Yoga at Room to Breathe

Psychologically sensitive, trauma informed yoga at Room To Breathe is for every body and every ability. We cultivate this by prioritizing customizations and offering gentle, intuitive moment. Room to Breathe teachers create space for you to make choices for your body, guiding you to experience the function and sensation of postures without pressure to achieve an external form. We offer yoga that values body neutrality and acceptance.

We acknowledge that yoga in the United States has often been whitewashed and separated from its spiritual and cultural roots. We strive to continuously learn more about yoga's history and attribute its teachings accurately, and learn about the philosophy and mind-body connection of this practice. We also know that yoga has been inaccessible to many communities in the U.S. for a variety of reasons, and work to change this barrier through efforts such as our Room To Grow Fund.

What is psychologically sensitive yoga?

Inclusive + adaptable: 

  • students are empowered to make their own decisions about what is right for them to practice,

  • offers adaptations of postures where the focus is on the function of the technique over the form,  

  • looks for those who are not being served by current yoga offerings and seeks to rectify this

Dives deeper than the fitness-based approach: 

  • believes the goal of yoga is a more balanced body, mind, and overall life, rather than a performance or fitness activity, 

  • educates teachers on the psychological and philosophical teachings, 

  • encourages classes to have not only a physical theme but also a mental/emotional teaching or practice.

Acknowledges the reality of mental health: 

  • acknowledges that vast numbers of the yoga students who will arrive in public classes have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, or a combination - and yoga practice should be tailored to this fact,

  • teachers are educated on not only the physical benefits/cautions of practices but also the psychological/mental ones,

  • recognizes that healing occurs in a holistic way, and encourages students to utilize care from other professionals to receive the care they need; in the case that a student is seeking more help (which is outside of a teacher’s scope of practice), psych-sensitive yoga is systematized to have a referral process

First time with us?

We’re so glad you’re here! Visit our main schedule page to view our offerings. When you’re ready, register for class by clicking the “book” option to the right of the class name you’d like to attend. Prior to class you will receive an email with the Zoom link for your class. You can also create your Momence account with us here! Interested in purchasing class packages or membership? Visit our pricing page.

Practicing Online

Virtual classes increase accessibility to members of our community that aren’t able to make it to the studio due to location, physical ability, or time constraints. Practicing online with us continues to ensure COVID safety for our most vulnerable members.

Registration is required for all online classes. You will receive an email with the Zoom link to join the meeting. Plan to arrive online a few minutes early for set-up or to ask your instructor questions! You are welcome turn on your camera and participate that way. If you prefer not to be visible, you can simply turn off your camera and you won’t be visible to others, but you will still be able to see the instructor.

Classes marked “hybrid” are offered both online and in studio. Registration for in studio classes closes one hour prior to the class start time.

All of our classes are recorded so that you may take class even if you are unable to join live. Look for an email from us with the class recording, which will be available to you for 7 days after the class took place.

Trouble logging in? Link your student account to Room to Breathe by following the steps here.

Practicing in the Studio

Registration is required for in studio classes. Registration closes for in studio classes 60 minutes prior to start time. Plan to get to the studio a few minutes early for set up or to ask your instructor questions!

Our studio space is located at 25 East Washington Street, Suite 1025A in the heart of downtown Chicago! We’re located steps from the El and many bus routes. After you enter 25 E Washington, come to the 10th floor and follow the signs for Room to Breathe. Doors for class open about 15 minutes prior to class start time. We have mats in studio for you to use, free of charge. You are also welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer!

General FAQ’s

  • If you are working with a health condition, injury, or are pregnant, please consult with your healthcare team to ensure that yoga practice is safe for you. You are responsible for modifying the practice so it is safe and comfortable for you, and all of our teachers are there to empower you to do so. You must wear a shirt and pants at all times in the yoga studio. Changing within the studio is not allowed, but bathrooms are provided for changing.

  • For regular classes, please give us a 2-hour notice for cancellation. You may “deregister” on your account or email us at yoga@roomtobreathechicago.com

    For workshops, please give us a 24 hour notice for cancellation. Simply email us at yoga@roomtobreathechicago.com

  • Our registration software collects your email address, and we will occasionally send you news and promotions if you opt in. We never sell or share your email with any other group or service. If you'd like to unsubscribe to these emails, you may do so at any time by clicking on the link at the bottom of the email.

  • If you have a serious illness (mental or physical) or disability, you are WELCOME HERE to all of our programming. We simply ask that you (1) get medical clearance from your healthcare team and (2) bring an assistant with you for the safety of you and of our community. There is no charge for this assistant to attend with you. We welcome you with open arms. We are here for you and we believe in your unique perspective and honor your voice. Questions can be directed to info@roomtobreathechicago.com

  • The yoga programming at Room to Breathe is complementary treatment and is not intended to be used in place of qualified healthcare, including mental healthcare. Our organization does not recommend the self-management of health or mental health problems. Our programming is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute personal medical or mental health advice.

    If you think you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911. The information on this website and in our programs is not intended to create and does not constitute a therapist relationship. Participants should seek individual professional medical/mental health advice before acting on any such information. Our programming, even that on specialized topics, should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or advice of your health care provider or mental healthcare provider. Should you have any health care or mental health related questions, please call or see your physician, other health care provider, or mental health care provider promptly. You should never disregard advice from a qualified medical or mental health practitioner, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you have learned in our programs or classes.