Pilates Reforming New York — Local services in New York

This past summer, as my 79th birthday arrived, I had the good fortune to run into a friend who extolled the benefits of Pilates classes and encouraged me to give it a try. Best of all there was a Pilates studio at 214th St. and Broadway, close to my Riverdale apartment. I signed up for my free introductory class with Pilates Reforming NY on July 14, 2015. Anne, the instructor, explained how the apparatus, known as a Reformer, worked as she set out to give us instruction on the various exercises. I loved the feel of working on the Reformer. Learning to master these challenging exercises brought me back to my youthful training in fencing. I was hooked. In just a few months I’ve taken over 40 Reformer classes with Ann, David, Richie and several other instructors at all three locations. The classes are a delightful challenge. Each teacher is a little different of course. All of them are very precise in making sure that you are doing the exercises correctly, very hands on and attentive to your needs, in particular when you are a beginner. I have been averaging three classes per week since the beginning in July. I felt the results almost immediately. I feel younger, much more energized and walk with greater spring in my step. I feel my abs for the first time in years. Within a few weeks of starting, my wife pointed out how much more wakeful I appeared. At my age, I have been retired for many years but the precision required with these Pilates exercises reminded me so much of my time in college, learning to fence and eventually, in my 20s, representing the United States in the 1958 fencing World Championships, the 1960 Olympics and the 1963 Pan American Games. I love taking these classes and on those rare occasions when I have had to miss a week because of family matters or travel I can’t wait to get back I have referred one young woman acquaintance to Pilates and she tells me she is now taking several classes each week. My wife and I plan to buy a reformer to use in our winter house in FL. Pilates has changed my...

Discriminatory, rude and insulting. I’ve never had this experience before with any workout class as this studio in UES. Soon as I entered, Gillian - the instructor, asked me about injuries, which I informed her of a recent one, and if I’ve done Pilates before - which I answered yes. Then upon moving to the reformer, she asked me to adjust it to my height and I started - which apparently was the wrong way. She immediately starts yelling and insulting me as if I’m a child that needs discipline. I wanted to leave immediately but I was frozen in spot…she made me feel so small and stupid that I was shaking and didn’t know what to do or say. For rest of the class, she didn’t pay attention to me at all and I was so afraid to touch anything or do any wrong movements in fear of getting yelled at. I’ve also taken their intro to reformer class and am a returner to their studio…it also doesn’t help being the only woman of color in the class and getting yelled like this in front of everyone. If they don’t want anyone that makes a mistake to join, then they need to say so vs insulting them to this extent. People like Gillian are also the reason new folks turn away from Pilates, making it seem like too complicated.

One of the signs in their studio says you “learn Pilates here” whereas other studios you “only do Pilates.” You don’t learn anything here, you get insulted, yelled at and humiliated. You feel terrible leaving the workout and you never want to return & tell others not to come to this studio as well - especially people of color.

The experience here was so terrible that I am writing to...

Classes at Pilates Reforming have changed my life. I have worked out my entire life but because of 2 herniated discs my constant pain kept me from keeping my body in shape. I tried many doctors, injections and PT. Finally, I discovered this studio. After taking classes regularly here, I feel like my old self. I stand taller and am much stronger then ever, even more then when doing weight training. I love that there are so many classes to choose from at different times. All of the instructors are caring and knowledgeable . I am constantly amazed how they can spot 10 students at once and their slightest correction of form helps to take you to the next level. The owner Ann Toran is serious but has the utmost respect for the classic pilate's school and training. She instructs all her students carefully so that they are safe in their practice while training and stay healthy. You will learn perfect form that will transform your practice and body. Anne Pae, Richie, Fabricia and Wes and all the others are just as caring, professional and knowledgeable and each offers their own gifts to their classes. I have learned so much from them all and and I am so grateful I found this studio with such amazing...