Flow Studio

I’ve been going to Flow Studio for almost 2 years and have tried most of their classes. I’ve loved all that I’ve tried. The instructors are very, very good and really want you to work out correctly for maximum benefit.
Love the Pilates 1 – 2 classes and Zumba the most. And while I really am not into yoga, I’ve gone to Hatha Yoga a few times. Really was the best yoga class I’ve ever had and I’ve tried lots of yoga studios in the Northside. Very calming 7 I walk out feeling like I just had a massage.
Yes, the studio is pretty small in the basement but the instruction Flow teachers provide is very good.
Only negative comment I would make is that their Better Barre class is priced higher than their other classes. I don’t quite understand why.

I have been going to Cara Spagnolo’s Zumba class for a year and a half now. She has an enthusiasm and a passion that is contagious. I never feel self-​conscious about looking like a spaz as she is so welcoming and engaging. I rarely realize that an hour has passed because its so much fun, time flies. Classes are small and intimate with many «regulars». I only give 4 stars instead of 5 because all of the classes at Flow are a little expensive. But, to me, Cara’s Zumba class is worth the price. Definite must try! Tues and Thurs at 7:05, Saturday at 12:30.

I have been going to Flow Studio’s for 5 years and love it. Jeremy Brown, one of the Senior Instructors, is amazing and just opened up a Flow Studio in West Loop!

I can only review the gentle yoga here, because that’s the only class I take, but it’s an excellent class. I take it because I need a lot of work with building flexibility and preventing back pain. The class is perfect for that and Emily works around everyone’s various issues. It’s a very useful class and I always feel better afterwards.

I have only tried out the World Beat Dance class. This class does get you sweating, but is definitely more geared towards middle-​aged women. I was definitely the youngest participant (I am 25 y/​o). With that said, even though it was low impact, it did make me sweat. I give it 3 stars because the dance studio is quite small and would not be able to accomodate more than about ¹⁰⁄₁₅ people. The World Beat Dance class does integrate some pilates/​strengthening in addition to dance. $ 9 for your first class is a pretty good deal, also!

It’s always a big plus when I go to a workout class and the time doesn’t drag on and on. I’ve take Mat Pilates and the Resistance & Balance Class.
Holli is my favorite instructor. She taught the first pilates class I’ve ever done and made me feel very welcome.
If you’re going to do pilates, go to a studio that specialized in it. You’ll get the best instruction.

Flow is now offering massage therapy and it’s awesome!!! Definitely ask for Kari — she does a great deep tissue massage. She listens to your concerns and concentrates on areas that you mention, as well as the whole body. I’ve been to massage therapists who barely give you a backrub and it’s such a disappointment. Kari’s massages are sooo relaxing yet also rejuvenating.

I love this place! I have been attempting pilates for years now. I was taking mat classes at my gym and I was sure I was doing it improperly but I could never afford private sessions (in hopes to improve my form!). However, Flow is awesome. They were running a special on private sessions and it was very affordable! I worked with Jeremy and he was great. He was so helpful and so knowledgeable. I felt comfortable asking questions, regardless of how silly they might have seemed. My form improved as well as my understanding. I recommend this place!
I should also mention that this place is always clean, always plays good music and always cool (as in a/​c) —-which are the most important things for a good workout!

I attempted to take a pilates ball class at flow. I got there, signed in and the instructor decided to teach a reformer class instead of a ball class. I figured that I would stay and try the class out but I had never done reformer before and told her that. She spent the rest of the class being very rough with me (adjusting me but not gently) and I felt very degraded. I will never go back.

I am new to Pilates. I tried few places in the neighborhood, but I liked Flow Chicago the most. First, the class is longer than the usual 45 minutes Pilates classes. Each time I learnt something new, even with the same instructors. And also, the instructors actually demonstrate the whole time. Since the class is small, you get a lot of attention from the instructors. In addition, they play music during the class; it made me feel more relaxing.

I’m a beginner and have tried a few pilate studios in the area. Flow is the one I choose to go back.
The mat class room is small but as classes need pre-​registration, so for all the classes I’ve attended it hasn’t been over populated. All the instructors I have are nice, personal and check your posture as needed. I’ve found the class interesting/​new every time I go.

I thought Flow was okay — probably the best studio I’ve tried yet in Chicago (I’ve been to Frog and Core as well). I typically do mat Pilates and have tried their Intermediate classes. First the pluses. The instructors are very nice and appear to be very knowledgeable about what they do. The space, while I am not crazy about it (see below), is one of the nicer studio spaces I have been to in the Lincoln Park area. They allow walk ins. And they let you try the first class for free.
Now for the downsides: 1) the space is not big at all. I think we had about 8 people in one of my classes and it felt very crammed. 2) The mat classes are down in the basement/​garden unit of the building, so it gets some light in there, but feels a bit dungeon-​y and one of the days I was there, it smelled a little musty. 3) Not a lot of variety in the classes they offer. 4) In my personal opinion, while I felt the workout was fine, it wasn’t very difficult. I’ve been to beginner classes that were more difficult. I may be a complete masochist, but I’ve been to pilates studios where we would focus on core/​ab work for literally 20+ minutes straight consisting of curls of every kind, 100s, using the ring, without ring, etc., etc., followed by planks, 5 minute arm series, etc., and I loved those classes. I felt like I was really getting a serious workout. I can’t say the same for the classes I’ve taken at Flow. It’s a personal preference for me, but I’m still looking for a serious kick-​butt pilates workout.

The instructors were very nice and helpful. They explained everything they were doing and walked around to make sure we were in the correct position. The new cardio pilates class kicks butt. It is super challenging but not so hard you can’t do it. Check them out!

I give this place 2 stars because I think the instructors are great. Even the drop in mat classes are easy enough to sign up for and great workouts. But I would give it 0 stars for the way they run their business. If you are interested in reformer classes, I wouldn’t recommend them because they are very inflexible with scheduling. They are also unresponsive and unwilling to help you get signed up for a class. I know that in this market, most places are happy to accomodate as much business as they can take. Not Flow obviously. I have never seen such a lack of service offered at a service oriented business. There are so many great studios out there that actually really want you to take classes and give them money. Go somewhere they will be happy to have you.

This studio offers yoga, pilates and dance conditioning. Price varies on whether you take private classes or group classes. Cheapest are group classes for about $ 15 per person. I’ve taken one class here and the instructors are very skilled and patient.