Center for Movement

Love, love, love Center for Movement!
I started private sessions at CFM about a year ago on the recommendation of my Physical Therapist — a former dancer and Pilates instructor herself — as CFM enjoys an excellent reputation in Pilates circles. I originally took up Pilates to manage a chronic lumbar condition and its impact has been life changing. I practice yoga and get regular massages, as well as had been in PT on multiple occasions but nothing comes close to Pilates for managing pain and delivering long lasting benefits.
I’m beyond grateful for my instructor who has an exceptional understanding of the human body and is able to modify the exercises according to my specific needs. She knows I get bored easily, so she has kept our sessions fun and challenging, yet still «classical Pilates». She’s so pleasant and compassionate — I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her.
For the past few months, I have also been taking cross trainer and tower mat classes and they have been excellent. Classes are small (reformer/​cross trainer classes are capped at 3 people and tower mat at 6), so everyone gets plenty of individual attention.
The studio is cute, bright, clean and well equipped. Like a Zen meditation center, CFM encourages a no-​scent policy, which I truly appreciate. I wish more studios embraced a no-​scent approach as there’s nothing worse than working out and taking deep breaths next to a person wrapped in clouds of heavy perfume.
Prices are very reasonable; still, weekly privates and multiple classes do add up but I regard it as an investment in my body and well-​being. I may have started out of necessity for the health benefits but Pilates at CFM has become a gift for me from me that I wouldn’t miss for the world. My only regret is I didn’t start earlier.

Amazing pilates studio, with wonderful instructors and positive energy. My body has completely transformed, and I feel better than ever.

AMAZING PILATES STUDIO!
All of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The studio is very cute and clean. The class size is small, always about 2 or 3 people per class, so you get a lot of personal attention, which is great!
Way better than any Pilates you will get at a gym!
I highly recommend this studio!

About a year ago I finally decided once and for all I was done with my NYC chain gym and being treated like a number who writes a monthly check. I noticed Center for Movement across the street from me, went in to take a class, and never looked back. This is a wonderful little pilates studio that I actually look forward to going to each week.
1. Staff– Donna and Elle, the owners, have a consistent presence at the studio. They teach their own classes but also sit in on the other instructors’ classes so they are on top of what’s going on and service is excellent. All instructors are highly trained professionals. Everyone is friendly and makes an effort to know your name, remember what you like to focus on, etc.
2. Cleanliness– It is always spotless. No shoes are allowed inside, the studio is brand new, and after every class everyone sprays and wipes down their machines. There is no gym smell (something I always hated about my old gym) — it just smells like clean air.
3. Equipment– There are 3 reformers and I think 10 towers, all of which are new and modern. They also have all the other usual pilates stuff– magic circles, balls, etc.
4. Classes– Classes are small –usually averaging about 4 – 7 people in a tower class, so even if you are in a group class you still get personal attention. They recently added more classes after 5 on weekdays which is good for a lot of people. I would recommend taking a few classes with different instructors as even with the same basic exercises, everyone has their own style and you will find out who works best for you. Reformer classes are great as well and max out at 3 people.
5. Pricing– They offer different pricing levels and packages. For single classes or buying a few at a time pricing is very compatible to other studios in the city. For buying in bulk you will probably find a bit lower pricing elsewhere but you would have to trade off for having a larger class size and less personal attention. It depends on what is more important to you. I would like if they offered an unlimited monthly pass at a discount.
All in all this is a great studio. My body looks great and I always have a smile on my face when I leave here. Highly recommend.