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South Side Yoga Needs to Step It Up, Says Pilsen Teacher at New Spot

By Chloe Riley | June 4, 2014 5:12am
  BothSidesArt now has a new basement gallery and yoga space at Belli's, 1219 W. 18th St. 
BothSidesArt
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PILSEN — The South Side sorely lacks places to do yoga, according to two women who have turned a basement storage space into a community gallery and wellness venture.

BothSidesArt founder Meg Frazier recently left her gallery space at 1840 S. Halsted St. to open Frazier Studios, 1023 W. Fulton Market. That space will officially open Tuesday for the West Loop’s international trade fair, the Guerrilla Truck Show.

But Frazier, 32, said she knew she wanted to continue BothSides and its focus on wellness and holistic healing through art and education.

Chloe Riley explains that while options may be limited, a new place in Pilsen is offering classes:

So in January, she partnered with yoga teacher Rachel Lechocki and Alex Curatolo of Belli’s juice and produce to create a yoga and art class space in the Belli’s basement at 1219 W. 18th St. The group held their first yoga classes Tuesday.

“How great is it that the three of us as young entrepreneurs get to work together, as opposed to carrying the burden by ourselves,” Frazier said.

According to Lechocki, both Pilsen and Bridgeport have been lacking in yoga options.

“There is no yoga on the South Side,” said Lechocki, 30. “Trust me, I have done my research. If you want to practice yoga in your neighborhood, you cannot find that in Pilsen, you cannot find that in Bridgeport — yet.”

BothSides celebrated its two-year anniversary in May. For Frazier — who said she always wanted to have a storefront on 18th Street — pairing up with Belli’s has been ideal.

“I love that it’s happening with this right above us,” said Frazier pointing up at Belli’s, which offers fresh-squeezed juice and organic produce.

The yoga runs $10 per class, $20 if you’d like a BothSides T-shirt thrown in. A 10-pack of classes costs $100 or guests can choose monthly unlimited classes for $65. Art classes start at $40 for one session.

“It’s huge for yoga to be accessible for everyone,” Lechocki said. “I’m convinced that everyone likes it once they try it and so then you need to be able to keep up that practice.”

Those looking to try out a class currently have the option for yoga fundamentals, a more basic introduction to poses, and several Vinyasa flow classes for more advanced yogis.

But Lechocki said they plan to add or move classes around as needed based on feedback from the community. BothSides will also offer free introductory classes and a free outdoor yoga class at Pilsen’s farmers market on Sunday.

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