True Pilates Chicago believes that Pilates is a lifestyle, as it directly improves the quality of your life through the betterment of your mind, body and spirit as Joseph Pilates intended.  To achieve this, we remind our clients that what you get out of life is what you put into it, so put your best self forward!  True Pilates Chicago has been serving River West/Fulton Market since 2006 and is an active member of the community.  We welcome you to accept the Pilates challenge and become your best self! What is Pilates? Pilates is a safe and effective form of exercise that strives for complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. It improves flexibility, builds strength, and develops control and endurance. Pilates is favored by many elite athletes—including professional dancers—and is often used to rehabilitate injured bodies. It was intended to be done one-on-one, so instructors could tailor exercises to the unique needs of each person’s body, but small groups and mat classes are also acceptable ways to practice the method. Consistency is key: many instructors recommend practicing Pilates at least three times a week to achieve the best results.   What is Romana’s Pilates? Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, a German-born gymnast, bodybuilder, and martial artist. Pilates emigrated to England in 1912. Shortly thereafter World War I broke out, and the British government sent German citizens like Pilates to internment camps. During his internment, Pilates began developing an exercise method which he called “Contrology.” After the war, he emigrated to New York City, and met his wife, Clara. Together he and Clara opened a studio to teach Contrology.  Pilates’ method continued to develop over the years and eventually attracted numerous followers. Among them was Romana Kryzanowska, a dancer studying ballet with famed choreographer George Balanchine.  Kryzanowska had a persistent ankle injury. Doctors wanted to operate, but Balanchine suggested something different: “I will take you to a good friend,” he said, “Joseph Pilates is a genius of the body.” Pilates prescribed a regimen of daily exercises. Within a week, Romana was ready to resume ballet and found that she was able to jump higher and move faster on stage than before. She continued working with the Pilates, whom she affectionately called “Uncle Joe” and “Aunt Clara.” They recognized that Romana had a special talent for the method, and she quickly became their chosen protégé. When Joseph Pilates died in 1967, Romana and Clara continued operating the studio together, and renamed the method “Pilates.” Romana continued directing the studio after Clara’s death in 1977. In the year 2000, the Southern District Court of New York ruled that the name “Pilates” was not a trademark and as a result the name was free for anyone to use—including instructors whose exercise methods bore little resemblance to the original method created by Joseph Pilates.  Romana nevertheless continued teaching the true Pilates method and continued using the instructor certification program she had designed to ensure the work of her instructors remained as close to Joseph Pilates’ teachings as possible. True Pilates Chicago hires only instructors certified in Romana’s Pilates. All True Pilates Chicago teachers are in good standing and up to date with their Continuing Pilates Education as per the requirements of Romana’s Pilates International.   Please email us to inquire about private lessons, to sign up for small group or mat classes, or to learn more about scheduling massage therapy or physical therapy.