By Lourdes Paredes
Lincoln Avenue from Fullerton to Belmont is a uniquely yoga-dense corridor with many active lifestyle offerings and spiritual communities. Within 1.4 miles, there are seven yoga studios, numerous boutique gyms and pilates studios, a historic church and the Chicago headquarters of the controversial religious community, Scientology. Established businesses, such as a family-run candle business, holistic health centers and a scuba school, have weathered the economic roller coaster. Among the newer businesses is the designer toy store, Rotofugi. Eateries include the Golden Apple, open 24/7, and newer brunch spots with long waits. What used to be a shortcut driving route through the city is now a one-stop fitness and shopping destination. Here are a few highlights from illumine’s amble along this issue’s Yoga Zone.
Waxman
waxmancandles.com
A destination for candle lovers, this family-owned business offers many creative options for an illuminated home and life. At the Lincoln Avenue facility, artisans make the candles by hand, in just about every shape, size and theme. The over 300 fragrances change seasonally.
Chicago Yoga Center
(founded as N.U. Yoga)
yogamind.com
Suddha Weixler came to Chicago in 1984 and with the blessings of his guru, opened up one of the first yoga centers in the city. The Chicago Yoga Center offers a well-rounded schedule of classes, from Ashtanga (led and Mysore) to Hatha, Yin and Vinyasa. Beginners are welcome.
Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness
ganeshayogachicago.com
Cheerfully painted storefront and interior, this boutique and yoga studio offers colorful, flattering yoga clothing and yoga gear. Classes such as Stiff Guy and HeavyWeight Yoga® welcome the non-typical yogi. Nia, Yoga Dance Party, BollyGroove Cardio and Broadway Fit classes are also on the schedule.
Samgha
samghayoga.com
The only Jivamukti-affiliated studio in Chicago, this urban sanctuary is guided by the hip and holy Robert Pelaski. Deeply rooted and infused with traditional elements, Vinyasa-style classes include Spiritual Warrior, Jivamukti open, Ashtanga and Bali Spirit.
Pressbox
usepressbox.com
Catering to the person with non-traditional hours, they offer 24/7 access to drop-off and pick-up dry cleaning service.
Body R&D
bodyrnd.com
This challenging 50-minute workout delivers results. Owner Harry Shelley brought the Pilates-like intense and fast-paced megaformer cardio-free group class to Chicago.
dSPACE Studio
dspacestudio.com
This architecture firm is a good neighbor to have! In collaboration with the city’s Department of Transportation, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and Heritage General Store, they created the Lincoln People Spot, a seasonal outdoor seating structure.
Heritage General Store
heritagebicycles.com
A full-fledged coffee shop and bike shop, Heritage does both well. They serve Stumptown Coffee, Girl & The Goat pastries, and Glazed & Infused doughnuts on Sundays. In the same space, they fix, tune-up and build custom bikes.
Bodhi Spiritual Center
bodhispiritualcenter.org
Located just a few hundred feet from Lincoln Avenue on Magnolia, Bodhi Spiritual Center has a modern approach to church without religion and is committed to awakening “Divine power and purpose.” Rev.Mark Anthony Lord leads the community.
Rotofugi
rotofugi.com
The triangular corner storefront has been home to internationally recognized designer toy store and art gallery since 2010. Its toys are for little ones, collectors and others with a whimsical state of mind.
Shen Shen Health & Harmony
shenshenhealth.com
Using massage, acupuncture, herbs and other bodywork, therapists create the ideal conditions for healing. Specializing in women’s health and infertility, they also address the common cold and symptoms related to cancer and lupus.
Divine Power Yoga
divinepoweryogaonline.com/
The owner of a Naperville yoga studio of the same name will be the new owner of this space beginning January. The hot studio will offer Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga.
I.D. Gym
id-gym.com
Seasoned yoga teacher and personal trainer Brent Holten opened this boutique gym in 2008, replete with weights and cardio equipment with a personalized workout. Fly Yoga®, Vinyasa yoga and group fitness classes are offered.
WholeHealth Chicago
wholehealthchicago.com
WholeHealth Chicago is the Midwest’s oldest center for integrative care, combining conventional medicine with alternative therapies. Check out their apothecary.
The Chicago School of Yoga
chicagoschoolofhotyoga.com
With two heated yoga rooms and shower/locker facilities, they offer Sunrise classes most days and many after-work options, including Detox, Yin restorative and Candlelight.
The Peace School
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