The Lab

Such a professional and welcoming place. The classes are serious workouts, and fun. I was a dancer in another life, and since then I’ve studied Iyengar yoga, CrossFit and functional fitness. At the Lab, my brain and my body are equally challenged. My body is changing after only three months and I have less joint pain, less back pain, and I have more energy than ever. Ashley Barenz, Hank, Mariana, are all amazing. Every instructor is very skilled and in incredible shape. Some classes are better for starting out if you’re new (er) to Pilates or strength training. I find the pace of Mat classes more conducive to learning the basics. Bounce is super fun and hard! Get ready to be drenched at the end. Circuit is great for just kicking your own butt with some kettle bell, some rope, TRX, step ups or ball slams… Ben changes it up. Bonus here is you can check out ALL classes for a week for free. Totally worth it. And everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is supportive. I’m obviously a fan!

I stopped by The Lab on Monday night for the Chisel class. I thought it was neat that the trainers incorporate aspects of modern Pilates into all aspects of the classes.
I was very impressed by the overall attitudes. Every employee I interacted with was sweet and respectful. It’s obvious that the staff strives to maintain a familial culture — which is neat in a big city. I also felt this positive attitude from my fellow gym-​goers.
Personally I like bigger classes where you leave dripping in sweat — which is really the only reason for my somewhat average rating. We were a group of five and I just didn’t quite feel the push that I normally do. I’d love to come back and try additional classes (or maybe even a personal training session).

5 stars for the excellent classes and instructors, Hank, Lawson and etc very professional trainers.

Now that I have completed by five class pass at The Lab, I — without hesitation — can say that these are easily some of the best fitness classes I’ve attended in my life. These classes are tough, they make you sweat, and you feel great afterwards. Of all the zumba, barre, and cardio classes I’ve attended — all of which were never difficult for me — The Lab’s fitness classes really kicked my butt and made me use muscle groups I didn’t even know existed. The familial culture of The Lab is definitely another aspect of my great experience. Everyone acknowledges each other’s presence without being super chatty and the instructors are awesome and know how to push you without overly doing so.

You know that feeling when you discover something or some place new and you don’t want to tell anyone because you’d like it to be your own little secret? Well, this is one of those places. And yeah, I’m telling you about it. Why? Because they deserve all the acknowledgment and business they get. They are THAT good. I joined The Lab because I became disgruntled with the Big Box gym I had belonged to for many years (Eastern Athletic). My only regret: I didn’t discover The Lab sooner. This is one hell of a great place to go. It’s not a big gym but it is definitely the little gym that could, the Powerhouse in a small package, the place where people go for honest, solid, professional, skilled, dedicated, caring, supportive, and hands-​on training and/​or advice. Am I gushing? Damn right I am… and this is the place to gush about. The gym is all yours to work out in if you choose to be on your own, like I do. But I’ve been a gym rat all my life and involved in the fitness area forever and I know the real deal when I see it… this is the real deal. Their trainers and instructors are top notch and very focused on their clients. They also seem to know and use a lot of newer, innovative ways to train that encourage and enhance traditional methods.
I even took a Yoga class recently. It was terrific! I like Yoga but I’m not terribly skilled at it so the part I like and appreciate the most is that the instructor walks around (after showing the position) and corrects your placement. I like learning the proper form so I can hope to replicate it and improve as I continue in my practice. This is the place for that. I’ve observed a few other classes there that look amazing and I plan to try all of them, Pilates Mat & Bouncing Lab in particular… but there are even more. And the instructors ALL seem very dedicated to giving you a full and attentive class.
And is this gym ever clean! Every time I am there the gym is spotless! I see them scrubbing mats after every use, not just at the end of the day. My previous gym never wiped any mats during the day when those mats got used over and over again and I suspect they did not do it even after closing at night. Personally, I like to clean my own mat after I use it but someone almost always walks over and says they will be happy to do it. I have never seen a broken piece of equipment which means either they never break (highly unlikely) or they simply fix things quickly it if they should break… something unheard of at my former gym (which still has the same broken mirrors it has had for almost all the 15+ years I had been there).
If you’re looking for a gym in the DUMBO/​BROOKLYN HEIGHTS neighborhood, you gotta at least consider this one and go check them out. They’ll let you do a free workout to get a real hands-​on feeling for the place. And all of the staff just happens to be really nice and really knowledgeable… from the owner to the instructors to the trainers. I guess you could say they had me at «give us a try!»

I moved out of the neib– and back — and I haven’t been to The Lab in over 2 years.
I went onto Groupon to check out some fitness deals close to me as I am looking to tighten up for summer– I found one for the Lab…
In all fairness — I didn’t read through and see the offer was for new clients only. Totally fair for rhe merchant to restrict.
My problem with them is…/ when I called to activated /​book a class — I told the woman on the phone — I’ve been before. She continued to book me and activate the Groupon.
I then get the email confirming my participation in the class. I move my schedule around to check out the am class– I then receive a cancellation.
I called — and asked why– they said 1^st time clients only. When I asked why no phone call– they said they had a different number on file. I gave my number to the person who booked me as she created a profile– so not understanding the issue there.
They couldn’t explain the cancellation in the cancellation email– or actually call me for real? (I gave them my phone number only hours ago)
I was then told even though it was their mistake to activate– It was up to me to work through Groupon for a refund. That’s annoying — and I didn’t want to do that– as being on hold forever is not fun.
I asked for the mgr to call me back– as I wanted to pay the difference on the package as I very much wanted to keep the class– and the package. No call back.
In my opinion, this was Terrible customer service. This action tells me that The Lab doesn’t care about connecting with their customers.
I’ll stick with Physique57 — as they have amazing customer service/​and a world class program– and they actually work towards making their clients feel appreciated. I hope more fitness options open up in dumbo soon.

This is by far the BEST fitness groupon I’ve ever purchased! I’m a groupon junkie and buy a bunch of different fitness classes because working out gets super mundane for me.
The classes here are challenging. I did muy thai kick boxing for 3 years and I would say the workouts here a little harder, only because they challenge all parts of the body. My favorite class so far is the trampoline class– it’s different, it’s NOT easy and you’re sweating after the first 10 minutes (well sweating the whole entire class). I woke up the next day and looked in the mirror and swear I saw abs already (hehe). No– but the classes here are challenging and you’ll love it.
The staff here is also super friendly, which is very important to me!

I bought a 5 class groupon for The Lab and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve only been to two classes; chisel and bouncing lab. I absolutely LOVED both classes, but bouncing lab was probably my favorite just because who doesn’t love jumping on a trampoline? And its a KILLER workout. I’m 22 and pretty fit, but I was literally dripping sweat about 10 minutes into the class. I’m so excited to have found The Lab!

Love love love everything about this gym! Instructors are so attentive and personnel is so nice. Classes are extremely challenging! This is the first gym ever that i am excited about. Lawson is amazing! If you are able to take her classes, you will never leave! Highly recommend!

Love this studio! I’ve only came here for group classes and I came to know this place cause my friend Megan does her pilates training here and so did one of my dance instructors Svetlana. They are a super CHILL gym with super friendly instructors! Every instructor I have came across was super friendly! When I first visited, I was recovering from a knee injury and they made sure to ask for all injuries and also made modifications accordingly. The instructors here are all VERY WELL qualified! Check their stats on their website, they are AMAZING! I took their lab circuit class and it was fun to have someone put together a circuit course for you to follow. PIlates Mat class is also something to strengthen your core and a nice place to start if you’re new at working out. Core suspension is a TRX class and it REALLY kicks your butt! I really like this studio and would love to try and take more classes! Their class packages are decent price. I wouldn’t say inexpensive but it’s not too expensive either. So check it out if you have the chance or in the area. I just won’t be a frequent visitor cause I live all the way near Long Island. SO yeah :)

Something different on a Thursday night.
There is about a 5 – 10 minute walk from the F train at York Street.
The Lab is on the second floor of a building. I passed right by it the first time.
I came here last month and took a trampoline bouncing class.
If you want a good cardio workout, go with the trampoline.
You are moving non-​stop on the trampoline for a hour.
You probably get about four 30 seconds break throughout the whole 1 hour.
You basically drip in sweat!
The instructors are nice and let you go on your own pace.
Then I took a sunday pilates class and it was very relaxing.
There were stretches that I never knew existed.
My muscles were sore just from laying on the mat.
I highly recommend this place.
I even saw many pilates reformers and want to take a class in the future.
There are two changing rooms, lockers (bring your own lock) and a huge bathroom.
The prices are by class session not membership.

This place is really great. The Pilates instructors are uniformly fantastic, and– very importantly– the space is odorless. The unlimited class membership price is completely reasonable. I love it here.

Top 10 reasons I love The Lab:
1. The trainers and instructors are all amazing: skilled, focused, caring and fun.
2. No one cops an attitude.
3. Eclectic music you want to listen to, not a loop of the same, godawful dance beats like you hear at Equinox.
4. Classes are small so you get more individualized attention.
5. They have Pilates equipment, and trainers can give you a mix of weights, cardio and Pilates methods if you want.
6. No monthly membership fee — you pay by the class, training session or use of equipment.
7. Prices are more reasonable than the big gyms.
8. Lawson Harris, the owner, is hilarious and SO knowledgeable.
9. Hank, Mandi, Jess, Ashley M, Ashley B, Desira … and really everyone.
10. The vibe — just cool (but real), and they have free Wintergreen Lifesavers at the front desk … but now I’ve gone to 11.

The Lab is soooooo dope. Awesome classes, friendly/​cool instructors (and great music!) it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a gym/​Pilates studio. I scoffed at Pilates until I tried the Lab. Now I’m totally hooked! My only regret is that I didn’t join sooner!

Hell yeah! A kick-​a$$ work out without the pressure, cool people & a sleek small-​ish space. Pilates at The Lab is changing my whole world.
DO IT!

I’ve never written a review for anything — ever.
Personal background — I’ve belonged to numerous gyms in the past 10+ years. They include, gyms in my apartment complex + a gym similar to The Lab (but not really) + Planet Fitness + YMCA + FitWorks + Lucille Roberts + a couple others I cannot even remember the names of. I tend to habitually go through cycles of intense dedication of working out for periods at a time and then not at all, such as 5 months on, 5 months off (plus the occasional run). I’ve worked out with a personal trainer previously. I’ve taken classes. I’ve worked out on cardio machines, etc. I have done about 10 years on and off of Windsor Pilates at home via video and have really enjoyed the method of Pilates. The Lab classes are all based on Pilates.
It took me almost a year to get up the nerve to even consider another «gym.» But living in the area, I would walk by The Lab almost daily and I was always intrigued. After a few visits online and on their Facebook page, I decided to walk in on a Saturday mid-​afternoon after all the classes. I received a quick tour and some pricing info. They offer a first week free, unlimited classes and use of circuit. I took advantage and two days later was at my first class, Pilates Mat. I felt like I was on a high after the class because I knew it was the place for me. The instructor was so nice and welcoming to the newbies. Since that day almost 7 or 8 weeks ago, I have taken at least 3 – 4 classes per week (utilizing the unlimited class package 3 month minimum) and have also signed up with a personal trainer (Ashley Monroe) for training 1x per week. She motivates and encourages. She corrects your moves which is so important because in the midst of a workout your body may not be positioned the way it should be in order to obtain the maximum benefit of each set. Each class is challenging and the instructors are really good at letting you know how to challenge yourself more and how to do an alternating move if something is not working for your body. They listen to you and get to know you. It really is great because you’re not just another student. The instructors actually care if you’re feeling great and working out properly. They are energetic, funny and extremely knowledgeable about the body and the exercise moves. Overall, The Lab becomes like an extended family. Working out, whether for maintenance or for losing weight is half about where you’re going and what you’re doing, but it’s also about your own spirit and dedication to the methods and I believe you become dedicated and interested in pursuing a consistent active lifestyle when you are able to do so in the company of great people and in the atmosphere of a great facility. The Lab is that place for me. It motivates me and makes me want to better myself. It’s crucial to my happiness and health.

I started coming here about a year ago. The staff are super friendly. The atmosphere isn’t judgy. People don’t wear lots of make-​up and look you up and down. It is just about having a great, pilates-​based workout in a postive environment. I highly recommend the classes and the personal training. Haven’t used the massage or other wellness services.

Desiree is the best instructor! She is a great motivator and I really enjoy her Circuit classes!

After the birth of my second child I found myself on maternity leave and 40 pounds over weight. Once I got the OK to work out, I decided to give The Lab a try and signed up for 10 classes. Mandi’s Cardio Pilates was my first stop and whoa, what a class. Like other reviewers I was totally in awe of her insanely good taste in music, her super inspiring words and her rock hard body. The class is fun, tough, (and for me this is huge) over in a flash. I loved it and returned many weeks in a row. Next I found Lawson, The Lab’s owner. She’s like a hot little fairy godmother of fitness. Her classes are amazing, too, and every time I see her she’s encouraging, funny, and fun. She wants you to take fitness seriously, but she’s going to make sure you have a damn good time doing it.
I am 4 months out and 30 pounds lighter and I have The Lab to thank for getting me here while having so much fun.

If you are eager to transform your body and get in great shape, all under amazing, enthusiastic instructors, then The Lab is the place for you.
This gym is fabulous. It has everything you need for a great workout and it’s SUPER clean. What is really amazing is the care you get from the owner and the instructors. Lawson always compliments me on my workouts and when I told her I want to kick things up and take a class but was worried about recent shoulder surgery, she gave me the encouragement I needed and let the instructor know about my injury and fears.
This week I took my first class, «Bouncing Lab» which was mostly trampoline work — what an INSANE and fun workout — great music, tons of cardio and an hour that flew by. I would have never tried it without the encouragement from Lawson. Core Suspension is another fav and you will see definition in your arms and core in no time.
5 Stars for it being a great gym. 10 for the awesome classes and great people who work there.