Pilates Plus Downtown LA

I’ve been doing Pilates twice a week for six months now at a different studio, and decided to mix it up a bit (thanks Classpass!) by coming here.
First off: as others have said, this is not like other Pilates classes. At all. It’s about as much like Pilates as Italian food is like Chinese food (sure, both involve noodles and rice, but that’s about where the resemblance ends). It shouldn’t be called Pilates; it should be called «Inspired by yoga and Pilates.»
The «reformer» used here bears little resemblance to a real Pilates reformer. For example: there’s no footbar! Reformer Pilates classes traditionally start with footwork (that’s how Joseph Pilates wanted it to start — go ahead and Google «Pilates Reformer class order»), but in this class there’s no such thing as footwork — classical Pilates footwork, the cornerstone of the workout, is not actually possible with this machine. Hundreds? None of that either.
So the workout isn’t Pilates, but it is very intense. If you are any sort of a beginner, or even a not-​so-​beginner, it may be too difficult. Because of the structure of the room it’s hard for the teacher to give more than one beginner any attention. If you’re the beginner who gets attention, good for you! If you’re not, you may fall through the reformer and onto the concrete floor, which actually happened in the class I was in. Clearly from the reviews it’s good for some people, but it’s not one for me.

Just try Rocio Ponce’s class… Amazing… She is so enthusiastic, positive and friendly!!!

I have been coming here for 6 months and could not be happier! Pilates plus offers a fabulous workout that builds strong, long, and lean muscles. It changed me into someone who enjoys working out! Brand new Megaformer machines are a wonderful addition to this gym. Love to train with Leah, Paola and Trang.

I have never been to this studio simply because they have the worst business ethics. I have left them 4 messages and 2 emails and have not gotten one response. I needed to talk to them first before I came in and said that in the e mail and message and still no response. I am not sure if the business owner is aware of this and I am hoping it is the not the business owner herself avoiding clients. I guess they don’t care to have more business. Good for them, they must be making millions!
They say everything happens for a reasons. I was ready to buy a package and I am sooooo glad I did not waste my money. A Pilates place opened right around the block from me in the South Park district and they are amazing! There is a parking structure next door if you can’t find street parking that is. Or if your as lucky as me I get to walk a minute away. They are also easy to talk to unlike Pilates plus. I hate to give a business a bad review but maybe this way they will start to pay attention to potential clients. I’m so excited to start my package and had my first class today!

Poor management and service. Schedule is sparse in classes and machines are beyond repair.
Not worth the cost or time.

I went to this place about a year ago, with my husband. Granted, we are beginners, and know nothing about Pilates, and I understand, the instructor must make sure everyone gets a good work out, but we were not even acknowledged. The entire time I felt unsafe, as if I was going to fall from the machine any minute. It felt almost as if we were unwelcomed by the instructor. I would never go back. We signed up for the free session, to try it out. This program is quite expensive, so we wanted to make sure we liked it before we committed. I think that someone who goes through the hoops of signing in for this class and inputs her credit card information should be more appreciated and taken more seriously by this trainer. Oh, and I decided to write about it now, because it was such a terrible experience that still today any time I see the word pilates I get discomforting flashbacks.

I like this pilates studio, but I wish they had better instructors – there are only two that I really like (that kick your ass!) –and that they updated and cleaned the equipment more often. Parking is a pain, less with validation, there is a lot nearby that costs $ 2.

OBSESSED.
I’ve taken 3 classes so far and I plan on signing up for the unlimited monthly package once I use up my 10-​class package.
Class sizes are capped and you must reserve ahead of time. I really like this because I can’t stand when I sign up for some new class and have to fight for space. I’m not paying all this money just to get lost in a sea of randos without enough room to stretch.
I’ve only taken classes with Stephanie so far and she’s amazing — friendly, encouraging, kicks your ass, and keeps you motivated. She also gives you personalized attention and memorizes everyone’s names.
Yes, the cancellation system is rather draconian, but let’s be honest — if I didn’t have a $ 25 penalty fee on top of the class cost, I’d probably miss about half my classes. I love that it keeps me motivated and accountable. Yes, it sucks when something comes up and I have no choice but to cancel, but for me personally, the fact that it keeps me so accountable is worth it.
The classes are amazing. It’s a full body workout and the regulars are so impressive and fit. I am a pretty regular gymrat and this works out muscles you don’t traditionally use with machines, free weights, and cardio machines.
I still do my regular gym routine but I highly recommend this little studio in the heart of dtla if you want to mix it up and have an hour of a seriously ass-​kicking workout.
Also, caveat — yes these classes are NOT traditional pilates, but I personally like them a lot better. It’s spx pilates, which incorporates a lot more strength training. My girlfriends who do this regularly all have better bodies than the ones who do traditional pilates regularly. Not knocking on traditional pilates, but it’s just a different workout.

I have been coming here for over 2 months now and what a positive experience it’s been! I took my free introductory class back in March and took two full months to decide to spend the money and give this place a try.
I have been a runner for at least a decade and wanted to try something different. The wear and tear from running was slowly but surely catching up on me. Also, despite my petite small frame, I have always had a small pouch of fat on my belly that couldn’t seem to go away permanently! I have done 5 half marathons and eat relatively healthy; yet, I was never quite confident with my body despite the fact that I’ve always been a size 0! Anyway, fast forward, the first 3 classes were the most gruesome experience ever! (Since I have always done cardio, pilates was a complete shock to my body!) I signed up for one month unlimited and went 3x a week. I was pretty much in pain ²⁴⁄₇ the first week! One of the things that kept me motivated was the fact that almost everyone in the 7am class looks so good! I could tell from the very beginning that most of the people in my class have been going (doing pilates) for a while. I felt so weak around them. It was such a motivation for me to get better and be in the best shape possible! I still have ways to go but I’m very happy with the results I’ve seen so far!
As for the instructors, my personal favorite is Trang. Her classes aren’t easy but she is very sweet, helpful, and really make sure you know how to do each exercise. I also like Kelly but I haven’t been available on Sat mornings to take her class.
Parking can be a bitch but the $ 2 parking lot with validation is probably the safest way to go. I got a $ 93 parking ticket on Broadway so be sure to read all signs!
Lastly, if you need a «friend» to refer you so we both get a month unlimited membership for $ 99, please contact me! :)

Took my first class tonight — Pilates Form with Erin.
She was great. Very helpful, gave an explanation of the various parts of the machine, and helped as needed during the class. Felt like a great workout, will be back again for sure!

Two words come to mind when I think of this L-​shaped studio with its large glass windows facing Broadway: tough love.
I’ve been going to this studio for about 6 months or so and I love it. I love how pilates has been transforming my body and helping me become more comfortable in my own skin. And I swear there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t felt good about myself after a session, whether that’s a pilates session or a pilates+rev (indoor cycling included) session.
I like how the system is super organized too. You set up an account, pay for a package, reserve spots in classes according to when you’re free, and then you go attend. SImple and easy.
In terms of instructors, I like how each person is unique and and has his/​her own personal style of teaching. Judy is the person you can count on to push yourself, especially when she tells you to «kill it» while you’re cycling away; she tends to connect the mind to the body while she’s instructing you through exercises, how your mentality can help you enhance your performance. Erin is an instructor who likes to have fun during her classes as she sometimes grooves along with her music; more often than not, she may ask the class what body parts you want to focus on and then helps alter the workout for those specific areas. Marian is this bright smiley-​sort of teacher who will most definitely make your arms, gluts, and thighs work so you get that «burning sensation» throughout the rest of the day from a good workout. Trang is a pretty cool as well; I haven’t taken as many as her classes but she makes sure I’m sore the next day. Brian Is the pilates/​cycling instructor version of Gordon Ramsay in the fact that his workouts are CRAZZYYYYY (in a good way); of course, he’s got a much nicer personality than Ramsay and a much brighter smile but… beginners be warned. :P
Overall, they’re all super informative, and keep your best interest in mind; you can count on them to fix your posture when needed, and help guide you through the exercises while considering your past injuries and what not. Love Love Love Pilates Plus for helping me transform my body. Will continue to attend classes here, whenever I can wake up for classes lol! :)
Notes:
* first class is free. just email to register for it!
* if you like it and decide to go to classes at least 3 – 4 times per week, you may as well pay for the core membership and then pay for unlimited 1class/​day package. then again, only if you’re starting becoming a gym junkie like me tehe :) your choice!
* if you reserve classes in either the 6 AM or 7AM time slot, you can get free street parking.
* if you reserve classes from the times of 9AM to ~ 3:00PM, you may as well pay for the street parking of $ 2.00 per hour than go to Athena Parking garage because it costs $ 3.00, even with validation.
* if you reserve classes after 5:00PM and don’t want to scramble around for street parking, just park at Athena because it’ll cost you the same amount.
* if you don’t show up or don’t cancel your class in 24 hours advance, there is a late/​cancelation fee of $ 25.00.

$ 2 validated parking lot is around the corner on 9^th and Hill. Street meters on 9^th are $ 4/​hour. Marian is my favorite pilates instructor here. There is a nifty iPhone app to schedule classes, along with a hefty $ 25 charge if one doesn’t cancel 24 hours in advance.

Clean, small classes, in the heart of DTLA, attentive and professional instructors. What more can you ask for?
This place also has the best deal from all the pilates gyms in downtown that I researched. Free 1^st class. $ 99 for one month of unlimited classes when you sign up with a friend. $ 99 for unlimited 6AM classes (great for working professionals with a 9 to last-​one-​to-​leave-​the-​office kind of job).
I’ve gone to 3 classes so far. 1^st time taking pilates. I was sore for 2 days and couldn’t arch my back because my abs were so sore. It was supposed to be a stretching class! Thought I would limber up a little to start off the day. But I’m grateful that it was challenging. I’d like to see results for the money I’m paying. I consider myself to be a fairly athletic person. Ran a marathon. Work out regularly. But the Pilates Plus Rev kicked my arse! It worked me harder than bootcamp! But I’m looking forward to the good pain to come.
I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Took a private session at the Pilates Plus downtown LA with Erin this past Sunday and she kicked my ass! Hands down… the hardest work-​out I’ve EVER done. Dripping sweat from pilates… who would’ve thought? Loved, loved, loved it.
I am new to «pilates» and so far, I’m super impressed/​intrigued with this style of exercise. I just purchased their «New Member» unlimited package. My first group class is this Thursday. Stay tuned for updated reviews.
Only gripe about this studio is that there is no shower on site, so if you want to workout in the morning and head to work, you’ll need to find some place to shower. However, the studio does have a huge bathroom where you can change clothes.

This is the place to go for a kick @ss workout if you hate going to big gyms, like me.
The studio is tiny and intimate — yet not stuffy (high ceilings!). There are about a dozen pilates bed/​tables and 8 bikes for spinning.
I have a fear of working out in public… I also don’t like when people start chatting me up while i’m sweating or working out… not that I’m antisocial or anything. On the contrary — I like working out with a trainer… it’s just when there are too many people, I just want to run away… so I really avoid those big gyms.
PPDTLA is the perfect size for me — small enough where I can go in, do a spin class with a fun and enthusiastic trainer, burn several hundred calories in the blink of an eye, then leave. workout done, day can get started.
Lisa was my trainer — she’s personable, helps you out if you’re a newbie (like I was), and always has a great mix of music.
Now that I’m in Spain, I’m looking for something small and intimate just like PPDTLA… the place across the street from me has 100 bikes — ugh, no thanks. I like it small.

This is NOT the place for beginners. Even their form classes, which are supposed to be designed as slower more introductory classes, are conducted at fast paced speeds with positions called out in a dizzying breakneck sequence, and newbies who can’t keep up with the toughest poses are viewed with disdain. Forget even trying a «normal» class – there is no attempt to ascertain your individual level, and no real consistent attempt to assist in alternative poses that allow you to work at a lower level. At most, there will be a suggestion to reduce the weight/​spring (or increase for support) .
The only class where I’ve received individualized attention is the Tuesday class at 12:30. If you’re a beginner, you might try that class. Otherwise, I’d skip this studio and find someplace where you are encouraged to develop your strengths no matter where you are starting from.

Am a total newbie to SPX Pilates but am loving it so far! In my opinion, teachers really make or break a class and determine how hard you work out. Took a drop in class with Diana and it was great. Worked up a sweat. I couldn’t even do all the exercises completely and that’s exactly how I like it. If the class were easy, it’d be a waste of time. Diana was enthusiastic and motivating… she came by to correct my form pretty especially since she knew I was new to SPX.
Studio has a very minimal feel, but the machines were all new looking and in good working order. Downtown LA is way far for me to be a regular but will definitely pop by if I am in the area again.

It has been years since I worked out regularly – I work crazy hours and have had a really hard time finding any routine I could be consistent with – but I also have a hard time finding workout regimes that don’t make me want to stab myself with a fork. I’m complicated.
After realizing I had become «that girl» (you know, the one that is always hating on her own body when looking at pictures of beautiful women), I decided to spare my boyfriend the agony of my perpetual whining and actually do something about it. Enter Pilates Plus.
I had seen a friend who looked particularly stunning in a bathing suit and she disclosed she’d been doing SPX at another LA location. She has the same attention span I do (which is zero – after 5 minutes my mind is racing and I’m either bored or frustrated), and yet she emphatically recommended this studio. As she put it, the instructors change up the exercise every minute or two … so by the time you are beginning to zone out or get frustrated, it’s time to do something else. Perfect!
I’ve since attended 10 classes and have to admit that I’ve found myself ENJOYING it. This is not normal for me. I do not like exercising. Ever. But now I actually LIKE getting up at 6am to get to class. I like the way I feel afterwards. I like how quickly the class moves. I like the instructors I’ve had so far. And I am seeing slight changes in my body.
Jennifer has proven a great instructor for someone like me (not flexible, clumsy and quite slow in learning to do more than one movement at a time) – and within one month’s time a lot of exercises are proving far less difficult. She pushes you gently, but also gives you space. I have taken one of Erin’s classes, and I think once I’m more up to snuff I’ll enjoy hers even more – she pushes her students really hard (but her students WANT to be pushed) and my boyfriend definitely got excited about being in a more intense class.
However, with all this said … the single best recommendation I can give Pilates Plus is this: my boyfriend said to me the other day, «Don’t get a complex about this … but I was checking you out the other day and I can tell your butt has gotten a lot tighter.» I think he thought I was going to do that classic girly thing and freak out about «Ohhh, so I was fat before?!» but honestly it was the best affirmation of what I already felt. Not only am I enjoying my classes, but they are already giving me results. I signed up for 2 more months.

I love this studio! It’s so convenient because it’s close to my work and home. This has been the only gym setting that I’ve gone to on a consistent basis. I hate cardio but for some reason, I look forward to the spin classes here. All of the teachers are amazing!
Here’s my one big complaint about the studio, basically, I love and hate the small class setting. I love how the max size for the class is 10 for the proformer and 8 for the spin classes but I hate that it’s incredibly hard to get the classes you want. I dunno if it’s because everyone is trying to get fit for the summer or it’s because they have many specials going on but it’s incredibly hard for me to get into my favorite classes. I literally have to enroll in a month’s worth of classes in the beginning of the month. Then, if I don’t give 24 hours notice, I get charged a $ 25 absence fee. I think I racked up like 5 last month. FAIL!

These gals know exactly what to do to make you sore. And it’s a good kind of sore. It’s really fun!
I had three classes with Erin and one class with Sara. All of them were tough but enjoyable. The instructors know how to correct your form when doing the exercises so you get the maximum benefit from the moves. Heck! I was sore DURING my first session in the class! Plus, with the late/​no-​show fee of $ 25, it motivates you to get to class and on time.
I like the friendliness of the people, the small class sizes, and the comfortableness of the environment. I don’t feel out-​of-​place at all. There aren’t many men, but I don’t think that should discourage males from trying this out. This is very comparable to weight training.
The workouts are fun and they usually go by fast, even though it’s about an hour long. There’s upbeat music that helps pass time. I would recommend this to everyone!