I started Pilates with a student of Lolita San Miguel's so I have some experience with excellent Pilates teachers....We love Paula and the studio, relaxed atmosphere, without the sectarian feel. Definitely one of the better Pilates studios in the Boston area, there are so many teachers who took apparently a 2 months crash course in Pilates and know very little..... Not here: Teachers are knowledgeable and they have the super cool Gyrotonic equipment! I like to have flexibility when working out and do not always want to do the exact same reformer or mat routine. My body is very thankful! read more

I've practiced Pilates at Upward Spiral Studio for ~3 years and I'm really grateful for the experience. Amy guided me from the fundamentals and helped me develop much better body awareness--alignment, control, and understanding what my body needs instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all workout. She's especially good at making smart adjustments on the spot (modifications, cues, and small changes that make a big difference). The vibe is friendly and professional, scheduling has been smooth, and the space is clean and comfortable. If you're looking for Pilates that's thoughtful, sustainable, and tailored to your body, I'd strongly recommend this studio. read more

These guys are the real deal! Excellent teachers, as well as patient, kind and supportive. The benefits of Pilates are tremendous and the Upward Spiral instructors teach you how to do it right. read more

I have had to stop exercising with Amy for several month because of a knee injury. I am just back from working out with her for the first time since the injury and I am again delighted with my interaction with her and how wonderfully she adapted the exercises to what my needs currently are. What I like particularly about her though is that she is a born teacher; she will say: lift your waist just a bit or think of pushing with your hip instead of with your knee. You know immediately it is the right thing to do because the exercise feels harder, more muscles are working. And she seems to love her job, it makes a difference. I am a big fan of her. read more

One of the most welcoming and motivating studios in town. I highly recommend Martha's group class as an introduction. It both energizes you and makes you feel tired in a good way. My life savior, for years now, to prevent lower back pain and more. I initially did not know what to expect with a Gyrotonic class! Don't get put off by the unusual name. The class delivers on all fronts and keeps you agile, flexible, and more. read more

I've been taking classes here for years and can't say enough about the studio and the amazing instructors. The group mat classes truly are all levels, the instructors provide modifications (and amplifications) to support students who are taking their 1st class or 101st class. Upward Spiral has also been my shelter during the COVID storm. Both the online classes and in-studio sessions have helped me maintain a session of normalcy and calm throughout the pandemic. The studio feel safe and healthy (with everyone doing their part in wearing masks and cleaning mats and equipment after every session) and the online sessions are both fun and a great workout. read more

Pilates is the most beneficial and enjoyable workout I've found, and of Pilates classes, you can't beat Ivan's mat class. It's by far the best workout class I've ever experienced. Ivan is a fantastic instructor. He's super passionate and knowledgeable, and it's clear this is far more than just a job for him - it's a lifestyle, a philosophy, even a calling. His instructions are clear, and he pays very close attention to individuals in the class, making sure he knows exactly what adjustments are best for your body. The classes are definitely challenging, but Ivan sprinkles in a few jokes to keep us laughing between huffs and puffs. In general, I like working out, but only once I've already dragged myself to the gym. Ivan's Pilates class is the exception. I'm *always* excited to go!! I leave energized, relaxed, accomplished, and feeling like I'm 3 inches taller with 12-pack abs. I have back problems and other joint issues, but these days I only get flare-ups when I've missed a few classes in a row. The core strength and awareness of my body I've gained in this class is better for my back than anything else I've tried (physical therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture, etc). Bonus: it's way cheaper, more fun, and you'll look better to boot! A few notes about the studio: It's a nice big air-conditioned room located only a few minutes walk from the Central red line stop. The mat class often takes place while other people are getting private lessons on the Reformers, which is interesting to watch. They provide nice thick mats, towels, a changing room, and any other workout equipment you will need for the class. Just bring yourself! read more

I absolutely love this place! I'd been taking Pilates on and off for about a decade when I found Upward Spiral (I'd just moved to Cambridge). At first I wasn't sure about the price, but honestly, what they offer is totally different from what I've experienced before. At Upward Spiral, I've mainly worked with Ivan, who is an extraordinary Pilates instructor. He's deeply knowledgeable about the body, and passionate/dedicated to helping you achieve your best. He offers detailed individual corrections during Mat classes, and if you take a private class with him (which I have) then he's even better. He's got a gentle but demanding style that focuses on you, what you need, and how to build a base of strength and flexibility. His classes are incredibly difficult, but he also moves slowly and encourages you to never push yourself beyond what you can do. He's also got a great manner - friendly, but at the same time very professional. You're there to accomplish a task, which is to feel stronger. Pilates has its roots in therapy. The problem is that if you do it wrong - too fast, for example, or without building up the proper support and musculature first - then you're not going to realize those benefits. The great thing about the instructors at Upward Spiral is that they're all really aware of this. (I cannot say the same for some of the Pilates instructors I've had elsewhere, who seem to believe that Pilates is just a series of motions.) The instructors focus on deep and intensive muscle work, as well as how muscles work together. I think it helps a lot that the instructors are all really passionate about/trained in Pilates. In terms of their offering, the basic offering are the Mat classes. I've taken these with almost every instructor, and I would recommend all of them. If you are just starting out, it's worth it to try to take a class with each instructor in order to figure out whose style works best for you (everyone is really different). Don't be afraid to go more slowly/ask for modifications if you are less experienced or haven't done Pilates in a while. The classes are smaller - 3-12 people, but usually 5 - and the ethos of the teaching is such that each student gets a fair bit of individual attention. This can be daunting at first, but you swiftly realize that they're really helping you get better. I've done a bit of equipment work with Ivan, which has been really interesting. In some ways, it's easier than Mat because the machine lets you focus on very specific movements. At the same time, you can get a great exercise out of Mat, too. A final note on the studio: as others have mentioned, in order to get in, you go down the ramp and ring the bell. Someone will unlock the door, and then you can go down the stairs again into the studio. The space is very welcoming - clean, bright, well-stocked but unfussy. If I could give it 6 stars, I would. read more

So glad to have discovered this place. Its a great studio. I really love their pilates reformer group classes.

Having suffered from running injuries for the past 15 years, I decided to give pilates a try to strengthen my core and back. I was so happy that I came across Ivan's mat class at Upward Spiral Studio. He is great at teaching beginners proper technique with detailed instructions and hands-on adjustments. I found the workouts to be both challenging and effective. Sadly, I recently moved to the west coast and will miss this studio! read more

I've been coming to Upward Spiral for a little over a year now, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was recommended to me by a physical therapist who was failing to have any success with chronic pain issues that I was having. I had done STOTT Pilates before, but had to stop because I was having too much pain in my neck. I was skeptical about whether I was ready to do pilates again. It turns out I was ready to do it, thanks to the careful guidance of the skilled teachers at Upward Spiral. In the last year, that pain has improved significantly, and the ladies at Upward Spiral have a lot to do with that. I'm now even considering becoming a certified instructor myself, something I didn't think I'd ever be able to do. I've also been able to go back to taking ballet classes, something that the chronic pain had stopped me from doing for over 5 years. I've taken lessons in gyrotonics, gyrokinesis, and pilates on both mat and apparatus with Martha, Patrishya, Bess, and Josie. I would recommend all of them! Martha travels the most, so sometimes that can be disruptive to keeping a regular schedule with her. But she's also one of the most knowledgeable, and she can teach you a lot. A warning though: her passion for gyrotonics and gyrokinesis is infectious! I do most of my one on one work with Patrishya. She's incredibly patient and a great listener. And I don't just mean that she'll listen to your stories (which she will!) -- she'll also take the time to consider requests and how to make alterations that will improve your experience. She's funny, kind and considerate, and I'm really grateful to have her as my instructor. If you're looking for someone who will take the time to help you improve the relationship between you, your body, and how you move, you can't go wrong with Patrishya. On a final note, I was not familiar with gyrotonics when I went to Upward Spiral, and I was a bit skeptical of it at first. But, doing gyro on the tower is addictive. Seriously. I love it. I can't get enough of it. And I think a lot of people have a similar experience. If you are a dancer or a yoga lover, you will enjoy the fluid movements of gyro. So, don't be scared off if you're not familiar with it. It's worth a try. So, basically, Upward Spiral is fantastic, and I hope you'll give it a spin! read more

I moved here a year ago and was worried about finding a new studio up here, having left one down south that I was VERY attached to. Thankfully I found Upward Spiral! I've been actively going to Mat Level 2 for the last 9 months and have been very pleased. It may seem kind of expensive at first but it's definitely worth it - the instructors are REALLY good and committed to their work. I have at points taken breaks and gone back to gym pilates or videos and it just doesn't compare. The classes at Upward Spiral are small and the instructor's come to know you well and the areas that you need to work on - so it feels like a very tailored experience - and it kicks my butt! I swear by pilates (good pilates that is) and have learned that for me it's an important investment, even if I have another gym membership. Things to note for new people - The studio is small and doesn't have a reception area - so if you are new, you are best off looking at their site online and emailing with them. But it's homey and is not the least bit snooty feeling. read more

I couldn't have been more impressed with my private gyro lesson with Martha Mason. She explained everything smoothly and demonstrated moves beautifully, I couldn't believe how quickly my stumbling movements became graceful. She is clearly a master of her craft, she came highly recommended from other students who have been with her for years. read more

I started working with Ivan last weekend. He worked with me for over an hour and am heading back again this week. He was positive, motivating, gentle and yet demanding. He recognized and saw the areas of my body that were tight and helped me to understand how my body as a whole interacts and affected itself. He also pointed out the negative self talk that I was unaware that I was doing. This whole week I have felt myself day inn taller and stopping the negative self-talk as soon as it starts. Am excited to keep working with him. read more

I was having a blue Christmas and discovered this charming little studio nestled in residential Central Square. Paula was very encouraging and welcomed me as a newcomer. I have been doing Pilates at my gym at work since it has been helping me greatly with my passion, ballroom dance, and was looking for a place on the weekend. I highly recommend Upward Spiral, the equipment is new, the place is immaculate, and the teachers highly skilled and encouraging. read more

Great workout, I use it to supplement my other workouts. Instructors all seem very nice and accommodate different levels. Too bad mat classes are only at 6:30pm during the week. read more

This is a great studio! I love the mat class, and I just tried Caroline's Buff Bones workout. Lots of core work plus flexibility and balance. Great blend! read more

I began working with Ivan at Upward Spiral in the Spring of 2011. I had alot of SI joint and upper back problems due to a pregnancy and lack of core strength. Ivan really helped be get in tune with the musculature of my core and realize how my breath and focus could help me drive energy and strength to the areas that required attention. It was like opening an oyster with a pearl in it. Our work continued for about a year, until I moved away. I am forever grateful to him for his knowledge, patience and the respect he gave me in allowing me to move at my own pace, while also believing in me enough to challenge me. read more

I love the classes with Sarah! (Matt classes and Reformer). Other than that I did not like Paula's classes so much, but could be that I am still too much of a beginner for those, so I decided to switch for the more advanced classes to a different studio. read more

I recently took my first Gyrotonic class with Bess. She is a gifted teacher who knows how to explain and demonstrate technique. I have taken pilates classes too, and found it very helpful for my chronic back pain. The thing I like about Gyrotonic is the continuous flowing movement. It's very graceful and I do not have to stain or hold a position. read more

I've been taking both Pilates and Gyro at Upward Spiral for more than a year now. As others have said, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the Pilates instruction is excellent. I want people to go try the gyro classes. Every time I get myself there, I walk out feeling great both physically and emotionally, and I sleep like a baby. Like in the Pilates classes, the instructor will adapt the movements for constraint and requests. I now also have a straight, strong upper back and shoulders - it works on that area like nothing I've tried. And it's fun - there's something playful about the movements. Just give it a try. read more

The pilates and gyro teachers at this studio (formerly Green Street Studio on Green St in Central Square) are inspired and deeply knowledgeable. After a serious spinal injury I started taking Martha Mason's mat classes because it was clear she knew how to modify moves so I could regain strength without injury. Now, 8 years later, I'm so much stronger I'm a walking testimonial (and also 2 inches taller not to get competitive, Anne G!). My spine surgeon was amazed. Yesterday's mat class refreshed my understanding of the difference between real pilates instruction & the sort one can often find in gyms these days: a new participant joined in who was recovering from a shoulder injury. Martha asked a number of salient questions, and then, on the spot, modified our routine so that both the new person and anyone who just wanted a good workout could benefit and enjoy. We left feeling terrific (which is always the case for me, even when I drag myself there). And I was reminded how fortunate that I found this kind of teaching. read more

I hesitate to write, as Upward Spiral Studio is a bit of a hidden gem, but have to pay it forward - this is the place! I have not found a group of instructors more knowledgeable and connected to what they do. So many Pilates classes seem to just go through the motions, however the Mat classes at Upward Spiral really challenge you in teaching you about your body and its holding patterns. I've taken Mat with Bess, Paula, and Martha, and have been entirely impressed with how all three give individual corrections for each client. You feel as though the class is tailored to your body and its needs. For years, I've struggled with chronic back and hip pain, and yet always walk away from class feeling as though my spine has been realigned, and my core strengthened. USS is a cornerstone of my physical practice - highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about their body, for strength and injury prevention! Check out Antonio's Boot Camp Mat class for that added challenge! read more