Core Pilates NYC

My review is only for one class that I took here on a Saturday. It was a class where we used a band around our hips. It was definitely very challenging but annoying for someone that has larger than average hips. It took a lot of people a long time to finally get the thing on right. The instructor was great and explained everything well. At first she came across like a drill sargent (doc martens and seriousness) but then she warmed up and was very cool. I want to give this place 5 stars but I wish they had more open slots for Class Pass users. It’s always hard to get into evening or lunch hour classes here.

I went to a Mat class this morning via Class Pass. I suppose I should have known better than to attend to a class where there isn’t a regular instructor assigned. But when the teacher is using her iPhone to prompt her leading of the class, that’s never a good sign. The teacher asked at the beginning if we had any injuries. I flagged that I had low back issues, as did another student, but the teacher didn’t offer any adaptations, and had us doing a lot of exercises and movements that were hard on the lumbar /​SI. As soon as the class ended, I went to change out of my pants, and my back went into the worst spasms I’ve had in years. But the worst part was, when I told the teacher and the receptionist that I was injured, the teacher kind of laughed, and asked me if I wanted to use the phone roller. While I was attempting to remedy the problem, she was busy texting on her iPhone. She never once asked me how I was doing or offered any ideas to help me to relieve the pain. Really??? I know that I signed a waiver, but a skilled pilates instructor should be able to offer help, and/​or at least a «feel better soon»!

I came to this studio for the first time for a 50 minute long pilates class and did not have a great experience.
Staff-​the woman at the front desk was downright unfriendly, though the instructor was very nice
Studio-​the studio is large and filled with light, which was nice. However, they share a bathroom with the rest of the 4^th floor and require you to take a key attached to a spring about 2 feet long, which was cumbersome and annoying.
Class-​though the instructor was smiley and helpful, I left the class feeling like I hadn’t worked out. I know pilates isn’t mean to be a cardio workout, but even when trying my hardest to engage all of the little muscles pilates utilizes I felt unchallenged.

Maybe I’m not a fan of Pilates but I kind of felt like the class was a waste of time. I did the ³⁰⁄₃₀ tower/​reformer class where you spend 30 minutes on the reformer and 30 minutes at the tower. I guess it’s okay when I’m taking a break from my usual cross training high intensity classes but I don’t find myself coming back here. The studio is spacious and clean and there’s a small room with cubicles to put your stuff.

Pros: Overall, I’m happy with this center. Instructors are experienced and patient. Studio is clean and organized. Mat classes do get full but I’m really only a fan of apparatus. Purchased another 10 classes. There is a water cooler and cups for water.
Cons: The bathroom is located outside down the hall and only has two stalls for the ladies room. Super small.
The changing area is in the studio but space is really limited if all the classes are happening at once.

I’ve gone to quite a few Pilates studios in both Brooklyn and Manhattan and nothing compares to Core Pilates! I’m a huge fan of their mat classes, which are incredibly affordable and are also conveniently scheduled throughout the day.
I started going to Core Pilates over the summer after I finished 6 months of physical therapy from a SI joint/​pelvic injury I sustained over the winter. All the instructors were incredibly accommodating and helpful — they really listened to me and always suggested modifications when necessary. The mat classes there helped me tremendously and really gave me the extra boost in my recovery that I needed.

I took a mat class here this morning and have some mixed reviews. I take pilates classes pretty consistently twice a week so I’m not a newbie by any means. I felt like I was in another world in this class, maybe because I had never used a roller before? I felt so out of sorts and wish I knew that props would be involved beforehand. I have some back issues and was in pain when using the prop so I don’t really feel like I got that much of a workout. Without the roller — great time! The teacher was also lovely (and hilarious), I just wanted a fan at all of the props. I’d maybe come back but just hope that THAT particular prop wasn’t used the next time… re: the studio itself — lots of space, airy, welcoming!

I’ve been going to Core since 2004 and have only good things to say. Terrific, friendly, well-​trained instructors, lots of varieties of classes and sessions on the schedule, and a gorgeous, clean studio space.

The studio looks great, lots of light, open space, everything organized really well, friendly staff, teacher of the mat class I took energetic and nice. However, if we are talking about pilates, the only one thing that remind me about it in a class — choreography… Fast pace, lack of correct cueing. people in the class arching their backs, using wrong muscle during the exercises, straining their necks and nobody trying to stop them or modify the exercises so they can be successful. I can’t say anything about other classes and teachers, cause I only have been there once. Will I come back? Maybe, just to try another teacher and another class. Will I recommend it to anyone? Well, if you just want to move and have gym-​kind of class — this is for you. but it’s not gonna help people who really want to strengthen their muscle and execute exercises safely.

I’ll keep it simple, because the studio speaks for itself and there were no ‘cons.’ It is bright and airy with tons of stations from tower to chair to reformer, and nothing is bunched together. The crowd is really pleasant, and there is a nice space in the lobby area. I must also say, the front desk ladies were just extra lovely– like very personable. Goes a long way!
I took jumpboard, and there was a sub teaching, which could spell disaster, but she was a regular teacher there so the class was very hard, jumped on heavy springs for leg work and lighter for ab work. If you don’t mind the mention of «tightening up your sassy belt» (your rib cage), 10 times, and can laugh, then it was a great workout. We took breaks at just the right time to do arm work, just ab work, or some leg in strap work. I am going back Sunday and looking forward to it. This and Moving Strength West have the best jumpboard classes in town if you like some cardio with your pilates. Desiree at Moving strength West is my fav!
Looking forward to trying other class, but they are usually booked besides mat, and I am a machine girl or nothing ;)

This studio is definitely my new «pilates home»
Teachers are great! Each and everyone.
Have taken classes with many different teachers and have never been disappointed.
The equipment is first rate and well maintained.
The space is open, airy and full of light.
The classes are small and therefore individual attention is guaranteed.
Front desk staff is friendly and helpful.
Core Pilates is a first class place in every aspect.

I docked one star because I was not happy with one of the teachers whom I will not name. Perhaps this tactic might encourage all the teachers to work up to their best potential :) In addition, their locker room/​changing area can get pretty crammed when classes end and begin– but this is a good sign because that means their classes are packed on a consistent basis.
I came to Core Pilates for their Core ³⁰⁄₃₀ (reformer/​tower) and Core Jumpboard. Both classes were very good and went over exercises that worked out the whole body, never a bored moment. Jumpboard definitely gave me a bit of a sweat and I truly appreciated the variety of moves in this class since it did not over-​tire my knees and calves unlike other jumpboard classes. Btw I was pretty amazed with the convertible reformer into tower machines they have. I am not a fan of their leather handles and feel like those should belong in the horse stables in the MidWest somewhere… Anyway, on top of that, the teachers always encourage and make sure that we clean the equipments after use (this is very important!!! Clean hygiene is a must in fitness studios). My favorite teacher at Core was Heather. She’s extremely knowledgable about the art of pilates and was patient with each one of her students. I’ve been doing reformer pilates for the past three years and she busted out exercises that I was never aware of.
Studio location and environment. ¹⁰⁄₁₀. It’s literally in the middle of everything. N, Q, R, 4,5,6,L stations, you’re all good! I don’t think it’s too far from a 1 station either… regardless, this location is very convenient and for those who stop by Union Square as one of your commute hubs, this studio is perfect. Studio interior is modern and gorgeous. A LOT of windows. You can hear the city but feel away enough from the busy buzz. I’m definitely a fan.

I take the mat express class and mat with props class at least 4 times a week. I’m a students so their 10 $ student price was the best deal I could find in NYC. The teachers at Core are the best! So professional and outgoing. I recommend to anyone looking for a good workout in a friendly environment.

I did not like the mat-​only abs class I took. However it was taught by an intern who said it was the first class she had taught ever. There wasn’t that much instruction/​direction and the directions we did get weren’t that clear/​helpful. The facilities were nice — an open/​windowed locker room with curtained off changing areas. I would try it again — but with so many other options, just haven’t had the impetus. 45 minute class at 7am. I didn’t like the open layout of the studio — it was a little distracting to hear other directions from the reformer class.

I’ve been a Core client for many years. The new space on Broadway is beautiful and spacious. I’m a regular in Sarah’s classes. She is able to handle us veterans as well as newer and less proficient clients in a small group setting, and that’s not easy. I go to other Pilates studios as well, but Core is my staple and sarah is a rock star.

I am pretty much a die-​hard Michael fan and can’t go too long without signing up for a new package of privates so I can train with him, but that said, literally every single instructor and class at core is great. I have rotated through the various classes and times of day and have never left this studio unsatisfied.
Try one of Dan’s barre classes or an express mat with Kristin, they will have you laughing and working hard within the first five minutes. If you want to sweat take a jumpboard class– Shawn’s can’t be beat.

I took a mat Pilates class here before work and walked out feeling so energized for the day! Shawn M. was an excellent instructor– challenging yet fun, providing individual cues for proper form. Looking forward to my next class.

I have been to 2 classes already and can’t wait for my next Deb & Michael S. are super challenging but also show modified positions also which I love. Both of them were really nice and experienced, they show you exactly how to target each muscle and execute the move correctly, which was great because I hate it when they just say a move and your just left to figure out how to do it. Michael is awesome making sure to check in and correct your position and help you out. Deb is also the same and she is funny as well which helps you relax and forget about the burn that’s happening. I felt sores a day or two after taking each or their classes. I will definitely be coming back for more classes, I really love this place!
Update: I’m adding Shawn M. to the group of teachers I love here! Took Jumpboard and I felt the fire. I’ve taken other Jumpboard classes (outside of Core Pilates) and they weren’t challenging at all to say the least. I wanted to try again and I’m glad I did because Shawn is super sweet & his laugh makes you laugh. Usually I’m quite and don’t say much during my workouts but this group gets you moving, motivated & social while feeling like your actually working out! I’ll recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a fun and challenging Pilates workout!

I’ve found my new favorite pilates studio in the city. Tried three instructors at Core so far and all have been fantastic. They keep classes small which allows for tons of individual attention and correction. The new location is spacious and flooded with natural light. Well decorated with all the perfect west elm-​ish touches. Front desk always greets you with a smile and makes it a pleasant experience from the moment you walk in the door. Can’t wait to try their other classes…

First time at Core Pilates in their new space on 20^th and Broadway and I enjoyed the open level reformer class with Kelly on a Sunday. There was a lots of individual attention as there were 3 of us on the reformer. I would say the other two had taken more reformer classes than I have, and it was overall an excellent class. Kelly was encouraging and friendly and made corrections, which I really appreciated. I will be back!

I have been to a couple of more Pilates studios and Core remains my top favorite spot!
And now in a brand new studio! It is spacious, clean, comfortable but still in a great location. The mat class has its own space now, and isn’t stacked up where the towers are. There is a different section for the reformers.
And most importantly, the changing room and lockers are now sectioned off from the rest of the studio, so a big plus if you previously had an issue with people staring at you in the middle of the class (like in the old studio). Yup, still FIVE STARS!