Pilates Union Square

The first half hour of this class okay but then the cadillac was a nightmare. The instructor was the owner and he kept asking us to do things that were for more advanced students. A few of us were scared straight and didn’t want to do some of the exercises. He didn’t give us any modifications and expected us to do these ridiculous moves. The studio is a bit dingy compared to other places I’ve been to on Class Pass. The instructors in most pilates studios tend to be polished and well spoken. That was not the case here.

I tried Pilates Union Square (Pilates on the Square on ClassPass) for an evening machine class. At the north end of Union Square, the studio space is wide open and has a beautiful view of the park. The studio is a little loud, as a single room, with multiple classes going on it is a bit hard to concentrate and get in the zone. I found this to be especially true as my reformer was right by the door, there was a lot of noise from the front desk area and the buzzer for the door going off, the instructor could be very hard to hear.
This was my first time doing a Pilates class with Reformers or Cadillacs and I was a little nervous. When I came in I mentioned it was my first time using machines, I was a bit disappointed they didn’t give me an orientation of the machine or discuss any of the basics with me. A lot of the class was just me frantically looking over to my seemingly accomplished pilate-​er neighbor next to me and trying to copy her movement.
I think that this is a good class to take in conjunction with a cardio class. This was the only workout class I took that day and I left feeling very little burn.

Have been several times. Jr Macagnone is the best teacher, definitely do his classes if you can.

Reading the reviews had me a little daunted — ClassPass doesn’t have a very comprehensive rating system, so the only time I saw the Unilocal rating for this place was when I was strolling to the dingy little elevator that takes you up to this boutique pilates studio on the second floor.
That said, the entrance leading up to the studio is NOT indicative of how pretty it really is! It’s open, breezy and there’s an abundance of bright natural light flooding in from the tall bay windows that line the perimeter of this studio. The cadillac machines are positioned right next to the windows, allowing you a beautiful view of Union Square.
My instructor Yunny was sweet, approachable and had a self-​deprecative humor that’s charming yet relatable! As someone practically married to her work and pretty out of shape, I found her workouts appropriately challenging. She was attentive to what our individual strengths and weaknesses were and tailored the class accordingly, especially making sure to correct our form and posture whenever she noticed something was amiss.
I felt at ease, yet motivated at the same time.
Definitely one of my favourite pilates experiences from the numerous I’ve had the chance to try with ClassPass so far!

Pilates Union Square is a great new studio in a very convenient location. The space itself is wonderful and the machines are in great condition. Nicole is a great instructor, and I love her class. She explains things thoroughly and is great about giving individual attention and feedback, which I really appreciate.
I love coming here and will be back!

I took a class here using ClassPass. My instructor was Angeline. This being my first Pilates machine class, I thought she did a pretty good job. The exercises and movements were explained well and she was very friendly and inviting. As a first timer, Angeline made me feel comfortable. The location is convenient and I enjoyed myself, so I will be back. Based on the other reviews I’ve read, perhaps I’ll stick with Angeline as not to be disappointed.

I took Pilates on the Square with my class pass! The studio is in a good location and they have up to date equipment. The main reason I loved the class so much is because of my instructor (Nicole). You must take Nicole Byrnes’s class. I went on Sunday night and loved her teaching style. She gives everyone in the class equal attention and isn’t afraid to correct you if you are not in correct form. Overall great class, highly recommend it.

I’ve been to «Pilates on the Square,» as this place is known as on ClassPass, time and time again over the past year. Since the studio is in Union Square, it’s super convenient to get to, which is what keeps me coming back, but saving that extra five minutes of travel time is not worth it for this studio.
As good as a Pilates studio is, each class is tailored based on the instructor, which is why I’ve about 4 different instructors. One girl was decent in terms of her instructions and knowledge of which muscles should be working during each exercise. The others were very amateur, if that. The majority of my classes I spent worried about straining muscles. «I don’t know if this feels good to you guys, but it feels amazing to me,» isn’t something I really wanna hear from my instructor.
There are also posters around the studio advertising classes to become a Pilates Instructor in a matter of weeks, which makes me worry even more about the level of expertise of the instructors here.

This is one of my favorite options on ClassPass. I love how the classes are split up into 30 mins of reformer and 30 mins of cadillac. The exercises are super diverse, hard to get bored, the teachers I’ve had have been super sweet/​kind. And there sometimes is a super cute puppy at the studio. I will say the space is more casual, less boutiquey, but I don’t mind it. Super clean and lots of sunlight.

This place is a joke.
There’s a reason why the reviews are so bad on Unilocal– it’s because the instruction here is awful. The instructors here are NOT properly trained, and there is no structure or workout involved in their classes. You will not feel like you did anything upon leaving the studio except waste your time. Doing 3 calf raises with no resistance or springs? No thanks, I’d rather nap at home.

Went to this studio twice through classpass. While the first experience was fine (nothing spectacular) the second experience was absolutely absurd.
During the reformer session I was incredibly uncomfortable during one exercise. It was not properly explained and no direction was given on the correct movement or muscles that should be targeted. I quietly chuckled as my legs were awkwardly at a 90 degree angle and I was seemingly working out nothing when the instructor decided to stop the entire class to call me out. His tone was incredibly defensive and rude and the rest of the class he continued to call me out and ask what my problem was.
To make matters worse, as I was getting ready to leave he came over to apologize for «not explaining things properly». At this point, I admitted my uncomfortable laughter came across wrong and that I was sorry, but that his lack of professionalism and his tone towards me the rest of class was flat out rude. He told me it was all in my imagination, at which point, I got up to leave. He then followed my friend and I down the hallway and down the steps towards the street continuing to push the subject.
Me walking away to leave the studio was a clear attempt to disengage from this instructor, and his inability to let it go and let me leave was one of the most unprofessional encounters I have ever had.

I’m a little confused by the previous reviews. Not saying they are incorrect but just vastly different from my experience. Perhaps it’s because I have previous reformer experience or maybe I just get lucky, but My instructors have been extremely knowledgable– more than MANY other Pilates studios. I have tight hip flexors and both instructors I had were dancers as well and understood the issue and how to modify movements.
They don’t always say angles because sometimes it’s based on the individual and — my core activation point my be different than yours. But we were told repeatedly to pull up– tighten core, roll down etx. Not just up down in and out. And there were numerous hand in adjustments.
I wish they had a proper changing room vs just a curtained area in the middle of the room. Or at least move it to the back where you don’t feel so exposed and have people walking around. Be said of this I usually reserve this class when I don’t have to go anywhere afterwards and I come already changed. But you don’t get sweaty or anything so a basic changing room would suffice.

2^nd time w Nwando after I’d taken her class at the other location Sal’s Movement Salon. Happy w her manner if instruction– gently corrects, speaks slowly n clearly. Friendly too. Pays attention to individuals. I just have a feeling that she cares about what she does. The ambience is relaxing– high ceilings, spacious, simple décor, wooden floor panels, window views of Union Square across the street, clean, not smelly. No need to bring a lock, items are kept in cubby holes within view/​watch of the receptionists’ area. Do recommend. I have been faithfully attending the other location and this based on the availability of instructors that I like on a weekly basis for the past 2 months and I remain satisfied with the client service and quality of techniques/​challlenges.

Horrible experience. Came to this studio through classpass. The instructor couldn’t articulate the words to tell the class to get into the position he wanted and had to show us and was not viewable to anyone in the class except for the person next to him. When I was having trouble with the position and fell out of it he came over to ask what the problem was. I explained I was having trouble with it and it was hurting my neck. He became extremely defensive and told me he didn’t want me in the class. Then announced it to the rest of the class that he was kicking me out because I questioned him. Guy had a total ego problem. The receptionist was just as horrified as I was and offered a free private with another teacher. I accepted. Then 30 minutes later I receive an email reneging on the private as it was against studio policy.
This was not my first rodeo. I have been doing pilates for 5+ years. I know how to use the equipment. Based on the 5 minutes I had in class, the teacher has no clue what he is doing. Recommend to anyone to avoid this studio.

I just left a «Pilates» class with an aching lower back. Why? Your «instructor» didn’t even look at our form, lost count of reps repeatedly, and taught something that WAS NOT EVEN PILATES.
Extend your hands… where? Raise your hands… where? Straighten your arms… at what angle?
You have signs all over your studio about training there to become an instructor, which is clearly where you make your money. I shudder to think that this place actually thinks they can train others to teach without inflicting injury.
I won’t be returning, ever, and if you value your health I wouldn’t either. This place was beyond unprofessional. I was terrified of injuring myself the entire time.

I was nervous about attending this studio, because I am a beginner, and many of the other reviewers noted poor instruction from the trainers. I must’ve had beginner’s luck, because I wound up in one of Anthony, Sr.‘s classes, and all of the reviewers agree that he is the best. Here’s my take:
–The Studio–
The studio is really conveniently located right off of Union Square. It has high ceilings, and big, gorgeous windows that look out onto the square. However, it did not have lockers (just cubbies and rolling racks) and no showers and/​or changing areas. There are bathrooms in the hallway of the building, but those are shared with other businesses (a lot of us were waiting about 15 mins from one of the tailors to finish taking a very large and smelly poo before we could change).
Another thing for which I wasn’t prepared: two classes go on simultaneously. While one set of students is on the reformers, the others are on the cadillac. While it’s nice that class will be divided between the two types of machines, it’s a little weird (and a lot less intimate than other studios) to hear two different trainers giving instructions at the same time.
–The class–
I have nothing but positive things to say about Anthony, Sr.‘s instruction. He really knows what he is talking about and is a pilates purist. He really focused on getting us to engage our cores, stretch in opposition, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed his instruction and would definitely go back just for him.
I would give 2 stars for the studio itself and 5 stars for Anthony, Sr.

I had a really uneven experience here.
First the good:
The space is SO conveniently located
The staff was lovely
Giant windows look out onto Union Square – so pretty!
And the not-​so-​good:
There wasn’t nearly enough clear instruction, especially for a newbie class on the Cadillac.
The bathrooms were teeny tiny. Hardly enough space to turn around. I was afraid my hanging winter coat would fall in the toilet.
The only changing area was a curtained off area that stuck into the room. Had to literally walk THROUGH a class to exit. Very uncomfortable.
In the end:
I will likely not return. It’s just too hard to change when taking class before or after work. Great if you live in the area, though!

I frequently attend Pilates machine classes at Sal Anthony’s Movement Salon and was thrilled to hear about the opening of a new studio. However, Pilates Union Square comes no where near Sal Anthony’s. For starters, this studio is a member of Class Pass meaning most classes are fully booked, difficult to get into and full of beginners. I have nothing against beginners, but in order to get the most out of a Pilates class you really need to know proper alignment, breathing and how to use the machines. Many fellow classmates were unsure what «tabletop» meant.
Aside from Anthony and J.R., the instructors are not well educated. One instructor nearly refused to let me increase my reformer resistance to the level I’m used to, telling me that green is the heaviest spring (it’s the lightest).
If you are a Class Pass member looking for cheap Pilates, a beginner or someone who doesn’t need a challenge, this studio is great. If you want a quality Pilates class experience, go to Movement Salon or elsewhere.

The teacher I had was not trained in Pilates. A pilates cadillac is not for doing «30 pushups» or «20 tricep dips». A magic circle is not a thighmaster. Not once was proper alignment broached. With 5+ years of pilates reformer, tower and cadillac practice under my belt this «studio» was a joke at best.

The class I took here was so horrid that I was compelled to create this Unilocal page to share my thoughts.
The instructor had zero idea what she was doing. Her cues were confusing (send your legs out, place your arms straight. WHERE? WHAT ANGLE?!) and she was impatient when the class did not get it right straight away.
At no point were the clients asked their experience in Pilates, the machines, or their injuries.
She never counted the repetitions, so we consistently did twice/​3x more reps on the first side than the other (almost like she got bored and wanted to move on by the time we got to the second side).
She kept telling us to protect our backs but gave no cues as to how to do so (stability, keeping a neutral spine… NOTHING).
I would share the name of the instructor but she did not introduce herself.
The apex of my horror occurred when the owner/​boss repeatedly interrupted the class to correct the exercises the instructor was making us do. I appreciate his passion for correct form but on the other hand, it made me want to bolt before the incompetent instructor told me to anything else that could potentially injure me. He literally stood there and gave my instructor a lesson on what to teach us. This should be done before the instructors are released to teach!
The studio is large and airy with high ceilings and a gorgeous view of Union Square. There are rolling racks to hang coats and square cubbies for sneakers. A small curtain area is provided for changing. I cannot attest to a bathroom being present as I ran for my life after class. Currently there is still construction being done around the studio hallway area (elevator receiving area).
I hope these serious issues are quickly corrected but I would NEVER EVER revisit. Unprofessional and dangerous.