Pilates Fulton Market Chicago Metaphysical Pilates West Loop

Why Metaphysical Pilates?

We are experiencing one of the most fundamental shifts in history and while we have access to more resources and information than ever before, we are more stressed and face greater chronic health and mental illness that could be prevented by interrupting negative thoughts through consciousness and movement. Everyone wants peace of mind, and healing begins with positive thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes as it stimulates our emotions that affect our health and choices in life. Metaphysical Pilates is a community that interacts with the relationship between mind and body to change the state of being from within to receive a healthier life from without.

Metaphysical Pilates reconnects us back to our center through spiritual science and matter.

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Work Deep into the Core,

Deep into the Mind,

and Deep into the Spirit

for a Happier and Healthier Life.

Who We Are

Metaphysical Pilates is a revolutionary holistic practice for achieving a more conscious mind, healthy body, and joyful life.

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What are the benefits of doing Pilates?

Pilates lengthens and strengthens all the major muscle groups in a balanced fashion. Focused mental concentration is used to center and control your body through methodical movement. Every exercise has a rhythmic and breathing component in integrating a whole-body connection.

Is Pilates for everyone?

Pilates is structured to cater to anyone from beginner to advanced. Pilates is often introduced in physical therapy as some of the best ways to manage chronic pain or recover from injuries.

You can perform exercises using your own body weight and with the help of various Pilates’ apparatus machines.

What is a typical Pilates workout?

A typical Pilates workout includes a number of controlled movements. A methodical approach in stretching, lengthening, and strengthening the muscles to create balance throughout your body. Each exercise is performed with mindful attention to proper breathing techniques and abdominal muscle control. To gain the maximum benefit, you should do Pilates at least two or three times a week.

"Contrology [Pilates] is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. It develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit." Joseph Pilates

"What is balance of body and mind? It is the conscious control of all muscular movements of the body." Joseph Pilates

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Client Testimonials

When I first came to Gloria, I was recovering from a back injury. The back injury was actually the latest in a series of injuries, This most recent injury was specifically due to an injury that occurred while deadlifting and squatting. I ended up with a bulging disc in my L4 and L5 vertebrae. My doctor initially prescribed multiple months of physical therapy. After the initial treatment, my doctor and therapist recommended Pilates. At this point in time, I was still in a chronic state of dull pain in my lower back, had limited mobility, and was weak overall. It was difficult for the first couple of weeks, but Gloria’s encouragement, guidance, care, and attention allowed me to strengthen my core, increase my flexibility, and increase my physical confidence. After a few weeks my back was no longer in constant pain, and I was completing physical movements that were nearly impossible a few weeks prior. I have now been seeing Gloria for about a year and a half, and I wouldn’t trade my time in the studio with her or our friendship for anything. Gloria is always looking for new methodologies, exercises, or approaches to incorporate into her lessons, which makes the classes more challenging yet more satisfying and effective. I am now at a point where I am able to get back into the weight room with confidence and am now doing CrossFit, which is something I had a hard time thinking would be possible without Gloria’s coaching. As a guy, I used to always think Pilates was for girls and was therefore rather intimidated and probably self-conscious about going to a class. But I am now a Pilates evangelist and preach the gospel of Pilates to anyone who cares to listen (and even those who don’t).

Garrett
Pilates with Gloria was a wonderful experience. As a person with mild multiple sclerosis, I had MS improvement in the following areas which was most beneficial: 1)body awareness, 2) confidence, 3) movement ability. Gloria's patience & understanding of the challenges associated with MS resulted in learning how to rise above the challenges, particularly in walking. I recommend her in the highest order!

Pilates with Gloria was a wonderful experience. As a person with mild multiple sclerosis, I had MS improvement in the following areas which was most beneficial:
1)body awareness,
2) confidence,
3) movement ability

Andrea (Multiple Sclerosis Client)
I met Gloria Santiago in a mat class & found her to be extremely knowledgeable about the skeletal system. After physical therapy & numerous recommendations & advice, she showed me specific exercises that cured the pain. I have been practicing many forms of Pilates: mat, equipment such as the reformer, chair, Cadillac, etc. for 20 years. Gloria has been my private Pilates instructor for the past several years. I find her to hold high expectations for the intended outcomes. Her cues, explanations, and demonstrations are excellent in making sure I am always aligned. I am challenged each session. I am leaner and more aware of my positive changes all while enjoying my full body workout.

Carla K
As a woman in her “senior years,” I began working with Gloria on a weekly basis eight years ago. She was extremely helpful before and after a total knee replacement, with various neck and shoulder difficulties and with helping me strengthen a weak core. Gloria is knowledgeable about anatomy. She pays exquisite attention to proper form, breath work and proper alignment. Gloria stays completely focused throughout the session. She can shift attention to what my body needs, (even if I am not aware of what I need) on a specific day. I trust her completely!

Carla L.
When discovering I had lung cancer and looking at a number of options, my decision was surgery—removing the lobe of the lung that contained the malignant cell. After healing from the surgery with one less lobe and a crushed diaphragm from a past motorcycle accident I naturally did not breath as easily as I once did. At a number of people’s advice, I decided to take up Pilates. At the advice of my trainer, I went to see Gloria. After about 9 months of training with her, I was breathing as good as before surgery and the accident. She did an excellent job of helping me breathe easy. Thanks Gloria!!!!

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Dennis
Gloria is a special teacher. She sees beneath the surface and ever so kindly helps you make progress without pressure. You just want to improve. She is continually learning and integrating information to use on the body, in a practiced way. My shoulders rounded forward from sitting in front of the computer and certain habits from life. She stretched out my rounded shoulders and now I look much better. The adjustment made things work more effectively and I can build on that. I tell her that she has been on my body’s side in my struggles, more than I am. I am grateful my body has had her for a teacher and advocate. Gloria’s teaching methodology incorporates a mind-body approach that led me to regain strength in my body overall. I am still working on it, but she helped to realign my shoulders which is foundational for everything in my daily life from sitting to movement, plus they look much better. I am incredibly grateful for her friendship and expertise.

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Diane
I started Pilates on the recommendation of a physical therapist I was seeing for back and sciatic pain; my work with Gloria has definitely helped alleviate those symptoms. I’ve been working with Gloria for almost ten years. She is a gifted teacher who pays excellent attention to details. Over the years my strength, endurance and posture have all materially improved. Gloria has the ability to breakdown the components of every exercise so they are understandable and achievable. She is a fine person who I consider a friend.

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Errol
As a surgeon I have a very physical job, and I was experiencing regular back pain that was limiting both my professional and personal life. I was referred to do Pilates specifically with Gloria by a friend who had seen her with positive results in the past. At first I was skeptical having never done Pilates before, but once I started working with Gloria regularly my back pain decreased, I lost weight, and haven’t had any of my back discomfort return. My work and personal life are more enjoyable without regular orthopedic pain, and I’m confident it was because of the work I did and continue to do with Gloria. I see Gloria regularly and can’t speak highly enough of the impact she’s had on my life.

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Jamie
It is both a privilege and honor to be able to write a testimonial for Gloria. Working out with Gloria was the highlight of my week on tour. She is enthusiastic, motivating, and truly knowledgeable about all things fitness. Her awesome videos were so helpful and convenient for me. It is her “you can do it” attitude and passion that makes you want to strive and come back for more. She is caring, supportive, encouraging, has a great sense of humor. I genuinely believe that hiring Gloria will be one of the best investments you can make in for yourself.

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Jaclyn Stapp
A session with Gloria is empowering on all levels - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There is a reverence to her practice - it is not just a workout but a thoughtful exploration of the mind/body connection. She will make your body strong, but first she will make you believe you already are.

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Lindsey
Gloria is incredible! Every session is fresh and keeps me motivated and focused. I have been training with her for 3 years and have yet to repeat a workout. I used to be an avid triathlete and can say that my core strength has never been as strong as it is since training with Gloria. She also trained me when I was pregnant and adapted our workouts to focus on appropriate areas and relieve stress in others. Her mind/body approach has improved both my physical and mental wellbeing. Gloria’s calm demeanor and patience leaves me feeling refreshed and revitalized even after hard work out.

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Liz
Pilates with Gloria has been the best move I have made in my health journey. Her meticulous focus on form and content innovation yield results, and her fun style makes it more like hanging out than working out!

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Marshall
Gloria’s instruction is at the intersection of formal Pilates, adventure seeking, and play. I have done Pilates off and on throughout the years, but it was never anything like this. Her customized routines are always fresh, strengthening and stretching muscles I did not know I had. I have become freakishly strong, and I continually receive compliments on my posture from strangers. I grew an inch in my 40th-year because of Pilates with Gloria!

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Sarah
I believe that Gloria's Mind/Body approach has led me to a much higher level of achievement, not only in the Pilates studio, but outside of it as well. It has taught me to narrowly focus mentally and physically on the parts of my body that needed to strengthen. I no longer have lower back pain and I am starting to run faster miles than I ever have before! I have also seen improvement in my mobility in yoga and tennis. It has been a life changer! As a result of all these positive changes, I feel that my internal spirit has been lifted as well. I believe that I can set higher goals for myself and achieve them! I would call that a true mind/ body /spirit experience!

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Sharon
I have been seeing Gloria weekly for Pilates sessions for over 3 years and recommend her in the highest terms. I initially came to her when I was caring regularly for an infant and a toddler grandchild and after a day of lifting either of them, my back hurt badly. Gloria worked with me to strengthen my core and back muscles, and after about 3 months I could come through days of lifting with few if any ill effects. Beyond this, whenever I come with muscle aches Gloria listens carefully and works with me to find movements to alleviate the problem, most of the time this has helped to a significant degree. In more general terms, it is noticeably clear to me that I'm stronger now than I was for some years as I have grown older, I'm standing taller, and feel optimistic about my body withstanding the ageing process. Also, Gloria encourages me to listen carefully to my body as I am going through my routine, on one hand to feel what is happening and sense whether it is what we are aiming for and on the other to internalize the nuances of the position or movement so I can carry it with me to other exercises and to my life outside.

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Susan