Nutrition Happens. We’re not solely focused on the food around here (even though we LOVE chatting about a good meal!) – we believe nutrition happens when we’re intentional about the way we’re feeding every aspect of life: the decisions we make for our bodies, the way we take care of our minds, and the relationships we choose to invest in.
While healthy certainly looks differently on everyone, one thing we can all agree on is this: health should be a judgement-free zone. Instead of focusing on perfection, we’re actively choosing to drop the comparison game and instead, celebrate people just the way they are. Because nutrition happens with no labels – whether you’re holding a green smoothie or a maple glazed doughnut. This series intends to share the incredible minds of Chicagoans in this community who share a similar passion for living their own definition of their best lives. Here’s how these Chicago locals are all making nutrition happen:
*May’s note: Beginning of this year I made it a goal of mine to supplement my other workouts with Pilates to work more on posture + alignment. (Fun fact: I maxed out all my elective courses aka the fun classes in college on every pilates course they offered…priorities, right?) Enter Pilates + Coffee (my actual dream combination!) Moving to Chicago has allowed me to meet some amazing people in the fitness community and Jacquelyn is of no exception – her knowledge on body alignment / movement is reflective in her attentive teaching. Her studio, Pilates + Coffee is located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood here in Chicago. The space gets the most insane morning light and the coffee in the cafe part is from Ipsento, which is also a Chicago native spot (the 606 location on North Milwaukee is one of my favorite coffee shops!). You’ll also find Health-Ade kombucha on tap and chai tea + turmeric lattes made with Dona Chai. When I think of truly unique Chicago local spots, I think of Jacquelyn and her family at Pilates + Coffee – they’ve built this space out of their passion for supporting the community! Check out the schedule here to book out a class (small group classes fill up fast since there’s only 6 spots per class, so my advice would be to plan ahead – private + semi-private classes are also an option!)
Name: Jacquelyn Brennan
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Occupation: Founder + Pilates Teacher, Pilates + Coffee
Tell us about yourself.
I have been teaching Pilates in Chicago for 10 years. My husband and I recently opened our own space, Pilates + Coffee, a Pilates studio with a cafe in front to provide our clients and neighborhood with a community space. I have taught most fitness disciplines but Pilates is where my heart lies. When I’m not teaching, I’m hanging with my 10 month old and his big sister, our shepherd mix Moose.
Favorite part of your job?
Connecting with individuals and designing programs specific to their fitness levels, injuries, and goals. Pilates gives me the tools to span the spectrum from pre/postpartum clientele to elite athletes.
What’s your personal philosophy on a healthy lifestyle?
Empowering my clients to take ownership over their own health starting with movement, it’s amazing how that carries into nutrition, sleep, meditation, etc.
Making nutrition happen for the…
MIND.
Morning routine or evening routine?
While walking to work I listen to a meditation app to help clear my mind, set my intentions or the day, and focus.
One thing you are grateful for today:
The health of my family.
How do you recharge after a long day?
Currently I’m training for the Boston marathon, so each night I sit with compression boots on. They feel amazing and it forces me to sit still for 30 minutes and relax.
Last song played on your Spotify?
Sylvan Esso, Die Young
BODY.
Top 3 food essentials that you can’t live without (or, 3 items ALWAYS on your grocery list):
Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Perfect Bars, Mangos, Greek Yogurt
The BEST meal you’ve ever had (or favorite meal, ever):
La Giostra, Pear and Pecorino Ravioli in Florence, Italy
Open your fridge. What are the first two things you see?
Spinach and Chocolate Ripple Milk
Favorite way(s) to move/ sweat / workout?
Pilates, Running, Hot Yoga, Strength Training and the occasional Soul Cycle class
SOUL.
What makes you the most confident?
Teaching, it’s when I feel the most alive.
Where do you find the best inspiration?
My community of Pilates teachers, The Teachers Collective. It is a group of teachers that comes together to collaborate, learn and elevate one another.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My husband and I decided to open Pilates + Coffee when we had a newborn, most people called me crazy and a fellow teacher messaged me and said the timing is perfect, whenever you do it it isthe right time. That was all I needed to hear to keep moving forward.
Success to you is…
Success to me is…walking into our shops doors everyday. Each morning walking into the studio my heart skips a beat knowing my husband and I created the space we dreamed about.
CHICAGO.
Favorite spot(s) in Chicago…
Gather (restaurant in Lincoln Square), Real Good Juice, Antique Taco, and Pilates + Coffee
Your perfect Chicago day is …
Going for a run on the lakefront, walking the 606 with the whole family, eating tacos, and taking a nap!
