Yoga Institute of Champaign-Urbana

This is wonderful yoga studio! The style was perfect for me and really imparts a deep understanding of the poses. I’m a very stiff guy so have a lot of trouble with even basic poses — in other yoga studios I feel like I just get pushed through the motions without ever getting them right, but here they run through things very carefully and it makes things so much more accessible for someone like me. There’s a also a TON of props, and the teachers will come up with a variation of a pose for any quirk or limitation you might have. So glad to have this place nearby!

I tried the beginning yoga class and was so disappointed. If you are truly a *beginner* this class is not for you. As someone who desperately looked to yoga for increased fitness and flexibility, I was met with a young male instructor who seemed to be oblivious to the struggles of myself and others in the group who did not have the strength yet to do some of the more complicated sequences. Also, I had no idea what he meant when he would say things like «lift your knees» and other phrases meant as corrections. Sorely disappointed by this young man. I read amazing things about Lois and am disappointed that she didn’t teach a class crucial to the building blocks of yoga.

My boyfriend and I did some drop in classes this past winter. This is my first time taking regular yoga classes. We tried the Introduction to Asana and Iyengar Ignite classes. We really enjoyed it! The instructor for Iyengar Ignite, I believe her name was Gwen, was incredibly helpful yet she really challenged you to push yourself. I’m not very flexible but I was definitely more flexible and had a stronger upper body after the class. She also pays attention to everyone’s «weak spots» and does what she can to adapt the positions so that everyone can fully participate. If you’re not going to go to every single class in a semester, I highly recommend the drop in rate. It’s a nice, no-​commitment way to try out regularly attending a class. I will also say that the names of the classes might be a little confusing for a beginner. When I read that «asana» meant meditation, I thought the the Introduction to Asana class would be all about meditation. I was glad that I called them to find out which classes are good for beginners. If you have any questions on which classes to try out you can always call them up or try the classes we did. They were very good for beginners, even when we showed up toward the end of the semester.

The yoga classes here are amazing. A great workout and superb instruction.

I have had the honor and the privilege to study with Lois Steinberg at YICU (Yoga Institute of Champaign– Urbana) since August of 2010! I drive every Tuesday from Indianapolis to Urbana to study with Lois because she is the most amazing teacher I have ever experienced on my yoga path. Lois’s teaching is penetrating, demanding and truly inspirational! Lois is a very generous person with a beautiful heart and will help you along this journey if you are willing to do the work. Lois gives 110% to her students and cares deeply about the Iyengar method and is dedicated to her teaching. If you are serious about deepening your yoga practice, developing your home practice or becoming a teacher in this method I strongly recommend you contact the Institute to find out which class offered by Lois would be appropriate for you prior to visiting. Lois has a class for everyone at any level and will assist you in determining where you should begin your studies with her. I am grateful every day for the influence Lois has had on my yoga practice and my life. Lois is a rare gift to the Midwest and I am humbled and honored to attend her classes. Thank you Lois! You rock!

Lois Steinberg is a world class IYENGAR YOGA teacher. The Iyengar Method is precise and strong — Lois has a keen sense of humor and she weaves yoga philosophy in with the asana classes for a penetrating and deep experience — 100’s of people travel from all over the world to study with Lois. When you are ready to get serious about your yoga practice this is the place to go!!!

Lois was a terrible yoga experience! I am a certified 200 hour yoga instructor. I have never known a worse yoga experience. This is not what yoga is all about. I can’t emphasize enough the need to experience yoga in its true flowing, calm, and welcoming fashion and this is not the place. Giving 1 star is giving to much praise
Namaste

This is the best thing in Urbana. Lois Steinberg is truly world-​renowned, and her expertise and penetrating teaching will transform how you do yoga. Other studios have fun classes with music and the chance to do some sun salutations, but this studio will teach serious yoga practitioners or beginners a completely new way to look at yoga. This is appropriate for those with injuries as well as the young and healthy. I cannot recommend this highly enough.