Core Plus Pilates

Core Plus Pilates is the place to go if you’re looking for a challenging but enjoyable workout! Dondi goes above and beyond what is expected of a fitness trainer and is extremely knowledgeable and easy & fun to work with. I recommend you sign up as soon as possible for the following reasons:
— Great Workout: I used to run and go to the gym at least 4 times a week and considered myself in good shape, but as soon as I started Pilates I knew it was going to be a challenge. Her workouts left me breathless and sore and I felt stronger and more toned after just a few classes — much quicker than when I was only doing strength training at the gym. I also used to suffer from knee and back pain after almost every run but Pilates strengthened my muscles and improved my running performance.
— Small Class Size: There are never more than 3 other people in the studio with you and the small class sizes guarantees personal attention from Dondi. It’s not easy picking up new exercises and Dondi was so helpful and attentive when teaching us. She made sure our form was correct and spent as much time as we needed to answer our questions and even demonstrate the exercise for us.
— Flexible: Dondi was extremely accommodating with schedule changes. I would often have to switch my usual class time due to work conflicts but Dondi always made sure I was able to book a makeup class. She was even able to accommodate some of my last minute requests to switch classes.
— Enjoyable! I looked forward to going to class every week. Not only did I get in a great workout, but spending time in the studio with the other clients was always a good time. The hour goes by quickly and there’s never a dull moment between exercising and catching up on the week’s news, exchanging healthy eating tips, or just chatting about life.
The only reason I quit was because I was relocated for work. I miss going to Core Plus Pilates and am afraid I won’t be able to find a new studio of the same caliber.

Have wanted to try Pilates for quite some time. Have worked out at a gym forever and have had a personal trainer for several years. Looking to mix things up and get away from the gym/​circuit training I thought I’d venture out. I did a fair amount of research of location, reviews and price.
I called Dondi at Core Plus Pilates and left a message. She returned my call promptly and we set up a private session for my first class. I really enjoyed the work as she incorporates both mat work with several Pilates specific machines (yes she has the reformer).
Since my first session I see Dondi around 2 to 3 times per week. The cost is manageable and I was totally surprised at the total workout that I am getting. Dondi keeps the class at a maximum of 4 people and everyone taking the classes generally have the same goals in mind. I’ve never had any issues with other students and everyone is very supportive. Dondi is a high energy girl, has a great attitude and keeps the classes fun.
Both my husband and I enjoy taking the classes together or in personal sessions if that works best for our schedules. This is a guaranteed great work out and a definite way to feel better about yourself :)

As promised, an update to my progress. Since I started Pilates 6 months ago with Dondi I have lost weight. I am still a work in progress but she always keeps the workouts interesting and challenging which makes it fun. The class is kept small and engaging all the time. Really no regrets joining this studio. I know Dondi will keep me in track as I try to hit my goal weight this year with my diet and exercise regimen. Join this studio. You will not regret it!!!

This is my first EVER Unilocal review and Dondi deserves it. I’ve been here for past 7 months twice a week and I am truly satisfied with the results. My body (especially my core) feels stronger than ever. I’ve done Pilates at other places before but Dondi is one of the best trainers I’ve had past few years. She incorporates both reformer and mat pilates.
I recommend Core Plus Pilates for three main reasons:
1) Flexible Schedule: Not only is she knowledgeable but also she’s so accommodating & flexible with scheduling. Most places will charge you for cancellation without 24-​hour notice for your lessons but with Dondi, you can cancel even if something comes up at work very last minute. Plus, she will even let you make it up any time during that week/​month! Great for working women/​men.
2) Cleanliness: Core Plus Pilates studio is immaculate. From the mats to towels, everything is clean. You won’t be laying down on a mat that smells like dirty socks. Also all the equipment are clean and new.
3) Fun and Friendly environment: I hate going to the gym because I can’t even stay on the treadmill for 30 minutes However, at Core Plus, one hour can fly by. Dondi always makes the class interesting! It definitely helps with creating routines for your workout.
I highly recommend Core Plus Pilates if you work/​live near Irvine.

Glad I followed Unilocal reviews and found this place. Dondi is very knowledgeable and always add new routines to make the work out interesting and challenging. The semi private session is small and you still got full attention from Dondi. I go twice a week and in less than three weeks I already see good results. My abs and core muscle not only getting into good shape but also become stronger. It improves my posture and balance. Dondi is flexible on schedules and she can create routines for your special need.

Dondi is an amazing trainer. She is incredibly knowledgable, fun, energetic and she doesn’t suck to look at. I highly recommend core plus!!!

I have been doing Pilates off and on for 7 years… and I’m so glad I found Core Plus Pilates! I have been at this studio for a year now and Dondi is great at keeping the workouts interesting! I always feel my entire body gets a good workout and my core strength and balance have improved immensely!

I found out about Core Plus Pilates via Unilocal back in August, and I’m so glad I did!
The studio is in a convenient location, is very clean and has every piece of equipment you would hope for in a Pilates circuit.
The owner and instructor, Dondi, is great to work with. She keeps the sessions exciting by always adding new exercises so you never get «bored.» The hours go by quickly and the other clients are very nice and fun people.
Scheduling is flexible, which is great for me since I have a pretty heavy work schedule, and Dondi always finds a way to work time in the schedule.
Pilates is a godsend– it is completely relaxing after a long day at work, and you will develop muscles you never knew you had. I would absolutely recommend Core Plus Pilates to those of all ages and experience levels :)

I have been coming to core plus Pilates for over a year now. It is a great workout. Dondi does a great combination of mat, ball, reformer exercises. She also is very helpful with accommodating my schedule needs. The classes are small and everyone is so great. It is so fun to talk with everyone and Dondi that the time passes by so fast and I always find myself looking forward to my next class. Also, it certainly helps that Dondi has helped me reach my weight goals, tone parts of my body that I have never been able to do on my own and I feel more confident about my health and fitness than ever. In addition, it has helped me stay focused on continuing to eat healthy as we tend to exchange our healthy food ideas during sessions. Thanx Dondi for creating such a great environment for all of us. ;)

I bought the Unilocal deal and went, Dondi was very accommodating with my schedule. I arrived, she gave me the tour, went to work. It was a good workout, I definitely got my money’s worth with the Unilocal deal. Loved the way she incorporated other disciplines into the workout. Her classes are too pricey for me, and she knew that from the start but still tried to give me a fair class, I appreciated that. She kept saying that pilates is a very expensive work out. If I won the lotto (oops– I’d have to buy a ticket first!), I’d be inclined to come back. I am sure there are plenty of women in So OC to keep someone like Dondi employed– she is very talented at her job,

Core Plus Pilates is a clean and well equipped studio with a friendly atmosphere. Dondi, owner/​instructor, implements an ever-​changing combination of reformer, resistance and mat training with small class sizes (1 – 3 people). She works to accommodate your busy schedule, and the results keep you coming back. Highly reccommended! :)

I found Core Plus Pilates via Unilocal and after reading the positive reviews on the instructor who is also the owner, Dondi Hall. I gave it a try and purchased the Unilocal deal.
I was looking to get into shape, tone up and meet my fitness goals. Dondi works with her clients to help achieve their goals no matter how big or small. She is a great motivator and a really supportive coach and has been a great driving force for me.
I started to track my progress by taking body measurements and within my first month I dropped a ½ inch in my bust/​chest/​waist/​hips. I am now at my third month and have lost almost 3 inches in my hips, 2 inches in my waist, 1 inch on my arms and 2 inches around my bust. I workout 3 times a week with Dondi and follow a strict diet by eating «clean» and have had great results. The workouts are held in a studio and consist of 2 – 4 customers per class. Dondi conducts the classes and has a set routine that she designs for each person. She guides you through each workout and everyone in the class is busy working on their assigned workout so you aren’t distracted by someone else. This is a great workout at every fitness level and Dondi is great at making all of her customers feel comfortable.
Core Plus Pilates is worth every penny!!!

I’ve been to nearly every pilates studio in Orange County, but none of them are like this. Dondi (owner and instructor) provides the most unique pilates class I have ever experienced. Her mixture of reformer exercises along with mat and resistance training is brilliant and successful. I plan on having Dondi continue to help me towards my future goals…
Thank you!
NPC Bikini Competitor Jennifer Toro

With two months left before my wedding and still ten pounds (and inches of flab) away from my goal… I went to Core Plus Pilates hoping for a minor miracle. I signed up to come in three times a week and hoped for the best.
Now its been two months since my wedding and my pictures are the best proof of how Dondi helped transform my body from couch potato to pilates princess. Each inch of my body has changed dramatically thanks to her skill and attention in targeting the spots that are so hard to change (hello, saddlebags). I lost more than 10 pounds, shed inches from my body and had to get rid of every pair of pants I owned.
But the most suprising part of going to Core Plus Pilates was how it has become the highlight of my day. The classes are tiny with so much personal attention (Dondi will bust you if you are slacking) — filled with great people — you almost forget that you are putting in a tough workout. Trust me, miracles happen at Core Plus Pilates… I have the pictures to prove it.

You will love this place. If you’re looking for a dynamic workout, a supportive trainer, and an impeccably clean place to exercise, this is it! I worked out at Core Plus Pilates twice a week for about a year. I have since moved away, and I miss it dearly.
Dondi, the owner/​trainer, customizes workouts to your goals. She has also created workouts to cater to pregnant women, post-​birth moms, and people with other special needs. Because of the small class size, you get personal attention. The workouts are challenging, and Dondi always changes up the routines.
I came in wanting to maintain my weight but increase my strength, and stronger I am. When I first came in, I had trouble lifting my carry-​on into the overhead compartment. (I travel a lot, so this was a constant reminder of my weakness). Now, even months after I stopped training, I can bust through a P90X Ab Ripper workout that would impress the socks off a body builder (my husband).

Found this place on Unilocal and let me tell you I’m glad I did.
Dondi, the owner, is super nice and flexible in her schedule to accommodate you.
I’ve been going for ½ a month twice a week after work for an hour and I can already see the results.
With a small class size (1 – 3 people), Dondi pays special attention to your needs to make sure that the workout isnt too hard but at the same time, still tones your muscles and gives you a great workout. She also shows you the exercises and watches you to make sure that you’re doing everything properly.
In addition, she changes up the workout exercises on the reformer, mat and other pilates equipment I have yet to familarize the names to to make sure that every muscle gets a workout. And let me tell you, you for sure will feel your muscles ache after workouts.
I’ve been eating Golden Spoon almost everyday since coming here and these workouts must sure work cause I’ve definitely been losing the weight while enjoying myself with delicious foods. =)

I’ve been doing pilates for a year now and it has truly become an essential part of my life. I’ve become stronger and far more aware of the muscles in my body since training with Pilates.
As with any other forms of exercise, you will still need to eat right while doing pilates to see optimum results but once you begin to see the changes in your body, you will definitely be motivated to further stay on your course. (And your friends will notice the changes, I assure you…)
I used to train with Dondi at a different studio but was ecstatic about following her when she pulled the trigger on opening her own studio.
Core Plus Pilates is clean with new equipments and reasonable pricing. I look forward to the sessions and I strongly recommend you check it out!

I love Pilates and its low-​impact workout. For those who believe it’s a girls-​only sissy workout, beware — Dondi* has been able to make men weak in the knees and shaken in their Nikes. :)
(* Dondi = brainchild Core Plus Pilates)
After just several weeks of working out with Dondi, J and I went snowboarding and he already commented on how much better my stance and balance was! Pilates helped me fall less! I also could only do like 2 push-​ups when I started, but now I can do 10 and have developed tricep muscles for the first time in my life!
Why is working out at CPP different than other studios?
1. You have the trainers attention in a semi-​private environment (session have 1 – 3 students at a time).
2. Dondi is very flexible with the schedules.
3. The studio is very clean and new and always has fresh towels and hand sanitizer.
4. Dondi’s attention to your form and development is instrumental in bettering your body and practice. She is constantly changing up the workouts. Even after a few months now, I still learn new exercises every week.

After years of unsuccessful dieting and work out plans, I decided to give pilates a try. I had debated signing up for years due to the high cost, but let me tell you… its worth every penny!
I went in for my free trial session, and knew right away that this would be something I could stick to, and see great results. I signed up for a 6 month contract (2 sessions a week), and just renewed for another 6 months. I have already lost 14lbs and am at my goal weight. I look and feel better than I have in years. I’m in the best shape of my life, and owe it all to Core Plus Pilates. I finally have the arms, abs, butt and thighs that I have been admiring for years.
The founder of Core Plus Pilates is a great instructor that gives the right combination of personalized workouts and motivation. She is very organized and is able to accommodate my busy work schedule. I highly recommend Dondi and Core Plus Pilates, if you are ready to take the next step to better your health and body.

After years of inactivity, «social» drinking, and weekly carne-​asada burritos, the aging process finally caught up to me. I started to notice that dreaded stomach pooch, and decided that it was time to do something about it. I’ve heard great things about pilates and wanted to give it a try. I met Dondi, founder of Core Plus Pilates, and started going to classes twice a week. After only 8 sessions, I noticed a drastic difference.
Besides the fact that I saw results almost immediately, what I enjoyed most about Core Plus is that:
— The sessions are semi-​private, so you get a lot of personal attention
— The instructor is knowledgeable and customizes your training
— The studio is clean and the equipments are new
I can’t think of a better to work out than pilates and there’s no place better than Core Plus.