Fitlab Pilates — Local services in Cambridge

If you are at all interested in pilates, I could not recommend Fitlab Pilates more highly! I attended two classes a week at Fitlab for over a year before moving to Western Massachusetts. I am not exaggerating when I say that Fitlab classes are one of the things I miss the most about Cambridge/Boston. I could probably write a dissertation on why this studio is exceptional, but I'll do my best to stick to the highlights.

First, the atmosphere of the classes is pretty unique. They focus on building strength rather than burning calories. I don't think I heard any reference to losing weight even once during my time in the studio. This is reflected in the clientele; people of all genders, sizes, and ages attend the classes regularly. They also do not play music. While many people like listening to music as they work out, I found that the lack of music allowed the instructors to focus on helping me do the exercises correctly and on getting to know me as a person. Again, not for everyone, but was definitely refreshing and helpful for me.

Second, the instructors at Fitlab are the most knowledgable and attentive fitness instructors I've ever experienced. (And I've gone to a lot of different classes! Spin, yoga, 305 Fitness, Zumba, personal training -- if it was "in" at some point in the last 5 years, I've probably tried it.) Cilla and Amanda have different styles, but they are both excellent at giving very specific and thorough instructions for every aspect of the class. Reformer pilates can be intricate, so their detailed instruction is critical to the success of their classes. They are also both excellent at finding multiple ways to explain the same move. Amanda taught most of the classes I attended and she did a great job of repeating exercises that built strength and mixing up the routines so that I never got bored. (Honestly, twice a week for over a year and I never got bored!) Diane (the owner) had just hired a third instructor when I left, who unfortunately I didn't get the chance to work with, but I heard good things from other attendees.

Third, the owner provides exceptional customer service. Diane responds to emails as seeming lightening speed. She also has an incredible understanding/memory of each of her member's class preferences. More than once she emailed me to let me know that a spot in class opened up when I had mentioned to her over a month before that I was interested in switching! The MindBody app can be clunky and a bit annoying if you are a member, but Diane is so attentive and helpful that for me it was a non-issue. She also keeps the prices at an exceptionally reasonable rate. My monthly membership at Fitlab meant the individual classes were cheaper than any other fitness class I had tried out in the area. Given the specialized attention that comes with a 6 person maximum class, the value for that expense was by far the best.

My final thought is that if you have never tried pilates before, don't give up! Reformer pilates can be very frustrating at the beginning. The reformer is a crazy contraption that can be used in what seems like 50 million different ways. For the first three months, we did something totally new with it at every class I attended. There's a lot of set up involved for each of those new things and it felt like I had to learn a new language just to work out. It's also hard. But, the staff at Fitlab Pilates were so encouraging and helpful that I know I could go into any pilates class now and hold my own. I built more strength and felt more confident in my body than I ever had before. It was completely worth getting through the...

I don't know where to begin with my praise of this studio and its instructors because I frankly cannot say enough good things. My Pilates practice with Cilla has transformed the way I walk, move, and breathe. They say we are lifelong students in our Pilates journeys but Cilla stands out with a mastery that is unmatched––she is by far the wisest, most knowledgeable, and kindhearted instructor I've had the pleasure of learning from. She helped me bring greater awareness to my body and breath and her classes carried me through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum––I felt strong and well through it all thanks to her teaching.

This is a real Pilates studio. Kate, the owner, has done a fantastic job with the studio and assembling a team of the very best instructors. Truly a beautiful space and refreshingly unpretentious––it doesn't need to put up a front because it speaks for itself. A maximum of six per class (so the experience leans semi-private), no music, non-toxic cleaning products, the finest equipment, and loaner socks (if you forget to bring socks, you won't have to buy a new pair because they will loan you a...

I can't recommend Fitlab Pilates enough! I used to take pilates classes frequently and enjoyed it so much, but I ended up moving and eventually found myself unable to find a studio that I clicked well with....until I found Fitlab. The environment, community and staff are very warm and welcoming upon entrance. The studio is beautiful, clean and spacious. I truly enjoy the pace/precision of the reformer classes and the individuality of each instructor. You can tell each class is planned and operated as such but allows for modifications or changes as necessary. Details like that assure me that every instructor is knowledgeable and an expert in their field. Coming here each week has felt so amazing and I am so happy to be back on...