You don't need bamboo floors and airy windows to be centered. Soham is living, breathing proof of this. Tucked away in the basement of the Pittsfield building in the Loop's heart chakra is a space as therapeutic as any in Chicago, with all the requisite images of Hindu deities and OM symbols on display. Despite the small room and carpeted floor, talented teachers will remind you why you're there as soon you enter the asana and pranayama poses: to practice a tradition that pre-dates Yoga Journal by a few thousand years.

Classes: The schedule is split with yoga and Qi-Gong classes led by a handful of teachers boasting impressive bios in the lineage of healing arts. Between them, Soham's five instructors possess nearly 75 years of experience in leading students to wellness. The yoga styles offered include Hatha, Sivananda and Kundalini; be assured that you won't find your trendy, Vinyasa lunch-hour workout. Expect to go deeper into the root of your core, heart of your breath and awareness of your potential. Most classes are offered at a drop-in rate: $13-$15 (yoga) and $20 (Qi-Gong). Check the website for class discounts on multiple-session commitments.

Extras: Workshops featuring intriguing titles like "Retrieving ALL Your Abundance" and "Manifesting Prosperity With Words" are available upon request. And because contrast balances the soul, grab a portion of seasoned fries from Pittsfield's diner on the building's ground floor before re-emerging into the frenetic pace of the Loop.

Centerstage Reviewer: Maria Raynes