Alycea Ungaro’s Real Pilates

Excellent classes and instructors! Stays true to classical pilates but Springtone is a workout for anyone!

I took Jordan’s Springtone class at their sparking new studio in Soho on Hudson Street. Loved it! If I still lived on Mulberry, this would be one of my regular go-​to places to practice Pilates. :-)

I am also perplexed as to how this studio doesn’t have five stars. I have taken Pilates at many places throughout this city and I love this place! It is REAL Pilates as the name would suggest. I really like Kim’s classes. She is fun and makes it challenging while respecting each persons level. It is clean but not brand new. Don’t love the basement for the tower classes but you aren’t really looking out a window while working out anyway.
It was intimidating at first because all of the women in the class were in AMAZING shape including the friends that came along with me. But we all got chatting right before and it is a really nice community. I felt very welcome by the instructor and all the clients. What I know is that 24 hours after my first two classes, I remember why this is the best workout in the world for me. I feel happier and am standing taller. My entire core is hurting which is amazing. I highly recommend that everyone do a few privates first. It is totally worth the investment and you will get so much more out of the group classes. I purchased 15 classes on Gilt which was an amazing deal.

Only drawback for me is the price. Love the tower classes. Hard, no-​nonsense, focused workouts. I like the schedule specificity on the class level.

This review is solely for their $ 5 community class. Their regular classes are pretty expensive so I haven’t taken them or invested in them yet. And they are located pretty far from where I live so I rarely visit the place. However, my experience here for the $ 5 Pilates Mat Tower community class which they offer on their schedule certain hours certain days were good. They keep their classes small while offering a low price. Their instructors, front desk, as well as management is very friendly. When I came in the front desk was busy on the phone taking care of a customer, but she apologized to me on the side for making me and another student wait. We were supposed to fill out waivers for our first time there. However, the management just told us to sign it first and fill it out later since he didn’t want us to miss class time. I’ve only been to this place once and my instructor was Micaela (who is an awesome trainer I’ve been following around and teachers aerial yoga, yoga, pole, and pilates). I was introduced to this place by her and I was not disappointed. The studio is clean and everyone was professional. Overall vibe of this studio is friendly. I would definitely want to return if I can ever get myself to travel to this neighborhood. And of course it’s definitely worth it for those community classes. This review is just a head up for anyone looking to try pilates in this area! Look no further, they are reputable. They do a lot of teacher training and certification and instructors who are certified through this program are usually very good. I’ve been to a few pilates studios who had teachers certified through their program. So yes, definitely try their $ 5 community class if you are looking into finding a Pilates studio to stay at. If you like it, then you can look into their packages later.

I’m perplexed as to how this studio doesn’t have 5 stars. I’ve been around the block when it comes to Pilates; I really get around, if you know what I mean. If a studio has a Groupon/​Living Social/​Gilt deal, I’ll try it. I’ve been to Pilates studios all over Manhattan and honestly — this is a 100% genuine, non-​shill endorsement — this is the best studio in the city. I’ll explain…
First, SPRINGTONE! Okay, if you’ve done reformer a bunch you’ll find that you eventually reach a plateau and the classes aren’t very challenging anymore. If you’re reasonably in-​shape, flexible, I find that with typical reformer classes, you get bored of reformer after a while. This is not the case with Springtone. Springtone will kick your ass so hard you’ll be sobbing. I was so blown away by this class. I took a big lapse in my Pilates practice and loved doing tower and mat work here, but I decided to kick it up a notch and take their signature class, and I’m so glad I did. I felt taken to my limit and then some. I can truly see my body changing after only two classes. Take Lynda’s class and you’ll be taken to your max. To be able to go through this class without stopping and/​or cheating is a true accomplishment. It really does kick your butt.
Secondly, I think tower is far superior to reformer. Don’t get me wrong, I love reformer, but the springs on tower offer much more resistance and you really feel your arms and legs working much more than the springs on reformer. This is just my experience, but I’m so glad I tried this new apparatus. The beginner and/​or mat/​tower combo classes will also challenge you in ways that I haven’t experienced with other pilates classes. Even if you’re a Pilates pro, taking the beginner classes with Kira is great because she’s so focused on alignment that you really learn a lot about anatomy and the proper way of doing the exercises. I heartily endorse her. Also, Kim is very funny and nice if you’re intimidated by the prospect of starting something new.
Third, location. Why is everyone hating on the location? I live on the UWS and I can get down here to this studio, door-​to-​door in 22 minutes. The express 2,3 train to Chambers is super fast. I work in SoHo so it’s convenient to me which is why I chose this place, but it’s not super out of the way or anything. The 1,2,3 train is a block and a half away. That’s pretty convenient in my view.
Fourth, the studio is super nice!!! Based on other reviewers I was expecting it to be tiny. Maybe the shoe/​cubby area in the vestibule is tight, but it’s really not that bad. If anything, it’s pretty large. There is always more than enough towers downstairs in the classroom so you really don’t have to worry about classes being totally booked. My old studio getting into the popular classes was ruthless! If you didn’t reserve classes weeks in advance, you wouldn’t get a spot! Or, worse, you’d have to wait till the last minute and see if there were any cancellations. So far I’ve gotten into every class I wanted to (before and after work, I can vouch for the stay-​at-​home mommy classes held during the day) which is pretty great if you ask me.
Also why are people all butt hurt over the receptionists??? Every single person behind the desk has been polite and courteous. Absolutely no problems here. Take classes here if you want Springtone to kick your ass and give you an entirely new body. I am so pumped to commit to this practice; even though the classes are only 45 minutes you will be so wiped out that it’s more than enough time.
There’s my long-​winded $ 0.02. Haters will hate but true Pilates aficionados will love this sh*t. And if you don’t, sorry, but that’s on you.

I don’t normally write Unilocal reviews, but after reading a few negative reviews I had to chime in. I’ve been doing pilates for several years now and this is hands down the best studio I’ve been to (and I have been to several throughout the tri-​state area and LA). It’s almost been three years since I’ve attended my first class and I have not attended another studio since. Not only is each teacher extremely knowledgable and helpful, but they each have their own teaching style. I try to take as many different teachers as possible throughout the week. I am never bored and constantly challenged. I am dying to take a private session here, but as I am still in grad school at the moment it’s not really within my means. So I can not give any feedback on privates sessions, I will say I imagine they are very good as each instructor I’ve taken is friendly and capable of leading a class while remaining focused on each individual students needs. I’ve even had a few instructors stay after class with me to go over exercises I struggled with.
As far as how the studio operates and interacts with their customers, any issues I’ve had (which have been very few), received immediate attention. I once had a voucher that ran out before I could complete it. After explaining was I was unable to use up my voucher within the specified time-​frame the studio was more than happy to let me complete the remaining classes. I’ve had experiences with businesses in the past who wouldn’t even honor a voucher that was still good. So I was very pleased with their consideration on my expired voucher. I will say the studio is small, but it speaks to it’s community vibe. The design is not trendy at all, but reflects the nature of the brand that focuses on healthy fitness and staying true to Joe Pilates classical teachings. The decision to not alter the interior ads to the brands timeless essence and further establishes its place within the tribeca community.
In summation, if you want the latest, trendiest fitness studio and workout… this isn’t your place. If you are interested in joining a community that is just as invested in your fitness and health, then I would highly recommend this studio.

I’ve never done pilates before visiting this studio, but I’ve done various forms of yoga. I purchased a Giltcity coupon for 2 private sessions and 3 group classes. My first private session wasn’t too impressive, the teacher had pretty heavy accent, and she didn’t care to explain what certain postures have effects on me and it just wasn’t good. I changed my instructor for my second private session, and what a difference! My instructor, Regina, was very enthusiastic. She explained all postures, and for the ones that I couldn’t do it in the perfect form, she helped me adjust. I didn’t think my body would be sore after the class, but it is. So even though it seemed to be easy, it’s not.
The only reason I’m not giving it a 5 star is due to price. I wanted to stick to private sessions because I can see myself not sticking to the form during group classes, which would defy the purpose of taking classes. But when I looked online, it’s $ 90 per session! And that’s not «senior» instructors either. I can use that one session’s money and get another gym membership with my corporate discount. Decisions, decisions.
Luckily they extended the same pricing offer as what’s in Giltcity coupon, which lowered it to about $ 50 per session. I think I will take that for another 5 sessions. Then go back to my normal gym life…

The classes were good. They are only 45 minutes– so it goes by quickly. I only took the group classes so I can’t comment on the individual sessions. Most of the instructors were great — enthusiastic, friendly, encouraging.
The main reason why I won’t be coming back to this studio, despite being 5 minute from my apt, and is on the way to/​from work — is the cancellation policy.
They require 24 hours notice to cancel a class — otherwise you lose the $ 30+ you paid for the class. Sometimes meetings, patients, life happens, you can’t always plan 24 hours ahead of time. Most gyms in the area have a 3 – 4 hour cancellation policy — which seems much more realistic.

This is a very good studio. I’ve been going to classes here for over a year and have always found the classes challenging, upbeat, and every trainer I have worked with gives very clear queues of the movement.
I’ve been training for over ten years and have only used 5 studios over that period — I was Mrs G’s primary student when she went through certification and we owned equipment. Point being that I’m not a novice.
I try different classes and still encounter new or modified versions of exercises. Sometimes I need a little coaching. They do that. When a particular movement is too strenuous or is not right for me, they let it go — which is what they are supposed to do. They don’t push people beyond their limits — it’s rehabilitative — not injury inducing.
There are about 6 reformers, 2 towers, 10 or 12 mat towers, weights, rollers, stretching bands, clean restrooms, nice receptionists, good website. Every class I’ve ever attended has been followed with a spray and wipe of the equipment — it’s clean.
It’s a little tight on communal space.

I love this place. I have been doing Pilates for 10 yrs and a client of this studio about 8 yrs. This is not the «gym» version but Pilates in the classic style; the real thing.
I have tried other types of pilates and studios in NYC. Others were extremely condescending with poor instruction by people who dont care about you. Many studios insist I take packages as an introduction etc. and gave me such a benign work out, probably because I am an older woman. At RealPilates, I am always challenged, taught well and feel better by the end of a session. No one will baby you here no matter what shape you are in. People here are NICE. Occasionally, I have run into the odd receptionist who was obnoxious as others have mentioned, but they dont last long. Johnny is usually at the desk and he is professional and nice.
The teachers here are some of the most experienced, educated and kind people you will meet.
All levels of students are welcomed. Its my go to place when I want a work out, to feel better or just to hang with good people.

After a whole winter of eating, sitting, sleeping… rinse and repeat, my inner fat girl was busting out. When I came across a Gilt City promotion for 10 class for $ 155, I figured this could be a good opportunity to shed some jiggly stuff.
I took the Spring Tone class with Kelly on Saturday morning. This was my first Pilates class, so I was afraid I wouldn’t know how to properly use the machine and make a fool out of myself in a room full of mini-​Jennifer Anistons. Kelly was great though, energetic and patient, taking time to show me how to use the machine during class. Working with the resistance springs was more fun than running on a treadmill and more intense than yoga. Although I wasn’t dying or anything during class, my muscles were sore for days afterwards. That’s a good thing bc I’m strictly of the «no pain, no gain» school of exercise.
I don’t know if I’d spend the full price on a class here once I’m done with my voucher. But if another groupon/​lifebooker/​gilt city promotion rolls around, I would definitely buy again.

I understand the varying degrees of reviews on Real Pilates but let me encourage you to try different teachers until you find a few that you like.
Personally, I think Real Pilates is one of the best pilates studios that I’ve been to! I definitely have my favorite instructors though and unless they are teaching, I don’t go. I prefer challenging instructors that kick my butt.
That said, I understand some of the reviews complaining about customer service. Although I’ve become a fan, I was underwhelmed when I first started going b/​c of the service and some of the teachers were too chatty and not focused on form (in my humble opinion form is everything in pilates) and/​or didn’t feel very challenging. If I’m going make the investment of both resources of money AND time, I want more than I would have gotten if I had worked out alone.
Once I found a few teachers that I really liked, I was hooked! Keep trying. In general, any class depends on the teacher, not necessarily the studio or gym.

I did pilates for two years in Chicago and was excited to try out pilates in New York — the supposed pilates capital of the world. I live near TriBeCa so Real Pilates seemed like the perfect new pilates home.
Real Pilates is just awful. The studio is a dump. The equipment doesn’t even work right. The teachers are abrasive.
I literally walked out of my first class because the teacher kept KICKING the carriage on my machine so I could move it. Then she violently GRABBED and pulled my ankles to stretch them after I had warned her one was recovering from a very bad sprain. Finally she was so mean. Just not my style.
After I let the studio know my issue they were very nice about it and recommended a different instructor. She was a lot better I must admit, but I was pretty annoyed that they class I showed up to wasn’t a reformer class (which others in the class thought it was too).

I loved my class; SpringTONE with Alycea rocked. I honestly can’t wait to go back. I like a hardcore class with a great instructor.
I notice the low stars are for customer service but the front desk person was really cordial when I went. She honestly couldn’t have been nicer.
Training here will give you results — quick. I think that really matters more than anything. Fantastic experience and highly recommend.

Best Pilates studio in NYC. I don’t understand the negative reviews about customer service — I’ve been going to this studio for 3 years and never had a bad experience. Everyone that works at the front desk has been very nice and accommodating.
In terms of the classes — sure there are instructors that will kick your butt more than others, so find the instructor that works for you in terms of pace, level, and instruction. I recommend the Pilates Sculpt and SpringTone classes if you want to step up your Pilates practice.

I really liked this place, so I’m surprised that it has a bunch of bad reviews up here. I got a package deal through Gilt Groupe and after that ran out, I bought more group classes at the regular price. I really enjoyed the classes and the studio is really nice. Admittedly, I haven’t been to any other all-​pilates studios in NYC to compare it to, but each time I went, I really enjoyed the class, the facilities, and the overall experience. I go to yoga frequently, and often the studios downtown are a little funky, but this place is clean and good smelling. I haven’t tried the private sessions. I don’t do pilates very regularly, but I like to go from time to time as a new/​unusual fitness challenge.
I haven’t needed to deal with customer service for any reason, so I can’t comment on that, but I really like this place overall.

I bought a package of 10 classes off Lifebooker or Groupon or one of those sites.
The studio is beautiful and clean. I didn’t get skeeved out about the no-​shoes rule.
I loved the small class size and the convenience of booking online. Some teachers kicked your butt, others. well, I didn’t even feel it the next day.
My package was going to expire. They told me typically they could extend it by a certain amount of time, but since I bought it off a discount site, they could only extend it by ten days. Therefore, my package expired with a class or two remaining.
Also, the classes are so expensive that I could not justify buying another package.
Finally, it’s so impossible to get to the location. Taking the train to Tribeca then walking through the freezing snow/​cold/​rain, was not worth the little to no change I saw in my body.
Overall, if I saw another package offered, I would probably buy it because I did enjoy the class. But I think I would use it during the warmer months and I would couple the workout with hardcore cardio.

If at all possilbe, avoid this studio. The classes are mediocre (with the exception of Tela’s class), the instructors are very poor at cueing. A great number of the instructors I have had are out of shape, which leads me to question their credibility.
Read their fine print carefully, because the rules could come back to bite you.
I have been going to this studio on and off for a year, because I wanted to give it a chance, but alas, it disappoints me everytime and I have decided to give up and try to find another studio.

Ehh. Took a class there. The instructor was 10 min late, which is fine, it happens. However, I expected her to make up the 10 min at the end and didn’t. I was the only one in the class and while she was a pretty good instructor, she wasn’t particularly personable. She seemed really annoyed to be working and it rubbed off on me and my motivation.
The place also doesn’t honor specials as advertised. It’s currently advertising a 1-​day special on its website and even though it doesn’t say what day the 1 day special is for (I guess it was for yesterday and it was never taken down), the guy that I spoke to when I called refused to honor it. Poor business practice on its part. To cut $ 5 off a class price today, it lost me becoming a regular 2−3x/wk customer in the future.