Brooklyn Bodyburn

I used to do a lot of SPX pilates when I lived in San Francisco and was excited to try it out here in New York. I actually used to be pretty good but I definitely needed to brush up after not going for so long. The studio itself is nice but I was extremely disappointed with my instructor, Chelsea. Before class she walked me through the class and the machine, which I appreciated. She wasn’t all that nice but it didn’t bother me. Not everyone is naturally friendly.
Once the class started, it was obvious to me that I wasn’t going to enjoy the rest of my time there. Chelsea was really good about going around and correcting people’s form which I really appreciate, however she was INCREDIBLY aggressive when doing this. I felt like she was shoving my body in a way that was borderline unsafe when in position that require balance. I got an extremely negative vibe from her. I pretty much felt like I was being jerked around like a child by a mean authority figure. It definitely wasn’t just me she was doing this to, I noticed her do this with almost all of the people in the class. Chelsea also seemed really unhappy to be there and was in NO way encouraging. I’ve gone to a lot of studios in New York since moving here six months ago and this was the first time I came across an instructor that wasn’t positive or friendly.
I read about this in other reviews before coming here but I figured the reviewers must be exaggerating. They weren’t. I almost left the class a few times and wanted to ask her to stop touching me but I didn’t.
I’m sure not all of the teachers at Brooklyn Bodyburn are like this but unfortunately Chelsea left too much of a bad taste in my mouth. Won’t be going back and won’t be recommending to anyone.

I went today for the first time and I am a professional Pilates instructor and take barre class daily, and consider myself to be in pretty good shape. The class was hard from the get go which I don’t mind but I felt that the resistance on the machines was too light (making it really extra hard to control) for me as a beginner to this technique. I could hardly hear the instructor who was yelling over a microphone over music. Since I couldn’t hear the instructions, I was looking around to make sure I was doing the exercises correctly. I could not keep up with the class and had to rest by the middle of each exercise series, which is fine by me, but the instructor used humiliation as a way to try to get me to keep going. I felt scared I would fall off the machine since I was sweaty and slippery and I wasn’t familiar with what I was doing. I know how to take care of myself and I have been on reformers for 25 years, so I know how they work. I am amazed that other less experienced clients don’t really hurt themselves. I was inspired by the sheer difficulty and definitely humbled but I think giving beginners more realistic resistance would have been very helpful and I could have done much more of the class. It would be nice to work up to the hardest version and not just be thrown into it willy nilly.

The most challenging workout you’ll experience, whatever your current fitness level or strength is: there are no breaks and exercises are purposely sequenced to exhaust muscles before moving on. I’ve been going to classes for over a year and there is always an adjustment you can make to your form or weight you can add to make it even more grueling!
Moves/​exercises change every couple of minutes and each have their own name and proper form so there is a lot to learn. You should not expect to feel successful for the first few classes. The instructors are incredibly clear, precise, and helpful but you’ll only gain comfort on the machine after a few classes. Keep attending, repetition will definitely pay off.

Hot damn, this is the real deal. I’ve been doing Lagree Fitness for two years at CORE40 in SF and have taken classes at other studios around the country. I’m a believer in the Lagree workout, slow, controlled movements that stretch out and tone muscles you didn’t know you had. In terms of challenge, Brooklyn Bodyburn takes the cake. Yes, it’s harder than SLT too.
Over a year ago, I took a class with Tracy at Cobble Hill and had my ass kicked. Seriously, them glutes were hurting for days. It hurt my abs to laugh too, which rarely happens anymore. So I thought, this time, I’d come in a little bit stronger or at least mentally prepared. Welp, still really hard. In a 40 – 45 min workout at CORE40, I could breeze through on 0Y on front and 2Y french twist and back of machine lunges. Not the case here.
Williamsburg studio is one room with staggered machines street to the side. They have the M3s. Electronic combination locks, towels, hairties, mints, Malin+Goetz toiletries in the bathroom available which is nice. No showers, single bathroom stall low on the amenities like most Lagree studios. You come here for the workout, and it’s one hell of a workout. There’s nothing girly about this, it will challenge you if you’re a dude.
Even with more Lagree under my belt, I still couldn’t power through Abby’s workout without modifying a few moves. Abby was so sweet and encouraging, sadly I took her last class at this studio because she’s moving. She’ll make sure you’re really engaging the abs and not just letting it hang and won’t let you slack. The class was a mix of superhumanly strong experienced folks and newer to it. They do demand a lot of newbies, e.g. 2 Y recommended on the back for the lunges and super crunch. The routine was super challenging either way but Abby did a great job of helping a client who needed more modifications for her wrist pain and experience with Lagree while suggesting more advanced variations for experienced clients.
Second time this week, I took Hip Hop Saturdaze with Chloe. Chloe’s class was more manageable than the previous two BBB classes. Maybe because I was more prepared and my muscles had been working but properly rested. I took an SLT class in between which was not nearly as intense as BBB. Chloe has a lot of energy and her encouragement keeps you going and the hip hop soundtrack pumped it up too. However, there were few modifications offered for newer folks and the spring loads were your standard BBB level though she was good at going around to the beginners and correcting their form. She made sure to spread the love experienced clients too. Similarly, half legs, a long core block in the beginning, handful of central core sequences to break up the obliques. It was still difficult, but doable and I didn’t have to modify or stop as much. Because it’s an hour, you tend to stay in the exercises longer than other Lagree classes of shorter length but I’m starting to think that’s how it should be for real burnout.
Brooklyn Bodyburn is hardcore, mad respect for regular clients. One of the hardest classes I’ve taken and I wish I had this on a regular basis!

I’ve been doing this for a month and omg, this workout is amazing — you will see results very very quickly. I’m basically a puddle of sweat 5 minutes in and all my muscles are screaming at me to please stop. I liked all my instructors — great energy, they come over to help you with adjustments and explanations. Best work out ever. You will be sore for the next few days.
There’s only one bathroom, no changing room or showers but the workout is still totally worth it. The first class may seem intimidating but definitely get the discounted intro 5 class package deal because you just need to stick with it!

I am an avid exerciser, all types of classes and varying levels. I like intense workouts and am familiar and comfortable in the gym. I have never walked out of an exercise class in my life until taking class at this studio. I told the instructor I was a beginner and she gave me a very brief introduction to the machine. From the moment the class started, she aggressively adjusted my body (grabbing my arms and legs, jerking me into position, etc., often while the machine was in motion). She was neither encouraging nor friendly — simply kept telling me everything I was doing incorrectly. Also, she did not tell me what I was doing wrong or tell me where my body should be, she just jerked and shoved me around. Every time she came over to me, she had an attitude and seemed exasperated. I like a hard workout and enjoy being challenged, but this instructor made me feel like I was not even worth her time and that I was inferior for not understanding how to use the complicated machine. I could hear her sighing with frustration. The workout itself was very good, and challenging but the quality of the instructor took all value out of the class itself. It is clear that the instructor feels like she is wasting her time with new students, so if she does not want new students, she should not offer a new student special. Alternatively, the could offer a beginner class (hopefully with a better teacher). The class I took was less than half full — perhaps the studio could fill those spots with a better instructor.

Literally the best studio on the planet. This mornings class with Tracy (owner and fitness Gugu-​Goddess) has yet again left me feeling inspired, challenged, strong, refreshed, and accomplished. I am a lagree fitness addict and travel all over the country for work. Of the dozens of other studios I’ve tried, not a single studio even begins to compare to BBB. Not only do they offer the most challenging classes I’ve ever taken (and I’m not talking just lagree, you name it I’ve tried it,) but every single instructor gives each and every client their full focus. They are truly invested in helping clients reach their potential, regardless of experience or level of fitness. I’ve also never been to a studio where the instructors are more educated in anatomy and invested in alignment! I’m tired of seeing instructors let clients (including myself!) get away with incorrect form, which will stunt your workout and ultimately lead to injury. Not here. Especially with Tracy. I’m convinced she has a crown of eyes around her head! She is a fitness artist who brilliantly sequences and cues her classes like a true master. Every single instructor encourages you to work through and past your comfort zone. They have their unique ways of motivating you and making you feel like you are capable of accomplishing anything. All this is to say that you get more than your money’s worth here. I only wish they’d open a studio in every city for when I have to travel!

I go to workouts to leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, if you are the same then you should not try this place. I took an 8AM class this morning with Tracy and was so close to walking out. I should have. If you enjoy workouts where instructors aggressively adjust your body movement without warning and passive aggressive announcements to the class about how you are doing the exercises wrong, then this is the class for you! The instructor literally picked my foot up while I was standing on the reformer and really aggressively corrected it without warning, which could have resulted in a really serious injury. There were plenty of modifications to make the exercises harder but none to make them easier for beginners, which left me feeling defeated and incompetent. Like I said, I look forward to working out and working hard so at the end of the workout I feel accomplished and ready for my day. This class makes that feeling almost impossible. I wasted my money and a Saturday morning, I will not be coming back here.

Difficulty: ⁵⁄₅
Fun: ⁴⁄₅
Atmosphere: ⁵⁄₅
Cleanliness: ⁵⁄₅
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Strength, Flexibility and Endurance
YOU WILL GET YOUR BUTT KICKED BUT IT WILL FEEL SO GOOD. Probably the most painful workout class I’ve ever taken– and I’m a total fitness fanatic.
Best described as «Pilates on crack». It is a unique, low impact, high intensity workout that aims for students to reach muscle fatigue in order to get stronger and build muscle. You start sweating right off the batt and it just gets harder from there. This class is designed to challenge, push and make you better. You have to give it your all or it’s not worth it. I highly recommend it if you are motivated and love to be pushed to your limits. The first client 5 class special is a really great deal! I’m obsessed with this place. No where else like it!

HOLY $#!@&^*% — this is one challenging class! It kicked my ass and then some.
I found this place through Classpass and decided to sign up out of curiosity. My first time doing reformer pilates… and MAN, I really wish I had read these reviews first! I am definitely a beginner in terms of fitness level and struggled to make it through this class. I kept thinking to myself, «Am I sweating? Am I crying? Am I even still alive?!» I was sore for about a week after my first Bodyburn class.
The class is very small (about 6 people) so you can’t really hide away. This was beneficial though, because the instructor (I had Abby) was able to give everyone adequate attention and help correct form when needed. I would definitely come back here again.

The lack of patience within the 2 instructors Ive had is not the approach any client should have to experience at any level. I find them to be rude and don’t give much instruction to beginners in the class, its a negative feeling which then leaves clients frustrated. Do not market your classes for all levels and not willing to help. I left feeling deflated and annoyed by the instructors. There are to many workout studios that give the same workout and your leaving with the same body that no one needs to waste there time or money at this facility, I always find the sanitary level not up to par with other studios. I advice don’t buy any kind of package.

Beware: you will get your ass kicked in this class!
I love this location more than the one on Court St. Chelsea and Abby really push you through the glorious torture that is the mega reformer. At some point during the hour, I thought my legs were going to fall off and I would never be able to walk again. I must be doing it right! You won’t leave this class without breaking a sweat. Pure strength he

I have been coming to BBB for about a year and a half now, and it’s about time I write a review. I have tried many, many gyms here and in other cities when I travel for work. This is definitely my favorite gym as the workout is extremely challenging and offers excellent results as far as strength goes.
The gym itself is about a 8 min walk off the Bedford L stop in Williamsburg (about 20 mins door to door from union square). The space is pretty large, clean and very brooklyn-​warehouse. The megaformers are all new, and they have been updating them as the new versions have been rolling out. There are automated lockers for your stuff and there is one unisex bathroom (no showers).
I have taken class with all of the instructors, and although I have my favorites (Tracy, Chelsea, Kelly, Marcus), all of the instructors are extremely well trained in what they do and there is no one on the schedule where I think «oh, so-​and-​so is subbing on the schedule, so i just wont go to class today.» All of the instructors are very well prepared for class, provide clear instructions (it does take a couple classes to get the hang of it), and excellent hands-​on corrections that makes the workout continuously challenging even if you’ve been going regularly. They make the gym worth coming back to .
The workout itself – for me – builds strength faster than any other. Those who are completely adverse to slower paced workouts may not love this (though i still recommend you try!). Although many of the exercises within the sequences remain the same from class to class, the sequences of those exercises do change making it interesting. Each exercise in the sequence builds on each other so that you burn out one body part at a time. For example, by the time you are done with, e.g., your right leg, your muscles in your right leg are pretty much cooked. The strength sequences are also intermixed with some short cardio sequences as well (mountain climbers with resistance, etc.), which keeps your heart rate up. The burn feels so good when you are done.
This gym differs from other megaformer gyms in that every single sequence includes exercises that build from one another and last longer, There are virtually no breaks. In addition, every exercise at BBB uses the megaformer and its resistance. When I travel for work, I always look to try the megaformer gyms in that city, and t of all those gyms I’ve tried, BBB is the most difficult, which is at least, what I look for in a gym (constantly being challenged) due primarily to the sequences, the corrections, and the length of each exercise.
My only gripe with BBB is that they aren’t in my neighborhood (come to flatiron please!)

Wow. I work out regularly with a varied mix of workouts and this was the hardest class I’ve ever taken. The machine is so unique, it was very unfamiliar to me. I took a class with Amanda and she explained everything in detail before class (she also played an advanced classmate next to me so I could copy her positions, as the instructor moves around the room and does bro demonstrate.) the class was very hard and fast paced– no breaks or time for water! I definitely want to come back– I think once I become more comfortable with the machine and the terminology, I will love it.
It lost one star simply because there is no shower area, which makes it tough to take a class before work.

I thought I was relatively fit, but boy Brooklyn Bodyburn ripped my ego apart and put it back together for me once I finished the workout. MY FIRST CLASS WAS SO HARD. I’ve been working out consistently for a year now, 4−5x a week, but Bodyburn really made me feel muscles I’ve never really worked out before. By the end of the first 10 minutes, I was sweating like a pig.
I’m a big HIIT-​er so I tend to stray from slow controlled movement-​based workouts because they tend to be a bit boring for my taste, but there was not a moment where I was resting and feeling bored in the class. I will definitely be back, and hopefully get stronger through time!

Wow, literally I think the Brooklyn Bodyburn class I took yesterday was the hardest workout I’ve ever had (and I’ve run marathons). Today I’m sore in places I didn’t even know I had muscles? Think constant stabilization/​planking/​using your core while also challenging other parts of your body. Excellent, professional class with hands on instruction and positive encouragement. I will definitely be back!

When I arrived at Brooklyn Bodyburn I really had no idea what to expect. I’ve heard wonderful things about it but experiencing it in person is a whole other story.
In short, BBB is the only workout where I’ve come close to crying during class. I work out pretty regularly (4−5x a week) with a mix of HIIT, weight lifting, indoor cycling, etc. But BBB seriously kicks my butt EVERY SINGLE TIME. This is a workout that does not get easier over time. You may think it looks manageable when watching others perform seemingly simple movements on the megaformer machine but… it’s all an illusion. The movements may be slow and low impact but you WILL be sweatin and you WILL be burnin.
I’ve taken about 10 classes so far with Tracy, Dara, Chelsea, Kelly, and Marcus. Each instructor has his/​her own style but everyone will push you harder than you will ever push yourself.
By my 3^rd class, I’ve already noticed an improvement in my level of strength and muscle definition, especially in my core. I definitely recommend coming at least 2x a week in the beginning. Try it and soon you’ll be hooked as well!

This was not at all my type of workout… I felt like I was too scared of falling off of the machine to properly do the exercises! I was really intimidated by the reviews calling it the hardest class ever, and it’s definitely difficult, but a lot of my issues just came from being so unfamiliar with and terrified of the moving platform! I can’t really knock any stars for this, because the instructor was super helpful and paid extra close attention to me, since it was my first time. I definitely understood how the machine worked thanks to her instruction, and she helped me set it up for many of the exercises. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t get over my fear of it!
The studio is really nice, and the music is really good too. They played a lot of Cherub, which is my go-​to workout music, so that helped me a lot. I agree with some of the other reviews that I think there should have been some stretching, but I guess they know what they’re doing.

I took my first class via classpass and immediately purchased the new client 5 pack. I usually take a mix of spin, barre, strength training and more traditional pilates reformer classes. When I took this class I felt like I hadn’t worked out for 6 months. The mega reformer is incredibly challenging and is nothing like taking a pilates reformer class. The pace and difficulty of the exercises is totally different. You are never lying on your back in this class.
The exercises are slow, you perform many reps and those machines really pack on the resistance, but the transitions between exercise are quick and keep your heart rate up. I sweat so so so much in every class. I’m literally dripping. Each time I go, I find myself getting stronger and able to do more and more reps — and this is after just 4 classes.
The class is intense, but there’s something about it that makes it incredibly addictive. You want to come back and are excited to get stronger.
The instructors are very hands on and will correct and push you. I’ve liked every instructor I’ve had so far. They don’t let you slack off, and they’re constantly pushing you to do more and be better.
If you like classes where you’re able to slack off, or not perform the exercises as intensely as you should, well then this class isn’t for you. You should come prepared to feel frustrated the first time, because you will be. Your body will literally burnout and you’ll shake the ENTIRE time, but the more you come the better you’ll feel. If you’re serious about getting stronger then take a class.
The price for classes is comparable to other boutique studios, but I feel the work out you get is worth more than what you’d get at most other studios. My core has gotten so much stronger of the course of just a handful of classes.

This high intensity Pilates reformer style class is very fun and extremely challenging for all levels. I highly recommend taking class here.