The Pull of Pilates

By Lisa Arnett
March 2024 View more Discover

Improve your strength and flexibility at these studios

Pilates Playground

GENEVA

A decade ago, Karyn Tully left her career in hospitality for the fitness industry, and after working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she became certified to teach Pilates. She opened this studio in Geneva last June after working for a national Pilates franchise. She offers private lessons and a variety of group classes ranging from Unite (best for beginners, using Pilates equipment and weights) to Bounce (a fusion class with reformers and mini-trampoline rebounders). “We really take pride in teaching the bodies in front of us and offering a lot of modifications for people if they need to pull back a little…or progressions for people who want to advance the movement. It’s very specialized,” she says. Single classes are $35, and monthly memberships range from eight classes ($159) to unlimited ($189).
Good to know: Fostering an inclusive atmosphere is crucial for Tully. “When I decided to open my own place, I wanted it to feel really intimate, really welcoming, and safe,” Tully says. “I want them to feel comfortable and leave feeling better physically and mentally than when they walked in.” 321 Stevens St.

Shyft

NAPERVILLE

Owner Maura Clifford admits she discovered Pilates reluctantly when a friend suggested it might help her recover from a back injury. “I was very much a runner and a boot camp kind of person, and I was like, ‘I don’t know if this kind of laying around is beneficial, but I’ll try it,’ ” Clifford says. “Literally within six weeks of doing it only twice a week, I had no more back pain.” She trained to become a Pilates instructor and opened her studio, then called MK Lab, 15 years ago in downtown Naperville. Eight years ago, she renamed the business Shyft and moved across the street to its current location. “Our approach is that mobility equals longevity,” she says. “That is the standpoint whether you are a professional athlete who wants to be injury-free or one of our 82-year-old clients who want to be able to move through life and enjoy their later years as much as possible.” Classes are multilevel, small in size (eight students max), and use resistance-based Pilates equipment such as the reformer. Private lessons are available and recommended for beginners. The studio also offers massage therapy and recently added vinyasa yoga classes.
Good to know: New students can take unlimited classes for two weeks for $69. “It’s the best way to experience all of our different teachers throughout those two weeks and also get the opportunity to feel the collective effect of Pilates,” Clifford says. “It is a practice, and the more you stick with it, the more you’ll feel the changes in your own body.” Single classes are $35 and monthly memberships run from $119 (four classes) to $299 (unlimited). 39 W. Jefferson Ave.

MBS Pilates

DOWNERS GROVE

Fittingly, the initials in this studio’s name stand for mind, body, and soul. Owner Heather Rex is adamant that Pilates is for any and every body: “Male, female, old, young, small, big—it doesn’t matter. We welcome everyone because we think Pilates is good for the system in general,” she says. “We are all about teaching full connection to your body and understanding the mechanics of how your body works and how to connect to that.” She and her team are focused on classical Pilates classes (mat as well as equipment classes with the reformer, Cadillac, ladder barrel, and more) but also offer some contemporary options too, such as Pilates Sculpt with weights. “I think Pilates can be as easy or as hard as you want to,” Rex says. “It’s that supportive of a workout where you have the support of the reformer, the springs, and pulleys to teach you how to do the work, And even if you’re not a big worker-outer, we only do eight of something and then it’s done.”
Good to know: For $49, new clients can try as many classes as they want for two weeks. Single classes are $30 each and monthly memberships range from $85 (four classes per month) to $189 (unlimited). Private and duet sessions also are available. 5021 Fairview Ave.

Photos: Karen Muehlfelt (Pilates Playground); Molly Hebda Photography (MBS Pilates); Alicia’s Photography (Shyft)