Having lived in the neighborhood for 15 years, I can safely say Progressive Pilates is the best…read morestudio in Brooklyn. I've taken both group mat classes and private sessions and find all the instructors have a gentle yet challenging style that I haven't come across anywhere else. Working with the owner, Brynne, is particularly healing. I somehow feel like I've had a massage but also got a good workout afterwards.

I'm a guy who regularly lifts weights, runs on a treadmill, and plays softball. Despite doing all…read moreof those activities, I have a gut that makes me look like I'm 6 months pregnant (I do eat like a pig). I also have 33 years worth of wear and tear on my knees. I regularly practice yoga since it's a great way to mitigate stress. However, I've recently started to feel disconnected from yoga. You don't get individual attention in a crowded room with 70 people. The donation classes are smaller, but have inexperienced instructors. I'm not quitting yoga altogether. To quote Ross Geller, I'm on a break. I decided to try out Pilates, which is basically yoga sans random Hindu chants. Almost every Pilates studio that I Googled was prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, I stumbled upon Progressive, which has reasonable prices compared to other Pilates studios. After reading all of the positive Yelp reviews, I gave Progressive a shot and took the Monday 8 PM class. When I entered the studio, I was bewildered by all of the fancy equipment. The instructor was a woman who was about 5 feet tall, 95 pounds. I thought to myself that the class would be a cakewalk. I was in for a rude awakening. This class pushed me to the limit. There were times when I wanted to cry. Nevertheless, it was exactly what I needed. The mantra "no pain, no gain" is so true. Many of the poses worked my abs. There were also a few which caused me to feel a burn in my biceps and triceps. And unlike in yoga classes that I've taken, the instructor in this class worked out with us- she didn't just tell us what to do. Although we didn't use the fancy equipment, I definitely got my money's worth. There are a few flaws, none of which will deter me from coming back. The studio is very small- there was only one other student in the class. The space where the class is held is literally right near the door. This will be a serious issue in the winter. Another flaw is that the times in which the classes are offered are extremely limited. There's only one class per day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The only evening classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays. A third flaw that's not the fault of the studio is that once the L train shuts down next year, it will be a pain in the ass getting here. Nevertheless, I'll cross that (Williamsburg) bridge when I get there.

Rachel is an absolute joy to train with. She's classically trained in machine pilates, extremely…read morepatient, and great at explaining how the body works. Classes usually start with a quick Q&A where I ask for guidance on any of the exercises I've been working on at home, and last an hour. The workout is as tough as you make it, and I always leave feeling good. The studio is small, but never feels cramped, and has a little library where students can check out books and DVDs for home exercises. After about 9 months of weekly sessions, all of my most severe lower back pain is gone, and I have dramatically improved sitting, standing, and sleeping posture. Looking forward to seeing the results after a couple of years.

Rachel is the best Pilates teacher I have ever had - she is a genius (and I don't use this word…read morelightly!) when it comes to how the body works. What she does for her clients is more than Pilates - it's physio, it's Pilates, it's an anatomy lesson - and she tailors every single class to her clients' individual needs. Her prices are incredibly reasonable for the level of attention and care she gives in her one-on-one session. My life has changed for the better since I met Rachel and I plan to continue taking classes with her for as long as I live in NYC! Thank you Rachel!!!

I've tried a few other Pilates studios, and Flying Squirrel is by far the friendliest and has the…read moremost creative teachers. Classes are grounded in traditional Pilates methods but aren't dry or predictable. I've never been bored during a class at Flying Squirrel! The instructors always ask about your injuries and needs and tend to know your name by the first class. The teachers all have different styles, so I won't try to say who someone else will vibe with, but I can guess that it will be most of them! The studio itself is lovely, and owner Dani is always improving the space.

As an extremely active individual, with a laundry list of past injuries, I never realized how…read morehelpful pilates could be until I took classes with Dani at Flying Squirrel. Shortly after the studio opened, I took advantage of the new student deal and began taking classes. Classes leave me feeling like my muscles were worked hard and stretched at the same time (and yes I do yoga, this is different). So far, I've been in classes with people of varying experience levels and physical abilities and Dani is able to address everyone's individual needs while keeping things moving. The studio itself is a nice, calming, and clean space. The logo is amazing. I hope this new business thrives!

I can't say enough incredible things about Sarah at Praxis Pilates. From the moment you walk in,…read moreshe makes you feel seen, supported, and completely capable -- no matter your level. Her attention to detail is unmatched. She doesn't just lead a workout; she teaches you how to truly connect to your body. Every cue is intentional, every adjustment thoughtful. You leave feeling stronger, taller, and somehow more aligned than when you walked in. What sets Sarah apart is her energy. She's calm but powerful, encouraging without being overwhelming, and deeply knowledgeable about movement. You can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and their progress. If you're looking for someone who will challenge you, refine your form, and make you fall in love with Pilates, Sarah at Praxis is it. Absolute magic.

Elana is an incredible human being. I am lucky enough to have found her. She not only serves the…read moreneeds of my physical body with her expertise and compassion but she has impacted my psyche in such a calming supportive way as well. She is literally a well spring of knowledge on nutrition and Pilates. I trust her implicitly. The combination of her knowledge base and who she is as a person allows one to feel truly taken care of from a professional point of view and, in my words, I would say also from a spiritual point of view. She teaches no spirituality. I don't mean that. I mean that the sheer love she had for Pilates and nutrition and her caring nature, for me, have translated into raising my consciousness. I know my body and myself better as a result of knowing her. Plus I look grrreat!

Elana's careful, targeted one-on-one work is helping me strengthen the muscles that weren't firing…read moreproperly in my abs and hips (due to a previous injury). I've tried PT, massage, and yoga .... and so far only Pilates really takes my pain away. She has experience and pushes you to do a very tough workout without going overboard. Her equipment is clean and the space - while located in her home - feels private, neutral, and professional. If you sit at a desk all day, suffer from back pain, or just want to feel better and get in shape, I recommend this instructor! Also, her prices are competitive with the neighborhood... my other instructor charged $10 more per hour.

I saw someone say this is the type of workout you'll only get in Brooklyn and I have to agree. This…read morestudio defines intimate - located in a gorgeous brownstone, it's a little easy to miss the front door but it's up some steps and then once you enter, directly to the right. There were about 6 of us in class and the instructor kept things challenging yet relaxing. She was also incredibly kind. Hands on adjustments were extremely helpful and you can tell form comes first here. We used a variety of props such as 3lb weighted balls, ankle weights and the large box on our reformers. The natural light really added to this experience. Next to us was what I think a private lesson going on, so I believe those are offered. Belongings are stored in wicker cubbies and there's a restroom available. I would recommend this studio to anyone in the area looking to improve their health through pilates.

Great instructors, classes and great overall vibe. Highly recommend the studio Aline Pilates!read more

Lou is a fabulous instructor. She is great to work with and did wonders for my posture and helped…read moreme through a hip replacement. I can't recommend Body In Balance Studio enough!

There's a Pilates master on Warren Street between Court and Clinton Streets. Her name is Lou…read moreCornacchia, and her studio is Body in Balance. Lou did her training with the best, truly understands Pilates, and is committed to helping each and every client become as fit and strong as he or she can be. I had tried Pilates a number of years ago and felt it wasn't for me. But a year ago, having sustained an injury while working out in a gym, I knew it was time to try Pilates again. I searched the web and found Body in Balance. I made an appointment, and after just one lesson with Lou, I knew I had found the real deal. I'm a senior. I have taken dance and exercise classes my whole life, and I can say that I am stronger and more fit now than ever before. Thank you, Lou. Ellen C.

This place is like my second home. It literally is the highlight of my mornings 2-3 days a week…read more Whenever I attend my other go to work out classes like spin and TRX they don't compare to the fun, the hard work and motivation from Ife and team at The Fit In. I also forgot to mention the FIYAHHHH playlist. Truly grateful for this place and it's instructors! Go here!!

I've been coming here for about a month now and I absolutely love it! The classes are easy to…read morefollow but challenging enough that you still feel the burn. I've tried like 4 different instructors and they are all skilled & super friendly. No two classes are ever the same so you really get to learn a lot about the reformer & chair. Also love that the classes are only 4 people which makes it easier for the instructors to adjust your movements. Definitely recommend!