Helios Center For Movement

I love this studio! The instructors are extremely well trained and professional (Karin is my favorite!). The space is clean, the equipment is top of the line, and no class is ever the same. Highly recommended!

In this new location I have been 3 times: first to get information, a second time to attend a free complimentary class and a third time for a paid class.
I like their instructors, class and customer attention at the desk, however they keep a dog or maybe two in there. It is a small place and I find it inappropriate to keep a dog in a place of fitness and exercise. I want to deep breath and all that but the smell and the dog hair isn’t helping. I would recommend this place to get rid of their pets animals and stick to humans animals ;)

They go to eleven! Last year I could barely bend over and I could not walk a block without pain. Now I am on my European vacation and walked 5 miles through medieval streets. Are there words to describe how grateful I am for their incredible professionalism, kindness and results? Not really. All there is is heartfelt gratitude. Thank you especially Jacquelyn and Karin.

After growing up playing sports, mountain biking/​trail running to a couple surgeries on a damaged hip, I am JUST now understanding that I’m not indestructible, as I thought I was in my 20s. My orthopedic surgeon recommended Pilates as a continuation after my six month rehab. «Nah, Pilates is for women,» I claimed. I had two other orthopedic specialists recommend Pilates over yoga. oooo, I guess they might know more about this than I do, so I called Helios to see what this was all about. When I first called, I had no idea what I was getting involved with. Julia spent a good amount of time «putting up» with my ton of questions and was absolutely wonderful explaining what I was getting into. My two biggest thoughts: Yes, they do accept newbies, like myself, and no, I won’t get the «evil eye» from the women that attend Helios. I signed up for a few private sessions to get an understanding of what I was doing and how to properly do it.
First day, I showed up and noticed a few guys. I only mentioned that a few guys were present because in my mind, Pilates is a «no guys allowed» type of place. It’s not, as I originally perceived. My first two sessions were with Jenna, who happens to be founder of the place. She reviewed what my goals were and questions about previous surgeries/​ailments to start off. The first 3 private sessions were extremely helpful. Not knowing what I was getting into, Jenna and Gretchen (separate session days) made sure that I was going through the breathing and movements properly. The biggest challenge I had was maintaining the proper breathing techniques. Some of the motions and movements I didn’t find challenging, but this is just step one. Yes, there were a few movements on the 2^nd/​3^rd session that I did find challenging and a few movements that «felt the burn.» Being tight and tensed up, burning from the stretch was going to happen… in a good way. I can’t expect miracles to happen after a few sessions and extended the private sessions until I feel comfortable to jump in the group classes. But, I will say, that I am more aware of some of the movements in my daily life and do practice breathing at home when I get a chance. I look forward to seeing the change in movement down the road.
The environment is very comfortable, the staff is absolutely wonderful and would recommend the private sessions if you are new to Pilates. I’ll follow up down the road at some point to talk about the before and after. Stay tuned…

Helios is definitely the CENTER for Movement in Chicago! I have done private sessions with Jacquelyn, and she is definitely an excellent instructor. She does a great job at identifying limitations/​weaknesses/​flexibility limitations and addressing what you need through a well rounded session. Jacquelyn has a great ability to correct you as you perform an exercise, and doesn’t miss anything. If you are looking to improve your core strength, move better, and improve your posture-​I wouldn’t hesitate to schedule with Jacqueline.
I also thought Melanie at the front desk was very pleasant. Jenna is the owner, and you can tell the place is properly managed and clean at all times. I have met the other instructors, and they all seem to be very professional and likable.
I should mention that being a guy/​dude, it usually is pretty intimidating getting in to pilates. But, I think it is something more guys should consider. Most guys like to just go to the gym and do some cardio and lift weights. There is a necessary balance that can be provided through quality instruction. I guess I just want to see other guys there so I am not so outnumbered! But, Helios does a good job at working with the opposite sex. There is even a «Men’s Class» on Saturday Mornings.

Just wnet to a wonderful workshop at Helios this past Saturday. The workshop was about a piece of Pilates equipment called the Ped-​I-​pull, and I learned so much about my body. Jenna (who is also the owner of Helios) is a wonderful speaker-​very clear and informative. We also had lots of time to try the exercises and work on the equipment. The workshop was 7 hours (½ hour lunch) and it flew by. I would recommend workshops at Helios to Pilates students and teachers alike.

I would definitely recommend Helios to anyone that asked! The staff is outstanding! The best customer service I’ve had at any fitness facility. The instructors are very knowledgable, giving great feedback and adjustments to your moves, and the office staff has great follow up and follow through on any question or request asked. The studio is extremely clean and well maintained. Love it!

I could recommend Helios until I was blue in the face. If you’re looking for a place to transform your body and mind through Pilates, you are at the right place. Helio’s attention to detail starts with the front desk staff and continues through their equipment classes and mat work. What separates Helio’s from some of their competitors is the incredible staff who is willing to bend over backwards (no pun intended) to help you achieve your personal goals. The teachers are so well trained and knowledgeable that you will find your niche no matter your current fitness ability level. One of my hang ups about working out in general is the lack of personal connection between myself and a teacher. It’s easy to feel like a fitness professional is light years ahead of you when you’re just an «average joe». This isn’t the case at all at Helios. The teachers are all warm, friendly and down to Earth. I’d specifically recommend teachers, but I haven’t met one that I didn’t love, and trust me… I’ve pretty much met them all!
If you’re looking to be inspired to reach your goals, give Helio’s a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

I’ve been going to Helios for a few years now and I can honestly say that it’s made a difference both in my posture and flexibility. I’m a very active person and am always challenging myself physically. I truly feel that going to Helios has helped me excel in all my physical endeavors.
Jenna is very knowledgeable and is passionate about what she does. The staff is also very welcoming, professional and friendly. I recommend Helios to everyone I know.

I used to like going to helios until some changes were made and the instructor I enjoyed working with left. I tried out a few other instructors but the whole vibe changed. I tried to get my money back but the owner did not honor that even though the changes made were out of my control. They are a bit pricey and I did not fully inform me of their policies. I was out a lot of money due to their neglegence. I will never go back.

Helios teamed up with Kayak Chicago to offer a paddleboard pilates deal through Living Social that I purchased to check this combo class out. Great idea, but poor planning. There is not any specific info on the Helios website about where the class is offered, how to get there, etc. Are there lockers? Is there parking? The receptionist was unable to answer basic questions as well which made it stressful to find the location for class at Montrose Beach and figure out what to bring.
Check out this link for more info:
We were 30 minutes late for the class as it was nearly impossible to spot the tiny Kayak Chicago sign or The Dock restaurant which is not visible from the street.
HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
DIRECTIONS — From Montrose Ave, turn RIGHT on Montrose Harbor Dr and you will see the Kayak Chicago sign on the left side in about 1 block. There is a lot of free street parking. Walk towards The Dock restaurant and you will find the Kayak Chicago beach shack.
LOCKERS– There are lockers on the beach that you can pay to rent. Or Kayak Chicago has cubby holes behind the counter and they will store your belongings at no charge while you are paddleboarding. We did this and all of our items were safe and secure (purse, camera, beach towels, clothes, etc)
BATHROOMS/​FOOD– There are clean bathrooms on the beach and a café called The Dock.
THE PADDLEBOARD PILATES CLASS– Half of the class is spent learning how to stand on board and different paddling techniques. This turned out to be pretty cool! It’s tough to find a quiet spot in the water where you can hear the instructor and keep a group of 10 students together to do pilates without drifting off. They recommend that you go with the flow and stay in position even if you start to drift. There was a paddleboard instructor and pilates instructor that stayed with the class. Awesome bonus to have two fantastic instructors! Both instructors were super friendly and made the class fun!

I love Helios and Jenna. I have been taking the Paddle board Pilates class at Montrose Beach in conjunction with Kayak Chicago. I had only taken a couple of Pilates classes prior to this. This combines paddle boarding which I love with Pilates on the water. Its a great challenge and Jenna makes the class a ton of fun. The core work is amazing and the stability you learn is awesome.

I love Helios! I started taking individual lessons with Karin just a few weeks ago, but I can already tell the difference in my problem tight spots. I am probably the most inflexible and uncoordinated person you will ever meet so I was very nervous about pilates, but I knew I had to do something to start increasing my flexibility and really strengthen my core.
Karin is so nice and super patient with my awkward self. She knows that my hips are ridiculously tight and has found specific moves to help me with this. Each time I leave the studio I feel like I’m walking closer and closer to normal-​definitely less of the usual pains and tightness in my hips, lower back, and even my ankle that has recently been giving me problems. I’m really excited to see more of these positive results as I continue to learn an improve!

Helios changed my body. I’m not kidding. Within a few weeks of starting private lessons with Jenna, I noticed new definition in my arms, a flatter stomach, even the shape of my legs has changed for the better.
I know, it’s kind of unbelievable that a few hours could make such a big difference. But the thing I’ve found about Helios is that you learn to be more connected with your body and that impacts everything you do throughout the day. For example, Jenna taught me how to think about where I should be balanced on my feet when I walk and run. So when I’m jogging on the treadmill or just walking the dog, I’m thinking about my footsteps and the form of my stride. And that makes me move differently in a way that has actually changed my muscles. Also, the breathing techniques I’ve learned at Helios has helped my endurance — whereas 2 or 3 miles was my max on the treadmill, now I’m doing 6+ miles, no problem.
I wasn’t anticipating these kinds of results. I really thought that it would just help me tone a little and maybe gain some more flexibility. But I seriously, it’s been awesome for me. And it keeps getting better. I’m hooked on Helios.

I work in the neighborhood and after several walks passed the studio at lunch I decided to go in and check it out. From the minute I walked in where I was greeted and welcomed with a smile by Karen, I knew this was a great place for me.
The studio is peaceful, clean and modern. All skill levels are welcome. I am no pro at Pilates, healthy in lifestyle choices and a runner for years. I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but the instruction and support from staff makes it very easy to catch on. Like with anything else, the more you practice, the better and stronger you become.
The instructors are terrific, encouraging, knowledgeable and patient. Well versed in explaining movement. Good humored, fun and smart. The other men and women at the studio are friendly too. There is nothing pretentious about the environment, like some health clubs are known to be. Positive results are immediate emotionally and within weeks physically. Go as you are and be consistent.

I am not in good shape, but I’m getting there. I’ve tried yoga, Wii, free weights, and the list goes on.
I really appreciate my teacher (Molly) at Helios, she is so encouraging and patient. I am easily the biggest gal in the place at any given time. She’s never made me feel bad about that (I do a good enough job of it myself, ha ha).
It isn’t cheap, but it is WAY worth it. I feel great even during the workout even when it is grueling. Breathing is good.

I started off at this place because I was given a flyer at a street fair. I had never taken pilates, but I LOVED it and I was hooked. It helped alleviate all of my back pains and stresses. I worked with Kristine, it was hard but she made it fun and I looked forward to my sessions every week. All of the instructors there are awesome, very nice, and know what they are talking about. The best part is they really understand how the body works and they focus on the movements that right for each individual. The only reason I left was because I moved. You really don’t know how great a place is until you don’t have it any more.

I also started w/​the coupon– and I’m still loving it 8 months later. I am not someone who enjoys working out, at all. I took a few pilates classes at another N. Side studio, but my friend (a physical therapist) said that they didn’t know what they were doing, so we quit. Wow, what a difference at Helios! I love Kristine– the rest of the staff is amazing too– they make the hard work fun and they really know what they’re doing. I’ve seen a huge change in my body– definitely recommend to people of all fitness levels.

I feel so fortunate to have found this place and these women. In addition to the proximity to my home, it was the positive Unilocal reviews that encouraged me to take a class. I take both private and small-​group lessons and have never been happier with an exercise experience. My private trainer is Christine and I get as much of a workout laughing with her as I do on the scary but brilliant contraptions. She is an expert and also caring: an absolute joy to see every week. The owner, Jenna, teaches my group class and is patient and exacting… exactly what you need to get the benefits. I wish everyone could find this much joy in exercise.

I got a coupon in the mail for this studio. I was lucky enough to work with Jenna, the owner. She spent allot of time with me perfecting my form. She is extremely knowledgable on her form of Pilates.
The new studio space is great.