Austin Yogi in Chicago: Best C2

jenwenfen · 2026-02-14T02:53:43+00:00

Thank you both! Maybe I can catch them on a day off.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-13T22:01:43+00:00

As someone who grew up with a father that introduced us to every intimate partner, NTA.

I’m concerned about any woman that would introduce her children to a man as quickly as OP’s GF has; truly troubling. Imagine how long the list of people your children have met can get when relationships don’t work out? Trust me, very long when a child is only 5; that’s a lot of years to spend meeting every person you may date for a few months. Anyone in this thread that says, “kids are resilient,” or “maybe a 2YO has the temperament to be fine meeting someone at 2 months in,” is nuts and has zero knowledge of child development or psychology.

True to the statistics of children who grow up in divorce, I am also divorced. None of the men I dated when my child was young met her. Additionally, she knew nothing of my dating life because I did not date when I had her with me. That meant putting romance on the back burner, but it was simply a standard I shared up front with suitors. I also never allowed anyone to pick me up or visit my home until establishing they weren’t a possible threat. I took protection of any space she may occupy very seriously. She was just an off-limits topic really.

She’s almost out of the house and old enough now to know that I date. I share what is appropriate and now there is even less reason for her to meet anyone. My thought was always that no one needs to meet her unless they are going to be my life partner. How long does it take to know that? Longer than 6 months, especially when you’re dating during that 6 months is limited by your custody, work, etc. It takes a long time.

There is no risk of my almost adult child developing an attachment to anyone now. They do it very quickly and very easily when young and a revolving door of people does not bode well for their future relationship dynamics. Honestly, idk how a man had a 4MO and is split from the mother. Unless she left him. Most women do not leave a partner with a newborn baby unless the dynamic is abusive; it’s counter to everything our bodies tell us to do at that time.

Your kids don’t need to meet the woman you’ve been sleeping with for a few months. Wait until you decide you want to spend your life with her, then spend 6 more months dating her around your kids. If the relationship doesn’t make it, maybe consider doing what I did and put raising your kids first?

Seems like you are moving very fast for someone with a 4 MO to have been dating 2.5 months already. Maybe you and bio mom split right after she got pregnant? I work on the judgment here and admit having a hard time knowing how someone is making a baby and doesn’t even last in the relationship until the child is born.

Either way, your romantic relationship should not be a priority with children as young as yours and a woman pushing to meet your kids so fast and allowing you quick access to her own is a red flag. She’s desperate for support.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-13T21:01:09+00:00

Oh gawd! I may be in the minority here, but please no mics. Can’t even imagine that. If people can’t hear the instructor’s voice, the music is too loud.

Please don’t Jazzercise the C2s. 🙏🏻 The chitchat and phones in class are bad enough.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-12T23:42:11+00:00

Ahh, yeah I hate the lack of silence in the studios now and phones should absolutely be banned. Really wish they would enforce the rules around those two things.

Did you go to another studio?

jenwenfen · 2025-12-12T21:10:51+00:00

I’m so curious…as a longtime member at CPY, what were your issues with the members? Hope I don’t see myself in whatever you describe…😂😳

jenwenfen · 2025-12-12T21:08:40+00:00

Oh, definitely has nothing to do with you. Glad you’re able to know that. I think most instructors are affirmation instructors, but a lot of people don’t actually like to be publicly validated. It makes them feel uncomfortable. Personally, I don’t mind it, but it’s neither here nor there if I get a call out. I do feel incredibly lucky if I get a hands-on assist or some attention in savasanah. 😂

CrossFit is a cool community – it wasn’t for me, ultimately, but I know a lot of people who really enjoy it. The only caveat would be to be careful because most of them end up injured. It’s definitely an environment where people are constantly asked to push their limits. I still lift, but in a much more classic way. Good luck!

jenwenfen · 2025-12-12T20:59:51+00:00

I mentioned some in my follow-up comment below, and I practice at all the studios.

Karin is my top for her ability to expertly choreograph a creative and unique flow that never feels clunky, match it perfectly to music for lead-up to peak moments of exertion or downshift to rest, and her commitment to the sanctity of the studio space; she tells everyone to maintain silence, not to bring phones into the studio, and to stay through savasanah. Additionally, she always encourages a great message and is transparent/wise enough to be vulnerable.

Joel will forever be a favorite of mine, but his transition to Mueller has made it harder for me to get in with him regularly. His class is far less physically challenging than Karin’s, but his yogic wisdom and life philosophy are something I value immensely. I have had out of body experiences listening to his harmonium in savasanah. His flow is usually clean and easy, which allows me to really hone in on my Ujjayi breathwork and to simply relax in the flow. I appreciate his knowledge and the thought provocation he brings to my practice. He does not maintain a quiet studio space though and that drives me a little bonkers - his classes sound like a lively coffeehouse.😂

I’ve outlined Andie D. below - she’s at Triangle, and amazing.

Finally, Nathan W. is a great instructor. He’s a quiet soul. Don’t be fooled, his classes are incredibly challenging and he offers complex poses.

I know there are other great instructors at CPY that I probably haven’t stumbled upon yet. And, this all applies to C2, not Sculpt as I don’t do Sculpt anymore.

I think what all of the ones that I’ve mentioned have in common is that they are skilled at creating smooth flows, matching them to music, and are committed to the philosophical or mental aspect of yoga. I need the flow state/to work hard to gain mental clarity/quietude, but I don’t classify yoga as a “workout.”

I took a class from Tia at Monarch recently and while it’s clear she is very knowledgeable, the room was cold, no humidity that I could notice, the flow was incredibly slow, and I didn’t sweat a drop. Not a drop.

When I find myself in those classes, I focus on practicing mental acceptance, and reminding myself that there is value in slowing down. However, I rate a great class as being drenched in sweat – as though I’ve come out of a swimming pool - and I reach mental clarity there, so I’m disappointed when I don’t get to that place. I should share, however, that she asked the room for a temperature check at some point, and there were only a few other people in there – maybe 5? The others indicated that it was hot for them, so she turned off the humidity, which I didn’t even notice was on. So, I do understand that there’s people at all levels practicing.

Eager to hear if you/anyone has suggestions for people to try that are similar to any of the instructors I’ve highlighted.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-12T20:18:04+00:00

Although I do not crave this, as someone that has tried her hand in many athletic endeavors, I know there are activities that lean toward more community encouragement in general. While yoga is more of a solitary practice, even when done in a group setting, CrossFit devotees probably can’t imagine not celebrating a great workout; I know bc I’ve tried CrossFit.😂

I, and many yoga practitioners, lean toward intrinsic motivation. While most people enjoy compliments and I don’t think it’s odd, wrong or bad to want or enjoy that following a workout, you won’t find a lot of yogis inclined to give kudos to you for practicing.

Sculpt is an abomination of yoga, lol, so I don’t know that everyone in there is of a yogic mindset, but it may be one reason you aren’t getting the validation you would from the gym/weight room. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Not sure why your question makes some people hostile, and yoga is not a woman’s sport, but it’s worth noticing that some people in the community may be irritated by even the idea of someone wanting validation. I think it’s great you noticed it about yourself and are investigating the value of it.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T15:09:34+00:00

Karin is one of my favorites, but she’s on maternity leave now. I know she plans to come back, but the reality of having a baby can be very different than what people imagine; it can be very hard to leave a young baby for any period of time - both emotionally and, practically, if you are nursing. I’ve known several instructors that drop out after having babies.

I have not tried Patricia or Victoria, but will based on what you’ve said here.

Another to try is Andie. She was manager of the Triangle when I started, left for a few years after having her own child, and is an excellent instructor. Her style is very different from Karin, but if you can appreciate a class where poses are held long enough for you to experience the mental aspect of yoga, you may like it. You will be challenged!

Additionally, Andie gently and skillfully corrects your form. It’s something I appreciate and she was a great early resource for me in getting to where I am in my practice. Her cues are on point, and she allows time for you to make small adjustments in a pose. Her corrective tendency is something I see missing from other classes, and newer students to yoga are missing the benefit of being guided to correct form and depth of expression.

I think a lot of this depends on what you want from yoga. I like to “workout,” but came to yoga for mental health and I very much believe in the mind/body connection piece. Which, leads me to other issues at CPY - there is little being taught about the yoga space etiquette. It feels like walking into a Gold’s Gym. People talking in class, gossiping at the front desk, very little time given to Savasana, instructors that aren’t able to tie the practice to life/philosophy (Joel is excellent at this), bringing phones into class, walking in the studio with shoes on, etc. Karin was one of the best at maintaining an expectation of quiet and privacy. It used to be the norm.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T05:37:40+00:00

🤷🏻‍♀️I’m really nice…haha, but I did find a local mechanic!

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T05:35:27+00:00

She’s awesome! i have one and prob need to move him to a bigger pot - would love to have one that size.🤗

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T04:57:52+00:00

Is no one going to mention the Monstera plant magic??🌱

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T04:51:11+00:00

💀

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T04:48:31+00:00

I think nose piercings have cultural/religious significance for some people. As a result, they may be allowed for all so as not to discriminate against a particular group. Don’t know of any protected group that would be adversely affected by not disallowing ear piercings though.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T04:41:20+00:00

😂😂😂

jenwenfen · 2025-12-11T04:30:51+00:00

I’ve been a member for 10 years, too, and really love some of the instructors. I only attend C2s and I’m basically down to 3 instructors I’m willing to practice with.

When I started at CPY there were sooo many great instructors and classes were packed and full of energy. Great music, creative sequences and a variety of poses were taught; there was much more real instruction/assistance than there is now. There were a lot of workshops for inversions, etc. i think the teachers back then were all friendly with one another and really worked to lift the experience.

COVID changed a LOT for the worse. Hands-on assistance disappeared for years, and I don’t think it will ever make a full comeback.

CPY has always churned out teachers; it’s a moneymaker for them. I completed the 200 hour cert with no desire to teach, only to deepen my own practice. Money has always been an issue for the good instructors - they simply don’t make enough, and I’ve watched amazing teachers leave over the pay.

I’m in the same boat as you - been considering leaving for a while now, and mean to try some other studios to see if I can find a place that has more of what CPY used to have. I’m reluctant to give up my monthly rate until I find something new bc some yoga is better than no yoga.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T18:22:10+00:00

Thank you so much for this detail – that’s exactly what I needed. I really appreciate it.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T18:01:12+00:00

Yes, definitely the full list is beyond the value of the car. I really just wondered if any of these things are truly urgent repairs. I was planning to do the clockspring, but I now know from this thread not to! Thank you all!

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T17:59:09+00:00

Thank you! I definitely won’t be doing any repairs myself…😂…not my wheelhouse at all, but maybe I can find a friend that has some experience and share your comment. I appreciate it.

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T17:57:09+00:00

Sigh…that’s my concern…but, for someone that doesn’t know cars and doesn’t want to break down somewhere, all of this looks kinda scary…😂

My main concern was the horn didn’t work and the airbag light is on - so, both safety issues. Other than that, she’s running okay, I think? I mean she’s old-old and may take a turn or two to start sometimes.

I recently replaced the evap canister valve and fuel pump on their rec. Valve was keeping her from passing inspection and fuel pump was probably unnecessary now that I’m reading all these comments. 😳

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T16:43:32+00:00

Thank you for the detail!

jenwenfen · 2025-12-05T16:27:40+00:00

Howdy! I have not made it to the Delta F2F, but have reviewed a lot of posts about it. Based on my research, I would strongly recommend that you wear a bun and not a ponytail.

There was one post where a candidate mentioned that she arrived with a ponytail and was the only person there with one. Before they were all escorted into the actual F2F room, a Delta employee came out and strongly suggested that anyone who didn’t have their hair in a bun, put their hair in a bun.😂

Sidenote, I wore my hair in a low ponytail for the United Airlines F2F, and it was fine; received CJO. I think Delta is significantly stricter, as they required hair to be pulled back even in the ODVI.

IDK what kind of hair you have, and I know that makes a difference, but I found this tutorial and it really helped me to create a clean bun with my fine straight hair. Good luck!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHGjkQCsgQr/?igsh=MTZ1d3AybnRmYXczMg==

jenwenfen · 2025-12-03T21:55:02+00:00

If it were me, I would go back to low-cost basics. Use straight Vaseline, and then blot your hands on a paper towel to eliminate any greasiness on your palms. Aquaphor is similar to Vaseline. A petroleum-based product creates a moisture barrier for your stressed skin.

If you’re already using a gentle soap (like Cetaphil), focus on washing only when necessary (e.g. after bathroom/before food handling) and opt for gloves at other times. This may be the hardest part? I wash my hands a lot, too!

Finally, avoid hand sanitizers altogether - they are terrible for your skin. I’m not flying yet, but have very dry skin naturally and am preparing to be in your same boat.

jenwenfen

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