CORE40 SoMa

Hands down the best pilates class you’ll ever take. I’ve been going to classes here for over 2 years and I’m moving out of SF — this is the place I’ll miss the most!

The megaformer is an amazing machine and has been the source of transformation for my body. I consistently go to megaformer workouts in NYC and Washington, DC and was super excited to try Core40. So while I’m a huge fan of the megaformer, I downgrade Core40 to 4 stars (GOOD but not great) as I think 40 minutes is just a tad short. The workout I normally do is 50 minutes, and while the Core40 class was not lacking for planks, arms, and legs, I found the oblique series just a tad short.
Instruction was generally good. Music all right. This is a tremendous workout. I just think a little more time on the machine is the perfect workout.

My friend and I got the 1^st class $ 10 pass. I was so stocked to try this class as I heard the Victoria’s Secret Angels do this workout! You come out looking like them, right? Mwahaha.
I work out around 3 times a week. I’ve done cardio by myself or in groups and also weight training. I figured this class couldn’t be harder. Verdict? Yes & no!
Our instructor (blonde) was super sweet coming by us to give us tips during all the moves, since we were new.
40 minutes is a good amount of time to work out. Not too long and not too short, doable but enough to make you feel like your workout was powerful!
I really enjoyed using those work out carriages I had never seen before. I never even knew they existed. They made the whole work out experience more fun as it changes from your usual routine. I was able to do all the moves but I could tell my muscles were working harrrrd!
After the class, for the next 2 days, I was so sore — in a good way! I never get sore like that anymore, even if I take a break from working out. This showed me this work out was definitely efficient!
I would totally buy more passes but as some said, it is VERY pricey. I will think it over & keep Core40 in mind!

My one year anniversary with Core40 SoMa was just 2 months ago. When I started in Nov 2014, I had no idea what I was doing but could see my body was transforming from week one (the pain… the good pain!). I am a pretty fit person (4 – 5 workouts a week) and Core40 continues to challenge me even after my one anniversary with them.
Instructors continue to change their routines and make it fun for all. Regardless if this is your first day or 2^nd year (like me!), your body will continue to transform in a good way. I am leaner but more tone and stronger than when I was in my 20s. I have pretty severe scoliosis and this is a great workout for me — slow and controlled. My favs are Jamie and Danielle — they are always watching your posture and coming around to adjust your form. Very important especially if you have spinal/​back issues like I do. I am looking forward to another amazing year 2 with Core40!

Great workout and great trainers. I like the intensity and pace of the short 40-​minute workout.

Core40 has inspired me to eat better: no more fried foods, alcohol, junk food like chips and French fries. Because, every time I’m on the Megaformer, I think, there’s absolutely NO WAY I’ll waste my work out and eat bad.
That’s a lie.
Let’s try again.
Core40 has inspired me workout more regularly. None of this, «oh, I’m tired, maybe I’ll skip the workout today and eat less carbs (another lie)» or «I’m too busy with work or going to happy hour, etc, etc»
When you’re paying at least $ 149/​month (um, thanks boyfriend!) and strict cancellation policies, you do everything in your power and GO TO CLASS. Incorporating and establishing a routine for your workout maybe a challenge, but you just gotta do it.
Now that we got the hard part over with. What should you expect in a Core40 class?
Expect to sweat.
Expect to tire out your muscles in the most efficient way possible. 40 minutes of a total body workout: arms, legs, glutes, your entire core will be sore. Slow twitch muscles worked out to the MAX.
Expect to do slow, controlled movements which is not all about physical ability, but mental capability as well. You think holding a plank for a full minute is easy? think again. It’s the most basic move in this class but there’s nothing basic about squeezing your butt, keeping your back aligned with your hips, knees together, toes digging into the carriage that WANTS to move. Oh and don’t forget to breathe. And YES. That girl next to you? she can do another minute of this plank when you’re already thinking of doing a modification.
Expect to get addicted. Expect to feel more confident in your posture. Expect to fit better in your clothes. Expect to do a lot of selfies in tight spandex and send it to your boyfriend ;-)
Expect to bring out the lean, mean, sexy workout machine that YOU are!
RRRRRAAAWWRRRR!
*bicep curls double chocolate chip cookie to mouth *
I promise to start eating healthy tomorrow.
That’s a …

Bottomline, the best 40 minute workout you can do without cardio. Sweat a ton and stay sore for days doing very simple movements/​holds. Train things you never knew you could train, especially for dudes. I never go a month without using my 3 visits here on ClassPass, its a fascinating workout!
They have top of the line reformers and awesome trainers. Just a heads up, there is a huge disparity in teaching styles. My favorite teacher is Jamie, awesome instruction (her counts line up nice with the music, almost DJ like) and she definitely practices what she preaches. I’m slightly terrified in a good way by Danielle, she will drill you hard and won’t let you slack.
Minor issues with the facility layout … lockers & changing room traffic are awkwardly in the classroom. Also there is only one bathroom + one changing room with classes only 10 minutes apart. But that’s offset in my book because the exposed ceiling beams and random industrial fixtures are so freaking cool to look at!

The first time I took CORE40 I was sore for 2 days and I workout a lot! Reformer pilates makes you work muscles that you don’t normally use lifting weights or doing cardio. I thought about never coming back but I figured if I was sore, that has to be a good sign that something is working right? Anyways, It’s been a couple of months now and I can do much more than when I first started — This is definitely an awesome workout for your core and legs (thigh, glutes). In just 40 minutes, I feel amazing afterwards. I’d definitely recommend these classes to all of my friends. They also have classes throughout the day which makes it extra convenient!

Things to know:
— 1 rest room/​changing room and 1 designated changing room
— combo locks
— water station
— don’t come late, the instructor is the person that checks you in
— Free street parking on one of the side streets (forgot the name) otherwise, metered parking on Folsom
Get ready to die. Core40 is not for the weak minded and really requires a lot of MENTAL strength. Everyone struggles in class, it’s not about who can do it better, but it’s more of who can continue to work out and keep persisting.
I just took my second class and it’s just as bad as my first, but this second time I came in knowing what to expect so it was a little bit easier in that sense. The work out over all is really difficult still regardless of who teaches it. My first teacher was Janie Hall and my second time was with Tiffany Vo. Each instructor will focus on something different and have different plans, which I think is great. Both instructors were also really good at toning and encouraging.
I always leave feeling sore already. I don’t even need to wait until the next day to feel the pain.

I’ve been going to Core40 reformer classes for about three months now and absolutely love it! I’m moving to Oakland soon and I’m sad that there isn’t a location there.
The workout is tough and if you’re looking for lean muscle strength training, this workout will challenge you. I only need to go 3 times a week to keep in shape.
Excellent instructors and great customer service. The classes fill up fast, so download the app and sign up early.
Hopefully they’ll show up in Oakland someday.

My abs cried for days after the CORE40 full body workout, and I liked it. Even though I turned with trepidation for 2 days post workout, I’m really glad I gave this place a try through ClassPass.
First and foremost, the super clean and bright studio is small but mighty. The equipment you do most of the workout on is the mega reformers (read: pilates reformers on steroids, aka «torture devices»). I consider myself fairly fitness-​inclined and would even go so far to say that I’m pretty coordinated. I keep up in classes. I listen to the instructors. I pick up on things fairly quickly. All that being said, I felt like a baby giraffe while making my way through the class on the giant reformer. It’s not a bad thing, but this type of workout certainly takes some getting used to and requires a good amount of attention to be sure your form is correct.
So, all in all, even though I probably looked hella awkward, Core40 provided a great workout and I certainly would go back!

My 1500^th review goes to this amazing facility, Core 40 SOMA. Core 40 is the perfect complement to running. I use it for my cross-​training during crunch time before big races. The exercises help me strengthen my core, hips, ankles, obliques, deltoids, lats, glutes and hamstrings. It’s key to my running and avoiding injury. I’d recommend it to everyone. They always change the routine so you’ll workout everything within 2 – 3 classes and after each time you will be guaranteed you will be sore (if you are doing the exercises correctly — use the mirror and don’t hesitate to ask the instructor). Sometimes I grab the wrong handle or forget to cross something but overall, after 2 – 3 classes, you’ll get it. Arrive early because they always start on time and you’ll get your pick of your favorite machine (there’s no difference, but I prefer one over the others). If you’re flaky, please don’t come. You’ll get charged if you cancel past the 12 hour cut off time before class or no show. Nobody likes flaky people! If you’re on the waitlist, it’s likely you’ll get into class but just in case, sign up early. Jamie is an incredible instructor.
They usually have deals on packages if you sign up for e-​mails, which makes it pretty affordable. My biggest tip/​secret is don’t forget to foam roll after class. The second biggest tip is that you will be more sore two days after rather than the next day. Your abs will hurt when you laugh. Running right after class will emulate how your legs feel after a 20-​miler.

This place leaves me ridiculously sore. And I LOVE IT!
First time I took this class, I was walking like a zombie and struggling to get in and out of chairs for the next couple of days. My legs and abs were literally burning by the end of the 40 minutes. The class size is pretty small so it kind of feels like you have a personal trainer. With that being said, Remy is amazing at modifying and giving me the extra attention that I need. I’m a newbie at using reformers and I have absolutely no core strength so everything was extremely challenging for me. Remy always helps adjust the reformer for me and is never annoyed by the amount of times she has to fix my form or modify the move for me because I’m about to fall off (which is almost always lol).
The studio itself is bright, clean, and relatively small. There are no showers but there is a restroom, changing room, and digital lockers for your things. You can either workout barefoot or wear grip socks.
Definitely will continue working out here and I’m excited to see my progress in the next months.

I’ve had friends rave about CORE40 for weeks, so I had to finally check it out. I signed up for the «Foundation» class and showed up 15 minutes early as directed (as described on the website: Our CORE40 Foundation class is a great place to start for most people, as you will get a little more attention and explanation about the machine and our workout.)
First impression wasn’t great: there was no one at the front desk, and a few minutes later I realized that was because the girl working was participating in the previous class. There was no «be right back» sign or anything, but she finally came to check me in about 5 minutes before class and was super sweaty.
I got a quick — and I mean QUICK — explanation of the equipment from the instructor (here are the straps, just follow along…), who let me know in advance she was a sub. Then the workout began…
I 100% agree that every class is what you put into it, but considering this was billed as an introduction class, I really walked away feeling like I didn’t get much introduction or instruction, for that matter. The teacher was really focused on just counting out the seconds til we were done with each exercise, and then said what move was coming next.
I’m used to a more hands-​on teaching style (and frequent places like SoulCycle and The Bar Method), and really appreciate when teachers make the extra effort to unite the room and encourage or call out people who are doing well or could be pushed a little harder. I didn’t really feel that at CORE40, and wish the teacher had more energy overall. I totally get that I was a first timer, but I signed up for the beginner class for a reason!
I’m thinking about trying the location in Pac Heights with a girlfriend who raves about the instructors there, but I doubt I’ll return to SOMA.

The real difference maker that sets this workout apart from other studios is the megaformer machine. I have always enjoyed pilates on the conventional reformer workout machines, but after trying Core40 (both SF locations), I am really sold on this intense 40 minute workout. It is the most productive way to spend your time toning your body when you have a very busy schedule, and this class fits into my schedule perfectly at lunchtime. You will feel the burn in your muscles early on, and you really exhaust all your core and leg and upper arm muscles by the end of the session.
Studio:
This boutique studio is an optimal size for this kind of class; you are offered some personal attention if needed, which is definitely necessary to improve and perfect your form when you’re a beginner. I’d like to see the instructors offer more that the occasional tips because form is really important in these types of exercises to prevent injury, so I’m always the kind of person who would appreciate corrections and adjustments. In addition, the machines are in really good condition (like new!) whereas at other studios I’ve found their reformer machines to look/​feel outdated or a bit rickety or worn. The ones at Core40 are kept in great condition considering how often they’re used everyday.
Workout:
Not one second is wasted! As you come to the last 10 seconds of an activity, the instructor will begin to describe the next position so that you are prepared for your transition after the countdown. The variety of activities keeps my attention, and I don’t feel the boring redundancy often associated with repetitive motion of toning exercises. The high energy of the instructors (especially Danielle!) is very motivating, and each session is moderately different so you learn a new set of techniques every time you go.

HUGE HUGE fan of this studio! These classes never fail to make me incredibly sore the next day. Half the time, I’m even sore just a few hours later!
The classes aren’t your ordinary reformer classes. The Megaformer machines they use here are different from the pilates machines at a lot of studios, and they focus more on slow, controlled movements rather than completing many reps. It doesn’t take a lot of movement for the exercises to be effective either. Depending on the exercise, even an inch or two will make your muscles burn. Most of the classes I’ve taken on a Megaformer are more leg and lower body heavy with less emphasis on core, arms and upper body, but it really depends on the instructor. The classes are a mere 40 minutes, but it’s a really effective and efficient 40 minutes!
You might get a little lost in your first class because they have all sorts of odd names for their exercises, but just pay attention to other people in the class. The instructors are super helpful too. Whether you’re a first-​timer or not, they’re constantly walking around correcting form and giving pointers to make your workout more effective.
The studio itself isn’t very fancy. There’s one main room with the Megaformers, a spin room, a bathroom, a changing room and digital lockers. They have high ceilings here with skylights so the studio gets a lot of natural lighting during the day.
First class is FREE!

This ain’t your mama’s mat Pilates, people. At Core, we’re talking full-​body ass-​kicking. But because it’s tough, their amazing new reformer machines tone you up quickly and efficiently. 40 mins is just the right amount of time, and the instructors are great. Just remember, this too shall pass, and give you a great ass. See you on the ‘rack’!
Meet your maker, the Megaformer M3:
And here’s a tip: sign up for their email list to get notified of package specials.

Classes at CORE40 are more fast-​paced and challenging than other reformer classes. The machines here can be intimidating. The first few times I took classes here, I thought I was going to fall off and hurt myself.
The instructors give you a bit of extra help if you’ve taken under 5 classes, but they don’t exactly babysit you. They aren’t exacting about form. If you aren’t new, you’re mostly on your own, unless you’re doing something terribly wrong.
Every instructor I’ve had here has a slightly different routine. Most of the classes involve a lot of lunges leg work, and you completely burn out one side before moving to the other. Some focus more on arms. Others focus more on abs. Regardless of the instructor, the classes are always challenging for me.
You wipe down your own machine after class. Classes are usually scheduled 10 minutes apart, so sometimes the machines are still wet and slippery from being wiped down by the previous class.
There’s a changing room, a bathroom, and combo lockers. No showers.

I’m just getting into Pilates. My previous studio had beginner classes and the more advanced ones which was a great way to build up and get stronger. The instructors also got to know you and paid way more attention with giving modifications and correcting form.
This place tries to pack in a faster more intense workout but if you’re not strong enough it doesn’t work. They don’t suggest modifications and don’t pay much attention to form. For someone like me I found some moves I’m not able to do and I’d rather work up to them with modified moves to build my strength then struggle and skip or worse hurt myself. I’m not the only one struggling and so far after 3 classes I have not heard instructors give any suggestions.
Yes they have a good intro deal we can all agree on that.

What women do to look good: wear but be able to barely walk in 4 inch heels, suffocate themselves in Spanx and corsets, primp for hours, & exercise like crazy to lose weight for a big event. I’m pretty much guilty of all those things.
I’ve been trying to get into shape and workout more in the past few months for a better lifestyle but also for my upcoming wedding. I found out about Core40 through ClassPass and my soon to be sister in law who is a big advocate for the Lagree fitness method. I signed up for my free first class direct through Core40’s site and it was a killer. I was like what did I get myself into? I usually don’t sweat too much but was sweating bullets within the first few minutes and feeling the pain. Everyone assumes that it’s like pilates. um no! The M3 Megaformer may look like a pilates reformer, but it has much more gadgets and works differently, and the exercises are a lot different and more intense. Just watch this video:
I have 7 classes under my belt now and am feeling the benefits and I still get sore after a class. The machines and the poses (with correct form) still take getting used to but I love the effectiveness of the workout, because let’s face it ain’t nobody got time for an hour plus workout. Of course with 40 minutes don’t expect an easy workout and don’t expect a little rest period.
I continue to do Core40 through ClassPass and also bought an intro pack when they had a half off sale. Good form is necessary in order to feel the effectiveness and prevent injury. For the most part most of the different instructors I’ve tried are wonderful and attentive, there are a few that are not, including one at the Nob Hill location that marked me absent even though I was the first person in her 9:30 class this past Saturday and we had a two minute conversation… I got an absent email notification a couple days after. Be careful, because if this happens to you where you showed up and didn’t buy a package deal you will be charged additional fee (I bought a package deal so it just results in me «losing» the class even though I was present). I think Core40 should have a more effective sign in method because it’s easy to see how instructors get side tracked with checking in people, there’s no one at the front checking people in and they still have to set up while people are coming in and out. Very rarely they’ll put the fans or AC on which is a bummer since it can get hot. I always go to this location because it’s not too far from my office, it’s newer and the layout works better. When I went to the Nob Hill location I noticed that the machines were a little more loved and the machines felt a little more crowded together. Are you up for the challenge? First class is always free! 4.5 rounded up.