FAQs

The Pilates Method is a system of movement exercise developed by Joseph Pilates (1880-1967) over the course of 60 years. Joseph Pilates designed specialized equipment that uses springs as the resistance and assistance force. Pilates exercises address posture, muscle performance and motor control, which results in increased flexibility, better alignment, heightened body awareness, and new strength and movement patterns.  These are the same concepts that form the basis of most orthopedic rehabilitation and physical therapy.

PILATES IS APPROPRIATE FOR:

• People of all ages
• Pregnant women and postpartum recovery
• Athletic conditioning
• Osteoporosis & bone building 
• The aging body
• Injury prevention
• Continued recovery after rehabilitation from injuries or surgeries

CoreAlign® sessions improve posture, balance and functional movement on a unique device designed by a physical therapist. Clients at all fitness levels will feel the difference after one session. CoreAlign® stimulates core stability muscles to fire in perfect timing while users perform dynamic exercises, deep stretches and core controlled aerobic training. The method is used for musculoskeletal rehabilitation, performance enhancement and can also be practiced at the cardiovascular level.

Pilates instruction is highly adaptable -- therefore able to respect the limitations of your body, while providing powerful exercises to greatly enhance your function and well-being. Pilates focuses on training the core musculature of the body to promoted a healthy spine, therefore preserving a healthy spine and joints over a lifetime. Pilates’ benefits are numerous and include:

• Relief of pain due to muscle imbalance.
• Improved posture and efficient movement patterns.
• Increased functional strength and flexibility.
• Enhanced body-mind awareness and performance.
• Greater sense of well-being and energy.
• Faster recovery from pregnancy and childbirth.

Pilates focuses on training the core musculature of the body to support a healthy spine and joints. As strength progresses, so does load, weight resistance, stability challenges and range of motion. This method trains both the global movement muscles and the joint stabilizers, which are often overlooked in other forms of strength training.

We highly suggest you start with our Intro Package, of 2 private sessions to begin your Pilates training, especially before jumping into a Pilates equipment or mat class. This allows our instructors to work with you one-on-one,  provide you with a thorough assessment, and at the same time, familiarize you with the equipment, terminology and concepts of Pilates.  If you're interested in Private Pilates training, the Intro package is still a great way to start. Head over to our Get Started Section to book an Intro Session.  

Wear workout clothes that are not too baggy so instructors can observe your spine and alignment. We require socks or indoor only athletic shoes in the studio, and recommend ToeSox for optimal grip and safety in equipment classes.  We sell ToeSox at the studio ($16 - $22).  If you're coming for CoreAlign, World Beat, Sculpt, or fitness classes, bring a flexible gym shoe, with pivoting ability such as a dance fitness or tennis shoe ( (Nike Free, or 5 finger shoes).

We have bathrooms and a changing room, but do not have showers.

• We accept CC payments with a 2% processing fee.
• *We accept Zelle, checks or exact cash amount without a fee.
• *If you would like to pay by Zelle, follow the pricing guide in the Pricing section and send payment for your services to flowchicago@hotmail.com, Flow Inc. We will see your payment and load your services to your account.
• *You may purchase Intro Pilates Packages and group classes online or with Zelle.
• *For Private session payment, you may pay by Zelle or submit CC info to the front desk.

For Pilates: You will not need to bring a mat as they are provided.

For Yoga: Please bring your own yoga mat for yoga classes.

There is metered parking directly in front of the studio and all along Clark St.  There is unmetered parking available on side streets until 6pm.  Francis Parker School has drop off and pick up around 8:30am and 3:00pm , at which time parking on Clark St. can be harder to find, so plan accordingly if you are coming at those times.

Refunds

Unused, unexpired packages may be exchanged for Flow account credit. This credit may be used for any future purchase.  We do not issue refunds after 3 days have passed from purchase date.  

Cancellations

We have a 24 hour cancelation policy for all reservations. All of our instructors are able to do Zoom sessions, so if something comes up after the cancellation window and Zoom session will suffice, ask your instructor to move your session online to avoid a late-cancel fee.

We highly recommend intro-private Pilates sessions as a safe initial starting place and for assessment.  Pilates is safe at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.  Several of our instructors have specialized training in Pilates for pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Yes, pre-registration is required for all of our classes. In order to save your spot in class please register online.  You can sign up and pay online using a MasterCard or VISA. If you are having trouble signing up online send an email to info@flowchicago.com.  We now offer standing reservations for all classes. If you would like to set up ongoing enrollment, email info@flowchicago.com and we will set that up for you.

We work with people with all sorts of issues.  We highly recommend a private Pilates session as a safe initial starting place and for assessment.  We will follow your physical therapists' lead for your safe recovery/ We also provide a bridge for people coming out of rehabilitation to get back to a healthy, full-body movement routine. If we think you need Physical Therapy, we have an excellent referral network.  We like to follow the physical therapists’ lead in safe recovery.  Often we are a great bridge for people coming out of rehabilitation to get back into a healthy movement routine.

Yes! Pilates is great for men and women.  Men benefit most in the adaptable equipment environment.  Men deal with limited range of motion, and Pilates can be an excellent way to train the body into greater mobility, balanced strength and joint-healthy movement. Pilates also has mental benefits, as it requires sustained focus and breath awareness, which traditional exercise does not provide. We find many men are very challenged by their Pilates workouts because we train their core and respiratory system to work properly, and to move their bodies in ways they never have.

They are two distinct systems. Pilates is a movement based practice which incorporates light to heavy resistance in all planes of movement to promote efficient movement patterns and balanced musculature. It is adaptable to most  bodies and conditions, including post-surgery rehabilitation and pre- and post-natal needs. It is effective for re-patterning, and improving overall function, strength and flexibility. Yoga is a total mind-body training that uses asanas (physical poses), breath, meditation, and relaxation techniques to circulate energy through the body, move the lymphatic fluids, create space in the spine as well as neuromuscular strength, and balance the nervous system.

Check out the FOR TEACHERS tab on the homepage of our website.  Cindy Reid offers CoreAlign training and Jump Board Dynamics training annually.  She is also available for Pilates mentorship.