Helen's Intensive Pilates Avenue U location — Local services in New York

Sadly I feel I have to share my experience or I would feel irresponsible. I would not like what happened to me to happen to anybody else.

I attended less than 10 group classes and private sessions with this studio and had an excellent experience with all instructors. Great attention to positions being done correctly and that lovely appropriate post work out burn a day or two after. At this point I would have given the studio 5 stars. About 9 months later (after being away for mild to moderate health related reasons - think colds, some sprains etc) I went in for a few private sessions. While pregnant, first trimester. I bought a 5 private sessions package and the first two sessions were as described above - great! The third session I was injured. I was asked to pull too much weight with my left arm, didn't notice at the time I did so, but woke up the next night and could not move my arm. For 3-4 days it was quite painful and I could not extend the arm fully. The pain woke me up at night. Not great when you are pregnant and dealing with other bodily changes at the same time. But mistakes happen and that is part of life.

Fourth session I was injured again and in so much pain about 1-2 days afterwards I could not work, sleep, sit, walk, move without shooting pains, go to the bathroom properly nor breath more than inhaling shallow sips of air. Not being able to take a proper breath was perhaps the most distressful of all pains. The instructor showed me a move and it was too much for my physical capabilities. Again, I did not feel this happening as we did the movements, the pain from injury came a day or two later. As it sometimes and normally does, which is why I bought private lessons to be in good regulating hands while pregnant.

As this pain intensified, so painful I would scream out from the stabbing sensations in my entire back and chest, I called the studio. It was a Saturday. I didn't expect a call, but asked them to call me and expressed my fear around what had happened.

I asked them to call me three times in the coming days, nobody called me from the studio. They advise I seek medical attention, but what I wanted from them was a phone call directly to me. I asked for a full refund to compensation for the pain and suffering. I asked if the studio was licensed to practice pre-natal pilates, I asked "who" was this texting me back from their studio, how this could happen - my questions were reasonable, holding them to account. They proceeded to blame my health condition for what had just happened (remember the colds and minor to moderate health issues I mentioned in the beginning?). This was completely a false causation theory and I was surprised and disappointed they would take this "blame the victim" route. I was then told not to "harass" the studio any further (or else...?) and they mentioned not giving me the full refund (over $500) back.

I then proceeded to just ask for the refund, and when it would arrive.

When I did get my refund check, I opened it and found about $120 refunded. I could not believe it. The refund was only for the same amount as one private lesson. If I were them, I would have called the person I injured, offer to speak to their doctor, apologize profusely and refund the entire investment as I would have failed to keep my end of the bargain. But instead they did none of that, and also reminded me I signed paperwork stating they were not responsible.

I am so deeply disappointed, this is my second online critical review ever and I usually don't invest time and effort into "negative" experiences.

But I was injured twice, treated so poorly (blamed and accused of harassment for asking legit questions) and had fear of losing my unborn child or having birth complications later on. I had to write this to let this go, I want YOU (especially if you are pregnant) to know about this before investing - and trusting in...

Small studio made up of Jewish women, so if you’re not that you will feel a little out of place. I first tried the KHWY location over a decade ago and decided to come back to get ready for my September wedding. It was more diverse at that location but I didn’t mind because I had my goals in mind! My issues are with management and how they chose to address the situation. On Sunday night my fiancé and I had our engagement party and naturally we had gifts that we received. On Monday while opening the rest of our gifts, we saw that we were gifted tickets to the Nets game for 4/8. Once I saw this, I texted Helen’s Pilates around 11:30am to ask to reschedule to the next morning due to the tickets we just saw. I explained that the game was at 7pm and class was at 4:30pm so I couldn’t possibly make it both. First they mentioned waiting for the owner’s approval, then I was told that because only one other student booked, I can’t cancel because then they would have to cancel the entire class. I explained again that I couldn’t foresee this happening and that one person booking was not my issue. She then proceeded to try to convince me to come to the class instead because there’s only one other student, she then said I can’t reschedule I’ll just loose the class. This is when I saw the unfairness, I’ve seen other students classes get rescheduled and rebooked myself, it was almost like they’re punishing me for not being able to make it in. Today, I decided to leave a review because sadly, this is not where the story ends. On 4/9 I booked a class for today 4/10, even after accepting that they took my class unfairly. The owner Helen called me last evening and personally and told me not to come back because I cause too much issues with class. The instructor and receptionist were upset at the situation and that they will refund the rest of my classes, minus the 4/8 of course which they still have the nerve to want to keep. Everything I said was taken to sound “hostile”(thank goodness it was all in text).I bought up the fact they are treating me differently from Jewish women and they told me I’m being Anti-Semantic and will report it as a hate crime. I learned the hard way of the perception these people have of me and immediately understood why I was handled the way I was. So bottom line don’t go here! They WILL be bias to you! As of today, I’m still having issues receiving the full refund for the remaining 6 classes I didn’t take. Don’t go here!...

I have been a regular at Helen’s pilates for over 30 sessions, and my experience has been nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire team. The studio is a serene and inviting space, immaculately clean, and thoughtfully designed to create a calming atmosphere that enhances the Pilates experience.

The instructors at Helen’s pilates are incredibly knowledgeable, skilled, and attentive. They take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and tailor the sessions accordingly. Their ability to explain the exercises and correct form is remarkable, ensuring that I get the most out of every session while avoiding any potential injuries. Their passion for Pilates is evident in their teaching style, making each class both enjoyable and challenging.

Over the course of my time here, I've noticed significant improvements in my strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. The variety of classes offered caters to all levels, whether you're a beginner or more advanced. The small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and the instructors are always ready to provide modifications or progressions as needed. The equipment is top-notch, and the studio offers a wide range of props that enhance the workouts.

One of the aspects I appreciate most about Helen’s pilates is the sense of community. The staff and fellow clients create a supportive and friendly environment, making it easy to feel at home. The team is also very accommodating with scheduling and has been flexible with my needs, making it convenient to fit Pilates into my busy schedule.

Overall, Helen’s pilates has been an integral part of my fitness journey, and I am grateful for the positive impact it has had on my life. Whether you're looking to strengthen your core, improve your posture, or simply find a place to unwind and focus on your well-being, I highly recommend giving Helen’s pilates a try. It's more than just a workout; it's a transformative experience that leaves you feeling stronger, healthier, and more connected...