Core40

Love core40! As a classpasser, I’ve tried other reformer classes, and while I like all of them, Core 40 is my favorite. Their machines are nicer and the handles and are all cushioned; making the positions easier to complete without killing your wrists. The staff are all friendly, encouraging, and motivating. The studio is beautiful and clean; though parking can be tricky, give yourself plenty of time for that. Great sculpt workout and fun, upbeat spin classes as well.

Update here — most instructors are great, and I’ve stopped going to the few that aren’t as engaging. However, you’ve got to get your sound system figured out! With some instructors who are quieter, you can’t hear what they’re saying, which is actually super annoying at best and dangerous when doing precarious moves at worst.

Hello, brand new body! Wow!!! I swim and run a lot, but nothing has completely transformed my body like Core40. I’ve been going regularly since December (3 – 4 times a week) while continuing to swim and run. The workout is extremely challenging, especially if you move slowly. It’s quick, painful and totally worth it! My favorite instructors are Paige, Jon and Danielle. I like how they announce the name of the move and body placement while I am still doing the previous exercise. It helps with quick transitions. Do yourself a favor and go!

*4.5 stars*
I have been to 10 plus classes here and I think it will be a good time to write a review. First, I absolutely LOVE Core40. I love how the workout focus on helping you build lean muscle. I love how innovative and interesting the workout is. And most importantly, it’s only 40 minutes. How awesome it is!
However, like what most people said, your experience here is largely depend on your instructors. That being said, I have experience one or two super cool instructors, who I will try my best to take their classes if I could. Most of the time, they are very energetic and good with instruction. Also, they will go around the classroom and correct students’ forms. I have also experienced one or two not so good instructors, who have no energy whatsoever. They keep a monotone throughout the class and don’t know how to motivate the students. They don’t go around to help with the forms and apparently don’t love their jobs. The rest either fall into the «meh» and «getting there» categories. You will soon understand that most instructors are going to say very similar things in classes, but some of them sound like they are reading off a script and some of them sound passionate and they enjoy their jobs. I really like Jamie’s class but unfortunately, I think she moved away and no longer teach in SF. What a bummer :(
That being said, half of the star is taken out because of the levels of instructors being inconsistent. Also, I noticed that a lot of instructors in Core40 have another full-​time job, so they might only teach very few times a week and a lot of them don’t rotate around studios. That being said, if you really like one instructor, you may have to commit to a certain time and a certain location to take his or her classes.
Although I am not 100% satisfy with the instructors but I still absolutely love Core40. I have never heard of Lagree fitness before I joined Core40. I tried it out of a whim and liked most people, I totally underestimated it. My first class absolutely killed me. Although I am a decently active person, I was struggling with a lot of exercises during the class. But for some reason, I was totally hooked, and I came back for more and more classes. I think the reason why I love it so much is each exercise isolates one muscle group, and I can feel that exact muscle group working, burning and begging for mercy.
Biggest tip here is, the slower you do your move, the better it is. Try to do all your moves with controlled motion and engage your core. You will find this absolutely challenging once you try a class here.
Although the moves may alter a bit each class, the general routine is pretty much the same. You always start with some core warm up, then move to leg, then move to upper body and wrap up with core again. And the flow of each move always follow the following five stages, first you send the carriage all the way out and all the way in, and then all the way out half way in, and then hold, after you hold, you start pulsing, and lastly, all the way out all the way in again. It’s all about the little movements while keeping your form right with a slow and controlled motion.
The full body classes are relatively fast paced, so I suggest you take a foundation class before that. I will expect a lot of people find it quite challenging at first but after a few classes, you will get the hang out of it. As you progress, you will know exactly how to do every move and learn how to slow down on the machine. I do find myself getting better in all these exercises. However, it doesn’t mean it’s not challenging any more. It still kicks my ass every time I go, but I find myself less panic in transiting to different moves and feel that I have a better balance on the machine. Also, Keep in mind that don’t have a shower room and they don’t offer tower service.
Overall, I think it is very worthy to try it.

I’ve been to Core40 a handful of times thus far, and have to say that I’m 100% bought in on the workout and method. It’s super challenging, there are little to no rests, and when they say FULL BODY, they mean it.
That said, one thing that keeps me from giving that fifth star (and I almost feel awful doing this) is that some of the exercises are VERY challenging. I try to vary my workouts, between spin, yoga, and occasional pilates, but I think that the Core40 method definitely lends itself to people that return time and time again. I find myself sometimes wishing that the instructor would give more modification prompts (ie. is it ok to drop to knees, or remove 1 spring to help with form), so I’m not feeling lost or defeated when I can’t hold a pose or move my body in a certain way.
I’ll definitely be back — they occasionally have great specials on 10-​class packs, and hope to get stronger in the process!

Pilates on speed really is the best way to describe this awesomely addicting workout. And all in just 40 minutes! Although I should be clear: this is NOT Pilates but rather the Lagree method (according to the instructors). But hey, tomato/​tomatoe.
I decided to check out this workout because 1.) I was desperately in search of a Pilates reformer workout that was as challenging as the one I left in DC, 2.) I kept hearing rave reviews about it, and 3.) an awesome and effective workout in 40 minutes seemed too good to be true! I like that the first class was $ 10, and the instructor was great at explaining things to me. Having taking reformer classes previously, I was not a stranger to the (mega) reformer (just a bit bigger than traditional reformer and with the pulleys in a different location), so the first class was easy to follow along with. But I could see how this could be confusing and a bit difficult to follow along if you are a stranger to this type of workout.
I definitely found the workout to be challenging and worked up a nice little «glisten», so I was sold! This workout sounded like a great complement to other cardio workouts I do. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this franchise, hence the 4 stars.
For instance, you have to reserve classes in advance, which is fine, but if you have to cancel, you’re supposed to do so 12 hours prior to the class. Imagine having to stay at work late one day and missing your class only to be charged $ 15-​$ 20 for the «missed» class. While some of you techies out here may not have a problem with this, I found this policy to be a bit annoying. I understand that the instructors get paid for the students who register, but there’s got to be a better system to avoid penalizing the customers for things against their will. I do want to mention that I cancelled a class prior to knowing this, then attempted to still show up for that class (because my conflict with the class time changed), and almost didn’t get in (thankfully someone else ended up cancelling so I was able to make it, and the studio waived the cancellation fee… thanks Pac Heights!!)
Also, is it me or are these classes a bit expensive?! While they do offer packages, one class for $ 35 is a tad much in my opinion. They offer 10-​class rolling package as well, which could be used within a certain timeframe, but even that starts at $ 175. I’m definitely thankful they offer a military discount, but dang, who can afford these unlimited prices? So yes, I digress a bit, but forreal, who is able to pay these prices?
Overall, great to check out one-​time, and if you’re able to save your coins and get one of the packages, then go for it. Or you can sign up for the unlimited for a month and go everyday to justify the cost. Gotta love options!
Likes:
–awesome core and overall body workout
–discount $ 10 class for new students
–military discount on packages (15%)
–nice studios
Dislikes:
–packages are a bit expensive
–cancellation policy sucks (12-​hour cancellation for class?!)
–parking is a bear at almost all the studios. You’re either relegated to walking, taking a taxi, or some other form of public transportation (translation: plan ahead to get there on time.

This class is a whole body burn! Talk about full body shaking and next level challenge. I used to attend a similar class when I lived in LA called MDR 2.0 on a mega reformer using the Langree method. If you’re looking for full body toning this is the class for you! I love that it’s 40 minutes rather than a full hour so no excuses!!! Lucky for me it’s right around the corner from my new flat. I consider myself a pretty fit, athletic person and each class is a challenge. I’ve never had shredded defined abs Til I started doing the mega reformer. Totally addicted!

I found Core40 through ClassPass and I have to say that it’s the best studio that I’ve tried so far. The teachers are motivating and educated in their field, and it’s refreshing to attend a class where the instructors actually show you the correct form.
I work out 4 — 5x a week, and each time I leave the class sore. I’ve taken both the full body Pilates class and the cycle class and couldn’t recommend each one enough.

What do I say. I have tried them all: BodyRok, PilatesProWorks etc etc. But core 40 is my fav. Ashley on tuesday mornings for the foundation class is amazing ! She is helpful, attentive and in just 40 minutes you’d be sweating and every muscle in your body would have done work. This workout is a quick in and out. So there is no stretching before or after. That’s something you need to do. But otherwise its kick ass. And best of all its on classpass !

Love love LOVE Core40 lower pacific heights (and nob hill location). I come here with classpass as much as possible. This studio was my first Pilates class ever many months ago, and I’m hooked. This is especially huge because I’m usually just a standard cardio girl (spinning/​running). Both Pilates and Spin classes are taught by very welcoming and energetic professionals. Love the vibe here, especially when compared to their competitor BodyRok. I always feel welcome and leave sweaty and happy. Seriously considering dropping classpass and just joining Core40 so that I can come way more often.

I’ve only been once but had such an amazing experience that a 5 star review is worth it! I’m new to this workout, and the instructor Catherine Y was so helpful, patience and attentive. I felt like I had a personal session. She took the time to work with me and correct my form throughout the 40 minute class. Looking forward to coming back.

This is one of the best workouts SF has to offer. My favorite is the combo class (25 minutes of spin and 25 minutes on the reformer). It really kicks your ass — heart rate is pumping the entire 50 minutes. I never thought 25 minutes of spin could be so difficult and I’m literally counting down the seconds on all the ab moves on the reformer. Tara and Janie both rock!
Sweat factor for the combo class is 7 out of 10.

Great studio for both Pilates and Cycle. All of the instructors that I’ve had have been great! That studio is very clean as well. They have changing rooms if you are coming from work or if you’re in street clothes. The workout is excellent as well.

Core40 has really top quality instructors (especially if you compare them to BodyRok) at both this location and Nob Hill. Although they use different equipment than Pilates ProWorks, I kind of group these exercises together, and their instructors are the same high quality as Pilates ProW.
Clean studio, doesn’t feel cramped even though the equipment is pretty close together. The instructors are hands on and never judge-​y.
Tough stuff, but so great. Try it if you haven’t.
They let you bring your bike inside. Lockers. Tampons!

Amazing place for a kick your butt workout. Janie is a great instructor with a lot of energy and manual alignment corrections.
The studio is very clean and evenly spaces out the megaformers. The girls that work at the front desk are friendly and pleasant.
My only recommendation would be to provide towels, because clients like myself sometimes forget.

I’m into month three and am still feeling the burn! The studio is clean, close to my house, and I LOVE the 6AM class time. Nothing in my neighborhood offers an early class that is effective and still gets me to work on time.
Minus one star for the instructors being hit or miss — most are great, and Janie is by far the HARDEST and most motivating and informative, her classes are my favorite and I wish she taught every day of the week! Jon and Tara are also fun and challenging.
Minus one stare because some of the other instructors/​subs are really lacking in energy and don’t focus enough on the students. For example, I had one sub who was so concerned about her mic batteries dying that she neglected to ever correct the student next to me who was doing the exercise so incorrectly it was hardly even in the same family. Why not turn down the incredibly loud music and speak loud and clear? Nope, battery obsession continued and the class suffered. If it had been my first time, I would never have come back.
Force more accountability with your instructors and ensure all of them are up to par and are not just spouting off fluff and repeating phrases they memorized. Thankfully, Jon, Janie, and Tara teach at the times I can go, so I’ll continue to come :).

#1700
Lunch scene at work:
Me: I’ve been sooo hungry lately! I had a breakfast burrito and then two hours later, a huge bowl of chicken chow Mein!
Co-​worker: maybe because you didn’t eat dinner?
Me: I had a huge steak! 0_​o
Co-​worker: you normally don’t eat like that, OMG! maybe you’re eating for TWO?! Aren’t you off the pill?!
Me: what?! pregnant? I don’t think so. If I can wash down this burger with a gin martini right now, I would. But we’re at work so …
Chewing thoughtfully on a medium well MMMeat patty, I ponder why I’ve become a fatty much more than usual. Job related stress? Hormones going wild? Anxiousness about riding damn Muni on game days? #commuteproblems
A-​ha! It could only be core40!
This workout is powerful and it targets multiple muscle groups in a short amount of time. Of course, depending on the instructor and the style you prefer, it’ll vary a bit. Whether you go with Jon (super nice but will push you with a smile), Janie (sweet and will kick your ass) or Madison (friendly and tough at the same time) you’re guaranteed to sweat, grunt and tire out your core in an efficient manner. I still curse in my head when I do the plank, but I’ve improved over time. My favorite oblique exercise is the French Twist: arms on the handlebars to support your weight, then you place your foot in front of the other and drag the carriage towards you as you s-​q-​u-​e-​e-​z-​e your side. With the correct form, you’ll definitely feel the burn.
I will say that core40 is an expensive way to get in shape, considering it’s only 40 minutes long, they don’t have showers nor provide towels, but health is wealth no?
On the way home, I stopped by the drugstore to buy a pregnancy test.
Pee.
Wait 3 minutes.
«NOT PREGNANT»
Keep calm and core40 on.

No pain, no gain!
This pretty much sums up the core40 work out. Interesting concept: focus on the core for 40 minutes using multi-​functional machines and practice movements that last for around a minute. Although it sounds like high intensity it’s actually the other way around — they want you to focus on slow execution but steady movement.
Being a regular boot camp class attender myself I thought I’m somewhat prepared for these hellish 40 minutes but I was in the wrong. You’ll hardly be able to walk after you’re done here!
While the concept is interesting enough to try it out, the classes are pretty expensive ($ 13 on average). It’d be great if they’d offer more promotions. Also, water is available but no cups (?!). Ventilation is not great (call it Bikrim40!) and it will get hot and steamy in there. Changing rooms and lockers yes, but no showers.

The classes are the exact same as the Core40 in Lower Pac Heights, instructors teach at both. The studio itself is good, it’s pretty big with a lot of reformer machines, there are a few things they’re still getting together but they just opened so it’s more than understandable.
Heads up: same as the pac heights studio you need to bring your own towel and water bottle but they do have a water filter to fill your bottle up. You’ll leave with shaky legs and soar arms as well :)

Beautiful new studio in the middle of SF. Just finished my early morning workout an hour ago. They just opened up yesterday, so you can still smell the paint and the newness of the machines. Same great hard workout and same great instructors!
This location could be deadly for me though, as it is so close to B. Patisserie! But after a grueling 40 minute lagree workout, a banana chocolate croissant is a much earned reward, right?