CORE40

It should really be a 3.5. The workout was very challenging in a great way. You will leave sore. But that may be because of the workout or the lack of stretching with the instructor before, during, or after the workout. One of the other girls and I stayed after and stretched out on our own. The instructor took off immediately afterwards. It seemed very strange. There were only a few people there besides myself. Small classes are great. Unfortunately, it was challenging to understand the instructions. This was due to both the delivery and the acoustics. I would give it one more chance but that is probably it.

Great, varied and efficient workout! It challenges me every time, in a good way. Amazing and fun instructors. Get in there and give it a try!

The instructors here are awesome! So nice and such a great workout! Facility is impeccably kept. Definitely one of my favorite workout spots! Fast, fun and effective!

I am addicted to Core 40. A few months ago I tried it and loved the way I felt after so I signed up. I was turning 40 and wanted to get in great shape. I started going 4 – 5 times a week and after a couple of months didn’t recognize my body. It leaned me up and all these muscles started popping out out of nowhere. I have never been so ripped in my life. The classes are fun, quick and cover the entire body. I find that I can actually eat more now because my body is burning more calories because I have more lean muscle. I have been working out since I was 13 years old and can honestly say nothing is more fun and produces better results! You absolutely have to try Core 40.

I’ve taken pilates at many places around the Carmel Valley, RB, and PQ area and this one is my favorite. Their machines are really the Cadillac of reformer type machines. Lot’s of bells and whistles so it never gets boring and there are multiple options for grip/​handle positioning so you don’t hurt your wrists or shoulders. I get a great workout without injuring myself.

Overall 3.5 stars. I’m not a fan yet but hope to be. Located at Carmel Country Plaza, above Katana Sushi/​next to Anna Tailors.
The studio is minimalist. White walls, cemented floors. 10 machines. Temp. was a comfy 68 degrees. I’d try to avoid first classes of the day where air isn’t already on, as the teacher said when she came in, it was over 90 degrees.
FYI: No bathroom. Need a key to use bathroom down the hall. Also, there isn’t a place to sit if you arrive early. They have lockers, but no one seems to use them. One of the students used a reformer to put all her stuff on. Also, most of the students were barefoot, which is less sanitary than wearing the grippy socks IMHO. No child care.
My 1^st time, had Ashley for Core Foundations. I’ve taken SPX Pilates classes before (at Corebody Pilates Plus in Carmel Mt. Ranch), but their website suggested 1^st timers there take Foundations. She gave a tutorial, and was good at providing modifications for movements/​spring tensions.
The acoustics of the room (cement w/​no padding) make it hard to hear the instructor, so many of us looked lost (even more advanced students).
Ashley was ok (probably won’t take her class again), but compared to the instructors at Corebody, in my opinion, CB is better in terms of cueing, demo, music and energy. The very first time I took a class there, while it was challenging, I didn’t get lost at all, and that was my very first time doing SPX.
At Core40, I (and others) got lost. I still broke a sweat but seem to get a better workout at Corebody. Also, at CB they use hand weights in all classes, which I like. Here, at least this class, they didn’t.
I think the reason my workout wasn’t quite as good at Core40 was because of the acoustics, coupled with the echoey music, it was really hard to hear instructions, which kept interrupting my workout (hard to get a good workout if you’re lost and can’t understand the teacher). This is why I wanted to try other classes before rating it because based on my first visit I’d give it 2.5−3 stars. After class, I went to another studio and did a barre workout. After Corebody, I’m wiped out and done for the day.
Here’s where I think C40 is better than CB. C40 has a spin room (12 bikes) and offers a mixed class 25 min spin/​25 min reformer. Also, their reformer machines have numbered reference points on them, which make it easier to know where to place feet/​hands/​elbows.
My 2^nd was CoreCombo. Love this concept since I love spin & SPX Pilates. Took Saturday (1^st class of the day) 8:30am class w/​Jennifer. Temperature was warm but she cranked on the AC. Spin room was hot, but she turned on fans after the 1^st song.
Not sure if this was a fluke, but she arrived only a few minutes before 8:30, so we all had to rush in to set up and we started a little late. And since their bathroom needs a key, I’m stuck there holding in my pee til she arrives. Ugh.
This class/​instructor was better in terms of the workout I got compared to my 1^st time. The problem is there’s no real warm up/​cool down and she has a strong accent, when coupled with the echoey room, she’s very hard to understand. Her music/​energy were good. Her routine was a bit monotonous (up/​down, sprint, repeat) but I still got a good sweat. The spin portion ends abruptly and she says «move to reformer» with no stretch.
The reformer portion was VERY frantic and hard to understand. I was getting lost, just like my 1^st time and no hand weights. 2^nd class I’ve taken that at the end they just say «you’re done» with no cool down stretch. Yikes, can we say injuries? This is a big minus for me. I need proper stretching. Again, not sure if it’s a fluke but this was now my 2^nd class with 2 different teachers without a cool down stretch.
I still liked Jennifer’s class (I’d rate her 3.5), and would use 3/​mo on ClassPass. But they only have 3 Combo classes/​week– they need more. I like CoreCombo better.
Personally, I like the overall quality of instruction at Corebody better, but since ClassPass limits us to 3/​mo (which stinks. CP should at least let us do 4/​mo for easier scheduling), I’ll come here too. Outside of CP, a monthly no-​contract membership is $ 229/​mo or $ 35/​class– OUCH!
I’m rounding up to 4 stars because I’ll still take 3/​mo here. That’s how I know I still like the place, despite its drawbacks (I’ll just make sure to stretch on my own immediately after class ends). I hope they add cool down stretches, add CoreCombo classes and have teachers arrive 5 – 10 min early so students can use restroom and set up for class. Also, I wish on their website they’d put how many spots are open. Other studios do that and it’s helpful for scheduling. Both teachers I had were nice, which factors into the round up of stars. Unilocalers say Jenna and Courtney are the instructors to take, so I want to try them and see if their quality of instruction changes my opinion for the better.

This was my first time doing a workout like this-​and I LOVED it. The instructor (Jennifer) went at a great pace and gave a wonderful tutorial before class. Being my first time in class, my eyes were always glancing over at the person next to me. Jennifer would correct me if I was doing anything wrong (and of course the corrections made my muscles work ever harder! haha) The class moves right along, so be sure to take a break as you need it. I can’t wait to go back and I am recommending this to everyone.

I love this place! I’ve been coming here since the studio opened, and can say there is no better Pilates studio in the area right now (I have tried so many). The hands on attention you get here is great. Though almost all the teachers are good, my favorite class is Friday nights with Lauren Schmidt. She’s great, and really holds you accountable to pushing as hard as you can. The class goes by fast by since it is only 40 minutes, but I’ve never left feeling like I could do more/​longer with how hard they push you. I’ve been to the Solona Beach Core 40 as well and both studios are clean, organized, and a great work out.
Parking can be a little tricky depending on the time you come, so leave at least 5 minutes for cruising the parking lot.
Best part of the studio? It’s on Classpass!!!

Went to a free class and now I’m trying to find it in my budget to continue. I LOVE this place.

I have been a Pilates workout person for years, however, nothing compares to the Core40 Megaformer workout! I am totally sold on the efficacy of the 40 minute workout and the awesome instructors. This company totally gets top instructors, as I have also experienced in their Solana Beach location. You will not be disappointed!

Core40 is AMAZING! You get a total body workout in just 40 minutes, I mean a TOTAL body workout. My muscles continue to shake after leaving every single class. I love that the class moves at a fast pace and continually changes exercises so you never get bored and always feel challenged.
What can I say — I love it!

I’ve been coming to CORE 40 since the studio opened. I was never a workout class kind of girl but I needed some cross-​training and I thought I’d give it a try. OH MY GOSH it is my favorite workout! It never gets easy which is awesome! Jenna and Johee are my absolute favorite instructors.
The studio is comfortable and even has a spin room (Jenna’s spin classes are awesome!). They have a ton of specials so you can stock up on discounted classes!

I will start by saying I didn’t think this would kick my ass… boy was I wrong! This 40 minute workout is amazing! Each time I come the instructors have been great (Courtney Day and Jenna are my favorite!) and I leave each time feeling great, sweaty and sore, but the good sore! I have been telling all my friends to come as well!
The studio is clean and modern. There are 10 reformers in class, which makes for smaller class sizes, which I enjoy, because it allows for the teachers to help correct my form and really show me how to do each exercise. hey also have a spin room for the combo class which is 50 minutes long.
It has been less than a month but I can already feel and see a difference. I can’t wait to see the difference after my first full month!
If you are looking for a great workout come try core 40! Your first class is free, so you have no excuse, haha. And it’s only 40 minutes!
Thanks Core40 for making this a great place for me!

I’ve been trying various yoga, bootcamp, spin, barre and pilates classes around the county thanks to Class Pass. I was a little hesitant to try out Core40 because I thought how much of an exercise can I get in 40 minutes. I was completely wrong. The first class I took, I sweating within 5 minutes (unlike a regular pilates class). Coutney Day and Kellie are awesome instructors. They were so nice and encouraging. Definitely adding Core40 to my exercise routine.

HOLY CRAP! Courtney Day was amazing! She was awesome and had great energy! I came here for the free class they offered and I’m glad I did.
The reformers here are really nice and they also offer a spin class then you jump on the reformer (Crazy workout).
It is a little pricy. I may go back if there have another awesome special. Courtney class is highly recommended!

The amount of soreness your body feels after «just» 40 minutes of exercise is amazing. I am training for a Marathn and I haven’t been as sore as I was after Stephanie’s class. Beofre you can get too exhaiusted after a move, they have already moved on to the next exercise. The 40 minutes flies by but you will be sore for at least the next 48 hours. Lunges, squats, moving planks… it is GREAT stuff!

Great workout and great service. The classes are only 40 minutes, but you will definitely feel sore the next day. It was hard for me at first, but the instructors were encouraging and despite my concerned about trying it again I have been going for over a year and love it. I’ve had a few class sign up issues in the past and every time I email my feedback/​issue I get a response within 24 hours and it is fixed with no problems.

Ok Oooook, I have been holding back this review because I am worried all the classes will sell out and I will need to book a year in advance once it’s posted .
Hands down, the best 40 minute workout you will find in this neck of the woods. Your core and butt (and your husband!) will be thanking you for days. It also flies by because you only do each thing til fatigue, then move onto the next movement. 40 mins is over before you know it, and you worked muscles you did not know you had!
The only reason I did not give this place a five star review is that it is the most expensive boutique studio for unlimited monthly sessions. $ 220?!? They were supposed to join on with a fitness network that I’m part of here in San Diego, but for some reason I’m now in month five of my membership and they still haven’t joined together… And I can’t get a straight answer from either company why there is so much confusion on this. (It’s a benefit to both companies– let’s make it happen) :)
Please Please Please Join the FitN network, Core40!. I will bring you guys a ton of business (as I would start bringing in my friends to the studio as new members if I was able to come more frequently…)

I live close-​by to this gym and when I saw a groupon deal for it I was excited to buy it. This was my first experience with Reformer machines, so I started off with the «Foundations» class to get the basics. For the other classes I find myself looking at the more experienced attendees to figure out what I’m supposed to do. Every single instructor (I’ve had three different ones over 5 classes) were super nice and friendly, but only one had a more individual approach even in a full class — I really appreciate having my form commented on or corrects, especially as a newbie to the system.
My only complaint really is that they have a spin class room but the «CoreCycle» (full spin class) and «CoreCombo» (half spin, half reformer) classes are not offered that frequently, and I think doing so would bring a lot more clients in. It seems silly to offer spin-​only class packages for purchase when they aren’t regularly available.
I probably won’t come back for just the reformer classes as it’s just not my thing, but if they offer more spin/​combo options I’ll consider buying some classes. However, if you are experienced on the machines, I’d recommend this place for the wonderful staff, new equipment, and small class size.

I tried Core40 at the Little Italy studio a couple months ago and was very satisfied with the results, so when I was invited to attend a new class at this Carmel Valley location, I did not hesitate! I love love love these Superformer M3 machines. Is incredible how, being the same machines in both locations, the exercises performed were so different, which means you can do so many different varieties of workouts, Pilates based.
The instructor was very knowledgeable and the pace was not super fast (maybe because was a demo class, but I liked it that way). 40 minutes of core work can feel too intense for those who are not used to use these devices. My body was completely sore after the workout and I felt like every single muscle was well stretched. Mission accomplished.
The studio is not too big, but has several machines and there is another extra room with the bikes. Is in on the second floor of the ‘dentist mile’ of Carmel Plaza mall, so it is easy to get confused as is a small location and indications are not obvious.