Body By Simone

This is a review for the Full Body class at BBS.
The class alternates between cardio dance segments and toning segments. Each toning segment is a different body part – arms, legs/​butt, and core. I sweated A LOT during this class – more than most! The instructor was energetic and friendly.
That said, I am not sure that I would do this workout very often, though. Honestly, it was flat out boring for me because it was very, very repetitive. Especially the toning sections – one gazillion reps of each exercise… i was like WHEN IS THIS GONNA END not because it burned (well it burned) because I was bored out of my tree!
Also, it looks like the instructors do not wear mics here. This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine.
To be honest, standing in front of a group of people and exercising is not teaching and that is what I saw at BBS. People need instructions and verbal cues, especially when you are doing a non-​stop set of exercises in a position where it’s hard to see the instructor.
Facilities are nice and clean, including the studio, showers (2) and toilets. There is a large vanity in the locker room as well, but not much space to get dressed.
Tip: bring a lock for the lockers. Also, the workout is high-​impact, might want to bring your most cushioned sneakers.

While off the beaten path, I was excited to try Body By Simone. I signed up for a Dance Cardio class at 6:30pm on a Tuesday and made the trek over to 11^th Ave & 26^th St. The lady at check-​in was friendly enough and pointed out the things I needed to know. I was surprised there were no locks on the lockers, but the studio seemed safe enough so I was not overly concerned about this. Also, there are showers and bathrooms to change in.
Before class started we were asked to grab a mat and two three-​pound weights. I noticed that everyone put them off to the side of studio, so I followed. Class began with a short warm-​up and then moved onto a series of dance sequences. At first, I was able to follow along with the more basic dance moves, but after about three minutes I was completely lost. The instructor, Nikki, went into a series of complex dance sequences without any instructions. Half of the class seemed to be regulars and were able to seamlessly follow along; however, the rest of the class was at varying levels from slightly off to clueless. I fell into the clueless category and felt inadequate throughout the class. While I was able to break a sweat and get a good cardio workout that was just from me flailing my arms and jumping around in an attempt to follow along.
The class ended with about ten minutes of weights and abs. Again, this was done in a specific sequence with no verbal instruction.
I do not know how you are expected to come into this class as a newcomer. I would assume it would take about ten times coming to this class before you could memorize the dance movements. If you are a dancer and have the time to commit to learning the moves, I can see this being enjoyable, but for someone like me that likes to attend different classes to try something new, this is not for you. I can tell you for certain that I will not be returning to the Dance Cardio class. Totally not my thing! Maybe I would be better off in the Full Body class.

I took a Full Body class with Beth a couple of weeks ago and it was an awesome workout! The Full Body class alternates between fun dance combos that will get your heart rate up (seriously – I had to pause and catch my breath – it was awkward) and toning sections for arms/​glutes/​abs. I have a dance background and take barre regularly, but I was definitely sore after this class! Beth was super energetic and peppy. Even though the studio is practically in Jersey (seriously, soooo far!), I can’t wait to come back.
I’m detracting a star for a few reasons: 1. The instructor or front desk staff could have been a bit more helpful in getting newbies set up – I kind of just followed the crowd regarding what equipment to grab and where to put it. 2. I wish the instructor wore a microphone – the music was loud (not a bad thing – it’s energizing) but I could barely hear her and was unaware of a few changes in the toning section as a result (the class was pretty packed). 3. The main issue – the locker rooms are pretty small and the shower I used didn’t have any hot water! The studio overall is a gorgeous, high-​end space, so I definitely wasn’t expecting that!
Overall, this was a great class. It was one of my first dance cardio classes in the city, and they definitely set the bar high!

So I met a boy.
And there was sweat, movement, eye-​contact, first date jitters and a deep desire to know more about each other.
No such luck romantically but let me start by saying after taking his class, I wanted to thank his parents for having him. I have been completely over the moon crazy about Spencer Jones! Yes, the beloved and beautiful kind soul working at the prestigious boutique fitness phenomenon, Body by Simone. If you haven’t tried their program yet and have been living under a rock, welcome to 2016 and get your motor running. This is where you start living your dream body.
I am not the thin-​type seeking to maintain a sculpted physique (plenty of those sweet and tiny folks around) but certainly a fitness junkie hoping to one day have my pre-​baby body back and tone up my tired winter muscles that are gaining batwing and saddlebag status. Too many empty calories piled up over the holidays and easy NYC delivery comfort foods have added a bulge (or two). But… this program is merciless on fat and trustworthy on sculpting and defining a new physique. Naturally, Spring inspires me so I trusted my draining limbs and muscles to the pros at BBS again. Yes, every single hire there is a slam dunk. However, Spencer was a unique surprise.
After a cozying up period where he asked about injuries and confirmed names all around the room, we started out with an easy to follow, fun and lively dance warm-​up that felt like we were opening up a long-​awaited, award-​winning novel that potentially could be a page-​turner. Sure enough, I was dripping in sweat and my heart was thumping happily as this incredible instructor who was bursting with energy and excitement coached us through what would become my most memorable dance sequence at BBS. OMG. And that was just the first chapter. Unique to his program was that he brought their signature sets of exercises and taught an inspiring class that made me break out of the rut. Yes, that rut. You know the one. Where you eat and indulge and exercise and give yourself that one too many allowance but try again to eat a healthy meal followed by a so-​so one only to discover that no matter how many times you exercise per week, change occurs in conjunction with the healthy food choices you make (pick up Simone’s book).
So, after having Spenceritis and being splashed in the face with cold water upon experiencing his tough class, I started to live my truth. And he had that effect on me. Immediately I went home, emptied the junk from the cupboards and pantry and started cooking with real ingredients. Really simple yet healthy foods. Foods that could help me in this program and specifically, fuel me through a Spencer Jones sesh. The intensity that I had endured in his class coupled with the elated feeling of accomplishment directly after propelled me to want more for myself (welcome back home-​cooked meals, water, more water, extra water, and… drum roll here… extra sleep). He is that intense in the best way. After making nice with my Tupperware again, I committed to see Mr. Jones for a follow up class and so my journey continues. In his program you are ensured to find fat-​blasting, ab-​carving, body-​quivering and saddlebag removal all in one hour. No plastic surgeon necessary this summer folks, simply Spencer’s class.
Chapter after chapter in the Spencer book for physical progress, expect hard repetitive arm movements to a sequence of lively music using weights and bands. The batwings are targeted without any mercy. Sorry but Spencer just zapped you. He is extremely personable and will come by to assist students during tough sequences especially his repetitive leg series. You move and move and move. And repeat and repeat and repeat. Exhaustion sets in quickly but wait… there will be 15 reps to go. You look down at your towel. It will not help you. You look into the mirror. Uh-​oh, he is watching to see if you cheat. Pick up that leg and continue. He is watching and you are not invincible. He keeps you focused and in perfect form. Magically he cues the last few reps and you dig deeper from within to complete the exercises. Then voila! One more side left…(deer in the headlights emoji here).
Faces around the room started to settle when he announced two songs left. Forget about me ever eating pancakes again. I felt pancake flat exhausted but invigorated. Where are those Calgon commercials when I need them. Around the room it appeared as if everyone loved class and we didn’t want this story to end. We had finished our entire body nose to toes but the happy ending, the one where we all become the heroines, the lucky ones who keep the boy and win and succeed beyond our wildest dreams would have to be paused until after abs. He cues for us to break out our little black BBS towel and off we go… right into the abdominal
torture chamber a la Spencer. Verdict: see the stars I gave above and run to meet this boy at the A+ BBS.

Ob. Sessed.
Body By Simone is honestly perfect for someone who doesn’t like the feeling that you’re working out but you are. And actually, very intensely.
Thanks to the Gods of ClassPass, my brokeass self has had the pleasure of taking class at this v. expensive studio. Definitely could not afford it regularly.
I’ve taken Dance Cardio and Full Body and LOVE the Full Body class.
Full Body alternates between cardio and toning. The cardio is fun aerobic dance workouts and the toning is reminiscent of pilates/​barre work. After class, you’ll feel badass and toned as eff. Seriously!
As for Dance Cardio? Well it’s is not for the faint of heart. I went into it expecting the Full Body format from what I had heard from friends and little did I know it was basically non-​stop dancing for an hour. Although it was super fun and amazing, it is definitely not for someone who is JUST getting back into shape like myself. In addition, I like toning, so I feel like although a lot of calories are burned in the moment, you’d still need to supplement with some lifting or toning class. After this class, I literally passed out. So if you’re looking for something that will zonk you out, Dance Cardio is perfect.
All in all, they’re in my favorites of classes offered via ClassPass, however, if I were paying regular prices, I’m unsure if I’d find the studio as valuable.
But for right now, I will shout to the world that I LOVE BODY BY SIMONE!!!

Great classes. Great instructors. Lame «late cancel» policy. You need to cancel within 3 HOURS or else you’re charged $ 20 a pop, even if you already gave them $ 900. Have never experienced a policy like this and I’m not happy about it, but the classes are why I’m going so I’ll put it behind me. Smaller studio, nice products in bathrooms, small lockers. This location has plain water, not the lemon/​cucumber/​berry-​infused versions I hear about at the LA location. I recommend you not schedule yourself for classes if you have a busy, fluctuating schedule (unless, of course, you don’t care to be charged $ 20 each time you have a schedule shift).

If you can haul yourself to 11^th Avenue, it doesn’t get much better than Body By Simone. This is a truly boutique fitness destination. Somehow BBS manages to combine an intense, posh workout with super-​friendly staff — a combination that’s very rare in the New York fitness scene.
Some pointers:
— Classes always seem to be on the small size, which is great! I’ve always had enough room to follow along to the dance cardio portion of the class without bumping into someone if I lose the beat.
— Instructors are always fantastic and constantly giving feedback. During the full hour whoever is leading class is constantly walking around, perfecting student’s form, providing challenges or even just giving positive encouragement. It’s a tough class, but they make sure you get through it.
— The «Full Body» classes go dance cardio, strength section, dance cardio, strength section, etc. etc. At the time, it might feel like you’ve worked harder in other workout classes, but trust the program. You’ll be feeling it later in the day. Thanks to the format, the hour really flies by. You’ll be shocked when the instructor says it’s time to cool down and stretch!
— ONLY negative is that the showers and locker room aren’t as nice as some of the other studios in the city like Exhale or Physique 57. Luckily because the classes are small, the locker is never cramped, but it’s certainly not the amenity-​stocked spaces that you may have seen before.
All in all, a great place to workout! Thanks BBS!

Dance Cardio is an awesome workout! Every instructor I have taken is a professional dancer and it is amazing how much energy they have at the end of the day. I would recommend Dance Cardio to anyone who is looking for a great workout.

Tried this spot for the first time with Nathalie on Saturday. This place is beautiful and definitely trendy. Looks like the Meatpacking SoHo type of crowd. When I walked in, it was really busy with a lot of positive energy. I came for Dance Cardio because i was looking to break a sweat. I def got what I came for. As soon as she got to the front she just started into the routine with a lot of intensity — ALOT. From the start to the very end which gives everyone in the room a lot of energy! I felt the choreography to be intermediate so it wasn’t too hard to follow but definitely not for the beginner. I would’ve preferred to take a class level below that where they take at least a little bit of time to break down the moves. After a few songs of non stop dancing that had a lot of jumping in it, we took our 3 lb weights did a little bit of arm workouts then on our mats for some ab work. I liked that we spent some time on stretching to relaxing music with the lights down. Nice ending!

LOVE BBS!!! I have been postponing writing a review for this place because I’m super selfish and want to keep this gem my secret. Plus, right now I never have to wait for shower after morning class so let’s hope this review won’t make me stay in line for shower.
I have only taken Full Body and Dance Cardio here with Sarah Behrens and am in love with both classes. Full Body, well, as you guess, works every single muscles in your body using weights, resistance bands, balls, etc. I particularly love the butt workout as I always feel like my butt is tightened and lifted after class!
Dance Cardio is a non stop dance party. I’m the most uncoordinated person so it’s always challenging for me to follow the instructor. However, Sarah does a good job of breaking down steps before each dance and repeat each move few times until I get a hang of it. Her choreography is pretty awesome too. Lots of jumping jacks that keep your heart pumping. I always have such a blast in Sarah’s Dance Cardio class.
The studio is super nice and spacious. The bathroom is huge. Even though it only has 2 showers, I never have to wait to take shower in the morning. Also, love complimentary red flower products! I wish they have plastic bags for dirty clothes though.
My only complaint is that there are only 2 early morning classes/​week (7AM on Wednesday and Friday) and those are the only times that work for my schedule. And they are either Full Body or Cardio. I hope they will add more 7AM classes and/​or bring other classes like HBT and Trampoline to that 7AM slot so I can try them all!

I LOVE THIS PLACE! I took many many trust me many dance classes.
this is by far the most prettiest loftiest studio! it’s high ceiling and big!
the location is by the river so a little hard to find but I just love it cos’ i can jog here from my apartment.
the workout.
i’ve tried only
dance cardio & full body so far.
*dance cardio –is really really dance cardio– it’s not your zumba — it’s a lot of prancing jumping jack and all kind of move that confuse you.
they will give you a 2 – 3 dance combo moves that repeat several times during classes and by the end of it repeat all of them. you probably not get it all in the first time but after you come by 3 times or more you will kinda get a hang of it. its not easy but it’s absolute fun! this is non stop madness! don’t expect a break!
*full body — we start with cardio for 20 minutes then we do toning arm, abs leg thigh and abs. this is really not that crazy super hard class.
i recommend you to try fullbody first to get a feel of the method before jump into dance cardio class.

I’ve been meaning to write a review of BBS for a long time. BBS was recommended to me by a friend (specifically, the dance cardio class and HBT).
I enjoy coming here once or twice a week for dance cardio with Gabrielle, who is hilarious, a great dancer and makes the class a lot of fun. You will get a good workout and cardio high taking her class.
I think if I lived closer, I would seriously think about buying the unlimited monthly membership.
I have a dancing background and I struggled the first several classes to get the hang of it. Just know that it will be difficult at first until you become familiar with the routines, but it is a lot of fun, and you will burn a ton of calories. I brought a friend of mine to dance cardio who has no dancing experience, and she is getting the hang of it, so don’t worry if you feel like you can’t dance.
The locker room is also very clean and large and comes with complimentary products/​towels. (If you’ve been in other locker rooms in NYC, you know how nice it is to have some space!)
I would love it if they added more early morning classes (7 am) during the week so I could go before work.
Some advice: do NOT go out drinking and then go to dance cardio the next morning with a hangover because you will want to die. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything…

Difficult but amazing classes! I’ve never had such a comprehensive, intense workout in my life! The full-​body workout is my favorite– you really feel the effects for days after… Trampoline cardio is WAY harder than you would expect… All of the instructors are friendly and fun! Sufficient individual attention and great music! Fun fitness!

Simone is absolutely remarkable. Her classes are fun and the hour zooms by. I’ve taken five classes thus far and I already see a change in my physique. I workout with a trainer three days a week and introducing the body by Simone classes to my regimen has brought me farther in a fraction of the time. No bs! She achieves the most optimal combination of all things you need to stay in the best shape of your life and not die of boredom in the process. Booty, long lean dancer’s muscles, shedding of those awful giggly bits, fun (the dancing is just that and easy to follow), topped off with a most charismatic dynamo leading the charge. I had two other instructors that were also wonderful. I am convinced that Simone has massive potential as a fitness guru and brand frankly. I honestly cannot think of a better workout and I’ve tried everything!

One of the best workouts in the city and believe me, I have tried everything. Each instructor has her own unique style but they are all amazing. If you can’t do the moves, no one cares, you just keep going and eventually you pick it up. They pump up the music and the hour flies by. My only complaint is that there aren’t more 7am weekday classes. It’s hard to get to, so I prefer not to go after work. But overall the workout, the instructors, the atmosphere and the spa-​like bathroom– all A+.

One of the most fun workouts I have ever tried. The instructors are all very friendly and make everyone, no matter what fitness level you’re at, feel comfortable and welcome. Throughout the workout they remind you to have fun and that no one is watching. Dance cardio is a great hour long dance party. You will definitely sweat and feel sore the next few days.
Simone is amazing. Such a warm welcoming person. I met her the first time I went to the studio and understand why so many people are drawn to her. She welcomed me and checked in with me after class to see how it went. No attitude here!

Summary: Trendy space, great positive instructors and music. Mostly women, small classes oriented toward dance. Adequate individual attention.
Citibike tip: There is a Citibike docking station very close by on 11^th avenue between 27^th and 26^th, ½ a block away.
Price: Classes are $ 35. You’ll want to bring exact change whenever possible if paying by cash, though credit is fine. You can sign up on the website, but sometimes it doesn’t work. Calling by phone also works, though on the day I went they had a little snafu. Because they were so awesome once I arrived at getting me through the process quickly I was ok.
Staff: Very friendly. The receptionist was really nice about all, and made sure I got a tour of facilities and had my pre-​class questions answered… this… btw… did not happen at the famous soul cycle. Also, they are just small right now, so the crowd is nice and un-​rushed. The instructor from the prior class was even nice enough to show us which mats, weights, and the like we’d need.
Atmosphere: They’ve attempted to keep it spa like in the bathrooms, so you get a lot of the nicer touches, like higher-​end soaps and shampoos.
Facilities: There are showers and lockers. The lockers fill up quickly. Ideally, they would have another additional spot for lockers as they grow, as I an see this being not ideal during the winter when classes change over. They do have a coat rack for clothes, for those that are too late for locker space. The showers are nice, though water pressure is lacking.
Classes: I observed a more private instruction class in the smaller room, that seemed very targetted and everyone looked quite dancer fit. I needed a quick work out to feel good about my on-​going noodle search. We did the recondition upper body workout. I found it difficult. I have a wimpy upper body. I loved that the instructor kept smiling and paying attention to all students the entire time. Also, I loved that there was plenty of room to space out. Despite being small, no one really cared if you were a wimp like me and had to stop on various rounds. The instructor didn’t try to push unnecessarily and had that right balance of trying to keep you smiling and breathing throughout.
Overall: This is a great class to go to with a friend to get a good work out in and start the day right. The docking of a star is for the small items mentioned. It’s NYC, so hard to get 5 stars for a work out.

Serious and stylish workout
It’s an intense workout, but set to really fun and current music, and led by beautiful and charismatic women. What more do you want? Okay, there are hair thingies at the front desk if you forgot one, and the studio itself has a clean calming aesthetic. Okay, and the toiletries are pleasing to the eyes and nose. The Dance Cardio classes are so fun, and serious calorie burners. The HTB classes are very effective and thorough. Yes the classes are very tough and I can’t always do every move, but I always feel absolutely fantastic afterward. And I am VERY happy with the way my body looks.

One of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had, no follow up or replies to my emails and finally my package with them expired without even being able to use one class.
Obviously someone is in charge of emails, accounting for the about of exciting updates (read spam) I get from them.

How is it possible to come out of a fitness class with a significantly lifted butt? This is the mystery of Body By Simone, but I don’t question miracles and continue to go back to this amazing dance/​barre studio. Their workout classes (Dance Cardio, Hips/​Thighs/​Buns, Body Bands) are crazy effective, and I feel the results immediately after each hour-​long class. HTB and Body Bands consist of repetitious strength moves which target the muscles to death (warning: they will burn) while Dance Cardio is a high-​energy, jumping dance party which never fails to leave me out-​of-​breath (or without sore calves).
The studio is small but very clean and functional. Their shower rooms contain a set of lockers (BYO lock), a shoe rack, a coat rack, bath towels, hand towels, and a long sink counter with hair dryers, lotions, body sprays, and cotton swabs.
Other pluses:
— tray of extra hair elastics at the front desk
— hand towels in restrooms (instead of paper towels or dryer)
— water cooler with floating cucumbers or fruit/​berries
— Red Flower bath/​body products
The classes are expensive, so I use them as a supplement to my normal cardio routine. And the staff and instructors are the friendliest bunch ever… There was once a glitch with my online account, but Anthony was on it immediately to sort it out. BBS rocks!