The Pilates Barn — Local services in Ann Arbor

Fantastic location and atmosphere! Top notch team of instructors. Immediately walking into The Pilates Barn, I knew I found my home. The space will blow you away with all the natural sunlight (windows wrapping around the studio from all sides, and the ceiling is loaded with skylights), high lofty ceilings, exposed brick, open space, and fully equipped with Gratz equipment. It feels like something you'd stumble upon in New York city-- but 3x bigger! Going to The Pilates Barn is an experience beyond just Pilates. I always end up grabbing a coffee at Sweetwaters on my way out, and then browsing my favorite local shops and markets (Everyday Wines, Sparrow Market, Found...just to name a few). It's just a great vibe! Parking is easy. There is ample parking surrounding the building. Most importantly, the instructors are exceptional. Heather, who is the founder of the studio, has a real knack at attracting kind, smart, and fun instructors. They are infectious. I always leave feeling mentally energized and physically stronger.

I personally train with Heather (founder). She is professional, accessible, and she has the eye of an eagle and corrects with impeccable detail. Most importantly (what stands out) is that Heather's classes are about her clients' needs at the moment, not about her. She starts on time. She shuts off her personal brain, and she devotes 100% of her attention to the body (bodies) in front of her. I'd highly recommend The Pilates Barn, Heather, and all of the instructors that she hires. Big thumbs up. Go check them out! You have to see and experience it for yourself to really grasp what I'm saying. Words don't cut it. The minute you walk in you will feel what I am writing...

I came into the Pilates Barn knowing next to nothing about Pilates. I had been looking for lower intensity workouts, and walking was my consistent practice before trying Pilates. I used to favor weight training + light cardio or HIIT workouts.

I started with a private session with Heather on the Cadillac. The moves & exercises were all familiar, but challenging in new ways. Heather is great at motivating & explaining how to properly perform each exercise. Having a private session before classes helped me feel more confident in what I was doing.

I have now done weekly tower classes for the last 4 weeks, sometimes twice in a week. Private sessions are great, but the group classes have a really fantastic energy! Everyone I have met in classes has been welcoming, helpful, and someone to turn to & say “wow that was hard” haha Each class has similar exercises, but there is always something different and challenging. I never feel bored or wonder about the time.

I experience minimal post workout soreness, but I always feel that I’ve worked out hard. I have seen & felt changes in my strength and body already. I’m looking forward to trying other trainers & Reformer...

The Pilates Barn is a beautiful, bright, airy and serene space to get superb quality, classical Pilates training in downtown Ann Arbor. I have known and trained with most of the trainers on staff and can say without hesitation that they have superior knowledge of classical Pilates. They are insightful, able to adapt to the individual regardless of body type, injury or personal goals.

Specifically, I have taken private sessions from Melissa Walcott for a good portion of the last decade. She is extremely detailed in her understanding of exercise purpose and getting her clients into the right position for their body to experience the work of Pilates...challenging you, but with an ever-present attention to safety. A nurse and certified personal trainer originally, Melissa has the patience, body knowledge, Pilates expertise and experience to train anyone. Additionally, she is one of the kindest and most positive people I know. She made such an impact on my life, that I am now training to be a certified classical Pilates instructor too!

Your health is a priority, and your time and money will be well invested at The...