I'm so lucky to have found Rachel. Her understanding of how the body works is astounding. She…read morecombines her knowledge with a friendly, warm approach to teaching. Every class is thoughtfully prepared. Every private lesson I make new discoveries and improve my movement. As a ballet dancer and teacher, I've noticed that I have greater range of motion, and greater EASE of motion for at least 24 hours after Rachel's classes. This is true even when I take class with Rachel via Zoom! I also find that private lessons give me a greater understanding of what my body needs, and when I apply these learning to group classes I'm able to get MORE out of the group classes. This is true whether I'm taking Rachel's group class, or someone else's class--pilates, yoga, or ballet!

Great post-partum exercise sessions (with my 2-month-old baby)!…read more After two kids, I'm out-of-shape, overweight, and have abs of jello -- so I arranged 6 private sessions with Rachel, where I bring my baby. The first session, per my request, she helped build me a core-strengthening routine that I can do on my own when I have a few minutes (without any special equipment). I just finished my 2nd lesson -- using the "reformer" pilates machine -- to do more specific exercises, and it felt great. I really like Rachel's hands-on approach. She physically lays-on hands to guide me through an exercise; to show how I'm using more/different muscles than I should be; and to physically hold one part of my body still so I can work specifically on another part. This is terrific for me since I don't have great body awareness -- and in large yoga classes I never know if I'm doing things correctly. I've heard Rachel's also good with more advanced folks & dancers, but I can only speak to her abilities with novices like me. How did it work with the baby? Today, my 2mo old needed to nurse right on arrival. While I fed him, Rachel used her Alexander Technique training to work with my posture, and by placing her hands on my head, neck, shoulders and back (while I was nursing), she was able to improve my posture to a more lengthened, upright, and comfortable position -- without any conscious effort on my part. Next, while I changed his diaper, Rachel pointed out how the disorganized and flexible movements of an infant differ from adult's organized but more limited motion -- so I didn't even feel that this was wasted time. Then, my babe watched us for a while, but when he wanted attention, Rachel held and bounced him while I continued with my exercises. When she needed to demonstrate something, we would pass the babe back and forth -- worked great. How does this compare to a "mama and baby yoga" class? I like those too, but didn't feel like I was getting the needed attention to properly strengthen my core muscles & pelvic floor. I think of these private lessons as an investment.

Pure Pilates is a wonderful studio. The trainers are professional and motivating. I have been…read moretraining with Melissa for about a year and a half, and it's hard to explain just how much of a difference it has made in my life. If you've never tried pilates, this is a great place to start, and if you're a pilates veteran, you'll still be able to be challenged at this studio. The prices are also really reasonable.

From the owner: Pilates on the reformer dramatically transforms the way your body looks and feels without building…read moreexcess bulk. Experience increased muscle tone and flexibility, improve your body awareness and posture, correct muscle imbalances, and get flatter abs and a longer, leaner muscle structure. Pure Pilates offer both private and group reformer workouts in a private and comfortable setting. The studio has 5 state-of-the-art Allegro Reformers, Reformer Towers, Exo Chairs and other Pilates and Reformer accessories. These reformers are very user-friendly and accommodate ALL fitness levels, even students that are brand new to pilates! As a new client, we invite you to join us for a one-on-one session to meet our trainers, learn proper technique and form, and experience pilates on the reformer. The personal attention that you receive from these workouts will help us determine the best fitness plan for your pilates training. Try Pilates today and feel longer, leaner & stronger!

Classes were leveled, well explained and made me feel great. Knee arthritis pain improved.read more

Fantastic instructors, good variety in the classes! I have been to barre in the past, but I was new…read moreto Barre3, they were super welcoming to newbies, you have the option of hands-on help and the instructor makes a conscious effort to be in a central place to demonstrate all exercises/flows. Will be continuing to take classes!

Not sure why there are 2 listings for Smartbody Movement, but I'll post here too…read more.. I wish I could give Smartbody 6 stars!!! I've only worked with Iwalani, but she is a truly wonderful teacher. I love gyrotonics, and to my knowledge this is the only studio in the Brookline area. It's suitable for all ages and the classes are small (no more than 5 or 6 people, usually) so everyone gets personalized instruction. Iwalani is really good at modifying the exercises for each student as necessary. Try it, you'll love it!

I've been taking Gyrotonic lessons with Iwalani and Pilates with Anne for a few months now. As a…read morevocalist, I've noticed an EXTREME increase in my lung capacity. I've also had major improvements with shoulder and back pain. Gyrotonic is great! It's like swimming out of water... Really nice teachers too!

Not allowed to stop in for a workout unless accompanied by a member. I would have paid for a one…read moreday pass, but no. Oh well!

Just get the right employee & they'll spend the time to,get your account straightened outread more

I've been taking classes at Boston Body Pilates in the Waterfront for about six weeks now, and my…read moreexperience has been overwhelmingly positive--especially thanks to Valencia, one of their instructors. She's a Black woman, and having that representation in a Pilates space genuinely matters to me. Starting where I started and seeing how far I've already come with her support has meant a lot. She remembers my name, makes me feel included rather than out of place, and gives hands-on guidance that actually helps me understand and correct my technique. It's the kind of attention that makes you want to keep showing up. From my very first day, I've also felt welcomed by Courtney, who greeted me when I walked in, and by Mallory, who's been responsive and kind over email. There's a sense of attentiveness throughout the studio that I really appreciate--especially with all the current conversations happening around inclusivity in Pilates spaces. Now, for the real talk: Communication They do say on their website that email is the best way to reach them, and they mean it. Calling is... hit or miss. I've called before and gotten no answer, and I've talked to other people who've had the same experience. So if you're looking for a quick phone response, good luck--you're better off emailing. Schedule & Space They offer classes seven days a week, with options in the morning, afternoon, and evening, which makes it easy to fit into any schedule. I'm also looking forward to exploring more of the studio, because they have different rooms with different machines and setups. Parking It's the Northend--so yes, parking is rough. You're likely paying $28+ unless you luck out with street parking. Keep that in mind when planning your trip. Location They're a bit tucked away. If you're taking a Lyft or driving, note that you can't just pull up right in front. They're located on the other side of Joe's (the restaurant). Once you figure it out, it's easy, but the first time can feel like a scavenger hunt. Other Note From time to time there's a dog in the studio, but I've never had it roaming around during class. Just something to know if you're allergic or prefer pet-free spaces. Overall, I've felt supported, included, and challenged in all the right ways. If you're considering trying Pilates--especially if you value representation, community, and instructors who actually pay attention--Boston Body Pilates Waterfront is worth checking out.

Tried the mat and chair class at Boston Body Pilates for the first time with a friend, and we had…read moresuch a positive experience! Our instructor, Julien, was fantastic -- super welcoming, patient, and helpful throughout the whole class. She made it easy to follow along, even as first-timers, and her guidance really helped us feel comfortable and confident. The space was clean and calming, and the vibe of the class was just the right mix of challenging and supportive. I'm definitely planning to come back and would highly recommend it to anyone curious about trying Pilates! 10/10 would recommend!!

Breath in Cambridge is a warm, welcoming yoga studio with incredibly supportive, knowledgeable…read moreinstructors. Tyvinh stands out for a calm, positive presence, clear guidance, and thoughtful adjustments that help every student feel seen, safe, and encouraged throughout class. Love him !

My favorite studio! Everyone is so nice and I always have a blast. Love how energetic and fun the…read moreinstructors are!!!

This is a great gym located on the Boston University campus (off the B-line). It pretty much has…read moreany type of equipment that a top-notch gym would have and is laid out to help accommodate spacing when it is super busy. Lots of cardio machines, strength machines, free weights, bands, and all that jazz. They have courts for squash and basketball, an indoor track, an indoor pool, and have fitness classes. Like any gym it gets busy at peak times, especially since it is a campus gym so lots of students. There are different membership options depending on if you're a student, faculty, or alumni. There are also guest passes and options for a day pass or seasonal pass (like winter break or summer). The membership is a bit pricey, but it is a quality gym and not that extreme compared to boutique gym prices (yikes!).

I enrolled my child (12+) in the Swim Club Senior Group at Boston University's Fitness and…read moreRecreation Center on 08/20/2024. The program was scheduled to run from 09/09/2024 to 12/12/2024, four times a week for two hours each session. However, the experience has been incredibly frustrating. Nowhere on their website or in the receipt was it mentioned that parents are required to stay during the whole program (two hour each day, four days/week). We only found out after the program had already started through an email, and my son was even denied entry to his class until I managed to arrive by taxi! It turns out this requirement is buried in a 33-page handbook that wasn't given to us during checkout or mentioned clearly beforehand. To make matters worse, I teach in the evenings and simply can't meet this last-minute obligation. I reached out to the business to ask for either a solution or a refund for the remainder of the program, but I've received zero response. While my child enjoys the actual swimming program, I am extremely disappointed with how this business is handling things. A little transparency and better communication would go a long way.

I have a connective tissue disorder and chronic pain related to it. I've lived in physical therapy…read moresince I was about 12 years old and have always been told that pilates would be good for me I finally took the chance in adding this place to my regimen (I also do some pilates with my PT) and I really love it. they're very welcoming and I'm comfortable there (I'm never comfortable exercising in front of folks so that's pretty major). I try to attend with the same instructor because she knows about my injuries etc but I've gone to a few others and they're all great. I frequently have to make modifications to the exercises they are doing- for example my shoulders slip out of place so instead of using the reformer for a particular exercise I've been taught by them to use the wall things (technical term lol) they have also really helped me out when I have had issues with not being able to attend because of my condition and membership fees and what not. If you're interested they have free trial sessions to check them out !

The availability of booking certain classes is a nightmare!! Not sure if it's a lack of instructors…read moreor a limited amount of reformers.