In the community:
Energie Demi2Bar Pilates
By: Marissa Parker, MSEd, ATC
Energie Demi*Bar Pilates in Hinsdale is not for the faint of heart The biggest
mistake anyone can make is reading their “Pilates, Fitness, Spa” description and
think that they only cater to a specific population. I must admit, when I was invited
by co*founder, Jenifer Zeno, to take a group pilates reformer class, I jumped at the
opportunity In my head, this was going to be a perfect, “easy*day”. I was SO wrong.
As I write this article, my hamstrings, triceps, and pectoral muscles are screaming at
me I was blown away by the full body workout I received on the reformer. As a
long*term soccer player, I have participated in a variety of workouts but never
something like this. There was a perfect combination of hard*work, safe low*impact
joint movement, and a lot of education!
As we began to work on the reformers, it was not hard to point out the first timer in
the group. If you glance at the picture above, the gray shirt sweaty woman is me The two
women next to me (you may recognize the one in the pink) were focused, smiling,
and ready to move onto the next exercise. Even though I was struggling with many
of the exercises, the cueing and help from Jenifer kept me pushing. In fact, Jenifer
and co*owner Sheila Grace started their journey with the same curiosity and drive
that brought me in to take a class.
After working in a hotel together and re*connecting many years later, Sheila and
Jenifer started taking barre classes together as a way to reconnect and get a great
workout in. After trying many classes they were unimpressed with the core work
barre classes were offering. They decided to start their own Demi*Bar Pilates studio
in order to incorporate the amount of core that women need. Just like that their
journey began. They both decided to educate themselves with personal training
certifications, pilates and yoga instructor certifications, and now, business owners.
Their drive to be healthy and fit while helping others has now transformed into
Energie Demi*Bar Pilates.
Energie Demi*Bar Pilates does not just offer Demi*Bar Pilates and yoga, in fact that
is not even half of what they offer
When class was over, Jenifer offered a tour of their studio. Our first stop was the
hair salon on the first floor. Like the rest of the studio, the open, clean salon fit right into the personality of Energie. As we walked upstairs, I noticed Jenifer talking
to every client that walked past. They all seemed to know her and felt extremely
comfortable. Jenifer proceeded to tell me about the variety of athletes that come
through the door.
“People who understand the importance of physical fitness and nutrition for
longevity,” she responds when asked about her clients.
If not already busy enough; Jenifer and Shiela have added another amazing service
to their wellness studio—a 12 week weight loss program. “Clients who follow the
plan lose a ½ pound per week. They learn how to lose weight and then use this new
knowledge to consistently lose weight until their goal is reached.” Introducing
nutrition counseling, health education, and group sessions has helped many clients
be successful. Most recently, a client lost 30 pounds and is happily maintaining her
weight since her 12 week plan ended.
As we were discussing the weight loss program a graduated Achieve Orthopedic
Rehab Institute patient walked up to say hello. She was so excited to tell me about
how much she loved Energie Demi*Bar Pilates:
“They’re great here I have never been to a fitness studio that really cares about me
and my goals. They know so much and always take extra time to answer my
questions and help me out. I would give my highest recommendation to them,” she
said.
I would have to agree Working with mutual patients in the past has allowed us to
gain a tremendous amount of respect for Jenifer, Sheila, and their entire staff. It is
reassuring to know that when our patients need just a little extra core or strength
work that they will be in good hands at Energie Demi*Bar Pilates.