The Studio

I went to The Studio for a Pilates class with Hetty and Emily, the co-​owners.
It was a fantastic class. They split us into two groups. My group started on the reformer for our warm-​up. It made the standard mat exercises a lot easier and more fun. Then we did some exercises on the chair which was something new but mostly a different way to do exercises I’ve done before. I think that the equipment will allow for many different exercises in addition to the mat and since they are a little easier here, you can learn the hard ones in steps. (We all don’t stand up then run. Most of us have to walk first.) I can’t wait to do more with the machines.
Then we switched instructors and went over to a wall with things to work your arms, etc. including a killer exercise that I loved, which has you using your body weight to pull a bar out into the middle of the room, do a chair pose but deeper — then using the bar and killing your quads, do bicep curls. I want to have one of those walls in my house.
Then we went to the mat and did more ab work and some killer bridging with one leg straight in the air. I said some… I lied… I meant TONS! I actually started to shake. Why doesn’t my regular instructor work me this hard instead of working us to the lowest common denominator?
Next we did some plank work and Then ended with some mermaid stretches.
These women teach classes for Athleta at their offices (I would love to go to this class instead of sitting down somewhere for lunch after being at a computer all day! Lucky employees.)
The studio is small and lovely. Perfect for a small class or individual sessions. They kicked my ass and I loved it. If I lived closer, I would be there regularly. I am still going to get there, maybe not a few times a week but as often as I can.

I went to a combo mat/​reformer class this weekend at The Studio. Still feeling it!
The space is small and serene and was just recently renovated. All equipment is brand spanking new– which feels great. They even have these swell lavender wipes to clean equipment between use; I think I might get some for home.
Both Hetty and Emily were very sweet. They both have this calm confidence about them which makes for very pleasant and concentrated instruction. They seemed very knowledgeable and I like how attentive they were to my body alignment and numerous questions.
The space is new (they have been in the business for years) and running a deal in January on mat/​barre classes. Highly recommended if you are looking for a studio. Close to downtown, but with easier parking!