Sculpt Studio

I didn’t mention that the people Sculpt are probably the friendliest in Bethesda. Not only are the workouts great, the teachers and students take the time to get to know each other. It is a workout you look forward to!

This is the one place that I miss going to since moving to a new city. Mary and all the other instructors are challenging in their own way and I always left feeling like I got sh*t done. The small class size is great and you’ll never feel intimidated because everyone is there to suffer together (in a good way). The instructors will actually take the time to correct your form and are always welcoming, regardless of your skill level. If you’re looking to cross train and build your strength, Sculpt Studio is absolutely the way to go. I swear by this place and I’m legitimately upset that there aren’t any studios in Chicago, where I now live, that are up to par as Sculpt Studio.

I have been going to Sculpt for almost a year now and can honestly say it is the best work out I have ever done. I’ve tried all kinds of other studios and types of classes, but Sculpt has the best instruction and total body strength training workout by far. I suffer from chronic back pain, so I have to be incredibly careful with my form — and high impact work outs are out of the question. But Sculpt fits the bill perfectly — strengthens my core, never ever hurts my back, and hits every muscle in my body in 50 minutes. I feel such a sense of accomplishment after every class — it keeps me coming back!

I will start this review by clarifying that I am an instructor at Sculpt, that being said, I am also a client and I LOVE the studio for so many different reasons.
1) Megaformer: This machine has so much great functionality. I know that after a 50 minute class, every muscle will be shaking, I will be sweating and I will feel awesome. Every single time. I get legs, core, upper body, and then a little bit more of all of the above. Every single time.
2) Instructors: Some days I feel like pushing a little harder, and some days my body doesnt have it all, and I am always given modifications. Maybe I use weights, maybe I dont, and both are ok. There is no judgement here from anyone, the instructors just keep pushing me to do a little bit more every time. I dont have to keep up with the person next to me, just keep pushing myself. I am always adjusted and coached to make progressions and adjustments to get the most out of every workout.
3) Time: I am a mom of (2) young kids, I teach classes and I have another job, time is a luxury I dont have. With Sculpt, I know that I can get there, park get a great workout and out in just over an hour. Best use of my time undoubtedly. After a recent snow storm, I needed something to kick start me out of the house, and Sculpt was my first stop.
4) Community: I know the name of everyone who walks into Sculpt. I want to know what is going on in your life, kids, spouse, work, etc, because that is going to affect you every day and I am able to support you through those successes and challenges! Just back from having a baby, come on in for a brief break, just married and want to continue working, lets set your next goal. We are all individual, but working together to feel our best.
Studio is clean
Convenient class times
Unlimited possibilities on the Megaformer
Lagree Method keeps me strong
Positive reinforcement every day and most importantly
The results dont lie!
The Lagree Method, Megaformers and Mega-​Sculpt love keep me coming back week after week, day after day. I have absolutely never been in better shape than I am right now. Stronger, leaner and more toned than ever and thanking Sculpt for all of that.

I have never been able to do high-​impact workouts due to a disability with my feet; so finding this workout was amazing for me. Not only is the workout wonderful– you feel like you really challenged yourself and got a total body workout in 50 minutes… and you’re dripping sweat– but Sculpt offers a welcoming environment that encourages you without intimidating you. Other studios in the area like Solidcore that claim to offer a similar workout don’t take the time to make sure you have correct form and are not hurting yourself. Furthermore, they drive you so hard, as if everyone in the class is a triathlete, that I felt bad about myself and judged the entire time. No thank you!
Thank you Sculpt Studio, thank you to the wonderful Sculpt instructors! I can finally get an awesome workout that is safe and low-​impact!

great classes but I want to preserve my ear drums as well as my body
congratulations on making your staff and you clients deaf — someone is going to sue you one of these days
TURN THE VOLUME DOWN!!!

This is close to 3 stars, but since Unilocal classifies 2 stars as «meh, i’ve experienced better», I’m going to keep it here.
The studio and equipment are clean and lovely, so no complaints there. My issue, and this has been addresses by both clients and the studio in previous reviews, is the intensity. Now don’t get me wrong, I get that this is a crazy hard class that demands hard work and gets results. BUT — it’s irresponsible to expect a 200 lb man and a 100 pound woman to work on the same level, or springs in this instance. I’m not implying that we should ALWAYS be given an easy way out of an exercise, but in the 4 times I’ve been there I have NEVER heard the instructor give an option that would allow for the movement to be done CORRECTLY-​not just pushed through in a way that could very easily injure. To me, it’s crazy to assume that every person in the class has the same capabilities, and not offer a lighter spring setting. The class itself has the capacity to be difficult but DOABLE if it made these adjustments, versus not being able to complete a movement or doing it in a way that’s going to injure because you’re straining to push the same amount of weight as every single person in the class.
On top of that, I have heard one of the instructors shout out to a student «now’s not the time to drink water, do those squats!» and it’s like, ok, I chose to be here and you’re not my 2018 winter olympics coach – if I’m thirsty I’m well within my rights to have a sip of water.
Again, I GET IT-it’s supposed to be hard. But it needs to be smart too, and I feel like this studio fails in that regard.

I was ECSTATIC when I found out my favorite Megaformer workout was available in Bethesda, and knew I had to check out Sculpt Studio immediately.
Sculpt is in a great location in downtown Bethesda, and offers numerous class times so it’s easy to get your burn on. The teachers, especially studio owner Mary, are phenomenal and will push you to your limit every time. I’ve enjoyed classes with each teacher I’ve tried, because no matter what it’s NEVER easy! Small class sizes mean that the teachers will get to know you and your body, and that you can’t get away with laziness :) They are also great about offering modifications, so that people of all fitness levels can get involved.
The workout itself is AMAZING — I absolutely love this workout because of the immediate results you see in your body in terms of strength, tone and flexibility. You get a full body workout in just 50 minutes! Sculpt also offers more focused classes perfect for when you feel like certain parts of your body require a little more attention that day.
There’s also a small boutique with super cute fitness apparel, which I love to browse in-​between classes.
All in all, great studio, staff & workout — I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your fitness regimen! :)

I come to sculpt studio 5 times a week. It is the only workout I do, and I am in the best shape of my life. The instructors are great and know exactly how to challenge you. Your muscles will shake but nothing beats the the feeling you feel after this amazing work out. I cannot recommend taking class here enough. :)

This was my first megaformer class experience and it was great! It’s a very clean pleasant studio in a convenient location. The classes are not cheap, but it’s one of the best workouts I’ve had in a long time. Our instructor Jean-​Richard was awesome! He made the atmosphere really fun and positive even though the workout was intense.

Amazing studio with awesome instructors! Just completed one year at this studio and have seen REAL benefits from this workout. If you haven’t tried– give it a shot — it’s hard work but with real results! Love the Megaformer and Sculpt Studio rocks!

As a newbie to the reformer practice, the 7:30pm class on Thursday was absolutely perfect. The instructor was motivating and very attentive. Very much worth the burn and great music to accompany your workout. As horrible as I thought I did, this place was literally a judge-​free zone.

Let’s start this review with I am not new to the megaformer and Lagree, so I won’t be saying how hard it is or that I didn’t get enough instruction. I went to their main competitor Solidcore for 5 months about 4 — 5 days a week. Decided to try classpass recently, saw Sculpt Studio and got very excited since Solidcore isn’t on classpass. I have to say, I’ve gone a few times and am pretty indifferent toward Sculpt.
The first thing I noticed was the the instructors did almost no spring changes and gave little to no corrections and I saw so many students doing the exercise wrong; not enough to hurt themselves but not getting everything out of the workout (squats not low enough, arms not raised enough). Very simple and easy corrections, but the teachers didn’t seem too concerned with it. At other studios you would have someone lovingly calling you out over the speaker to get your leg up, move your toes out etc and the workouts there are SO much more challenging because of this. They make you do them the correct way and you do them to failure. I reached failure maybe once during each workout at my Sculpt classes whereas at Solidcore I hit failure so many times I couldn’t even count. I will say Jean-​Richard was much better at corrections and his class was much more of what I was expecting, I definitely walked out sore from his class and will likely continue his classes.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a good workout and a pretty studio, but if I wasn’t doing classpass, it’s not worth me driving from DC to MD for what turned out to be an amped up pilates reformer workout.

I took my first class back in November and was instantly hooked. I have tried fad workouts (cross fit, zumba, etc) and could never really see any results or seem to stick with it. This has changed my view on working out and has motivated me to eat healthier and be more active.
Yes, the classes are hard. They challenge me not only physically, but mentally. The instructors are great, fun, motivating, encouraging and personable. I like that they know my name after 1 or 2 classes.
I’m not sure how long I’ll be taking the classes because I live about 40 mins away and it’s a little bit pricey. They have the occasional deals so I try to take advantage of those.

So I just took my first class there.
Ow. Ow. Ow. Ow.
I absolutely loved it. It’s hard. But the time absolutely flew by (plus I like a 50 minute class rather than an hour. 100% approve).
I had taken solidcore, and didn’t love it (they spent so much time in high plank that my wrists hurt, which I feel like isn’t the part that should hurt after exercise). I wanted to try a megaformer class again, and I’m on classpass, so tried Sculpt Studio. I’m really glad I did. The class was great, and the teacher (Mary) was great — she knew I was new and kept an eagle on me.
I will definitely be back… in a few days when my posterior stops hurting.

This is the most challenging Fitness class I’ve ever taken (and I’ve done everything except crossfit). After each class I want to curl up in child pose to recover, but in a good way, since I know I’ve worked out so hard!
All 4 instructors I’ve had were great. Each class covers upper and lower body but the instructors vary them so the class is different each time.
All the exercises can be modified, especially if you ask. I’m too busy exercising to compare myself to the other people in the class. If you do happen to look around, even the fittest looking people are working their butts off. There’s no competitive or intimidating vibe at all. If anything you’re all in it together!

I’ve been obsessed with the megaformer workout these past few months and I’ve found it transformative for my core and tendencies towards injuries. I normally go to slt in NYC (which is phenomenal) but have been very curious about sculpt.
I went this am and while one class is hardly the means for a rating, I found the studio meh as far as megaformer workouts. Don’t get me wrong. This workout is difficult and not geared towards beginnings. The straps, balancing and movements cause one to need a few times to get the gist of it. Add on to the general difficulty!
So why 3 stars for sculpt. Playlist and drill sergeant like instruction made the class not fun. She counted 20−19−18… more repeatedly. Grrrr. I found myself repeated looking at the clock which is something I rarely do. In addition, music was circa 1980s and definitely a feed issue to the stereo because there was a scratchy sound for parts of the class. Moves and corrections were generally very good, however.
As I’ve mentioned with other specialty classes it’s the instructor that makes all the difference. I’m super spoiled I live in NYC and fortunately a couple of my favorite folks are not only at the tops in their field, some have even developed cult status (so says allure magazine). Best practices equal always a fresh playlist (I’ve never heard the same list twice for my favorites), good choreography, energy and corrections.
So for $ 35 a class, I’d hope that I get just that. Otherwise I could go to the free classes at my gym. I think solid core which I rate 4.5 stars is better on instruction and energy, music also could be improved.
3 stars bc any megaformer class is a minimum of ok, but the extra factor is instruction and music.

I’ve tried both Sculpt and Solidcore (their chief competitor) several times. I’ve become something of a regular at Sculpt due to the studio’s close proximity to my office, but I like both for different reasons.
Before I get into the pluses and minuses of each, know that this is not a workout for the out-​of-​shape or easily discouraged — no matter what they tell you. It is REALLY hard. And there is almost no potential for modifying the exercises, so you can’t half-​ass or fake it, like some of us (guilty) might take to doing when we’re tired during other types of workouts. At your first go on the megaformer, you’ll notice that the 9 other people working out around you are significantly better than you at everything. The first time I went I found the experience incredibly demotivating and vowed never to return. During my second try (my friend lured me in with offers of a free class), I knew what to expect, told myself I wasn’t going to be too hard on myself, and ended up liking it a lot. I understand why people get addicted and pay such a high price for this particular form of torture. You really feel how good of a workout you’re getting in the moment.
Between Sculpt and Solidcore, the actual workouts are super similar in terms of types of exercises — both very challenging, but very effective. Sometimes Sculpt instructors incorporate light cardio, resistance bands, and free weights, which I haven’t seen instructors do at Solidcore. Sculpt has less of an encouraging, community-​building vibe about it, and the instructors are a lot less intense. I really like that Sculpt keeps its studio very comfortably cool (Solidcore turns up the heat to get you to sweat more) and actually stretches you out at the end of every session.
All in all, the megaformer is a great workout if you’ve got deep enough pockets to handle it. Your preference for Solidcore vs. Sculpt will depend on whether or not you liked to get pushed (Solidcore) or prefer a bit more variety in your workout (Sculpt), or like me, which one happens to be close to your office.

Sculpt Pilates Studio is a great lagree method /​megaformer studio. If you have not tried a megaformer workout, I highly recommend it. Super efficient workout!
The class size is limited to 10 students which guarantees personal instruction. I had my first class with Mary this morning. She gives clear instructions. She was very helpful in correcting my form and recommending modifications for a newer student. The studio is bright and clean. The studio is a quick 10 minute walk from the Bethesda metro. Free parking on the weekends, paid garage or street parking on weekdays.
How does Sculpt Pilates compare to solidcore (DC)? I’ve been to solidcore’s Adam Morgan’s location about 7 – 8 times in November/​December 2013. The prices are comparable, with new client promotions available at both. Solidcore has three locations in the DC area and a larger team of instructions. I agree with DC Fit Crasher’s Review that solidcore has a more intense, athletic vibe. I recommend trying both businesses and seeing which location and studio culture works for you.

Sculpt Pilates was an experience! I got the living social deal a while back and decided to give the 7pm class last night. The studio was easy to find right on the corner or Auburn Ave and Norfolk with plenty of parking. Its’s located downstairs but you don’t feel at all like you’re in a basement or anything. Now to what you really want to know… how was the class?
Their slogan, «Our 50 minute mega reformer classes will leave you sweating, sore & wanting more.» Was I sweating? Oh yea within 60 seconds and straight through until the end of the class. Was I sore? Oh yea as I laid down to get in bed I though, «this may hurt but I think its best to roll over and take a Mortin so you can walk your pumps tomorrow.» Do I want more? Hmmm I am not so sure.
While I found the class challenging I’m not sure I’m in love with it. I’ve practiced classic pilates for about two years and while there are some pilates moves there really is little to no emphasis on the core which just so happens to be the crux of the pilates practice. Ironically their was no stretching or moves focused on lengthening the body either, yet another crucial principal in the pilates practice. There was a lot of emphasis on lunges and squats which are absolutely essential for strength training and getting a nice firm butt. And with summer and beach season coming up I can certainly appreciate that!
All and all, I’ll return for the rest of the classes in my deal. They say you need to go 3x/​wk to see the best results. After last night, I believe I could bounce a quarter off this booty by the end of the month using that schedule. Its a good workout especially because there are no breaks– so 50 minutes of pure work (of course that’s a star on its own). But if you’re looking for a pilates studio this probably isn’t your best bet.
(3.75 stars over all)