Exhale Soho

The classes at this studio are great, and the teachers are very instructive, but the studio itself is what gave me trouble. When I went into class I left my bag in a cubby (as they tell you to), where the receptionist was sitting, and where she remained sitting for the entirety of the class. After class I opened my bag and realized my wallet had been stolen. She made no efforts to assist me, continuously shrugged her shoulder at me, and ultimately offered me a free class. Unhelpful, and very suspicious.

Love the classes and instructors but the carpet really needs to be replaced or professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Like many other Unilocalers stated previously, this location is nothing compared to the other exhale studios in the city.

So, the location itself leaves much to be desired, but I hear they are moving! So excited for that… But, the barre classes are a great, low impact workout. They helped me get in amazing shape for my wedding and now through a pregnancy. The teachers are well versed in modifications for all sorts of conditions.

I have tried numerous barre classes in NYC and Exhale’s Core Fusion is far and away one of the very best.
Reasons I love Exhale: the effectiveness and efficiency of the workout, attentive teachers, clean and peaceful space, the combination of intense strength workout with relaxation and stretches, the attention to form so injuries are avoided, the sales so that classes are more affordable.
Without skimping (at all!) on the intensity of the strength workout, these classes always incorporate deeply relaxing movements and stretches as interludes during the workout and at the very end, so I always leave feeling a great combination of having had an intense and invigorating workout while also feeling as relaxed as if I’ve gone to a yoga or meditation class! This, I think, is unique to Exhale’s Core Fusion, and can’t be found in quite the same way in other barre classes in the city.
Antonella James’s and Erin Carpenter’s classes are two of my personal favorites– they are always especially challenging but are so well paced and taught with such energy and joy that they feel like they fly by! Barbara Boolukos is also a gem, especially if you’re someone with injuries or who wants to pay extra attention to form– she has a huge amount of experience in this type of exercise and really knows her stuff. These are a few of my personal favorites, but you can’t go wrong with any of the teachers here and each teacher brings something a little different to the class.
I should also say that although the tiny soho location (which, from what I’ve heard, is actually soon to move to a larger nicer space a few blocks away anyway) has been getting very negative reviews, I have always appreciated its cozy and simple vibe, and the greater feeling of warmth and community at this location. Sure, other Exhale locations like the upper east side and central park south and flatiron spaces are more luxe and spa-​like, and I enjoy the amenities there for sure, but I’ve always found the Soho spot to be much more accessible and friendly despite its space limitations and for that reason have often preferred to come here.

The location is pretty dingy if you compare it to the SoulCycles of the world. There are no real lockers, just cubbies, no showers, just one dark little bathroom, and no real changing rooms, just a little changing area behind curtains. Therefore, to make your experience as comfortable as possible, 1) come dressed and ready for class and 2) don’t expect to have a chance to freshen up after class. Luckily, this location is only temporary. The new one is supposed to be much more fabulous.
All that aside, I thought the barre class was GREAT! I wanted a challenging, comprehensive full body toning workout with some stretching components, and that was exactly what I got. The instructor really pushed us when I thought it was not possible to hurt much more.

I am a big fan of barre and after trying several barre studios I have to say that this is one of my least favorite.
First, the studio is very sub-​par. I know location is key but it’s very dated, and actually dirty. There are thick layers of dust on the ceilings and walls, and the windows are covered in soot. The bar itself also needs an upgrade and when I was using it I noticed a nail poking through the underside of the bar which could have been dangerous. The carpets are old and the temperature control is also pretty poor-​all of the times I’ve come here it’s been extremely hot.
The instructors and staff are great but with all of the barre studio options out there I won’t be returning.

I usually avoid writing negative reviews, but after attending my first class here this morning, I feel compelled to echo some of the negativity already on here. The studio is downright gross. I had read other reviews before coming, and thought «Eh! I’m not picky/don’t need fancy facilities. I am sure it is fine.» But when I arrived, I was in awe.
I go to fill up my water bottle at the only sink in the place — in the bathroom — to find that some employee must have washed a salad in the sink the night before because there were actual greens stuck in the drain.
I then go into the studio. The floor was disgustingly dirty and uneven. Every time the instructor told us to get on the ground, I cringed. I found that I had to shift my weight in funny ways to make up for the uneven floor, too. There are no mirrors, so being able to make sure that one’s form is correct is near-​impossible, and there are too many students for the instructor to give individual attention.
The workout itself was fine, but honestly, the grossness of the space and the fact that it was swelteringly hot (and we needed a fan or AC) distracted me. I ended up leaving early, because the heat was making me sweat and knowing that they have no showers made me want to avoid that (sweating during barre is fine, but it should be from working hard, not because they haven’t turned on any fans or opened any windows).
I then go to the tiny changing room to get dressed and find little bits of trash and a used bandaid (!) on the floor.
I can forgive a studio for not having showers (after all, not something easy to create if the space doesn’t come with them) or for not being able to replace the carpeting (totally fixable with a little effort, but again, may be more challenging. I wish that, given the gross floors, they would instead adjust the workout so that all floor work is done on mats instead.). But I cannot forgive a studio for not cleaning up apparent mess, especially when they charge an arm and a leg for classes. There is no excuse for crap on the floor, in the sinks, or for not adjusting the temperature of the room. I have been to dozens of other studios throughout the city (including a very nice Exhale) and I definitely won’t be coming back to this one.

I have been to four other Exhale locations in the city (Upper East Side, Central Park South, Gramercy, and Meatpacking) and this is by far the worst it terms of size and amenities. I was shocked to see the condition of this studio as all of the other Exhale locations I have visited have been modern and well-​equipped. The Soho location in minuscule and has no spa. Actually there are no amenities to speak of, not even a locker room!
I took an 11am Core Fusion Barre class on a Sunday and the studio was packed. There was a class directly before mine and the transition period between the classes was nothing short of chaotic. Despite the crowd, I was able to quickly and efficiently check-​in, but then there was absolutely no where to move and change out of my shoes into my barre socks. I finally managed to store my shoes in a cubby outside the studio and brought my bag into the studio where I found one of the only eight or so cubbies to store the rest of my belongings.
The class was quickly beginning to fill-​up, but I was able to find a place at the barre. The instructor came in a few minutes early to ask if there were any new people and went around introducing herself to most participants, which I appreciated. I wish I knew her name as she was one of the best barre instructors I have had at Exhale. She had the right amount of enthusiasm and despite the packed class went around making corrections when necessary.
The class itself was enjoyable. It is just really the physical studio that is deplorable. The carpet in the studio looked as though it had not been vacuumed in a month and dust, hair, and I think a toenail clipping were floating around the room. At the end of the class, the instructor mentioned that after eight years in this temporary space, Exhale is finally moving to Thompson Street. Until the new Soho studio opens there, it is highly doubtful I will be returning this studio.

Worst ever exhale studio. No space to store your bag and coat and shoes. No way you’ll ever not bump or get into someone’s way when getting into and (trying!!) to get out of the studio! No space left at the bar even if you arrive 5 min before class. No water cooler. No basic necessities! Nothing! Not sure why exhale keeps this location open without doing something (ie. Making it more humane and more like a boutique workout studio it is selling itself to be!) about this pathetic excuse for a studio.

Went to Exhale first 9 months ago. My first time doing barre. The instructors are great, and the classes are really intense. Definitely worth the money. The Soho studio waiting area is a little cramped as others have written, but the instructors make up for it! Also tried the Meatpacking location, also fabulous.

I just really don’t understand how Exhale could allow this location to continue in their brand. This is not the facilities you expect and I’m consistently disappointed every time I go. Why do I continue to go to this location, you ask? I am hopeful that it will get better. But it never does. this has been billed as temporary space for years. YEARS. One tiny bathroom. no water fountain. and terrible temperature control — I swear it’s always 80+ degrees in there. THis tarnishes your brand Exhale, why do you continue?

I have been a member of this studio for over four years. It’s a small studio with a community vibe. The instructors are all very attentive and put a lot of effort into making sure everyone is doing the movements correctly. Antonella and the front desk staff are amazing and have always been responsive to any requests I have had. This may not be the place for you if you want a fancy studio, but if you want a great workout with great people it’s my favorite in the city.

Took Core Fusion Barre here. Contrary to some other reviewers, I felt like the instructor was attentive enough, to the point I started getting paranoid that she was annoyed with me for how bad I was at barre. I didn’t catch her name but I thought she was a good instructor. Very energetic and encouraging (for the most part). But the apparent assumption that everyone there already knows what they’re doing didn’t work for me. It was my second time ever taking barre and the instructions were not descriptive — «Up! and out!» is not super helpful when you’re facing a wall with your head down and one leg already up and out at an angle. Instructor did correct my position a couple (okay, a lot) of times but not show me how to actually do a move. Still, a good workout — my arms and legs were definitely aching by the end.
Agreed with everyone else’s comments about the amenities. The class takes place in a carpeted room that doesn’t look like it gets cleaned OVERLY often, and you spend a decent amount of time with your face near the (linty, with stray hairs here and there) floor. Don’t think there’s a shower, there’s only one bathroom and two curtained-​off changing rooms, and your belongings are stowed on shelves no lockers. The reception area is truly tiny. Switching between classes feels like pushing off the F during traffic hour where every single person waiting on the platform is hell-​bent on getting on before you exit.

Not exactly the beautiful location you’d expect when coming to an Exhale location. I was actually very surprised when I came here and this is what the location looked like. This is very no frills, which is not what you’d expect from Exhale. The barre class I took here was incredible so that was at least on par with what you’d expect from Exhale, but the décor and aesthetics of the studio leave something to be desired.

So, I love taking Exhale classes. But as far as locations go, there are a lot nicer Exhale studios across Manhattan.
Everything about this studio is sub par compared to other Exhale studios I’ve been to. The entire reception /​changing room (2 ‘fitting rooms’) /​bathroom (only 1) /​waiting room is about as small as my living room in my TINY NYC apt. There’s no water fountain or cooler to refill your water bottle, which forces you to buy one if you’re thirsty. They ran out of towels the last time I attended a 7:45 class.
On the other hand, the instructor I had was great. I truly enjoyed her class and appreciated her upbeat nature and energy so late in the evening.
I may be back because the location itself is good and convenient, but I would rather head over to the Meatpacking studio to get the real ‘Exhale’ experience.

This location has good instructors however it is SMALL! No showers or locker rooms and people have to climb on top of each other to get in and get out because there is one small waiting area. You can do unlimited barred classes at this location only for about 155 a month which is a lot more affordable in comparison to the other locations. However their options for class times are more limited. If you like barre classes and want an affordable option then this location is a good choice but you definitely don’t get the amenities many of the other locations offer.
I recommend all of Nefertiti’s and Tammys classes !

I live a few blocks away and have been coming here via ClassPass. It is on the smaller side, at least compared to other Exhales around the city. With one restroom and two changing rooms. Also no where to fill your water bottle. This doesn’t bother me as I live close-​by but I can see it being annoying for people that travel to it.
The studio itself is actually a decent size but it is always packed the the brim every time I have been. I have liked all of the instructors so far, they all usually have a fairly challenging class. I only take the Core Fushion Barre classes. With the class size, it’s hard to get personal attention unless you ask for it.

I took a core fashion barre class. The style was more similar to The Bar Method than Pure Barre or Physique 57.
The studio was cramped and they completely fill it with people. The waiting area was also small and the receptionist was a bit rude. There is no place to fill a water bottle other than the bathroom, which is a bit absurd considering what the classes costs. They of course will sell you a bottle of water.
For the price, you can go to another barre studio that actually has lockers, a water cooler, more space and mirrors.

Really great stretching and toning class wit antonella! Shes very attentive and knows her stuff. Studio seems plenty big enuf. They have carpeted floors and good amenities like mouthwash and hairspray in the bathroom. This location is right above the 6 train and has lots of shops and restaurants nearby.

I took a core fusion barre class through Classpass yesterday. While the class itself was fine, it was still the most disappointing barre studio of all the ones I’ve visited so far (including Flybarre, Flex Studios, and Pure Barre).
It’s your standard barre workout, but twice as cramped, with less personalization/​attention and no mirrors. The instructor did the best she could but there were just too many students to attend to. The amenities are a joke. If you want water, you have to bring your own, buy a bottle, or fill it up in the ONE bathroom that is always occupied.
The lady at the front desk wasn’t very friendly or helpful, and she just had me sign a waiver without explaining anything about the studio or where was what (although frankly, there wasn’t much to show).
The class began with some dynamic stretches and transitioned into a push-​up sequence, some glute work at the bar with the ball, ab work (my favorite part), and some more restorative stretches at the end. I thought the class was challenging and I got a good workout, but I can’t imagine forking over $ 37 each time. Flybarre and Flex Studios are much better in terms of instruction and studio amenities, and I prefer a smaller class size.
I would check out another Exhale location and take the class, but this experience left much to be desired.