The Body Center

I could give this place zero stars, I would. The employee I dealt with was horrendously rude to me from the moment I walked in the door. I wanted to join mat class (which you cannot book online, you are required to call), I called at 7 o’clock in the morning and never heard from anyone. I figured it was safe to just show up since there were five available spots. When I arrived I asked if I could join the class and she angrily told me she had been teaching «all morning» and hadn’t checked the messages. It was clear from the beginning why there were five empty spots in her class.
Our conversation devolved from there, with me finally asking her to not speak to me so rudley. She then lashed out and said I was being rude. I don’t understand like this stay in business.

Miserable classes if you have back pain.
I signed up for the 10 classes groupon because I heard reformer pilates were good for people with back pain. Unfortunately the moves really hurt my back. I took 2 beginner classes, which were pretty much just learning the moves. I tried about 4 essential classes (the next level), but by my last 2 classes I just had so much discomfort in my back that I wanted to cry and leave the class early. I made 2 teachers aware of my pain, but they didn’t have advice that helped me. One offered me a pad to put under my back, but the pain wasn’t from a hard reformer.
Besides that issue, there are only a few mirrors so you can’t always see yourself. The teacher describes what to do, and doesn’t always show what to do, so I had to look around the room at others. They do sometimes correct your form though, which is helpful. They’re nice teachers, but not warm, fuzzy and encouraging. There’s no music.
I’m forfeiting the rest of my groupon :(Not worth the pain and misery.

I’ve been going to the Body Center for a couple of months, but have only been to a few Beginner Reformer classes. I bought a deal on Groupon for $ 79 for 10 reformer classes, which I think is a very good deal (normally it is $ 225).
I am so glad I found this studio. I had been looking to try something other than mat classes. Though the Body Center offers some mat and TRX classes, the primary focus of the studio is with the reformer machine.
I can only speak on the beginner class so far, but as a student new to this method, I found the format of the class easy to follow. The main instructor, Erin, thoroughly explains the structure of the reformer machine so even as a newbie, it is easy to follow.
I like that this studio is small; each class accommodates about six students. So even though you are not taking a private class, never do I feel like I’m not getting the personalized attention I need to adjust my form.
I read through some of the hidden filter reviews and had to point out a few things.
First of all, one user commented on the cleanliness of the studio. I’m not going to lie, the studio isn’t high-​tech and fancy. That doesn’t mean it isn’t clean. The studio is old-​fashioned, but not in a bad way. The floors are wood (I haven’t seen any dangerously exposed nails as the user Lincoln D commented), and there are many exposed pipes and beams. Not once have I felt unsafe or uncomfortable working out here. The studio has all the equipment needed to successfully complete a workout — I don’t need all the bells and whistles of some of those expensive gyms out there.
Another user, Unilocal R, commented that the exercises aren’t challenging enough. I am not sure what level he or she was taking, but I certainly wouldn’t call the exercises «not challenging.» I think a lot of people have the misconception that if they don’t sweat during a workout, it’s not challenging enough. If you are looking for a high intensity workout, the reformer classes are not for you! Pilates is designed to work each muscle individually. The reformer is there for support, so the exercises (in my opinion) are much easier than if I did the same movements in a mat class; however, I wouldn’t equate that to «not challenging.» Also, Erin does not use a reformer during class, but as a beginner with very limited experience, I had no issues following. She will demonstrate on a reformer if necessary and does a great job narrating students through the exercises.
Unilocal R also commented that you have to sign up WEEKS in advance just to get into class. False. Though classes can fill up days in advance, with the right planning, I never had major issues registering for a class. What is great is that there is a wait list option, so in the event that someone cancels, you are automatically registered for class. I’m not sure if this user had that option available to them at the time, but the statement about classes filling up weeks in advance is an exaggeration.
Lastly I wanted to comment on Unilocal R’s review about the lack of waiting area. There is a small waiting area with a seat, a couple of benches and storage cubbies. The comment about them looking like they came from a dumpster — really? It’s really upsetting people leave these types of reviews, but can’t even leave their real name.
Again, this studio doesn’t have all the bells and whistles, including a fancy-​schmancy waiting area. However, the Body Center and Erin are extremely committed to teaching Pilates and educating people about this specific method. I’ve always left class feeling a healthy burn throughout my body.

Definitely a good place for my first time doing Pilates Reformer classes. The classes are small (no more than 7 people) so there is a lot of individual attention. This is great because the reformers look like Medieval torture devices when you first encounter them. The prices seem pretty good compared to Pilates reformer classes in Boston, and the price is REALLY good if you manage to get the Groupon. Minus one star because the floors are kind of dirty… Seems like a small thing, but as a student, you are barefoot, and it’s not that hard to sweep! Also minus one star because I’m just not the biggest fan of Pilates. It is definitely good as a substitute or companion exercise for any physical therapy you may be doing though.
I would check this place out if you are into Pilates reformer classes. Classes are good, and the price is right.

This was my first experience with Pilates and Erin did a fantastic job in our first private session explaining how it works and giving me a real feel for the form and the best way to get the most out of classes. (highly recommend a session or two with her first!) She is serious, knowledgeable, and super attentive to everyone in the small (6 max, usually less) classes so you feel like she is watching you and helping you improve each time. I walk out of class feeling taller with more energy. It’s really made a difference in my everyday life and I look forward to it sooo much. Some people have commented about how hard it is to find. It’s the yellow house on Holden street which is a short, one block street across from the Brookline Town Hall, public parking lot and tons of on street metered parking. Yes, it looks like you’re walking into the back door of a private house but go up one flight of stairs and you’ll find a beautiful, clean studio. It is one hour of calm, focused, challenging movement which is the exact opposite of the typical chatty, loud gym experience. I love this studio and recommend it HIGHLY.

I discovered this place through Groupon and purchased a series of 10 classes. Although I’d taken mat pilates classes before, I’d never tried reformer so was very curious to give it a try.
Previous reviewers have commented that the studio is difficult to find. The website must have been updated since these reviews, since there are now very detailed directions and I had no trouble at all finding it. The studio is clean, though has a bit of a warehouse feel to it, given it’s location in an old building. The door on the second floor leads directly into the studio space — there is no reception area inside. I mention this because Erin, the owner/​instructor nearly bit my head off on the first day when I stuck my head in before the end of her previous class. I later had a laugh with another student who had the exact same experience their first time.
Though this introduction to the studio made me nervous for what lay ahead, once I got over this initial bump I found Erin to be quite friendly and an excellent instructor. She is clearly very dedicated to her students and remembered my name immediately. She cares a lot about proper form, gives plenty of individualized attention (limited to 6 students), and her instructions are clear and easy-​to-​follow. She does have a bit of a no-​nonsense vibe to her at first, but I think this is just because she wants to make the best use of available time. Classes always started on time.
In the end, I decided not to renew my package because I decided that reformer is just not for me. Although it could be because I’m still on the early part of the learning curve, I like to walk away from my workouts feeling a bit more challenged and perhaps slightly sore. However, I really felt that Erin was a fantastic instructor and would highly recommend her to anyone interested in reformer.

I’m actually not a fan of Pilates mat classes. For me, they don’t provide enough of an aerobic workout (if I’m not sweating, I don’t feel like I’m working out), and it’s difficult to receive one-​on-​one attention in a group class, despite the fact that form is so vital to actually getting the right work out in Pilates. So when I saw a Groupon for small group Reformer classes at the Body Center about a year ago, I was excited to try those crazy pulley-​and-​spring contraptions… but even then, I figured the regularly priced classes would be too expensive to keep attending.
One year later, and I’m totally hooked. I can’t speak to classes with MD, but Erin (the owner) is an attentive, professional teacher; she provides on-​the-​spot, personalized feedback and makes you feel like you’re in a personal training session, instead of a small group setting. She begins classes promptly and works you – intensely – until the session is over. Her approach is no-​nonsense (if you’re looking for warm and fuzzy, that’s not her, although once you get to know her, she’s really funny and kind – exactly what you want in a fitness trainer). She’s very loyal to her clients: she makes it a point to get to know every person who comes to her studio, and she truly seems committed to helping her clients grow and improve. Her workouts are always challenging and constantly evolving, so you never get bored.
And while classes are pricey, compared to other reformer classes, they’re quite reasonable, and Erin offers discounts to students and teachers (as well as seasonal specials), which makes pricing manageable, especially when you consider the kind of attention you receive during classes.
The only drawbacks: there is no changing room space, and the studio itself can get stuffy (windows shut) or loud (windows open – Brookline Village is always bustling).

IF YOU DON’T MIND A SMELLY STUDIO WITH RUDE INSTRUCTORS AND OLD EQUIPMENT THIS PLACE IS FOR YOU!
I was recommended to this studio by a neighbor friend of mine. I was looking to get into Pilates because I needed to strengthen my core due to back issues. I discovered a Groupon and thought… win win! I called the studio and no one called me back. I sent an e-​mail and got nothing (which is odd because Erin checks it before each class). I called again and Erin (the owner) SEEMED helpful. I went to the studio and what I found was rude, rude, rude!!! Erin has no personality at all and was down right nasty to some of my classmates. I expect (at the very least) to feel welcome when I come into the studio. I took a few more classes to use up my Groupon and Katherine seemed a little better and I learned much more from her. The last class I took was with MD. He’s a poor excuse for a human being. The part that bothered me the least was that he flirted with the girls in the front row the entire class. I asked him for an alternative move because of my back issues and he laughed at me and said something like…“I have pins in my back what is your excuse”. I have a herniated disc that was just starting to get better and I know the moves I shouldn’t do. Bottom line folks, DON“T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

TRX and Pilates…
Small classes keep the instructions personal and well taught.
MD, who teaches the TRX classes is great. He used to be a gymnast I believe, and he is very good at shaping every workout for personal needs. He could have a class with a bodybuilder, professional dancer, someone with scoliosis, and a pregnant lady, and he can adapt the same exercise for each persons personal physical needs. He pushes you, while not making anything unsafe.
There are also advanced classes, which he does not allow people to take who are not physically ready. It is his studio, as well as he ass on the line if someone got hurt, and if he thinks you are not ready for the advanced classes, he will say it. That is a very good quality, coming from a collegiate athlete.
Both the pilates and TRX classes are good for male and female.
The only reason I don’t put 5 stars is the difficulty getting into the studio. From Washington st, turn up Holden st. The first «parking lot /​parking spaces» off the street on the right, you are there. It is upstairs.
Enjoy the great workouts!

I started going to the Body Center 6 months ago because I bought the Groupon and thought it would be a good way to get back into a workout routine. I was skeptical… I’m a runner and usually don’t enjoy workout classes but I’ve been plagued by injuries and haven’t been able to run. Since that time, I’ve become hooked on the body center, specifically the TRX classes taught by MD. They are challenging yet fun and the class sizes are small so you really feel like you’re getting the technique correct. MD is knowledgeable without being intimidating and he ALWAYS keeps us laughing. But the main reason why I keep going back is because every person I’ve met there, both staff and students, is friendly and welcoming. Nobody is snotty, overly intense, or rude. I cannot stress enough how wonderful this place is, which is why I wanted to write this review and encourage others to patronize this local business.

Stay Away!
Personal fitness is a customer support profession and there are plenty of small exercise studios to chose from. I highly recommend avoiding this studio! I initially spoke with Erin who was friendly and helpful (and may be a wonderful teacher) but MD (the studio owner?) is a total jerk.
The studio is difficult to find (no signs on the door, no address number) so when I arrived late to class MD was obnoxious and out of line with his comments. I expected a «Sorry, we have a policy that you can not attend the class if you are late.» Totally understandable, my mistake.
Instead, I got something completely uncalled for: rude comments based on his opinion of my fitness level (from a 30 second observation) and appearance.
When I explained to him that this behavior is unprofessional and inappropriate– his suggestion was that I can take a class with Erin but he does not have to like me or care about my business. Well, okay then– good luck with your studio if this is how you are going to treat potential clients!

Attracta is no longer there — She has opened up her own dance school — but in her place is an equally as qualified and sweet woman Mona–
great teachers — Erin is really good with picking her staff!

So there should be a law mandating that all high school reunions be publicized a year in advance to give everyone enough time to diet, work out, get the hair plugs and Botox, and drop a few pounds. My friend in Arizona got a Save the Date card with two months’ notice. (I’m still waiting for mine in the mail, but I digress). So I called two Pilates studios in Brookline, and The Body Center called me back immediately. The other one, in Coolidge Corner («she,» ahem, shall remain nameless…), did not, and this was after I mentioned that I was referred to them by a friend of the owner. Harrumph.
My previous Pilates experience has been limited to a bunch of mat classes and home sessions with a 20-​minute Ana Caban video while my cat Kismet meowed in my face as I did the Hundred on the floor. Here, I started right away on the Reformer. It’s soooooo f’ing cool. You put your feet in the straps and you feel like you’re doing some circus move or something. Let me tell ya, it’s like playtime, even if I have to keep being reminded to exhale through the mouth, wrap my ribcage, and stop hunching my shoulders. And when you try to do that all at once, it’s no wonder I keep getting corrected on my form. But I feel really good and revved up afterward. The hour goes quick.
The instructors are great on a personal level; the owner is very cool about asking about how weekends were and when my reunion is coming up. As actual instructors, sometimes they tend to use too much Pilates-​speak or technical terms for the beginner level. For example, I have no idea where my trapezoidals are – I never took anatomy. So if I’m looking blankly at the instructor, the instructor’s job is to break it down for better comprehension, and I don’t always get that level of explanation, which makes me feel kind of dumb – and that is my biggest complaint. Which is pretty minor, actually.
Overall, this is a small, neatly kept studio in a funky little building. Class size is limited to three, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, nobody else shows up, so it’s almost like getting a private class experience for cheap.
The only reason that I didn’t rank this as five stars is because for me, any exercise studio to be ranked «as good as it gets» would have to be a place where I dropped 10 pounds after every time I went in there. But what can I say? I’m a demanding kind of woman.