Group of women on pilates reformer at FFC West Loop

Feeling Stressed? Learn To Cope With Mindful Movement

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How Pilates Helped an FFC Member Finish the Chicago Marathon

There is nothing easy about training for a marathon; it requires dedication, discipline, and strategy. For Channing (Silky) Harris, a fitness enthusiast and weightlifter, Pilates at FFC turned out to be the unexpected key to completing the Chicago…
Man stretching his hamstrings on a Pilates reformer

Looking To Improve Your Mobility? Learn How Pilates Can Help.

Our bodies have the ability to adapt and change based on the positions we place it in every day. This means that if you stop utilizing your joints and muscles in their full range of motion due to poor strength training techniques, injury or…
Woman stretching on a Pilates reformer machine with her Pilates trainer.

Why Pilates Is A Great Choice For Your Next Recovery Day

Recovery is a critical part of sports performance. After we exercise, our bodies need time to rehydrate, repair and grow the muscles we worked and replenish our nutrient stores. Without taking the time to recover, we put ourselves at risk for…
Woman instructing a man on the Pilates apparatus

5 Common Misconceptions About Pilates

Have you ever curiously walked by the Pilates studio at your club wanting to try it (or give it another shot), but stopped yourself assuming that it wasn’t for you? You aren’t alone! The growing popularity of Pilates has piqued the interest…
Pregnant woman touching her belly

The Biggest Myths of Prenatal Pilates, Debunked: My Thoughts

Have you been reading conflicting information about practicing Pilates while pregnant? FFC Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson breaks down the common myths surrounding the topic.
Man on Pilates reformer performing side plank

The Science of Pilates: My Thoughts

FFC Union Station Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson shares her commentary on a great article from IDEA Health & Fitness Association. Article: The Science of Pilates: Research Update via IDEA Health & Fitness Association Article…
Everything you need to know about Pilates before your first class

Everything You Need to Know About Pilates Before Your First Class: My Thoughts

FFC Pilates instructor Nicole Gibson shares everything you need to know about Pilates before your first class and her thoughts on a Women's Health article.
Pilates myths, busted!

Pilates Myths – Busted

Pilates gets a lot of hype - but it's not all hooey! Check out these two articles that bust some common Pilates myths, and an instructor's take on them.
Manly men do Pilates

Yes, Manly Men Do Pilates: A Personal Account Plus Sample Workout by Natasha Tsoutsouris

The constant quest for most Pilates instructors? To get men to do Pilates. And not just any men - but the manliest men ever created. Sure, hearing the occasional professional athlete dude brag about his recent "despite all odds" love for Pilates…
What is Pilates good for, anyway? Here are some benefits of Pilates!

What is Pilates Good for, Anyway? 3 Scenarios Perfect for Pilates & Their Benefits

What is Pilates good for, anyway? Read on for 3 different situations perfect for Pilates.
Pilates testimonial of a trainee to a trainer

Pilates: More Than I Signed Up For – a Testimonial of a Pilates Trainee of His Trainer

Not sure about Pilates? Check out this testimonial from a Pilates trainee about his trainer, FFC Old Town Pilates instructor Natasha T.
Pilates Chicago: Stories from Pilates Teacher Training Program Students
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Pilates Chicago: Stories from Pilates Teacher Training Program Students

Created by Joseph Pilates as a method of exercise to strengthen the body AND mind, Pilates has been growing rapidly in popularity since the early 20th century. Now practiced by fitness enthusiasts, those looking to overcome chronic pain and…
Students taking a pilates class

Becoming a Pilates Instructor: The Teacher’s Journey

My journey to becoming a Pilates instructor started a little over four years ago. I was working as a personal trainer and found I really loved training runners. As a marathoner myself, I was familiar with the drive, determination, and injuries…
Pilates: the cross-training powerhouse workout you should try - Chicago's Pilates studios

Pilates: The Cross-Training Powerhouse Workout

It's no secret that Pilates and dance have a long history together. Although Joseph Pilates worked with and developed cross-training exercises specifically for many different types of athletes, including boxers, soldiers and circus performers,…
Benefits of Pilates after pregnancy

Benefits of Pilates After Pregnancy

You’ve read articles and seen the news – Pilates is one of the best workouts you can do. With benefits ranging from increased mental strength and improved attention and motivation to a better golf swing, a stronger core for running and more,…
Group Pilates class at FFC.

Find Out If You Have a Muscular Imbalance & How Pilates Can Help

Joseph Pilates believed that we are only as young as our spine. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Joe Pilates created a complete system of exercises that, along with your Pilates trainer’s eyes and years of experience, can…
Ways Pilates makes you mentally stronger and why you should try the workout - Pilates Chicago

4 Ways Pilates Makes You Mentally Stronger And Why You Should Try It

If you have heard anything about Pilates, you have probably heard it makes your core stronger, gets you toned and increases your flexibility. Something you may not have heard is that Pilates makes you smarter - as in more intelligent, improved…
My life-changing Pilates transformation pre and post-hip surgery

Pilates Transformation: Pre and Post-Hip Surgery Rehab

Recovering from surgery, or even a minor injury, can be frustrating and discouraging. In the time it takes to recover, the body can change drastically. In 2014 I sustained a hip labral tear and ended up getting surgery to repair it. After surgery,…