Central Street Yoga

I was really excited to check out this yoga studio - I arrived early to get all of the necessary paperwork in order. I went up to Shana, the owner, to shake her hand. She limply and reluctantly offered her hand and told me that I had messed up and should have pre-registered for the class ("Don't you read our newsletter?") and wouldn't be allowed into the class. Instead of kindly letting me know that the class was full and asking me to return to another class which wasn't full, she wanted to make sure I understood that i was one who messed up, not her. She let me know that she had opened the class to "free registration." Well, when I looked up the class a few days prior, I was required to buy a pack of classes in order to be able to register so I instead opted to "drop-in" and pay in cash, an option listed on the website. Shana needs to learn to manage these interactions better in order to not alienate potential customers who don't understand her system. I will never return to this studio and frankly hope it goes out of business to be replaced by a more customer-friendly business.

So one day I decided to give yoga a try, made a quick google search in my area and luckily enough found Central street yoga and Shana.🙏🏻I liked my first class. I was surprised how my body moved. It was a very positive experience.And, it’s been more than 2 years now. I’m growing and learning everyday with Shana. No two classes have been same. Every class is a delightful surprise.Cannot be more thankful for the amazing, friendly and supportive community of yogis practising here and the guru herself.Give it a try. It’ll be worth it.😃

I had a great experience at this studio. Thanks Shana for a wonderful flow. I will definitely be back!

I've been doing yoga for 15 years in studios all over the world and Shana is one of the best teachers I've had. She knows physiology very well and is creative, so her practice is perfectly tailored to who's in the room. I always leave feeling lighter/better and like I got my butt kicked. I competed seriously in athletics and she has the same keen sense for bodies as physical therapists, but can also give you a hard workout that's fun and makes you feel good while it's happening.I started going to her class on my Christmas break and I can't wait to come back again the next time I'm in town.Plus she's very nice and welcoming! She would be a great teacher for someone just getting into yoga. And part of her brilliance is that she could teach a class with a beginner and someone with 15 years experience and you would both have a great time/workout.

While visiting from San Francisco, I was happy to take a yoga class, yet shockingly disheartened by Shana’s treatment of me. I’ve never been so horribly treated by any business owner. Ever. At yoga of all places?!? …

After a neighbor recommended Central Street Yoga, I decided to give it a try in mid June of 2018. It is now October 6th, and I am attending class 3, 4 and sometimes 5 times a week! As a musician and educator, I see Shana Stitzel as an artist, similar to a jazz musician, improvising in time as she expertly leads students through the poses. Her direction is clear and precise as is her pacing yet each class is unique, requiring the student to be present and fully focused.I’ve never seen the class size exceed 11 and in the morning, there are often just 3-4 students! As a newbie to yoga back in June, I’ve seen improvement in my strength, balance, breath capacity and flexibility which in turn encourages me to stay committed! In regard to age, this studio is host to students ranging from High School through Retirees with attendance by both men and women. Street Parking is available nearby so no worries about parking hassles. If you are looking for a great studio, which nurtures a peaceful, nurturing and accepting environment, Central Street Yoga is the place for you!Janet

Central Street Yoga is one of the jewels of Evanston. In each class, Shana has an amazing way of intuiting what each person’s body needs that day and teaches accordingly. No class is ever the same and I’ve noticed some real changes in my own body over the past nine months that I’ve been coming here. I definitely recommend checking out this warm, supportive, very peaceful yoga studio.

My husband and I have been attending CSY for about 8 months now and have found such comfort in being in the studio. The first time I attended a class, everyone introduced themselves and inquired about me and my practice and Shana welcomed me with warmth and compassion. Since then, we have both grown in our practice spiritually and physically. Shana pushes her students to think not only about getting into the poses, but most importantly, why we are in the poses and what parts of our bodies we are working. This was the missing piece in my other yoga experiences-growth.On a personal level, I thought I lost my wedding band in the studio (it has since been found) and texted Shana at 9pm and she left home to go to the studio and search for it! I was so grateful for her and this is just one example of her compassion for her students.If you are searching for a warm, inviting, non-intimidating studio to settle into, this is it!

I first started going to Central Street Yoga as part of my 2017 New Year's resolution to find a way to be more mindful, I was working a stressful job and needed some balance. I can honestly say that Shana and the community at Central Street yoga have changed my life. I have since switched jobs, practice regular self-care(yoga), take time to enjoy my family, and I am happy!The studio is cozy and mindfully decorated with a calm, peaceful ambience. There is always a lingering smell of essential oils, and my favorite part are all the plants in the window box . In a practice where you are always reminded to breathe deep, I appreciate the ample supply of fresh oxygen. The class sizes are intentionally small so that each student can receive individualized attention.Shana's style is supportive and intuitive, defined by creative flows and deep knowledge of the body and alignment. She is able to translate the practice to students in a clear, exciting, and infectious way, giving us the confidence to try new things. Her classes are challenging, spiritual, inspirational and addicting.I always leave feeling much better than when I walked in the door, I am so grateful to be a part of this yoga community.

Central Street Yoga is one of my favorite home away from homes. It is beautiful and peaceful from the moment you walk in. It feels more like a sanctuary for yoga, growth and inner peace than your typical yoga studio. Shana, the owner has created an environment for students to grow their practice and spirituality. The community of central street yoga is a variety of dedicated yogis from college students to grandparents and Shana can teach to all levels at the same time, still addressing the individual needs of each student. Her care is genuine. Her classes are nurturing and challenging at the same time. She has a kind and therapeutic approach in her teaching style which is very unique. I followed her as a student in the city before she opened the studio in Evanston and her non-judge mental views and consistent encouragement of growth has taken my yoga practice to an entirely new level. She makes it easy to take yoga beyond the mat and into daily life for home practice and a positive attitude. I am grateful for Shana and the yoga sanctuary known as Central Street Yoga. The community is just aw welcoming. Everybody is genuine, real, welcoming and nice. I look forward to going here each and every time. 🙏✨💜