I take Pilates beginner classes with Alexandra and I cannot say enough great things about her and the studio. She is such a great instructor as she not only helps correct your form but also explains why it is important to have proper form and what muscle each pose is working on. The studio is small but very cute and clean! read more

Flow Studio - Pilates Reformer Level 1 - Pilates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love this place! I have been attempting pilates for years now. I was taking mat classes at my gym and I was sure I was doing it improperly but I could never afford private sessions (in hopes to improve my form!). However, Flow is awesome. They were running a special on private sessions and it was very affordable! I worked with Jeremy and he was great. He was so helpful and so knowledgeable. I felt comfortable asking questions, regardless of how silly they might have seemed. My form improved as well as my understanding. I recommend this place! I should also mention that this place is always clean, always plays good music and always cool (as in a/c) ----which are the most important things for a good workout! read more

It's always a big plus when I go to a workout class and the time doesn't drag on and on. I've take Mat Pilates and the Resistance & Balance Class. Holli is my favorite instructor. She taught the first pilates class I've ever done and made me feel very welcome. If you're going to do pilates, go to a studio that specialized in it. You'll get the best instruction. read more

I've been going to Flow Studio for almost 2 years and have tried most of their classes. I've loved all that I've tried. The instructors are very, very good and really want you to work out correctly for maximum benefit. Love the Pilates 1-2 classes and Zumba the most. And while I really am not into yoga, I've gone to Hatha Yoga a few times. Really was the best yoga class I've ever had and I've tried lots of yoga studios in the Northside. Very calming 7 I walk out feeling like I just had a massage. Yes, the studio is pretty small in the basement but the instruction Flow teachers provide is very good. Only negative comment I would make is that their Better Barre class is priced higher than their other classes. I don't quite understand why. read more

The instructors were very nice and helpful. They explained everything they were doing and walked around to make sure we were in the correct position. The new cardio pilates class kicks butt. It is super challenging but not so hard you can't do it. Check them out! read more

I can only review the gentle yoga here, because that's the only class I take, but it's an excellent class. I take it because I need a lot of work with building flexibility and preventing back pain. The class is perfect for that and Emily works around everyone's various issues. It's a very useful class and I always feel better afterwards. read more

This studio offers yoga, pilates and dance conditioning. Price varies on whether you take private classes or group classes. Cheapest are group classes for about $15 per person. I've taken one class here and the instructors are very skilled and patient. read more

Flow Studio - Pilates Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I have been going to Flow Studio's for 5 years and love it. Jeremy Brown, one of the Senior Instructors, is amazing and just opened up a Flow Studio in West Loop! read more

Signed up thru Class Pass for the beginners Pilates class. It was a good workout but the instructor was a little too inpatient and aggressive. She seemed to get annoyed later on in the class when I got some moves wrong, despite it being my first time. She also kept grabbing my hair to move my head to certain positions, which was rude and unprofessional. read more

I have been going to Cara Spagnolo's Zumba class for a year and a half now. She has an enthusiasm and a passion that is contagious. I never feel self-conscious about looking like a spaz as she is so welcoming and engaging. I rarely realize that an hour has passed because its so much fun, time flies. Classes are small and intimate with many "regulars". I only give 4 stars instead of 5 because all of the classes at Flow are a little expensive. But, to me, Cara's Zumba class is worth the price. Definite must try! Tues and Thurs at 7:05, Saturday at 12:30. read more

I have only tried out the World Beat Dance class. This class does get you sweating, but is definitely more geared towards middle-aged women. I was definitely the youngest participant ( I am 25 y/o). With that said, even though it was low impact, it did make me sweat. I give it 3 stars because the dance studio is quite small and would not be able to accomodate more than about 10/15 people. The World Beat Dance class does integrate some pilates/strengthening in addition to dance. $9 for your first class is a pretty good deal, also! read more

I have been going to Flow for over three years taking private lessons and they have been great working with the individual needs that I have. If you have any specific injuries the instructors really work with you to help you to get back to where you were. I had back surgery and my rehab was a lot smoother thanks to my instructor. I am a fan. read more

I'm a beginner and have tried a few pilate studios in the area. Flow is the one I choose to go back. The mat class room is small but as classes need pre-registration, so for all the classes I've attended it hasn't been over populated. All the instructors I have are nice, personal and check your posture as needed. I've found the class interesting/new every time I go. read more

Flow is an *extraordinary* studio. The classes are inspired, the teachers are supremely well-trained and welcoming. I've been coming here for three years now and have enjoyed every class I've taken (and never once been injured!). In the twenty-plus years that I've been taking classes, Flow is the absolute top! read more

I have been going to Flow for a few years and have attended class with ~8 of the instructors. I started with Mat classes a few years ago and have been taking a Reformer class weekly for about 10 months. Every single instructor is very professional and helpful and patient. They REALLY know their stuff and are always inquiring if anyone has any injuries, concerns, or requests. Many of the students are regulars so it is always a warm atmosphere. Last but not least, the results have been great ... I am stronger, leaner, more flexible, and my posture is improving ! read more

I almost don't want to write such a positive review, because I want to keep Flow a secret! I decided to try Flow for the first time several months ago, and have been going twice a week ever since. One of the instructors, Emily, tailors her classes to concentrate on both the mental and physical aspects of yoga, and her classes have had such a positive effect on my body and my mind - even in this short amount of time. Flow offers both pilates and yoga classes a little later in the evenings, which is great for those of us who have to work longer hours. But don't worry - there are plenty of classes during the day, too. The space and the classes are small, which I like, since it allows for more personal instruction and creates a nice, welcoming atmosphere. It's the perfect studio if you want plenty of individual attention and a challenging, yet relaxing, practice. read more

I have discovered a new class offered at Flow called Yamuna Body Rolling. The results and experience have been fantastic. Yamuna uses balls, of different sizes and densities, and your own body weight to stretch and lengthen muscles and create space in joints. The length and space that Yamuna creates allows your body to align properly, corrects posture issues and reduces pain. Yamuna is similar to foam rolling but is much more effective and precise; it provides a much deeper stretch and has more theory behind the discipline. My own results have been phenomenal. For years I was having severe neck and shoulder pain that was the result of extremely tight muscles in my neck, chest, shoulders and back. I went to massage therapists, chiropractors and was prescribed pain medication by my doctors; none of these provided long term relief that Yamuna has. The flexibility I have gained in my hamstrings, hips and upper body has allowed me to broaden my fitness endeavors. Recently I have started kick boxing; prior to Yamuna I had always wanted to but never possessed the flexibility necessary. There is definitely a "feel" to the routines. It may take a class or 2 to understand exactly what you need to do, your body position, etc. But once you have the "Wow" moment you will be amazed. After the class you feel like you've had the greatest massage and it lasts for days. read more

I attempted to take a pilates ball class at flow. I got there, signed in and the instructor decided to teach a reformer class instead of a ball class. I figured that I would stay and try the class out but I had never done reformer before and told her that. She spent the rest of the class being very rough with me (adjusting me but not gently) and I felt very degraded. I will never go back. read more

I thought Flow was okay - probably the best studio I've tried yet in Chicago (I've been to Frog and Core as well). I typically do mat Pilates and have tried their Intermediate classes. First the pluses. The instructors are very nice and appear to be very knowledgeable about what they do. The space, while I am not crazy about it (see below), is one of the nicer studio spaces I have been to in the Lincoln Park area. They allow walk ins. And they let you try the first class for free. Now for the downsides: 1) the space is not big at all. I think we had about 8 people in one of my classes and it felt very crammed. 2) The mat classes are down in the basement/garden unit of the building, so it gets some light in there, but feels a bit dungeon-y and one of the days I was there, it smelled a little musty. 3) Not a lot of variety in the classes they offer. 4) In my personal opinion, while I felt the workout was fine, it wasn't very difficult. I've been to beginner classes that were more difficult. I may be a complete masochist, but I've been to pilates studios where we would focus on core/ab work for literally 20+ minutes straight consisting of curls of every kind, 100s, using the ring, without ring, etc., etc., followed by planks, 5 minute arm series, etc., and I loved those classes. I felt like I was really getting a serious workout. I can't say the same for the classes I've taken at Flow. It's a personal preference for me, but I'm still looking for a serious kick-butt pilates workout. read more

Flow is now offering massage therapy and it's awesome!!! Definitely ask for Kari - she does a great deep tissue massage. She listens to your concerns and concentrates on areas that you mention, as well as the whole body. I've been to massage therapists who barely give you a backrub and it's such a disappointment. Kari's massages are sooo relaxing yet also rejuvenating. read more

I give this place 2 stars because I think the instructors are great. Even the drop in mat classes are easy enough to sign up for and great workouts. But I would give it 0 stars for the way they run their business. If you are interested in reformer classes, I wouldn't recommend them because they are very inflexible with scheduling. They are also unresponsive and unwilling to help you get signed up for a class. I know that in this market, most places are happy to accomodate as much business as they can take. Not Flow obviously. I have never seen such a lack of service offered at a service oriented business. There are so many great studios out there that actually really want you to take classes and give them money. Go somewhere they will be happy to have you. read more

I am new to Pilates. I tried few places in the neighborhood, but I liked Flow Chicago the most. First, the class is longer than the usual 45 minutes Pilates classes. Each time I learnt something new, even with the same instructors. And also, the instructors actually demonstrate the whole time. Since the class is small, you get a lot of attention from the instructors. In addition, they play music during the class; it made me feel more relaxing. read more

I've been going to Flow for almost 3 years and it has completely changed the way I feel about working out. I had never found a workout that I actually enjoyed or gave me results - I have found both at Flow. The instructors are great - very attentive, knowledgeable and great at what they do. The classes are typically small (less than 8) so every person in the room gets individual attention to maximize her workout. There are also a variety of classes so it never gets boring. I highly recommend this studio! read more

Flow is a small studio that is perfect if you want personal instruction. I have been going to Flow for the past 18 months for private sessions and nothing I have ever done in my life has had more of a positive impact on my body. I belonged to various gyms in Chicago and the difference between the caliber of Flow's instructors and those that you meet in the gyms is night and day. If you want people that really understand how to make pilates an incredibly challenging work out (instead of "just stretching" like the gym instructors seem to think of it ), and that adapt the session to your body, go to Flow. I also love that their instructors are grown-ups and not 22 year-olds that cannot even begin to understand my body. read more

I am new to Pilates and found the staff at Flow to be patient, knowledgeable, and willing to take the extra time to ensure all of my questions were answered. The unpretentious attitude also helps, especially being a beginner, since there are many options for classes and privates. I have only been in the upstairs studio and found it to be clean and bright, making the time spent in there great! Overall, one of the best fitness experiences I have had in years! read more

I have been attending classes at Flow Studio for almost a year now and I LOVE IT! The studio is small and intimate and all of the instructors are awesome. If you are looking for a hands-on experience, go here! They continue to transform my body and will do the same for you! read more

Finally! A Pilates studio I'm excited about. I've been a client of Flow Studio for several months and am extremely pleased with the instructors and the service. Flow offers a great variety of classes--I've now taken World Beat Dance with Cindy, Resistance and Balance with Jeremy, and Pilates with Holli! The teachers seem to share an amazing ability to provide personal attention while maintaining the momentum of the class-- something I've never experienced. And all the instructors are so helpful working with my posture issues and modifying exercises. The attention I've gotten has definitely brought my practice to another level. I think their rates are competitive and they offer packages too. I would recommend Flow for anyone who is looking for a fun and productive Pilates workout! read more

I wanted to not only write a review for this studio, as it is head and shoulders above any other I have yet entered, but also respond to the review that was posted earlier regarding Flow Studio's level of business management. Flow studio maintains an extremely high level caliber staff that not only offers the most educated, comprehensive and progressive services but also offers clients a supportive, understanding and accommodating environment. I can speak from experience. I was involved in a vehicular accident in which I sustained a serious injury. I was in the middle of a reformer package lasting roughly 6 weeks (which most smart studios do not for financial purposes but for client-related gains, safety and improvements) and Flow Studios bent over backwards to be accommodating. Outside of this particular incidence and on multiple occasions, the office manager, owner and instructors have made extraordinary attempts to ensure the highest quality of service and management. Furthermore, due t o the level of expertise present at this studio, I am anticipating and excited to begin physical therapy with the inclusion of Flow Studio's Pilates instructors. Had I not been privy to the Flow Studio's instructors and staff, who helped to condition my body pre-accident, I would have had to endure surgical options and my recovery would have been exhausting. What more could one want in a top-notch Pilates studio? read more

I was introduced to this class through its inclusion in the 2011 Chicago Yoga Fitness Pass. The pass allows for 3 free classes and as it was located near my house I thought it would be a perfect studio to check out. The teacher was very nice when I arrived and I chatted with a woman who was trying out the studio because of a promo they ran through 3 o'clock. The studio itself was a small room located in the basement which was a turn off. The instructor was good and competent and friendly. Since the woman I met in class was very nice and seemed to be a good workout partner I was open to going back. That was not to be as I received a call a few days later from the owner informing me that her studio was included in the pass in error, that she would not honor any other classes offered by that pass and "just this once" she would "allow" me to not own money for the free class I already took. All of this without me ever having contacted the studio again to express interest in returning. The phone call was such a turn off, there is no way I would ever go back and by far my worst experience of all the gyms I tried out from the pass. The owner clearly doesn't understand the basics of marketing and there are a dozens of other pilates studios that do to choose from. I will be giving them my money in the future instead. read more