Mandy H.
Yelp
If you are looking for any sort of classical or Stott Pilates or legitimate barre class...then this is NOT your place. If you are looking for glorified group class with fairly high intensity, reps, and bursts, that utilizes a pilates reformer...then this is your spot!
I admit that even though it's not what I was looking for, I DO enjoy it. It's been a nice change of pace. I've been attending classes 4-5 times a week for almost 4 weeks now.
1. The instructors, so far, seem to be very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about what they are teaching (not Pilates).
2. I don't care for the fact that they force you to wear grip socks, I prefer bare feet - it is much safer.
3. Most of the reformer based classes are just your run of the mill exercises, just done on the reformer, i.e. bicep curls, triceps extensions, lat pulls, etc.
4. The barre class is only about 15 minutes, tops, of actual barre work.
5. Most of the ab exercises are done on a mat instead of utilizing the reformer - and it's mostly typical gym type ab work.
6. There is not much in the programming that is geared toward strengthening or rehabbing the spine.
7. Sooooo many reps, and almost every exercise includes bursts.
8. I'm very afraid that the classes are too large for the instructors to actually catch if someone is doing something that could harm them. It's hard to watch form on that many girls (up to 10 per class). Thankfully, I have enough body awareness and knowledge that I can modify when needed and not injure myself. Although I will admit that sometimes I feel a slight pressure to push past my body's limit - which isn't necessarily a good thing.
9. There is one classical style Pilates class offered once a week and I've been 3x. It was the exact same programming each time, not very exciting. Again, very difficult to monitor/instruct a class of 10 doing classical pilates. Maybe she offers variety sometimes, but not that I've experienced so far. The instructor is a sweetheart.
10. The uptown facility is very nice and clean. There is always cool water available.
11. There is an in-house juice bar but I'm not big on juicing so its not a selling point for me.
12. Great schedule with lots of variety and times every day of the week.
13. The prices are very fair considering what you get and compared to other studios.
So again, not what I was looking for, but I do enjoy it. Just wanted to give a little more detail as to what actually goes on in class for those that are seeking a true pilates style class. I wish they didn't advertise themselves as this.