Disclaimer: The Fandads were invited to attend a Yoga class at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. All thoughts, opinions, and calm minds are our own.

It’s been a while that Sporty Dad has done anything…well, sporty. Although I have been preparing myself for a half marathon, I haven’t been writing about it that much. While I am training my body for a long run. my mind also needs to be trained and be at ease and what better way to do that than with yoga.

I am a novice at yoga. The exercise program that I am using does have some yoga and pilates components in it. I am aware of some of the moves involved with yoga but I have never taken a full-on class or course. When I was invited to take a class instructed by CorePower yoga at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit I thought to myself “This will be great! I will be in a nice open space listening to our instructor tell and show us what to do and I will be surrounded by art. I should do it.” I mean, what better way to start your day than with yoga and Van Gogh. Right?

As soon as I walked into the venue I ran into my friend and fellow blogger Bonnie from ChiIL Mama. She was there to take the yoga class too. After checking in we received a nice little Lifeway tote along with a yoga mat to use for the event. (Note: For those attending the yoga classes, it is recommended to bring your own yoga mat.)

If you have been to the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit you know that there is a large room where you can experience this exhibit from. It is in this room where the yoga classes are being held. As I walked into the room I saw many people already had their spots and were just sitting on their mats waiting for the class to start. I did feel comfortable because everyone was checked before they came in and everyone had a mask on. I found a nice spot for myself and waited for the lesson to begin.

I will say this; I thought I knew what I was doing, but that was all thrown out the window when the instructor really got rolling with the poses. The lesson did start slow and was easy to follow but there were moments that I had to look around to make sure I was doing the correct thing. Once my mind was more relaxed and I was getting used to the speed of the moves I really began taking in the ambiance of the entire experience. What was great about the class is the poses that you are doing are synced perfectly with the visuals and the music that surrounds you. There were a few moments where I caught the connection and it was pretty cool.

After the class was over I felt great. I did work up a sweat and my body felt really good and ready to take on the day. Everyone that attended the class was provided with a variety of Lifeway Kefir drinks. I tried one of the oat milk drinks, since I have never tried oat milk before, and it tasted pretty good. Once everyone had a chance to cool down and partake in a drink or two they can stay and experience the show again. This is one of the benefits of attending the yoga class is that it includes a ticket to the Van Gogh experience itself. While the price might be a little high you do get to have a yoga class in a great environment and experience the amazing show afterward.

Yoga at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit is a great experience that I think everyone should try at least once. It is a great way to start off your day and enjoy just a little semblance of normalcy in your day. I am thankful I was able to participate in this class and will hopefully be able to attend again in the future.

Here is some more information about the classes and how you can get your tickets.

People of all fitness levels are welcome to enroll in the 35 min flow yoga. All classes take place within the multi-sensory and all-encompassing Immersive VanGogh experience. Each workout is designed to challenge the body and inspire the mind; choreographed in harmony with the music, sounds, light, and moving images from Van Gogh’s vast catalogue of masterpieces. After class, participants are invited to stay and experience the art around them one more time. All Gogh with Lifeway at Immersive Yoga participants will receive a nutritious Lifeway Kefir, packed with probiotics to nourish their microbiome and to recover from their yoga session. Guests also may stay in the exhibit following the class to view the exhibition.

Classes are scheduled for Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 7 and 8 a.m. Capacity is limited in keeping with the City of Chicago’s COVID-19 protocols. Admission is $54.99 per person/per class. To reserve a spot, visit vangoghchicago.com.

Gogh with Lifeway Immersive Yoga classes will be presented with strict health and safety practices in place. Capacity will be limited in accordance with the City of Chicago’s safety protocols. Additional safety precautions include touchless ticket-taking, temperature checks upon arrival, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers throughout the venue, and digitally projected social distancing circles on the gallery floors to ensure appropriate spacing. All guests must wear a face covering at all times during their visit to Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago. Guests should arrive dressed for classes and bring their own yoga mats.

Featuring animations of 40 of Van Gogh’s masterpieces, Immersive Van Gogh was designed by creative director and Italian film producer Massimiliano Siccardi, with original, mood-setting music by Italian multimedia composer Luca Longobardi, who provided a score that combines experimental electronic music with pure, ethereal and simple-seeming piano. Vittorio Guidotti is the Art Director. Siccardi and Longobardi are both pioneers of immersive digital art experiences in Paris. With more than 70 projectors illuminating over 15,000 square feet, visitors to Immersive Van Gogh are encircled from head-to-toe in Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and colors, including animated details from works such as Self Portrait with Felt Hat(1888), The Bedroom in Arles(1889), Irises(1889) and The Starry Night(1889). The venue is easily accessible by public transportation and has ample parking in the nearby James House parking garage. To join the waitlist for Gogh with Lifeway Immersive Yoga, visit www.vangoghchicago.com.