Why Movement Improved Pilates?

At MI Pilates, we believe in the traditional strength and stamina building that comes from a regular practice of pilates, but we also strive to keep pilates fun and functional. To do this, we have built a small, boutique style studio which allows us time for hands-on correction and constant creativity, all while still teaching the fundamentals and encouraging progressions. Classes are small and instruction evolves with the needs of each participant. There is a reason why physical therapists recommend pilates as part of any injury recovery and injury prevention program. They recommend it, because a pilates practice improves everyday functional movement and overall mind and body awareness (better proprioception). Because of this, we look to make pilates available to every body and help people understand what pilates is, beyond the punch line of a great movie joke.

At Mi Pilates there are no membership fees, no sign-up fees, no "on-boarding" fees, or locked-in contracts. 

Our clients purchase individual classes, packages, or privates that work for them and their budget.

We believe in keeping it simple ... book a class, attend that class, and feel better.

We are often asked ...

"Will pilates help with ________" - fill in the blank with all kinds of things - strength, my golf game, stamina, flexibility, baseball, balance, etc. -> the answer is YES.

Why? 

Because Pilates is a full body workout that uses muscles you didn't know you have along with the combination of practicing balance, control, mind-body connection - all while increasing your stamina. These things together, help with injury recovery, injury prevention, everyday mobility, and strength building.

Plus, pilates is FUN! Come try a session with us.

Contact us by phone, text ,or email.

P: 224-201-7254

T: 224-344-1799

E: pilates@mipilates.studio

Our Instructors

Elizabeth Giromini

Elizabeth has completed a 500 hour renowned pilates certification program, including certification in use of a pilates reformer, cadillac, tower, chair, ladder barrel, spine corrector, trigger point, and TRX trainer. She has taught over 500 hours of group equipment instruction as well as private equipment sessions. Elizabeth has been practicing pilates since 2018.

Continuing education is a constant in Elizabeth’s practice and method of preparation. She regularly attends certified instructor training sessions as well as maintaining memberships to programs that provide creative content ideas and facilitates instructor knowledge sharing. Elizabeth also loves dogs, coffee, swimming, crochet, reading, and Jesus. She is a homeschool mom, with two kids at home and one off at college, and she also has a loving, supportive, and Peloton-espresso-obsessed, husband, Derek.

Kinga Kielbasa

Kinga began her Pilates journey in 2021 and completed her 500 hour training program through a respected certification program. Originally from Poland, she grew up in Palatine and graduated with the Palatine Pirates in 2015. Kinga was drawn to becoming an Instructor because: “I love the different variety of workouts that challenge both my mind and body, and being able to show a Client how Pilates will change their life is the best feeling!” When not in the studio teaching, Kinga enjoys hanging out with her son, Kol, reading a good book, and finding new recipes!

Mary Tapia

Mary comes to pilates from the world of competitive sports including triathlons, weightlifting and even roller derby! While pushing her body to its limits, she found pilates necessary to stay aligned and balanced physically and mentally. After practicing pilates regularly for 2 years she completed her Teacher Training Program in 2021, in an effort to bring this same holistic approach to living to everyone. When Mary isn't in the pilates studio you can find her at the Art Institute leading student tours, volunteering at Journey's Hope Center in Palatine, or curating custom cocktails.

Lori Elo

Lori started her journey in Pilates when she was in her 20’s. After giving birth to twin daughters, she chose Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, Boxing and Boot Camp to get herself back in shape. Lori decided to become an instructor when her daughters were grown and felt it was a way to give back and help others transform their lives. She became certified in STOTT Pilates on all of the apparatus and partnered her fitness knowledge with Weight Training, TRX, Barre, and Cardio Fitness training. Her philosophy is to take a classical exercise and challenge her clients by adding props and variations. Pilates is her passion not a job!

Jada Bykn

After more than 15 years of experience as a human resources professional, Jada’s journey eventually led her to Pilates—a practice that immediately resonated with her and inspired her to become an instructor. She believes that staying active is essential for a healthy life at any age, and Pilates offers a versatile approach with exercises that can be adapted to every individual’s needs and abilities. As an instructor, her goal is to create an engaging and supportive environment, where participants can enjoy themselves while experiencing an effective and rewarding workout. Outside the studio, she is a proud mom of twin girls and loves spending time at their band and color guard competitions. She also enjoys crochet and baking, which bring creativity and balance to her everyday life.

What is Pilates?

Oxford defines pilates as: exercises using a special apparatus, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.

Further explanation comes from the creation of pilates, originally called contrology, by Joseph Pilates. Joe was always obsessed with exercise and health. His parents were also health nuts and encouraged his interest in a variety of physical actives including gymnastics, boxing, martial-arts, and body building. After World War I, Joseph and his wife, Clara, immigrated to the United States to further developed their idea of contrology. They began to construct apparatuses to aid the body in developing strength and flexibility. Over the years, they built a following of people who believed in their ideas and led to spreading the benefits of contrology.