The Lab

I should preface my review…
If you’re someone who enjoys meditative, restorative, or vinyasa styled classes, this probably isn’t going to be the place for you.
The Lab is about deepening, strengthening, and improving your practice through hard work and dedication. This isn’t one of those studios who’s going to encourage you to take breaks and lay in child’s pose… and I am SO thankful for that. Too many times have I been in yoga classes where I feel people don’t take the full advantage to get something out of the class. That being said, yes, of course listen to your body, but don’t give in at the slightest bit of challenge. I’m not trying to scare anyone away — The Lab is NOT intimidating by any means. If you’re considering taking a class here, learn from my mistake, and start at a level 1. This will ease you into the CYoga sequence and you’ll be doing level 1 – 2 classes in no time!
The Lab is a yoga studio who gets that yoga doesn’t just have to be about sun salutations… THANK YOU BABY JESUS! I have tried SO many yoga studios and they’re all the same boring routine. Class after class of sun salutations and I felt like my practice had hit a plateau. That will NEVER happen here. You’re going to constantly be challenged and you’re going to sweat.
I just wrapped up my 6 month unlimited package and I want to tell you about the experience…
First, the studio is beautiful and the artwork was created by one of the teachers at the studio, how cool is that? You will feel a nice, relaxed vibe and meet many friendly people. Out of all the places I have been, this is one studio I can say that I have been able to easily make friends.
Second, you WILL improve your practice with each class. You will get into poses you never thought possible, and you will have fun doing it. If you’re someone like me, someone who’s always enjoyed yoga, but had a hard time with the meditative part and wanted more, you’ll get that! If you’re looking for a studio that is going to give you options on arm balances, inversions, and more difficult poses than down dog and crow — look no further. If you also do yoga to improve your health and body, you will see results. I have never felt as in good of shape as I have these past 6 months of 2 – 3 classes a week.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The teachers at the studio are all very educated on the practice and make the best adjustments I have ever had. I never realized how many poses I had been doing wrong until I came here and teachers actually helped me into the pose rather than just watch me do it wrong from the front of the room.
I feel The Lab is also one of the few studios who has created its own community, and wants more people to join. You don’t have to come into the studio, keep to yourself, go to class, and then leave. This is a studio that really encourages getting to know one another and being real.
I encourage people to give The Lab a shot. You may fall in love just as I did.

The Lab is hands down the best yoga studio in Chicago. I have tried out several other studios and classes in the city, but they just aren’t the same. Classes here are challenging, but structured so that even the hardest poses are attainable. The teachers are friendly and encouraging. They make sure to give you one on one help and adjustments even in packed classes, which I really value. The studio itself is super clean and inviting, which makes a great environment to practice in. Try it out. You won’t find a better studio!

My husband and I have now been taking classes with Carmen for almost 6 years. We continue to be amazed by where she is able to take our practice. We have never had the same sequence in all that time. Every class is different. Her personal commitment to us and drive to get us to reach deeper and more complex poses is amazing. We are healthier, stronger, more flexible, and happier than ever. This is the best yoga – period.

The cyoga lab is exceptional. The teachers are super friendly and encouraging. They teach a different style and always offer new challenging poses. Ive done my first lotus class here, which was never taught anywhere that i had been prior. Coming from a ten plus year practitioner, it was nice to find a new challenge not to mention all the arm balances, forearm stands, and hand stands, so much fun!!! Plus its a hands on studio so you can get some amazing adjustments.

Before finding The Lab I went to about a dozen yoga classes, typically vinyasa-​based, and thought yoga was okay. I could get through it, I was bendy, but the classes were boring. This all changed after attending my first class at The Lab. I happened upon a Groupon, and after 1hr 15min of cYoga I was hooked and immediately bought a monthly pass. Carmen trains all of the teachers in cYoga, which is her blend of Forrest and Universal yoga, but every class still has a great flow. The room is typically heated to mid 80s (warm enough to loosen up the body, but it does not affect my breathing like hot yoga). I’ve been practicing yoga at The Lab for three and a half years, and go about 5 – 6 times a week. Every class is different– different themes (backbends, hip openers, twists, etc.), and different sequences to warm up into peak poses.
The teachers are all wonderful. Everybody brings their own vibe to the class (some more mellow, some more energetic), are invested in the students, and provide new tips and advice. The teachers will motivate you and encourage you to attempt things you never thought you could do. They also come around the room and safely adjust you, so you can get deeper into the poses. The classes are challenging, but in a good way. The yoga is very physical and you will break a sweat! Be prepared to work and really try. However, the teachers always suggest modifications and variations of poses if you’re feeling tight, or cannot achieve certain poses yet. Beginners and more advanced people often take the same classes, but both benefit just as much. When I first attended The Lab I could not kick into a forearm balance at the wall– today I do my balance in the middle of the room. The classes are also really fun. You will never do the same sequence twice (unlike Bikram), and I love trying new poses and testing my physical and mental limits. If you want a super difficult class that blows your mind, try Carmen’s level 2 – 3 or Moises’ level 2. They give you asanas and transitions that will give you something to work toward.
I cannot say enough good things about The Lab. The people are great, the yoga is challenging and intense (and fun!), and it’s a fantastic community. I have never come out of a class feeling worse than when I walked in. Practicing there has made me healthier (eliminated my knee pain after I had surgery in June 2009, dropped 3 – 4 dress sizes, increased muscle tone), more balanced (gave me a space to de-​stress), and happier/​more confident.
Try it out!

I just finished the 3-​pack of classes deal for new students and was so, so impressed with The Lab. I understand that different types of yoga suit different types of people, and the Lab is definitely MY kind of yoga. What I want out of yoga is: I want it to feel fun and challenging, and I want yoga class to be a place for me to (safely) learn how to do cool shit with my body, in an unintimidating environment. I’m seeking an athletic practice over a spiritual one. What I don’t like in a yoga class: endless sun salutations, a holier-​than-​thou attitude, a lecture on my chakras or the phases of the moon, feeling bored. The Lab nails it. Class felt fun, it was very challenging (I went to a Level 1 – 2 class first, quickly realized I was out of my league, and went to Level 1 classes after that), and I left with a major yoga high. There was a big focus on the more challenging poses like arm balances, inversions, full wheel variations, etc. But you spend a whole class working up to those poses and the teachers helped modify things I couldn’t do so I didn’t feel lost (even when I was obviously the worst in class!) Big thumbs up to The Lab for making yoga fun, hard, and rewarding.

Prior to The Lab, I had done yoga here and there but I was never comfortable in 110 degree rooms (you won’t find this at The Lab-​but you will sweat!) and was never motivated by the same sun salutations over and over again. I first visited The Lab about a year ago and came with the intention of unwinding after a hard week. I didn’t realize I’d be seriously challenged and enjoy it at the same time (with some unwinding too!). I was never a fan of those «Cross Fit» type places that challenged you to the point that you could never get convince yourself to go back to a class. Somehow The Lab has challenged me and has kept me coming back for more!
I flew through my first 10 pack of classes at The Lab, I was amazed that every class was different, even with the same teachers! The classes are set up in a way to optimize your warm up for a peak pose. I’ve found that I’ve been actually been able to achieve some of these peak poses because I’ve actually been warmed up in the right way as opposed to rushing into it. The teachers adjustments are thoughtful, careful and truly help you achieve the pose. The classes generally follow the format of a flexibility warm up, a standing sequence and wall work but every single class is so different.
In the past year (2 – 4 classes a week) yoga kept me motivated to be active during our brutal Chicago winter and just to be healthier overall. John’s Level 1 class was a great introduction to The Lab (however I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every single teacher I’ve taken a class with!) Prior to The Lab, I wasn’t strong enough to do crow and didn’t think I’d ever be strong enough for it. Over the past year, I’ve most importantly built strength and gained the confidence to continue building upon it. I find that my posture has improved, my hips and shoulders are more open and my light snoring has completely disappeared.
Definitely recommend this place to anyone!

I have finally found my yoga home! Been going studio to studio like gypsy since I got to the city. The Lab is the way I like to yoga. Challenging when I need it to be, and the adjustments help me achieve things I never thought I’d be able to do!

If you’re serious about growing your yoga practice, you’ll be hard pressed to find a studio better than The Lab.
Over the last 10 years, I found myself in and out of yoga studios while training for endurance running events. I grew bored with the constant repetition of flow classes or long periods of meditation at other studios. I had convinced myself that yoga just wasn’t for me — That is, until a friend introduced me to The Lab.
Be prepared to throw out everything you thought you knew about a yoga class before your first class. Keep an open mind and don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by cyoga (cause it’s pretty amazing!). Unlike other studio’s teachers who rush through a sequence, instructors at The Lab take the time to assist each student helping them push their limits, to build strength, increase flexibility and achieve success — from arm balances to inversions.
I’ve been taking classes as the Lab between 1−4x a week for the last year. In that time, I’ve been able to overcome stress-​related issues (headaches, neck pain, shoulder tightness) which used to send me routinely to a massage therapist. In addition, The Lab has made me stronger, better runner. Over the last five years, I had been in and out of PT with running related injuries (runner’s knee, weak hips, IT band issues). Last year I ran two marathons injury free. I believe I have The Lab to thank in part for that.
Instructors are friendly, approachable and encouraging across the board. The studio’s location is convenient for public trans and has easy, free street parking.
Take a leap and try out a class here. You won’t regret it.

I was a little intimidated to go here at first, but as soon as I got over that I have really enjoyed my experiences here. Like any studio, the experiences vary greatly by instructor so it may take a few times to find an instructor whose teaching style, meshes with your yoga style. The sequencing here is really their expertise, you spend the entire class warming up a particular part of your body to work your way towards a peak pose. Definitely challenging, but also rewarding! I’ve gotten into my deepest back bends and some of my best inversions here! Even if you don’t come regularly, a great way to spice up your yoga routine.

Came here on the 16^th for my birthday because the studio I usually go to was closed and I’m glad I did. Since I practice sporadically, my practice isn’t really all that deep. I’m the most inflexible «yogi» ever. I’ll admit I was a little hesitant to jump into a 1 – 2 but Soren was really encouraging! With the perfect amount of heat, modification, and hand on assists I had one of the best practices I’ve had in a while.
I think most of these one star reviews are from people who don’t want to be challenged and confuse being «pushed» with said challenge or love yoga chains like CPY because they like to know what’s next. Which is fine, but I don’t like doing the same sequence over and over again because I’m susceptible to overuse injuries. With that said, I snagged a new student monthly for 50 dollars and I REGRET NOTHING.
*Parking wasn’t a problem but be careful as N. Racine becomes a very slim two way with parked cars.

This place is not ideal for students that aren’t willing to challenge themselves! I’ve been practicing multiple types of yoga for almost ten years and it wasn’t until these last couple weeks at The Lab that I’ve seen major growth in my physical and mental yoga practice.
The space is beautiful and there are no mirrors which helps diminish the competition and allows you to focus on yourself. During the day the studios retain a beautiful light through the glass windows.
Class prices are affordable; new students get a month unlimited for $ 50! The co-​owner, Moises, allowed me to take class then decide which package to purchase. After that first class (a level 1 – 2 in which we did forearm and handstand) I was hooked!
I’ve taken class from five different teachers in the last two weeks and each time I’ve learned something new about my practice! The teachers build creative, yet challenging sequences that work to a peak pose (ex: back bending, twisting, balancing). They also go around and help each individual student which leaves time for the students to learn from the teacher and then continue to work towards a goal.
As an avid cyclist (even during the winter) this place has helped to loosen me up. When I fell off of my bike Soren, John & Sonora all helped with modified poses during their classes so I could still practice during my recovery.
If you aren’t willing to try, this place is not for you! If you are looking for a challenge or a way to deepen your practice, check out The Lab!

I signed up for the Lab’s Teacher Training this year. Wow! What a MISTAKE!!! Is Carmen good at Yoga? Sure she is good, it has been her primary passion in life for well over 12 years. Do you want to learn from her? If you answer yes to the following questions, this is THE PLACE FOR YOU:
1) Do you enjoy being yelled at & losing that inner peace yoga is supposed to instill in you?
2) Do you enjoy being criticized for following the example of other teachers at the studio?
3) Is it ok if they don’t inquire about previous injuries, pregnancy, etc. prior to beginning?
4) Do you enjoy being called a «loser» because you can’t do a forearm balance?
5) Do you appreciate someone assuming you are «Lazy» because your schedule does not allow you to take more classes during the week?
6) Do you enjoy hearing about your instructor’s episodes with depression, bulimia, and how «people who don’t practice yoga everyday make me want to vomit»???
7) Do you enjoy loud bands rocking out while you try and focus on your practice? (There is a music studio downstairs & they love to rock out in the middle of your class).
Clearly you should steer clear if you enjoy keeping your inner peace! Because Carmen LOVES to yell! Oh that temper! You learn to come to expect it when you least expect it!
She actually had the nerve to call herself the «Alinea of Yoga in Chicago»! That kind of makes ME want to vomit! I have been to Alinea, and BOY there is NO comparison!!! She also compares Bikram to «McDonalds»…gimmie a break! At least they have made a name for themselves and have die hard fans!
CYoga is all about achieving new poses. If that is all you care about go for it. Having been a part of the fitness industry for over 12 years, however, I can tell you you won’t gain much from the classes besides that. I left all the classes feeling as though I didn’t get a real workout, just a bit of pain from the adjustments given that sometimes go too far. Who cares if I can do a scorpion, or a wheel? I’d much rather feel like I got a good workout, and didn’t need to go to the gym after to get a better one! Go take an interval, bootcamp, strength, or vinyassa class instead. At least Vinyassa will give you that nice calming stretch and cardio you are searching for!
Yet, if you are still ok with the questions above, and you desire nothing more in your heart than to achieve the perfect 1 leg wheel & scorpion, then by all means, you found your home along with the 5 or more employees who reviewed this place with 5 stars… Isn’t that against Unilocal policy to have employee reviews listed?

love it.
Reasonable price, teachers are always friendly and helpful, more asian style yoga– focus on stretching and holding. everything is good beside the location, but for what you can get, its worth to go.

When I moved to Chicago, I was looking to improve my yoga practice and when I found the Lab, I was ECSTATIC! This is a studio that is both physically and mentally challenging.
All of the instructors are very welcoming and attentive during their classes. One of my favorite aspects is that the instructors give adjustments (both verbal and physical) and it helps you get deeper into a pose. My first class was with John and he gave such detailed instructions and helped me get into the arm balancing poses that I had never tried before. It was a great feeling trying new poses and I know I still have a long way to go. Now, those arm balances have become my favorite part of every class.
If you are looking for a place to improve your yoga practice and challenge yourself, I would absolutely recommend going to the Lab!

If you want to vastly improve your yoga practice — the Lab is your studio and Carmen is your teacher (actually, every teacher at the Lab will help you immensely — best teachers at any studio I’ve been to!). I first came here after bouncing around to different studios around the city not quite finding the perfect fit for me and where I wanted to take my practice. I’ve been doing yoga for about 7 years (mostly inconsistently — until I found the Lab) and in my first class I was doing poses I had never done before! It was exhilarating!
The classes are meant to be challenging to get you out of your comfort zone and really listen to your body — which truthfully I’ve ignored in most other yoga classes. If you want to get your leg behind your head or balance on one foot and one hand in wheel — you really need to be in touch with what your body’s doing! The set up of cYoga makes a lot of sense. This is not a vinyasa «flow» yoga — you build on one pose to the next warming up the body for the final more advanced pose — not everyone can do them, I usually can’t, but it doesn’t matter. I love working towards a goal and seeing how far I’ve come every time I practice! And inversions — you will be doing forearm balance in no time!
cYoga gives you everything from strength and flexibility to hands on direction on how to correctly do a pose and the guidance to push your practice further.
Granted cYoga may not be for everyone — but trust me, if you want to improve your practice beyond what you thought possible and consistently challenge yourself physically and mentally — this is your studio.

First off I want to say that this space is gorgeous, staff was super nice, marketing is amazing, and the intentions here are good.
My main issue with this studio is the bad sequencing which they have named «CYoga». My friend (who is a yoga teacher) and I got a free week each here, we took two classes with Carmen and decided not to go back and finish our week. The first class started in back bends and the second class started with getting into scorpion! Thank god I have 15 years of yoga experience otherwise I would have ended up with in injury, which incidentally my friend did. You NEVER start class with a pose in which your not warm and open enough to get in to.
Half way through the second class I glanced over and saw a guy doing a head stand along the wall, however he was resting on his face… HIS FACE! This was funny at the time but I can imagine the neck pain that resulted from that.
I am all for pushing your self, level 3 classes are my thing. I had an ashtanga teacher use to push and pull us into poses which is awesome once your warmed up. I have no problem with not flowing or doing sun salutations which are also absent at the Lab.
My issue is that CYoga is just bad, the sequencing of a class is so important! Traditional yoga which is thousands of years old has a very specific course, Meddling with it can be both good and bad, but with CYoga it’s bad. Sorry to say so but the Lab is an experiment gone bad.

Great spot. Bought a YouSwoop to try out the classes and really enjoyed the proximity to transport and all the amenities they offer.
Instructors were quite interactive and good motivators. Check it out when they’re on YouSwoop or well worth the very reasonable prices they already offer.

The Lab has turned me into a yogi! I am an endurance runner and was always extremely skeptical about yoga. I had tried a few classes over the years but found myself thinking «I could be running! This is a waste of time.» Not at The Lab with cYoga.
When I attended my first yoga class at the The Lab, I was a bit hesitant because it was a Level ½ but I really wanted to push myself and take advantage of the class. It was difficult, but one of the best classes I have ever taken.
I love starting my day with the 5:45am class with Nick. It’s a little on the smaller side, so you get a lot of individualized instruction. Don’t worry… there are a number of other class times if that is too early! Since going to The Lab, I tried two other studios but I have not found a style of yoga or studio that allows me to feel like I am getting both an energizing experience and a challenging work-​out.
cYoga classes are more difficult than others I’ve tried but I think The Lab’s website really nails it when they say that the teachers and classes are approachable and enjoyable for everybody. The instructors help adjust students to get into more challenging poses and designs the sequence depending on the theme of the class and the level of the students.
I highly recommend The Lab for beginnings and newbies who are looking for a challenging and rewarding class.
Other details: Location is a bit off my path but it’s accessible via the Halsted bus, Green Line, and parking is plentiful in the West Loop. Well worth the trip out of the way for me.

Thinking of trying yoga for the first time? Think no more!
I recently attended a class taught by Soren B. She is amazing! I told her that I have been having some knee and lower back problems and her class seemed to suit my needs.
She takes her time and does not rush her students. I did not feel singled out if I could not do the pose, she would always come by and help me.
I will be back for more and look forward to attending her classes on a weekly basis.