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Pilates studio tones options for fitness training
Marilee Papale, owner of Essence Pilates, coaches students Theresa Turok of Buffalo Grove (closest) and Tamarah Rosen of Bannockburn as they demonstrate pike exercises executed using a pilates chair.| Michelle LaVigne ~ Sun-Times Media
Essence Pilates
• Location: 849 N. Waukegan Road, Deerfield
• Contact: 847-607-9966 www.EssencePilates.com
• Deals: Customized packages are available
• Fact: The Pilates program was created during World War I by Joseph Pilates.
Source: Marilee Papale
Article Extras
Updated: November 28, 2012 4:02PM
DEERFIELD — Essence Pilates owner Marilee Papale wanted to bring a new fitness experience to Deerfield area clients.
“When I was looking at another location, I was being requested by many of my (Highland Park) clients to look at Deerfield because there wasn’t anything like this out here,” Papale said.
Sitting on a Pilates reformer machine, beaming with sweat from a recent workout, Papale said, even though there are health clubs in the area, her clients were looking for something more.
“They didn’t feel like there was a boutique place they could just come in and do their thing and leave,” Papale said.
Papale, who’s been practicing Pilates for 15 years, said she opened her Deerfield studio on Aug. 1. “It’s yoga on steroids,” Papale said with a laugh. “It’s a lengthening, strengthening and toning of the entire body, the entire body in 55 minutes.
In creating her studio, Papale said it was important to focus on the client’s needs and to create a positive experience for them.
“We have our clients from the city who drive up here because they love the studio and they loved the atmosphere,” Papale said. “I want everyone to be relaxed in here.”
Part of that client focus, Papale said, is small, intimate class sizes – limited to only five people.
“We only have five of each machine,” Papale said. “That is so the instructor can look at the client at all times and make sure their alignment is good.”
Papale said a lot of people are afraid to try Pilates, thinking it may be too hard. Her response is, “give it a try.”
“Once they come in, they see it, they love it, it becomes their habit, they say,” Papale said.
“We have a great 55-minute evaluation (for new clients),” Papale said. “We go through and tell you what we see in your body, what we feel we could work on and to strengthen you up.”
In addition to customizing individual sessions to each client’s skill level and overall goal, Papale said she also offers other classes, focusing on cardio.
“We have non-equipment classes,” Papale said. “You can take yoga, mat Pilates, Zumba and indoor cycling as well.”
Papale said she is excited about bringing a new program to her Deerfield studio: it’s called Piloxing.
“If you can imagine Pilates (poses) while doing boxing (movements),” Papale said.
As far as doing business in Deerfield, Papale said, “it’s been awesome.”
“The village has been great, really embracing us, and the residents have been wonderful,” Papale said. “It’s been non-stop and people are just loving it.”
Papale said her clients come from many backgrounds, including high school cheerleaders looking for extra strengthening, to those recovering from spinal surgery.
