Physique 57 - Soho Studio — Local services in New York

EDIT: I still maintain the comments in my original review, but I did not have a great experience during an online class today and achieved no resolution with the studio manager. On 4/18/2025, I attempted to take an online class at 10:45 AM. The Zoom link did not work, and eventually failed, saying that the Meeting ID was invalid. I called the studio twice and no one answered. I received an email 7 minutes into class and a callback at 10:53 AM. The studio manager did not apologize for the failure. I asked if I could receive a refund for the class, and was offered a measly $5 credit and eventually a $10 credit. I hung up rather quickly because each minute that I spent arguing, I was missing class. I guess I will dispute this with my credit card. To make things worse, the music wasn't working. It was so bad that one person left the class early. The instructor even said that "the computer wasn't working so the [in studio class] got her full attention".

This issue is an outcome of an even larger issue with online and in-person classes at this studio - the class times are just too close together. The Zoom links are never opened early. I've taken classes where the host doesn't open the meeting until 5 minutes into the class. It's hard to see how this studio can charge people $44 for an in person and $24 for an online session when multiple class times are 60 minutes apart (10:45 and 11:45 AM; 5:15 PM and 6:15 PM). The later class always starts late and ends on time, which isn't really fair. Somehow, even the early class starts late most of the time.

Further, the staff needs to open the Zoom room as early as possible. The class before mine ended at 10:30 AM, so there was a full 15 minutes to get set up for the next class. There should be no scrambling with Zoom links at the start of class.

It's so disappointing because I love this studio, but I spent the entire class today disoriented after missing the warm up and upset over arguing on the phone. I didn't even get a good workout because I was so upset. I am an unlimited member and spend $300/month to take classes here. I expected better customer service. I just don't think it is too much to ask for a $24 refund for all three people who tried to join online today.

ORIGINAL REVIEW

I have never been a "pilates girl", but I tried this place after seeing an advertisement and could not be happier that I did. Previously, I never felt like I got a good workout doing pilates, but Physique57 is HARD. I've been weightlifting for years, but I have made so much more progress in just 3 months at this studio. I also love taking their live online options - it is perfect for days when I work late and can't make it in....

I’ve been coming to Physique 57 NYC for years, and this is my only workout because this has only been the only one that I actually found to be fun and sustainable! It’s true what they say - the best workout is the one that you enjoy most.

I’ve gone to most other well-known barre franchises, and P57 stands out among the rest in terms of best instructors. How are they the best? They’re super warm and welcoming (I’ve gotten some snobby vibes from other places, even if they’re “nice”). The trainers are also very creative with their programming - although each class may have an expected “format,” they change it up every time and also infuse their own very unique personalities into each class. P57 is also more challenging than other barre studios - they use heavier weights, have more cardio, and keep things moving throughout. I’ve been to other barre studios where you spend half the class stretching. Stretching is super important, but I much prefer p57 where you do stretch during/after class (depending on format), but it’s not a huge chunk of the time.

Both trainers and those on the client success team (CSTs) have helped me with my many injuries that started a few years ago. My body has unfortunately not been the same and I’m continuing to struggle, but the trainers have been wonderful with helping me with modifications and continuing to work with me on finding moves that work for me. They are way more aware of body mechanics than any other barre studios that I’ve been to. The CSTs have been so accommodating and check in with me occasionally to see how I’m feeling/doing! Really, really appreciate their concern and care. I feel very cared for!

They also have been very welcoming and accepting of constructive feedback and have always followed up with me regarding any concerns. I’ve been to some other snotty places that basically make it seem like if you don’t like something, get out - despite being nice about the feedback!

A few practical things to note: They recently moved, so for anyone who hasn’t been to the new location yet: no showers. They have towels but charge for non-annual members. Just like the old studios, they have a water dispenser if you bring your own bottle (can also purchase water). Despite some growing pains of moving to a new studio, it was a pretty smooth move, so major props to them for pulling it off so well. There’s a reason why I come here around...

Physique 57 changed the way I think about working out, and my experience doing it. Exercise is so personal and emotional not to mention physical, and when I discovered barre classes at Physique 57 I finally found the thing that works for me and my body. I have now been an avid fan for 10 years. Because of the amazing On Demand platform they provide, it is super easy to maintain your workouts if you travel. The instructors are dancers, and they know how to push just enough so that you make that extra effort and challenge yourself in a positive way. They talk you through the overload, so that you understand it as part of the process to make change. To get stronger mentally and physically. The various amazing personalities of the Physique team are also part of what make it a unique and special experience. I also can't talk about Physique without mentioning how they(Tanya and all of the instructors)created an amazing space for the community throughout the pandemic. To be able to count on a consistent space on Instagram to "see" the community and work out together, sharing in the comments, being "seen" by the instructors was a tremendous saving grace. At a time when many of us felt a lack of control, it was a place to show up and do something positive, often laughing our way through it! I couldn't recommend you try this class more...if there were more stars to give I would! Thank you Tanya, Jennifer and the team for...