Reviews

Marilyn is incredible! If you are a beginner to Pilates and want something challenging but not overwhelming, I highly recommend her! The group classes are small and feel very personal. I can’t wait to continue her classes!

Great private lesson at a time that worked for me. Good workout, very instructive as it was my first-ever experience with Pilates

Such a great instructor and intimate space

A lovely local pilates place! Small class sizes and great teachers. Marilyn, the owner, is thoughtful and great at helping you set and meet health/exercise goals! Angie, one of the teachers, has been very helpful with proper alignment and working on stability for my hyper mobility issues. I look forward to classes every week!

Better Posture is such a clean, friendly and exciting place to start your Pilates journey. The Valentine’s Day class was a success for me because the vibe was so positive. Each instructor encouraged me through and through even with this being my 5th Pilates class. I thank everyone of you for the opportunity and encouragement on my fitness journey.

Marilyn is the best! The workouts are never the same. I love working with someone who is clearly an expert in their field.

I really enjoyed the galentines event and my first introduction to Pilates. It was tough as I expected but the instructors were very hands on and attentive to each participant. Also, they were very focused on correct posture and form and I left feeling like my hips and legs were more flexible and opened. I definitely understand the hype behind Pilates and would try it again.

The valentines class was super fun!! The instructors were great. Thanks Kaia for telling me about it!

Marilyn and Gloria are wonderful instructors! I did not know how much tension I had in my hips until I took a class with them. I will absolutely be back!

an amazing class! the attention to detail was so great. will definitely be back

Wonderful class with Marilyn! Will definitely be back. + extra points for the cute doggie

Best Pilate class I’ve been to, they have all kinds of Pilate equipments. It’s a small studio so Marilyn would watch everyone’s forms. And they have a cutie puppy as a bonus

My favorite class!

amazing class !!! Love it so much

This was my first time trying Pilates and I was very pleased with Marilyn’s instruction and attention to detail and form. Exercise can feel intimidating to me but she made me feel so welcomed and comfortable while pushing me hard enough that I really got a great workout. My neck and shoulders already felt so much more relaxed after just one class. I will be back for sure.

I’ve really been enjoying the Pilates classes at Better Posture Pilates more than other group classes I’ve tried like Solidcore or Club Pilates. The smaller class size makes it feel much more personal, and the instructor actually pays attention to your form and posture. It’s definitely challenging in the best way, and I always leave feeling motivated to come back. On top of that, it’s very affordable for the quality of instruction you’re getting. Highly recommend!

I am new to pilates and I really like the studio – it is intimate and Marilyn and Gloria as instructors have been great. I like both the private one-on-one sessions and the classes so far.

Marilyn is an amazing Pilates instructor. I’ve been attending her Pilates classes for a few years now and appreciate her attentiveness and ability to provide modifications when needed. The studio and equipment are clean. Highly recommended!

I started coming here a couple years ago, wanting to try pilates after recovering from a surgery. Marilyn’s classes quickly became a part of my workout routine. Accessible and inclusive for all, the small class sizes allow the instructor to support each participant and make sure you’re completing exercises safely and effectively. I appreciate the smaller storefront neighborhood/community feel while having access to high quality reformers and equipment. I would definitely recommend this studio for anyone looking to start or continue their pilates journey and overall feel better in their body day to day. 💗

I had a wonderful experience and class with Marilyn. The studio, space, and equipment are all in amazing shape, and the environment is warm and welcoming. Marilyn is an amazing instructor with years of experience and knowledge and she is so approachable!! Her classes are so thorough, and she offers amazing cues that are very clear and easy to follow. I’m a fellow instructor, and feel that I can learn a lot from Marilyn. I’ll be back!!

Marilyn is a very knowledgeable when it comes to anatomy, biomechanics and proper form! She gets you to feel every exercise where you should be feeling it! The studio is also very clean & the equipment feels brand new!!!

Love the studio and all of the amazing instructors

The instructors at this studio are very well trained and knowledgeable, all fantastic. I also do private sessions with Marilyn. I have seen great improvement with my body and over-all fitness level. Definitely recommend this studio!

Love this place! Great instructors.super clean, good energy! Marilyn really helped me with my back pain! I highly recommend Better Posture Pilates!

Marilyn is extremely experienced and helped me greatly with my back and hip issues. i’m going to attend more classes and private sessions.

Super amazing Lexi was awesome and super helpful. Would love to attend again once my injury is healed!

I went to Better Posture during a quick weekend in Chicago and had a phenomenal time! This was my first time using a reformer and the instructor helped me feel comfortable. Looking forward to visiting again when I am in Chicago!

Better Posture Pilates is a must! From someone who knew little to nothing about the practice of Pilates, it seemed intimidating to start. Marilyn is a fabulous teacher and has a very welcoming atmosphere! Be prepared to work muscles you never even knew you had!

Marilyn is fantastic! I have been wanting to try Pilates, and she was so great introducing me to it. I highly recommend her studio!

Fantastic class! Highly recommend!

As someone fairly new to pilates, and Better Posture Pilates has been such a welcoming and encouraging place to start my journey. I love that I can modify movements when I need to, and Marilyn is fantastic at offering options so I still feel challenged without overdoing it. Her clear instructions, patience, and positivity make every class enjoyable—and I’ve already noticed improvements in my strength and posture. Highly recommend for beginners and beyond!

Fantastic! Great teachers. Great owner. Sore – but it’s manageable. Just the best pilates place in Chicago IMO!

As a Pilates beginner, I’m grateful that the instructors are kind and patient with their guidance and support. I’ve especially enjoyed Glori…

Great classes. Very knowledgeable staff. Love Marilyns classes .

Marilyn is wonderful! She focuses on your specific fitness challenges, and brings a wealth of knowledge to help you accomplish your goal. I’…

Gloria was a fantastic instructor! Great attention to detail and alignment. So glad I found this place!

Love the intimate class setting and instruction at this studio. I always leave feeling relaxed and happy 🙂

Better Posture Pilates (formally Sana Vita) has been an amazing part of my health journey for the last 20 months. Marilyn is so knowledgeable and adapts exercise to your needs. She always keeps it interesting! Thank you to her and the studio!

A warm welcome and expert-led, personalized class. Gloria is awesome!

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and signed up for the prenatal Pilates class. First time to the studio and I feel great after this class. Gloria was an excellent teacher and I loved the “private class” experience with the small studio. I plan to come back for more prenatal Pilates and likely a prenatal massage with Gloria as well.

Started by doing two private sessions with Marilyn. I learned so much about how to improve the pain and tightness in my body. Now I am taking classes and the instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend Better Posture pilates studio.

My favorite Pilates studio in Chicago — definitely a hidden gem! The instructors are knowledgeable, motivating, and super welcoming. Classes are challenging in a good way. Highly recommend!

I’m pretty new to pilates but Marilyn’s class made me fall in love with it even more! Great studio, very personalized approach. Will come back😊✨

Great class and good workout. Thank you, Marilyn!

Been going to Sana Vita for 1.5 years and usually go to Marilyn’s classes and private sessions. She takes both her craft and your form seriously, providing explanations for the movements as well as tailored modifications and posture checks as needed. I appreciate the attention she takes to maximize my workout, deepen my practice and help me stay injury-free. Marilyn has arms of steel and a heart of gold. She loves to help people gain strength and confidence through practicing Pilates. The space itself is serene and well-maintained and the vibe is always judgment-free and positive. The small class size sets it apart from other studios, especially as you tackle the initial Pilates learning curve. I decided to take Pilates on a whim and got hooked. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done for my body.

I recently visited my daughter in Chicago. I was recovering from a torn rotator cuff injury and could no longer enjoy my favorite hobby, open water swimming. My daughter recommended I take a Pilates class at Sana Vita studio. Since I had never taken a Pilates class before, I decided to take a private lesson with Marilyn. I was so impressed with her knowledge and caring manner, I immediately scheduled several more lessons. After five lessons, I had to return to Florida, but thanks to Marilyn, I was able to begin swimming again.

Derrick was such a great coach! Knows how to push people and create a comfoirtable class culture.

Challenging classes and the instructors do well with helping you make adjustments in form! Good for all levels as they will also adjust the difficulty to your needs. Highly recommend Terrance!

In my quest to find more healthy ways, I stumbled upon this sweet little place. I called ahead to inquire if Pilates would be right for me. The owner answered. I assumed she would describe something that I would never be able to do, but instead she explained that folks usually sign up for a few private sessions and then add group classes. So, I did exactly that. Marilyn D’Andrea is the owner and the only instructor I have worked with so far. I adore her! She is smart and funny and easy to talk with. She is never judgmental. Her instruction is top notch. She never pushes me too far. She explains often that the right alignment and breathing make the exercises very effective. I highly recommend this place.

I’ve been going to this studio for about 3 weeks and I really enjoy it! The owner Marilyn is so nice and makes classes very welcoming and fun. I’ve done about 4 private sessions with her as well in which she addressed specific flexibility issues I’ve been having (I’m very inflexible) and she made sure the exercises were at a pace that I wasn’t over stressing myself. Overall, I’d recommend this studio for anyone trying to get into Pilates as well!

My partner and I took intro sessions twice (duet and private) from Marilyn and we both loved it! She was very attentive to individual’s issues like pain in certain areas and imbalance and then took customized approach. That is why I especially felt much difference from taking a private class. I can tell Marilyn is very seasoned Pilates instructor and I highly recommend beginner students to take the private class from her. You will feel the difference!

Fun casual place with friendly staff, and you will live Nico!

Such an amazing boutique studio in Chicago! The instructors focus on what works best for the best while giving a productive class!

Have recently joined and love the instructors, the people, and the environment at Sana Vita. Because the classes are smaller, the instructors are able to keep a keen eye out on form and make sure to avoid injury while helping to provide any adjustments based on unique needs. Feeling my best thanks for this place and highly recommend!!

friendly boutique with knowledgeable staff

I have been taking private lessons at Sana Vita for over a year now and it has been the BEST decision I have ever made for my mind and body! I have been doing privates with the owner, Marilyn, and started before my wedding to get in shape. I have grown so strong with her help and truly enjoy every class we have together. She is so welcoming and funny – I look forward to our weekly chats and adore her little pup, Nico, who helps me with my workouts! It has such a wonderful atmosphere, is in a great location, and is more affordable than most studios in the area. I highly recommend taking privates or group classes with her or any of her colleagues!

Like it. The studio is great! I’ve come on a regular basis. They have the best pilates instructors and the classes are the best pilates I’ve ever had.

I have been taking class for 5 months now. I feel strong and healthy. Before this, I was always in physical therapy for some injury or another but since I started at Better Posture Pilates, I haven’t needed to go back to physical therapy!! Thanks Better Posture Pilates

Incredible. Nimble. Challenging and most importantly everyone gets one to one time with Marilyn or any other instructor designed for your body type and level of strength Thank you sana vita! My body is changing I can see if after every class

I’ve taken a handful of Pilates classes around the city and can confidently say that I adore Sana Vita. I opted for a private session with Marilyn on my introduction visit. Marilyn spent the first portion of our session working to align my body with massages and physical therapy style exercises that effectively helped to wake up my ‘sleeping’ muscles and also help with a few areas that were sore from other workouts earlier in the week. I left the private feeling like I was floating out of the studio. Sana Vita’s website encourages new comers to take a private lesson before jumping into a group class. I think this is a fair request as most of the group classes I’ve attended are intermediate+. If you new to Pilates all together or haven’t taken a traditional Pilates class you may find it difficult to keep up with the instructor’s queues. I’d recommend the private session for massage therapy aspect alone! I’ve taken group classes with Marilyn and Kristin so far. They’re both incredible instructors that take the time to issue verbal corrections and hands on corrections, if you’re comfortable with that. I haven’t had the opportunity to take a class with Terrance yet but I’m looking forward to it in the future. The studio is intimate, if I’m remembering correctly there are 3 reformers, 3 (maybe 4) towers, a handful of chairs, and one Cadillac. The instructors usually have classes split into groups to rotate through the equipment, I’m not sure exactly what the class capacity is but I’ve never attended a class with more than 5 people. Sana Vita is my favorite Pilates studio in Chicago ❤️ I’m so happy to have found Marilyn, the team of instructors, and Nico. How could I forget about Nico!? Nico is Marilyn’s adorable little pup, who regularly attends classes and is a very well behaved guest!

Kristin is the assolute best! She teaches with a high level of intention and care to ensure my workouts are super challenging while also being safe. I’ve never gained so much strength in my life. I’ve been going to her class for some weeks now and I love them! Teachers really make or break the experience for me and Kristin is STELLAR!

I have been doing private sessions with Marilyn for a few months now and continue to see the progress in how my body feels, looks, and moves. I am also getting ‘perfects” from Marilyn, which is motivation to not stop anytime soon!

Such a lovely, intimidate studio with passionate instructors. Marilyn is amazing and will give you a great workout!

Great classes and availabiilty

I originally came to Sana Vita in search of a low impact workout I could do while pregnant. I instantly fell head over heels in love with pilates and this studio! Through Marilyn’s instruction I not only maintained fitness, I got stronger, my endurance improved, and my back/knee pain subsided. Sana Vita is a place of physical and mental fitness lead from inclusion, compassion and deep knowledge of body mechanics. Class availability is convenient and everyone in attendance is friendly! I cannot recommend Sana Vita enough! Support a small business and try a class!

I CAN’T SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT MARILYN AND HER PILATES CLASSES. EVERYTIME I TAKE A CLASS WITH HER I KNOW I’M IN GOOD HANDS. HER KNOWLEDGE IN PILATES IS SECOND TO NONE AND I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER CLASS TO ANY ONE AT ANY LEVEL, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPOINTED!!

I hope it speaks for itself that I’ve been going to Sana Vita Studio for 10 years! Like other reviewers, I love the studio, small class size, expert instruction and what Pilates does to keep my body moving and pain free. I do a mix of group classes and private sessions. If you need work on specific body issues, I highly recommend private sessions with Marilyn. She is extremely knowledgeable and intuitive in getting to the root of the problem and developing a program to remediate it. She works non stop, putting you through supervised exercises and using massage tools and muscle activation techniques as needed. I’ve been referred to Physical Therapy twice in the last 10 years, but abandoned treatment to work out a program with Marilyn. The Big Box PT Mills did not relieve my pain and I resented being stuck in a corner to do exercises unsupervised and in bad form while the therapist was on a computer or chatting with other clients or employees. With Marilyn, you never do an exercise without her constantly checking your form. Every session is tailored to how your body is progressing (or backsliding!) and feeling that day. Marilyn has worked relentlessly to resolve some persistent pain issues I’ve suffered and I will be forever grateful to her! On top of all the good work that is done here, the studio is also a fun place to be that attracts a friendly and generous clientele.

Thank you Better Posture Pilates for helping me get to where I’ve wanted to be for years.I feel great and believe I look it too. I love all your classes. Marilyn. can’t thank you enough. I can’t imagine not having you in my life.

Great place that meets you at your experience level.

Great studio and great classes! Highly recommend.

Marilyn is amazing! She will help you work muscles you didn’t know existed. Every class is different and challenging. I highly recommend Sana Vita.

This is a fantastic studio. I first started with private sessions. I had knee and hip issues and these sessions alleviated so much of my pain. I learned a great deal about proper form from Marilyn who is very knowledgable. I am now doing classes and love all the instructors. Thank you Sana Vita! Such a fun place to workout.

I love the classes here! Marilyn is an amazing Pilates instructor who will tailor the class to your needs. At the finish of class you will feel a difference in your entire body. I always leave feeling so much better!

I love Marilyn’s pilates class! You’ll love her full body workouts!

Great classes and great instructors. Really takes the time to make sure you are in proper form. Always leave class feeling great!

A great workout that targets all the right places!

I’ve been going to the mat classes here for a little over a year and love it! Even their virtual classes now are awesome. Annette is a fantastic instructor, would definitely recommend checking them out.

Love this place. I’ve done a few of the Yamuna classes and looking forward to trying more of their classes.

I love Sana Vita Studio. New to yoga, Teri creates an environment that fosters learning correct form and helps reduce stress from day to day life. My private lessons are always a high point in my week.

I love this studio. Not a cramped chain, which definitely makes me feel more comfortable. Love the instructors too!

The three best days of my week are spent at Sana Vita for Pilates! Private lesson are a special treat and the small classes are fabulous too!

Excellent! highly recommended 🙂

I have been attending this place for a year (anniversary email just arrived), and I can say I love it. It’s small, but cozy and has just the right amount of equipment. I attend the owner’s class and she is bomb! Knows her stuff well and provides great music. If you are new to pilates or just want a more quiet, intimate setting, this place is for you.

As a middle-aged man seeking alternatives to traditional forms of exercise, I was initially skeptical of enrolling in pilates classes. Like many adult males, I viewed pilates and yoga in the abstract: It was designed for females or for soft men unable to endure the rigors of hard, physical training. After suffering a slight injury which restricted exercise, I acted on the recommendation of an acquaintance who had long praised the arts of pilates and yoga as an alternative physical activity. After carefully researching local studios in the city, I registered for private sessions with Marilyn, the owner of Sana Vita, for over one year before moving into group class. In my third year, I have continued with yoga and pilates and have found both forms of physical conditioning to be extraordinarily beneficial in increasing my flexibility, joint mobility, balance and overall strength, and reaching all my muscle groups. With a command of both arts, all three trainers with whom I am acquainted, Marilyn, Jessica, and Erica, have broadened my exercise horizons and have taught me health maintenance is achieved as successfully on a reformer and a mat as it is with weights. The owner and her staff are wonderful professionals!

My shoulder blade pain has significantly decreased since attending Pilates classes here. These women are knowledgeable regarding exercises, human anatomy, and Pilates. highly recommended! Also Jess is beyond helpful and kind!

The best Pilates studio I’ve found. I drive from Old town 4x a week to Sana Vita. Marilyn is awesome. Love this studio!!!!!

I have been going to Sana Vita for several years now and it really is the best studio I have been to. For the last year most of my private sessions have been virtual and it has worked out really well. I love that I can keep my practice going and stay safe. Marilyn worked very had to make the virtual classes succeed. I am close to my second vaccine and will be happy to be in the studio but I expect I will fortune to do some virtual when I need to.

I’ve been taking private lessons here for a few months, twice per week, and continue to see results from the investment. There are a few teachers here, all with different styles and personalities so there’s probably a match for everyone. With that in mind, I tried two different instructors. I’ve been working exclusively with Jessica M. and her knowledge of kinesiology and pilates is helping me address alignment issues and build strength incrementally. She also understands what physical adjustments to make during the session to ensure I am in proper form vs. just watching me and counting. With Jessica’s proactive instruction, I’ve learned a lot and can work out at home in between our sessions to add momentum to our progress. Scheduling is easy and convenient. There is a variety of group classes available each week at the studio. The studio is spotless.

I have been very pleased with Pilates session at Sana Vita. I have explained to Marilyn how my knee gets stressed, and at times also gives me pain, as I squat. She designed a very effective exercise routine that appropriately progressed me through movements and position in which I needed to get stronger in order for the pain to abate. After a session I always feel more balanced and I also feel as if my movements have been corrected. I was especially impressed how Marilyn was attuned to small details as I performed the exercises. I am a personal trainer and a muscle activation technique specialists, and I know how small mechanical details can have a significant impact on results gained from exercise. For example, she noticed how my foot would externally rotate or pronate as I was performing squats on the reformer. She placed on some exercises that worked the muscles of my foot. After these exercises squatting felt more stable.

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