21 Pilates NYC

I took Dominique’s Express Reformer class this morning for the first time and absolutely loved it. She is an OG Pilates instructor who has mastered her art and is a top tier instructor. She offers hands on adjustments and really ensures each client has perfect form and movement (how else are you going to strengthen that core)!!! The class starts on the dot at the start time, which is highly valuable for busy people! This is a beautiful, intimate studio with old school reformers and traditional Pilates accessories. The studio is very transparent about the timing and when they expect people to be there. It’s disruptive to join beyond 5 minute timeframe and I’m shocked to see low reviews due to people who couldn’t follow this. This studio is very high quality and I’m excited to join more classes here.

I’ve been a loyal attendee at this studio for over a year and have generally enjoyed my experience. However, my recent experience has left me deeply disappointed. Today, I was locked out of a 10:00 AM class for being just five minutes late, despite the instructor having previously stated in an email that attendees wouldn’t be allowed in until 9:55 AM. Typically, there’s a 10-minute window to allow attendees time to undress and prepare, which seems reasonable—especially on a day when the temperature is 30° outside. What’s even more frustrating is that when I rang the doorbell, someone answered and informed me I couldn’t attend. When I requested a refund for my credits, they hung up on me and ignored my subsequent call. This lack of professionalism and courtesy is unacceptable. Additionally, I’ve noticed a pattern of frequent instructor and policy changes without sufficient communication or flexibility for attendees to adapt. This creates an inconsistent and, frankly, frustrating experience for those of us who value this studio as part of our routine. I was genuinely excited to show up for myself today, and this experience has left me feeling undervalued as a client. After a year of dedication to this studio, I’m saddened to say I’ll be looking for an alternative space that better respects its attendees and fosters a welcoming environment.

Love this studio. I take as many classes a week that my schedule will allow. I like switching up instructors, because they all have a different style. I love Tower with Katia. Tower is probably my favorite. I take reformer with Emily as well but recently discovered her jump board class which is awesome. I take reformer with Dominique who is definitely hardcore. You WILL be working out. I love that she knows I like to be challenged. Lastly, I also take reformer from Annie as well as her stretch class. She will definitely make sure you’re getting a workout. Her stretch class is my favorite part of my Saturdays.

I’ve been to multiple Pilates studios before, but this is the one I decided to stick with. Emily, the founder, is incredible. She knows so much about Pilates and how the body works, and you can really tell she cares about helping people move the right way. In just a few months, I’ve seen and felt a real difference in my strength and posture—my body just feels better overall. One thing I love is that her classes are never repetitive—she always switches things up, so it’s never boring. She’s also super detail-oriented, making sure everyone’s form is correct, which a lot of other studios don’t do as much. Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—some people think she’s “too strict” or even “rude.” She’s NOT. She’s just direct because she wants you to do it right and not get hurt. If you’re coming to a Pilates studio, following instructions (and being on time) is just basic respect. I also take classes with Dominique, who is great too, but Emily is always my go-to. If you want a studio where the instructors actually pay attention, correct your form, and help you improve, this is the place. Don’t let the negative comments scare you—if you’re serious about Pilates and want real results, you’ll love it here.

The studio made me pay for the class after classpass glitch affected my enrollment. This should have been managed by them with classpass, not me. Studio quality was also not up to scratch for the price of the class — facilities were not as nice as your standard reformer studio and yet you’re paying the same amount.

I had my first Pilates class with Reima today, and it was amazing! My doctor recommended Pilates for my conical back injury, so I was a little nervous, but Reima made me feel completely at ease. She was incredibly kind and attentive, always checking if the weight was right for me. The workout was definitely a bit challenging—I was shaking!—but there was no pain, just a great burn. I already feel like this will be a game-changer for my recovery. Highly recommend!

Class itself was okay but reformer machines are very cheap and basic and extremely close together. I was told I could not do the class barefoot, so I had to either buy their $20 socks or wear my slippery tights. The receptionist was rude and I haven't returned.

It was good while it lasted! I liked this studio because it is located in a stategic position between home and work and because the class is fast pace. I've been booking consistently as soon as the class is open for booking (7 days in advance). Last night I received a message saying that my reservation was canceled due to volume of the class, to book the class after that. Why would I do that? I have very strict hours and this is why I plan ahead to save a spot for the class that I want to attend. Why would a studio prefer one person more than another? We're all paying to be there and take class! Also, it was the second time the class was canceled. Unfortunately all of this equals to unprofessionalism to me, and with the amount of studios that are available in the city, an unfair place is not the one you want to spend your money at! Never coming back