Fort Pilates is a wonderful studio. I take the Open Reformer Classes regularly and I can honestly say every instructor I've had is really great. Super clear and knowledgeable. The studio itself is lovely, open, with beautiful light. I knew nothing about Pilates when I started and the instructors quickly got me up to speed where I could get the most out of each class. I have a very physical job, and these classes helped me find a new strength in my day to day. Thank you Fort Pilates! read more

Their waitlist system feels very predatory and does not foster a culture of attendance. It's one of the most frustrating experiences I've had with any class booking system in the city. I lost money on classes for which I had to waitlist weeks in advance, and if I don't constantly manage my waitlists, I lose credits for classes I can't attend. While they have a 12-hour cancellation policy for booked classes, it doesn't seem to apply to waitlisted classes, which is unfair. I bought a 3-pack intro offer and could only waitlist for classes 2-3 weeks ahead because everything else was full. If I get pulled into a waitlisted class I can't make, there's no way for me to drop it without losing my credit. Their support team refused to refund my money or credits, despite it being my first time making this mistake. The classes I attended weren't even full. All in all with $80 intro offer, I could only attend a single class. The whole thing feels like a money-grabbing scheme. I wouldn't recommend this location to anyone. read more

I've attended the same class w/ the same instructor numerous times and never once asked a question. I asked a single question in class this AM. Today, I asked a quick question only because I was literally confused. He snapped at me so hard and was so rude to me as though I was bothering him. Notably, I am a WOC and not light skinned. It was not lost on me, that he ensured he told the blonde white woman next to me so nicely that she was doing it perfectly while correcting her (so factually not doing it perfectly?) I was on the verge of tears the rest of class, and in fact missed doing numerous exercises properly bc I just wanted to leave. It's sad that when I "didnt know my place" so to speak, I was quickly reprimanded. Anyway, I thought about using my last 3 classes on another teacher who I love but I realized ultimately, it was such a bad experience - why bother going back to a studio that thinks its okay to treat students so disparately based on perceived race/class. Also, I do want to note that the initial response from the studio is likely say they aren't racist or colorist etc. These statements that act as though descriptors of behaviors, systems, structural issues and entrenched societal norms, are instead heinous accusations obfuscate the actual issue and tends to push off fixing the underlying issue. read more

The administrative staff is rude and unhelpful. Through the fault of their online system, they told me that my classes had not been paid for in advance,-- repeatedly harassing me for payment on behalf of flaws in their technical system. Even after I told them my mother had died and their emails were harassing during a time of immense grief, the studio manager Lindsley Howard was extremely rude-- saying that they would not stop emailing for payment, even though it was a failure of their own technical system that payment was not collected in advance. Lindsley spoke to me in an accusatory tone, saying they would continue to contact me if they pleased, without taking any responsibility for the failure of her team. Clearly, they've never heard of consent culture, nor empathy, nor customer service, nor clear and transparent accounting. Like other reviews here, this is not a safe space for people of color. I had been coming here for ten years. None of the white instructors ever learned to say my name correctly. I had only one teacher who was a person of color. This studio is incredibly rude -- many of the best instructors have left. This studio represents the worst of gentrification. It's not worth the price tag, nor the emotional stress. People of color should run from this place. read more

This is a busy studio. It may be hard to get into classes sometimes, but it's because it's GOOD! The work they teach is miles ahead of most "pilates" studios out there and the instructors really care about the mechanics and physiology behind the movements. If you want to learn something and truly develop a practice in Pilates, this is the place. read more

Started coming here in October 2023 and started with private lessons with Arianna to help with some lower back pain, knees and I also did not want to make a fool of myself in a group class. I was skeptical but oh boy does pilates truly help and the work with Arianna has made such a difference. Pilates is truly deceiving, you will feel the burn during class and when you wake up in the morning. I moved from private to group beginner classes with Laurel and loving it. I feel like my posture is better, I am more flexible and my body feels great all over. My only suggestion is to have a 3rd beginner classes per week rather than the 2 otherwise my life would be grand.. read more

I have social anxiety and doing something new, especially alone, is a feat that takes me a lot of time to psych myself up for. Workout classes especially, I haven't been to a Pilates class since before covid, and I used to go to a different studio. Anyways- I was nervous! I went to a reformer class with Ashley Ayers and she made me (and everyone else) SO comfortable with any modifications. She was so respectful and kind and gentle with any adjustments. I can't wait to go back. :) read more

Life changing! I had never done reformer pilates before discovering this studio and have now been coming here for several years. I am hooked. A worthwhile investment for keeping your body and joints feeling amazing. Small classes allow teachers to keep an eye on everyone's form--proper form of course being key to pilates. I have so enjoyed developing my pilates practice thanks to this studio. My body feels better than ever and has come to crave this form of movement. Ashley, Sam and Graziella are standouts, but I've never had a bad experience with any of their instructors. Highly recommend! read more

Been going here for a year or so for both groups and privates. I like the instructors and the space. I think the prices are really fair too. The owner can be rude sometimes, which takes a pretty good experience down a notch. But she doesn't mean to be, and having to deal with that every once in a while isn't so bad. Otherwise it's a good place. read more

Hi Everyone, I tried to reschedule a class today and Fort Pilates Studio would not allow me. I told them that I had a major surgery, that I had not recovered, and that my physician advised me to take pause on it. The class I wanted to reschedule was a class that was not at full capacity--it was during an "off peak hour," meaning I was not taking a spot presumably from someone who wanted it. If Fort Pilates cared at all about their paying customers (it's not like these classes are cheap and it's not like they are the only pilates studio in New York, Brooklyn, on Planet Earth etc), they would have understood and allowed me to change it. The marginal cost to Fort Pilates would have been zero, and I would have remained a loyal customer. Recently, Soul Cycle lost a class action lawsuit in relation to an unreasonable studio policy. Given that a) there are many choices for fitness class nowadays, b) customer acquisition cost is high, and c) "retaining a customer " like me can really make or break whether or not a company like this one becomes successful -- I'm going to predict that this one will struggle. I recommend to people that they do not go here. There are plenty of other studios who will build a relationship with you, treat you with respect, and give more than 2 cents when you've gone through a major medical procedure and need unexpected rest. (Part 2) The studio wrote back to me and resolved this issue. Thank you. read more

Beautiful space but the lack of diversity of the staff and students was a real turn off, especially for Brooklyn. Saddens me that this place is not inclusive- please look at Sacred Brooklyn to see how a studio truly reflects Brooklyn. Also, the instructor I had gave poor instructions but could be a one off. read more

Writing a review again as I felt the need to sing this studio's praises... it's been a long year with a lot of abrupt changes but one thing that has kept me going has been my Pilates practice. When the city shut down, they immediately moved all their classes on zoom - being able to keep moving while in quarantine helped keep me sane. I also recommend their video subscription, totally affordable and plenty of the intelligent, holistic classes I've come to expect from this studio. And I love that I can take a mat class any time I want. Lately, I've been doing the guided self-practice sessions. It's sort of like the Pilates spa. You put on your headphones, pick a class from your favorite instructor, and get moving on the reformer while an awesome jazz list plays in the background. It's the most meditative workout I've ever had. read more

I love this studio! I started out with the new student package, had some scheduling issues which they have accommodated immediately. I have had 3 classes with different teachers and they each brought their own personality, skill and flair to the class. I've found the instruction to be clear, effective and the work out to be challenging in a good way. Overall, this is an excellent studio! read more

Prior to Fort Pilates, I had only ever taken one class and never on a reformer. I was nervous about not knowing what the moves were and afraid I would be embarrassed. On my very first class, my instructor took the time to explain the different moves to me and help me improve my form. I was hooked after that first experience and have been going twice a week every week for the past two years. Classes never felt repetitive, all of the instructors were amazing and I started to see my body transform as I continued my practice. I just moved out of state and can only hope I find a place as welcoming, energizing, fun, and caring as the crew at Fort Pilates. I was sad to go, but so grateful for all they taught me and how they helped me feel more in tune with my body. 1000% recommend to anyone, novice or pro. You won't be disappointed. read more

I found Fort Pilates this summer and it is such a gem. Every instructor here is thoughtful and caters their explanations to your experience level. My favorites are Natalie and Sam so try to go to one of their classes if possible. ln general though, most of the instructors give detailed instructions as well as push you just enough while adjusting your body gently when needed. FYI, it's REALLY hard to get into a class if you don't book early, and I'm talking about a week or five days in advance of the class you want to take. There are only about six machines so classes go FAST. They also do offer private sessions but I've never done that here so can't speak to that experience. The studio is clean and well-maintained. You can use the changing rooms at the back or use the bathroom as a changing room. There are cubbies for your personal items and a hanging station for coats, jackets etc. They also have trinkets and oils for sale at the front. My only note for improvement is to be more inclusive. For being in Fort Greene, the studio is both heavily white and heavily upper middle class in staffing and personnel. Given that each class is $40, it's unsurprising so it would be good to have some more community initiatives to both attract instructors and students of color. I'm aware that the "Magic Hour" class which happens twice a week (cost $25) might serve that purpose. However, it would be good to also have at least one community pay-what-you-can class, for example, and/or gear workshops or diversify your marketing in the community. read more

Love how they've pivoted to self practice while instruction isn't allowed. The spacing feels good and they are following all the protocols. There are lots of different t options to choose from with varying levels of difficulty. Been a staple in my exercise routine. read more

I was thrilled to see a new machine pilates place to open in the area and Fort Pilates didn't disappoint. Everything is brand new and clean. The instruction was great and tailored to students of varying levels. I only wish they would release classes on ClassPass because I book all my classes through there and can't afford to buy additional classes. Alternatively, it would be nice to have an unlimited membership option. read more

-beautiful space -friendly, laid back environment -teachers have great training & lead challenging classes with clear, concise instruction -good balance between awareness of individuals needing to make adjustments & keeping the momentum of class read more

I've been here about a dozen times and have been very happy with each visit. I've never taken Pilates reformer classes before so I don't have anything to compare it too, but all the right body parts are sore enough to make me feel like the price is worth it. Great instructors and I felt a zero intimidation factor from the first class. read more

Can't say enough good things about Fort Pilates. i love it. i feel so much better, stronger, more aligned and generally happier every. single. time. i walk out! Classes are small and allow for plenty of attention even in a group. i have chronic hip issues and was ready for surgery but through a combo of occasional one on one session and and a couple of group classes a week I've been able to walk mostly without pain and for a fraction of the cost of my PT co-pay for a few years!! ( i used to go to Ashleys previous spot as well!). Ashley is GOLDEN! Do yourself a favor and give it a go. read more

This is a very beautiful, zen space. The classes that I took here were good. There could have been more corrections, considering it is a 6-person group, but I always felt like I got a good workout in. I have back and alignment issues and always felt much better walking out of class. As other reviewers have mentioned, I ran into issues with their cancellation/usage policies. I lost the third class in my new student package because, after a truly wild week of work/family issues, I called and asked if the month-long window could be extended by one single day. I was denied. ONE day! And the second time, I came down with a stomach virus and couldn't make my class and was not allowed by the studio to cancel 22 hours in advance. I lost the $40 - the person on the phone was completely unsympathetic, unwavering, and not really the nicest (considering what I was paying...). I totally get that Fort Greene is getting more expensive and people have to make rent, but it's a bit baffling to me because these are obvious opportunities to give really great customer service with only small compromises - they would have had a loyal client forever moving forward. I was clearly not taking advantage of the studio. With only six openings, they could easily create a waitlist system to slot waiting students into the open slots. It's also tough to book classes. I realized that they open up bookings for some of their classes 2 months out, which makes it hard on those of us with irregular schedules. It's also, as others have mentioned, very (how do I say this?)...uh...New Brooklyn? I appreciate that they added one community class in during the week. I hope that they do more. read more

Beware of the 24-hour cancellation policy. You will not get a refund. Which is a big deal when they are charging $40 ($40!) for a single class. Save your money and watch a pilates video on YouTube. read more

Ashley is absolutely amazing at what she does, if you get the chance to get on her schedule I highly recommend it. Her one-on-one work goes well beyond the typical pilates class. Ashley will sculpt your body, realign your posture, and address reoccurring physical issues (plus is really awesome to talk to her on a regular basis, such an all around cool chill person). I was in and out of physical therapy offices on and off for years, getting MRI scans etc, and it turns out Ashley was the cure. Going to every week, was the highlight of my week when I was living in NY. I'm living abroad now, but can't wait till I get back to NY and back into sessions with Ashley. Health is #1, and you only know it when you lose it, session with Ashley are more than worth it. read more

Teachers who lead with presence, kindness and precision. I always come out feeling energised and that I've stretched myself - in many a myriad, unexpected way. Thank you! read more

I can't say enough amazing things about this studio. Ashley, the owner, has helped my alignment and strengthened my body over the past several years which has relieved chronic pain issues in my left hip and lower back. The space is gorgeous and classes that I have taken with other instructors have been excellent as well. So happy this place is in my neighborhood!!! read more