Pilates Body by Kirsten in Crystal Lake set to add massage therapy rooms - Northwest Herald

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CRYSTAL LAKE – A Crystal Lake Pilates studio soon will be moving and expanding its massage therapy services.

The Crystal Lake City Council unanimously approved an ordinance June 18 granting a special use permit to Pilates Body by Kirsten in the Brink Street Marketplace to move locations and more than double its current space.

Pilates Body by Kirsten will move out of its space at 30 N. Williams St. and will take over the 3,400-square-foot space at 39 N. Williams St. previously occupied by Taste of Benedict’s, which is moving into the adjacent space, according to city documents.

The expansion includes a yoga studio with a waiting room and two rooms for massage therapy, documents show.

The owner, Kirsten Karlblom, said there also will be a changing room and a bathroom located at the front of the studio.

Karlblom said she potentially is looking to add a nutritionist and more wellness services in the future.

“It’s kind of expanding not just Pilates, but I now have space to do so much more,” Karlblom said.

The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended approval of the special use permit and a parking variance last month. The parking variance previously was changed to accommodate to-go services for Benedict’s and now will be changed back.

Karlblom, a former third-grade teacher for Crystal Lake School District 47, said she was looking for something to help “get her body back” after having four kids in five years when a friend referred her to Pilates. She said she “fell in love.”

She later bought equipment for her daughters, all athletes, and her to use, and she got approval from McHenry County to see clients at her home.

When business grew beyond family and friends, Karlblom said she decided in 2013 to open her own studio, where she has been since.

“It’s kind of one of those things where I always saw this big place and never thought it would happen,” Karlblom said. “Now here I am, five years later.”

Karlblom said she expects to be open in the new location by Sept. 1 and could have a grand-opening ceremony in September or October.


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