Club Pilates — Local services in Chicago

Overview: I started Club Pilates towards the beginning of this summer. Still having issues from a previous injury/surgery and experiencing another injury this year, I was looking for a place that would offer a low-impact workout that was still a challenge and that would hopefully help me recover from my injuries. I have not gone to other reformer Pilates studios, so I can not speak on how this company compares to others, but I have LOVED coming here. In fact, it is one of my top "self-care" activities that makes me feel physically and mentally better. I love that you can easily take classes at your own pace or make adjustments when needed and the instructors are helpful in finding modifications for injuries or other issues you may experience. While my injuries have not gone away, Pilates has helped build the muscles around my tendons and joints so I am more mobile. It has also helped reduce the pain associated with the injuries. The locations I have been to are also very clean and organized and have adhered to Covid guidelines, such as mask wearing, wiping down equipment used after every session (this is in general, not just for Covid), etc.

Memberships: I love that Club Pilates has several membership and drop-in options to fit various schedules and expectations. Because the company has national locations, you also have the option to purchase the national option, allowing you to go to nearly any club pilates location for the set monthly fee. I originally opted for the unlimited session for one studio, which is actually for 5 studios, because this location has the same owner as several other Chicago locations. Since then I have had to change my membership a couple of times due to being out of the country and other scheduling constraints. That said, every time, the staff was very accommodating in helping me change it. It is very easy to book on the app and you can cancel up to 12 hours before the session without a penalty, making it a flexible solution if your availability changes. They also have a "wait list" option, which is nice because people often cancel, so you can be bumped up to attend.

Class options: I appreciate that there are multiple levels (1,1.5,2) for progressing your practice, and they offer certain fusion and other classes such as one focused on stretching, cardio and bar fusion. They also have classes in the mornings and evenings and have different schedules daily to fit a variety of schedules. They also offer "on-demand" classes for those who prefer to do floor Pilates away from a studio.

Front Office Staff: At all of the locations in Chicago that I have been to, all of the staff members have been extremely friendly and helpful. They worked with me when I needed to change my "home" location and membership types. They also regularly check-in with you (if you want) via text messaging to see if you need anything and to ensure you are happy with your membership. It is very easy to contact them either in person or via text message when you need assistance or have a question and they are always quick to respond.

Teachers: All of the teachers whom I have taken classes with are extremely professional and seem very knowledgeable. Some even work in physical therapy, which is particularly helpful for people with injuries. As mentioned previously, they are always willing to provide assistance, whether that means helping correct your form to ensure you perform moves safely, providing modifications for injuries or if a particular exercise is too hard, etc. They are also open to feedback and requests. Particularly with the stretching class, they usually ask individuals if there is anything they would like to focus on.

All that said, based on my experience and goals, I highly recommend Club Pilates and this studio (or any of the 5 locations in Chicago that I have been to). All of the locations also offer a free 30 minute intro class (which is what I tried before joining), followed by an information session, which provides a great over of the classes and...

Honestly the worst workout experience I’ve ever had. I went to the intro class and really thought I’d love it but was wrong. All the classes, especially the 1.5 flow are always booked. I found myself wasting hundreds of dollars a month just to be put on a waitlist and then in the middle of the night be added and then miss my class in the morning (which yes my fault for not canceling on the waitlist) but I’m not going to set my alarm to get up early before work if I’m not even in the class. I heard from other members that the unlimited members sign up for all good classes and then just drop out right before the 12 hour cancelation fee so it’s nearly impossible to get a good class unless you signup a week in advance.

Also when I signed up they went through what I thought was all the terms and conditions like how it’s a 3 month commitment and you can’t downgrade ur plan, only upgrade BUT what they did not mention was you have to give a 30 day notice before canceling. I couldn’t wait for those 3 months to be over but when I went to cancel about 10 days before, I found out I was stuck being a member for another 30 days.

There are manyyy better Pilates classes better than this one. DO NOT be pressured into signing up for a membership after the intro class because they give a good discount if you commit that day and that’s how I got sucked u...

I started up in August of this year ('24) and have nothing but great things to say thus far! From the first day of setting up my membership to being greeted every time I arrive to start class, everyone has been super chill and helpful from the front desk team to the trainers! All of the instructors have been great especially when I am looking for feedback to be given during class so that I can level up to the harder classes or attempting a new movement and looking crazy, which I consider that as part of the process ;)

They take surveys seriously and have reached out via email after the first one I did and have also sent texts to check-in and they are not automated - someone at the studio responded to question I had. They are not just going through the motions but sincerely trying to give their customers a solid experience!

Thanks for all you guys do - and...