It’s easy to think of Jennifer Golden Zumann and Matthew Zumann of Pilates Chicago as this city’s modern day answer to Clara and Joseph Pilates. While other practitioners seem intent on creating the next big trend in Pilates fusion (yogabootyballet, anyone?), the husband and wife duo remain committed to upholding the inventors’ legacies. To better grasp the true essence of the exercise regime, they regularly seek out elder Pilates practitioners who studied with Joseph Pilates.

Located blocks from the Morse Red Line stop, the studio lures residents of Andersonville, Edgewater, Rogers Park and Evanston looking for a physical challenge without the gym atmosphere. The bright, clean, studio displays the standard reformer machines, a Cadillac, mats, benches, rings and other Pilates tools. Its pale yellow walls, older hardwood floors and scattered artwork make it feel like you’re doing Pilates at a friend’s comfy crib.

Classes: The studio only offers two mat (Jennifer teaches one, Matthew the other) and two yoga classes a week, kept fairly small (about 10 participants). The drop-in fee costs $15. With a focus primarily on private sessions, the Zummans prefer to make sure each student correctly performs the exercises rather than packing people in like sardines. Members of the Pilates Method Alliance, a not-for-profit dedicated to establishing certification and standards for Pilates teachers, they offer instructor training for students set on taking their Pilates passion to the next level.

Extras: As if a friendly, welcoming environment wasn’t enough, after all your hard work, you can head downstairs to Morseland and reward yourself with yummy vegan mini burgers or a stiff libation.

Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson