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Spring Pilates & Wellness Center operates upon the philosophy that wellness is for everyone. Previously, Spring offered small Pilates and kettlebell classes in a cozy Southport studio. Owner and instructor, Gizel hesitated in offering yoga classes, because she wanted to provide just the right ambiance for the peaceful practice of yoga. On June 1st, Spring expanded its space and services, finally being able to open its doors to yoga. Moving just four blocks away, Spring Pilates & Wellness Center relocated in a spacious, serene studio, and just north of the Brown Line Southport El stop.
On the Spring homepage, Gizel, expresses her excitement for the expansion of Spring into a full service Wellness Center, "It has always been our dream to be able to offer a wellness and fitness experience to our clients and are thrilled to be given the opportunity to do so." Retaining the strong Pilates foundation from both instructors and participants, Spring added other types of classes to compliment Pilates and to "enable clients to cross train effectively" through a variety of strength, cardiovascular, and mind-body classes.
Classes offered at Spring Wellness Center
Spring offers a variety of yoga classes, such as Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Yoga Fit, Power Yoga, Candlelight Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Gentle Hatha Yoga. The Hatha classes fall into a more traditional yoga category, as breathing techniques and meditations are incorporated into the practice. The Candlelight and Vinyasa Flow classes literally flow through various combinations of asanas, or poses. As the name indicates, the Candlelight classes occur in the evening, inducing a peaceful element to the flow. Power Yoga and Yoga Fit intensify the physical aspect of yoga by adding strengthening props or Ashtanga and fitness-oriented aspects. In the colder months of October through May, these classes will be transformed into Hot Yoga classes. Unlike Bikram, the temperature at Spring will not exceed 95 degrees, and each class will retain its unique qualities. However, the added heat will allow the muscles to stretch deeply from the beginning of class, despite outside the brutal winter chill, as the body eases deeply into each pose.
Yogis who would like to venture into the world of Pilates also have quite the variety to choose from at Spring. Pilates is offered
in private, semi-private, and group settings with mat, apparatus, jumpboard, BOSU, and bootcamp options. Instructors utilize the Reformer (a horizontal machine with cables for the arms and legs), the Cadillac (a horizontal table framed by various bars, straps, springs and levers attached to four poles), Wunda Chair (a box with a spring-resistance pedal on one side), Ladder Barrel (a barrel attached to a low ladder), and Spine Corrector (a whistle-shaped barrel with an arch and an angled seat). Although the equipment may seem intimidating, the instructors thoroughly guide participants through basic movements, maintaining the Pilates principles. Each lesson emphasizes proper alignment and muscle recruitment, regardless of where the body is in space.
The variety of strength-based, aerobic, flexibility-focused, and Tai Chi classes reflect Spring's commitment to overall wellness. Kettlebells and Core Ballet classes focus on engaging the deep muscles of the core while toning the entire body. Cardio BOSU Pilates and Cardio Jumpboard awaken the cardiovascular system through heart-pumping movements and utilization of the body's larger muscle groups. Gentle Stretch encourages participants to make time for flexibility through a more relaxing class that lengthens muscles and joints. Additionally, Tai Chi compliments the studio's philosophy as participants discover the connection between the mind and the body through movement.
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Whether you are a dedicated yogi, a Pilates pro, or a kettlebell fanatic, Spring presents Chicagoans with daily opportunities to experiment with new forms of fitness in a beautiful space. At the price of $5 for your first class, you have but the equivalent of a foot-long sub to lose. Check out the Spring Wellness Center class schedule or sign up for a class online.
Click here to learn Warrior II before attending your first class
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