Can't say enough good things about CorePower Yoga in Park Ridge. I have to say that my membership is the best money I have ever spent...the benefits to mind, body and spirit are remarkable, and yoga is accessible to all ages.
The warm, inviting community welcomes students new and old, and this feeling of community is the basis for my review. The instructors there are not only great teachers, but wonderful people who are the face of the business. I have attended hundreds of classes there, and the kind regard shown for members and drop-ins alike never wavers. I appreciate the personal interest they show and the willingness to offer adjustments and advice about my practice. I truly treasure all of them.
Each instructor brings something different to their teaching, and there is enough variety in teachers and instructors so that you should be able to find a class (or many classes) that is suited to your needs. I hesitate to name them, because I am sure I will leave someone out, but my beloved teachers know who they are! My favorite class is Hot Power Fusion, so I have most experience with those fantastic teachers and that amazing sequence. Even after hundreds of these classes, I still learn something new and experience something different in every asana. However, I do mix in Vinyasa and Core Restore classes, and even Sculpt from time to time, and try to find some balance. However, HPF offers so many benefits to me that I make it a priority to get to my mat and focus on the present in that hot class. Where you are on a given day is where you are, and that lack of judgment and continuous room for growth and depth is such an antidote to the outside world and all of its problems and pressures.
The physical strength I have gained from yoga is amazing, but even more profound are the mental/emotional benefits. I am thankful every day for the changes yoga has helped me make in how I respond to life. One has to experience it to understand it, but it is the result of a consistent yoga practice. I have also participated in Boot Camp and in all of the various challenges, and each of these has also contributed to my growth and strength.
I am posting this review after three years of attending classes at CPY Park Ridge, mostly because the old reviews that are negative need some balance. I should also note that I am a black tag member, which means that I can attend unlimited classes per week as I pay in advance through auto-deduction. This allows me to come as often or as little as I wish, but believe me, I attend classes as often as I can as working mom and student.
I also want to note that I have attended class in Arlington Heights, Oak Park, Old Orchard, Hinsdale and also at Lincoln Square. If my work takes me to other areas of the city and suburbs, there may be a studio nearby and I can take advantage of that membership as there are reciprocal agreements. But Park Ridge is a wonderful home, and I encourage anyone interested to give it a try!
My advice for newcomers:
1) Be very hydrated before class. Bring water (with lots of ice if convenient), as you will need to replenish during and after class.
2) Don't eat or eat very lightly and mindfully before class. I always try to avoid eating for 2-3 hours before class as it make my practice much more comfortable. A full stomach makes bending over and hands to feet pose slightly miserable.
3) Bring a large towel for your mat (yogitoes are great!) and a small hand towel to wipe sweat. If you plan to shower, you will need a towel for that as well. The studio also makes towels available for a small fee.
4) Wear tight, technical type clothes intended for hot yoga, such as sports bra (for women), tight tops and yoga pants. The clothes do seem to make a difference for me, so you may want to experiment here. Guys should also wear technical fabrics, though their tops can be t-shirts. Cotton will weigh you down.
5) My routine includes a banana and some coconut water every day to help with the electrolytes. read more
