Bootcamp Pilates

I unfortunately will not be returning to Bootcamp Pilates after having been an enthused customer for almost a year. As a pregnant athlete, fitness is important to me and I love staying in shape with pilates and yoga. I’ve attended scores of classes at Bootcamp Pilates and other studios whilst pregnant, but today the receptionist happen to overhear me telling the trainer that I am pregnant. Although I assume liability via a waiver, and the trainer was fine with me taking the class, the receptionist decided that it was NOT OKAY and essentially started lecturing me and dramatically calling her manager to tell him not to allow me in the class.
She even wrote «NO» in big letters on a sheet of paper and underlined it several times, whilst on the phone with the manager — literally the dramatic behaviour of a child.
All this despite the fact that I’ve attended several classes at the bootcamp whilst pregnant, and am an athlete who is fairly well educated on pregnancy fitness. The receptionist was highly rude and escalated a calm situation, seemingly just for the ‘excitement’ of it all, with all the authority of a trainer — not a receptionist. When I called the manager he issued me a very flat ‘sorry’ and a refusal to change the policy — a policy I was never told about until my conversation with him. So rude, and such disappointing client service. Sadly I won’t be going back, nor will I be recommending the studio to friends, which I have done several times in the past. The level of professionalism just isn’t there — and as another aside, the bathrooms are not up to the standard of a boutique gym facility. Beware the front of house at City Road, unfortunately the receptionist is a real pitbull. And I’d avoid altogether if you’re pregnant, sorry ladies.

I love trying new classes and new studios, and am currently working my way through all of the places on classpass within walking distance of my office in the city. While I’ve done pilates in the past, I’ve never been a regular. I wish I were a regular, but then I also really like sitting on the couch.
I was looking for something with a little more cardio in it, so I signed up for the Freeform board HIIT class. The only words I understood in the title were HIIT and class, so I knew it would at least do something like what I wanted it to do in that it would be tough cardio and, you know, a class. The receptionist was incredibly nice and the reformer class going on was working HARD. There was a good mix of men and women in that class and you could see why. The workout was fantastic.
The changing rooms leave a bit to be desired. They are basic, but have almost everything you need. Unless you want to lock your things up. There are no lockers, so you have to just pile your things together and hope for the best. I’m sure they haven’t had many/​any problems with their clientele, but it’s worth being aware of so you don’t drag your laptop with you.
So the Freeform board HIIT class was tough. It went fast, despite the torture. I am writing this review two days later and I still keep arching my back and pushing my stomach out to stretch my abs awkwardly at my desk. If you did this regularly, I have no doubt your abs would be in incredible shape. I’m sure I’ll be back, and I like the quick movements that are clearly really effective without being high impact. The board itself is a crazy contraption. IT HAS WHEELS. But don’t be afraid, you will never have to stand on it or put most of your weight on it except in planks, which will allow you to be closer to the ground, anyways. You’ll be alright. The board locks and adjusts and does all sorts of things, making it actually a pretty handy piece of equipment.
This place is a nice studio with really nice staff and instructors tucked away in a busy part of town. Definitely recommend.

Gosh, I never thought I’d like a place so much that had me in absolute pain for an hour… good delicious pain! Can’t be reviewing all of those restaurants without a «counter pose» to balance things out, right? Right.
Pilates. In a clean studio. With talented instructors. On the Reformer machine. The truest and quickest way to sculpt and tone. Unfortunately, given the amount of overhead associated with not only clean studios, but the Reformer machines and instructors… it gets to be a bit too rich for my (now healthier) blood after the new student special expires.
Oh, but first… the new student special is quite delightful! Just 12 quid for 2 classes. If you’ve never done Pilates before or its been quite a long time, I suggest doing two beginner classes. It’s still a very good work out but they’ll explain the machines and the moves in a bit more detail.
I took a class with Ivo and one with Amie. I liked both of them. Ivo’s was a bit tougher, but both really different and knew what they were doing and my body ached the next day like the muscles had been forced to life. Good stuff. The new student special allows you to not only try the studio (which is quite nice!) but also get your bearings, find an instructor, get used to the machines, etc.
I really wish I could be a regular here, as its quite convenient to my flat and I really enjoyed it and could FEEL it working. Very tough classes I could see myself getting into.
OFF PEAK CLASSES: 1 class– £18 (many offered)
PEAK CLASSES: 1 class– £25
As you buy course packages, the cost per class goes down… but to me it just seems like such a huge investment. It’s a small class size, but even so I didn’t feel like there was a HUGE amount of personal attention to warrant the hefty price tag. This is the only reason for 4 stars.
I found all the staff members from reception to instructors extremely competent, very friendly and warm. I got immediate follow-​up after my first class with a special offer (10 percent off), which I really appreciated.
In short: I really love this place, would love to be a regular 1−2x per week, but just don’t think I can swing it financially. I’m going to try and if they have any good deals I will jump on it. I do think it can have a huge impact on the body!
*Changing rooms, showers, easy location off Old Street Tube.
*Entrance is lower level on Peerless Street. (address is City Road)
*water machine available! \
*you don’t wear shoes on Reformer Machines.
*easy online booking.

An exceptional fit friend of mine told me the classes here would make me suffer so I was obviously interested. After months of not quite plucking up the courage I went to a beginners class here last weekend and some of my muscles are still going ping every time I go up stairs.
This is Pilates, but with all the ropes, pulleys and other stuff that I have previously only seen in documentaries about Madonna or in that little room to the side of Third Space gym in Soho.
Despite being a bit overwhelming at first you quickly get the hang of it and the instructors are very friendly and guide you through the class. Like spinning you can determine how hard you want to work out by choosing the weights/​resistance for each exercise. Considering it is only an hour’s class, the workout you get from it is impressive.
Booking my next class right after this Unilocal