Movement for Evolution Pilates

Call me selfish, but sometimes when I find something great, I just don’t want to share it. There are only so many tables at Boulette’s Larder at lunchtime and I don’t want the United Hemispheres magazine sending too many people to compete for a seat.
I’m even more protective of MaryStarr. There is just one MaryStarr and she is fabulous. She is the real deal. I’ve been doing pilates weekly for six years now and started working out with Mary Starr about two years ago. MaryStarr has coached me through post-​natal recovery, a second pregnancy and second recovery. Pilates is fantastic exercise during pregnancy, but it’s really important to find someone who really understands the stresses on the body. MaryStarr is an expert.
Our workouts move swiftly to maximize our time together. MaryStarr has always planned an entire workout for me and I feel balanced and exhausted by the end. However, she’s great at perceiving my energy level and pushing me appropriately. She has an incredible repertoire of exercises.
Recently my husband began working out with MaryStarr as well. He’s had chronic shoulder and neck pain that physicians and physical therapists have not solved. MaryStarr’s exercises have been better for his issues than any other form of therapy.
Lastly, when it comes to spending an hour a week with someone in this crazy, time-​constrained world, your time is well-​spent with MaryStarr. She’s a well-​educated, fascinating, amazing person and I feel lucky to know her.

I don’t know why my original review disappeared:
I have now been going here and everything is still true about my original review, only better.
I am so glad I found MaryStarr (yes that’s her real name, MaryStarr B Hope, from birth…) and Jeana. These girls are great. They were my two favorite trainers from Mercury Fitness. A friend of mine said he wanted to try pilates, so we went on Unilocal.
I didn’t want to travel to Mercury, so I thought I’d try Dharmaspace. Then I found Movement for Evolution. We both took privates and a mat class.
We took MaryStarr’s mat class. Quite a bit of yoga flow, but much more attention to proper form than most yoga classes. She comes around and gives you personal adjustments if you need it. It was vigorous, but not at the expense good form (something that was usually sacrificed at Mercury Fitness).
My friend loved MaryStarr. He had been doing yoga and weightlifting for years, and is in good shape. But she worked him out. I have never met someone with more energy than MaryStarr. A spunky red head that will make you wish she wasn’t married. I think my friend is a devotee.
I worked with Jeana. I have done pilates before, and had taken Jeana’s classes at Mercury. She was a bit of a drill sergeant at Mercury. However, taking her private was great. She is really able to get it through my thick head what neutral posture is.
She had me warm on an exercise bike for 45 minutes before hand. Then we did a a gradually intensifying workout.
Lots of ab work, & pelvic stabilization. Then some stretches combined with resistance. My hamstrings hurt so good… and my IT band. As a runner with a bad knee, I felt like I was in good hands. She even taught me how to run properly, and gave me a little homework for after my runs.
It is a nice nice space, with tons of cardio and other equipment in addition to all the pilates equipment. The privates are very private. Usually you are the only one there. It has a nice vibe. Everyone is friendly and personable. And the workout is great.
Go there. It’s less expensive than a lot of other places too.

Jeana at Movement for Evolution is hands down the most knowledgeable and encouraging pilates instructor I have ever had. For over a decade now, I have been suffering from back pains from scoliosis, however, ever since I started working with Jeana, I find that my back pains have been dissipating because my core has strengthened which helps support my back. My body feels strong and toned and Jeana has always been extremely consiencious about making sure I am doing my pilates safely. I have worked with many trainers before, but Jeana has a special ability to translate ‘pilates language’ into a language my body understands how to react to which makes my exercise that much more effective because I know exactly how I am supposed to move my body and muscles.
Jeana will definitely push you to work hard and you will sweat — but she will absolutely make sure you are safe in doing so. It’s a GREAT workout and you will feel so much better afterwards. In addition, she is just a really wonderful, smart and sweet person. I look forward to my weekly classes with her because she’s so much fun to be around and time passes by so quickly even though you’re working hard!
I have done a lot of research before I found Jeana and I can tell you that Jeana will help you achieve your goals in a fun, safe environment and you honestly won’t want to go to anyone else! Jeana and MaryStarr are two of the best professional pilates teachers you will ever find in the city! I encourage all of you out there looking for a pilates teacher to give them a go — they will never try to force sell you anything and if they say you can get an appointment, they will absolutely honor that.

I can’t say enough good things about Movement for Evolution and the amazing ladies behind it. MaryStarr and Jeana are the best around when it comes to pilates instruction and trust me — they will work you hard and make you sweat!
I first took classes under MaryStarr and Jeana at another studio in the city and when they started up Movement for Evolution, there was no choice but to follow. The attention to detail and technique, accompanied with encouragement and ‘tough love’ are unbeatable and provide for a workout that will not only get you into fabulous shape, but also help improve many aspects of your overall wellbeing (for me — overall strength as well as posture). I’ve not only taken the group classes but have enjoyed the benefits of several private sessions which I fully credit with helping me recover from a groin/​hip injury I suffered while running last Fall.
As I said, you will work hard here and find muscles you honestly didn’t know you had. All the while learning more about how the many pieces of the human body come together to make a fully functioning machine and understanding the thought and history behind pilates. If you are looking for a place and activity where you will literally look forward to your workout and exercise — then Movement for Evolution is the place!
Hands down five stars all the way around — for instruction, customer service, benefit, location, the list could go on. And you won’t find two nicer people than MaryStarr and Jeana. If you’re looking for a great pilates studio then this is the place to go!

Ok I am not a Pilate’s person (anyone who knows me can tell you that)
But my wife is and for her Birthday in July I got her a gift certificate for the place (I will NOT name it) that Mary Star & Jeana use to work for.
R was super excited about the gift and started going. She really enjoyed her sessions. Soon after she started lots of drama and conflict seemed to be taking place at the studio. She was not into the new negative feeling of the place.
She is very excited to hear that these two super stars have opened their own spot and I am too because it is a great and very easy gift for me to give.

I have trained with MaryStarr & Jeana for years. The best there is. I am glad that they have their own space now. I can’t wait to get back to a regular schedule.