With the best instructors & equipment in Chicago we offer Pilates for every body. From Pilates for Athletes to custom Pilates for prenatal & postpartum women, we ensure your sessions are efficient, meaningful, transformative and custom-tailored to your body. We offer Pilates for injuries & scoliosis as well as Pilates for seniors or desk bodies.
Whether you are working with a serious injury (back, knee, hip, spinal injuries), are a senior with balance issues and pain, an over-trained weekend warrior, a pre or postnatal woman or a teenage athlete, we have experience working expertly with a variety of needs. Pilates is designed to safely transform your body.
Whether you are working with a serious injury (back, knee, hip, spinal injuries), are a senior with balance issues and pain, an over-trained weekend warrior, a pre or postnatal woman or a teenage athlete, we have experience working expertly with a variety of needs. Pilates is designed to safely transform your body.
Services
Studio 8 is Chicago's home for customized Pilates training for fitness, injury recovery and wellness. Studio 8 was founded by studio owner and NCPT/PMA certified Pilates instructor Christine Hall. She was the former co-owner of Urbancore Pilates (2010-2015). Coming from a long standing background in athletics, Chris originally began Pilates after sports related injuries and founded this business with the goal of bringing Pilates to more bodies.
Studio 8 houses Chicago's best & most experienced Pilates instructors. With decades of collective experience, our team is able to deliver the highest quality individualized attention, that delivers real results. Our instructors have over 45 years of collective Pilates experience. With expertise in Pre & Post Natal Pilates, injury rehabilitation, specialized spinal conditions including scoliosis, our instructors are simply the best in Chicago.
Pilates is truly for EVERY body. If you're recovering from a serious injury, or you're an athlete at the top of your game, Pilates will profoundly enhance your strength while bringing greater balance to your body. At Studio 8 we offer expert instruction on the best equipment in a boutique setting. Pilates is an innovative system of mind-body exercise evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates.
We've been where you are, and taking that first step was the best decision we could have made. Pilates is a fantastic way to keep the body strong and lean, all while supporting increased energy, posture, and joint-health. Here's what you need to know to start off on the right foot! Pilates is a safe, sane and supremely smart way to transform and align your body.
To see the fastest results we recommend attending classes/sessions 2-3 times per week. Within a month you will feel taller and leaner, have increased body awareness, increased tone in problem areas, and a general increase in energy. Wear form-fitting, comfortable clothing so that the instructor can see your alignment and make corrections when necessary.
Reviews (24)
Maya N.
Sep 14, 2020
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I'm a big believer that everyone should integrate pilates in their workout plan along with cardio, strength training etc..., but this is relatively new thinking for me. I started mat pilates 2 years ago and can't believe it took me this long to discover pilates, but more importantly I can't believe it took be this long to discover Studio 8 Pilates. Pilates is the best for core strength, posture and all around joint and muscle health. Since taking pilates my back issues have improved over time - this has been life changing. Pilates is fabulous, but having the right teachers and
Dana M.
Sep 07, 2020
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K. M. M.
Sep 03, 2020
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Over the past couple of years Studio 8 has been instrumental in my recovery from a serious medical situation-- both emotionally and physically, this studio has been AMAZING. I have progressed in fits and starts but I am getting stronger all the time -- and my instructors, Christine and Nadia, have been great about tailoring things to my body. Everyone is so friendly and kind here, and the classes are fun (and challenging!) to boot.
S. P.
Sep 02, 2020
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I have been going to Studio 8 for over five years and never tire of the classes. Chris and her entire staff are very knowledgeable and have helped shape me to be a better me. She offers a variety of group as well as tailored one on one classes that uses a variety of equipment. Try a class and you're bound to be a student for life!
Kaila K.
Aug 12, 2020
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Michelle D.
Aug 05, 2020
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I started taking virtual mat classes when my gym closed due to COVID. I was a novice to Pilates and worried I wouldn't be able to understand what to do virtually but it has been wonderful. Christine Hall has been an excellent instructor! They offer virtual classes for all different types of levels at a very reasonable rate. So nice to have this option to work out in the privacy and safety of my home.
Sheryl Houston
Jan 09, 2020
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Grace Zemenak
Dec 15, 2019
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The instructors at Studio 8 are so kind, but also driven to create an intense workout. They are extremely accommodating and welcome every skill level, body type, and prior pilates experience into the studio. Christine in particular is an amazing, professional instructor that helps clients see results fast. Overall a great studio.
Theodore Poole
Oct 30, 2019
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Started going to Studio 8 Pilates after having a baby and wanting to get some strength back. I definitely feel stronger after going to my first five classes. The instructors are great and the classes really push you! The machine was a bit confusing to maneuver at first but I got the hang of it eventually.
Sheila Myrcik
Oct 08, 2019
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I have worked with Alexander for over a year now and have had an excellent experience!!!
She is so professional, kind, and talented.
I always look forward to my sessions with her! I always feel in safe hands with her, plus her personality is informative, encouraging, and fun.
The results I have made through my workouts with her are amazing! Not only is my body stronger, I feel happier and healthy !!!
I highly recommend her!!!
She is so professional, kind, and talented.
I always look forward to my sessions with her! I always feel in safe hands with her, plus her personality is informative, encouraging, and fun.
The results I have made through my workouts with her are amazing! Not only is my body stronger, I feel happier and healthy !!!
I highly recommend her!!!
Erin R.
Jul 28, 2019
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I have been going to Studio 8 Pilates for over six months, working with Gisela. I get a great workout every time I go, which is twice a week for private lessons. Gisela is a wonderful instructor and has helped me get back into shape. As a 61 year old woman with back issues for years, I no longer have back pain or sciatica when going on long driving trips and I thank the Pilates and instruction for this amazing back relief. The studio is spotless, and the staff is all super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this place. Absolutely earns five stars from me.
Doc Halliday
Jun 06, 2019
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Jodie Zeitler
Nov 07, 2018
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I have been a loyal client for years. It's the 1 and only thing that has helped my low back pain (but I love all the toning as a bonus!) . A recent class with Gisela helped immensely as my classmate was in the same condition I was. Gisela tailored the class perfectly. I felt SO much better the next day! I love this place !
Karen Guise
Sep 19, 2018
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Been attending classes at Studio 8 Pilates for many years. The instructors are knowledgeable, experienced, creative and fun. They have a variety of equipment which keeps the workouts interesting, like reformers, towers, chairs and MOTRs. Classes are small so you receive personal attention. Highly recommended.
Liz Marcucci
Apr 04, 2018
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Jennifer B.
Jan 29, 2018
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I love Studio 8 Pilates! I've been doing Pilates for 11 years and am a bit picky when it comes not just to studios, but also instructors. I have taken privates and duets, as well as group classes on the mat, reformer, jump board and MOTR and I have enjoyed and been challenged by them all. The owner, Christine, is amazing and will make sure to help you find your fit at her studio whether it's with her or one of her equally as talented staff of instructors.
Christy A.
Jan 05, 2018
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I can't say enough great things about this Pilates Studio. I have some Pilates experience...I've been practicing on and off for about 15 years, I'm a licensed Physical Therapist, and I'm also a certified APPI Pilates Mat instructor. After having my second child I decided I wanted to get back into Pilates. I live in the neighborhood and would walk by the studio always wanting to give it a try. I'm so glad I did! My first experience was with Gisela-she is fabulous! She makes the sessions fun and you can tell she is very passionate about what she does. Everyone is so professional
Alvina C.
Oct 24, 2017
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This is a story about the class that almost didn't happen.
I was going to be in the area that day and it just so happened to be a holiday weekend. I had signed up online and received a text from the owner a few hours before class noting I was the only one signed up for class and generally they do not hold classes for a single student...womp womp womp.
I was really excited to take a jump board class---but I get it--me, myself, and I does not really constitute a "class"---I said no worries just credit my account back and I'll see if I can find something else to do at that time
I was going to be in the area that day and it just so happened to be a holiday weekend. I had signed up online and received a text from the owner a few hours before class noting I was the only one signed up for class and generally they do not hold classes for a single student...womp womp womp.
I was really excited to take a jump board class---but I get it--me, myself, and I does not really constitute a "class"---I said no worries just credit my account back and I'll see if I can find something else to do at that time
Edwin Landon
Sep 28, 2017
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This was my first Pilates session ever. Alexandra was my instructor. I am 81 years young and the experience could not have been better. The studio has great parking, which is very important. Everything is new and the equipment is awesome. I booked my next apt for next week and this will be part of my regular ways to take good care of myself. Thanks Alexandra and Studio 8 Pilates
Traci Midnight
Sep 26, 2017
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Studio 8 has changed my life!!! I used to need a massage at least every other week to relieve chronic pain in my shoulders and lower back. Within a few weeks of receiving private instruction from Gisela Perez I was able to completely phase out massage and have been pain free ever since!! All of the instructors at Studio 8 are passionate about… Pilates as well as highly trained. This translates into creative and challenging classes. I can't say enough positive things about this studio as well as Gisela Perez as an instructor. I feel blessed to have such an amazing resource on my doorstep
Hannah Lee
Jan 21, 2017
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Dave Walsh
Jan 21, 2016
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Studio 8 Pilates is fantastic. Although it is a newer place, the owner and director, Christine Hall has been in the fitness and Pilates business for many, many years. I have relied on her Pilates instruction and classes since 2008. Christine and Studio 8 have an incredible dedication to great fitness, lifestyle and health. This is an incredible… place and I recommend them to everyone who is interested in getting really great instruction, whatever level you are at. They are friendly, professional, dedicated, extremely knowledgeable about physical fitness, Pilates, and anatomy. I am deeply
Bettine Brusca
Jan 08, 2016
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I've been happily telling my friends when they ask "Did you have rotator cuff surgery?"a resounding no! Thanks in large part to Erin Johnson at Studio 8 Pilates, I am pain-free and have increased mobility, flexibility and strength in my arms and shoulders! As a bonus I'm hitting the golf ball longer than ever. Doing this at 73 is not just fun but… a blessing! All this without NSAIDs which I had come to rely on! Erin has the ability to make fine adjustments during a particular exercise that have helped me become more "body aware" and focused. She does this with a light and fun attitude which
Laura Buol
Dec 03, 2015
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Erin is by far the BEST PILATES TRAINER I have ever worked with- she is so talented and thoughtful in her approach.(I took a long hiatus from Pilates). She is in a class by herself. I know she could help most people with whatever their fitness goals are. She is so creative and knowledgeable, she would be able to work within most peoples… limitations due to injuries or conversely help someone reach straight away for a more intensely rigorous fitness goal. Either way, with Erin's help you will become the stronger, more flexible person you were meant to be. I almost don't want to share how
