CORE MVMT — Local services in San Francisco

Reflecting on my journey, this review celebrates an entire year of transformation, growth, and newfound strength with CoreMVMT, my local Pilates sanctuary. When I initially embarked on this journey, my back was a constant source of discomfort and pain, a stubborn shadow over my life despite over a decade of dedicated yoga practice. Back issues were an unwelcome companion, making my days challenging and my love for yoga strained. It was then that CoreMVMT emerged as a beacon of hope.

Under the compassionate guidance of Lisa, Kat, and an extraordinary team of coaches, I found not just instructors, but mentors and cheerleaders who have been instrumental in helping me surmount my health challenges. With their expertise, I embarked on a routine of 2-3 classes per week, a commitment that has been nothing short of revolutionary for my health and well-being.

The impact of this journey has been profound. With newfound core strength, I've ventured into territories I never thought possible for myself. Training for a triathlon became a tangible goal rather than a distant dream. Running over 8 miles has now become a testament to my strength, free from the back pain that once plagued my every step. This transformation has been nothing short of miraculous, a testament to the power of dedicated Pilates practice and the supportive environment fostered by CoreMVMT.

Each class at CoreMVMT is a masterclass in understanding and appreciating our bodies. The instructors expertly guide us through movements that are not just about physical fitness but about nurturing a harmonious relationship with our bodies. They teach us the art of being fully human—how to carry ourselves with grace, relate to our physical selves with kindness, and approach everyday movements, whether it's bending, cleaning, or simply standing, with mindfulness and care.

The accessibility and inclusivity of CoreMVMT's class formats deserve special mention. They have created a space where everyone, regardless of their fitness level or experience with Pilates, feels welcomed and supported on their journey toward better health.

In summary, my experience at CoreMVMT has been transformative. The studio and its incredible team have not only helped me achieve my health goals but have also opened my eyes to the incredible capabilities of my own body. For anyone looking to embark on their own journey of health and self-discovery, I cannot recommend CoreMVMT enough. Here's to many more years of strength, health, and movement with this...

I've been doing studio fitness on and off for years, and this is the worst experience I've ever had. I signed up for a 10:00 am class, got there at 10:00 on the dot, and the instructor tried to tell me I needed to be there at 9:55 and she wouldn't let me in, because I missed the "machine demo." I pleaded with her to be admitted; I'd just spent $15 on an Uber to get there, and I was on time! She asked me if I've worked with pilates machines before, I told her (truthfully!!) that I have. She said "Fine, don't make me regret this" in a snotty tone.

The first few minutes of the class were hard and I was struggling to keep up a bit; not because I'm unfamiliar with Pilates machines, but because I'm out of shape after recuperating from an accident. Then she had everyone move from planks to crunches and I took a moment to consider whether I wanted to ask for a modification; my physical therapist has specifically told me to avoid crunches, but I wasn't sure if I wanted more of this woman's attention on me. She saw me hesitating, got in my face about how I was obviously not experienced or fit enough, and kicked me out. Mind you, this is all unfolding in front of a full class, which is pretty embarrassing. This class was literally called "beginners", so it's not like I blundered into an advanced class. I told her I would leave as long as she promised not to mark me as a no-show, since ClassPass charges a pretty punitive fee for missing a class. She said she wouldn't charge me a no-show fee, but when I got home, I saw she had indeed marked me as missing the class. I had to reach out to ClassPass customer service to make sure I wouldn't be charged. Insanely...

Awful experience dealing with the owner Lisa. She is hostile, distrusting, rude and isn't here to build a community out of respect and kindness. There are much better studios in the city that cultivates building a community with better classes and results.

I joined as a new customer in May and bought a 20 class pack that was offered after my initial visit. Class was taken out of the 20 pack so I reached out to see what was going on. I was told it was because I was added to a 7am class I was waitlisted for at 11pm the night before. I was not informed via text or email. After many back and forth with Lisa about me not receiving any emails on being added to the class, she credited the class back. I informed her that my intention isn't to cheat her or her business.

I slept through my alarm one morning and missed the 7am class for which I rushed to the studio to go to the 8am. I not only lost out on a class, I was charged an additional $30 no show fee even though her policy says it is $25.

On a 8am Monday class the instructor does not show up. No communication to anyone that signed up for the class whatsoever. I went home and emailed that I would like to make sure the class is credited back to me and I asked if I can get the $30 no show fee refunded since this time around it's her instructor that didn't show up. Lisa once again responds with animosity and anger over email saying "I’m not going back and forth with you over a policy that you signed and agreed to. I’m not refunding the charge from 7/29 nor am I going to change my policy because you don’t like it."

She ended up refunding the remainder of the 10 classes left on my 20 pack....