Creative Motion Chicago

Quick list of why this place is a 5 star location:
–The instructors are a lot of fun. They make you feel like you’re working out with a skilled pal, without being unprofessional.
–The membership is an amazing deal if you’re committed to going to classes regularly.
–The variety of class options is excellent, and they all are really different (favorite class is Barre Judo).
–The studio itself is always very clean, and very simple. It gets to the point.
–The class atmosphere is great.
–You get out of these classes what you put in, and if you put in hard work, you’ll feel the workouts and see excellent results as early as a couple weeks in to regularly going to classes, when paired with healthy eating.
I love love love this studio. No other place compares!
Lacey and the other instructors never short your class — and it’s for this reason that sometimes classes start and end just a little bit late (lots of people have griped about that on here, but it’s really not a huge deal, it’s a matter of 5 – 10 minutes. Yes, we all have schedules, but I guarantee that more people would be griping if the instructors shorted people time in class instead of going over.)
The only remotely negative feedback I have is that sometimes I think Lacey and the instructors could push us a little bit harder. The classes are open to all experience levels, therefore those who are looking for an incredibly challenging workout might find that they could have kept going (though don’t get me wrong, some classes totally kick my ass.) Certain classes are definitely harder than others, so find the ones that suit you and your intensity preferences best.
Personally, I really appreciate the creativity of the classes. I’ve seen complaints that it’s not «actual yoga» or «actual barre» in some other reviews, but to be fair, the descriptions of the classes never say or imply that it’ll be true-​to-​form basic yoga or classic barre classes. The name of the studio is CREATIVE Motion. It keeps things interesting — and the boot camp classes are very much a clean cut boot camp.
Thank you Lacey and everyone!

I wanted to update my previous review as I feel my chief ‘complaints’ have been addressed!
I purchased a package of 40 classes and will be coming for some time. I enjoy the day-​time classes right now — they are a lot smaller in size.
Music is a little less loud now — I can hear the instructors!
Timing — class still doesn’t always start on time, but the instructors — especially Gery — are aware and are flexible with this. They always teach the full class, even if time is going over. They will often tell you in advance that its okay to leave before the end of class if timing is an issue.
Communication has gotten better too! I was able to communicate with the studio when the website wasn’t working correctly and was able to purchase my package.
Everything that is good, is still good too!

After a month with groupon
+ Classes are often fun
–owner is immature and unprofessional
+ other staff very nice and friendly
+ un-​intimidating and welcome to all levels
–Studio ambiance is half assed. Appears to be no effort at interior design of the place
— classes don’t start on time and run late
decent classes for affordable price. overall feels sophomoric.

This place is great, a no frills studio with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Your instructor checks you in and chats with you a bit before class, so it has a nice small business feel. If you pair the classes with healthy eating, you’ll see results. I loved the Saturday morning boot camp class. The ballet booty beat was fun during the class, but I definitely felt it the next day. Gery’s classes are as easy or hard as you make them, and I liked his great attitude and teaching style. His diva class was the best for days I was sick of sitting behind a desk and wanted to move. Lacey’s classes are always a little harder, definitely great for when you really want to work hard. She asks what areas you want to focus on at the start, so each class is tailored to the attendees wellness goals. However, It may be a bit challenging for a beginner, as she does not regularly call out modifications. At the same time, I always felt comfortable taking a break and grabbing some water when I needed it.
A couple of things to note, during yoga they play pop music, so it’s a bit different than a traditional class. The barre classes are similar to ballet barre rather than the Bar Method. Also, there is a bit of a grace period between classes which worked well for me as I relied on the CTA, but I would advise taking classes after work or on weekends when you have a couple of minutes to spare on the tail end of class.
They have some really interesting classes that fuse elements of dance fitness, yoga, and Pilates. I had a great experience with the classes here.

I also got a Groupon for 10 classes but I only took 5 and it expired. Most of the classes are early morning or late afternoon (like 6pm or later). Here is my review:
The good:
— The place is very big and clean
— Instructors are nice (I had Gary and Lacey)
— The instructor would ask you what you would like to focus on before starting
The bad:
— Lacey tends to run late. If she started it late she would finish it late, but that kinda messed up my schedule because I had other stuffs planned for the day
— It’s more like dance than yoga, and yes it does what its name says «creative», but I personally prefer traditional yoga (Hatha or Vinyasa).
— Hard to find parking
— No water (Other places I went to have water or tea)
The Groupon deal is worth trying, so i give 4 stars here.

I wanted so incredibly badly to love Creative Motion.
I was new to town, looking for a fitness studio to call my own, and a Groupon came up for this place in a search. Creative Motion was close to my new apartment and offered a wide variety of classes (including barre, which I was so excited to try, having heard so many wonderful things about it for a while). They offered yoga, they offered dance — and the regular price for an unlimited monthly membership was very affordable.
The first class I took was called «vinyasa yoga,» taught by the owner. It was more of a dance flow-​type fitness class than anything to do with yoga. I can really only name approximately four poses that we did in the class that were based in yoga. It was a fine class, but it was not yoga.
Something else that I noticed during this class is that the instructor (who is the owner) ran late: we began and ended the class about seven minutes later than what was scheduled. This was over a weekend, so it wasn’t really a big deal for me. However, when I came back the next day for a «creative barre» class — again taught by the owner — I remembered this fact once it started to reach about five past [the time we were supposed to have started] and we hadn’t yet started. I grabbed my phone and began to set a silent alarm next to me so that I could leave at the actual time the class was supposed to end, because I had to go to work immediately afterward. The owner then approach the front of the class and began to talk to us, during which time I was finishing the setting of my alarm clock. Just as I’m setting my phone down I hear her say «Excuse me… excuse me, miss?» in a rather terse tone; I look up to see that she is addressing me. «There is only one person who is allowed to have a phone in this class, and it’s me.» she said in a straight out scolding tone. I politely explained to her that I had to go to work right afterward, pointed out the fact that there were no visible clocks in the room, and said that I just need to make sure that I left on time. She said in an incredibly condescending manner — very slowly, as though she were addressing a five-​year-​old: «Anytime you need to leave class early, all you have to do is come to me beforehand and say so.» To which I responded: «Not early. Just on time.» She stiffened and glared at me, then barked «Ok. Moving on.»
It was incredibly rude, incredibly uncomfortable (not only for me, but for everybody in the room), and completely uncalled for. People have lives and they have schedules. I don’t really feel like I need to explain myself anymore than that — anyone who maintains a busy schedule understands exactly what I’m talking about.
In the the spirit of giving a comprehensive review, I will finish by saying that this «creative barre» class had absolutely nothing to do with barre. There was no barre, for starters — and having now taken actual Barre classes, I now know that even the standing and mat exercises that we did in this class were nothing even remotely related to what is taught in a certified Barre class. Again, it was a perfectly respectable workout. But it was not even a variation on the theme of barre.
The two stars given in this review were for the fact that I feel the owner does have some talent as a fitness instructor. However, running her own schedule on time would really benefit her cause, as well as naming her classes in a way that is not misleading. An attitude adjustment wouldn’t hurt, either.
I started my review with this statement and I will state it again: I really, really *really* wanted to like this studio.

I purchased a pass to Creative Motion through Groupon, which was an ok deal for the price. I never felt like I ever got a good work out at this place. I went to a combo yoga sculpt class, and two dance classes. I don’t understand how you can have a sculpt class when you have a very, very, very limited set of weights. What is the point of offering a sculpt class if you can’t do it at your level? Also, while I did enjoy the «Shake It» class on Saturdays, the other dance class was not very intense, the music was not very danceable, the instructor spent way too long talking, and the moves were a lot of standing and hip rolls/​popping. One of my biggest issues was the space! There are no fans and IT SMELLED LIKE SMOKE! About every 20 mins a big waft of smoke smell would come through the vents every time I was there. Gross. Not super sad I let my Groupon expire.

Another Groupon participant here.
I bought the Groupon wanting to challenge myself to new forms of exercise. I typically do strength training and cycle/​spin is my typical cardio. I will say that I left every class dripping in sweat and sore the next day, which is great.
That being said, CM has some kinks to work out. For one, I never once went to a class that started on time. While I get having a more relaxed environment, I’ve got things to do and appointments to keep, so it’s a bit frustrating to have to factor in 20 extra minutes to my next stop. Second, there seems to be a lack of instruction or attention to detail in some of the classes. It seems that CM is more for people who already have a dance background or who are regulars as it’s a bit hard to keep up at first, and only sometimes have I had my form corrected. Lastly, I couldn’t even use my last Groupon class because the instructor canceled a class, but would not extend/​let me book my last class on a day I was available. I’ve had other experiences where you could book before your expiration date, even if the class went beyond the date.
In the end, I think I had an okay experience, but wouldn’t pay full price for this studio/​the classes.

I just started taking classes at Creative Motion. I am more at the beginner level, but they made me feel comfortable and confident! I tried the DIVA class with Gerry, he was fun, creative and outgoing! I also had sore legs the next day from all that booty poppin’!!! I took a Bombshell Bootcamp class with Lacey and she was awesome, too! She makes you work hard, sweat, and feel good! They both incorporated dance, cardio and yoga! I would highly recommend trying Creative Motion!

I have been going here for over a year and I love it so much. I feel so much stronger and more in shape. Lacey is just amazing — she has such an easy going style to her classes and I always leave feeling both worked out and stretched out!

The business just got worse. Lacey, the owner, brought attention to a client who was just asking for the music to be lowered so she could hear. Honestly, the music was loud and it was difficult to hear. Lacey acted like a mean girl who’s only purpose was to make herself feel good at the expense of another. Lacey does not explain the transition of exercises and is not always in line of sight so hearing the directions is important otherwise it’s wasted time, effort, and my money.
Lacey, you were the instructor and you did not put the needs of your client first and that is a poor practice for any fitness instructor,

First, the studio is right on a semi-​busy road, and the entire wall of the studio has windows at sidewalk-​level. Which means exactly what you think it means: anyone who walks by (it’s right near the Montrose stop) can look directly in, so I wasn’t crazy about that. Also, this is definitely a no-​frills studio, with no locker room or anything. So if you’re looking for a high-​end studio, this is a little more «homey» and less «high-​end luxury.» Still, I found Creative Motion to be very welcoming (Erin, the instructor, was very sweet), but not a place to go when you need to shower there and head somewhere after.
And then we started. With body rolls. Like Beyonce’s backup dancers. Did I mention that choreography is not my strong suit? There was definitely more dancing than I was prepared for, but Erin did a good job of breaking down the complicated moves before we started each song. Despite my own bad dancing, I got a good workout nonetheless. I’d return to try another class at this studio, but probably not Piloxing.

I have had several private classes with Lacey, due to my schedule. Lacey is not only accommodating, she is accomplished with her craft. She has taught me that I’m worth working hard for. Lacey has pushed me to my limits, working me mind, body and soul. It is my goal to gain physical stability so I may work out with a group and take several classes. Thank you Lacey, for you patience and determination. Chris S.

Got a Groupon for 10 classes this summer when I was trying to keep up my bikini bod. When I originally signed up, there were two studios open — one on Montrose and one on Belmont. I went to my first class at the Belmont studio before it was closed. I did manage to get to the Montrose studio a couple times, but it was less convenient for me than their Belmont location.
The classes I went to were all fun and I always left super sweaty! I am not a huge fan of working out, but fitness classes are my favorite way to work out simply because I know I can show up and leave knowing I got a good work out in… I am utterly lost at a gym haha.
I attended a few of the dance classes (Zumba, Shake it) which were easy to follow and got my heart pumping. I also went to a Barre class and some sculpting classes which both left me feeling sore for a few days!
Overall I would recommend this place, especially if you like to dance and enjoy yoga/​pilates.
For more details on my experience, check out:

I’ve been looking for a boutique gym for a while that fits my fitness needs and I finally found it with Creative Motion. Like many others leaving reviews, I found CM via a Groupon I purchased. After the month-​long Groupon expired I became a member and signed on for unlimited monthly work-​outs.
Why do I like it so much? First, the classes are fun, instructors are great, and you leave feeling like you had a work-​out where you’ll see results.
1. Classes — there’s so many! My favorites are Piloxing, DIVA (hip-​hop/​dance), & Insane Core. All of the classes stretch you out, keep you moving, and give you a sweat-​inducing work-​out. In fact, I can say that I have not only lost weight but toned myself and increased my energy level by going here 3x/​week.
2. Instructors — they are all good but I’ll call out Lacey & Gery. Lacey (the owner) knows her stuff and takes the time to explain moves and what to expect in the class both before and during it. Gery — well he’s an energy dynamo! Always making sure you are not only having fun while working out but also getting a good work out while you’re at it.
3. Location — it’s right off the Montrose brown line so easy to get there if you’re a CTA commuter and if you’re a driver, there’s plenty of parking on side streets (or meter parking as well).
To wrap up, I highly recommend this place. Between the staff, low monthly cost, classes, & location, this has been ideal for me. Not sure? Keep trying new classes & instructors to mix up your work out routine and you’ll find this a gem as well.

This review is a bit difficult to write. I started going here close to a year ago and of the classes were really fun and I was very motivated to go all of the time. But about four months ago when they opened their Belmont studio things went a little haywire. I think that location was opened more in spite of the previous owner of that location rather than on best business practices. When that studio opened things were not thought through. There were not enough instructors for both locations. So while I was going to the Montrose location these classes were now limited by opening up the new studio. The owner clearly found that studio is not effective and did it shut down within a couple of months. She states below that she notified people a month before via email, but that is not true. She gave people about a week notice.
Aside from all of that, a lot of instructors have quit there. The classes are not offered at great times. And on Saturday and Sunday typically there are only two classes offered a day and there in the morning. Since they only have a couple of instructors all of the classes tend to be exactly alike. It’s no longer interesting and fun to take a class there. While I know longer go there, I did see that they are now also charging for you to rent a mat. I think it’s kind of obvious that they’re trying to get all of the money out of you instead of really care about your fitness regimen.
Also, it is very frustrating that classes always start at least 10 – 15 minutes late.
I’m honestly posting this because I really thought Creative Motion was doing great in the beginning and I want them to know how people are feeling now. I would hate to see a local small business go out of business.

I bought a Groupon and they shut down their closest location without any warning or refund. What a scam.
The classes I did attend were ok. Lots of loud music and instructors who seemed a little too into dancing and not enough into actually working out. I only left 1 out of 7 classes feeling like I got a good workout. Worst of all is one particular instructor would always forget how many reps she would yell and on which side of the body resulting in an unorganized and unbalanced workout. Body sculpting with weights classes never had weights.
I wouldn’t go back.

I discovered this place last summer by way of a Groupon, and since I live in the neighborhood, I thought it would be a good idea to check it out and see what it had to offer. Right off the bat, I liked the sound of some selections — Yoga, Shake It, Piloxing, to name a few — so I figured I would try at least once class each for the 10 that I had in my Groupon pass. From the options I have tried so far, I would say my favorites are Shake It!, Vinyasa Booty Beat, Piloxing, DIVA, and Zumba, although I wish Zumba was offered more often. However, you really can’t go wrong with a class, because they all get your cardio going through some dance, as well as mat work. I leave every single class dripping sweat, but it is very worth it.
They now have a Lakeview location, which makes it a little more spread out for class schedules and options, which is good, because you get more opportunities to do certain classes with different instructors each time. Lacey is awesome — she has a great attitude and is wonderful at keeping up the energy and positivity in each class — but she is somewhat hard to follow with some dance moves. However, when it is the mat portion of a class or just yoga basics, then she’s very clear. Olivia is another good one, and Gery is super fun — get in a DIVA class with him at least once!
Class sizes are somewhat small; I’ve been in classes with as few as 5 or 6, and as much as about 15 – 20. It’s mostly women, although there are a few guys sprinkled here and there. And there is no exact «type» that comes here — women from early 20s up to, I’d say 50 — come here, and not everybody has intimidating-​looking physiques. But the bottom line is that every class is fun, and from what I have witnessed, everyone has a blast in all of these classes. Since my Groupon ran out, I have signed up for a 5 class pass, and will definitely keep renewing :)

I bought the Groupon for Creative Motion a few months ago and have been getting to around 1 – 2 classes a week. Most of the classes I take are led by Olivia, though I’ve had Gerry and Lacey too. They’re all pretty great but I think Olivia is my favorite. She really works you hard but keeps you moving so you forget how much time has gone by.
The classes are fun and there are so many to choose from! Most of the ones I’ve done involve some sort of dance but they make sure to get you on a mat for buns and abs before the class is over. The place itself is simple, but nice. It has a bathroom and water if you need to buy some. No lockers but since it’s just one room there is no problem leaving your stuff on the chairs in the back of the room.
Every time I leave the place feeling like I got a great workout and I’m usually dripping with sweat. Highly recommend!
**They’re really good about Groupons. There isn’t a place on the site to enter them so you just have to bring it in or show them on your phone, super simple!

So I successfully created an online account, I thought I put in the groupon code because it prompted me saying I had 19 more classes remaining and went to class. I walked in and I said my name to the receptionist and she said ok I see you, and then I don’t know why I mentioned I had a groupon. The receptionist asked me if I had it with me and I said no I did not. I registered on line and this is where it all went down hill. Turned out that you physically have to bring the groupon or show it on your phone. Well I forgot to print my groupon, it happens in life. The instructor walked over and said «I must see your groupon» I said I don’t have it. She insisted I pull it up on my iphone and aggressively suggested that she will download the app on my phone for me right now, saying she has time before the class. I told her that I did not want to download the app right now, is there another way? I tried telling her that I already put all my information when I created the account on line for the studio. She said no «I created that website and you did not put a code in. You must show me the groupon. She would not budge. So what was I to do? Did they think I was lying when I said I had a groupon. I do not understand. I could have brought this essential piece of paper next weekend.
So yes I left. The instructor did not try to stop me. No class for me! I was not welcome to stay and workout. Eventhough I registered online.
Is this a good business practice for Creative Motion. Would I want to ever practice with this instructor. Probably not.
I wasted time, wasted gas money and just gave myself a headache.
For this Creative Motion you are fired.