Counteracting the stresses of everyday life is among the main benefits of any exercise discipline. Pilates’ devotees say the workout balances the body and helps you feel comfortable in your skin. If that doesn’t convince you to try it, those who practice is say it’s an intense abdominal workout, the results of which provide a long, lean physique.

Perhaps the best definition of Pilates comes from the man who created this mind-body discipline. Joseph Pilates called his system “contrology.” He and his wife Clara immigrated to the U.S. and opened a studio in New York City in the 1920s. In his book, Return to Life Through Contrology, Pilates defined the benefits of his approach as more than physical: “... the acquirement of and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental, calm, and spiritual peace is priceless ... it is the ideal to strive for and in our opinion, it is only through Contrology that this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained.”

A body balanced through Pilates is achieved through integration of skeletal alignment and muscular development of the core which includes the abs, shoulders, and pelvic girdle. It’s an intense, refreshing, and invigorating workout. And you will most certainly work your abs, a lot. You’ll find Pilates classes and private sessions in specialized studios, health clubs and community centers citywide.

How and Where to Develop a Pilates Body

Like yoga, Pilates has evolved through time. Today, there are a variety of approaches but core development is fundamental to them all. Among the most well known trademarked brands are: Stott, Power Pilates, the Physical Mind Institute, and Romana’s Pilates.

Traditionally, there are a series of mat exercises and work done using Pilates equipment, most of which are spring-based machines. Regardless of where the exercises are performed however; control, concentration and precision are among the main principles practiced. Most experts agree that taking a few private sessions using the equipment is the ideal way to understand and experience the benefits of the work.

Chicago River North Pilates is certified under the Physical Mind Institute. According to owner and Pilates instructor Katy Lush, their philosophy deals with fundamentals of movement which are based on childhood development. Those fundamentals movements are used in building classes and private client sessions. “Each person comes in so differently that it’s almost impossible to teach each person the exact same routine,” explains Lush, “I really need to break it down and get them to move correctly with good form, good internal coordination, core support, and breath support before I can advance them.”

In mat classes, that translates into instructors offering plenty of options and modifications to the traditional Contrology mat routine. Here, instructors tend to specialize in pre and post natal women, injury rehabilitation, and in population types such as baby boomers and seniors. The studio offers mat classes, reformer classes, private sessions, and instructor certification.

Elements in Motion in Lincoln Park is a full service studio and a licensed training facility for Stott Pilates. Owner Vered Arbel describes the work in her studio as intensely anatomically and biomechanically based. “The people who are teaching Stott Pilates really need an intensive knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics,” explained Arbel, “it’s not just choreography; it’s much deeper than that.”

Unlike most studios that offer traditional mat classes, Elements in Motions has mixed equipment/mat classes. Clients need to take at least three private sessions to understand and get acquainted with Pilates principles and equipment. The first session includes a postural analysis. The mixed equipment classes are small - no more than five clients per session. The instructors have the charts of each client so they can help people modify within the flow of the class. The studio also features Pilates spin which is spin bike class followed by a Pilates workout.

Pilates Chicago in Rogers Park is owned by Matthew and Jennifer Zumann. They describe their approach as a “neo classical” style which incorporates teachings from many different Pilates elders and master teachers. They strive to stay fresh by attending workshops nationwide and also through hosting workshops with Pilates experts such as Mary Bowen, a first generation Pilates master who studied directly with Joseph Pilates.

In addition to offering privates, semi privates, and mat classes, the studio has group classes on Pilates chairs. The chair class is limited to six people so signing up in advance is highly recommended. Matthew Zumann is focused on each student in the class and is insistent on proper form and execution. “It’s more affordable than private sessions,” explained Matthew Zumann, “and the assistance of the chair helps the body get out of the bulkier muscles and more into the core muscles.”

The studio offers instructor training and has yearly Pilates retreats to such places as Mexico and Guatemala, where working with the local community is part of the experience.

How to Find the Right Studio for You

A Web search for “Pilates in Chicago” results in lots of choices. To get started, check out Web sites for general information, class types, and schedules. Talk with owners or instructors and ask about education, how long instructors have been certified and whether they have any specialties. Taking a mat class is an inexpensive way to check out a studio and discover if the place simply feels right to you. Also, many studios offer discounted rates for first-time students. With Pilates, it is especially important to find one that suits your needs. “Anyone can take a list of exercises and teach them,” says Vered Arbel, of Elements in Motion, “how you analyze and fit the exercises to the needs of the person requires anatomical and biomechanical knowledge. Really look for that.”

A Sampling of Studios in Chicago

Chicago River North Pilates
213 West Institute Place Ste 303
Chicago, IL 60619
312-751-1256
Crnpilates.com

Elements In Motion
2918 North Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
773-935-7120
www.elementsinmotion.com

Pilates Chicago
1220 W Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL 60626
773-274-CORE (2673)
www.pilateschicago.net

Frog Temple Incorporated Pilates Center
1749 N Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
773-489-0890
www.frogtemple.com

Body Endeavors
1528 N. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60622
312-202-0028
www.bodyendeavorspilates.com