What happens in the room
You spend most of the class lying down, in restorative poses that are fully supported. Bolsters, blankets and blocks are adjusted until you're completely comfortable, and because the props hold you, there's no effort at all.
While you rest, Alejandro plays singing bowls and other instruments around the room. The candles are lit and there's nothing to keep up with. The class runs 75 minutes, and it's there for deep rest: a chance to let tension go and give your nervous system time to slow down.
Who leads it
Alejandro started in wellness work in 2010, while in DePaul's acting conservatory, and was introduced to yoga in the Iyengar tradition by Gabriel Halpern, who he still learns from. He graduated from The Soma Institute, a school of clinical massage therapy, in 2014 and went on to teach anatomy there. In 2016 he trained as a yoga teacher at Moksha Yoga, and he studied Thai massage soon after.
Do I need any experience?
No. The whole class is spent in supported, restful positions, so it works for complete beginners. Anyone who wants to unwind is welcome.
If you're coming back from an injury, a supported class lets you rebuild slowly. Get the go-ahead from your doctor first, and let your teacher know before class what you're working around.
What to wear and bring
Wear something warm and comfortable, since you'll be still for most of the class. Mats and props are provided, so a water bottle is all you need to bring.
Chi Yoga Shack is a shoeless space, and you'll leave your shoes at the door. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in, and tell your teacher it's your first time.
Getting to the studio
The studio is at 1942 N. Leavitt St. in Bucktown. Free street parking is generally easy to find nearby. The #73 Armitage bus stops a couple of doors down, the Western Blue Line is about two blocks away, and there's a Divvy station directly across the street. The contact page has a map.
When it runs and how to book
Candlelight Restorative Sound Bath
- Wednesdays7:30 PM, 75 min, with Alejandro
- Sundays6:00 PM, 75 min, with Alejandro
Book a spot on the Restorative Sound Bath page, where the next dates are listed. A drop-in is $30. If you're new to the Shack, the Discovery Pass is 14 days of unlimited yoga for $79, which leaves time to come back to the sound bath and try a few other classes too.
The sound bath is also the second half of two Evening Retreats. Ground & Restore on Sundays pairs it with Josephine's Strong Foundations class, and Flow & Restore on Wednesdays with Becca's vinyasa. One Evening Retreat Pass, $45, covers both classes; reserve both when you book.
If you'd like to move a little first
Candlelight Yin holds gentle poses longer for a deeper stretch, and Gentle Yoga mixes yin holds with slow-flow vinyasa. Our guide to yin or restorative compares the slow classes side by side, and our Find Your Practice guide explains the styles in plain words.
