Testimonials
"I am so grateful to the wonderful teachers at Yoga Trek for introducing me to the practice. Their knowledge and perseverance has been invaluable. Over the course of several years it has become one of the most integral parts of my life and my world is better for it. "
-Dana S.
"Yoga Trek promotes a practice that not only stimulates the body but also the mind and soul. All students are encouraged to customize their practice to meet their own daily intention. After each practice, I leave the studio truly "leading with the heart."
-Chris B.
"I stumbled onto and into this studio about a year ago. And here I found myself, in a small, warm, loving space that made me feel as if I was being held and empowered from the moment I walked in the door. I immediately knew there was no judgment here; there were no extraordinary expectations about skill or experience. The space was attractive, but not just for the sake of being trendy; it was designed to please all the senses and ease the spirit. It was open and breezy and the colors and textures made my insides unwind.
I began reacquainting myself with the ancient practice and became a regular patron at Yoga Trek, trying out different classes and instructors to get a feel for what I liked and to learn more about the philosophy. Quickly discovering that this place and practice did not only help me maintain life enough to get from day-to-day, it was better—it fed my soul!! I felt stronger every time I walked out the door and it was giving me a new lens with which to see life and living! I watched as my body, mind, and spirit all began to blossom right before my very eyes. Many things and people have contributed to my blossoming process, but at the heart of it… is this ancient practice being so lovingly bestowed to me by the instructors at this small but mighty studio!"
-Ellen R.
"After being a runner for over 30 years, Yoga Trek has helped restore my flexibility. The classes there provide me with not only an excellent way to strengthen my body, but an excellent way to restore my energy and relax my mind. Yoga Trek promotes healthy practices and every student is encouraged to work at her own level without feeling inadequate or unchallenged."
-Germaine C.
"I have attended classes at Yoga Trek on a continuum over the past three years and I can honestly say that there is a friendly yoga community fostered here. As a yoga instructor, I am impressed by the quality adjustments; believe when I say that they are among the best I have experienced as a yoga student"
-Lisa M.
"A Yoga Trek class can be invigorating yet calming, centering and expansive, joyful while contemplative. Teachers are sensitive to individual student's needs and give gentle adjustments or firm encouragement to go deeper into a pose. There is a commitment to teaching traditional yoga with compassion and dedication--without being too serious. A challenging pose becomes easier when you're smiling. Yoga Trek classes undo whatever the day has thrown at me. I leave calmer and at peace."
-David R.
"After doing some Yoga in the late 90's at the East Bank Club, I let my practice dwindle since I moved to Oak Park....until hearing Dana Smith speak so positively about Yoga Trek (back in 2005). I started practicing at Yoga Trek right away, even though I had just learned I was pregnant with my son. Jo An and Ben were amazing and made modifications to accommodate my pregnancy, which allowed me to practice until just three weeks before Kiefer was born. About a year and a half later (in 2007), I "rejoined" Yoga Trek, a little leary of how it might be with the absence of Jo An and Ben. However, under the care and passion of owner, Kate Wester, I found that Yoga Trek was an even stronger studio. I have now been a regular at Yoga Trek for over 3 and a half years (practicing there for about 4 and a half years total). It honestly has changed my life and how I look at things. It calms me, centers me, and truly makes me a better person/mother/friend/wife...all while giving me an amazing work out. I love that I am encouraged to be.... and actually am "in the moment" when I'm there. Teachers, Terri Smith, Cara Jepsen (who has since moved on), Nicole Sopko and Kate Wester are unbelievable and have given me and taught me so much. They are the teachers whose guidance I look forward to practicing under for many, many years to come."
-Kate S.
"I've mostly practiced at home with videos and DVDs. I was a little hesitant to do yoga in a smaller group. I came to Vinyasa Flow and I quickly realised that I needn't have been nervous. Even though I was in a class with others, I felt that I had my own space around me that was protected and respected. I certainly didn't feel like I was in the fitness club where I'd felt a sense of competition as to how flexible I was or how cute I was. Despite never having done a Vinyasa Flow class before, Kate gently offered adaptations, so that each one of her students could go where they wanted to in each pose. It was as though I'd been going to the class for years and I fit in. I've attended a few classes since then. I end each class feeling cleansed, stretched and integrated. The space at YogaTrek is soothing to all the senses, warm and very welcoming. I highly recommend Yoga Trek to students of any level who value a private space where you are encouraged to listen, to notice and to go as far as you and your body are ready and able to go."
-Alicia H.
"Yoga Trek is a peaceful oasis in a city full of stress and noise. I am greeted with a calm and welcoming atmosphere as soon as I open the door. Most importantly to my life, Yoga Trek is dedicated to including all members of the commYoga Trek offers a safe environment which allows me to reap all the benefits of my practice. Physically I feel comfortable working at my own speed, mentally I feel a deep connection to a lovely community of people and spiritually I was given the space to dig deep and find my own core strength. At Yoga Trek I learned that yoga is far more than the asanas. That the poses are the bridge to a deeper more beautiful life. Thank you Yoga Trek!unity, even those who can't afford weekly fees but need the peace of yoga in their lives. I am a frequent community class attendee, which Yoga Trek offers for free each week. Thanks so much!"
-Courtney W.
"It is invaluable to find a place to quiet the busy-ness of life and to still one's thoughts so that real growth and genuine love are possible. Yoga Trek offers this place to me. I return to my life and family much more centered and calm after retreating to Yoga Trek - even if just for an hour workshop."
-Alice H.
"I had almost no experience with Yoga when I came to Yoga Trek three years ago, but I felt safe and welcome as a beginner in Kate's Vinyasa Flow class. Simultaneously energizing and relaxing, the practice has increased my strength, balance, and flexibility. It also brings a much-needed oasis of calm and sanity to my week. Kate and the other teachers at Yoga Trek succeed in guiding their classes without pretension or preaching, and offer variations that support the beginner and challenge the experienced."
-Lisa B.
"I'm a longtime fan of Yoga Trek - I love how the instructors encourage you to step outside your 'comfort zone' to do things you never thought you were capable of. It's a great physical and spiritual escape - every time I go!"
-Kelly B.
"The prenatal yoga class was fantastic. Peggy really helped make all the poses both challenging and accessible to everyone in the class with their constantly changing bodies. It was also nice to be part of a group of women in all different stages of their pregnancies. My baby is one month old and I wish I could still go every week!"
-Mary Q.
"I came to YogaTrek a couple of years ago on the advice of a friend, Judy, whom I trust but whom I’ve always felt surpassed me in the “athletic skills department.” So I was intimidated and extremely reticent about whether I’d be able to meet what seemed like a challenging atmosphere at the studio. The first time I walked in, what struck me was that brick wall—so solid and sort of a comfort. The teachers were, and have always been prepared and knowledgeable as well as warm and truly happy to be working there. I credit this in great part with the owner, Kate Wester’s, ability to find good teachers and treat them with the respect and love that makes them feel like they are part of a family and not just an employee. That trickles down to students! I’m a regular now (I’ve quit the gym and instead, I usually get the monthly unlimited card). I credit Yogatrek with my physical and spiritual growth. I can’t say anything negative about any of the teachers—all bring something extraordinary to class. I’ve made so many good friends here, and kept old ones (thanks Judy!). And I always gravitate to that comforting brick wall."
-Marilyn S.
"I love Yoga Trek. I am a yoga beginner and the peaceful and intimate Lunchtime class is a prayer that touches my body, mind, and spirit every week."
-Lara P.
"Yoga Trek offers a safe environment which allows me to reap all the benefits of my practice. Physically I feel comfortable working at my own speed, mentally I feel a deep connection to a lovely community of people and spiritually I was given the space to dig deep and find my own core strength. At Yoga Trek I learned that yoga is far more than the asanas. That the poses are the bridge to a deeper more beautiful life. Thank you Yoga Trek!"
-Thamy K.
"After 10 years of regular yoga practice, my favorite teacher moved out of town and my favorite class was cancelled due to lack of interest. In retrospect, it was one of the best things that ever happened, causing me to try new studios and new instructors. And that's how I discovered Yoga Trek, an intimate, welcoming studio with great instructors and a friendly clientele. Not only are their classes interesting, challenging and calming; their workshops are intense and very well orchestrated. Together, they have enabled me to advance my practice far beyond what I expected. I highly recommend Yoga Trek to anyone seeking to empower their inner Yoga self."
-Nancy C.
"As a relative newcomer to Oak Park, I was thrilled to discover Yoga Trek and its offering of Vinyasa classes. I immediately noticed a big difference in the physical space and the instructors compared to other locations. The space is warm, peaceful and inviting, as are the instructors. The fact that I'm greeted by name makes me feel part of the community; I'm continually pleasantly surprised that my different instructors remember tidbits about me that I have shared with them.
I love that the instructors ensure that we're correctly doing the poses and take the time to adjust us so that we get the most benefit possible. Some times just that additional push from behind can make all the difference in a stretch.
Thank you for providing an oasis of peace in Oak Park."
-Kim K.
"I have only been to the beginner's sessions and my experience has always been pleasant. I appreciate the patience and time that the instructor(s) put into each session and the effort that is made to provide a pleasant experience for each individual student."
-Jamie J.
