Core Evolution
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Core Evolution
Located in the River North area of Chicago, Core Evolution was created as an alternative from the "no pain, no gain" idea of fitness. You will see results, more importantly, you'll feel the results. You'll also learn about your body in order to work with it in a sustainable, injury-free and progressively challenging way - setting you up for a lifetime of enjoyment in movement and exercise.

Offering sessions in Pilates and Structural Integration, this boutique studio stands apart in creating a very individualized approached in personal training. Whether you're an elite athlete, dancer, someone dealing with chronic pain (especially back pain), or someone exercising for the first time in a long time, you will be given the attention, insights, and challenges that will take you to your next level of transformation.
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Evolving from the owner's own process of years of teaching and practicing movement as a professional dancer, Pilates practitioner, and Yogi, Core Evolution Studio is dedicated to a personalized approach at helping you become your best self.

Core Evolution Studio is dedicated to improving and refining your ability for movement whether your a professional athlete or a scared beginner trying to reconnect to your body for the first time in a long time.
Movement heals, but often we are confronted by areas of our bodies that we can't bring our awareness or movement into. Structural Integration looks at and affects the body's patterns of tension held in the connective tissue called fascia. Fascia is a complex web of tissue that touches and envelopes almost every part of the body, supporting bones, surrounding muscles fibers and supporting our overall form.
Why work one on one? Simply because it works. Having an individualized and personalized course of action gets you to your goals faster and reduces the chances of injury. Don't you owe it to yourself to get the most out of every time you step on the mat? Private or Duet lessons are 55 minute sessions that supports your unique physical and postural needs while getting you deeper in your Pilates and Yoga practice.
Reviews (12)
Susan Bull
Susan Bull
Jun 29, 2019
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Carmel has confident and sensitive hands and deep knowledge of the body. I have had a couple of sessions of Structural Integration and experienced wonderful changes. Highly recommend.
Samir Abraham
Samir Abraham
Jan 04, 2019
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5 Stars is not nearly enough to leave as a review for Carmel from Core Revolution, she deserves 10 Stars. Until 10 months ago, I had never heard of either.
My back started to bother me in college 20 years ago and it has slowly gotten worse. I have tried everything from buying mattresses, massages, different yoga styles, buying $1000+ chairs, using standing desks, and even bought an inverted table to hang upside down. Some of these things gave me temporary relief, but my lower back pain ALWAYS returned. In addition to all these gimmicks, I also had access to the very best medical care as my father
Meg
Meg
Sep 18, 2018
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Carmel is terrific to work with. When I started working with her I had chronic knee pain from an injury. She has helped me correct imbalances and re-engage weak muscles. I have been pain free and balanced for over 2 years. I get stronger and stronger with each session. She is knowledgeable, caring and works hard for her clients. She tailors each workout to the client and they are very effective. I highly recommend working with Carmel.
Louie Whitesman
Louie Whitesman
Jan 02, 2018
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She basically stole from me! I pre paid for 10 sessions and am now unable to do pilates because of a back injury. I emailed Carmel (owner) 3 times for a refund of the pre-paid package. She ignored me for several months and then refused to refund my pre payment. There are better people in the city.
Kc Grace C.
Kc Grace C.
Oct 16, 2017
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I was so fortunate to walk into Core Evolution over two years ago! Carmel's knowledge and her ability to apply that knowledge to a personal plan for me continues to be amazing. As I have aged, I have lost a great deal of strength and flexibility. My body was responding negatively to doing things the "way that it had always been". Carmel takes the time to understand the issues and one by one unravels your problem areas and retrains your body to respond correctly. Her instruction is easy to understand and clear. Her sessions are the best part of my week. I love that she continues to
Louis W.
Louis W.
Oct 04, 2017
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I was working out with Carmel for many weeks. I then had to have an emergency surgery to replace a herniated disc in my back. It's been 3 months and I still can't walk properly let alone do Pilates. I prepaid for 10 sessions, and asked Carmel for a refund. She did not respond to my emails and later texted me that she will not refund me. She is keeping money for prepaid services that she did not complete. My suggestion would be to find a different studio. Her actions are basically stealing.
Pam Crandall
Pam Crandall
Aug 23, 2017
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I first came to Carmel’s studio over two years ago. I was in pain from my back and hips and unable to be as active as I wanted to be. I have done private and duet sessions with her over the last two years. I find her to be extremely knowledgeable, compassionate and trustworthy. My core is stronger and I am able to travel and hike. She takes time to understand your body and always has a plan for moving forward. The individualized nature of her instruction is key and she is constantly studying to gain additional knowledge. My time with her is by far the best Pilates experience I have ever had.
Michael Harold Singer
Michael Harold Singer
Feb 05, 2016
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This is my EVERY Friday jam❣ If you have a body, and use it to live, then Core Evolution is for you. If not for Carmel Louis- i'd be broken ⚡️ she's not just my instructor she's my friend!!!please give her your frame, you'll never be the same❣
Jeffrey M.
Jeffrey M.
Aug 05, 2014
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Carmel is the best pilates instructor in Chicago! Over the last ten years, I have had three major surgeries and a series of serious back and shoulder injuries. These problems had left me discouraged about my future and the possibility of ever living pain-free again. Carmel changed all that. She created a workout plan that was tailored to my body. She helped me strengthen the muscles I need to support my back, and stretch the muscles I need to stay injury free. Because of her and the hard work we've done over the last year, I now live pain-free. I am lucky to have found her.
April S.
April S.
Jul 31, 2012
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I wish I could give more than 5 stars.

I gave birth to a giant child over 2 years ago. The combination of my weakened abs, poor posture (thanks to my beloved laptop) and strained upper back (from lifting said giant child) started to take their toll.

I heard about Core Evolution from my cool mother-in-law who is a regular there. I was immediately impressed with Carmel's passion for pilates and anatomy. She knew exactly the right stretches and exercises to help build me back up. She has done more for me than 2 different physical therapists and a chiropractor. Also, we laugh all the way through
Judy W.
Judy W.
Nov 04, 2011
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I have preferred working out in a non class environment and have tried other yoga/pilates classes but did not stick with them. I now realize the difference an instructor makes. Carmel's classes are easy to follow and challenging no matter your fitness level. I have taken both equipment and mat classes. She does a great job talking through the moves making sure you get the most out of your efforts. Her expertise is very evident.

The classes are small, the studio is very clean with very good equipment and clientele are very friendly. Not an intimidating environment at all.
Melissa H.
Melissa H.
Oct 05, 2011
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I will admit it, I am not - nor have I ever been - the kind of self-motivated workout buff that willingly gets out of a warm cozy bed at 5 am to run in a Chicago blizzard. I even find myself a little repulsed by the bubbly, overly enthusiastic fit people bouncing up and down in 'Cardio (insert the most recent fad workout craze here)' classes. That said, I now find myself eagerly getting up in the morning and piling on the layers to trudge over to Core Evolution to hit the 'reset' button on my body.

Over the past few months I've been working with Carmel at Core Evolution