Optimum Health School of Yoga | Elgin, IL

It's been awhile since I had one of those magical yogic moments—you know, where you realize there was a reason you were going to a specific class. From meeting Boontiva and experiencing her lovely class to discovering the yogi next to me actually knew my dad and my whole family <yep, I was crying it was so wonderful>, I am very grateful for my morning and my friend Deanna who recommended taking a class with Boontiva. *heart*

LOCATION: Getting there was easy, but the studio is actually in the basement of the house—so you need to be a little brave in hoping you're not walking into the wrong house. Though—a huge purple yoga painting on the garage definitely encourages you it's the right place. At first I thought the studio was in the garage, but if you follow the red hand rails to the basement, you'll discover a sweet little entry way into a fantastic basement studio. Street parking is free. 

COST: $15 offering for a drop-in. Cash or check. 

STUDIO:  The studio has props and mats to grab as you walk into a tiled floor covered in rugs. Prayer flags are everywhere, and on the far wall is a beautiful display of singing bowls, gorgeous fabric, and a statue in tadasana with hands in prayer position. I set up my mat next to her, because we had matching hair :)  

CLASS DESCRIPTION: A great stress reducer. Increase your strength, flexibility, and balance without strain. Deep breathing throughout the class focuses the mind and dissolves tension. The result is a healing experience which strengthens the body, mind, and spirit. 

INSTRUCTOR: Boontiva Truong-Quang—In 1995, after an impromptu trip to India, Boontiva discovered Yoga and stayed at the Yoga Institute in Mumbai to become a certified yoga instructor. With more than 600 hours of formal training, Boontiva founded Optimum Health School of Yoga in Elgin with a mission to spread the message of good health, peace of mind, moral strength, and spiritual enlightenment. The Yoga Institute system is the oldest in India tracing its roots as far back as 3,000-4,000 years ago. Currently, there are only three other instructors from the Yoga Institute teaching in the United States. 

CONTACT: Optimum Health School of Yoga

I'm not even sure I can remember the series Boontiva taught, as I was in a whole other world completely immersed in the moment. The variety of students in this small class confirmed that any level can attend this class, so don't let Boontiva's credentials intimidate you. My friend Deanna (who kindly recommended this class and I can't wait to thank her in person today) accurately described her class as if you've had a full-body adjustment when you're done. The movements focused on opening up all the major joints (and some smaller ones too)—with a constant reminder from Boontiva, "tuck your tailbone, pull your abs in, breath..." on regular repeat as she moved us from pose to pose, gently adjusting all of us. The class ended in sivasana—with multiple chimes/gongs radiating throughout the room.

The theme today was detachment, which I found ironic, since I wanted to take Boontiva home with me.  Seriously, I'm so excited to return to Boontiva's classes when I visit Elgin. If that's not a recommendation, I don't know what is. Bonus moment, leaving the studio whilst talking to the yogi who knew my family—she encouraged me to pick some mint along Boontiva's house (because she had so much of it). I do believe there may be some mint juleps in my derby day future. 

Boontiva, thank you so much—I'm so grateful to you sharing your teachings with us. Namaste.