Pilates has proven itself for more than 80 years as an effective and safe method of exercise, when taught and applied correctly. It has been the workout of choice for dancers, gymnasts and fitness enthusiasts for decades. In recent years the word Pilates worked itself into the mainstream, the direct result of an intellectual property lawsuit in which a US federal court ruled the term "Pilates" generic and free for unrestricted use. Search engine results are now in the millions as numerous organizations have entered the market to capitalize on the latest fitness trend and individuals across the globe look to benefit from Joe’s unique approach to health and fitness. As a result, consumers now face extensive and conflicting information about what Pilates is, how it works and what credentials they should seek in an instructor.

Joe was a genius well beyond his time, he didn’t just develop a brilliant approach to fitness that includes over 500 exercises; he also engineered all the equipment, specifications and tuning required to teach them properly. There is no debate that his original approach can work wonders when applied by a qualified instructor who understands how to develop and tailor an authentic Pilates workout specific to your body and capabilities. When applied correctly, it will make you look, feel and move better!

Who was Joseph Pilates?

Joseph H. Pilates was born in Germany, in 1880. A sickly child who suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever, he dedicated his entire life to becoming physically stronger. Joe studied body building and gymnastics and by the age of 14 was fit enough to pose for anatomical charts. In 1912 he moved to England earning a living as a boxer, circus performer and self-defense trainer. During World War I he was interned with other German citizens in a camp near Lancaster where he trained other inmates in fitness and exercises. It was here that the beginnings of the True Pilates Method began to take shape. After the War, Pilates emigrated to the United States. On the ship to America he met his future wife Clara. The couple founded a studio in New York City and directly taught and supervised their students well into the 1960’s. Pilates and his method, which he and Clara called "Contrology", soon established a following in the dance and the performing arts community. From their point of view, "Contrology" is the complete coordination of the body, mind and spirit. Well known dancers George Balanchine and Martha Graham became devotees and sent their students to them for training. Pilates practiced what he preached and lived a long healthy life. He died in 1967 at the age of 87. Today, Pilates is practiced around the world by athletes, dancers, fitness professionals, as well as the general public.

All LCDS instructors are certified by Romana’s Pilates™ in New York.

LCDS PILATES INSTRUCTORS:
Claire Bataille
Nicole Betts
Kym Costa
Veronica Guadalupe

About Romana’s Pilates™

Romana Kryzanowska is the world-renowned protégé of Joseph Pilates and has been teaching the method for over six decades. Long ago, Romana made a commitment to Joe and Clara Pilates to continue their life’s work. Romana continues to deliver on that promise today by traveling the world teaching the next generation of instructors with her own certification process called Romana’s Pilates™.

Romana’s Pilates™ is operated by Romana, Sari Mejia Santo (Romana’s daughter) and Daria Pace (Romana’s grandaughter). Romana also has a small number of instructors whom she trusts to help her in educating apprentices. These instructors are given a higher level of certification and Chicago has one of Romana’s most senior instructors living here - Juanita Lopez. Juanita travels around the world educating instructors and is passionate about maintaining the integrity of Pilates’ exercises.

All of Romana’s Pilates™ instructors are handpicked and the certification process is long, detailed and strict.

A minimum of 600 hours of observation and assisted teaching is necessary along with passing three practical exams and one written exam. These efforts are undertaken in order to offer clients the highest quality instructor and prepare instructors for a lifetime of teaching Pilates the way Joe intended.

All Romana’s Pilates instructors keep up their own individual training and attend continuing education seminars annually to keep their certification current and to continue to grow within the Pilates system.

LCDS Group Pilates Mat Class Schedule:

LCDS Pilates Equipment Class Schedule:

Beginning Level
Wednesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Intermediate Level
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Beginning Level
Saturdays, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

$140.00 per session.
Maximum 4 students, minimum 2 students.
Sign up at the LCDS front desk.
Make-ups within the same session are allowed.

No experience necessary for the beginning level,
approval from an instructor is necessary for the intermediate level.
Questions? Call Kym at 312-208-1603 or kymcosta123@gmail.com.

Private Sessions:

Private and semi-private sessions are available by appointment only. Call 312-850-9766 for pricing and more information.

Dancer Advantage Program:

The Pilates Studio at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago offers a discounted program for dancers.
Call 312-850-9744 for more information.

"Reformer lessons have helped me recover from dance injuries, strengthened my body head to toe, and pushed me to be better than I thought I could be!" - Lindsay, age 26

"I’ve done many forms of exercise. Pilates is the best for flexibility and strength for the whole body." - Lanita, age 64

"It took a while to love Pilates but in addition it is doing wonders for my gut and my butt." - Irene, age 79

"I have exercised most of my life – I have 2 herniated discs. Pilates saved me!!" - Linda, age 64

"I know how beneficial Pilates is, not only for the body, but the spirit. I need to continue and perfect some positions." - Danielle, age 25

"Staying with Pilates enabled me to return to other activities quickly post knee surgery." - Amy, age 49

"Pilates has really helped me with my ballet technique and being more aware of my center." - Noelle, age 20

"Pilates has helped me build strength and control to compliment my dancing. It has given me a new set of tools to approach my dance technique." - Amy, age 29

"I absolutely hate Pilates it is the worst, it is also doing me a lot of good." - Dick, age 79

"I have never felt stronger in my life. A must for every dancer and every body!" - Mary Ellen, age 52

“Pilates has strengthened my body in ways weight lifting never could.” –John, age 46

“Anyone with any body type, age, or fitness level can benefit from Pilates classes. The only competition is with yourself!” –Melissa, age 31

“Pilates energizes and breathes life into your body at any age. It builds and strengthens core muscles with fluid routines. It’s one of life’s best kept secrets!” –Monica, age 52