I have been having back pain for quite some time now. I had tried Iyengar yoga back in Cleveland…read moremany years ago and I remember feeling really good with that style. So when the back pain started I thought let me look for something similar here. I tried a few different studios with different styles but honestly was not satisfied as nobody was giving any corrections or telling us which muscles to engage, and I felt like I was just going through the motions. Then I found Garden of Yoga and started attending classes with Kathleen and Kristen. Both are Iyengar certified and from the very first class itself I felt the difference. No matter how many students are there, both of them will come around, watch your pose carefully, and give individual corrections. They also use props properly to make sure you are doing the pose correctly and not putting stress in the wrong places. The classes are 1.5 hours which gives enough time to actually work on things properly. What also surprised me is how affordable it is compared to other places where I was paying more for just one hour and getting much less. You can genuinely feel that they are doing this to give back to the community, not just for the money. I equally enjoy both Kathleen's and Kristen's classes and I am hoping to continue regularly and slowly become more flexible and stronger. Very grateful to have found this place.

This studio is an opportunity to learn yoga from the ground up. You learn the important details of…read morepositioning in your postures and teachers are excellent at making modifications for particular physical situations that people are dealing with. Teachers here are not doing the postures except for example; rather, when students are in the asanas, teachers are roaming the class, making minor adjustments to student's positioning. They are not working out themselves while students follow along. This is an excellent yoga situation and we are fortunate to have it in our western suburbs.

I've been attending two to three classes (mat and equipment) a week for about six months and feel…read morestronger, leaner and more toned, especially my core. My posture and balance have greatly improved and my slightly curved shoulders are correcting as I progress. I'm not particularly coordinated and was nervous when I began. But founder/certified instructor Fran Ahrens is so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable that any anxiety to begin something new is quickly replaced with excitement and curiosity. She is a true believer in Joseph Pilates' philosophy and fundamental principles and is an expert at her craft. She is located in downtown LaGrange and had previous studios in Western Springs, Hinsdale and Vail, Colorado. Each session offers something new and challenging. She also offers private lessons and massage. Give yourself the gift of good health in this new year. I'm so glad I did. Insta: @fran_ahrens

I have been going to Body in Balance for over 10 years now and Fran has kept it fresh and…read morechallenging every step of the way. I never know exactly what we will be doing, but when I leave it was exactly what I needed. I would recommend her classes and or private sessions to anyone and everyone!!!! I have seen great body changes on many individuals and feel that I would not be as fit as I am without all the hard work she demands.

This is such a great studio! They offer such a variety of pilates barre and yoga classes. Excellent…read moreinstructors and a great atmosphere. I love the simplicity and ease when using their website. I would highly recommend anyone who wants to challenge themselves in a fun and rewarding way. I see the changes in my body and I love it

A great class! I've…read morebeen coming on and off for 3 years and the class always challenges me. Carla gives great instruction, whether you are advanced or a beginner. She makes even pose approachable. It's a terrific balance of a physical workout and the spiritual aspects that yoga can offer.

Carla is my favorite Vinyasa 2-3 level instructor! Her ability to combine the mental and physical…read moreaspects of yoga has helped to inspire me in my practice daily not only as a student, but an aspiring instructor as well. As an ex professional athlete dealing with a lot of injuries she was also able to help me to learn about my body and heal my injuries through yoga. She has been a mentor to me through learning the art and practice of yoga and absolutely enjoy every minute of her 90 minute classes. If you haven't checked her class out yet you are missing out - get on the mat!

Mariel is an amazing instructor. I would agree that it is one of the best kept secrets in…read moreLockport. I am no athlete, but she has helped me become one. I have amazing balance and strength. Both of which I never had before. I always struggled going to the gym. Now, I look forward to my workouts! It's never the same, and I love meeting the people in my classes!

Patriot Pilates in Lockport Il, is the best kept secret in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The…read moreowner, Mariel has over 2 decades of personal training, and Pilates reformer instruction. Her location on 159th St in Lockport, in the Coombs plaza, is on a main thoroughfare and easily accessible since it is right off of I355. The studio not only offers Reformer, they have Bungee, Yoga, Sculpt, and over 30 classes every week! The instructors here are all top notch, experienced and attentive to your fitness needs. If you have heard about Pilates and ever wanted to see what the buzz is all about, this is the best place to start. They will welcome you with open arms and you will love the vibe here. Best ever Pilates studio-and I've been a student here since Patriot 1st opened 8 years ago.

I started going to Stephanie's Pilates studio in October 2013. She introduced me to Pilates with a…read moreprivate session first and then I started going to the Wednesday matt class. The class is great and Stephanie is a very good trainer. She is very patient and aslo can relate to her clients. I have back problems and am doing pilates to build my core and ease my pain. I became addicted. The price for a class is reasonable, location is great and there is always parking available. Highly recommended!

I started Fit Code on September 9th and signed up for a 6 week challenge. You know, 15 lbs or 6%…read morebody fat (depending on your body type and where you're at). Of course I was told I was a 6% er. Ummm what does that mean? Basically I am too thin to be a 15 lb loser of weight so the challenge is 6%. At first I was absolutely ok with it, then I realized that it would be difficult. Guess what? If you flow the advice of the trainers, the daily messages you receive and the trainings- it'll happen! It is now October 21, and I am complete. I went to weigh out, and dropped 6.7% body fat. The proof is in the puddin'! Just follow the darn instructions, as daily messages filter through and that's one of the mantras! I am impressed. I was terrified that maybe I wouldn't make it but I did! So with this, I get my money back! So I rolled it into a membership for a year! I am super exited and the fact that I can workout 5x a week is amazing! I have gotten use to it and with the amount I got back, the money I get back is rolled over to that and I am going to pay a lot less! By far, this has to be one of the best experiences I've ever done, and I LOVE working out now! It's just to much of a deal to pass up! If you want to get fit, DEFINITELY COME IN and have the experience of a life time! It's work of course, but wow does it work! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS even if it's just to work out, but to get back in shape? OH YEAH! #fitcode

The coaches are supportive, fun, and friendly. Everyone is welcoming and not intimidating, which I…read moreneeded. I completed the six week challenge and it was great! I really like the workouts too. They are challenging but can adapt to fitness level.

The instructor was fabulous. The instructor was very friendly and attentive with me as this was my…read morefirst restorative yoga class. The experience was calming. The studio provides everything you need for props. It's not necessary to bring or buy props in order to make the class. At the end of class, you are able to use the aerial prop as a cocoon to create the most peaceful and soothing experience.

After a long search to find a studio that offers aerial yoga, I was pleased to find Rise and to try…read moreout a class. I was an aerialist for five years, but I have been out of practice (and out of shape!) for the better part of the last three years, following the birth of my youngest. Because I have lost a great deal of strength, finding a studio and instructor who can scaffold instruction is important to me. Rise, and owner/instructor Carrie delivered. The aerial flow class is adaptable to all levels of strength and experience. Carrie breaks down poses and demonstrates to ensure all students understand the mechanics of each pose. It was easy to feel comfortable and confident, and to feel some muscle memory returning. I signed up for a membership and look forward to adding these classes to my fitness regimen. Check out the membership options. The rates are significantly lower than other studios! Check out the schedule, as well- there are plenty of classes throughout the week- Barre, yoga, pilates, and aerial.