I
started writing this blog post to talk about the four yoga classes I now teach on
Tuesdays at McFetridge Yoga & Fitness
Studio, which
are Hatha, Slow Flow and morning and afternoon Gentle Yoga. But I couldn’t do the subject justice
without also urging the local yoga enthusiast (or anyone who has yet to attend
a yoga class) to explore overall what this newly renovated gem-of-a-studio can
really mean to him or her.
McFetridge
Yoga Studio is located within the McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N California Avenue,
Chicago. The center is part of California Park, between Irving Park and Addison
Avenues.
When I
met someone recently and mentioned the venue to him, he said, “McFetridge?
What’s a McFetridge? That’s a mouthful!” Well, it’s far more than that. McFetridge
Sports Center, widely known for more than 40 years on Chicago’s north side for
its figure skating and hockey ice rink, and indoor tennis courts, has more
recently added its significant and serene yoga studio to its offerings for the
community.
Taking
yoga classes at McFetridge is the frugal choice as each is only $10 for a
drop-in, one-hour class. One-month or two-month unlimited memberships are
smartly priced, too (see offer below). And if you’re a senior aged 65 or older,
it’s half price.
McFetridge
is also a frugal choice for the frugal poet or any person who practices the
frugality of a simple but elegant, intelligent lifestyle, because of the many
perks the venue includes in your yoga experience: for example, you get more
individualized attention at McFetridge than at many other venues, in an
accepting, non-judgmental, non-competitive atmosphere.
It’s a
beautiful, sparkling clean and spacious studio with gentle vaporizers, soft
music, an occasional whiff of incense, relaxing lighting and a welcoming
spirit. Mats, bolsters,
Even
more frugal are the membership deals going on now, January 2016, via Groupon. One month’s unlimited yoga
studio membership (regularly $60) is now only $29 with the Groupon. And a
two-month unlimited yoga studio membership (regularly $100) is only $49 with
the Groupon. That’s for as many yoga classes as you care to take. Not only for the
ones I teach, but also for Forrest Yoga, Restorative, Yoga Sculpt (similar to CorePower, using
hand weights), Vinyasa Flow and other classes available with a bevy of instructors.
Let’s
face it, yoga in general is a frugal choice. It cannot only be performed
virtually anywhere, at most anytime, indoors or out, with little to no
equipment, but it is also easier on your joints and other body parts than
running and therapeutic not only to the body, but also, ultimately, to the mind
and emotions. That is, if you’re aware of what you’re doing. Yoga is and can
become for many a lifelong learning experience.
Moving beyond
the frugality of yoga lovers smartly getting more for their dollar and being
kinder and wiser to themselves, I look at the McFetridge Yoga Studio in
particular as one of Chicago’s hidden gems. It’s an attractive, down-to-earth
venue, yet perched high in its own lofty aerie, a neighborhood getaway still
being discovered. My students consider the space as a haven or “safe place” to
practice and be oneself.
Many
people who haven’t been to the McFetridge Sports Center lately are not only
surprised and pleased that it now includes a yoga studio, but also by finding
that it’s one that’s fully staffed with specialized, caring instructors,
offering a wider range of yoga classes than many other studios do.
All of
the classes I personally teach are conducted at room temperature (around 74 to 76 degrees), but a number of other
classes at the McFetridge Yoga Studio are heated in a fashion similar to the
Bikram Yoga tradition (between 80-90 degrees). There is definitely something
for everyone.
I invite
you to drop-in to try any of my yoga classes. Stop at the McFetridge front desk
first to purchase your $10 drop-in slip and someone will direct you to the yoga
studio:
Gentle Yoga on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. is the
right choice for anyone who wants a slower-paced class. Poses are practiced
seated, standing and lying down, modified with support as needed. Great for
seniors, beginners or those recovering from injuries. As well, it’s the perfect
compliment to warm-up before or cool-down after skating, hockey or tennis.
Breath and relaxation are also emphasized. Take part in our room temperature
gentle yoga class regardless of experience, age or body type.
Hatha Yoga on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. comprises
a sequence of traditional asanas (poses). This room temperature Level 1 class
focuses on breathing, alignment, extension, grounding, strengthening and
stretching. Great for beginners to mid-level participants.
Slow Flow on Tuesdays at 7:15 p.m. is a room-temperature
yoga class comprising slowly paced sun salutations and flow pose sequences,
giving you the opportunity to use your breath and subtle movements to calm your
mind, find your center and stretch your body.