Sage Yoga

I don’t have experience in yoga (tried it once). I was intimidated by the yogis (regulars) because they are quiet but secretly strong. They make all the poses look so easy! I had no idea yoga is hard.
I overcame that intimidation and went for a class at sage yoga. I wanted to increase my self worth. I wanted to become a better person by treating myself on something that will challenge me mentally (mind over matter, accept what yoga can do for you today… I’m better than yesterday) and physically (do difficult poses like others and in 90degree heat, oh my!). Ultimately be well rounded in my fitness to be more flexible and stronger.
Let me tell you… I feel like all the yoga studios are very intimidating. People walk in with their yoga mats and don’t say a word to you. Not even a smile! Ugh! Seriously! Not this place.
From the moment you drive up to what looks like a three flat (what we call a three story home in Chicago)… You wonder, hmm it looks like a house. It’s kind of funny that there’s a floral shop and a tattoo studio in the same building. It’s like having «peace, love and rock&roll» all in one building. Literally.
When you walk up to the door to the their floor… You will read catchy phrases posted like, «If you fall… don’t worry, the yoga mat will catch you!» Lol this made me think, «hey! Others fall too not just me! Hahaha» that simple statement truly out me at ease to just go for it. Silly, right?
Then you will read more inspiring and motivating words as you continue to walk to the top.
I loooove love that we do not bring our shoes in the studio. Shoes/​slippers inside where you lay your body and face on is gross. You have no idea what bacteria they carry from the public restrooms they’ve been in. Just gross!
Anyway… You park shoes right there in the shoe bin by the door. Some people leave their slippers in the steps. Which is cool.
As you open the door, it creeks a bit. I think it’s like a chime that alerts staff someone is there in a more rustic fashion. The lobby is so inviting and warm. They have a statue of yoga memorabilias, books about yoga for kids and adults. They have complimentary water with paper water cups and complimentary tea! Just love how it’s so inviting!
In the bathroom (they have two — the other is secretly hidden behind the front desk)… You will find a nice green color, stones in the sink, pretty rug and super duper clean! They provided feminine stuff like tampons, sanitary pads, hair ties for free if needed. Thankfully I haven’t had to use it. It was such a wonderful touch!
The teachers are super cool and funny! They’re not the sterile type of instructors that I imagine in other yoga studios. The instructors here are fun and inviting just like the studio itself.
What I like about the instructors are that they try to go around and correct your poses to help maximize your potential. They’re not stuck in the front. They really assist especially when they see you struggle. I love that! Can’t beat the cool gadgets they have available as well such as blankets, sand bags, eye bags, bolster pillows and straps. They have mats for rent for $ 1. Spray bottles to clean it after are also there too. The studio smells nice. And when the sweaty musty class ends… Someone takes the time and sprays the room with something refreshing again like lavender scent to make it inviting again! I saw someone spray and clean the floor.
Lastly, the chavasana (?) napping period is ahhhhmazing. Instructors really take time to help you relax even if it’s for a quick 15 sec shoulder rub! Oh mah gawd!!! Is this how yoga is suppose to be because I didn’t know that!!!
Fridays are awesome during happy hour! Cash only donation and the money goes to a charity. Then you get goodies at the end of your class like a refreshing kombucha (or whatever they have that day) and a nice little fruit snack (we had grapes today).
Anyway, this place is awesome to me and my family. I kind of wish I didn’t brag about it because I’m afraid I will not have space for my kids and I when we go, but I truly enjoy this community of yoga and I really want to share how great it is.