Women We Love: Randi Whitman, Owner Of Frog Temple Pilates Chicago

By Kaleigh for Luxe & Concord

Spring is coming to Chicago, and it’s time to get moving! As we near our one-year quarantiniversary, so many of us are renewing our focus on self-care and wellness. Whether you’re starting to get outside a bit more, or still making the most of at-home Zoom work outs, taking time for yourself and your health (of all kinds) continues to be so important. Don’t believe us? Just talk to Randi Whitman, the own of Frog Temple Pilates Chicago! She’s helping Chicagoans get moving, stay sane, and find their center with her work-outs that all of us can do – and benefit from! Read on for your dose of Monday inspiration…

How Did You First Get Into The World Of Health And Wellness?

I was a professional dancer for many years. I danced in my younger years, all through college, and then professionally with the River North Dance Company in Chicago. I sustained so many injuries along the way and was always on the mend in one way or another. Finally, I had some pretty serious back issues and was seeking out relief. It wasn’t until I was living in Colorado that I discovered pilates. I was sold from the get go! I got stronger and more pain free after every session. I knew I needed to learn all I could about this method of fitness, so I went to the mecca for pilates training at the Pilates Center of Boulder in Colorado. It was a yearlong, super in-depth course, and I soaked up all that I could. I knew I’d open a studio some day and share my knowledge with others.

What Is Something People Might Not Know About The Industry Overall?

People often are surprised to learn that there is a person named Pilates—Joseph Pilates to be exact. The method was created by Mr. Pilates beginning in the early years of his life in Germany, The history of this method is very fascinating and organic. He called it “Contrology” originally. Also, folks seem to think this is a “dancers workout,” or for women only, when in fact the method, which was created by a man, was first taught to soldiers during WWI in the internment camps. So don’t be afraid to give it a go, guys!

What Do You Want People To Feel When They Leave Your Classes At Frog Temple Pilates Chicago?

I want people to feel taller, pain free, energized, more flexible, and stronger when they leave!

What Makes The Frog Temple Experience Unique Compared To Other Programs?

Frog Temple is unique in that the instructors have in-depth knowledge of the body and years of experience, not only as instructors, but as practitioners of pilates. All instructors have gone through Frog Temple’s intensive 600+ hours year long teacher training program with a strong emphasis on the study of anatomy.

We are also unique in that we are one of the few studios in Chicago with a Great Yoga Wall. We use the wall for so many exercises as well as tractioning the body, using gravity to create space in the joints and release tight muscles.