John Marcoux' Bikram Yoga Chicago studios are conveniently located in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park. In addition to hot Yoga classes, they offfer massage, and through their resident acupuncturist, smoking cessation treatment and traditional Chinese medicine.
His website features CBS Sports reporter Megan Mawicke daring the 105 degree Bikram yoga class. Watch the yoga video clip to see the Chicago studio in action, or read studio coverage in this Chicago Tribune article Cheat your way to a hot summer bod.
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Alternately, try Mike Frayer's Bikram Yoga in the City downtown Chicago (at the Chicago Brown Line stop), voted "Best Yoga Studio 2006" by citysearch.com. While this studio has many things to recommend it, including a vast mat storage area (which is a real bonus - my basement always smells while my mat is hanging up to dry), the overall experience was mediocre.
The studio is drafty and on this winter visit, two students got up and moved away from the windows mid-class. Furthermore, the studio is so large that they seem have difficulty keeping the humidity high enough and as a result, I was barely sweaty by Eagle Pose, making it harder to get a proper arm and leg wrap. Finally, the front mirror does not extend all the way to the floor, a disadvantage when trying to see oneself during Full Locust Pose, though one could argue I should just learn to lift more!
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The owner of the studio on 219 W Chicago actually stopped the class to tell me that I was holding the pose too long. He embarassed me in front of the entire studio to make his point about following his and only his direction. I will never be back.
Amy mi amore, as far as I know, with Bikram, it essential to listen to the teacher. That is the entire premise of yoga, to respect your teacher. Stop showboating and follow the bikram routine. It is there for a reason.
What an amazing experience. I attended a class at Bikram Yoga Chicago (Wicker Park) with my 50 year old mother, both of us for the first time. I was very impressed with the instruction and guidance when we both needed it. We were the only beginners there. The staff made us feel comfortable right away. Although incredibly intense the experience was equally tranquil. I took advantage of the $20 unlimited week pass and am looking forward to my next class.