Pilates on Prospect

tassidas

There's a sign for a pilates studio in the window of a brownstone on Prospect, between Vanderbilt and Carlton. Has anyone been? If so, what did you think?

jayce

I've been. I loved it. But I havent done much in the way of pilates before. Shonda, the owner, is a sweetheart. Studio is small but really nice. Overall it was awesome. A real nice addition to the neighborhood. Go and check it out! We have our own pilates studio and our own yoga studio. what more could a neighborhood want?!

brooklynbubba

Was it group classes or individual lessons? What's the name of the studio? Very exciting.

jayce

They do both private and group. Here's their website:
http://www.pilatescoopbrooklyn.com/

tassidas

It looks like the link you posted is for a studio on St. Marks, but the one I was wondering about is actually on Prospect Place -- it seems like someone is running a pilates studio in their house. Any word on that one, by any chance? Thanks in advance for any more info!

sweet tea

jayce wrote: They do both private and group. Here's their website:
http://www.pilatescoopbrooklyn.com/

thanks for posting this -- i've wondered about this place on my walks.

however -- am i being crazy (very possible) or is $25/class (cheapest i saw on the site, for a group class) not really "affordable" (their word)? it's not my definition of affordable, but is this just what this kind of thing costs? i admit that i don't have a lot of prior experience with this kind of thing.

jayce

mind you, I am no expert here.

But that aside, as far as I have seen, they are right on target with other pilates studios... in fact, I've seen more along the $30-$50 range. My hunch is the class sizes are universally small. It's more than a general mat class which would probably lean towards bigger groups and therefore cheaper classes... the equipment makes it more challenging. When I went we had 4 people in the class. It was an incredible amount of attention as opposed to something like a fitness class or even a yoga class where more people can fit in. The movements are really precise which means there has to be a lot of one on one time with the instructor.

I think it comes down to pilates not being cheap if you want to do it all the way. For some people that is worth it, for others its not. I for one cannot wait until this dang marathon is over and I can do more pilates in addition to my yoga. where yoga increases your flexibility and strength, pilates is a really rockin toning, strengthening exercise. My core was the most awesome kinda sore after just one class.

dr f

The one on Prospect Place...in the pink house...is a woman named Catherine . She is very good as an instructor. I've never done the group classes but I think she does group most of those on the first floor in a very open space. I have done individual and partner (my wife and myself at the same time) classes with her and have been very pleased. For individuals and partners, she has 2 of those machines you see at the gym, and another one I haven't seen anywhere else, in a 3rd floor studio. Besides being trained as a pilates instructor, she has a number of years of dance training and competes in ballroom dancing competitions so she has a really good understanding of the body and it's various muscle groups. As an instructor she pays very good attention to form and allows you to work within your limits, only pushing you more when she thinks you are ready for it. I could really see the difference in my abilities to do various exercises after just 3 or 4 lessons. Her current rate for 1 hour individual sessions is 65, although there may be a discount if you buy a series. I don't know what her group rate is.