I've been going to Body R&D for 3 months now and I love it! Tina makes every work out challenging in different ways and has the best playlists so it never gets old!! I feel like my whole body gets a great workout every class. Tina will even personalize the routines to incorporate moves she know the students really like. She's the best! read more

No thanks. My friend and I tried this studio on a Saturday morning. We went up to the trainer to check in and told her this was our first class and we were greeted with an unenthusiastic "oh no" with an underlying tone of dread and annoyance. Well if that doesn't make someone feel welcome I don't know what will. The rest of the class was equally as amazing. My friend and I took spots on two machines and the instructor then told us we needed to move inwards so we would be in the middle of the others who had been there before. Ok, fine. However I soon came to learn she had no intentions of actually instructing the class- and instead wanted to rely on the other students to show us what to do. Too bad they were all doing different things. After going through the 50 minutes of boring, monotone commands from said 'instructor' the class was finally over. Im not sure if she was hungover, just broke up with her boyfriend or had a migraine, but that was the least motivating class taught by someone who clearly didn't want to be there or instruct proper movement. In a city of a bazillion pilates studios, you'd have to pay me to go back. read more

10 hour cancellation, $15 dollar charge, crazy policy. Most have 2 hour cancel, no fee. Management wasn't customer service friendly either. Taking Pilates & yoga at another studio now, much happier. read more

I've been coming here since January and I am half way through my second monthly package. when I started out I really was very out of shape, but I definitely have made lot of progress and can not fit into clothes I haven't work in over a year. I feel stronger and it good for you mood to work out regularly. I'm not into crazy workout and this is like doing Pilates on the reformer, but this workout is like a more intense version of that and doing it in a group is more fun too. read more

Now THIS is a pilates class I can get into! I guarantee that Harry Shelley's Megaformer classes are like nothing you've ever tried before. Planking and lunging to Pitbull and the Foo Fighters? All I know is I want more! I have a feeling this gem hidden along Lincoln Ave. in Lakeview isn't going to stay hidden for long. I consider myself a somewhat fit individual. I workout with a trainer lifting weights and doing circuit work 2-3 times per week and I can put up quite a bit of weight. All that weight lifting background goes out the window at Body R&D. 10 minutes in and I was already feeling the burn. This class had me working muscles that I never knew existed; after the class I was feeling every single one of those muscles for the next few days (but don't woryr, it was a good sore)! Strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance training are combined into one engaging, 45 minute workout led by Harry himself or one of his equally fantastic staff members. Beginners feel more than welcomed. This workout is new to almost everyone and Harry's guides the class through every single movement and provides individual assitance if you have any questions. When the class was over I had no doubt in my mind that if you were to come to these classes on a regular basis you would see some serious changes in your body. Obviously I loved the class and I can't wait to return! read more

Took my first Pilates class ever last night with my best friend. I have always been afraid of the reformer bc I wasn't quite sure how it would work! Dana's 8PM was amazing! There were only four of us in the class so we received a lot of individual attention. Dana made sure to make us feel comfortable, went over the machines and demonstrated all the exercises we were doing. I love when an instructor is active and engaged in class. Afterwards she stayed and talked to us, even though this was the last (late) class of the day, we never felt pressured to get out. She truly is a great instructor and person! read more

I wasn't sure about the description of "Pilates on Steroids" but I took the class with an open mind. It was pretty great. The music is great to keep the class moving and the instructor is constantly moving around the room checking to make sure students are doing all the exercises correctly. I must say I was IN PAIN the next day...in a good way. The exercises seem to work all parts of the body and really get at muscles you don't work on a regular basis. It was a tough 45 minutes, but I'm planning on going back for more. read more

Intense workout! Love it! This place has great music, great instructors and the workout keeps you moving, toning and keeps your heart rate up. The Mega reformer is the way to go! I've tried other workout studio and found this place to be the best. They also have great pricing. Monthly unlimited is quite a deal! read more

An AWESOME workout!! I love this place, in fact, when I'm at the gym and doing a crappy workout on my own I WISH I was at Body R+D. The owners Harry and Tina are SO nice, lovely and fun to talk to, and all the teachers are great too. Shout out to instructor Lauren, her classes will make you sore for days (in the good way)! Can't wait to do another membership here!! Love all things Body R+D! read more

Had Class Pass and took the Reformer class with Cindy. Had no prior experience with Pilates on a reformer and she was an excellent instructor. Class size was small and we got personal assistance. Studio small and clean. Highly recommend. read more

Congratulations gentlemen, you've taken the first step by reading this review. My wife has been doing Pilates for years, and I've never thought twice about going. I mean, I'm a gym dude by nature, weights, interval training, jump rope, swimming, treadmill and some yoga on the side (which I also scoffed at years ago before trying it out.) About a month ago, I noticed a deal at Body R&D for three sessions, so I said what the heck and snagged it. I figured that if I tagged along with wifey that I'd at least get a couple 'easy workouts' in during the holiday crush (which tends to be calorie and alcohol heavy due to numerous family gatherings which must be managed appropriately for sanity purposes.) After purchasing my package, I congratulated myself on my masterful plan to stay fit, even though I'd be doing a 'girly' workout. I felt so clever. Here's the long and the short of it: after a couple sessions at Body R&D, you'll realize that everything that you thought about Pilates is completely and absolutely wrong. It's FAR more of a workout than you think. It's probably one of the most overall 'body intensive' workouts that you will ever find, since you literally use all your muscles from head to toe. You will shake. Things will burn that don't normally do so. And when you first go, just accept that the ladies are going to absolutely crush you because they've been in on the secret for years. But don't let that dissuade you, because if you stick with it, you'll see and feel results that would take a lot longer with the usual gym routine. You'll feel tighter and better overall, and after about 4 sessions you'll notice that clothes fit a bit differently, in a good way. Trust me, if someone told me this a month ago I'd have laughed, but I'm cool with admitting when I'm wrong, and I was wrong about this. Now you ask: so why Body R&D? For starters, they don't have any bad instructors, and that's a tall order. Every single teacher is outstanding, and they will push you to excel. There's also a dash of comedy as they roam about the room shouting instructions, which adds some levity to the entire situation, considering that you're mildly inverted with ropes wrapped around your ankles and you like it. The music mixes keep class moving, and Flashback Friday is always a crowd-pleaser with great 80's tunes. The complete workout is 50 minutes long, but very intense. Plus, what does 50 minutes at the gym really get most people? A few sets, 17 text messages, 2 trips to the water fountain, and one 'suck in your gut in front of the mirror when you think nobody is looking' moment that is disheartening in its own right. We've all been there. So for you non-believers out there, all I'd say is that if a Pilates workout at Body R&D is so easy, then stop scoffing and go give it a shot yourself. I scoffed. But I went. And now I believe. read more

What a terrible experience. I was looking forward to taking these classes but the management is so poor I asked for a refund. Rude and dismissive, not a way to treat people that are paying your bills. read more

At one time I would have given this 5 stars. I moved to Chicago from LA where I went to the original Lagree studio and was so excited to find a location in my new town. I was one of the first members when it opened and recommended to my friends and family. Harry and Tina were both enthusiastic, friendly and gave a great workout. Sadly, over the course of a couple years, they became much less friendly and Harry began adding new elements into the workout that were not really in the category of Pilates (jumping jacks, cardio). When I had a baby, I tried to muster the willpower to go back after a one year hiatus and told them I'd slightly modify the workout so I would avoid injury. When taking it easy, Harry reprimanded me in the class. In the next class Tina told me I needed to stick with the program and that I should go somewhere else. And that's what I did. Bye! read more

bootcamp pilates... it took me a while to write a review because i wasn't sure how to rate R+D. the workout itself i give 5 stars. i've never done reformer and have only done a handful of "big box gym" pilates classes, so going straight to the MEGAreformer was a bit intimidating. i enjoyed my first class as the instructor gave me a quick orientation of the machine and paired me up with a buddy and assured me that i would be just fine if i just looked at my neighbors for help. i walked away feeling strong and thirsting for more! i tried 2 other instructors' classes and i really enjoy how motivating they always are reminding you that this is no average workout! i enjoy being pushed "bootcamp style"! what i don't enjoy, however, is when an instructor seems annoyed that she has to help correct your form because you are still getting used to the terminology of some the moves as well as the parts of the reformer. i get that part of the routine is to quickly move into the next position/move but i'd rather take 2 extra beats to make sure i'm doing it correctly so that i get the best workout/am not hurting myself. i'd say she may want to check her head at the door before teaching class. otherwise, an extremely effective class that i'd highly recommend to someone looking for fast results! read more

Let me start this by saying I usually don't like fitness classes. I always feel stupid in fitness classes, because other people can see how out of shape, uncoordinated and unflexible I am. Body R&D has changed that for me! I am now a believer!! The benefits of Body R&D: It is more affordable than a trainer. You get a full body and total work out every single time. The staff are super nice and don't pressure you for tanning packages like normal trainers at gyms do. The class has a "do what you can" mentality, so even if you're new to pilates, you can still do the same class as somebody who has been doing this for years. It totally works. You definitely feel it the next day, but that's how you know it's working. Also, there are visual cues to let you know that it's working, like more defined muscles. Also, the fact that you can now finish a class without taking a break, lets you know that this is doing something!!! The negatives to Body R&D: I can't really think of any. Honestly, that is how awesome this class is. Zumba and yoga are cute workouts. If you honestly want to get fit-then you need to try this studio. read more

I came to the studio through ClassPass yesterday. Let me preface by saying, I'm a group class junkie and have tried just about everything for extended periods of time - HIIT, boxing, bar/barre, traditional reformers Pilates, running clubs, etc. However, I had only taken 3 reformers Pilates classes prior to coming to Body R+D and was a little intimidated by the Megaformer. Within 10 minutes of the class, I was shaking from an oblique set and sweating. Today, I have that good kind of sore in my abs when I sneeze, turn my head, or cough! If you've never done a reformer class before, the instructor and owner Harry said there is usually a 3 class learning curve. I love that the workouts are only 50 minutes. The studio is light-filled, airy, clean and beautiful. This is a great, butt-kicking, efficient work out for sure. read more

Great workout to mix-up the routine. Wasn't cardio, but I was still dripping sweat trying to get the proper moves down. Found this place through classpass and I would definitely go back! read more

This is a fantastic workout! If you've never tried megaformers, I highly recommend it. The first few times I went, I was completely sore the next couple days. (I consider myself a pretty fit person). The two owners, Harry and Tina are really nice and knowledgeable about the workout. They will help correct your form, but are really nice and supportive about it. As for the facility, it is very clean and nice. Open and airy and not too cramped. The machines are nice and in good working order. Give it a try! read more

This is an incredibly effective strength-building workout while maintaining safety and preventing injury. This is a must for anyone looking to build strength but preserve their joints. It's an excellent substitute for weight lifting. The space itself has a great energy and the machines are kept clean. The instructors are all friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. read more

Glutes still shaking from Tina's class over 24 hours ago! Thanks for the ass-kicking.

I'm surprised by all of the 5-star reviews. Yes, this is a decent work out and most of the teachers I took were great as well, but I did not like Harry at all. He knocked all the stars off my review and, unfortunately, I will not be going back because of him. Not friendly, not accommodating, not worth it. Tons of better workouts in the city. read more

I tried this place yesterday after signing up through ClassPass and I have to say it is one of my favorite workouts to date and can't wait to go back next week! I've never tried a reformer-type class and was extremely nervous but when I arrived Tina greeted me and another newbie warmly and showed us how everything worked. She was very friendly and informative as to how the class ran and walked around throughout the class correcting technique and offering tips. The studio was very clean and spacious. I'm so sore today after a great total body workout and love it! read more

I've read about the Megaformer earlier this year, and was very disappointed it was not available in Chicago yet. It has been very popular in LA for quite some time and was surprised that no one seems to have heard about it here. I flew to LA this summer to try this workout. OMG, i was already shaking and sweating during the first 10 mins of the class. i consider myself fit at 5'2" and 104 lbs and have tried almost every workout out there, but the megaformer is one of the best resistance/ muscular training machine out there (besides using your own body weight). It's like using your own body weight with additional resistance. I was so happy when Body R&D opened, the magaformer is finally available in Chicago, no need to fly to LA. Harry Shelley is a motivating instructor. I like that he comes up with new exercises to use on the megaformer every class so we don't get bored and it is a good challenge to confuse the muscles. The studio is nice, clean, cool air ventilation, and good music playlist during class to further motivate you. I am taking advantage of going as much as I can now while the classes are not yet crowded. I am addicted to this workout, I wish I can take a class every day or better yet, take the megaformer home with me. read more

As a workout junkie and fitness nut, I am always interested in trying something new to challenge my body. I have done the gym thing, running and pilates. Pilates and running being on my all time high of workouts, this seems to do the best thing for my body...no stress on my joints and a challenging workout. I recently injured my knee and can no longer run like I used to. The Megaformer gives me all the workout I can manage and if I need more, up or lessen the resistance for a full muscle burn. Harry is great at giving the right cues for making the workout give my body what it needs. By the end of class, I am shaking and quivering head to toe with moves that have made a noticeable change in just 2 weeks of class. The slow controlled movements fatigue my muscles from start to finish using every possible ounce of strength until I think it's gone. I may not sweat like I do when I'm running, but let me tell you that my heart rate stays high and I know that I've gotten my butt kicked once class is over. I know this will be a hit in Chicago and the classes are only getting fuller and fuller by the day! Better start now before the place gets packed! The schedule is flexible for just about anyone with both morning and night classes. I can certainly say, you might just be in the best shape of your life after doing Body R&D! read more

I got the Gilt City Deal for this place and enjoyed all of the three visits there. It's a challenging workout in many different ways, and allows you to push yourself harder for better results. The atmosphere is amazing, and the workouts varied every time I was there, although I went at the same time every Saturday. I will not go back because I live in the South Loop and it takes me 45 minutes to commute to the location of the studio. read more

I've been coming to Body R&D since April after buying a Gilt City certificate for 7 classes. Wow. As a group-exercise-class-junkie, these classes are just perfect. The 50 minutes goes so fast and while the slow movements are tricky and difficult, the results are fantastic. I noticed increased tone in my arms, abs, and seat, especially. The routine is never the same and the music choices are fresh and fun. The studio is gorgeous with exposed brick and a great location (for me) on Lincoln and Wellington-ish. Now that I live, and work, in the area, I'll be back with a new package ASAP! read more

This is the best workout in the city!!! Tina and Harry are both incredible instructors. They explain each movement and explain the benefits of this type of exercise. If I could do this everyday I would! After just 5 classes I noticed a difference in my body and my strength and stamina. This is a Must try if you are looking to change up your workout routine and challenge your body in ways you could not have imagined. Thank you Body R&D!! read more

One of the most negative experiences of my life in terms of customer service and professional etiquette (and I'm from NY). Imagine the horrors of paying a ton of money for pilates classes that are neither fun, nor effective. This place is not for the faint of heart. read more

Wow! Loved the workout on the Megaformer. It's a reformer, but bigger and more bad-assed. Unlike a traditional Pilates class, you move at a cardio pace using props, weights, and a lot of your own body control. All my muscles were shaking after just a 45 min session. Must try if you like a new and challenging workout! read more

Finally a workout the gets you results!!!! 6 inches in my hips, three inches in my legs, to say the least I am thrilled. I am an athletic person but over the years I have acquired injuries that have prevented me from running or doing high impact exercise. This is a total body workout. Pilates, core training, stregth training, resistance.all in class. The mega reformer rocks. The staff rocks, everyone is wonderful. Fun, challenging, and a great workout!!!! read more

After stopping in for the 7am class during my daily morning commute I had really begun to like this studio, and after a few classes really got the hang of it (I even bought the sticky toe socks!). Jen L was great and super encouraging. Unfortunately, when I went to attend the 11am class this morning I had the worst interaction with a woman who claimed to be the owner. I was driving to the class and wanted to put the address in google maps for the fastest route, but when I went to pull it off the classpass app it deleted my reservation. I immediately shot a note to classpass and reregistered for the class. About ten minutes later I pull up to the gym only to find the doors locked and a woman sitting inside. When I inquired as to what happened she said she had four people signed up for the class and they all late cancelled so she cancelled the class. Very flippantly she said 'sorry'. When I informed that i rebooked and that I should have shown as signed up, she basically gave me a blank stare. I also asked her when the next classes would be in the hopes of taking another in an hour or so. Again, very flippantly she said they wouldn't be until the evening. Long story short, after informing her of the mix up and the commute to get to the class she had absolutely no interest and frankly seemed exasperated that I had the nerve to complain. When I suggested they just let clients know when classes have been cancelled, her reply was that's what you get [for] using social media (i.e. ClassPass​). I had only been there a few times and she made it point to say she had never seen me there before and then informed me that she was the owner and that maybe it was not the right place for me. She then closed the door. I don't know if she disliked the way I looked, or had never dealt with a customer issue before but she was incredibly disrespectful. It was super rude, and completely uncalled for. read more

I would like to say that Harry, Tina, and Sonja are incredible instructors and can transform your body, mind, and outlook on life. They are very positive and energetic people by nature. The Megaformer work out is very strange at first, especially if you are used to just traditional weightlifting/cardio and not yoga/ flexibility based workouts. This workout gives you the best of both worlds. There are many different ways to perform the routines and movements that are incorrect/akward and can be discouraging. But don't be discouraged, ask for help, look to experienced people in the class for visual guidance and above all else go SLOW!!! This review will make sense to anyone that has been to a class... if you go slow, and I mean super slow, you will feel the specific body part you are working on start to shake and twitch. This is how real change is obtained. Is it an awesome feeling??? of course not. Do you sweat, shake, and want stop... yes... but you keep going back for more. One of my favorite things about the class is no matter where your fitness level is at the beginning you see improvements in strength and flexibility very quickly. Changing your body is always difficult, but I highly recommend Body R&D to anyone who has tried alot of other class/workout routines without succsess. read more

Harry and his team are amazing. I've taken class from him and Tina, and both times I felt like I got more work done with them in 50 minutes than I could ever get done on my own in 3 hours at the gym. They are knowledgeable, willing to push you, and most importantly super encouraging. With only 10 of us in class, I felt like I was getting a ton of personal corrections, modifications where I needed them, and pushed when I might not have pushed myself. I cannot wait to go back, and I cannot wait to see how much stronger I'll be after a few more weeks of their crazy megaform madness. read more

I love Pilates, and have always wanted to try a reformer-style class, so I was excited to see a deal on LivingSocial for Body R+D. I've been to four classes so far, and holy cow are they tough. I think I'm in good shape - I regularly run races from 5K to half marathon distance, I do strength workouts at few times per week, etc. But these classes are intense! Prepare to be humbled. The instructors are very encouraging and helpful in explaining the moves and correcting you if necessary. No two routines are the same, but you will always feel a burn. My only wish is that the classes were a little bit cheaper, but I still think they are worth the money. read more

Awesome class! I had Harry as an instructor and he was very informative, kept the class interesting and gave a great workout! Even had some comedic relief! The class was intense but didn't feel like a full 45 minutes! I will definitely be going back. Remember to bring grip socks or they will charge you $10! I was lucky enough to happen to wear mine that day. read more

I went to this class for the first time. I am from Los Angeles and attend the Valencia location all the time. I was using the machines and their was a ton of hair and dust under my machine. Not very clean at all. The instructor was not in shape and was not very motivating to find your instructor looking not fit to teach the class. Also she did not use a wireless microphone so you could hear anything she was saying and could not decipher whether or not what the moves were. I am so spoiled with the way they teach in Los Angeles. No way does the instructors look or even teach the same methodology that Sebastian teaches in California. read more

I LOVE this class! Harry is awesome! I have never liked anything related to Pilates or Yoga due to the fact that I never felt worked out after those types of classes and got very bored. In this class you feel like you are doing good for your body while also building tighter leaner muscles. I am not saying you are going to leave here drenched in sweat like a cardio class, but you do leave feeling like you accomplished a lot and definitely toned your body, and you aren't bored because Harry creates a very chill casual atmosphere. I think its a great class to do a few times a week. I definitely see results! read more

Wow, what a great workout! I just finished a 7 class Gilt City deal, and can honestly say the megaformer machine at Body R&D is one of the best workouts in the city. Each class is a 50 minute, full body, intense workout that is very ab (core) intensive and manages to even exercise those small, intrinsic muscles you didn't know you have but are integral to moving about in your daily life. After 7 classes, I've noticed my posture is so much better (I've noticed I stand alot more straight nowadays!) and I am alot more aware of my movements. I'm currently going twice a week, during my off days lifting weights, and everytime I went, each class was a different workout. Harry and Tina, the owners and teachers themselves, have both been great, very supportive, very kind, and patient with me, making adjustments when needed. Lauren is an amazing instructor as well (I haven't attended the other instructors' classes but I heard they are all great-you can't go wrong with any of them!). I'm still out of my element after 7 classes, but with each class attended, I'm starting to get the hang of it more and more. I'm convinced if you keep with it, you can attain that long and lean look everyone is after... read more