MD Pilates Studio

What? I can’t believe that there are a few negative reviews. Trust me, as a fanatic of pilates (10 years), this studio has adequate equipment, is NOT cramped, and is clean. And the owner has never been rude. She is more real and transparent than other places’ owners and some people might see that as a minus. However to me it just makes it more quaint. There are reformers, chair, cadillac, gyrotonic. If it does seem small it is because she has all the right stuff!!! No, it is not a huge studio with room for tons of people, but you get the feeling of a more intimate/​small studio/​clinic experience. Many studios charge twice what Mely does if you want to workout with less than 4 people. So basically you get semi private lessons for the price most places charge for a huge group. People need to understand (especially those new to pilates) that this is a very PRICEY activity. Many places aren’t even ON groupon. So be thankful. Mely is certified and if the pictures seem different it’s because she has owned other studios. If you want a fancy huge studio be prepared to pay almost 70 an hour for a private and 30 for a group. I also have been to John Garey in Long Beach. Yes, it may seem «prettier» and all machines match, but it is much higher priced. I have also done personal training there. At that time, however, money was not an issue. I would say that it was no better than MD pilates. So if you want to get a groupon, you may have to accept that MD pilates is not a huge place. But I see it as a well kept secret. Personal and attentive lessons for a great price. For a brief time I opened a small studio in Bakersfield on a whim. I enjoyed the clients and it was successful for what it was. The commute killed me, however. When this was happening, Mely was very nice and helpful. She is a gem.

First time doing pilates, but I found a Groupon for this location and thought to try it out.
I wasn’t a fan. Room is small, so I felt claustrophobic. Teachers love what they do, and that’s a big plus, but the environment wasn’t my cup of tea.

I purchased a groupon and went to the studio to check it out and make a class reservation. Wow, I can’t believe they are even in business. This business is totally misrepresented on it’s website. This is not the same as pictured. This studio is in a small, cramped, unkempt location. There is carpeting on the floor and things are piled up on each other. It is dark and smelled musty. I have respiratory issues and would in no way consider exercising here. I don’t know how they clean the studio, it is completely messy. I contacted groupon immediately to get a refund on my purchase.
Perhaps the classes and instructors are nice, but the space and business is totally misrepresented. I wish I could have taken pictures and posted them so future buyers/​clients could make their own decision. PLEASE check it out for yourself and make your own decision BEFORE purchasing classes!

Was referred here by my cousin. I got the Groupon deal! Just got through my third class today and I LOVE it! I was telling my friends & sister about Mely & the studio over the weekend. I’m just so happy I started going! Personally I’ve never done pilates. I’ve always done group classes at the gym or workout from home. Forget all that. Her classes work every part of your body. She has so many different machines and chairs, etc… I don’t know the names, and they look intimidating, but with her instruction and guidance I feel so confident.
It’s a small studio which is awesome. No more than 6 (I think) students at a time. Most I’ve been with so far is 6 which was just fine. She tailors your work out to your needs and level. She knows so much… I’m learning new terminology on ballet forms, dance etc each time I go. It’s wonderful how everything is incorporated.
I live south OC, but work in Westminster so this is perfect for me. Flexible hours. I go in either before or after work. My job is seasonal (taxes) but I will def continue the commute for these classes.
Thank you SO much for getting me back into a new, awarding workout routine!

I tried MD Pilates from a Groupon… well that was 7 months ago and still love it. If you are looking for a spacious gym where you are overcharged to be a number, I would go elsewhere… but it you are looking for a small intimate studio where the classes are small and you get a lot of feedback, I would look no further. I like the small classes and the different trainers where I feel like every work out is a little different. I have other gym memberships where I feel like a number and they serve their purpose but for Pilates and yoga feedback, technique and breathing is critical and having that small studio feel really helps with these exercise genres.

I love this studio. Mely is an awesome teacher!!!
It’s a very intimate setting, it’s 5 – 6 people in a group sessions. You learn a lot about the Pilates and your body.
Totally recommend it!

I’ve been going to MD Pilates weekly for about 6 months. I really enjoy coming to Pilates with Mely. She has very affordable prices if you go through the right channels. I normally would not be able to afford to go to a Pilates class because the classes are usually VERY expensive. Though she has smaller (more privatized) classes, and therefore sometimes less availability, she really tries to work with your schedule and is easy to get a hold of through text or email. In the group reformer classes (5 machines), Mely is really able to help you individually, if you want a tougher class or if you’d like to work certain areas of the body that day. And the conversations are always entertaining!

First allow me to say: After reading the above posts I find it completely grinding that entitled women of Orange County pout and throw a hissy fit when the protocol and procedures are not «going their way». People dont get «their way» and go ahead and vent their unhappiness because they are used to be catered to, when it comes to movement and machinery, you can not be to careful, and you can not fail to disclose ACTUAL experience or contraindications. I find it disgusting that when people do not bow down and break their terms to cater to entitled people, that they «fight tooth and nail» with the do you know who I am, or wait until Im done with you attitude. Absolutely disgusting. You are very lucky she let you in, I would have had zero issue telling you no signature PRIOR to class, no participation no matter HOW far you drove to class. You were the liability, and obviously felt «the help» didnt kiss your behind well enough. Shame on you.
As a previous pilates studio owner back east, I have been looking for a good studio to work with here as I have had a significant spine injury that caused serious nerve damage. I lose feeling in my hands and feet making it very hard to do anything consistently. Mely welcomed me with open arms and a great big smile (most studio owners find out you used to own a studio and turn you away in fear that I am opening a new one and going to steal clientele… No worries Mely, NO DESIRE to own a pilates studio ever again;) I am getting stronger every visit and smiling more than ever thanks to this studios repertoire.
NOW:
Classes vary per teacher, or who is in the class based on students experience levels, and equipment familiarity. The space is small, however all machines are fully built and serviced, and having a PT as a trainer (Mely) has impressed me. Every class there is someone who has some sort of contraindication, and she addresses everyones needs beautifully, from spine injuries, to stressed out brides, to pregnancy, to runners who are injured. Her other staff is extremely knowledgeable, text book instructors who really are the sweetest of teachers I have ever met (I have 20+ years in the movement industry– that says a lot!
Room is cool and yes a little dark, which is totally and completely relaxing. Who wants to lie on a reformer staring at bright lights? UGH! Headache!
As a person who knows pilates inside and out, the use of multi machines in one class setting is exciting and it breaks up the «normal» routine which can get very boring for those of us who have been on the reformer thousands of times.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STUDIO, they are willing to work with clients with pricing to be cost effective: NOT CHEAP. The knowledge is top notch and everyone is adorably friendly and cute.
GOOD PURCHASE! Happy to have found a new pilates home…

i like it!
i purchased a spreebird deal for 6 group reformer classes at MD Pilates, and scheduled my first appt via email (it was somewhat difficult to schedule because it’s a small space, and she doesn’t have a HUGE amount of classes, so you have to get when the gettin’s good!).
my first session was good. i had some difficulty as i’d never used a reformer machine before, but Mely was very helpful in explaining what i was supposed to be doing with my body, and what effect it was going to have.
I left with a tired and sweaty body! good deal!
at the time of that first appt, i rescheduled my next appt.
the next class was EVEN BETTER! i kinda had an idea of what i was supposed to be doing, and the other more experienced students were more than willing to help (thanks ellis! ;)).
even more sweaty and sore! yay!
i will definitely add MD pilates to my repertoire of workouts! really enjoy it!
FYI, the space is VERY small and hard to find… it’s on WARNER, across the street from charter center, behind the odd little video store that’s next to what used to be conroy’s flowers.
when you get there, realize that the space is small and she’s really doing a great job with all the stuff she has crammed in there.

I purchased a Groupon for this studio and now I am hooked. I really like the laid back feel that Mely provides in her studio. I had no Pilates experience and she takes the time each class to explain everything we do and why. The classes are small and I like that it feels as though I’m getting a private session even with other people there. Mely knows all of her clients by name and will introduce us to each other at the beginning of class, so it makes the group more enjoyable. This is Huntington Beach, not Newport, so I feel comfortable going to class in sweats and no makeup! The studio is close to home, just off Beach Blvd. There is a CVS being built next door, so there is some construction noise. However, Mely plays relaxing music in the background so it’s pretty much unnoticeable. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking for an amazing workout and likes being in an atmosphere of «real», down to earth, nice people!

I found MD Pilates through a Groupon special, and I’m glad I did. It’s a small studio, but Melody has accommodated me a few times on last minute requests which would never happen in a larger studio. I like using the Pilates Reformer to add to my other fitness activities so I’ve had a great experience at MD Pilates so far.

The owner is unprofessional and rude! When I originally called this studio to find out about the rules for using the Groupon that I bought, the lady that picked up the phone (Mely) was rude and cut me off when I called. She ended up calling me back and letting me know that she was teaching a class before and that’s why she had to cut me off. WHO wants to go to a place where the instructor picks up phone calls while they’re supposed to be teaching a class. Get a voice-​mail system! I know she has other bad reviews where she has mistreated others as well…
I had Groupon reimburse me for this deal because I don’t deal with rude owners and don’t like to give them my business. I would NOT refer this place to a friend. All of my friends that bought this groupon have also asked them for reimbursement.
As Debbie mentioned there are many great studios in the area and this is NOT one of them! My suggestions would be Pilates Ten with Diana, Core Plus Pilates with Dondi and Escape Pilates (group classes). The owners there are very sweet and treat people well.
Wow — this owner loves to lie. I had a groupon and it was reimbursed, I highly doubt groupon would give you any information about my account (especially because you don’t even know my full name), you are crazy! You look even more crazy responding with lies. If you had a voicemail why did you pick up when I called while you were teaching.
Unilocal TIP — Avoid this looney toon owner!!!

Pilates is wonderful, but generally speaking, cost prohibitive I have taken (expensive) private & semi-​private sessions before trying MD pilates studio. The price was very reasonable, so I decided to give it a try. At my first group session, I found the instructor, Mellie, to be warm, friendly and knowledgeable. She was able to modify exercises according to skill level, previous injuries, and personal preferences. I had a great workout, and enjoyed the support and kindness of the «regulars» that have been attending Mellie’s for many years. The studio is small, & low-​key, which I prefer to cold and impersonal, (and expensive!) Currently, there is construction going on while the building is being updated.
It’s a minor, temporary, inconvenience worth tolerating for friendly, personal instruction in a warm, encouraging atmosphere.

This studio is really crammed with a bunch of incomplete machines. The equipment is old and mis-​matched so that you can’t do every exercise on all machines. The building is really out-​dated– and it’s sort of dark in the studio.
The workout wasn’t great either. I felt like I was wasting my time. I wouldn’t recommend this studio. There are some great studio’s out there– this is not one of them.

I have been going here for about a month now, and I’m really enjoying it. The studio is small and has a private feel, which is perfect for me, as I was initially nervous that I might not be able to keep up with the other students. Everyone here, from the owner Mely to the other students, is very friendly and nice. Mely personalizes classes by calling everyone by their names – even after she’s only met you once, she remembers your name! All of the exercises can be modified in various different ways so that people of all levels can participate fully, so after only a few weeks, I feel like I am getting stronger. I would highly recommend this studio to anyone who is interested in pilates, from beginner to advanced.

I have been wanting to try pilates and I love it! The class size is small so the instructor can really watch over to make sure you are doing all the movements right. I feel great and I feel much toner too.

MD Pilates is a great find. The classes are small so you get a lot of personal attention. Mely makes you feel like you are the only one in the class. She is very personable, caring, and hands on. I feel very at home at her studio and get a great work out!

I had been looking for a pilates studio to go to since moving back to Garden Grove. This studio is located approximately 3 miles from where I live. The studio is located at the corner of beach and Warner.
This studio is intimate and the equipment is new and in excellent condition. The classes usually have 4 – 5 people at most. But the best part, even with 4 – 5 people u are getting one on one instruction. You can’t get that in any other workout session. Except private sessions.
Mely, the owner and instructor is warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. Shes very genuine and sincere. I liked her right off the mat! :)
I am usually a gym person. But I must admit, initially I was thinking this workout isn’t going to do anything. Boy was I wrong! I am sore in places I didn’t even know muscles existed. And I’m officially addicted!
MD Pilates studios is highly recommended!

Mely really understands how to train women and her instructors are fantastic. I’ve loved working with her and would highly recommend her studio.