Teacher Trainer Review I completed my teacher training in May of 2013 and I am so grateful that I did it with Ellie Herman Studios. Ellie's training standards are so high that I have been offered jobs at 3 different New York Studios. When I told them that I was certified with Ellie they were impressed but when I did my teaching demo/audition they were SUPER impressed with my teaching style as well as the exercise and anatomical knowledge. It's an intense 500 hour course and the hours are broken up into observation, self practice, student teaching and apprentice teaching. However, I ended up doing a whole lot more than that as I didn't come from a dancing or teacher background and found the learning curve pretty steep at the beginning. But what you put into it, you get back ten fold as my body has never been stronger, I have never been fitter or more healthy. I carry Pilates over into all my other daily activities and other pastimes like kayaking and skiing. I am constantly aware of my body. We were encouraged to start teaching classes as soon as the lecture modules were completed and although nerve wrecking, was simply the best thing that I could have done. By the time of the certification written paper and practical test (took me 18 months) I was totally confident in teaching privates and classes. The program covers Ellie's complex repertoire in both mat and equipment for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The anatomy training is extensive with a particular emphasis on postural assessment and working with special populations as when you start to teach, you'll soon see that all clients need individual care and attention (not a one size fits all approach at all) The other teachers at the studio are all lovely - how refreshing to find mentors that are down to earth, approachable and helpful! Throughout the training, Ellie constantly reiterates all the important, invaluable information so that it becomes ingrained in your brain. Ellie's teaching is invigorating, passionate and simply the best out there! read more

Simona and team are amazing. Simona is an excellent teacher, giving lots of personal attention and support, guiding through engaging exercises. Aimee is a truly gifted one-on-one instructor, sensing exactly what your body needs. I can't believe I didn't start Pilates sooner! Plus the Union Street studio is so pleasant and airy. read more

Worst online signing up/scheduling system. New to the neighborhood. I booked a class through MINDBODY. I received no address in the confirmation email and no details about the class. I ended up going to the wrong studio location (the main one) and from there the receptionist girl sent me to yet another wrong address! I called the studio and they refused to give me my money back! Pissed off. read more

I have been going to this Pilates studio for 3 weeks. I was talking to a complete stranger in a store who recommended Pilates after her mom had neck surgery and had a lot of daily pain, which she said Pilates helped with the pain. I have to say, it is the best thing I've done. I have become more aware of my body dynamics, movement, and I feel great! You can do classes but I chose the one on one with just me and the instructor. Tracie is the instructor, and she is so knowledgeable and patient. There are two locations, Union Street Park Slope, and Court Street, Boerum Hill. Irecommend Pilates it truly is a life changing experience, at least for me!! Quick update! They have 3 locations with 4 street annex being the third!! read more

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I have a spinal injury from turning a patient at work (i'm a nurse) that kept me out of work for two years. The only reason I was able to stop walking with a cane and return to work this year is because of pilates and a great physical therapist. Ellie Herman Studio Annex is a safe, professional place to learn and practice pilates. You can take classes at the annex without being cleared by an instructor, though I highly suggest doing an intro private so that they can suggest what classes and instructor to go to for your specific needs. I took my intro private with Nichole who is well educated in injuries and was able to suggest different exercises I could do at home. Very intuitive. I also take classes with Kesa Huey and Meghan Frederick (great for the spine!) and have taken the MELT class which was really great for an injury. And of course you have to take classes with Ellie if for no other reason that to see her in action (she's a fantastic instructor). Note, however, that taking a pilates class isn't like going to yoga or a cycle class - there is a lot of learning about how you move certain muscles you aren't used to using and it is assumed that you understand what a "neutral pelvis" is etc... and that takes one-on-one time - so do yourself a huge favor and take a month or so of private classes to really get the idea of pilates. My only complaints are that the discounted packages aren't a great discount and I'd like late classes on weekends. read more

I was lucky enough to participate in Ellie Herman's Teacher Training Certification program in Brooklyn New York years ago. I have decided to write this review today because I just celebrated a year of owning and teaching at my very own studio (April Nicole Studios). Not only did I have an amazing experience through the certification, but also being in the Union street studio around so many talented teachers and such a booming business was inspiring. One of the things I appreciated about Ellie's training is its humbleness. Ellie has been teaching for years and has a specific way of doing things, however, she also recognizes that as we gain more knowledge about the body, we must make proper adjustments within our teaching. She is ever evolving and takes her students along for the ride. I'm confidant that it was Ellie's knowledge, honesty, and support that propelled me into a full on Pilates career. I will continue to thank Ellie for a lifetime and highly recommend Ellie's Teacher Training Certification and studio in general. read more

I met Ellie through one of her former students. She is a next level teacher and trainer. I moved back west and I am tempted to re-locate back east just to be close to her studios and staff. In a year of training my mind and body have completely changed. For a serious pilates person, an exercise enthusiast or rehab...I really cannot recommend Ellie and her staff enough:) read more

I started going to Ellie Herman's South Slope studio early April. The recently open location happens to be 1/2 block away from my apartment which was a big initial selling point. I met Ellie and explained to her that I had back issues and she paired me with Vanessa for one on one Pilates sessions. While I have been to Pilates studios that have a larger equipment variety that the small South Slope studio, the quality of the sessions has surpassed my initial concerns. Vanessa has been extremely attentive to my issues and challenges me in ways that are adapted to my condition. She is knowledgeable, caring and cautious but yet increases the difficulty ever so slightly so you feel you are making progress and getting stronger and more limber. She has also be able to adapt to my schedule and hours which has allowed me to keep the consistency of our sessions. I hope to graduate to a group class one day if I feel strong and confident enough but so far I have been loving the one on one sessions. read more

After a long quest to find a pilates studio, I very gratefully found Ellie Herman. I like to call the studio (all locations) the "smart person's pilates." You are not going to find a bootcamp class where people are sloppily being thrown into rep after rep in order to get a "workout." Rather, the classes are highly focused on alignment, with lots of individual attention. Don't be fooled -- the classes are still challenging, but by doing the exercises correctly, you actually work hard AND rehabilitate tightness or old injuries. Jeanie Clay is awesome, so is Ellie herself. Teachers are warm and welcoming. No attitude, just people passionate about proper alignment and students not after a trendy experience. DEF my favorite studio. read more

Ellie Herman Studio rocks! I went and saw Shabz (sp?) and she totally kicked my butt. My abs were burning for days. The studio is quaint, and the staff is nice and professional. I highly recommend this studio for a great Pilates workout. The prices are cheap, too. read more

If you want top notch Pilates instructors & a great workout, look no further. Class size is kept small & I always feel challenged to push myself to 'the next level.' The professionals in Ellie's studio will not disappoint. She clearly has very high standards. read more

I just started taking pilates this year and I've done both classes and privates. I find everyone there so nice, no attitude, not intimidating, super-supportive. There are all kinds of people taking classes here--guys, pregnant woman, young, old...super hard core and people like me...the type that always thought that taking pilates was kind of cliched--but it turns out that it's an awesome workout and it's really helped my running and overall sense of well-being. read more

Pilates, Ellie and my great teacher Alice, have been a life saver! After surgery and radiation treatment for breast cancer, Alice worked with me to give me back my strength and flexibility. I love how she teaches not only Pilates moves but also how each action relates to everyday life- posture, walking, lifting, and more. I feel healthier and stronger than ever! read more

I'm a total amateur when it comes to Pilates, but my wife isn't, and we both agree that this is an amazing studio. The teachers a re all attentive and have a great sense of humor. The 4th st annex in particular is a calm, warm space to practice Pilates, and Ellie herself is great. I love this place! read more

great place to keep yourself in shape, no nonsense, two thumbs up, waaaaaay up. Hit up Chantelle

Ellie Herman is amazing!!!! I did a private with her and she makes you work muscles you didn't know existed. I haven't taken the group classes yet, but I am looking forward to trying them out. I would trust any instructor trained by Ellie. The workouts are the perfect balance of work & stretching. Your whole body feels optimized - you're working hard but also, feeling good! It is so refreshing to have someone actually listen to what you want, to what your goals are, and tailor a workout to you.... not just the same sequence of moves over and over that yield zero results other then bulky muscles. There are so many pilates studios out there, I have tried them all, and this is the only one I left feeling lighter, taller, leaner. I highly recommend Ellie and her crew. read more

I'm hooked. I just moved to the area in September and decided to give this place a try because I was getting bored with just running. I love it! I had taken one 12 week mat class years ago but that was the extent of my pilates training. I would say I am definitely a beginner but you never feel intimidated here (the classes at the 4th street annex too). I am taking private sessions (Liese is awesome!) and classes at the same time. I'm not always on the same schedule so I have taken classes with different instructors and they are all wonderful! read more

I am a huge fan of this place. The only down side is that I can't get there as much as I'd like anymore. But I got a gift from my husband after the birth of our son, and couldn't wait to try it because a friend was doing pilates and had the best arms. I got totally addicted and was hitting classes at least 2-3 times a week. I am totally partial to Anna Tibbetts, who somehow got me up to level 4-5 classes from nothing. It's a bit pricey but worth every penny. It really is something that even though I don't do as much, still feel it has built up my core strength. I highly recommend this studio and can't wait to see the new Annex! read more

I have been practicing pilates for many many years. I am very particular about the studios and teachers that I go to and I love Ellie Herman's studio! The teachers are great, the environment is inviting and warm and the overall experience there is great. There is no pretension in this studio. I love the annex where they have many classes with props, balls, and springboards. I recommend this studio for beginners and advanced. Great teachers include Ellie, Chantal, Denise, Nicole... read more

Coming to Ellie's studio changed my life! I've been a regular client of classes, duets and privates for almost 4 years. I can't imagine my life without Pilates, thanks in large part to visiting this studio. If you can take a class with Ellie, take advantage of the opportunity to work with a master! I love all the instructors with whom I've worked over the years: Ellie, Denise, Anna, Tara, Chantall, Nicole, Lise and many more. They all have different styles of teaching, so you can't go wrong. read more