The Yoga Effect

This was my first visit to The Yoga Effect, which is a beautiful and welcoming studio. I attended two classes taught by Nancy (Hot Power and Warm & Gentle). The first time fee of $ 5 was very reasonable… the second class was $ 15, also standard pricing. I do appreciate when a studio offers the opportunity to experience more than one class/​instructor at a «first-​timer discount» but I feel I got great exposure to the style of this studio and this instructor, and both classes were longer than an hour.
The Hot Power class was challenging — the room was not filled so there was plenty of space to spread out. I didn’t feel the temperature was hot at all — most of the heat came from the intensity of the flow but it was a good practice nonetheless.
The Warm & Gentle class was filled and at times we were overly concerned with making adjustments to avoid colliding with the person next to you but again, it was a great practice and Nancy exuded the perfect balance between the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga for me.

I love The Yoga Effect! This studio is where I tried yoga for the first time, and is really what I compare other studios to when I look for one now. I have since moved, and can no longer attend The Yoga Effect, but loved the times I was able to make it over for an evening or weekend class. I always did the class pass package rather than paying per class, sometimes they’d go on sale or have a special running and I would stock up on passes.
The studio is very pretty, they have nice floors and nice window treatments/​lighting that gives it a more studio-​feel and less of a gym-​feel that a lot of places seem to have. I always attended night/​weekend classes, which can be popular, but I have never been to one where there wasn’t enough room for everyone who wanted to attend. Each instructor seems to have their own unique style, some are more calming and others are more exercise-​like, you just kind of have to figure out which you prefer.
I really like this studio because it seems to have a respect for yoga as more of an art form and an ancient practice, whereas some places I’ve gone see it more as a trendy way of exercising with no interest in it’s roots. I think the owner, Anna, does an amazing job of bringing those pieces together by having monthly meditation sessions in her studio and really hiring dedicated instructors. I attended the meditation once before I moved and it was really relaxing and a really great experience for me.
I love this place and wish I had a studio like this where I live now. It was so close to where I used to live and had such a welcoming, non-​intimidating feel. It is a fantastic place. They have a lot of different types of classes and have opportunities for people with kids as well (I don’t have kids, but always thought it sounded like a cool option for someone who did). They have monthly meditation, yoga in the park in the summer, and all different levels of classes throughout the week. They have mats, props, straps, towels… everything you could need there, for free, so if you are just getting started and don’t have your own mat, no worries! If you do have your own, you are obviously more than welcome to bring that as well. The first time you go you get a discount for being a first-​timer and there is zero commitment to come back, it’s completely relaxed. Try it! You’ll love it!

Good studio, lots of different types of classes depending on what kind of yoga you want. As with all studios, 90% of the experience depends on the instructor, and they have several so you can find the style which fits you best. Check the website for classes and types, and it does get changed up so check often. I like warm and gentle class.

I love this studio. Convenient location in the center of downtown Grayslake makes it easily accessible, but every once in a while you might have trouble finding a parking space.
The reception area is quite small, and people are often squished together in there waiting for class to start, which creates a bit of a log jam after class ends and folks are filing in/​filing out.
The actual room where practice takes place is clean and promotes a calming energy, with wooden floors and curtained windows. As far as size goes, I wish it was a little bigger; the more popular classes can sometimes find people placing their mats a bit too close together for comfort. I wish there were more classes in the schedule, especially on weekends.
If you’re new to yoga or don’t have your own gear yet, they have all the equipment you’d ever need for your practice: mats, blocks, straps, towels, chairs, and other props, and they’re all in very good shape (folks are always asked to wipe down borrowed mats before putting them away).
I haven’t had a teacher I didn’t like – they’re all wonderful, remember your name if you come to class often, and are always happy to offer modifications before, during, and after class if you ever need it! The classes are challenging in the best way possible. I’m super thankful to have this studio in my neighborhood!