At Amara Yoga & Arts, we believe that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, size, shape, or level of experience. Our studio embraces a wide range of practices and approaches. Our diverse class offerings are informed by multiple schools of yoga and yoga philosophies. No matter what style you prefer or what level of intensity you are comfortable with today, let our welcoming studio become your yoga home.
Art, like yoga is an expression of the soul. Our art classes, community art projects and gallery showings invite you to experience the creation and appreciation of art. At Amara, yoga and art combine to create a nurturing space which invites body-mind-soul connection and creative flow.
Art, like yoga is an expression of the soul. Our art classes, community art projects and gallery showings invite you to experience the creation and appreciation of art. At Amara, yoga and art combine to create a nurturing space which invites body-mind-soul connection and creative flow.
Services
Start any time you like and get 14 consecutive days to explore our classes, meet our instructors, and discover the practice that is right for you. One-time only special offer for first-time Amara students. Includes regular yoga classes plus zoom online classes. Excludes workshops and special events.
Our comprehensive cross-disciplinary program will introduce you to the transformational, multi-layered path of yoga. It will help you progress your personal practice, increase your confidence and encourage you to find your own unique voice. Yoga is evolving from an ancient practice to contemporary practice and our teacher training program celebrates and includes best practices from all major lineages of yoga.
The Amara 300-Hour Advanced Teacher Training Program will help you expand your skills and insights and incorporate creative energy into your practice and your teaching. The advanced aspect of this program is not about advanced postures, but about moving beyond basic knowledge and into a deeper understanding of the many paths and layers of yoga.
Our kids programs at Amara are designed and taught by studio co-founder Kathryn Fitzgerald. Scroll down for a schedule of kids programs. Kids teacher Kathryn Fitzgerald holds a Masters of Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute, a Masters in Special Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and she is an Illinois Certified Elementary Ed and Art Teacher and a Certified Illinois Learning Behavior Specialist.
Amara Yoga & Arts is a yoga studio and art gallery serving the Champaign-Urbana area. We offer over 40 drop-in yoga classes weekly in a variety of styles, workshops, teacher training, kids yoga and art classes and summer camps. Drinking tea is known to improve your health. In Ayurvedic practice, tea is understood to balance the PH of the blood to keep you healthy and well.
Reviews (21)
Kate H.
Jun 15, 2021
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Lynn D.
Mar 03, 2019
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I bought a class pack and will be seeing it through. I've been a yoga regular for years, primarily hot studios. These classes at Amara have no flow. I'm confused if the teachers have to go through training/ are certified because I've seen more than one of them doing poses completely wrong. The "flow" and "vinyasa" classes utilize 0 transitions and are a random series of poses. The teacher usually adds one very advanced move that they themselves struggle through and then the class attempts. Not conducive to relaxation and also dangerous. If you are a beginner,
Kaitlyn M.
Jan 06, 2019
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I decided to try out this studio while visiting my parents over the holidays. The studio is beautiful, however, the classes were a much lower intensity than I'm used to. The "hot yoga" is only heated to 80 degrees and there is no humidity system from what I could tell, the classes I'm used to are around 110 degrees with at least 80 percent humidity.
The instructors were not friendly towards me at all. From the 3 classes I went to the instructors all talked to new students but for some reason never me. I assuming that my modification to make the classes more challenging annoyed
The instructors were not friendly towards me at all. From the 3 classes I went to the instructors all talked to new students but for some reason never me. I assuming that my modification to make the classes more challenging annoyed
Kat A.
Dec 08, 2018
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Overall, I will continue to go to Amara to take beginning classes. I've been on the $30 trial and have been taking lots of different classes with different instructors. Some are terrific and very talented and others are more disappointing. Linda and Billie are both amazing, for instance. However, I'm really disappointed in some of the practices here too. There's one instructor who runs her own business selling essential oils in addition to teaching yoga and she is constantly pushing her product during her classes. She's so eager to sell the oils that she put some on my arms
Vishna Patel
Sep 28, 2018
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Amara was recommended to me and I am so thankful I gave it a try. They offer so many different yoga classes at a variety of different times throughout the week. This is the best yoga studio I’ve been to. I really appreciate the calm atmosphere and the mindfulness that each yoga instructor brings to class. I highly recommend this place because it is amazing and affordable!
Linda W.
Sep 05, 2018
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Wonderful yoga studio with lots of great classes! I moved from SoCal to Urbana last December and stayed for six months. This yoga studio definitely became my go to work out place! I used to do lagree Pilates so this is an alternative to me. I love going to heated yoga on a cold snowy day! Btw their fresh brewed tea is amazing! Although I moved back to CA in June, I will always come take class whenever I'm back to Champaign Urbana are! Miss this small town so much :(
Billi Jo Hart
Jan 02, 2018
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This studio gives off an incredible chill, accepting and healing vibe the moment you walk through the door. It's always impeccably clean and the instructors/staff are some of the most genuine and nicest people I've met.
I've been taking classes for awhile now and I'm hooked! They're non-judgmental and the instructors know how to cater moves to all skills levels. Would absolutely recommend!
I've been taking classes for awhile now and I'm hooked! They're non-judgmental and the instructors know how to cater moves to all skills levels. Would absolutely recommend!
Veronica Steffen
Nov 29, 2017
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I am a studio assistant at Amara and just recently started about 2 weeks ago. Amara offers unique classes and workshops for inexperienced (like myself) to experienced yoga friends! If you're a member you are able to take guests and if you're an assistant you get help tidy up the studio but also get the perks of taking the classes that are offered here!
I have taken classes before but have never felt inclined to go back due to lack of community and atmosphere. The staff, instructors and community here is definitely one that is vibrant, welcoming and work together as a team.
If you're looking for
I have taken classes before but have never felt inclined to go back due to lack of community and atmosphere. The staff, instructors and community here is definitely one that is vibrant, welcoming and work together as a team.
If you're looking for
Mariana Lencina
Sep 03, 2017
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This is a very Urbana-like place, welcoming and friendly. It has a broad spectrum of classes, going from fun and chill, to some more physically intense or spiritual and relaxing. Also, instructors are always willing to help you even when you're the beginner in a clearly advanced class. Overall a great environment to start trying yoga, specially considering their new student promotion that allows you to go unlimited times for a month, so you find your favorite classes and instructors.
Andrew Steveson
Aug 30, 2017
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AnnaG
Jun 26, 2017
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Amara is hands down the best yoga studio in C-U! It's a gorgeous and inviting space filled with local art and locally produced body care products, teas, jewelry, books and lots of high quality yoga merchandise. If you prefer to shop local you can get some really nice gifts at Amara! Equally impressive is the friendly and informative staff and instructors. They are always there to help and never make you feel dumb if you ask questions or are confused, which is so very important when you are new to yoga. Amara offers so many different classes, you can literally do a different workout every day of
Brian P.
May 14, 2017
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Went there for the first time today after signing up for the intro month which seemed like an amazing deal! $30 for your first month, unlimited classes, go check it out!
I have never done yoga before so after signing up I went today for the Hot Flow session, AMAZING! I train for powerlifting meets so I thought I could handle some yoga. Wow, I was surprised by how difficult it truly is. You will certainly break a sweat. The teachers seem very very friendly and oh so welcoming also, they're sure to take it slow and be specific in instructions when there are new members in the class. Go give
I have never done yoga before so after signing up I went today for the Hot Flow session, AMAZING! I train for powerlifting meets so I thought I could handle some yoga. Wow, I was surprised by how difficult it truly is. You will certainly break a sweat. The teachers seem very very friendly and oh so welcoming also, they're sure to take it slow and be specific in instructions when there are new members in the class. Go give
Kim H.
Nov 03, 2016
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Tess Monical
Sep 06, 2016
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I loved going here but it was expensive for single classes when I went, and I wasn't ready to commit to a membership since I only very occasionally do yoga. They do have multi-pack passes, and I have been considering getting a 10-session pass since that is much cheaper per session.
Outside of the regular yoga classes, I went to one of the Chakra coloring events a while back, and that was a lot of fun. We learned about once of the chakras and colored a page with the associated symbol. There was wine and some simple yoga to go along with the coloring event.
Outside of the regular yoga classes, I went to one of the Chakra coloring events a while back, and that was a lot of fun. We learned about once of the chakras and colored a page with the associated symbol. There was wine and some simple yoga to go along with the coloring event.
Heather P.
Apr 16, 2015
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Walking into Amara is like strolling into your best friend's house. There are shoes by the door, comfy places to sit, a pot of tea (I highly recommend the fairy tale tea,) art, books, and people happily chatting. It's very warm, welcoming, and wonderful!
My first time there, my card declined (how embarrassing,) but the woman behind the counter, who I now realize is the co-founder and art director, Kathryn, let me hop into the class anyways.
I highly recommend any class by Kristin. Her flow classes are tailored to the needs and level of the participants, and every time I attend, I learn
My first time there, my card declined (how embarrassing,) but the woman behind the counter, who I now realize is the co-founder and art director, Kathryn, let me hop into the class anyways.
I highly recommend any class by Kristin. Her flow classes are tailored to the needs and level of the participants, and every time I attend, I learn
Danielle M.
Mar 30, 2015
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Disclaimer: this is the only yoga studio in the Champaign-Urbana area that I've visited. That said, there's a reason it's the only I've needed to try! I attended classes sporadically since January 2014 before becoming a member in September 2014. My first love at the studio: herbal tea brewed every day ... delicious. Other first impressions: a plethora of mats/blocks/blankets/etc. available for use and cool artwork (some for sale).
The Amara community and instructors are welcoming and inclusive, and they have great energy! Amara introduced me to Ashtanga and Mysore, which are
The Amara community and instructors are welcoming and inclusive, and they have great energy! Amara introduced me to Ashtanga and Mysore, which are
Nicole C.
Mar 30, 2015
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I bought a 10 pass of classes and went to several classes before wasting my money and letting the rest of the sessions lapse - that's how uncomfortable I was. Every class I went to was crowded, and the "regulars" have very little interest in making room for newcomers. There was also a discrepancy about being allowed to bring a guest on my pass -- whatever your policies, that should be reflected in your online registration system, which as of 2/15 allowed you to sign someone else up for a class and use the 10 pass to pay for said class. Instead of arguing with me before the start
Emily Ewers
Dec 29, 2012
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This is a really great place to go, especially if you're a beginner. I would say that most of the classes are open to people with all levels of yoga experience. The teachers always demonstrate ways to make poses more challenging and encourage you to be mindful of your body so you don't push yourself to the point of injury, which I really appreciate. I'm a runner, so I kind of came into yoga with the mentality that you need to ignore pain and push yourself. I like that Amara's yoga philosophy is not like that. They encourage you to challenge yourself, but within reason--not to the point of pain
Gabe Hobson
Dec 25, 2012
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I really enjoy classes at Amara! The space gets great light through the floor to ceiling windows during the day and gives great energy when practicing yoga. Went to try it out a few months ago and now I go every week. Teachers are all very good and have really helped me as someone who is not very flexible or experienced. Definitely recommend for all!
William Ingram
Nov 15, 2011
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Highly recommended. I have been going to Amara off and on for years now. It's great. They have many classes for beginners and offer regular Yoga 101 courses for people who have never done yoga before or have fallen out of practice. The instructors are awesome. I go to Amara now instead of the gym -- it's much more fun, and I get an overall better workout.
Lisa N.
Dec 26, 2010
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This is the only yoga studio in town that I go to. Grace Giorgio and Lauren Quinn are amazing yoga instructors. Grace is the most caring and thoughtful yoga teacher I've ever known, and watching her practice is very inspiring. Lauren is the teacher who introduced me to ashtanga, which is a style that suits people who want to replace jogging (bad for your body) with something that will get similar results (endorphins, sweat, muscles).
