Michelle Gross
Pilates Instructor in Northfield, IL| Sandy Greiner Pilates
If you choose to take a class with Pilates instructor Michelle Gross, you won’t feel like just another person in the room. She’s the kind of Pilates instructor in Chicago who actually pays attention to how her students move and feel. This makes a huge difference right away, since you won’t just be following along and hoping for the best. Instead, Michelle will guide you in a way that feels clear and tied to your lived experience in the moment.
Michelle has spent years both as a teacher and fitness professional, and that experience shapes everything she brings into her Pilates sessions today. She holds her NCPT certification, which has given her a stronger understanding of the Pilates method and how to apply it during class. She’s also earned her ACE Group Fitness certification, which helps her work with a wide range of clients. Along with that, she’s completed Reiki I and Reiki II training, which supports her focus on mindful movement and body awareness.
Pilates Instructor Certifications and Experience
NCPT Certified
ACE Group Fitness Certified
Reiki I and Reiki II Training
10 Years of Instruction
28 Years Teaching Group Fitness
Michelle’s professional experience stretches across many years, and it’s given her a perspective that newer instructors don’t often have. She’s spent 10 years working specifically in Pilates, helping her clients build strength, improve mobility, and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Before that, she spent 28 years teaching group fitness, which helped her understand how to lead classes and connect with people at different levels.
Michelle often works with clients who want to stay active as they age, as well as those recovering from injuries or dealing with ongoing discomfort. She understands how to approach back issues, post-rehab needs, and general fitness goals. Because of her range, she also knows how to adjust movements in a way that works for your body instead of forcing you into something that doesn’t feel right. You’ll benefit from Michelle’s experience every time you take her class because she knows how to challenge her students without pushing them too far.
Michelle Gross, Pilates Instructor: Teaching Philosophy and Style
Pilates instructor Michelle Gross keeps her philosophy simple, but it’s incredibly effective once you experience it firsthand. She believes that when you move better, you live better, and everything she teaches connects back to that idea. You’re not just there to exercise because you’re learning how to use your body in a smarter and more intentional way.
She works with clients at every level, and she doesn’t expect you to fit into a structure that doesn’t work for you. Instead, she’ll adjust each movement to match what your body needs that day, which makes a difference in how you progress. Whether you’re focused on Pilates for strength and flexibility or just trying to feel better overall, she’ll build the session around you.
Her approach to mind body Pilates really stands out because she emphasizes slowing down and paying attention to what you’re doing. You don’t rush through movements just to finish a set because she wants you to feel each part of the exercise. She also treats the process like a partnership, and that makes everything feel more personal. You’re not just following instructions; you’re working together toward your goals in a way that feels collaborative. She’s always paying attention to how you respond, and she’ll adjust as needed so you feel challenged.
Why Pilates Instructor Michelle Gross Loves Pilates
Pilates instructor Michelle Gross didn’t start out as an instructor, and that’s part of what makes her story so relatable. She originally came to Pilates as a client because she was dealing with back pain that just wouldn’t go away. Like a lot of people, she was looking for something that would actually help, not just cover up the problem temporarily.
As she kept practicing, she started to notice real changes, and those changes made a huge impact on her daily life. Her back pain eased, her strength improved, and she felt more mobile and comfortable in her body. That experience made her fall in love with Pilates because she saw firsthand how powerful it could be.
Beyond the Studio: Getting to Know Your Pilates Instructor in Northfield, IL
Outside the studio, Pilates instructor Michelle Gross enjoys making mosaics, which lets her slow down and focus on detail in a completely different way. She also loves cross-country skiing, and it’s one of her favorite ways to stay active while spending time outdoors. Hiking is another go-to activity, especially when she wants to enjoy movement in a more relaxed setting. These activities reflect her belief that movement should feel good and fit naturally into your life.
Additionally, Michelle enjoys nail art, which is a more expressive side of her personality. Baking is another passion, and it gives her a chance to unwind while still creating something from scratch. These interests help her stay balanced, which is what she hopes to bring into every one of her classes.
Ready to Start Your Pilates Sessions With Michelle Gross?
At Sandy Greiner Pilates, we combine years of experience alongside a genuine care for the practice to create an experience that will support your body and your goals. Whether you work with Michelle Gross, Pilates instructor Chicago, or another member of our team, you’ll receive results-driven instruction every step of the way.
For those new to Pilates, our New Client Package is a great way to get started. You’ll work one-on-one with an experienced Pilates instructor who will guide you through the equipment, teach you foundational movements, and help you build confidence from your very first session.
Experienced in Pilates but new to our studio? If you already feel comfortable using a full range of Pilates equipment, you can jump right in with a class package or private Pilates sessions. Our team will welcome you, assess your movement, and help you join our sessions easily.