She is very observant, and can see which of your muscles are tight, and which are in need of strengthening. She also has a tremendous library of yoga sequences stored away in her head, so that she can improvise a sequence of poses to meet the needs of the day. This means that the benefit that you will receive is great, and focused to your needs. It also means that you will be continually surprised and delighted with new variations of Yoga poses, which work very specific muscle groups. I have been practicing here for six months now, and plan to continue indefinitely. Each session, I find myself able to do something that I could not do before, which is always exciting. I have gained quite a bit of physical well-being. Also, as a newer student, I have found the other people who practice here to be very friendly and welcoming. Shana teaches most of the classes. Matt and Whitney each teach one class a week, and they are both excellent teachers as well! Matt teaches a great and energetic Vinyasa class, and Whitney teaches a very nice Gentle Yoga class. read more

After a neighbor recommended Central Street Yoga, I decided to give it a try in mid June of 2018. It is now October 6th, and I am attending class 3, 4 and sometimes 5 times a week! As a musician and educator, I see Shana Stitzel as an artist, similar to a jazz musician, improvising in time as she expertly leads students through the poses. Her direction is clear and precise as is her pacing yet each class is unique, requiring the student to be present and fully focused. I've never seen the class size exceed 11 and in the morning, there are often just 3-4 students! As a newbie to yoga back in June, I've seen improvement in my strength, balance, breath capacity and flexibility which in turn encourages me to stay committed! In regard to age, this studio is host to students ranging from High School through Retirees with attendance by both men and women. Street Parking is available nearby so no worries about parking hassles. If you are looking for a great studio, which nurtures a peaceful, nurturing and accepting environment, Central Street Yoga is the place for you! Janet read more

I have been going to Central Street Yoga for 2 years now. It has changed my life in so many wonderful ways.l was stressed out and unable to relax, always in a rush and not taking good care of myself. Shana helped me learn to slow down, breath and find some inner peace. She is so much more than a teacher. Shana is always there for us guiding us to be wherever we're meant to be. The studio is warm and inviting. Each class is small so every student can get the individual attention they need. Shana's teaching style is intuitive and nurturing. Each class is unique and taylored to needs of her students. She has helped me with the confidence to do more with my practice. I am stronger and more flexible. I am able to focus and and be present when it was so difficult in the beginning. There is an incredible sense of community. It is easy to leave the outside world behind every time I walk through the door knowing I will always feel better than when I first arrived. read more

Shana is such an incredible yoga teacher. I am pretty new to yoga and even when the class has 20 people in it, I still feel like she's giving me as much attention as she is to everyone else. She is constantly reminding us to just breathe and not push or force anything, which oddly enough is a wake up call every time she says it. Funny how easy it is to forget to breathe... Her classes are very peaceful, and although will work up to some pretty challenging things in the middle of class, always well balanced and well sequenced. I feel like I am doing way more than just stretching and building strength. It feels like we are working with some kind of universal guru for peace and creativity with Shana. I don't see how she is able to care for so many people at once, but it really seems like everyone feels her support and attention in every class. I can't wait to take classes at her brand new studio!! read more

Update: I started practicing Yoga at Central Street in late January of 2016 for many reasons. I have continued my practice for many more. I have never felt more welcomed in a space than I feel here. The community that Shana has built is so beautiful and warm. It is almost as though you walked through the door of your own home. Shana has this super intutitive way of figuring out what is needed for the group. I have never worked so hard or felt so rewarded from begining to end in any Yoga class until stepping into this space. read more

The studio is beautiful. The energy is wonderful. Shana is always in tune with our needs. She is a true master of yoga, the mind / body connection, and leaves you feeling whole, healthy, and capable of anything. I highly recommend you try yoga practice with Shana. You can go across the world and not find someone as extraordinary as she is. Also, the people who attend the class are wonderful! It's just a great vibe, awesome location, and a variety of classes to suit anyone. I simply love this place. It's my treat to myself. read more

Can I just say that I have had the pleasure of practicing yoga with Shana for about two years now. My STRONG recommendation is to RUN not walk to her practice, if you can. Every class is different if you can believe:, it's restorative, challenging to the max, but in the BEST way possible. You will surprise yourself at what you are able to achieve. I'm hooked, addicted and a TOTAL devotee; in the spirit of sharing the wealth, I want you all to know and experience this WONDERFUL practitioner! read more

This studio and Shana are nothing but a treasure. I have been practicing for 20 years. My 4 month practice with Shana has transformed my approach to my practice and has honestly guided me in finding more peace and clarity in my life. Shana is approachable, generous with her time and spirit. I am a yoga teacher myself and have decided to take a mentorship with Shana because she is an extraordinary and dynamic teacher. read more

Central Street Yoga is one of the jewels of Evanston. In each class, Shana has an amazing way of intuiting what each person's body needs that day and teaches accordingly. No class is ever the same and I've noticed some real changes in my own body over the past nine months that I've been coming here. I definitely recommend checking out this warm, supportive, very peaceful yoga studio. read more

Shana and her colleagues at Central Street Yoga transformed my yoga experience toward a much deeper more personal level. Central Street's facilities are tastefully decorated and the atmosphere is warm, friendly and caring. Classes are kept small so that participants get one-on-one attention and enjoy a sense of community. Highest marks! Paul M read more