Studio Pilates International South Slope — Local services in New York

I like a good pilates workout as much as the next person, but this place is not it. This review is more of a PSA. First off, if you are neurodivergent or have ADD, ADHD, trouble focusing, this format is terrible. I consider myself neurotypical and still had trouble focusing in these classes. And I've been to many different kinds of gyms, classes, etc. At Studio Pilates there are screens everywhere with a video playing of someone doing the workout that you're supposed to follow, music that is playing over the video of the person talking (the instructors do not have control over the volume of the music, another red flag), AND on top of that, the instructor is also speaking. They say the reason for this is so that you get the best individual attention as possible. I do not mean to criticize the instructors, they are doing their jobs the best they can, and they are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It is the entire ethos behind this company that is troubling. It's a money grab. The ethos of, you watch the video so the instructors (who never once demonstrate anything on a reformer) can give you more attention, feels like a lie. This way they can almost push it as the benefits of small group workouts, while still having 15 people per class and offer 13 sessions in one day. If it were more affordable, or they tried to do any community classes, to better serve the community that they are in, then I might understand. But it's still expensive. Look, I've belonged to gyms, I'm down for a soul cycle class (where there is an instructor in front of you actually doing the exercises), high intensity, etc. This spot feels cold, soulless. Again, not the fault of the instructors. I get it, it's convenient, but there are waaaaay better pilates studios out there. Waaaay better workouts that are small business in this neighborhood that cost the same (or have sliding scale and are more affordable) and will give you a much better, focused and tailored to you workout. This place is always busy, so I'm sure I'm not changing anyone's mind. The reviews seem skewed or hidden if they aren't favorable. Go on reddit and you'll see what people really think of this corporate "international" pilates business. Just here to say, if you haven't already tried this place, look somewhere else in the neighborhood. Studio...

I have endometriosis and this Pilates ORIENTATION class threw me out. Suffering from intense pain after the class for days, I decided to reach out to the studio for a refund. I was told I couldn’t get a refund because I had already tried a class. If I was in pain I needed a doctor’s note indicating I could no longer do the classes. First of all, do you know that we live in the U.S. where the first sign of a woman complaining about pain to their health provider is a scoff. Secondly, Mind you their system doesn’t let you try out a full class until you go through a compulsory orientation. I didn’t even go through a full round and their version of Pilates caused a pelvic pain flare up. The way this system functions is not at all nurturing to various bodies abilities, especially at the introductory level. Do better Studio Pilates, rather than eating up all the money you can get, listen to the feedback that the community is giving you. This isn’t it. Get it together.

UPDATE Rather quickly after writing this review, I was met with the kindest and caring phone call from the manager Marisa. She communicated her concern with how my situation was handled and apologized greatly for the way the front desk dealt with things. I appreciate hearing how much she truly cares about the community and especially when it comes to people's health. That reach she made to connect with me personally shows me that repair is possible and she and her studio are willing to do the hard work and take accountability. Lastly, she processed my refund. Thank you Marisa, I appreciate you and your loving correction of...

Cannot recommend Studio Pilates enough!! SO happy that they are officially open and a part of the Park Slope community.

Here are a few things I absolutely love about them:

the team: everyone is SO nice! From the owner, Marissa, to all of the amazing instructors, everyone makes an effort to know your name, know what's going on in your body (giving modifications as needed), and even know what's going on in your world outside of the studio - even surprising me with a cupcake on my birthday :) They genuinely care and are passionate about what they do - and it shows up in every aspect of the studio

the workouts: holy cow - if you want to target muscles and get into great shape fast, this is the way! I have always been athletic/active, but these workouts are something else.. it targets muscles in ways you really can't do on your own, allowing you to push past any plateau your facing. A full body workout, you'll leave sore and come back dying for more!

(Also like I mentioned above, the instructors go above and beyond to give modifications and personal advice on how to make your workout the best it can be for your body and level)

The studio - the reformers are brand new and all of the equipment is top notch... but beyond that, no shortage of attention to detail. It's warm and inviting and the perfect place to workout. Reformers are spaced out and no precaution has been spared in terms of contact tracing and COVID safety,

If you are looking to lose the covid-19, improve your existing workout regimen, or just find a great supportive community......