Donna Brzezniak was looking forward to opening a Club Pilates in Evergreen Park. But Donna, along with co-owner and husband, Stan Brzezniak, were pleasantly surprised at the reception.
“We wanted to open here but were amazed at how many people came in right away,” Donna said. “I guess there was a need for this here. Everybody has been great. This is our third location but this has drawn the most people by far.”
The Brzezniaks welcomed the community at the official grand opening of Club Pilates, 9650 S. Western Ave., Monday morning. The owners were joined by members of the Evergreen Park and Oak Lawn chambers of commerce for the ribbon-cutting.
Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke, along with Village Clerk Kelly Duffy and Trustee Jeannie Olson, attended the grand opening. In the case of the mayor, it is not the first time dropping by Club Pilates.
“Well I am a member,” the mayor said. “Welcome to Evergreen Park. I am a frequent flyer here. I know a lot of people from the community enjoy this.”
Pilates is a method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen, and balance the body. According to the Pilates owners, the exercise strengthens the whole body and no muscle group is overworked.
In literature describing Pilates, it is noted that it is a popular exercise for professional sports teams, athletes, and at physical rehabilitation centers.
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates, who was born in Dusseldorf, Germany, in 1883. He moved to England in 1912 where he worked as a circus performer, boxer and self-defense instructor. He and his wife began instructing Pilates in New York in 1926.
“We have come a long way since Joseph Pilates started this,” Stan Brzezniak said. “We have now taken it to another level. So far this has been our best location. We have the most members here. And this is such a great location along Western Avenue. We get a lot of traffic from being here.”
Along with local dignitaries and chamber members, a large crowd of people arrived for the grand opening. While guests filed in, another large group came in for instruction and a workout.
“Things are going very, very good,” said Toni Kwiatkowski, who is the general manager.
Group classes of 12 spots in each session are offered to ensure safety and proper attention from the instructor. They also offer private training and each session is created to target an individual’s specific needs. Semi-private training is designed for friends or family who enjoy spending time working out together.
“We now have 90 classes,” Donna Brzezniak said. “It has really been amazing.”
Club Pilates is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
For more information or to register for sessions, call 708-887-7371 or visit www.clubpilates.com/evergreenpark.
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