About

Better Posture Pilates is a *Pilates and yoga studio* at *1357 W. Grand Ave* in Chicago's West Loop, owned and taught by *Marilyn D'Andrea*. D'Andrea first opened the space in 2004 as *Sana Vita Studio*; after a 2024 sale fell through when the buyer stopped paying rent and left both D'Andrea and the landlord unpaid for ten months, she took the business back and relaunched it under its current name. Google reviewers give the studio a perfect *5.0 rating* across *129 reviews*.

D'Andrea holds a *master's degree in exercise science* and spent time in cardiac rehabilitation at Northwestern Memorial Hospital before training and certifying as a Pilates instructor. That clinical background shows up in how sessions are taught — closer to *physical therapy* than a typical fitness class, with a heavy focus on alignment, breath, and controlled movement rather than intensity.

What to expect

The studio runs *55-minute private sessions* and *55-minute group reformer classes*, along with yoga classes. New clients are typically pointed toward a private session first, so D'Andrea or an instructor can assess individual alignment and movement issues before building out a class plan.

A small instructor team extends the studio's range: *Angie Palomo* (Power Pilates-trained, nine years teaching), *Raven Thompson* (a registered nurse focused on injury prevention), *Gloria Lin* (a certified yoga teacher specializing in women's wellness and prenatal/postpartum support), and *Annette Gryniewicz*, who teaches *virtual private sessions* and trained at The Frog Temple and The Pilates Center in Boulder.

Highlights

Every session is built around *modifications for the individual* — D'Andrea says the studio welcomes everyone from first-time beginners to advanced athletes because instructors adjust each exercise rather than running one fixed program. Balance training is a deliberate part of that approach, aimed specifically at *reducing fall and injury risk*.

The studio also runs seasonal community events, including *Lake Michigan boat outings* that pair a Pilates class with food, massages, and a gift bag — a distinctive add-on beyond the standard studio schedule.

Pricing

A single *private session runs $60*, two run *$120*, and a *"4 classes plus 1 private session" intro special* runs *$140*; group reformer classes are also available at a *$15* introductory rate. *5- or 10-session private packages* and *5- or 10-class group packages* are available beyond the intro offers for clients who want to commit past the first visit, and a referral program credits a complimentary session or class when a referred friend buys one of those packages.

Good to know

Better Posture Pilates is open *seven days a week* — *7 a.m. to 7 p.m.* Monday through Friday and *7 a.m. to 4 p.m.* on Saturday and Sunday. Reach the studio at *773-386-8831* or *betterposturepilates@gmail.com*, or book a session directly online.

The studio is in the *West Loop*, with virtual private-session options for clients who can't make it in person. Given the range of instructor specialties on staff, it's worth mentioning specific goals — *prenatal/postpartum recovery, injury prevention, or general beginner instruction* — when booking.

Hours

Monday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Recent reviews

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…

Akhila Surneni · 5/5 · 7 months ago

Such a unique and relaxing experience! The Pilates class on the yacht was well-paced, the instructor was encouraging, and the views made the workout even more enjoyable. I left feeling refreshed. The vendors were…

Shavelle Payne · 5/5 · a month ago

This was the best Pilates class on the boat! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I had an amazing time, and the refreshments were delicious as well. I can't wait to…

Akiyah Washington-Branch · 5/5 · a month ago

Links

Email Phone Website Facebook Google Maps