Flex Studios

I recently came to this studio for the first time and this review is solely based on their flexbarre class. I’ve taken numerous barre classes and flex is quite challenging and fast paced. There is hardly any rest period. I hardly break out in a sweat in barre class and this class had me sweating 15 minutes in. There is a separate room for pilates, which I am looking forward to try, along with their TRX class. It appears that the TRX class is held in the barre class. The lady who came out of the TRX class commented that their class is great; so that’s on my list as well.

Tough and challenging workout! I came the day after Jonas hit and was thankful that I made my class and that the subways were running! I love their FlexPilates classes — the tiny movements are so challenging and you will be sweating! I tried their ³⁰⁄₃₀ class — which is 30 minutes on the reformer and 30 minutes on the Barre. I did not particularly like their Barre class, so I won’t sign up for that again, but will be back for their signature FlexPilates class!
TIPS: They have lockers with the 4 digit combo so no need to bring a lock. Wear grippy socks, but they also sell them at the studio. Bring a water bottle, which you can fill up there.

This review is for Flex Pilates class (I haven’t taken any other classes here)
Anybody who doesn’t give this place 5 Stars is probably because they don’t work out much, have never done pilates, just don’t like to sweat, or they like to talk sh*t on Unilocal.I have been doing advanced pilates for 5 years. Not just BS pilates, serious, intense– an «evolved» version of pilates. I’ve been to Bodyburn, I’ve been to SLT. I’ve probably been to like 20 – 30 studios in NYC. This place is hands down the best. They just get it. Its chic, its clean, its fully stocked with everything that one needs when working out– and much more. The owner obviously put together a solid team, and carefully planned the openings of both studios. If you’re new to pilates or any type of reformer machine, then its probably best you take a traditional class first. Otherwise, even a beginner can get it. I would say this a more safe, toned down version of the Lagree/​megaformer style classes but you still get a serious workout, and very serious sweat without injuring yourself.
Honestly, if they weren’t far from my apt, I would quit classpass, join here and go every day. I love this place, and I love the instructors. The front desk is also more than courteous and helpful, and PLEASANT. Kind and pleasant is a rarity in NYC, so it is much appreciated. Major kudos to the staff at this place, you guys are all excellent.

I’ve taken Pilates at Flex NoHo 3−4x now. The 1^st time was my very first time doing Pilates; I definitely should have warned the instructor since I was a bit confused on how to change the different levers and weights. They offer a beginner class in this location and the one on 14^th Street, so it’s worth trying for newcomers. I’d say I’m fairly fit (work out 5−6x a week consisting of 2 – 3 SoulCycles, 1 Barry’s and various strength /​circuit training classes). However, Pilates is a totally different beast and I found it challenging from Day 1.
Since starting, I’ve taken a few instructors. One who will remain unnamed was very low energy. I understand it was the last class of the day and her third in a row, but she was just going through the motions versus inspiring folks. The class itself was not too hard, unsurprisingly.
Angela is the opposite; she’s both engaging and quite challenging. She’s the type of sassy instructor who speaks with intensity to keep you pushing. Basically, I need someone to frequently remind me not to quit since quitting is my default mode! Plus I like her music. It’s not all boring pop and she throws in some dubstep for the more intense parts of class which is great. The music actually reminds me of my favorite SoulCycle instructors, Karyn Nesbit and Charlee Atkins. I sincerely hope Flex puts her on the calendar more often!
I also took Angela for TRX at the 14^th St location. See my review here:

I took a barre class here and it seriously kicked my butt. I’m not the most fit but I was sweating so much more than any other barre class I’ve taken (Exhale, Bar Method, Physique). I loved that it had a ton of cardio and a lot of the movements seemed more ballet based which I like a lot. You also work more than one body part at a time. Our instructor seemed to be more drill instructor-​esque than the peppy you can do it type, which made for a nice change. I also liked the seating area and phone chargers.
I did have a few complaints. First, on their website it seemed as though they are super strict about having grippy socks, so when I forgot mine I bought a pair. Then during class someone was bare foot. Moreover, their socks have the toes cut out which seems to defeat the whole point. I mean I don’t know what the point is but I assume it’s for hygiene or preventing friction. The toeless socks do neither of these things. What’s the point of the toeless grippy socks!?! The barre/​grippy sock obsession has gotten out of control. Secondly, there was a fair bit of hair on the floor. Lastly, for 30+ dollars a class, they could really clean of the mats instead of asking the students to do it. They provide tiny wipes and there is no way that they get totally cleaned. I’ve never seen people sweat more than that much in a barre class (seriously I was covered) and try as I might, the mat seemed only mostly clean. At the end of class my mat was super sweaty to the point that my feet were slipping in plank and my socks provided no help because the fabric didn’t cover my toes.
Tomorrow I will be sore and still in possession of useless Kafka-​esque toeless grippy socks.

First, what I loved — the studio was really sleek & clean, with pretty new seeming equipment. The instructor (Jackie) was GREAT — really upbeat and helpful the entire time. I was new to the studio, and she came up to me beforehand and asked my name & my prior experience. The class (Flex ³⁰⁄₃₀ Barre/​Pilates) was one of the best workouts I’ve had through ClassPass. Everyone in the class was working hard and sweating the whole time. The music was great.
I realized pretty soon after getting to the studio that the Pilates segment of my class was on a reformer machine. This was not mentioned on the Flex ³⁰⁄₃₀ description on ClassPass, but if I had checked anywhere else, Flex Studios does make it pretty obvious. I’ve never used one before, and the instructor was helpful in assisting me with it. They honestly scare me a little, because it seems like it would be so easy to fall or go flying backward. But with the great instruction, I’m inspired to try a reformer class again!
However, I agree with other reviews that the layout of the studio was kind of confusing, and the front desk staff was not super helpful for my first time. They were really, really nice, but they just gave me very basic info and not a lot of guidance on where to go. For example, I’ve used the type of locker that they have, so I knew how to enter my own code & lock it. But if it had been my first time, I would have had no idea.
I also wish that they actually had a locker room. The line for bathrooms/​showers after my class was so long (people left the class before it was over to get a good spot in line) that I had to skip it to get to work. I would have liked at least a mirror to brush my hair or a sink to rinse my face. I also didn’t get the chance to change, where an actual locker room would have allowed me to change without waiting for a bathroom to open. However, I get that space in Manhattan can be limited.

Came here yesterday for a Flexbarre class with Kelsey via ClassPass.
The layout is a tad confusing at first. It’s the third floor and the studios are immediately in front of you. With the check in desk being all the way to your right past the couches. I obviously went left first instead and was immediately confused. You can also see fully into each studio which I liked.
The medium sized lockers are on the left (4 digit pin locks, don’t need to bring your own) of the entrance and there’s a water filling station as well. There are also cubbies and towels for your class.
Kelsey was great and had a challenging class! Our class was about half full (approx 15 people max) so I was still able to get some personal attention., Which is good or bad depending on if you are struggling and are aware that you are not holing correct form anymore :)
The Pilates class that was in session while I was waiting to go in looked difficult and I’m definitely intrigued to try it out.
My one small complaint is that the studio itself did not seem to be that well air-​conditioned. Which on a hot day like it was made it slightly uncomfortable.

I cannot rate, because the desk girl with the key to open the Noho studio was trapped in the elevator… so, after waiting 20 minutes, to hear the fire dept in on the way in 20 minutes, I ditched out of there. I am giving it another shot at the Union Square location next week as getting down there to only have to come back uptown kinda turned me off. We shall see tomorrow.

I’ve taken the classes with different instructors and think they were all great. I didn’t personally enjoy barre, I just wanted to get finished and go. It’s a hard class and it’s fast paced but it’s definitely open to beginners — just be a quick learner.
I felt really challenged in the pilates classes. I regularly workout 5 days a week at a gym and do a lot of strength training and this class made me realize I have a lot more work to do. It was challenging me in areas I clearly need to focus on more and it was motivating to see other people pushing themselves. There was a range of fitness levels within a class and that’s not at all an issue.
The «locker room» situation could be better. If you need to freshen up real quick, they supply what you need (hair tool, body mist, etc). I think there’s 3 bathrooms, 1 of which has a shower. I would’ve loved to use it but knowing people were waiting to get in after class and some people needed to change I felt guilty snagging it for a while so I left sweaty and showered at home.
Nonetheless, I loved Pilates but at $ 38 a class I won’t be coming back. That’s just way too steep to be something I can maintain. They have other package options but they’re no cheaper.

My body had no idea what it was in for when I took barre at this studio! I’ve taken a few classes at Exhale, and while I enjoyed them they were super easy compared to the sweat and pain session I got Sunday morning from Jacqueline. The studio itself looks new and seems to be split between pilates and barre/​other activities. The pilates class looks intimidating but hey, I’ll give it a go if the instructor was as good as Jacqueline. Another plus is the location… I live in backwater Bensonhurst so it’s a hassle for me to get to most of the better gyms in Chelsea and Flatiron, so having a studio not too far from the D line is a plus. The only downside is that I wish they had showers.

I took the FlexPilates class with David. I have never sweat so much in my life. The class was extremely challenging as a newbie and I am someone who constantly works out. It works muscles I never even knew needed to be worked. David was an amazing instructor, super motivating and knowledgable. The studio was very clean and the music kept me interested. Has only two bathroom but both are very spacious. Full counter space for makeup, blow dying hair, etc. outside for all to use. Cubbies for your belongings so no need for a lock here. They are a little tiny so I would suggest not bringing a whole bunch of things with you to class. Otherwise I would recommend this gym to all who enjoy a VERY hard workout. lol

As an aerialist and climber, I am always trying to look for other ways to strengthen and stretch all the muscles I don’t use. Added bonus is any exercise that improves my lines (posture) and make me sweat :)
Flex just opened their NoHo studio and I signed up for a Saturday 9am Barre class. Gina taught this one and her instructions were thorough, without being overwhelming for this Barre newbie here. It achieved all my goals of strength, stretch, sweat and posture!
The studio is beautiful — just opened and all the studios are very well appointed. Funny how some of their Union Square students asked if the barre bar is higher here (it isn’t apparently). I like how mat & equipment cleaning, after class, is mandatory — have been to gyms/​studios that don’t. Eww.
Even for a location only one week old, Flex is getting 50% fill in the classes I saw. That is a great attribute to their staff at the original location.
I now have a 5 visit pass — let’s see how we go!