Before I begin, it should be noted that I have never ever reviewed ANYTHING on Yelp before, good or bad/great or horrible, but I started attending classes at CocoonCare based largely on Yelp reviews, and my experience at CocoonCare warrants the highest praise possible ... so here it goes! I was extremely active doing Bikram yoga and Barre classes at least 5 days a week before I got pregnant. As soon as I got pregnant, my doctor advised against any hot yoga, and as the weeks went on Barre became less and less comfortable. I never knew which exercises were safe, I was afraid to push myself, and eventually I just felt sort of awkward and out of place in class. So I stopped going. I live in River North and had passed Cocoon Care on a number of occasions, but I always assumed it was not for me - maybe because I didn't know anyone who ever went there, or because "prenatal yoga" just sounded way too easy or silly or boring, or most likely because I had become way too used to sitting on the couch and feeling sorry for myself :) I went to my first class (Prenatal Yoga with Cassi) on a Saturday morning in January, when I was about 23 weeks pregnant. For lack of a better description, Cassi and the class were amazing. For the first time in my pregnancy, I was able to relax and quiet my mind and work up a sweat at the same time. It was such a relief to stretch and tone after weeks of doing essentially nothing, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing that everything I was doing was safe and healthy for me and my baby. I bought a 3-month package that very same day and have been going to different classes at least 4 days per week ever since. In addition to prenatal yoga, I'm absolutely OBSESSED with Kassandra's Body Toning and Final Push classes ... and basically with Kassandra herself. In addition to Cassi (who is incredible), I've taken prenatal yoga classes with Casey, Katie and Petra and ALL are equally amazing. They also offer classes and seminars periodically. I took a "what to expect in the first 3 months" seminar led by a pediatrician a couple weeks ago, and I learned so much that the pediatrician who taught the seminar is now my unborn baby's future doctor! There's just something really incredible about a work-out class where you aren't the only preggo, and I've come to know and really care about the instructors and other women in these classes. Cocoon Care is a support group, a fitness studio, a day care center, a knowledge base and a sanctuary all in one. I honestly cannot say enough good things about it. I'm currently 37 weeks pregnant, and as anxious as I am to get this baby out of me, I am genuinely sad that my Cocoon Care days are numbered. My one regret is not trying it sooner. Also, and although I don't know for sure whether there is any correlation, I never got any swelling, back pain or sciatica in the last trimester of my pregnancy. Outside of general discomfort from pelvic pressure and clothes that don't fit, I really feel great, and I attribute it 110% to Cocoon Care (and Kassandra's wall sits). read more

Can't begin to say enough about this place! It is simply one of Chicago's best kept pregnancy secrets. Cocoon Care was an oasis for me during my pregnancy and helped me have a positive and healthy prenatal experience. I found this boutique gym early in my pregnancy and in the middle of winter and it quickly became a source of sunshine. The instructors are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable and able to guide you through the do's and don't specific to prenatal work outs. They taught so many practical tips during the classes about things to do at home, strategies for protecting your stomach muscles while doing simple things during pregnancy, and provided mental coaching for working through pain. I went to other prenatal classes at other gyms during my pregnancy and quickly stopped as the instructors didn't have the same knowledge about things to avoid doing physically. In addition to great instructors, you meet women going through the same experiences as you. From swapping tips to making friends, the community environment that the classes foster is unique and not something I have found anywhere else in the city for expecting mamas! The few cons I would say for the gym is that it is a small boutique gym (which has a lot of pros) but occasionally meant canceled classes due to instructor availability, the popular classes get full and the work out rooms aren't huge, and there are different levels of intensity in the classes based on instructors so not all are a fit for everyone. If you are someone who is very active and physically fit before your pregnancy, you will want to find their classes that are fast-paced and still give you a great work out. Some of the classes are much slower paced and probably better suited for someone who isn't very active. But with a little experimenting with their schedule you can find the classes that are up to your speed and make it work. Beyond thankful for Cocoon Care. It is a true gem in the city and one of the best investments you can make during your pregnancy to stay healthy, fit, and mentally strong. Karla, Kassandra, and Lucia to name a few were simply exceptional with their positive attitudes and amazing instruction during classes. The fee for the gym was beyond reasonable and I found their customer service with any questions or glitches along the way to be great. Highly recommend checking the place out! read more

Very pleasantly surprised by this place! I found it through Yelp, after digging and digging for prenatal fitness options in the River North/Gold Coast area. Seems to be brand new and that is why it was difficult to find. I am 22 weeks pregnant and finally getting my energy back (tough first 4 months). I was taking prenatal yoga at Northwestern Hospital and while it's a great series, it wasn't enough for me. I needed something that would get me moving more, get that heart rate up and get my butt in shape! I contacted the studio via email to get more information on their Prenatal Total Body workout class. They were very responsive and offered my a free try out for the class. So I signed up and went to the 10 AM class on Saturday. Upon arrival, the owner greeted me warmly, gave me a tour, some info on upcoming events/classes and informed me that the other attendees canceled so my class would be 1:1. I immediately panicked b/c I have not worked out "properly" in months and the focus would be all on me. But I sucked it up and powered through. The instructor was fabulous, very down to earth, worked with me on adjustments and gave me lots of encouragement (even though I know I was a hot mess the whole class!). I was sore like crazy the next day but in a good way. I plan to come back and try more classes. They are even offering a CPR training seminar that I was planning to take at Northwestern (hospital is charging $60, CocoonCare is charging $25 for couple and the owner gave me a discount code). You can take in as much or as little info/involvement as you want - they offer all sorts of fitness classes/social events/learning seminars/extras like massages, childcare, etc. I recommend checking this place out and seeing if it's a fit for you. I don't see many other options out there (sure everyone offers prenatal yoga, but what else?) like Cocooncare. read more

I am 18 weeks pregnant with my first child and went here for a prenatal Total Body class. I generally work out on my own at least 3 times a week at a local gym. First, I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful the facility is. This is definitely not your average smelly gym. Kiran and Alok are very warm and I connected with them immediately. Even though there were 3 other people in the class, I was given a lot of personal attention. First, I was checked for some common ailments that affect pregnant women, such as "diastasis recti". I never even knew what this meant before I went there! Apparently, it is fairly common amongst pregnant women and one should not be performing certain movements if one has this condition. The instructor catered each movement to different fitness levels, which was good for me because I have worked out regularly for several years. I followed up the class with a massage the next day. The therapist was very knowledgeable about which areas of my body would be stiff and would need to be worked on. My lower back and hips felt SO much more relaxed when I walked out. An added bonus is they also have an open gym floor with all the equipment I need. I definitely plan to be a regular here. read more

I found CocoonCare online after looking for a pregnancy yoga class near the Loop. I had just moved to Chicago and was about 25 weeks pregnant. I was unsure about what exercise I could and should be doing while pregnant. I went along to a trial yoga class, which only cost about $10, and loved it. You can book everything online and the classes are great - you can challenge yourself if you want to and feel comfortable that everything you are doing is safe while pregnant. I joined up for three months in the next week and have been going regularly ever since. I particularly love Kassandra's The Final Push class, which focuses on toning your body for labour. You get sweaty and feel like you have had a real work out, but it also integrates useful stretches for your hips and any other issues you are having. Since going to these classes I feel like I have more energy even though I am getting bigger and bigger! CocoonCare also offers prenatal massages which are amazing. Unlike other masseuses who can sometimes be a little scared of pregnant ladies, here you can have a real massage which will really get into the sore bits on your back from carrying all that extra weight. I love that I found this place! read more

I have been attending prenatal classes at CocoonCare since I was about 16 weeks pregnant, and I think the only sad part about being 38 weeks and nearing the end of my pregnancy is that I will have to take a break from classes in the immediate postpartum period. However, I fully intend to return for postnatal classes as soon as I get the okay from my OBGYN. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the classes I've taken at CocoonCare: prenatal yoga, yoga for everyone (with my husband!), body toning (depends on instructor, but usually a good combination of cardio and strength), and the final push (resistance training using your own body weight plus yoga in one class). Every instructor is wonderful at adjusting to your needs as pregnancy progresses and addressing any specific aches and pains. The monthly membership is definitely worth it if you go to about two classes a week (I aim for four). People always comment on how good I look and how mobile I am for this stage in my pregnancy, and I'm certain that CocoonCare is a major contributing factor. Finally, the owners are really lovely people who care about their clients. read more

I discovered CocoonCare while I was pregnant with my first child and it provided a wonderful experience for me both during pregnancy and since having my son. The prenatal yoga classes were the perfect combination of exercise and focused time to decompress from all my daily stresses. In fact, I had never taken yoga before and I now practice yoga regularly! The owner, Alok and his staff of teachers are all wonderful and incredibly welcoming - it is more than just a location for exercise, but a real community of parents and parents-to-be. I have made new friends and referred others consistently to CocoonCare. Once I had my son Simon, I began attending post-natal classes, many of which allow me to bring Simon with. We have been going together to the Kindermusik sessions since Simon was two months old (he is now eight months) and loving them. I have really enjoyed watching how Simon experiences the classes differently as he grows. Leah is a dedicated and talented instructor who is very engaged with all the babies. I look forward to our next session! read more

I have a 3 month old and as all mamas would know, I am seriously tired and overwhelmed! I needed to get out of the house more than anything else and also wanted to start a regular workout routine. I had never exercised much before, so I was definitely scared. I had no idea what my body could or could not do. I found out about CocoonCare from a friend and decided to try a postnatal class with her. I felt very comfortable with the staff and the facility in general. The instructor did a complete assessment of my fitness level before the class, so I felt at ease. After the class, my friend and I just hung out in the lounge and chatted about our crazy lives! They have an on-site lactation and nutrition consultant...will be talking to them soon read more

This place is amazing!!! I absolutely loved the Prenatal Total Body classes. They were essentially like prenatal Cross Fit classes and they helped keep me in shape throughout my pregnancy. To balance the total body classes I took the Yoga and Final Push classes and they helped me relax while strengthening my body. All of the instructors were very motivating and it was so great to work out in an environment with other pregnant women all going through the same struggles- nausea, pelvic pressure, etc. I would highly recommend Cocoon Care to any one interested in staying in shape during pregnancy and even post natal. Five stars for this excellent and unique type of gym experience!!! read more

I came to know about this place through a friend in the neighborhood. I am a mom to a toddler and suffice it to say: I NEED to find activities to keep my baby stimulated. I took her to the music class for toddlers and I was VERY pleasantly surprised by how good it was. Irica (the instructor) has a beautiful voice; she makes the class very interactive and she makes the kids play actual instruments. The other great part was when I registered for a second class and couldn't make it; the owner extended my class pass without question. I plan to be pregnant again soon and I will definitely try their prenatal classes as well. read more

I was not much of a yoga person (preferred wights & cardio), but took a prenatal yoga class with Kassandra at CocoonCare-River North and got HOOKED! Since then, I have been attending a combination of prenatal yoga and prenatal group fitness classes. Classes range from being gentle to kicking your butt! What I love is that all the instructors give you appropriate modifications depending on your fitness level and how far along you are in your pregnancy. I would also recommend getting a prenatal massage. It helped significantly with my lower back issues. I cannot wait to attend some postpartum fitness classes read more

I started working out at Cocoon Care when I was 30 weeks because I had just moved to Chicago. Prior to that I was doing workouts on my own and modifying classes at a regular gym. I love that the classes are safe but challenging and am currently 39 weeks pregnant and am still going to 3-4 classes per week. I am also looking forward to attending classes after my pregnancy and really appreciate that they allow young babies to sleep in their car seats during the Body Toning and Yoga classes! I credit Cocoon Care for helping me stay fit during my last trimester and keeping me active until the very end! read more

Cocooncare is an amazing facility! I absolutely love the modern touch and relaxing feel of the center. Along with prenatal/postnatal pilates and yoga classes, they also offer massages and have a daycare center on-site.The natural lighting, cleanliness and overall work out space is quite nice. I love that the center not only offers fitness classes for expecting and new moms but has also incorporated "Social Hours" to meet and greet other new moms. By the way, there is ample parking available and is easily accessible via public transporation too. I highly recommend this place! read more

I highly recommend Cocoon Care to expectant as well as post-partum mothers. I discovered it while I was on maternity leave so can only speak to the post-natal classes, but I wish I had known about it while I was pregnant. The classes were great--very personalized attention. There were modifications given for every fitness level. I took the post-natal fitness, pre/post natal yoga, Baby and me yoga, and Core-tastic classes and loved each one. read more

I'm glad that we came across CocoonCare while searching for Prenatal Yoga. Love this place, professional & friendly instructors, fabulous environment, variety of classes. Alok, the owner is so friendly and welcoming. I couldn't be happier and highly recommend this place! read more