Testimonials
  and Client

Photos

THE BACK WHISPERER! I'm in my mid-30s, busy business owner / Team Nutritionist for the Chicago Bulls. Back pain has always been something I struggled with due to a lack of strength, a car accident about 7 years ago, and overall lack of movement (sitting so much!). For years, I'd do strength training with a personal trainer, but then my back would flare up after a couple weeks, and I would have to completely stop. I finally got sick of that cycle when even walking for 30 minutes would be uncomfortable. With the recommendation of my colleague at the Chicago Bulls, I went all in on pilates.

I've worked with Shane 3x a week for the last 9 months. He has been able to personalize my movement journey so that I never took any steps backwards. I was only making progress on strength and managing structural/muscular issues. He was intentional and calculated in every exercise he put me through and in what order he would do it. I've never experienced that much attention to detail (and consequently, RESULTS) from a personal trainer.

I've already referred him to my contacts in professional sports because of his solid education and background, friendly and professional personality, and ability to individualize his clients' unique movement journeys. Most importantly, he's helped me finally be able to move well :) Thank you, Shane!

-Jenny W

I heard about Movement Med a few years ago but a very bad fall, broken bones, and then Covid delayed my start. How I wish I had discovered Pilates, this studio, and my excellent instructor Erica Mott much sooner. I started Pilates in September and was hooked from the start. The results are visible and the way I feel and move has dramatically improved. Erica is an extraordinary trainer. She is highly intuitive, knows the body and is attuned to my current limitations. I find her to be innovative in her approach to what I can’t do now but might very well be able to do in the future. The icing on the cake is her caring manner, intelligence, and very positive energy. I love Pilates at Movement Med and think Erica is a gem.

-Diane B

My daughter has been seeing Erica for Pilates weekly since September to improve her core and overall strength for dance. Erica is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, both pushing and encouraging my daughter to reach her goals. My daughter is learning a lot and showing improvement. And although Erica works her hard, what I love most is hearing the conversation and laughter during their time together. My daughter looks forward to their sessions and I’m so thankful we found someone for her to learn from and look up to!

-Jodi T

I have been very fortunate to experience Pilates training from several instructors over the last ten years. Mysti at Movement Med (love this studio too), is one of the best! She LISTENS to her clients. So many instructors are set with same routines. Therefore, they are not helping you to achieve goals or relieve symptoms that you have been expressed to them. I have had several neck issues (degeneration, arthritis, etc) occur over the last year. It has been painful and challenging for me to work. It also has been frustrating as I love to work out. Other instructors have not taken the time to guide and position my neck correctly during the session. Because of their lack of LISTENING, I would have to come home and take a pain reliever for my neck because the pain was worse. Due to Mysti’s LISTENING and responding with careful and creative workout sessions, I feel great when I leave the Movement Med studio and not in more pain. I really enjoy working out again! Thanks Mysti!

-Melissa S

Shane is a seasoned professional in the field of rehabilitative fitness, pilates, and wellness. I have worked with Shane for over six months to build core strength after being diagnosed with a herniated L5/S1 disc and strongly recommended to get serious about core training by my spine doctor. In this six month period, Shane has worked me from the basics of pilates/core strengthening to more complex fitness training/pilates while significantly increasing core strength and decreasing pain associated with my herniated disc. Far beyond basic fitness training/core strengthening, Shane has also taught me a great deal about how to be more in tune with my body to minimize injury and maximize awareness of capabilities. I see Shane once a week in the Chicago Center for Body Movement in the west loop, but he also performs training in Lincoln Park and Highland   Park.

Shane has been spectacular. His calm demeanor, thoughtful workouts, and in depth explanation of the body, far beyond core training, has resulted in me being in the best health of my life. the variety of the workouts are terrific, his deep knowledge of pilates and anatomy/physiology are highly impressive. he is ever mindful of effective ways to communicate in order to maximize the time available in workouts while keeping each week full of variety. he has also offered an increasingly complex home program for me to utilize beyond the once a week training sessions. I very much look forward to my trainings session with Shane and am highly impressed with what I have accomplished in such a short period of time under his guidance. I can't give Shane high enough accolades and anyone who is interested in health/body/fitness, particularly if you have suffered an injury, would be well advised to work with Shane.

 -J. Darr

 Shane has had a significant positive impact on my post-back-surgery body, and I strongly recommend him.

Prior to surgery, I was very active. I worked-out five days a week lifting weights and doing cardio.  After I had the back surgery (Microdisectomy L4/L5), I completed six weeks of physical therapy, but I was far from fully recovered.  I was scared and depressed that my body would never be the same and that I would have to give up my love of fitness.  I needed to find someone who could help me with post-rehab recovery, and I searched for someone with expertise in spinal rehab and core conditioning.  An acquaintance referred me to Shane, who I started seeing approximately 5-1/2 months after the surgery.

Shane noted my new fear of my body and of hurting myself again, and he assured me that this would be a process leading to a program that would be specific to my injury and my lifestyle.  Shane has a very patient, calm demeanor.  Happily, the progress he has helped me achieve is unbelievable.  My core is stronger than it has ever been.  I have received several compliments on my posture since training with him.  He also has helped me become more aware of my body alignment and helped me gain back my confidence.  Due to my lifestyle, I still have some days where I experience some back discomfort, but it is reassuring to know that my weekly session with Shane seems to get my body back on track.
 
I have been seeing Shane for about a year and a half, and my results have been amazing.  I have my strength and range of motion back.  I am grateful to work with Shane, who has helped me obtain results that I could not have achieved by myself.

Shane receives my highest recommendation for a pilates instructor for students/patients with back problems.

-Wendy P

 I have been working with Shane Rhoads as my private Pilates instructor for almost three years now. I am stronger, leaner and in the best shape of my life due to his expertise. His studio is gorgeous and I love the convenient location!

As a long-distance runner, I have experienced ZERO injuries since working with Shane as he is highly attuned to preventative health and training. In addition to traditional pilates training on the reformer, he consistently challenges my strength so sessions are never dull!

I cannot highly recommend Shane and Movement Med enough!

-Lauren C

I am so happy my physical therapists referred me to Shane Rhoads at MovementMed. As a trainer, he is so much more knowledgeable than other Pilates instructors with whom I’ve worked. Shane is extremely well versed in human anatomy and uses Pilates equipment to help me get progressively stronger with each session. In addition, he is a very caring person who doesn’t fail to follow up with me to see how I’m doing.

- Adrienne

I have been working with Shane for over a year now, after recovering from shoulder injury.  He is knowledgeable, calm and highly professional. Importantly he designed an individualized program that has allowed me to improve flexibility and strength while avoiding injury.  

His new location in Streeterville emphasizes privacy in an understated but comfortable environment.  

I highly recommend him and his new studio for anyone that wants to work on flexibility and strength or people that are recovering from injuries.

-Jacob S

Ania is an amazing Pilates instructor! Her passion and expertise shine through in every class. I've seen great progress in my strength and flexibility. Highly recommend!

- Nir L

This is a beautiful and large studio. Shane and his other instructors are very knowledgeable, well educated and very helpful. I am doing Pilates for many years and after back and knees problem, I am feeling well and energized.
Every hour spent in the studio with Shane goes so quickly and with his quiet and 100% dedication and paying attention to every Pilates movement, I can say that this is the best instructor I ever had.

- Irene C

 I met Shane Rhoads in May 2013 after completing physical therapy for a total left hip replacement.  I am an active early, middle-aged man who wanted to return to doing the things I liked to do and had to give up as my hip continued to deteriorate over time.  Shane was certified in post rehabilitation therapy so I sought his expertise to help me continue my recovery from the surgery and make the gains necessary for an active lifestyle.  Shane quickly identified the strength, balance and flexibility issues that were unique to my case and we then embarked upon a program that he designed for me.  Thanks to Shane, I’m getting back to my active lifestyle.  Today, I am riding my bike for miles at a time, something I couldn’t do for many years before my surgery.  I also back to my favorite activity – running; I expect to be in a position to run a 5K race in the near future.  Even more important, I have confidence back with my gains in strength and balance to venture out and participate in the many things that Chicago has to offer throughout the year.  I owe much of where I am today to Shane’s expertise in post rehabilitative therapy and the program he developed for me.

-Tom H

 As a former client, I highly recommend Shane Keith Rhoads, of Movement MED Inc. Shane is highly credentialed and qualified to work with clients wherever they are in their healing and fitness journey. Shane is very wise and has a zen-like personality, which is a nice departure from the drill- sergeant type of trainer found in fitness clubs. I appreciated his style, as a client post rehab after spine surgery and really benefitted from his approach to correcting training issues before they become reinforced and turn into problems when returning to a regular fitness routine. I also was introduced to Pilates by Shane, which I continue to this day. His integrative approach to post-rehab recovery and return to fitness, is what is required for patients and athletes alike. - Wendy Haas

When I started with Shane, I was hurt from a running injury, and had been going to a physical therapist. There were also some nerve issues that eventually resolved themselves through persistent and consistent stretches, strengthening, and exercise. I owe some of the resolution to Pilates movement and Shane Rhoads. If you combine a physical therapy mindset with Pilates movement and customize routines for people who have imperfect mobility (yet want more), you might find someone like Shane as your Pilates guide. As a runner and exercise enthusiast, I have discovered age and the cultivation of mobility need constant care and someone who believes you can improve and grow in your movement. Shane is a gifted experienced instructor who is on the journey of learning, teaching, and growing with you. If you want to nurture lifelong mobility and enjoy the experience, consider Shane as your Pilates well-being partner.

- Marti C

Finding Shane a few years ago was like finding a miracle for me after living for years with chronic pain, muscle spasms, non-epileptic seizures and a number of other nervous system issues that made everyday life difficult. Shane, with his vast experience working with patients and athletes and with his deep knowledge of the human body and its mechanisms, was able to work with me to reduce my symptoms and maintain a healthy, functional lifestyle when countless medical doctors were unable to. The entire team at Movement Med is a pleasure to work with, incredibly knowledgeable and kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to address issues and concerns both in and out of the studio. I can't recommend Shane enough to anyone looking to improve their health, fitness and overall well-being.

-Monica P

Meeting Shane was life changing. I was referred to Shane after experiencing serious hip pain. I have been a long time runner, 3 to 5 miles a day for over 30 years. But the pain became so difficult I could no longer run. It was a traumatic time for me. Any runner knows how awful this is. Instead of running I had endless PT and Doctor visits. After months of frustration with PT I was referred to Shane. I soon discovered that his method for determining the source of my pain and his methodology for healing was uniquely perceptive. He not only prepared me to run again but gave me overall strength that I never had before. I am now convinced that adding Shane’s movement med exercises to my daily running routine will keep me pain free for the next 20 years. Shane has an enviable location in Streeterville, near Northwestern Hospital. It was so easily accessible that I had no excuses.

- Susan R

I have been taking Pilates sessions with Ravi for the last three months. He has been an excellent addition to Movement Med. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and patient. It is so enjoyable to train with him because I can truly see that he enjoys teaching.
Also, every time I train with him I leave feeling energized and stronger.

-Pamela V

Working with Dara has been a big help to me in trying to stay strong and healthy. She is great at finding my weaknesses and working on them, and I can really feel the difference. After 70, it's easy to lose strength in small muscles that help with balance, grip, etc., and I feel Dara is keeping me in the game. She really gives a whole-body workout that is safe but challenging. I feel I'm getting the best whole-body workout I could get, without risking injury. I'm sure she's equally good with all ages and fitness levels: she really understands the human body and has endless exercise variations to fit wherever you are. She's a wizard.- Betty Jacobs

-Betty J

I have enjoyed personalized Pilates exercises from several great instructors here, especially Shane and Erica, who have helped me with rehab from injuries and who inspire me to work out really hard doing their strength and balance exercises.

-Ethel G

I have been taking Pilates from Anna for 5 years. She is an incredibly knowledgeable, well-trained, conscientious, and fun, Pilates instructor who has helped me considerably with strength, posture and balance. She is excellent at structuring exercises to accommodate any personal need and has been instrumental in supporting my recovery from surgery and sports-related injuries.
Even though I have been very active all my life, Anna has introduced me to muscles I never knew. I highly recommend her.

-Gail C

I have been coming to Movement Med since it opened, having known Shane as a Pilates instructor since before he started MM. I cannot recommend it more highly. Shane's approach to fitness is as an enhancement to your life - how can you physically do the things you want to do, without pain, for as long as possible? MM as a result focuses on mobility, balance, strength and flexibility, not for performative purposes but as assets that enable you to live your best life. Shane and the other instructors are also masters at customizing the routines, so you never get bored, but also to take into account the kind of day you might be having. Coming to MM (or doing a remote session) is often one of the best parts of my week.

-Bryan S

I highly recommend this pilates studio. My instructor Dara is patient and attentive to every detail. I love working with her.

- Luxin H

I have a movement disorder after surgery and fibromyalgia. After physical therapy I couldn’t do a regular exercise class and Shane has been a lifesaver to be able to help me strengthen and decrease pain. Highly recommend MovementMed!!

- Melissa G

My daughter has been seeing Erica for Pilates weekly since September to improve her core and overall strength for dance. Erica is extremely knowledgeable and friendly, both pushing and encouraging my daughter to reach her goals. My daughter is learning a lot and showing improvement. And although Erica works her hard, what I love most is hearing the conversation and laughter during their time together. My daughter looks forward to their sessions and I’m so thankful we found someone for her to learn from and look up to!

-Jodi T

I've been doing PIlates with Shane for just over a year and the improvements have been fantastic. I started with very weak and unstable hips after fracturing my sacrum. Shane had a wide variety of movements targeted to improving my strength and stability. I'm now better than I was before my injury and can do any type of physical activities with no issues. He also helped me recover from stiffness and discomfort in one of my shoulders, which is now healthy again. He's a true professional and can definitely help you with whatever health or fitness goals that you may have.

- Lisa D

I heard about Movement Med a few years ago but a very bad fall, broken bones, and then Covid delayed my start. How I wish I had discovered Pilates, this studio, and my excellent instructor Erica Mott much sooner. I started Pilates in September and was hooked from the start. The results are visible and the way I feel and move has dramatically improved. Erica is an extraordinary trainer. She is highly intuitive, knows the body and is attuned to my current limitations. I find her to be innovative in her approach to what I can’t do now but might very well be able to do in the future. The icing on the cake is her caring manner, intelligence, and very positive energy. I love Pilates at Movement Med and think Erica is a gem.

-Diane B