Kari's exceptional knowledge of pilates techniques allows her to customize her program to a wide…read morerange of individuals and groups. But that is not the most impressive thing about Kari. Her passion and dedication to teaching is unparalleled. She listens to her students to determine which style they are drawn to and what kind of path they. want to follow. She challenges her students while making it fun. This unwavering commitment to her craft inspires her students to reach their maximum potential.

My very first experence with Pilates was a session with Kari . She is high energy and fun- but it's…read moreher knowledge and expertise that truely separates her from the rest. She takes the time to guide you thru the movements in perfect form-which provides optimal results for her students. She doesn't just know Pilates, she incorporates her knowledge of anatomy, physiology, reiki, kenesiology, posture/gate , etc. to provide a totally transformational experience. She has been studying Ramona Pilates (pure pilates) for over a decade and when you have a session with her you can tell that she truely has passion for her craft and the well being of her clients. I can't say enough good things about her as a person and a Pilates Instructor.

Well Earned 5 Star Review. My second visit here @ Pineapple Dance Studio and I'm still amazed…read more Last Night I treated myself to a Valentine's Relaxation Day. I guess since this was Valentine's I was the only one who attended the class. Which was nice because this was my first time taking a Aerial Yoga Class. It gave me a chance to have an one on one time with the instructor. Amy the instructor was very calm and patient. She made sure that I was comfortable and relax. The Love Oil had an nice aroma scent in which she put a tab of it on the inside of my wrist. It really helped me to relax and stay focus. She dim the lights and we did some warm up aerial conditioning in the silk blue hammocks. It helped me to improve my balance and strength. No, lie I was a bit nervous but her calmness helped me to relax and gain confidence. The music was so soft and inviting to the atmosphere. Pineapple Dance Studio is a place where you feel calm and soothing. Professional instructor who is patient and take time to make you feel comfortable.

Belly Dancing? Me? When a friend suggested that I take up Belly Dancing, I could barely talk I was…read morelaughing so hard. After all, what the heck would I do with my hips? Well let me tell you- hips and tummy rule in this class and once you learn to isolate your core and move only the right parts, you actually feel like you can do anything. As for me? I didn't even know my hips could move like that. Somewhere inside all of us is a hip swiveling, gyrating dancer just waiting to get out! And once that music starts- you are hard pressed to do anything but move! I rarely tie anything around my hips (after all- they really don't need any more attention!) but here in this class- tie on a sparkly hip scarf and you are transformed! Classes are offered throughout the week with a beginner class on Wednesday and Saturday. And don't fear if you have never done this before- the instructor makes everyone feel welcome and trust me- there are others in the class who are worse belly dancers than you! Shocked the heck out of me! This has to be one of the most fun ways to get exercise that I can remember. My arms looked like twining snakes, circling my body and while my shimmy needs a little work (might be the age of my chassis- Ha!) by the end of the class I was one with the music! I can't wait to move up to finger cymbals! If Belly dancing is not your thing- Pineapple also offers Zumba, West African Dancing and Piloxing which is sort of a hybrid between Pilates and boxing. Dance classes run $18 each with the exercise classes costing $10 or you can buy a series at a savings. Also know that you need to pre register for the dance classes but you can drop in for Zumba and Piloxing. Belly dancing is the oldest recorded dance form. As Shakira sang in that song from a few years ago "The hips don't lie!. But trust me- in this class - they are certainly telling quite a story!

After a year away from any type of gym or fitness studio, I decided it was time to get back into…read moresomething I used to love to do, and I turned to Club Pilates Oak Park to help me get back into the swing of things as someone with a love-hate relationship with fitness. I am the type of person who needs a safe space to exercise and people around me who feel supportive and encouraging, and at Club Pilates Oak Park, I found exactly that. I invested in an unlimited membership and have attended over 50 classes so far. Every instructor I've worked with has been amazing, but a I want to give a special shoutout to Pete J., who's made working out feel fun for me again. His classes are challenging, he always helps me push myself a little harder, but most importantly, he makes me WANT to be in the room. I wake up and look forward to being in class because of the energy he brings to the studio, and it's because of him that I continue to call Club Pilates Oak Park one of my "homes" now. As long as Pete is teaching, I'll be going to Club Pilates Oak Park! (Plus, he's a Cubs fan!)

I worked here for years. Spartan fitness took over and started taking dollars out of checks without…read morepermission from employees and would not properly support employees with extra work. Corporate is horrible. Don't go!

Really liked this gym - till it became too much…read more The community - Best part of the gym Some of the staff - Cool people Equipment - gets the job done. But, 2 of those things (community and staff) can only get you so far when you're paying a ton of money. Since I've been going to FFC (about 7 years total?) and starting at Elmhurst, it was pretty good. The cost, from the beginning has been high - but, what you get in return is less of a crowd. With that being said, FFC Oak Park has hit me with a monthly increase per year since I've been there and I don't think I can do it much longer. It's unfortunate because its a decent gym but, I've never been to a gym ( and I've been to quite a few ) where the monthly payment has increased yearly.

Absolute joke of a customer service experience. I went in today with an issue regarding the guest…read morepass and received no explanation, just a rude manager who wouldn't even look me in the eye or explain what was going on. We were brushed off as if we aren't paying thousands of dollars every year. And if you ever have an issue that needs to be resolved, don't expect them to get back to you. I went in with a billing problem and spoke to three different people who all said they would follow up, none of them ever did. When I finally brought it up with the manager, he tried to turn it back on me and offered absolutely no help.

It's time that I "weigh in"... with my opinion of the Bulldog Boot camp - Forest Park, IL…read more I brought a group-on for forty dollars with the intent of empathizing with my daughter who had recently completed "real" boot camp. I had twelve sessions, (three times a week for four weeks). This, of course, was just a tasting of what my daughter had to go through. I'm an early riser so I went for 5:30 in the morning - which is great that health facilities are "waking-up" to those of us who like to get a work-out before work! Although, I was on vacation, (I'm a teacher). I also think that it's important to note that I'm over 50 and I have a chronic health condition - that affects my lungs, joints, and soft tissue. I was also on chemo and steroids for eight years, as this all factors into this review. When I called to register for the sessions I explained that I checked the reviews on yelp and checked out the videos and I didn't see any one like me, but I was assured that I was not alone - and I was not. There were others who had weight issues, but no over 50 woman, some close, but not so much but... ....Let me emphasize - EVERYONE WAS VERY KIND! EVEN THE OTHER "campers". My initial visit was a shock after not really having a routine program for about the entire school year. I could do NOTHING!!! BUT! EVERYONE WAS VERY KIND. So, I returned! :-) Three days for four weeks - just to hear my last name barked out... Such sweet music to mine ears. It reminded me of my high school ROTC days - I often saluted with my left hand. I was easily flustered then as well, when barked at:-) Still, the exercise routine, although very rigorous, was great to get me up and moving. I can do squats, which translates into normal life in that, I can go up and down the stairs relatively without pain and without taking one stair at a time, (this was my life as recent as two months ago). I can do push-ups, sit-ups that are like crunches, and I have more energy - I can stay awake pass 10. Wow! I used to fall asleep around 8:00 - 8:30. My daughters numbers one and two, (number three is in the army - I also have sons one, two and three - YES! That means I have six children); noticed that I have some muscle tone/definition in my arms. I lift ten pound weights everyday now. There is much more that I can do that I could not do, thanks to those twelve sessions of boot camp. Sadly, I had to stop because as a teacher there is a real threat of striking, (no, I'm not with CPS, but another district), and I could not justify paying money that could be needed later for things like food, the mortgage, utilities, gas... The boot camp rate is fair, although, I did ask about a discount, (there are discounts for public servants, police and fireman, veterans and students - not teachers). I've continued pretty much the same routine that was presented to me and it does produce results. Something that the boot camp did that I don't, is time myself. I never cared if I came in first, (which I never did) or last - which was always me. I guess I'm not very competitive. At my stage of the game I care about moving forward, (I was NEVER one for not moving - I am always busy, but busy and exercise are not synonymous - you may quote me :-) The owner always said that we were better than the guy that never gets up and does anything - that we were off of the sofa, (I rarely sit on my sofa and I don't watch t.v.). Overall, this is a great social sports fitness program for the young to middle aged adults who like competition and direction, (like from a drill sergeant - Gio, I know you're a softy and Wendy - you are prefect at encouragement and enthusiasm). Hopefully, I'll be back during a break from school, (even if we don't strike I leave for school at 5 in the morning to get to school for 6 to set up for the dears that come at 7 and then I don't leave until about 5 in the evening - I think this alone makes me a public servant :-). Carry on troops!

I am updating my review now that my first twelve weeks are complete…read more I have enrolled again in the Mon, Wed, Thurs 6:30pm Lincoln Park class. As a routine gym-visitor, this program initially tested my outdoor running abilities during the first six weeks. After twelve weeks, even with the colder weather, I have signed up to do it again. Activities vary each workout (they almost never repeat exactly) ... the workouts involve a good deal of interval running - some hills, some sprints, some beach workouts next to Lake Michigan, some longer distances (not more than about a mile at a time). Strength training is on the ground, rain or shine: push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, core, etc... with advanced versions of each. This program is highly recommended. I like the motivation of a scheduled time and group of people working together. I should add - it is no surprise that there are both low and high ratings for this bootcamp - it isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a solid workout three times a week and don't mind dressing appropriately, this is a great way to get into shape and lose pounds. They also offer a free trial week so that you can see what you're getting into. - Jason

I started out doing in-home training with Telia early this year. I've had quite a few personal…read moretrainers over the years, but I've never had a trainer as knowledgeable and encouraging as Telia is. She's very passionate about what she does and truly cares about her clients. When she moved to Arizona a few months ago, I didn't hesitate to switch over to virtual sessions with her because I knew I wouldn't find anyone else that could train me as well as she does. I'm so thankful that I found her!

Telia is amazing! She is a trainer at my gym and I always burn the most calories in her class. She…read moreis really professional, experienced and maximizes time together to ensure you get a good workout. I've lost 20lbs since working with her in classes and 1:1 and my boxing form has improved noticeably. She holds a high bar and helps clients achieve their personal best. I would recommend her to anyone!

I highly recommend this gym! The men's locker room is always clean. The hottub and pool area are…read morewell kept up along with always testing water quality to make sure it's safe. Throughout the entire gym floor is clean including the equipment. All of the staff are always nice. The cafe has a good selection on food and protein drinks. Compared to the other gyms in the area this is definitely the best option!

This year the annual pool cleaning was scheduled from 7/13-7/19, reopens the 20th. I went today…read more(7/12) to swim and they said they were going to get a head start and actually close it starting today at 1pm. All they did to let people know was put a piece of paper out that said "pool closing at 1pm" this morning. They could've sent out an email or a message on the app stating this information. It would be nice if they actually put time into the app like updated the hours around holidays or updating us on things like this, etc. At the end of the day, this probably didn't effect many, but it is still annoying and kinda shows that they don't really take into consideration our time.

A good spot if you want to play tennis in the area, however a bit dated and expensive…read more Eight tennis courts - nicely appointed and well lit. However, the locker rooms are sort of half updated with a newer sink area but older lockers and showers could use a refresh. Plenty of room to change and shower though. Gym area has enough equipment and it's a good spot to catch a quick workout. Some other areas for classes and really friendly staff - I've never had any negative experiences. A bit pricey but a good spot for the area and conveniently located.

Rates are crazy expensive. 1hr of court time costs $60-$75 on top of membership fees which are…read more$150+ per month for a couple. They also charge guests a fee if you want to play with someone who isn't a member. Staff are friendly and great but it just isn't worth the $$ in my opinion.