Club Pilates

(5 reviews)

1.1 mi

May 20th, 2021 I highly recommend Essence Pilates Studio in…read moreDeerfield, Illinois Living in the North Shore for 32 yrs I have worked out in very upscale gyms/studios for many years. However, NOTHING compares to what I have experienced at Essence Pilates Studio. Not only do you workout with highly educated and skilled, professional trainers/instructors - you get a complete total body wellness experience. Inside and out. Your health and wellbeing means everything to your instructor. With that in mind, your health journey begins. In one months time my balance is better, my posture has improved, my muscles are redefined, I am toner, stronger, and down 10lbs. You will get a new found knowledge of how your body can work for you. I wish for you the blessed experience I have at the Essence Pilates Studio. Thank you Marilee you are awesome.

I've been doing Pilates for about a year at Essence with Brittney. At first I received a gift…read morepackage for 10 sessions and thought that was all I would do. I now go 3x a week. Pilates has helped me improve my overall fitness and reduce muscle pain. I also think my posture has improved. Brittney has worked tirelessly with me on my individual needs and is truly invested in my success. Overall, I highly recommend Essence as a studio where the standard of training their instructors is above the norm and where Marilee (owner and trainer) is focused on excellence in her people.

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Swan Dive Center For Pilates

4.7

(23 reviews)

1.4 mi

I have been lucky enough to find a Pilates studio that really fits my needs and that studio…read moreis Swan Dive. I started a few years ago and Pilates has been an important part of my fitness routine ever since. The instructor's genuinely care about me and that's an important part of feeling healthy and strong and confident. They truly go above and beyond to give me the confidence to succeed. I can't recommend Swan Dive Pilates enough and I know you won't regret giving them a try.

I am so happy I found Swan Dive Pilates in Northbrook. I have been looking for a way to strengthen…read moremy body and straighten my posture. I looked at a few Pilates facilities, but the minute I walked into swan dive I knew I had found the best. Wendy ( owner and my instructor) knew that I needed to start slowly, and build myself up. I've been with her since March and absolutely feel and see a difference in my body, along with many people telling me I look great. The facility is clean, equipment is always available and it's a very welcoming atmosphere. I love it, and look forward to my weekly sessions. if you are thinking about Pilates give Swan Dive a chance. Barb Feig

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Studio Lagree

4.3

(16 reviews)

2.9 mi

No joke- it took me 8 years to get enough courage to come back, but I did it! It may have been even…read moremore difficult being 8 years older, but I was so determined to master it that I bought a 10 pack. I'm nearing the end of my 10 pack and am far from mastering lagree. In fact, I would say it's not possible to master this workout, but there are plenty of women in my classes that seem to be experts. And they have perfect lagree bodies as a result! I've tried a variety of teachers and have liked them all! Each class is pretty different, but I leave feeling pretty shaky in my core, legs and arms. I swapped regular pilates for this and feel like I'm getting a much better workout! I do miss the stretch that came with regular pilates, but this really works every muscle of your body. I'm going to continue to try to master it, but it may take another few ten packs to get there!

Studio Lagree originates from Hollywood, and this studio concept workout combines core, endurance,…read morecardio, balance, strength and flexibility training. Booking online is easy, and the instructors are great; the sessions sometimes go over a few minutes, so definitely worth the higher price point. This location is in Highland Park, and nestled in a small strip plaza with ample parking. +online booking +friendly instructors +ample parking

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Hard Core Pilates

(2 reviews)

I found Hardcore Pilates while I was recovering from one of many orthopedIc injuries - I've had…read moremultiple surgeries on my knees, elbow, and shoulder and Kim and Jessica have always been extremely careful to not aggravate my joints. Instead, we work on healing my body from the core outward. Their knowledge of body mechanics is simply mind-blowing, and they can achieve major pain relief with only the tiniest adjustments to your movement and form. The personal attention you receive ensures the very best, safest and most effective results for your body and overall health. I'm stronger now than I have ever been. My posture has improved by leaps and bounds, I am virtually pain free, and have actually regained an inch of lost height! The instructors are so remarkably kind, caring and committed to their clients' well-being that it is and absolute joy to go to class. Finding Hardcore Pilates was hands-down the best thing I've ever done for my health. I know I'm treating my body to the best anti-aging regimen there is, and having a hell of a lot of fun while doing it!

We have been sending our daughter here for at least 2 years now. They have great personal…read moreattention as well as top of the line equipment. Their employees are well trained and excellent. 5 stars.

Step It Up with Steph

4.8

(5 reviews)

20.6 mi

Steph is the best weight loss coach in Chicago!! I went through her 21 Day Challenge and have…read moreworked with her privately. She's not only a personal trainer and yoga instructor, but also a professional life coach. She helped boost my confidence and change the way I view my body - plus I lost 10 lbs!! Thanks Steph!

Stephanie is a sweet, smart, knowlegable, experienced trainer. She is caring and wise beyond her…read moreyears. She's also fun to be around. I highly recommend her!

Steph's private weight loss client lost over 20 lbs for her wedding and gained confidence!

Private weight loss programs for women on the go. Always traveling or working, and need to lose weight?

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Steph's private weight loss client who lost 83 lbs in 12 weeks!

Yellow Elephant Yoga

(7 reviews)

1.0 mi

I was a yoga newbie, a friend brought me along to try it out, and I fell in love…read more Beri is an incredible instructor, her classses are filled with heart & yoga, I leave each class feeling a few inches taller and a whole lot more prepared to face the day. My kids have a blast at the kids craft & yoga class. Highly recommend coming in to try it out.

I've only been to one class but I really enjoyed it. I felt like I got a great workout and it…read morewasn't just "stretching" which is how I feel after some of the yoga classes I take at XSport. The instructor was awesome and the class I went to at the time (Wednesday night at 630) all the other participants happened to be yoga instructors there too and were all very helpful if I wasn't sure about a pose. The studio is clean and very peaceful, even though it is on a somewhat busy street, you couldn't hear the outside traffic at all. I look forward to trying out another class as soon as I can fit it into my schedule.

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Sachs Recreation Center

4.0

(14 reviews)

0.3 mi

Love Working out here in the a.m. when in the North Chicago Suburbs traveling for business!read more

Clean with adequate facilities. Staff is friendly and focused on keeping everyone safe as possible…read moredue Covid19. My new gym!

Pick up game of Basketball in the Bull's gym.

Group exercise classes available.

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Socially distanced weight room at 8:45am on a week day.

Midtown Athletic Club

2.9

(58 reviews)

3.0 mi

My friend invited me to brunch at Midtown Athletic Club (they are a member). The public can't just…read morewalk in, there are gates in the lobby and I had to scan a code (and fill out my info) before entering. I visited Midtown before as a prospective member so I know that guests can only enter a limited number of times. We went upstairs past the cardio machines (they are plentiful) and the weight area to the cafe. There are tables and booths that overlook the outdoor pool area (closed for season). It wasn't a large brunch but we had some made-to-order omelets, bacon/sausage and fruit. There was also some potatoes and pastry. When I sat down to eat I received a text from Midtown about a membership. The brunch was bottomless although one omelet was enough for me. I also had two emails from Midtown when I got home, one a waiver of liability and the other a membership offer. I didn't join as a member on my previous visit and I am not going to join now. I already have a Pilates membership that includes three studios with classes from 6am-8pm. Midtown has a Pilates studio but none of the class times work for me. They also have some reformers in the middle of the cardio area reserved for private lessons. If I have a private lesson I would prefer to be in a secluded area, not in the middle for all to see. The facility has many machines, a boxing area, a cycling studio, a theatre, a spa, a cafe, courts, pool, etc and this is a great place for those who need this. There are families who spend the morning at lessons, classes, workouts, then join up in the cafe. This is great for those who are looking for this but it doesn't fit my needs right now.

If you're a dedicated tennis player and competitive, this place is for you. Otherwise, go somewhere…read moreelse.

Theater group fitness studio

Outdoor pool

Indoor tennis courts

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Highland Park Yoga

(1 review)

I take Lauri's class almost every week and absolutely love it. We've been practicing for a long…read moretime together and when I saw she was on Yelp I felt the need to let everyone know what a fabulous teacher she is. And her adjustments are amazing!!!

From the owner: We are a True Hot Yoga & Inferno Pilates studio. Our class temperature range from 82 degrees to…read more104 degrees. We have a commerical air cleaning system in our studio. We care about your health - mind, body and Soul. We are always added new classes to keep up with our clients demands.

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Hidden Power Life Coaching & Pilates

(1 review)

Iryna has been my Pilates coach for more than 3 years with many positive results. She is both…read moreinstructive and professional in all phases of her coaching. I highly recommend her and the program.

From the owner: Our business is meant to make our clients feel revitalized. Give your body and mind a great…read moreopportunity to feel strong and healthy with clarity and freedom. We provide private and semiprivate sessions for our clients. Blended sessions include massage and Pilates. During a first session we are gathering information about your body , so we can create a Pilates exercise program based on Clint’s needs . When starting a life coaching program, we recommend special testing which will help our clients understand their level of energy, and how they act within their relationships. We help clients understand what they want ,and release their internal blocks, which hold them back from achieving results. Our goal is to create a plan so you can achieve your dreams.

Equipment in the studio

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Techny Prairie Park and Fields

4.7

(11 reviews)

2.6 mi

One of the grand-darlings started her 2026 softball season and this park is her team's home field…read more From what I saw, the huge 113 acre park and the facilities are extensive and top notch. I only experienced the use of their well maintained, well equipped, and lighted youth softball fields on my first visit here and there are 4 of those, but there is much more here. There are batting cages, a snow sledding hill, a 9 hole golf course, a 22000 ft2 skate park, soccer/lacrosse fields, walking trails, and an activity center building which includes a fitness center and basketball courts among other things. There are also well spaced and adequate parking lots for all of these facilities. Impressive public sports and fitness venue and a big thumbs up!

I've driven through Techny, but I have never heard of Techny Prairie Park and Fields. Northbrook is…read morehaving a plein air photography festival open to the public (even the non-Northbrook-resident public) so we made our way up here to take photos fitting the challenge, one of which is to take a photo here. This park is really quite extensive. They have a workout facility which had fewer folks there than I expected for a Sunday afternoon. The parking lot of the park is very large as well, which is good to support all the activities. They have multiple ballpark fields (three, I believe), as well as batting cages and a soccer field. There's a skate park, and I was surprised to see the breadth of folks who use it--there were some younger folks here but I also saw someone in his 50s or 60s skateboarding. They have a playground. There's a picnic-type shelter for people to have gatherings, complete with a fire pit. And there's a golf course! I don't know anything about golf but it certainly looked large. I think the golf course is free, as may be the other activities (unsure about the batting cages). There are also walking trails, and you can fish here but you must release what you catch. And near one of the ballparks, there was a tall hill... perhaps tobogganing in the winter? Really nice, well-kept park for all to enjoy. Glad to have learned about it and hope to return.

Field #27 at left, field #28 at right.

Batting cage manager.

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George Garner Cyclery Northbrook

4.2

(26 reviews)

George Garner came in clutch for me! They helped me replace the rim in my Trek within 15 minutes…read morefor a very fair price same day! I cannot recommend them enough. The staff is exceptionally helpful and nice aswell!

We have now bought 3 e-bikes from this store! We would have bought a 4th but they didn't have any…read morein stock of the one we wanted but they did look up the closest place that did have that bike which we appreciated. All the salesmen are very knowledgeable - we have worked with Ryan in particular but they all take the time to listen to what we want and explain in detail about the bike. We even found out the best bike rack to buy that is geared to if your bike has a fender or not. It costs a bit more but it is also lighter weight and has rollers so more mobile. We would highly recommend George Garner Cyclery in Northbrook.

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Little Bear Garden Park

4.6

(28 reviews)

4.7 mi

I've been hearing about this park for a while and we were able to take a visit over there today…read more I'm glad I knew what I was looking for because Google Maps was going to take me to a small playground on the other side of the school, rather than Little Bear Park which is on the very corner of Patriot and Chestnut (and is almost entirely fenced in, which makes it attractive with little kids). The Little Bear Park is actually a section within the larger Gallery Park, so you may need to put that in if your GPS is confused about LBP. This park was established as part of the redevelopment of the military airfield in Glenview. Overall, I was disappointed in the park, but there were some things I really loved about it along with those that left a bit to be desired. First, it looked like a gorgeous, romantic garden like you might envision from an Austen novel. Truly a beautiful setting, with a small hedge maze and a several picnic tables. Quite an idyllic little spot within the larger park, and ostensibly where it gets the "garden park" part of its name. There's also a really awesome water feature here. It's really large, and unlike some "splash pads" that are little more than a tall pipe sticking out of the ground, this one had several arms coming out of the ground of different heights. It also had some water coming from spots in the ground, for a lot of different ways to play. My kiddo got soaked and loved it. Sadly, the playground section looked kind of old and worn. It has a cute castle/medieval theme, but all the play equipment was quite faded. Of more concern was that the playground terrain, which was that composite rubbery stuff, was broken off in quite a few places; more than once my babe brought me small or large pieces. Seems potentially fraught in a few different ways, but it was weird since in all the parks I've been to with that kind of ground cover I haven't seen chunks of it missing throughout the playground. There's lots of parking at/around this park, because it shares space with a middle school and park district headquarters. The playground itself isn't the attraction for me--though if we are already in Glenview, I might stop--but I would absolutely return for a beautiful picnic in the garden, and that's what really makes it shine.

Heads up if your kids like swings: there are none at this park. But there's a cool splash pad, a…read morehedge maze, a play structure, and a huge sand pit area.

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Rosewood Beach

3.8

(34 reviews)

3.4 mi

Getting beach ready! Not only myself (preparing for a summer beach vacation), but Rosewood Beach…read morerecently got a clean up and seemed ready for visitors. It's been awhile since I've updated my experience at Rosewood. This review is based on a recent walk I took to get some fresh air and much needed exercise. After parking the car in Downtown Ravinia and walking to Rosewood beach and back to the car (round trip about 1.3 miles), I noticed a bunch of beach updates that are worth mentioning. First of all, gear up, because the beach is open this year and you'll be able to swim! It's a private beach and not free, so you'll have to follow this link (https://www.pdhp.org/beaches/parking-2/) for resident and non-resident fees. This year you can purchase a swim pass and a parking decal. I entered via the dirt path that leads down to the beach so I could make my way back up the stairs for a good stair climb. The path was nicely cleaned up and breathtaking all on its own. Surrounded by lots of foliage and overlooking the ravine, I walked until I met up with the beach boardwalk. The boardwalk is all cleaned up and nicely refreshed. Looks like it did when it first opened! The beach sand is all freshened up and ready for summer. The play structures for kids are covered (but not sanitized). The best part? The steep, really-great-for-your-legs staircase now has handrails! This is such a huge plus for when you can't quite make it up and need to lean over a rail to hold yourself up (don't judge). It was a nice quiet walk, since the beach isn't actually open yet, but it will get crowded for certain. Parking lots have meters.

Amazing that I can walk here from my house. I am very lucky to live here. This beach is amazing,…read moreyou get great views of Chicago, Waukegan, and water. The recent remodel and rebuild are beautiful. It is nice and quiet her in the winter, all you hear are the waves, the wind, and your breath. Wait until spring!

Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.

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Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

Taste Buds Kitchen

This was my first time at Taste Buds Kitchen in Bannockburn, IL. This was part of a team building…read moreexercise that my manager put together for a group of eight people. About a week or so before the event, we were given three options to select from for the menu we would be preparing, so we ended up with pasta. Taste Buds Kitchen is located in a mall, so I had some difficulty locating it, but finally saw it. We were split into teams of four and the meal we were prepping was fettuccini, spinach/ricotta ravioli and a marinara sauce. Our instructor was Lauren and she was very nice. There were two ladies assisting her as well, responsible for the clean-up and helping with the prep work. Lauren was great explaining all the steps as well as showing up the prep moves. I love fresh pasta but never thought about making it (and still won't do it at home), but I had no idea how easy it could be with the right tools. Making the dough was fun and interesting, with each of us taking turns kneading the dough in preparation to make the fettuccini and the spinach/ricotta ravioli. Making the fettuccini was such fun and so easy if you have the proper equipment. I really enjoyed putting the dough into the pasta roller to flatten it, then into the cutting attachment to make the pasta. We each got turns going through the process, so I can say that all of us made the pasta and sauce. The spinach/ricotta ravioli and a marinara sauce were also very easy to make. Marinara I have made at home before, but the recipe we used at Taste Buds added a twist by adding shredded carrots for sweetness. Not something I would have thought of, but it really worked. Making the spinach/ricotta ravioli was a hoot. The very first one was a hot mess, but I learned and moved on to make perfect restaurant quality looking ones (IMO). Because we did a morning 2-hour session, tea, water and lemonade were provided for us. What we prepared was delicious and a nice early lunch. Because Lauren and her crew had made dough in advance, there was plenty of pasta for eating and to take home. My only complaint (if there is one) is I would have loved that we had made more of the marinara because it was so good and I would have loved to have taken more home. Overall this was a wonderful experience and the staff was amazing, cleaning up behind us, setting the table, cooking the pasta and ravioli for us. I think this is something I would consider for my direct reports as a team building event.

What a wonderful experience! We did a chocolate summer cooking camp from 9-12. And it was so much…read morefun. They really made it exciting for the kids and we really enjoyed the treats after chocolate camp. We plan on returning next year. Thank you Taste Buds

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Mitchell Pool

4.0

(3 reviews)

1.9 mi

We love coming to Mitchell pool in the summer! My toddler especially loves the wading pool/splash…read morepad. It's just the right size for a new-ish walker. We've taken swimming lessons here for the past 2 summers as well, and the lifeguards/instructors are very friendly. I wish they had concessions, though. I appreciate that they have a list of delivery places, but it's not the same. The hours are a little light (the main pool opens pretty late in the morning on weekends for non-adult/lap swimming) and I do wish that the season lasted a little longer, but that's Chicago...

I enjoy swimming here during the adult swim times. It's a nice pool although the sister pool at…read moredeerspring is nicer. My only complaint is the bathroom/locker room cleanliness is subpar. They need to do a better job cleaning.

Kids area

Schedule

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Millard Park

(6 reviews)

3.3 mi

What a hidden gem! You get the best of both, beach and bluff and it is HP residents only…read more Accessible by both foot and car; but note that parking space is limited and you have to have a sticker (available at HP Rec center). No matter the purpose of your visit, this place has relax and unwind written all over it. This beach is the opposite of Rosewood, it is more of a DIY beach, which is more my vibe.

I'm not sure if this review is about the park area, the beach, the lake, or the fact that the North…read moreShore has some beautiful historical hidden gems worth exploring. Millard Park pays tribute to all of it! Thanks to Maryana R and Peter S for helping me discover this jewel. At the very end of Ravine Drive, down a long and winding road, up some stone stairs, you'll discover a piece of North Shore history. Not only will you discover a remaining stone wall structure that was part of the Robert C Schaffner Estate, built by Howard Van Doren Shaw, but the restored Schaffner Garden, which is a magical place made for a fairy princess. In the midst of wild flowers, you'll also discover planted trees and benches dedicated to loved ones who have passed on. This garden overlooks the lake and the Millard Park Beach. I can't wait to come back when the flowers are in bloom. On the beach you will find a rock garden and a fun wooden structure/rock identifier displaying native rocks. Kids and kids at heart can take the rocks they discover on the beach and match them to the rock identifier as a learning tool. It's kind of difficult to explain, so you'll just have to see for yourself! Overall, an incredible place to escape to. Note: You can only park there with a Highland Park sticker and dogs are not allowed on the beach.

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Northbrook Park District

4.0

(8 reviews)

1.3 mi

We've had very few hot days this summer, but when we're lucky enough to have one we head to the…read morepool. There are so many pools in the North Shore to choose from and this is where my fam most recently chose to cool off. When we first arrived the main pool was closed for swimming lessons so we made our way to the toddler play area, which is basically a park and sprayer in the middle of very shallow water. I was about to make myself comfortable on a lounge chair when an announcement was made that the main pool was open to the public (around 11am on a Saturday). My 4 yr old dragged my husband over, which meant I had to go too since my 2 year old insists on doing everything that his big sister does. Sigh. The water was absolutely freezing and no area was shallow enough for my kids to stand. More work for me, but (of course) the kids had a blast. I personally prefer Hidden Creek in Highland Park for swimming while my kids are young and not swimming perfectly on their own. The main pool has both shallow and deep ends so one of us can hang w/ my 4 yr old in the deeper water, while the other can hang w/ my 2 yr old in the shallow water...and he's perfectly content being in the same pool as his sister. The water slide in the shallow end is also a big draw for both my kids (and many others) at Hidden Creek. However, as my kids get older I could see myself loving Meadowhill as much as my kids did. There's also an additional side with a very impressive water slide and diving boards as the kids grow. Also worth noting that Glencoe residents pay Northbrook prices here making it one of the more affordable pools in the North Shore for my fam

This is my absolute favorite place to swim in the summertime! I just can't wait until they open for…read morethe season. The large main pool is divided into areas for family use, lap swimming, and adults. There is a separate, well equipped "kiddie" pool for children, a diving pool, and two water slides with a splash down pool. One slide is for use with a flotation device and the other is for use without. There is a refreshment stand that is open during certain hours, and vending machines for use at other times, You can't bring food into the pool area; you must eat in the designated eating area, which is very nice. There are nice areas around the pool for relaxing on the deck chairs. In recent years, Meadowhill pool has been expertly maintained and kept beautifully clean. They have certain hours for lap swimming. The hours change from time to time, so it is important to check with the front desk for up to date information. They generally keep one or two lanes open during the afternoon "rush hour" when the rest of the pool is in use for swimming lessons. Aesthetically, Meadowhill Aquatic Center is one of the nicest outdoor pools I have ever seen. It is landscaped beautifully with native plants along the south side of the pool next to the family picnic area, which can be rented for parties and other events. A couple of times each summer the Park District sponsors a special night at the pool. Usually they will have a DJ, refreshments, games, and prizes. Signs for these activities are posted in advance. The only issue I've run into is weather, which affects all outdoor facilities. They make everyone leave the pool area at the first indication of an approaching storm, so be prepared if you come on a cloudy day.