Btone Fitness

Best studio in Boston. Total body workout in only 45 minutes! Dahne and Jenny’s classes are awesome

This review is for the Btone location in the North End which does not seem to have its own Unilocal entry. I took two classes here through Classpass while visiting from New York and really enjoyed both of them. The studio is clean and spacious and the teaching stuff was very helpful as I am not that familiar with the Megaformer moves. Both teachers (Serena was one) provided corrections so I could do the exercises safely and most effectively. I will definitely be back next time I’m in town.

I just finished my first class here and loved it so much wanted to give a review right away. This studio doesn’t need another 5-​star rating but wanted to give my experience nonetheless.
I signed up on classpass because I’ve always wanted to try a class that incorporated a machine like the Pilates reformer. I’ve never used one so I’m a complete newbie when it comes to these things. The class said it was for all levels so I decided to give it a shot.
I come in today, and yes the studio is small, but I didn’t mind. I came in early and waited in a small room. Since there was another class going on I had a chance to observe what was going on. It looked completely foreign to me and I was worried I wasn’t going to know what to do.
When it came time to my class I introduced myself to the instructor and let her know it was my first time. She was super nice and helpful and reviewed with me all of the different hooks and how to use the machine.
It was pretty easy to get the hang of how to use it. The class itself was so good. My fitness goals are to tone up and this class will definitely isolate different parts of your body and work it. I’m so glad this class is offered on classpass! I definitely want to tell my friends about it so they can come with.

Let me start with the fact that the classes I have attended here are great. However, I purchased a package here that was not honored. I’m disappointed in the business side of btone, although the classes with most teachers are great. In my experience with studios around Boston, both through class pass, memberships and packages, I would say there are other establishments where you can get as good of a workout for less hassle. It seems as if they are still in their growth stages and not quite sure how to handle a multi location business. Give them a few years and they will be on track. Until then, look to barre, classes at exhale, and other small groups classes!

Btone Pilates reformer classes are an amazing workout. I admit I was intimidated by the idea of using a reformer, but it is an intense, yet low impact workout.
Btone is conveniently located on Newbury street, and all the of the instructors I have taken are pretty great. I will admit it can be intimidating — a lot of the women that frequent the TONE classes are in amazing shape. Luckily most instructors don’t hesitate to help give modifications if you are struggling with a pose.
My only complaint about the studio is the bathroom. It definitely leaves something to be desired at a high-​end fitness studio. It is a bit grungy and needs a face-​lift. I could overlook that fact but they don’t even offer paper towels or a hand dryer (just a ratty wet towel to dry your hands). This is something that definitely needs to be improved! Otherwise a great workout!

For a girl whose workouts usually entail either a yoga mat or a spin bike, my first impression of Btone’s signature Lagree Fitness method was that it looked incredibly intimidating. A hybrid of a Pilates reformer machine and Optimus Prime, the thing looked straight up scary!
However, all fears and anxieties were calmed when the class instructor, Rachel, gave me a quick but thorough rundown of how to work the contraption, its wires, and all of the gadgets and gizmos attached to it. Plus, if there was ever any sign of struggle or misunderstanding during the class, Rachel was ready to spring into action in offering tips and hands-​on adjustments, which in my case were sometimes needed.
Aside from my somewhat irrational fear of the machine (which disappeared by the end of class!) the session was fun and challenging. I already feel the soreness in my abs and legs — a sure sign of a great workout — and it’s been less than 12 hours since I visited Btone. And I know I said I’m typically a yoga/​spin typa gal, but I can definitely see myself throwing Lagree Fitness into my workout routine in the future.

Outstanding Reformer workout — one of the best workouts I’ve found in Boston. Total body workout — my core /​thighs /​arms were feeling it for days. Pace is rigorous but not overwhelming, instructor guides you through transitions and encourages modifications as necessary. Instructor engages with participants throughout class, guiding and watching form, and providing helpful verbal cues/​call-​outs.
Perfect across a range of fitness conditions/​workout objectives whether you’re seeking to tone core, looking for low-​impact/​high-​intensity workout or recover from injury. Small class sizes ftw.
Positive, technical instructors and friendly staff — could not recommend more. Great location near Arlington.

Oh Btone, how I love everything about you. This studio has a convenient location just minutes from Arlington station, friendly and knowledgable instructors and most importantly, a killer workout. Megareformers can be daunting at first but the instructors are very clear about set ups and demo how they should be done while offering modifications for varying fitness levels.
I haven’t tried the row classes (and honestly don’t have any desire to since I used to row and view ergs as torturous) — this review is just for the Tone classes.

I am a Lagree Fitness fanatic so when I planned my two week vacation to Boston, I knew I needed to find a megaformer to stay zen! Thankfully I found BTone Fitness on Newbury Street.
The 3 for $ 30 class package was perfect for my time and budget. I normally take classes at Brooklyn BodyBurn so I am accustom to the machine, class formats and the burn. I loved Btone! The instructors were sweet and knowledgable. The pace of the class was perfect. Not super fast yet not so slow that you get bored. The studio is clean and spacious. I will definitely be back the next time I am in Beantown!!!

I’ve been a BTone member since 2013 and I am still obsessed with their classes! The classes are 45 minutes on a megaformer. The class is structured to target one muscle group at a time. The 45 minutes will definitely fly by, but trust me that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Even though I’ve been going for almost 3 years, I still find that each class is different and very challenging. I would recommend Lisa, Nicole, or Michelle — but honestly everyone is great and helpful especially to new beginners. If you’re on Classpass, I definitely recommend you give it a try!

My favorite thing about a workout on the Megaformer is that no two classes are ever the same. Time flies by in this class and while you might not be dripping in sweat by the end of the session, you will certainly feel it the next day. This is a terrific class for toning and focusing on form through slow, targeted movements. In almost every class I’ve taken, I’ve noticed the instructors do a fabulous job of welcoming new people and explaining the Megaformer. People of all ages and fitness levels come to the class.

I popped into Natalie Mazzetta’s indoor rowing class (check out her website, I love her Better Stronger Tougher motto for ladies everywhere) at B-​Tone.
The workout itself may seem a bit intimidating but Natalie is so sweet and approachable, the class every bit about personal gains as it is a team effort (in the concluding relays which were fantastic!)

So, I actually waited to write this review until I had plenty of time because I feel the need to absolutely rave about this place, in every form of the word. I joined ClassPass a few weeks ago, looking to mix up my traditional running/​training for half marathon schedule and build more strength, because let’s face it, I have endurance, but about 0% strength. I was really looking for more tone but also the option to do things like yoga and cycling as well.
So that being said, I looked up this class, and waited a couple weeks, knowing I should probably take a couple easier classes before venturing here. I was especially nervous thinking that I’d be looked at as «not keeping up» or being frowned upon by other Newbury st. fitness goers as not in shape enough to do this class.
and I’m so happy to report that I was absolutely wrong. I attended Tone with Denise yesterday, and all I can say is OW, and AMAZING (but really, just typing is an effort today to reach my arms forward). I’ve done pilates regularly before, but man those megaformer machines just do everything you can’t do yourself. It was the most challenging workout I’ve ever done that didn’t involve sprints/​suicides and such. And not only am I sore in all of the places I want to be today, but I also loved the studio and felt so welcome. Denise gave me a great intro, showed me how to use everything, and was great to give me just the right amount of specialized attention during the class — she didn’t push too hard when I couldn’t do something (aka when my body was giving out while doing pikes) but made sure my form was great and made sure to help me get accustomed.
This was definitely my favorite place thus far on Classpass, and I will definitely be back as often as possible… and maybe even buying some extra classes!

This is my favorite gym on class pass! I always leave feeling like i got a great workout in only 45 minutes! There are muscles you can hit on the machines that just cant be worked doing regular exercises.
Kristen is hands down my favorite instruct at this gym and maybe all of Boston! Her work outs are always challenging but she makes sure to come around and helps you modify to get the most you can! She is also really great at instructing you in the proper form which is super important on these machines!

This is a great great workout and the instructors are really friendly. The machines are easy to use and understand.
The class is really difficult and you work each muscle group to exhaustion so you really build strength. However, it’s not so hard that you can’t be a beginner.
I highly recommend checking this out! It is definitely a bit more challenging than a typical pilates class, which I really like.

4 Stars is good, right? Well… I’m upping it to 5. I’ve been coming back for a while now and while I find that the workout doesn’t get easier — it does get better. The slow, long holds really tone up my body and no workout in the city makes my abs hurt-​so-​good like Btone. Jody is a riot and time FLIES in her classes. I’m also a big fan of Lisa and most recently, Natalie.
I have found that all of the instructors here are very careful in describing the movement. Each exercise is very particular and precise, which lends itself to better results. While I’ll probably always hate every ab exercise on these machines, I’m looking forward to continuously getting better, stronger and more toned.

Background: I purchased a new client $ 30 for 3 class pack and went to my first class yesterday (Sunday) morning with Michelle. I have done pilates before as well as barre, spin, you name it. I recently injured myself running so I haven’t been able to work out in about 4 weeks. With that said, I’m out of shape for me, but I wouldn’t say out of shape compared to a lot of other people. I expected this class to be difficult because I was getting back into my strength training, but not more than I could handle.
I was wrong. This class is SO hard.
The class: The springs coupled with your own body weight make for an intense and challenging workout; one that can be customized depending on how fit you are. There are several modifications and if I understand correctly, you can add more tension with the springs as time goes on and you get better at it. Overall, this was a really great work out. It’s relatively small movements, but the reformer really targets the muscle group that you’re working on so you feel it. I am so sore this morning. The way the class was ran, we did the right leg, ab/​arm work, then the left leg — so seriously targeting each body part.
The instructor: Michelle was fantastic. She made an effort to introduce herself before class started and showed me the machine, how it works, how to use the springs, etc. She also came over a few times during class to help correct my form or adjust my springs so that I could do the movements.
Other general: Waiting area is nice, lockers are fine, studio is well kept and clean. You could see everyone wiping down their machines from the previous class so you didn’t feel like you were just jumping on to someone else’s sweaty equipment.
Cons: One shower and no real locker rooms. While this isn’t a big problem if you’re stopping in after work, it would be nice to have some nice shower facilities for getting ready after a morning class. Not a huge con, but for the price, it seems like multiple showers and a changing area should be a given — especially compared to other boutique fitness studios around Boston. Also, the playlist was lacking a little. Nothing too noticeable as you’re really concentrating on workout, but something to note.
Overall, I’m hooked. I found this to be a really fun and challenging 45 minute class that actually made me sore and feel like I accomplished something. I’m excited to use my other 2 classes to try some new instructors and different times. This is definitely not for someone who isn’t somewhat fit already though. I think you need to have some strength and coordination to pull off these moves on the reformer, but if you can do it, it’ll be worth it.

Jody — you are right. I was a bit harsh. I will give the studio another shot next time I am Boston. I think $ 30 is fine for this workout but I think as a drop in for a regular Bostonian it could be on the pricey side.
I did mention instruction was good and very clean. And I did tell a few friends to check out the studio.

I’ve been going to Btone on and off for about 2 years and I can’t speak highly enough about it. After joining ClassPass a few months ago I’ve tried a plethora of new-​to-​me workouts and studios and I still stand by Btone as the best in Boston for actually seeing results. Even when I was going 4 – 5 times a week, I still found myself sore after class which tells me I’ve really worked hard. The great thing about the megaformer is that it ensures you’re working the right muscles and if you’re not doing it correctly, you know it. That’s where the fantastic instructors come in — not only do they do a great job of explaining how to do a move, but they also tell you where you should and shouldn’t be feeling it so you know if you’re doing it correctly or need an adjustment. They also come around and guide you 1-​on-​1 if you need some additional help.
My favorite classes are Tone n Blast with Kristen and Tone with Lisa or Emily, but truthfully all of the instructors are great. Kristen is so cheerful and always wears this infectious smile, it’s hard not to follow suit, even when holding a minute-​long plank believe it or not! Lisa will undoubtedly kick your butt each and every time, but she’s also super sweet and helpful. Emily will also give you a great workout while simultaneously injecting a bit of her signature silliness into her classes («bend and snap» anyone?!).
Don’t be intimidated by the «torture devices» — they won’t bite. But they will whip your body into shape in no time!
Lastly, yes, as other reviewers have stated, it’s expensive. But keep in mind we’re talking guaranteed results here. I say that’s worth the extra money. They offer deals all the time, especially for new-​comers (hint hint: existing customers like deals too!). Check it out.

I wanna B-​toned!
While traveling this past summer I made sure to get my fitness on by dropping into studios that did the lagree method. Thankfully, Btone was just a short walk away from where I was staying. Btone is located in the Back Bay portion of Boston, off of the infamous Newbury street, aka, shop to you drop without sales tax. It’s also a short distance from a coffee shop I really enjoyed while in Boston, The Thinking Cup. Btone is located on the 4^th floor of one of the buildings off Newbury, and it was quite a climb when I didn’t want to wait for the elevator. The studio has both indoor cycling bikes and about 10 megareformer machines. If you have never done a lagree fitness class, these machines are lean body making things. The machines they use here aren’t the latest, but they still do the job.
I took an early morning class with Lisa. Lisa was super nice and accommodating. I told her I regularly go to a studio in Los Angeles, and she made sure I got my sweat on. Her transitions between moves went well, yet she was motivating. When class ended, we chit chat for a bit and she provided plenty of recommendations for places to check out during my stay in Boston.
When I visit Boston next time, I definitely plan to come back to Btone :)