★ 5

Shana Marie Stitzel is an extraordinary teacher with an expansive view of the role of yoga, breathing, and meditation in the daily practice of life. She quickly assesses the abilities and needs of each new student, then guides them on individualized paths of learning and self discovery. Her classes are always therapeutic—never about driving students to attain some arbitrary or out-of-reach goal. Perhaps even more amazing is that she accomplishes so much of this personalized instruction through the live Zoom classes she offers almost every day of the week. The classes are small-group, allowing for chats before and after the session. For students who are seeking even more customized lessons, Shana offers one-on-one sessions in person. She has helped me address numerous issues related to mobility, posture, and pain over the past few years. I can’t recommend her highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.😃

Source: Google

★ 1

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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!

Source: Google

★ 5

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.

Source: Google

★ 5

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

Source: Google

★ 5

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. 🙏✨💜

Source: Google

★ 1

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?!?

I arrived early to figure a log in issue, so I could sign up online. I had not been able to log into my account after attempting several times at home and also there. In front of the class she stated that there was something wrong with me, and not the computer. I’m tech savvy, it was the archaic website. Simply put — I was there for yoga, not to be berated. Central Street Yoga is not a place to practice yoga if the owner does not care about exercising kindness to those who support her business, or anyone for that matter. This attitude exemplifies everything yoga is not. Unless she’s in a good mood or likes you, her mission below is not in practice. Kindness wins every time. The world gets better when these small things are handled with grace not hostility. Namaste.

“Our mission is to provide an environment for you to explore inner peace, creative expression, and to cultivate a deeper sense of you through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.”

Source: Google

★ 5

The best!!! A yoga sanctuary located on Evanston’s charming Central Street, Central Street Yoga is truly a genuine space to initiate, cultivate and explore your yoga practice.

As a yoga teacher, it can be challenging to find such a place, as your awareness deepens and you become sensitive to the most subtle nuances. However this is by far one of the best (and favorite!) studios/teachers I’ve had the pleasure of finding. I only wish it could be folded up, put in my pocket and brought with me everywhere! If you live in the city, or anywhere in the vicinity for that matter, it is absolutely worth the visit. I'm from Michigan, and will always find a way to come back when in Chicago. The studio is easily accessible by metra, el, car (w/ plenty of street parking available), and plane. ;)

Knowledgable, kind and incredibly engaged in the moment, owner and instructor Shana has created something very special at CSY. From the peaceful and thoughtful ambience of the environment to the affirming words of wisdom tucked throughout the space, it’s easy to see and feel that she gives from the heart with joy. On my first day, I noticed she not only knew every student by name, but specific details about each person’s life and practice. She welcomed me and offered the same level of attention, always following up with me on my practice and needs; a significant, but often overlooked, gesture that reflects her deep sincerity.

Shana’s ability to connect and respond on an individual level, yet maintain presence and a broader awareness for the class as a whole, is a rare and unique gift. She has a way of gently and lovingly providing the kind of individualized support and encouragement that pushes you in all of the right ways, whether through adjustments, a simple word or her presence. Classes are led with thoughtfulness, intention and a healthy dose of spontaneity, adapting to the needs and energy of the students. Overall, the energy is positive and through and through, she allows you to be exactly where you are on your journey, without judgment or pressure. She embodies and radiates love, peace and kindness, so it’s no wonder CSY has become a kind of “tribe”.

Thank you CSY—I’m incredibly grateful to have found your studio, and be a recipient of your loving guidance, light and wisdom. You helped me rekindle my practice and love for it! Wishing you the same love, peace and kindness you radiate onto others. :)

Source: Google

★ 5

Shana is super skilled and has built a team of amazing teachers. I have taken classes with all of them and never come away disappointed.

Source: Google

★ 5

A year ago I decided to explore Yoga but with a more meditative approach with whole body-type stretches. I only found a couple of yoga studios which offered this type of yoga. But I was attracted to Namaskar Studio and specifically Shana Marie Stitzel. I tried her Mindful and Restorative classes and this was exactly what I had been looking for. For almost a year now I have been a loyal student benefitting from her unique style where she connects with the class participants and decides what they need that day; no class is the same, as a result, which is so wonderful and beneficial. She has now created her own yoga studio in Evanston – Central Street Yoga.
Shana is an exceptional person. She has a gift, a 6th sense, for connecting with people’s energy and needs --- she modifies the positions and movements according to what she feels from the class. She has such a positive energy and she connects with you in a way which makes you feel that you’re special (as we really are). As a result I looked forward to participating in her classes and have made yoga a regular part of my life. I have been enriched by her knowledge and love of yoga and helping others. She has been an integral part of my spiritual journey and I will always be indebted to her positive energy, light and love!
Shana has an inner radiance and a smile that glows from deep within her heart. Yoga is the conduit through which she shares her love for others and her deep desire to help them help themselves to live healthier & happier lives. I have a term which I use after my yoga practice with her (which she laughs at) – I tell her that I’ve been “Shana-ized”!!! I feel connected to my inner self, relaxed and at peace.
Thank you Shana!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Shana is such an incredible yoga teacher. I am pretty new to yoga and even when the class has 20 people in it, I still feel like she's giving me as much attention as she is to everyone else.

She is constantly reminding us to just breathe and not push or force anything, which oddly enough is a wake up call every time she says it. Funny how easy it is to forget to breathe...

Her classes are very peaceful, and although they will work up to some pretty challenging things in the middle of class, they always well balanced and well sequenced. I feel like I am doing way more than just stretching and building strength. It feels like we are working with some kind of universal guru for peace and creativity with Shana.

I don't see how she is able to care for so many people at once, but it really seems like everyone feels her support and attention in every class.

I can't wait to take classes at her brand new studio!!

Source: Google