CorePower Yoga

The instructors are not teaching anyone how to breath correctly. As an experienced yoga teacher, I was shocked by my core power experience. That place should not be called a yoga studio. They are not breathing while in asana, which means they are not even practicing yoga

I’ll start by saying that I am not a yoga person and I never have been! But I was visiting a friend in Chicago who also teaches at this studio so as with any fitness activity I go in with an open mind. The morning class was taught by Jon-​E-​Boy. I am not too familiar with the class schedules or the different varieties but this class was heated with positions from beginning to advanced options but we didn’t hold them for extended periods of time as I have experienced in Bikram type classes. He opened the class by explaining that no one should feel as if they can’t do yoga and studios should be welcoming to everyone. I felt like he was speaking to me. Lol. Apparently another member had a bad experience at a different studio where she didn’t feel welcomed by fellow students. This was a packed class and I felt very welcome so CorePower is very user friendly in my opinion.
The second class was yoga sculpt which was taught by my girlfriend, Sheila. Obviously, I am biased but this class had about 40 other people besides myself so others love her style of teaching as much as I do. This class was also heated. We used small hand weights and it was boot camp style with jumping jacks, lunges, upper body work, and abs. Small weights are used.
I enjoyed both classes and if there was a CorePower in Vegas I wouldn’t hesitate to join. Having been to other studies this is also one of the cleanest studios I have ever seen. The floors and the bathrooms are immaculate and there is no fowl odor that I have noticed in other studios with heated rooms.

This is my go-​to yoga spot! The instructors here are all awesome and they make it a habit of greeting patrons by name (I appreciate the little things). I’m not sure if they do this at all CorePower locations– but at this one, at the end of class, they give you a face cloth soaked in lavender or lemon infused water to help you cool down (I’ve only been to one other location where this was not done).
The facility is very clean– I almost always see staff cleaning the locker room/​showers every day before/​after class. Cleanliness is a big deal to me. The hair ties, bobby pins, q-​tips, and separate body wash/​shampoo/​conditioner that are available all make the slightly higher membership costs worth it.
There is only 1 things I don’t like about this location:
1. There isn’t a lot of counter space and there is only really one place I can plug in my hairdryer, and it’s next to the sink (there are 2). So when I am drying my hair I am in the way of anyone who needs to wash their hands at the other sink [awkward, sorry].

Let me start by saying that I love CorePower Yoga! The only reason this review is four stars is because of one instructor, that is on a power trip. I have been going to CPY for nearly five years but more frequently this past year. I also used to live downtown but now I’m in the burbs and right in between the Park Ridge and Arlington Heights studios. But this review is for the Park Ridge instructors.
We’ll start with Ms. Power Trip (Ciara). I went to one of her sculpt classes and right as I checked in I got a bad vibe from her. I am a flight attendant who happened to be on call at the time. So, I mentioned why I had to bring my phone into class but reassured her that it’ll be on vibrate. First of all, she looked at me like I had three heads and said «Fine, but make sure it is out of the way so I don’t step on it»
WoW, really?! Because last time I checked there’s weights all over the floor in a sculpt class. You mean to tell me you don’t look out for those when you’re in the middle of instructing? I just said «okay.» Then, as class started, it was at a ridiculously fast pace. I’ve been to multiple sculpts before and this was by far the worst. It’s supposed to be one breath, one movement. Her’s felt like one breath, three movements. And you could tell everyone was trying to play catch up. So, needless to say, I avoid her classes at all costs.
Next is Shelia. I LOVE her! I go to her sculpt classes and she doesn’t let you slack. (Which is good, why else are you there?) She’s fun, energetic and funny. I even brought my visiting family (mom, sister and friend) to her sculpt class and they loved it. I even mentioned to her one day before class that I was on call and had to bring my phone.. . Her response «Okay, sweetie. Thanks for telling me» Now that’s something you would expect to hear from a normal yoga teacher.
Lou is another great sculpt instructor. Plus, he’s just a cutie pie. He has such a positive energy and always a smile on his face. His classes are always fun and be ready to do squats to his favorite song.
JZ plays my favorite music during sculpt and will even take requests for next weeks class. She has great energy too and you can tell she loves what she does. I always try to make it to her class at least once a week.
I just took a sculpt class with Alila this past Sunday and she was amazing as well! I left feeling so energized and accomplished. She was non-​stop and class was tough but I loved it. If I’m home this Sunday, I’m definitely going back to her.
I hope these reviews help. :)

I went to this location for the first time and the girls at the front were very helpful. I’m a beginner at yoga and I enjoyed the class and the teacher. She worked the class hard and today I definitely can feel the burn.

I like this studio a lot, and I go between south loop and park ridge. If you want a solid kick in the butt with good music go to Hala’s 75 min sculpt class. I am still sore from 2 days ago!

I signed up last night to be a BlackTag member!
I am really excited about it!
I have been looking for a form of exercise that would help my back problems and that I would also enjoy and I have definitely found that here at CorePower in Park Ridge.
I’m still a beginner and have only taken the CoreRestore and C1 classes so far. The instructors are so helpful, which is much appreciated.
What got me in the doors was the Groupon CorePower offered for a month of unlimited classes. At first I didn’t think I would be able to afford a membership and was just going to maybe take a class here and there after my month expired.
But the instructors are what made me figure out a way to make it work because I really see the value and difference taking these classes has made in my life.
The physical therapist I go to for my back problems has already mentioned she has seen a huge improvement in my progress!
I’ve been telling everyone I know about what a great studio this is. My cousin might sign up as a member as well once her session pack is used up.
I even brought my Nana to a class.
I’m really looking forward to taking more classes.
I highly recommend taking a class to anyone regardless of your level of yoga experience.

This review is based solely on the people who attend yoga at this location as well as the studio itself.
STOP USING YOUR PHONES IN CLASS!!!
It is really annoying and disrespectful to the other people in class. All of the instructors have tried to tell them to leave there personal belongings in the cubbies, but these 40+ year old women cannot get off their phone in class. They also get up and put their weights away before final savasana.
To be honest, I love sculpt, but I haven’t been going as much because of how rude and disrespectful the people are.
Also, this studio is much smaller and not as clean as the downtown locations. There’s always hair on the studio floors.
As for the workout itself, it is great and the instructors are fabulous!

This is not the best or cleanest location… It leaves plenty to be desired. The students are not «serious» yoga students by any means, but that is to be expected. People walk into the studio with cell phones (people have gotten text message notifications during quiet parts of class), talking loudly… Most classes are packed.
As a yoga teacher myself (not Core Power trained), I like to take a variety of classes with different teachers. While I find some to be run-​of-​the-​mill instructor types (but then again, I take quite a few sculpt classes), I do have favorites at this location:
Melissa P: she doesn’t put up with non-​sense. No chattering before class, no playing on cell phones and no leaving during savasana: THANK YOU. Her yoga sculpt class is energizing yet grounding. I’ve left yoga sculpt classes overstimulated and jarred, but I always leave hers feeling better than when I arrived.
Kate Q: interesting presence, she has a lot to share. Creative and unique sequencing and she really knows her poses.
Here is what I like about Core Power:
— Plenty of class options, even late night classes
— Most instructors are enthusiastic about yoga and obviusly love to teach

This place is my new favorite addiction! Sometimes you don’t feel like going but I’ll tell you once you get there, you sure are glad you are. I have only been going for three weeks, but I feel so much stronger and just healthier, and I think my clothes are actually starting to fit better already! Namaste

This place used to be awesome! I had a membership and was totally hooked. I loved going to the 6AM sculpt classes during the week. Don’t get me wrong, I hated waking up that early, but it was so worth it. I was motivated, energized, and had a killer workout all before 7:15AM. Bari was awesome! As time went on, it grew more and more crowded. People started bringing their cell phones into the rooms with them. Texting while waiting for class, talking, etc… The cool towel that I looked forward to at the end of the class that used to be gently placed on my forehead was now being slapped on like someone just threw it across the room and it happened to land on my forehead, kind of. There was a ton of dust and dirt under the weight rack and they seemed to not be keeping the rooms as clean as they once were. I finally decided to cancel my membership, and the main reason was that we were packed into that room like sardines, or worse. The last straw was when I was doing «superman» and my feet were literally in the person’s face behind me, actually I think I kicked her in the chin. I was mortified and had no where to go. People stepping on my mat when they walked past, being so close that sweat from other people was landing on my mat, or on me… It was ridiculous. We’d even get yelled at if we couldn’t more any closer to each other to squeeze «one more person into the room». Ridiculous, especially for the price. I was paying $ 135 a month. I’d at least like to feel comfortable in my space. This place has become a money grubbing mill, They’ll just keep packing them in! I wish they would run two classes at the same time for the ones that are packed, like the AM sculpt classes. It’s too bad really, I seriously loved it there. Namaste my ass!

I’ve been practicing yoga here for over 2 years. I’ve had the best yoga experience at the studio.

5 star for this being a suburban location and having 2 studios and free parking. The layout of this location is like a hundred times better than Old Orchard location an the bathroom is more spacious. The PR location seems to share a lot of the same instructors with OO, so that is a big benefit if you like the instructors at OO…

I’ve been addicted for over a year. Everything is clean and modern and the staff is great.

CPY has taken my yoga practice to levels I don’t think I would have achieved independently or at another studio. I love that CPY is very clean and approachable and that there is a variety of classes available combining traditional yoga with pilates and more. Everyday I go I feel like it’s the best decision I’ve made all day, and it truly has made me a stronger and more flexible person, physically and emotionally. I love it here!

Yes, I am in LOVE with yoga thanks to CPY!
not only are the classes AWESOME, but the staff are wonderfull too. i always disliked yoga, but after going to so many heated classes, I am truly a believer!
It isn’t physically demanding on your body, but the stretches and breathing in such humidity has improved my regular workouts at the gym.
If I were you, definitely get the free week, and use that within 7 days for 5 classes (not 5 classes whenever you want like I originally thought, haha) and take advantage of the free 5 classes!
and keep an eye out for any groupons b/​c that is how I was originally introduced. :)

This place is a joke. Because you are sweating profusely doesn’t mean you are doing yoga. I feel like that’s the gimmick into making you think you are getting a good workout. The «manager» Christy is so rude — and I’ve never met mean yogi. That kind of goes against everything you learn in yoga school. Oh but wait — the people that work at CPY probably went to the CPY Teacher Training. Which is like a two week crash course. Which probably explains why they are pumping out new teachers like sliced bread and they can’t even remember to teach standing poses on both sides. They are horrible. (With one exception — Sarah — I feel like she was the only teacher that cared about the students and she did a lot of adjustments).
Aside from the crappy, inexperienced teachers the rooms are super crowded. And one thing that really irks me is that the teacher leaves the room during savasana and says «take your time stay as long as you like» — so it’s a little difficult to relax when everyone starts shuffling around and gathering their things. This is the only place where I’ve gone for yoga and left NOT feeling peaceful or relaxed.
There are other better actual YOGA studios out there that are privately owned — not some major wannabe corporate faux-​ga joint. If you want to sweat profusely take a bath in hot water — you get the same results and it’s free.
PS. They DO NOT mop the floors between classes.

Namaste.
Last night, I attended my first CorePower yoga sculpt class in Park Ridge. Is it too dramatic to say that it completely changed my life? It was a mix of relaxation and ass kicking. It was exactly how I wanted to end my day.
To be honest, I was having a stressful day at work, just getting over a heinous sinus infection and was completely wiped by the time I got onto my train home from the city. I even started to snooze… But, I pushed myself to attend class, and I’m so happy that I did!
Upon walking into the clean and modern facility, I was greeted by two very friendly faces, and was given a free unlimited week pass to the facilities as a new member. How cool is that? I had made a rookie mistake and forgot a lock for the locker room, and was not aware that belongings could not be stowed in the room itself. Beth, the instructor, borrowed me a lock, which was very sweet of her!
Speaking of locker rooms, they were immaculate. I’ve never seen such a clean space for a fitness center! The little details are what really make a difference to me. They are equipped with a whole bunch of stuff — like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, brushes, hair ties, blow dryers, lotion, deodorant, tampons. Seriously amazing.
The class itself was challenging, but could accommodate all skill levels from newbies to regular yogis. The heat was not suffocating as I ignorantly thought it would be. It was obviously hot, but not a humid hot. By the end of class my entire body was slick and sweating– but so was everyone around me.
A few tips:
— Classes fill up fast. I recommend arriving a little early to stake out a spot.
— Bring a towel. YOU WILL SWEAT PROFUSELY– NOT JUST GLOW.
— Bring plenty of water with you.
— Print your free week of Yoga (as a new member)
— Download the free app to your Iphone for up-​to-​date class schedules
Finally, the icing on the cake was the soothing cold herbal-​infused towel for your face at the closing of class. This towel is the equivalent of catnip to me. I’m officially addicted.

Hot yoga comes to Park Ridge! I’ve gone to the other CPY several times and really like it there… but, I think the Park Ridge one might be the best!
The location is very convenient, it has a parking lot, and a fully stocked huge locker room (which some of the city locations are lacking… and trust me, twenty sweaty girls in a tiny locker room is not a pretty sight).
While I admit that I’ve only been to one class here, I’ll definitely be back. I thought the instruction was great! The teacher really walked people through the C1 (beginner level) class, and I didn’t feel like people who were total newbies to yoga would get lost. Also, loved the lavender/​lemon washcloths at the end! Can’t wait to try a HOT class here, those washcloths will be really appreciated then!