The Dailey Method

If it were possible to add stars on Unilocal,I would add stars for the Oak Park Dailey Method studio. I have been going to this studio since shortly after it opened in the Fall of 2013. As someone has already stated in a previous review, this studio has changed me inside and out in the best way possible. I have been an avid «gym» person and a former college athlete so I had always gravitated toward really intense interval-​based, cardio-​focused workouts. I tried the DM to change up my regular routine and I have been a devotee ever since. It was, by far, one of the hardest workouts I had done physically and yet it was also able to accommodate all fitness levels. And I mean ALL — the classes have people of every age group represented, anyone can do this workout regardless of age or fitness level, there is truly something for everyone. The focus on alignment also helps for those of us who have long-​standing chronic injuries in just about any area of the body you can name — the DM classes provide a way to challenge your body without injuring it. My body went through a metamorphosis and I have people ask me constantly what type of workouts I do because the change was noticeable. I tell them emphatically — it’s the Dailey Method. I have been attending classes at least 3x a week since it opened and it has made me stronger, leaner, focused on my alignment (even outside of class!) and happier overall… which leads me to the next part — the instructors and the other studio members. The instructors are fun, knowledgeable, challenging, welcoming and motivating. Unlike a lot of other gym or studio environments, you are genuinely welcomed immediately upon arrival from the studio staff, instructors and even other class participants who know what it’s like to take a class for the first time. There is a lot of support and encouragement. There are no judgments here, just welcoming smiles, fun & intense workouts and a group of people genuinely happy to see one another in classes each week. I look forward to class every single time I go and for as challenging as the workout can be – that’s saying something. This is a perfect safe haven for anyone wanting to focus on their fitness and health without the pressuring eyes of the «gym» environment. There are regular (voluntary) challenges focusing on eating healthy, workshops on various health-​related topics, class participation challenges and they will even host fun events at the studio (and trust me, the instructors and owners of the studio are definitely worth hanging out with for an event!). I can’t endorse this studio enough. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you owe it to yourself to try a couple classes — you’ll likely end up on Unilocal trying to figure out how to add more stars to your review just like me.

I have been going to the Dailey Method for a year and feel it has inproved my quality of life. I have enjoyed an active lifestyle for many years. At the DM, I get a challenging work out that has helped improve my running and swimming. The DM has made me stronger physically and has developed the mind body connection. The owners are dynamic and truly care about the clients. The instructors are top notch. I always feel renewed after a class. The staff is wonderful. Another plus are the fellow classmates. It is a supportive, friendly environment.

I have been doing dailey method for a number of years in the city. I had to live in Oak park for one month so I joined this studio. It was so nice, the people were super friendly, they stayed really true to dailey method offering really solid classes that were attainable and healthy, but still challenging. Edna is a great teacher and her classes were actually fun because she is really funny. I was really happy with my month there and will miss the studio. Thanks dm oak park.

Thank goodness my friend brought me along with her to The Dailey Method Oak Park. I had been doing Pilates but had a shoulder injury that was making it difficult. After about 2 months of TDM, my shoulder feels so much better and I am stronger and feel wonderful. I have never enjoyed exercise and now I do. The teachers are fun, caring and really want to help. I love the independent style of each teacher and especially love how much effort they put into their choice in music. I can’t say enough good things about TDM and hope that you invest in yourself and check it out. It is so worth it!

This is a great low-​impact workout. The instructors are very nice and there are many of them which makes the classes seem fresh and varied. The music is good. I would like to see more classes offered on weekend afternoons.

The Dailey Method Oak Park deserves every one of their five star rating. This place has changed me inside and out in the best possible way. I started practicing at their studio shortly after they opened in Oct. 2013 after failing to find an exercise routine I could stick with. From the first class I was hooked. I absolutely love their classes and the instructors here. They provided me with the motivation and encouragement I was sorely lacking. After coming to classes 3 – 4 times a week, I started seeing some pretty impressive improvement in my body. After having two kids, I am SO thrilled to see how much my body has changed. I am much stronger, leaner and more sculpted. The classes are upbeat and challenging for all fitness levels. I especially love how much focus is on your core and alignment. But I also love how I feel emotionally after I take an hour out of my day to focus on me. I walk out of class feeling strong, renewed and full of energy.
This is a warm, welcoming studio that has developed a judgement free environment for all fitness levels. I’m so thrilled to have TDM here in Oak Park!

If you’re looking for a great, low impact workout that will melt the pounds and inches away, the Dailey Method is the one to try! I’ve been going to the Dailey Method studio in Oak Park since the day it opened in October of 2013. I absolutely love it! Really, I love it! The instructors are uniformly excellent, the studio is immaculate, and the entire staff is great. The music is fun, the routines are challenging, and the instructors are always helpful and encouraging. I’ve taken all four levels of classes and each has its own advantages. All classes emphasize proper alignment which really contributes to improved posture. While the exercises aren’t easy, they are extremely effective. I go 4 or 5 times a week. I’ve dropped 4 dress sizes and I’ve never felt better. Or stronger. Ever.
I read in the other reviews that some might perceive it as being a little pricey but if you buy one of their packages and go regularly, you’ll probably find, as I have, that on a per class basis it is really quite inexpensive. And it works! In my book, you can’t beat that!

I’ve never been able to stick to a fitness routine until I tried DM. I went from not working out at all to working out 5 days a week for a year straight!
I can’t say enough good things about the owners and instructors. They are not only super knowledgable but also nice and welcoming. The classes are a great workout, there are many times to choose from, and those who attend are friendly.
Although there is a max class size, it can be pretty packed. My advice – get there early to get a good spot :) Most people are pretty good about respecting your space, so it never bothered me too much.
Like Kelley said, it can be pricey. Some DM studios charge $ 225 a month, but I never paid more than $ 175/​month at DM Oak Park. The owners seemed conscientious about price sensitive members, always trying to give extra perks to unlimited members. In the end, you can’t put a price on your health, right?
I’ve since moved away from Oak Park but look forward to going back to visit DM and taking a class with my favorite instructors!

Oak Park never knew what it was missing. The Dailey Method is the perfect fit for this community – it delivers a solid workout with a small-​studio, personal feel that I usually look for at a yoga studio. I bought the six week trial, and now I’m doing their month-​long December challenge.
The pros to this place? Where do I even begin?
— Instructors who know their stuff. I tend to be super critical of studios or gyms in general, and absolutely abhor places where the instructors seem incompetent or disengaged. All of the instructors here are extremely knowledgable about alignment and they give both physical and verbal adjustments that really help a lot.
— Instructors who really care. They’ll stay after class with you if you don’t understand something – for as long as it takes for you to get it. As Holly, one of the owners, said to me when I asked for her help, they «really want you to be successful.»
— A clean, attractive space. There’s a large studio with windows facing Marion Street, and a smaller interior studio as well. The instructors favor «mood lighting,» which is all right by me, especially given the huge mirrors. ;-)
— An excellent workout. I’m sore after pretty much every class, which is perpetually surprising, because I don’t feel like I’m really suffering during class. It definitely hurts, but it doesn’t make me want to die. Also, I’m pretty sure I am *beginning* to see a sign of my abs.
— A pretty good crowd. Yes, this studio definitely seems to attract a specific demographic that comprises about 40% of their clients (think well-​to-​do suburban moms in their mid-​thirties; lots of blonde hair and sparkly rings) BUT there is enough diversity besides that to make me feel comfortable. In any given class, there’s at least one other slightly overweight, perpetually confused and silently swearing person there, so I don’t feel stupid or out of place.
Cons:
— The pricing. I get that this is a niche studio and it delivers an awesome service – but $ 200 a month for a regular unlimited pass is just not accessible for me. The only reason I’ve been able to sustain my attendance so far is because of their grand opening and holiday deals. After December’s up, I’m not sure what I’ll do. :(
— Crowded classes. They’re not ALWAYS crowded, but this place is quite popular, and that’s evident in how the class limits are maxed out about half of the time I go.
The reason I knocked the star off is because of their pricing. Either way, this place definitely warrants a visit. It’s really an excellent experience, even if you can only afford to go for your introductory rate month.