Welcome

Here at Sky Studio we believe firmly that you can not compartmentalize people or yoga. Our style of teaching focuses on the individual and the cultivation of mind, body and spirit. Along these lines we consider ourselves to offer a more personal style of yoga. We will help you to take action, to change unhealthy habits and most of all teach you that the key to life is as Patanjali wrote “to remove the root cause of all suffering” and be happy.

Our classes do utilize breath techniques, chanting, mantras, mudras and asanas (postures) at different times, so please be aware of any technique that may be uncomfortable to you, and feel free to mention it to your instructor.

We live our yoga everyday. We teach from a place of authenticity. We hope to impart peace and happiness to all those we meet. Yoga is the joy of spirit that is shared with others.

Prenatal Yoga

Keeping active while pregnant is a recommendation of ACOG for healthy women. Prenatal fitness and yoga classes can help reduce the duration and intensity of labor, reduce the need for unnecessary interventions, keep moms fit and at a healthy weight post-natal. Baby yoga is a great way to introduce healthy touch and bond with your newborn. It can also alleviate common baby issues like gas.

Yoga for Kids

In our fast paced, overscheduled society we have created an environment of stress and burn-out for our children. Yoga offers a set time where children can relax and just "be". A strong foundation (in self) is the key to life long happiness. It is never too early to give our children a strong belief in themselves and their potential. Teaching children respect for themselves, their bodies and other living beings is one of the main goals of the Shining Kids Yoga™ program.

We offer fully integrated classes that strive to reach each child through styles suited to their individual learning needs. S.K.Y™ utilizes various children’s yoga postures and techniques and couples these techniques with a formal education background and experience with children. Our classes not only offer physical curriculum, they also focus on the emotional, psychological, and intellectual cultivation of each child. W e use large and fine motor movements, fantasy & imaginative play, relaxation, music, art and crafts in each of our classes.

Some benefits of Yoga for Children are:

· it helps children develop and nurture their problem solving abilities,

· strengthens and builds self-esteem,

· teaches self reliance, self-policing,

· uses brain balancing techniques,

· uses fine and gross motor skills; helps with balance, hand to eye co-ordination

· strengthens neural pathways,

· helps harness energy and teach self calming,

· awakens and cultivates creativity,

· Teaches respect for self and others

Zumba, Bellydance and Bhangra

We also offer a myriad of fitness classes including the fastest growing Latin Dance inspired aerobics class in the industry—Zumba. Check our schedule for Zumba Basic, Zumba Toning and Zumba Gold classes, shop our boutique for Zumbawear.

Also on our schedule are Bellydance & Bhangra classes taught by our FatChance Bellydance Certified Instructor, Susan Warner.  Susan’s presence in our studio qualifies us as a FatChance Bellydance Sister Studio so get in and shake, shimmy and snake your way to health while learning the American Tribal Style of Bellydance. Bellydance classes are a part of our pass system.

Thai Bodywork

In Thailand, Nuad Boran, or Thai Massage, is offered as part of a larger healing system . It focuses on the “sen” energy lines in the body. Through movements of compression, thumbing, and stretching along these lines Thai bodywork releases blocks, frees congestion, chronic pain, and restores balance, health and energy. The practitioner moves a passive body through a series to help clients cultivate breath and relaxation.

This is a full-body holistic form of work that involves the physical, energetic, and emotional bodies. It is very closely related to yoga and ayurveda making it complimentary to practice.

January 15th, 2009 | Tags: Class, Fitness, hatha, Hatha Yoga, Naperville, Naperville Yoga, nuad boraan, thai, Thai Bodywork, Thai Massage, thai work, yoga, Yoga Class, Yoga Naperville, Zumba, Zumba Gold | Category: Daily Post, Fitness, Zumba, yoga therapy | View Comments

When a representative of Shapeez contacted me about their “Zen” like bra that was perfect for yoga I was all ears.  When I read it was an underwire bra, I clenched my teeth. Underwire and I don’t get along well, but I thought I would give it a shot.

I chose to receive for review the black Shapeez Lacee long.  Again, I wasn’t too thrilled about the prospect of wearing lace.  Now there are two things you didn’t need to know about me – I don’t like underwire or lace, file that away for a rainy day. With two simple measurements I was able to find my Unbelievabra Size – they even have a video on their site of how and where to measure yourself.  I thought for sure that my size would not be supported. I was wrong Shapeez supports 25 sizes up to E.

Yesterday my package arrived in the mail.  I unpacked it and immediately fell in love with the silky texture even the lace.  Where most lace I experience to be rough and itchy Shapeez Lacee lace was silky and more spandex like. The mail arrived right before my Prenatal Yoga class so I decided to give the Shapeez Lace a test run.  It was a little snug to get on – since it is a shaping piece this is not surprising – but once on it was not overly tight or constricting.  I even had to check the cups for underwire because nothing was poking or prodding me what a surprise. 

My husband walked into the room and commented, “Wow your chest looks huge”.  Yes, once you put your breasts back where they belong, everything looks better.  Power Yoga went off without a hitch too.  As someone who normally wears a nursing bra and a tank top to teach I am forever pulling up the front of my shirt in class to keep from becoming revealing (Brahmacharya is something I try to observe when teaching) but I had no problems with the Shapeez Lacee, everything stayed exactly where it should.

The real test came though when I realized I had forgotten to pack a sports bra and top for my cardio Zumba class.  Could the Shapeez, also called the All-in-One Bra Solution, help me through this class as well?

With its underwire molded cup bra, silky lightweight and moisture wicking fabric it was no problem.  I was able to teach a low impact aerobics class without any discomfort.  I would not recommend high impact or running using just a Shapeez, but it definitely came through in a pinch – without a pinch.  The Shapeez Lacee is one of the most comfortable non-nursing bras I have ever worn.

When I got home to shower after my long evening of classes and took off my new Shapeez Tank I expected to see rings under my breasts from the underwire, not the case.  The fit was so good that I was supported without being crushed.  I have never experienced this with underwire before and I have made purchases at expensive lingerie shops that specially fit you only to find you can’t breathe when you get home.

The Unbelievabra line by Shapeez shapes, supports, slims and smoothes you getting rid of those awkward slipping straps, that unsightly “back fat” that even skinny girls deal with, and even slims your the tummy and waist with a comfy panel. Check out what Oprah, Glamour, Redbook and other top in-the-know fashion magazines and fashionistas are raving about, Shapeez is all over the press these days.

Prices range from $75 – 110 depending on what length and style you purchase.  I know this can sound like a bit more than your average bra purchase but keep in mind, you get what you pay for.  With Shapeez you aren’t just getting a bra, you are getting a multi-functional piece of shapewear.  I wore mine as a tank top, no bra needed it was built in.  Business women can wear these under suit jackets as a camisole, you can wear the Lacee Short during summer as a midriff, layer it or wear it to a yoga class, really the possibilities are endless. Instead of purchasing several pieces of clothing and undergarments you have one purchase that is versatile, flattering and well made.

Don’t just take my word for it though, check out Shapeez.com and see for yourself.  Make sure to stop by their photo gallery and look at the amazing way Shapeez has transformed real life women.

September 2nd, 2010 | Tags: bra, clothing, Review, Shapeez, slimming, Toning | Category: Review | View Comments

Well, it won’t look exactly like a funkified Sesame Street, but we will get the kids moving and grooving with awesome Zumbatomic moves and music!

September 2nd, 2010 | Tags: Kids, Zumba, Zumbatomic | Category: Fitness, Zumba | View Comments

Pretty sure Beto raps in this one too.  I wish I had hair like that, and dance moves too!

September 2nd, 2010 | Tags: Video, Zumba | Category: Zumba | View Comments

I was contacted to review a copy of Richard Freeman’s The Mirror of Yoga, available September 14, this was not an easy overnight review as the book is very content dense, informative and like all non-fiction books can become – a little dry over prolonged reading.

This is not to say it is not well written, it is.  The book is what you would expect if you sat down to speak with a guru about, well – why not gurus? In a chapter entitled “Cutting Through Fundamentalism” Freeman delves into the sometimes sketchy topic of what a guru is and demystifies the term for laypeople and yoga practitioners alike. Scattered through out the book are simple – but evocative – drawings, artwork really. Absent are discussion of particular asanas, photos of the lithe bending like pretzels – this is truly an academic work. You will find in the back a fairly in-depth glossary, chanting and Sanskrit pronunciation guide.

I can not comment about every single topic and point Freeman makes, but I will say he is very much on par with my own line of thinking around yoga; that however, wherever and whatever form of yoga you practice – it all leads back to one central point.

So let me put this book in perspective by saying –if like me you lack the time and patience to sift through the very voluminous books that Georg Feuerstein has written, if you don’t want to interpret or decide which copy of the Bhagavad Gita to choose, or don’t have the money to spend on teacher training to learn the esoteric components and philosophical point of yoga not covered in a basic class – this is the perfect compact book for you.  It is a wonderful compilation of everything you wish you knew, didn’t know to ask about and concepts you needed clarified all for only $24.95. Education and knowledge has never been so portable, simple and inexpensive – trust me.

From the publisher’s own site,

The world of yoga is astonishingly rich in its array of schools and practices. Yet, as diverse as they seem, they share a common aim: the discovery of the essence of existence that can be found at the core of our being, and the liberation that comes from that discovery. With this worthy goal in mind, Richard Freeman presents an enlightening overview of the many teachings, practices, and scriptures that serve as the basis for all the schools of yoga—hatha, bhakti, jnana, karma, tantra, and others. He shows how the myriad forms are ultimately related, and can even be perceived to make up a vast, interpenetrating matrix, symbolizing the unity, profundity, and beauty of the ancient tradition.
Richard’s wide-ranging discussion includes the Upanisads and Samkhya philosophies, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the eight limbs of astanga yoga, the process and purpose of hatha yoga, and much more. He also explores the role of the guru, chanting, meditation, and the yogic imperative of offering service to others. All of this is applied to the actual practice, giving the reader the tools to digest and apply the wealth of information to daily life. The Mirror of Yoga will be a welcome resource to all yogis who wish to better practice the profound philosophy underlying their practice.

August 31st, 2010 | Tags: books, philosophy, Review, yoga | Category: Daily Post, Review, books | View Comments

Get a Health Tune-up with Great Speakers/Topics, Fitness Goodies and More in Prep for the 14th Annual Chicago Half Marathon

The Chicago Half Marathon Hosts Health & Fitness Expo at Navy Pier, September 10-11

WHAT:          On your mark…get set…GO to the Chicago Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo at Navy Pier! Prepare for this year’s race with great seminars and speakers, games, giveaways, goodie bags and much more. Come out and catch all of the excitement the expo has to offer at historic and scenic Navy Pier! Retailers, personal trainers, nutritionists, and charity partners of the race will all be present at the expo.

                        The Chicago Half Marathon Health and Fitness Expo will take place on September 10 and 11, 2010 at Navy Pier. The expo will serve as the pick-up location for race numbers, t-shirts and goodie bags for all participants. Participants must visit the Expo to pick up their bib numbers, as there is no Race Day pickup.

The Chicago Half Marathon expects 20,000 participants at its 13.1 mile course along scenic Lake Shore Drive starting and finishing in Jackson Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this unique hometown race! If you haven’t registered yet, do so now at www.ChicagoHalfMarathon.com. 

Interesting speaking topics include:

Friday, September 10

· 1 p.m. – Feet Don’t Fail Me Now- Dealing with Common Running Injuries

· 2 p.m. – “Transcending Borders: the One World Running Story”

· 3 p.m. – Chasing the American Dream: How I set five world records, and what you can learn from it

Saturday, September 11

· 12 p.m. – ElliptiGO- Revolutionizing Cross-Training for Runners

· 2 p.m. – Ignoring the Impossible

WHEN:           September 10-11, 2010          

Friday:             11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday:         9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:        Navy Pier, Exhibit Hall B, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

COST:            Free to Attend

                        $69 to Register for Marathon

WHO:             US Road Sports & Entertainment Group US Road Sports &

Entertainment Group is a health and wellness company dedicated to the production of world-class endurance events.  The mission of US Road Sports is to offer an unparalleled participant sports experience that showcases host communities and endures as a deeply valued local asset through events that are a part of the city’s culture, identity and brand.  For each participant, US Road Sports strives to offer events that allow participants of all skill levels the opportunity to improve their physical and mental health and accomplish life-altering goals while having fun.  US Road Sports provides sponsors and municipalities highly effective exposure to help maximize their presence and message in the community.

August 31st, 2010 | Tags: Chicago, Events, Half Marathon, Navy Pier, running | Category: Events | View Comments

Certain supplements can help the body recover or maintain energy levels during a workout. One supplement to try is CoQ10.  Life Extension makes one which helps to convert fats and sugars into cellular energy. www.lef.org

Directly from their site I learned that,

The mitochondria are the cells’ energy powerhouses, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of healthy mitochondrial function. CoQ10 is required to convert the energy from fats and sugars into usable cellular energy. Yet, the body’s production of CoQ10 declines significantly with advancing age. With an ample amount of CoQ10, the mitochondria can work most efficiently throughout the entire body — including the most densely populated area, the heart. CoQ10 is also a potent antioxidant, helping protect proteins, LDL, and DNA of mitochondria from oxidation and supporting mitochondrial function.

More people are supplementing with CoQ10 than ever before. One reason is increased awareness that “statin” drugs used to lower LDL and cholesterol deplete CoQ10 levels in the blood, and possibly the tissues.

As with all information I provide here, I was not compensated in any way other than receiving a sample of CoQ10 for review.  Because this particular capsule is made with gelatin and therefore was not vegan friendly, I have not reviewed it personally.  What I can tell you is that I am impressed with the research and information provided on Life Extension’s website, I suggest anyone interested in supplements, hormones, mineral or vitamins visit their site and learn more about these items.  Keep in mind that this is a company selling products to you, so I would always check with your doctor or primary care provider, a nutritionist and other reliable sources before making changes or additions to your “diet”.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page, next week 8/30/2010 we will be giving away the CoQ10 that we received from Life Extension. 50 mg bottles retail for $58 and when I was at the local big chain health food store I saw similar products for $78-85.

August 27th, 2010 | Tags: Aging, CoQ10, energy, Health, Life Extension | Category: Daily Post, Fitness, Giveaway, Review | View Comments

If trips to local big name weight loss centers and support groups with meal plans have not resulted in the weight loss you were hoping for, here is another alternative developed by a physician.  It’s kind of like space food for weight loss with a ton of support along the way.

A representative of Medifast contacted me to offer a giveaway of their products or a review, as with all my reviews I was not compensated for this in any way other than receiving the product to review.

I have decided upon giving these two samples away since they are not vegan, and I believe this program could help many readers of my blog who may not want to take the chance on ordering something without a trial first.

Here are some interesting ways Medifast helps you to loose the weight:

You may join the online MyMedifast community, and get connected with thousands of successful clients through discussions groups, blogs, and videos, plus free guides and tools to help you succeed.

You may enroll in Take Shape for Life, a Medifast support program that offers free Health Coaches who teach you the habits of a healthy lifestyle based on their own experiences with Medifast.

You may visit your local Medifast Weight Control Center for one-on-one counseling, a medical review, and tailored programs to reach your goals.

And, you may opt to work with your own medical practitioner and get support from someone who knows you and your medical history.

Over 20,000 physicians support and use Medifast to help patients loose weight. I looked over the program and it seems to be almost fail proof.  You receive measured pouches and mix them up to make your meals, you are allowed 1 Lean and Green Meal during your day.  You can choose 5 Meals from over 70 different Medifast choices, including shakes, soups, stew, chili, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit drinks, iced teas, hot drinks, bars and puddings.

The prices appear to be comparable to, if not cheaper than, buying other programs’ frozen or delivered meals.  The winner of these meals should post a review regarding their experience. The photos of these foods alone look delicious, and although they are vegetarian approved, they are not vegan.  All products have nutritional information listed and they have programs for everyone, from nursing moms to diabetics.  Their website alone is a wealth of information so check it out even if you are simply interested in learning more about nutritional requirements.  I found wonderful information regarding breastfeeding mothers and weight loss, just click on the tab marked Learning. 

To win:

1. Simply become a fan on FB of http://www.facebook.com/skyyogastudioIL

2. Post a comment under THIS WEEK’s GIVEAWAY, any comment will do.

3. Sit back and wait to see if you win and we will ship your samples to you.  You must have a US address.

August 26th, 2010 | Tags: diet, Food, Health, Medifast, weight loss | Category: Daily Post, Fitness, Food, Giveaway | View Comments