About the Studio
We’re available 5 days a week 6:30am – 8:30pm and Sat & Sun 8am – 5pm. Schedule is by appointment. We offer:
- First Visit consultation & assessment (one-on-one)
- Group Reformer/Equipment classes
- Semi-private (Duet) training
- Specialty group programs and workshops
Instruction takes a balanced approach so that the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sports and daily activities. The focus is on quality of movement, leading one to feel invigorated after each session!
We’re a best kept secret:
Embody Movement Pilates Studio is located in the LifeStart Fitness Center in the Central Park of Lisle building complex. It is convenient to Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton and other Chicago suburbs. Membership to the club is NOT a pre-requisite to train with our studio. All are welcome!
Our Team
Sarah de Guia
Sarah de Guia, Studio Owner & Instructor, has been involved in the fitness industry for nearly 20 years. Her passion for health and fitness started with group exercise, and later lead her to become a certified Pilates Instructor in 2004.
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As a Certified Level One Franklin Method Teacher since 2010, she infuses education on anatomy with movement into her lessons. The Franklin Method combines scientific and anatomical analysis with movement, integrating imagery exercises that make it effective and fun. It can be used for specific performance enhancement as well as a tool to improve overall fitness and body awareness.
Sarah traveled to New York City to study with Sue Hitzmann and completed her training as a MELT Instructor, further growing her experience with the MELT Hand & Foot treatments. The MELT Method® (MELT) is a self-treatment technique that helps people get out and stay out of chronic pain. This unique method, creator Sue Hitzman calls Hands-off Bodywork™ empowers people to help themselves restore whole-body efficiency and lead healthier, more active lives.
Continuing to expand her knowledge, she attended podiatrist, Dr. Emily Splichal’s programs at the EBFA on exploring how to prep the body for movement by tapping into the nervous system with barefoot science, foot to core sequencing and reflexive stability via fascial lines. Sarah has completed the Barefoot Training Specialist® Level 1 & 2 Certifications.
“I feel like we have gotten away from actually ‘living’ in our bodies day to day. I have a passion for engaging my clients in body awareness, teaching them techniques to improve posture and maintain good back health. And, whether fit or just getting back into fitness, the Pilates method is excellent to increase overall strength and flexibility. Dedicate some time to moving mindfully in session, then you can integrate that into your daily living.”
– Sarah de Guia
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Becky Lenski
Becky Lenski was first introduced to the Pilates Reformer after the birth of her first child in 2005 and has been hooked on it ever since! Amazed & impressed by the results in her own body, she become a Pilates instructor so that she could share the many benefits of Pilates with others.
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Kevin Earll
Having been a gymnast and All American swimmer at Naperville North High School, Pilates reawakened Kevin’s love of physical activity and has allowed him to stay active while fulfilling a passion to help others improve their health. He was profoundly affected in his own practice by the results within his own physical body, and more importantly calm that was missing before.
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Sabine Gisiger
Sabine was first attracted to Pilates in her home country of Switzerland in 2002. Through it she discovered greater strength, balance and body awareness, which supported her interests in swimming, hiking and gardening. Over time she drifted away from Pilates. However, after her back surgery in 2015, she was advised by her medical professionals to go back to Pilates to assist in recovery.
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Jessica McCluskey
Jessica started her Pilates Mat & Reformer training in early 2014 with Pilates Academy International (PAI) while she was going to school at Roosevelt University to receive her BFA in Acting. She became a certified Pilates Instructor in May 2015. Additionally, she expanded her anatomy and biomechanics background by also completing Stott Pilates comprehensive coursework.
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Testimonials

– Denise H
“My reason to start Pilates classes was a recommendation from my Physical Therapist. I had taken some mat classes at a local health club or tried DVDS tapes but didn’t feel that I was performing the movements correctly.
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“The Pilates method has improved my postural awareness, balance and my use of abdominal muscles to perform each movement with improved ease. The MELT method has helped to relieve body stresses and improve my connections of balance. Each method has served a positive experience beyond the mat and I am incorporating these fundamentals within my lifestyle.” Hide text
“This was my first experience with Pilates. What surprised me, is was not about pushing the limits. It was more about body-sculpting and discovering about how much my body can achieve just through conscious movement. It was really eye-opening!”
– Jarmila
“I had read a lot about Pilates and a friend recommended me to Sarah. I was particularly interested in Pilates as I knew my core was weak and causing lower back pain issues. I wanted the one-on-one sessions to help identify my main weaknesses and have custom
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– Diane
“I have a better awareness of my body since taking private lessons at Embody Movement. I can tell myself to engage the abs to do certain things and my breathing is more controlled. Sarah takes pride in each and every client.
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“I am amazed how Pilates has made a difference in my body. I’ve seen greatly increased strength and no longer feel stress in my lower back and hips. I didn’t expect it, but I also dropped two pant sizes in 8 sessions.”
– Jessica
“I was experiencing lower back pain and shoulder discomfort. I have found a way to ease my discomfort by strengthening my core. I am feeling a lot stronger, more flexible, and better at reading my body. With this new awareness, I am able to make adjustments to the way I am sitting, standing, anything that causes stress or pain in my body.
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“Before Pilates I had a lot of discomfort in different parts of the body especially in the knee and the lower back. After Pilates, I learned how to work with those areas where the discomfort and the pain is not there. It was amazing one day when I ran home and I actually was able to climb the stairs without difficulty or being uncomfortable, so it helped a lot.
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