OUR STORY

A true passion + love of Pilates

Engage Pilates was born from a true passion and love of Pilates, and our desire to share that passion with our community. The practice of Pilates is for everyBODY and all are welcome in our space. We invite you to come and experience movement with us that is accessible to all levels, helps strengthen your core , increase flexibility, improve posture, and prevent injury.

 
 
 
 

Cindy

Owner + Co-Founder

After a long career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, I was looking for a change. I fell in love with Pilates and the way it made me feel inside and out. After doing private sessions with Elyse for several months, together we dreamed up Engage Pilates and made it a reality. She encouraged me to become a Pilates Instructor and I completed my training through The Lab Pilates in Chicago under Jacqueline Brennan (Pilates+Coffee) and Holly Swanson (Core Chicago Pilates). While you will mostly find me running the business side of Engage Pilates, I also teach group classes and private sessions.

  • I want to share the joy of feeling good in your own skin, feeling strong, and the importance of taking care of your body. I love the mind-body connection of Pilates practice.

  • I love trying new restaurants, spending time with my family, going to the beach, and traveling as much as possible!

 

Molly

Instructor

I attended the University of Cincinnati’s College of Music Conservatory and received my BFA in Dance. I started practicing Pilates when I joined my first professional dance company as a way to prevent injuries and quickly fell in love with how powerful the classes made me feel. I completed my comprehensive Pilates teacher training at The Lab Pilates in Chicago under Jacqueline Brennan and Holly Swanson. I also teach dance next door at Kaleidoscope Dance and Movement Center.

  • My teaching style delves a lot into the mind- body connection. I want my clients to not only do the exercise correctly, but to understand how they’re doing it and gain more body awareness. I think that is something people can take from their Pilates practice into their everyday lives.

  • When I am not teaching Pilates or Ballet, I love going to concerts! My post pandemic resolution is to see (or perform in) at least one live dance or music performance each month.

 

Alessandra

Instructor

Originally from New Jersey, I graduated with a BFA in Ballet from the University of Utah, and then moved to Chicago to join Hubbard Street’s Professional Program. Upon moving to Chicago I found Pilates as a way to condition my body and prevent and rehabilitate injuries. I completed my Comprehensive Pilates Teacher training in May of 2021 through The Lab Pilates in Chicago. I love helping clients achieve their goals and seeing a difference in their lives while practicing Pilates.

  • My style is rooted in the classical repertoire but incorporates ideas and movement from more of a contemporary viewpoint focusing on strengthening the powerhouse.

  • All of my massage tools and balls for my muscles- they keep me together!

 

Sage

Pilates Instructor

Passion for movement has guided me to pursue a life centered career around movement. Immersed in dance at an early age, I studied a broad range of styles and techniques leading to completing a BFA in dance from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. While at Cornish, studies in anatomy extended my passion in movement beyond dance and into mechanics of mobility which naturally led to the world of Pilates. Continuing her education in this path, I enrolled in The Lab Pilates Teacher Training in 2021. I enjoy the challenge of connecting all facets of movement, human anatomy, health and well being to help guide students to their individual potential.

  • Movement! Pilates, dancing, walking , biking, anything that keeps me moving. This is essential for existence for me.

  • I like to focus on alignment, particularly with the ribs and thoracic zone. It can be easily overlooked but it's essential to everything from breathing correctly, creating a deeper connection to a better functioning core, alleviating back, shoulder and neck tension, as well as issues related to the pelvic floor.

 

Signe

Pilates Instructor

I found my love for movement at an early age, practicing dance of all forms. I continued that passion through college, earning a BA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point where I cross-trained with Pilates. Shortly after receiving my degree in 2020, I moved to Chicago and found the comprehensive Pilates teacher training program at The Lab by Jacqueline Brennan and Holly Swanson. My passion for movement is harnessed through Pilates, and I'm grateful to share that with others, opening an inclusive environment for everyone to connect with their body and mind.

  • My style is "sneaky calm". My voice can be very relaxing, to help connect your body, mind, and breath, then you suddenly find yourself performing challenging movements. The body is so powerful, and I want to build everybody's confidence, strength, mobility, and flexibility to do exercises you may have not expected to perform.

  • You can find me reading and walking my dog on Lake Michigan, baking sweet treats in my kitchen, or bowling in my Monday night league.

 

Liza

Pilates Instructor

Growing up as a dancer, as well as having experience in gymnastics, movement has always been a huge part of my life.  I set aside dance for school, attending Columbia College in Chicago.  It wasn't until years after that I decided to get my certification in Aerial Fitness, as well as Pilates.  I completed my training with the Lab in Chicago with Holly Swanson and Jacquelyn Brennan.  I love that Pilates is so effective and safe for all ages.  Teaching it is so rewarding and I love to see clients progress and achieve their goals.

  • I found Pilates through my sister and friends. My sister practiced mat Pilates when I was in college and I took a few classes with her. Years later I was introduced to the equipment through a close friend. Once I took class on the reformer, I was hooked!

  • I love spending time with my cats and watching scary movies. Funny enough, that is what my husband and I bonded about on our first date. I also love being outside come summer time. We only get a few months here in Chicago, so I try to do as much as I can in the warm weather!

 

Natalia

Pilates Instructor

I am originally from Brazil, and moved to Chicago in 2018 and I just love it here!  When working towards my Physical Therapy degree, I learned about the mind-body connection and naturally picked up Pilates as a lifestyle.  I have been an instructor since 2011 and own a studio in Brazil with my sister.  When not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and 3 year old daughter.

  • My Pilates teaching style is more contemporary. I focus on moving the body in all directions and my classes are always a full body workout.

  • I love Chicago for it’s beautiful views and the diversity around the city.