I saw XCORE on Instagram and really wanted to try it! It's within walking distance of me and looked fun--I've been on a pilates class kick. I've tried XCore, Core40, and Bodyrok. XCore was the worst of the 3. The door is closed as there is no area you can sit in while waiting for the class to start--the studio is 1 room. It's long and thin--there's only 1 row of machines. I don't like that because to me, it seems less communal. Harder to talk to people on the other side of the room. It's very dark inside (yes they turn off the lights, but the walls are black so it's extremely dark.) I took xBurn with Sydney. The class was full. She didn't touch me telling me how to fix my form. I didn't know that was normal until I tried classes at other studios. I wasn't that sore afterwards, which to me is a sign of a bad workout. Additionally, they publicized a Galentines' day class. We could Venmo the owner $30 and then later she walked it back, saying that they accepted too many people and it would be more of a social event with some giveaways, snacks, and matcha--no class. I was the first person to ask for a refund because that was not what I signed up for. Later, many other women followed. Seemed like a deceptive and deceitful cash grab trying to make more money. I'm opting for classes at different nearby studios instead! read more

XCORE SF - Polk St - Wall and bench near entrance - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I just started week two of Xcore and have been enjoying it! Each instructor varies in the intensity. Great location, right across Bi-rite! I've been to this location and Fidi and prefer Fidi since it's newer and cleaner. I like how the walls are white there instead of the black here. It creates a different ambiance. Also the layout of this space is very singular and has less changing rooms. I've enjoyed the classes at that location more so far they seem more challenging? read more

XCORE SF - Polk St - Gyms Near Me - San Francisco, California

XCORE is advertised as high-intensity Pilates, and that's exactly what it is! I started with the 2-class newbie pass and signed up for xBurn Basics at both the West Portal and Polk St studios. I've never done Pilates or any Lagree before, so walking in felt a little intimidating. But Ariel completely changed that for me. Ariel has such a gift for teaching. She gives clear instructions and gentle corrections that make you feel guided instead of called out, which is huge when you're brand new. I never once felt out of place -- instead, I felt like she was rooting for me the whole time. The workout itself was tough (in the best way), but she kept the energy fun and encouraging, so I pushed through moves I didn't think I could do. By the end, I was sweaty, shaky, and stronger -- and honestly, I left feeling proud of myself, which isn't always the case after a workout. The Polk St studio also has a really welcoming vibe that makes it easy to settle in, even though the reformer layout is a little different from West Portal. I adjusted quickly and felt comfortable once class got started. Just a heads up: parking is mainly street parking, so it's worth giving yourself a little extra time before class to find a spot. For anyone curious about Lagree or starting out on their fitness journey like me, this has been such a great intro -- and Ariel's class is the one I'll keep coming back to. read more

LOCATION: This new Pilates reformer studio just opened two months ago in Russian Hill. It's located on a great street full of cafes and shopping, right next door to Peet's Coffee and across from the new Bi-Rite. STUDIO: It is clean, airy and very well ventilated with three ceiling fans. It is naturally bright as there are two large skylights. (This is important because I've been in dark studios before.) There is only one bathroom/toilet, which was out of order the day I visited. There's also one curtained changing room. A water bottle refill station with paper cups is located in the back corner. Instead of lockers, each student can store their items in a crate behind their machine, which works just as well and probably makes entering/exiting class faster. CLASS: I took a 40 minute class today with Ariel via ClassPass. Ariel was wonderfully positive and clear in her instruction, offering corrections as needed. They announced they'll be extending all classes to 45 minutes starting next week, which I think gives it an edge over competitors like Core40 and BODYROK, whose classes are only 40 minutes. (Although [solidcore] offers 50 minute classes, too.) You are assigned a spot in class upon check-in, but I would prefer to choose my own. EQUIPMENT: The Pilates reformer has pockets you can put your heels and hands into for certain moves, which provides additional comfort. That is something I haven't seen at other Pilates reformer studios. However, while the black and white buttons for the springs are cute, the springs themselves don't have knobs, which means they are a little tougher to pull compared to the knobs that competing studios have. The carriage also doesn't have numbers printed on them, so the learning curve might be a little higher than at say, Core40, where they tell you exactly what numbers to place your feet on. However, since I've taken classes at other Pilates reformer studios before, this wasn't too much of an issue for me. Overall, I had a great experience here and would consider coming back. read more

See all

I've taken 3 classes from 3 different studios so far: West Portal, Oakland, and Russian Hill. (Going to the FiDi and Emeryville locations in the next coming days!) I work in SF and live in the East Bay so it's great being able to access all these studios. I also love how easy it is to book through the app. I've tried other pilates studios like rocksalt, bodyrok, core40, etc, but am so far really enjoying XCore's format, instructors, and overall energy a lot more. They offer a newbie special with unlimited classes for a month at $159, which is a great deal. I'll definitely be looking into a membership after the trial. read more

my favorite local reformer studio and I love the dark theme of the studio in this location. Interior is modern and sleek, and the motivational quotes on the walls and mirrors adds on perfectly. Coaches are always friendly with great playlists and workouts--I've taken over 200+ classes with 26 different instructors across different locations ! Lots of brunch and coffee spots around the area also! This studio is in a great location, which is always a huge plus. read more

My partner and I live in the neighborhood and had a great class with Ariel a few weeks ago. We took xBurn Basics - which they recommend taking three times before their standard class. The classes are 45 minutes but really pack a punch - we were sore for several days! But in a good way. :) We'll probably take the Basics class a few more times before moving on to the next level. The studio is private, our instructor was amazing, and the location is convenient to many neighborhoods in the NE part of the city. I look forward to taking more classes here and hopefully becoming a regular! read more

My favorite reformer Pilates studio in SF! I have tried all the studios around here and XCORE classes are consistently the best + have the best time slots and aren't impossible to get into. Take advantage of the intro class deals!! read more

I've been going to XCORE since May and have been hooked ever since. I've tried a lot of Pilates studios, but this one has the perfect balance. The music is upbeat and energizing, the classes are fun and motivating, and the instructors really focus on proper technique. They're super attentive--always checking form, keeping the tempo right, and making sure we move with control. Every class is such a great experience, and I honestly love it here! @xcorestudio read more

love love loveee the classes and the instructors here and west portal! i actually feel a great sense of community here and i love seeing my results every time i go to class! read more

I've been coming here for a few months and like it a lot. What sets xcore apart from other studios I have looked into trying is the fact that they have an actual BEGINNER'S CLASS. This cuts out the intimidation factor a little bit for people like me who are starting to build fitness routines. My only complaint is that I wish they had more of the basics classes on their schedule! read more

X'Core is definitely one of the best workouts I've ever done. Classes are challenging and super effective, I can feel myself getting stronger with each class. Every instructor I've had has been great, and the energy is always super supportive (not something that I take for granted.) I've been to 5 x'Core studios so far and love them all. read more

I'm new to Pilates and XCORE was such a great workout. Staff is so kind and place is so clean. Loved it!!

I've been coming to this studio for over a year now, and it's become one of my favorite parts of my routine. I still find the classes challenging in the best way, and the instructors are excellent - knowledgeable, encouraging and attentive. I always leave feeling stronger and excited to come back. read more

Xcore is amazing! The sense of community is unmatched, and every class feels fresh, challenging, and thoughtfully designed. No two classes are ever the same, and I always leave feeling stronger and already excited to come back for more. Highly recommend! read more

I've had a monthly membership at XCORE for about a year now and love coming here every week! The studio is kept clean, instructors are kind and focused on form, which has really helped me to get stronger. read more

I have been taking classes at XCORE for almost six months now and am not exaggerating when I say these classes have given me new life. There are so many fantastic instructors to choose from and it's so easy to find a time that fits in your schedule. Also the Pilates style of XCORE is perfect for people who want an intense workout that prioritizes good form and no injuries. I have never felt better in my body and feel stronger every class! read more

I love this place - such a good workout and everyone is so nice! The slower you go, the better your results!

I just started Pilates and have been loving my experience here!! I was very intimidated to start but all the instructors have been so helpful and give great corrections without making you feel silly! read more

I love Xcore! The teacher are knowledgeable and approachable. I have taken over 150 classes and each one is still challenging! The community is welcoming and I love coming! read more

I love this studio! It is the perfect balance of challenging but approachable - instructors are fantastic - really supportive, positive, and fun. I have absolutely gotten stronger since switching to this studio ~6 months ago! read more

I've been a member at X'core for almost a year now, and I'm still enjoying the high intensity, low impact workout. It's challenging, but I've also been able to maintain consistency with attending a few classes each week. I particularly enjoy Ariel and Becca's classes. They create dynamic, interesting, and challenging routines, give helpful pointers on form, and are incredibly kind and motivating. I would recommend a class at this studio to anyone looking to try a new workout as well as to those with previous Pilates experience! read more

I took this class on a whim because I wanted to try something new. I previously did bodyrok for five years and have done several other reformer pilates around the bay area. I wanted to give xcore a try and see how I'd like it. Upon entering the studio, it was well lit, spacious, and I appreciated that every reformer was assigned, so even if you strolled in a little closer to class, you wouldn't have to worry about not getting a good spot. The entire studio was themed with positive affirmations everywhere, which I thought was a nice touch. After a few classes, I just didn't vibe with the style. I reached out to the owners of Xcore and although I really appreciated so much about the studio, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I really appreciated that they were understanding and did not force me to commit to the month membership. I paid for the classes I took, and off I am to my next fitness adventure. Thank you xcore :) read more